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Queen Dana of Highwinds the Elf Kingdom inside the Empire has a problem. One that she cannot fix personally. There is with a small minority of her population. A problem that has been brought to her attention by the half elf son of a problematic Duke. What is a Queen to do? She calls on help from a friend. The question now is does she realize what she is letting loose on her kingdom?

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Chapter 2
Margarita Ville Resort, Hades, Death Gates System: 5 days later

CW2 Robert Wolff sat back in his beach chair with a fresh beer in his hand. The last five days had been some of the most relaxing. Lieutenant Colonel John C. Stannis had steered his team to the perfect spot for a little down time. The Priests of Saint Jimmy really did serve up a fantastic burger and cold beer at their beachside bar and grill. He watched Catline Whitehorn, and Lissa Smith played in the surf. They were two of the three women on his seven-man LRSD Special Forces team. The rest of his team were all up at the bar and grill rounding up something for lunch for the whole team.

“Excuse me sir.” The voice belonged to a young woman in her late teens.

“Can I help you Miss?” Robert asked as he pulled down his sunglasses to get a good look at the girl.

“Are you the leader of the Special Forces team that helped to free Apollo six?” She asked him with a hopeful smile.

“I was one the many that helped to free Apollo six, Miss.” Robert told her trying to avoid the notoriety his exploits during the last war had brought him. When he looked back up into her face he knew that she wouldn’t be settled with less than the truth. “Tell me something Miss. Why would it make any deference if I was the leader for the Fallen Angels?”

“I owe that man a lot. He save my brother from being executed during the final days of the Goulcrest occupation.” The girl answered him honestly. “He was one of the prisoners you freed from the Devil’s Gate Prison.”

“That wasn’t the Fallen Angels Miss. That was the Northside Ridge runners. One of the local gangs. They hit that place all on their own.” Robert told her knowing full well that he was the one to plan that attack.

“But it was the leader for the Fallen Angels to plan that attack and to train the gangs of Goulcrest City. I know that much.” She insisted not letting Robert get around his part in freeing her brother.

“Okay Miss, how do you know so much about the fight for Goulcrest?” Robert asked her bluntly. The High Command had placed a gag order on most of what he did during the occupation of his home world. Mainly because if the citizens of the Empire ever learned that he and the Fallen Angels had broken more than a few of the Conventions of War. They would damned the executions of the Fallen Angels. He more than any other Death Dealer on Apollo six during the war with the former Gorgonzola Empire.

“Not much really. Just what my brother told me.” The teenage girl cocked her head to the side slightly then smiled and gushed. “You are him. You’re the Whitechapel Ripper. You’re Lady Penelope’s big brother.”

“Okay little lady. Just who the frack are you?” Robert snarled sitting up straight and looking the teenager over thoroughly. That was when he finally saw the school crest on the girl’s light blue one-piece swimsuit. “Oh, you’re a JES student. You in Pen-pen’s class or something?”

“No sir Chief Warrant Officer Wolff. Your sister is a few grades behind me.” The teenager held out her hand. “I’m Stephany Whitehorse.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss Whitehorse.” Robert said as he shook her hand after standing up. “You’ll have to excuse me young lady, but Whitehorse isn’t a typical Apollo six family name.”

“That’s because the Whitehorse family isn’t from your home planet of Apollo.” Stephany giggled. “We’re from Cheyenne Prime in the Seven Nations System. My brother was with a Navigations Technical Support team at the spaceport outside of Goulcrest city just before the attack.”

“Your brother was with the Monarch Navigations tech teams.” Robert surmised quickly. Most of those technicians were executed by the Cheeseheads as spies before the attack on Devil’s Gate. “I’m glad to hear that your brother made it back to you and your family safely Miss Whitehorse.”

“He wouldn’t have if not for what you did during the Battle of Goulcrest.” Stephany told him honestly. “I’m not the only student around here today that owes you and your team a great deal of thanks.”

“We were only doing our jobs young lady. You and your friends don’t owe us anything.” Robert told her before he took a drink from his beer. “Why don’t you return to your friends now Miss Whitehorse. You don’t need to be hanging around a bunch of rowdy misfits like us. I know that your teachers would call us a bad influence.”

“Depends on the teacher Chief.” Stephany chuckled evilly as she thought about several of them. “I know of several that would say you and your team are the perfect examples of what citizens of the Empire should be. I know that my Citizenship and Moral conduct, plus Modern History teachers use Death Dealers such as your team for examples of how we should live our lives as citizens of the Empire.”

“I can see those two teachers using Death Dealers as examples to follow. After all, to teach those topics you have to be a veteran.” Robert chuckled as Stephany blushed then giggled. “Where are your friends anyway? I know that teenage girls have a habit of traveling in groups.”

“Um… they’re up at the bar and grill getting us something to eat. Would you like to join us?” Stephany asked with a bright smile then giggled. “That kind of was why I came out here. To ask if you and your team would like to join us for lunch.”

“Hay Ripper! Who’s the bunny?” Tigger asked as she and Jukebox walked up from the water. Tigger took one look at the teenager then grinned. “Isn’t she a little young even for a horn dog like you Chief?”

“Funny Tigger. Real funny.” Robert grumbled as the girl blushed. About that time Robert was pinged on his secure team link by Iceman. ‘Go for Ripper.’

‘Boss we got a situation up here. Could use a little of the diplomatic magic.’ Iceman informed him bluntly.

‘On the way Iceman. Can you give me a breakdown of the situation?’

‘Got a group of students from those fancy schools your kid sister and brother are attending up here. They’re not letting us pay for our lunch. Any idea of what’s going on? They said that one of the girls went to find you.’

‘Standby Iceman. I have the young lady in question here with me now. We’re on our way up now. Don’t do anything for now.’

‘Roger that Ripper. Standing by.’ With that Iceman signed off.

“Looks like you get your wish Miss Whitehorse. Tigger, Jukebox, round up your gear. We’re headed for the bar and grill. Lunch is on the students from JES and JSA.” Robert smiled as he ordered the two female members of his to collect their beach gear. Turning back to Stephany. “Care to lead the way Miss Whitehorse? I believe your friends are expecting us.”

As the impromptu foursome entered the bar and grill Robert spotted the rest of his team easily. The four Death Dealers would standout no matter where they were. Thanks mostly to the way they were dressed. The black shorts, gray t-shirts, and sandals weren’t exactly civilian attire. Not with the Empyreal Military logo printed across the chest of their t-shirts. It didn’t take them long to join in with the party that was already in progress. As the Fallen Angels talked with the students about the war Robert learned that the seven students were all given time off from school to just met with his team. Each student had someone from their family on Apollo six that had been rescued by his team.

One of the girls was a Sylvain Elf and in all likelihood a Priestess of the Goddess Sehanine Moonbow from the planet of Highwinds. Of the four girls from JES she was the only one to shy away from Robert. At first Robert wanted to be offended but knew that elf’s reaction was only natural towards someone like him. He knew that he was an anthem to people like her. He knew enough about elven culture and society to know that this young lady was no ordinary elf. He would have been more than happy to leave the girl alone if it had not been for a group of drunken Empyreal Marines on shore leave.

It had started off like all interservice rivalry fights. Someone made the mistake of insulting the other party. In this case it was a Marine smacking the Sylvain elf on the ass. When she yelped in both pain and surprise Tigger took offense. She grabbed the Marine by the wrist and twisted snarling. “Not fracking cool asshole. She’s not some dockside whore. That young lady is a Sylvain Elf of Highwinds. You trying to start a war with the Elves?”

“Back off bitch before you get hurt.” One of his friends shouted as he jumped to defend his fellow Marine. Only to have Iceman drop him with a right cross to the jaw. Things quickly devolved into an out all brawl from there.

Robert naturally did his duty by moving the students out of the way before turning to try and restore order. When he was punched by another of the Marines. Robert threw military discipline out the window. The seven members of the Fallen Angels may have been outnumbered by two-to-one odds but that meant nothing to them. They were used to fighting against odds far greater than this. Within seconds they mopped the floor with the fifteen Marines. When the MPs arrived, Robert showed them his ID and had his team follow his example of cooperating with them. Thankfully the bartender and waitresses all cooperated their side of the story. Pointing out that the Marines had started the fight.

As the MPs hauled the drunken Marines off Robert and his team left the restaurant in disgust. As they walked out Snow dropped 16oz bar of Prime gold that he had won at the poker tables on the counter. “Sorry for the mess, sir. That should take care of the cleanup and our bar bill.”

Once they were outside Robert turned to his team. “You guys can go on and head back to the hotel or wherever you want to go. I need some time to think. I’ll catch up with you guys later.”

As he walked away the students from JES and JSA joined the Fallen Angels. Stephany Whitehorse asked Tigger where Robert was going. Tigger sighed and gave the teenager a sad look. “Chief Wolff has a dark side to him. A side that he hates and goes out of his way to keep under control, Miss Whitehorse. In combat his anger is an asset. The problem for Chief is after the fighting is done. He hates what he becomes when he loses control. I’m just fracking happy that he didn’t kill any of those drunken jarheads during our fight.”

“Excuse me, ma’am. Why does he hate his ability to fight?” The Sylvain elf asked Jukebox bluntly. “Wouldn’t a soldier welcome such an ability?”

“No soldier welcomes battle young lady. Men like our Chief even less so. To him and the men like him. Combat is the last resort. The rest of us are liberators. Men like the Chief are the last resort answer for failed Foreign or Domestic Policies. Unlike us where we go in to liberate the people by teaching to them to fight for themselves. The Chief has only one mission. To spread as much death and destruction in his wake as he can among the enemy. He can do on his own what it takes a whole company of infantrymen to pull off. Combat Warrant Officers are a breed onto themselves.” Jukebox explained for the elf with more than a touch of sadness in her voice for the man she both respected and feared on the battlefield. “If you get the chance when you go back to school. Sit down with Penelope and Daniel Wolff. Have them tell you the story of the man we call the Whitechapel Ripper.”

“That man is the Whitechapel Ripper?” The Sylvain Elf asked in surprise with more than a little admiration. “I thought he’d be taller.”

“Trust me little lady. When it comes time for him to fight a war. Robert Wolff is the twenty-foot unstoppable monster of death and destruction that the Cheeseheads made him out to be.” Snow told her with a chuckle.

“I find it hard to believe that such a gentle soul could harbor that great of a capacity for violence.” The young elf sighed as she watched Robert walk towards the beach. “Only Ryra our Goddess of War could curse someone so.”

“It wasn’t no Goddess that made the Chief this way, Miss. It was the planet that bread him. It was the city of his birth that forged the weapon that he has become. Long before he ever put on the Blacks.” Tigger told her honestly. “From what I understand he is a lot like his great uncle, First High Lord of the Death Dealers James J. Owens. The man we Death Dealers once call Death.”

“Chief Warrant Officer Wolff is a child of the Owens Clan?” The teenage elf cried out in shock. “By the Goddess I owe him an apology for my behavior.”

Before any of the Fallen Angels could stop her the young elf ran off to find their commanding officer. Tigger turned to Stephany and asked. “Do you know what that was about Miss Whitehorse?”

“Imra Ventris is a member of the Ravenswood Clan of Sylvain Elves. She is some kind of Priestess among her people. We don’t know her whole story, she has been known to correct our teachers when it comes to the history of the elves more than once. Especially whenever it comes to First High Lord James and his part in securing her nation.” One of the other girls answered. “From what she has let slip from time to time during class. Her clan owes the Owens Clan some kind of Honor Debt.”

“Oh crap. Robert isn’t going to like that shit. He hates the Owens Clan. He actually blames Lord Robert Owens for the death of his parents.” Iceman grunted to the shock of the students. “Trust me kids. There is a shit load of politics in that clan. Politics that our Chief hates with a passion.”

“The only thing Chief Warrant Officer Robert Wolff hates more than the Owens Clan is the assholes in the High Families. He doesn’t hate all the High Family members. Just the ones that believe their owed something because of their last name. You got to understand that he learned at a very young age how to survive the meanest streets of Goulcrest. He became both feared and respected by the gangs of Whitechapel. The man is a living legend among the Goulcrest gangs. That was the only reason he was able to unit and then lead those gangs as resistance force during the war.” Rimfire told the gathered teenagers. “He is without a doubt the toughest, meanest, nastiest, Death Dealer currently living. The only Death Dealer I know that has ever surpassed him is his great uncle. Even then I’m not too sure about that. Because the legend of the Whitechapel Ripper has only begun.”

“Should we go after Imra? I mean is she safe being around your Chief?” One of the boys asked the LRSD team.

“Don’t worry lad. Your friend couldn’t be in safer hands. If CW-two Robert Wolff has a weakness it can only be one thing.” Snow told them with a smile. “It’s the smile of a young lady. When Tigger over there start that fight with the jarheads she was just microseconds ahead of the Chief. The man flattened a battalion of Cheesehead Land Warrior Armor to free a group of orphans that were about to be executed by the Cheesehead occupation force. Even now I still find half of what he did to be legendary. I doubt that any of us could have done half as much as him.”

“A warrior born of warriors. Baptized in the blood of his enemies. Cursed to walk the battlefields of a thousand wars. He shall fight and die alone. Never to know peace. Save for the peace of the grave. Thus, is the fate that the Crimson Heart warrior shall be cursed to face.” Stephany whispered.

“What was that Lady Stephany?” One of the girls asked her.

“Nothing Amy. Just as old saying from my home world.” Stephany Whitehorse knew that if she told her friends and the Death Dealers what she just remembered. They would all call her a freak.

“Your friend just quoted the Prophecy of The Crimson Heart Warrior. I haven’t heard that since I was a little girl on Sioux Prime. The local Medicine man used to tell us children stories concerning the Crimson Heart Warrior when I was a little girl.” Lisa Smith said with a soft chuckle as Stephany looked at her in awe. “Remember Lady Whitehorse the legend of that warrior is universal among our people.”

“Let’s go find some place to sit down and wait for our missing friends.” Tigger told them with a smile. “While we’re waiting we’ll tell you kids about the exciting life of a Death Dealer.”

Robert stopped at the water’s edge and just staired out at nothing. If he knew what his team were telling the students. He would order them all to shut the frack up. While Snow and Rimfire were right about certain things they missed the one thing that he truly hated. That was whenever his COBRA os activated due to his emotions running out of control. He had come very close to that ragged edge during the bar fight with those drunken Marines.

“Excuse Chief Warrant Officer Wolff. Can I speak with you for a moment?” The teenage girl’s voice forced Robert to turn and face her. He wasn’t expecting to find the Sylvain elf girl. He was even more shocked as she bowed in greeting to him. He was more shocked when she greeted him in the langue of the High Elf Court. “I see thee Ghost Warrior from afar.”

“I see thee Priestess of the Goddess Sehanine Moonbow. How may this humble soldier be of service?” Robert answered with her with his bow in her native langue. Much to her surprise. “I learned your langue during my training to become an arrow for your Goddess’s bow.”

“You have exceeded where others have failed warrior. The Goddess Sehanine Moonbow chose well when she blessed you to be one of her arrows.” Imra said as she made the sign of the Great Tree of Life before Robert. “Though I fear that Ryra our Goddess of War has also placed a curse upon you honorable warrior. Let us speak plainly most respected and feared of warriors.”

“Thank you Priestess. I hate to admit this, but my AI was struggling to keep up with your langue.” Robert chuckled. “Seeing as how you know my name already young lady would you care to give me yours?”

“Imra Ventris of the Ravenswood Clan sir.” Imra told him with a small smile of pride as her clan’s name drew a sharp intake of breath from this battle hardened warrior. “Is it my family name or my clan’s name that surprises you?”

“To be honest Priestess, a little of them both. Shouldn’t you be on Highwinds or Isle of Sky? Why the hell are you on Hades?” Robert asked her.

“Normally I would be on one of those planets, but my High Priestess commanded that must I learn the ways of humans. Father decided that I would best complete that task by attending the Dowager Empress’s school.” She chuckled.

“Speaking of that Lady Imra. Shouldn’t you have an escort?” Robert asked with a little worry in his voice. He didn’t need an International Incident.

“There is no need to worry Master Robert. I passed the age of consent several seasons before I left home.” She giggled at the look of confusion on Robert’s face. “Master Robert I may only look like I’m sixteen, but I am actually older than you.”

Deciding to take the plunge Robert screwed up his courage and asked her. “Care to join me for diner Lady Imra?”

“I would be honored Master Robert. Shall we say eighteen-hundred?” Imra asked him with a smile that held only honest respect.

The Harlequin Empress, Hades: 1815

Robert wanted to make sure that he didn’t insult Lady Imra. He made sure that his Dress Blacks were squared away before he ever left his hotel room. The rest of the Fallen Angels naturally gave him shit over his date with the Sylvian elf. All except Tigger for some reason. She actually helped him get ready for his date. As he greeted Lady Imra at her hotel Robert was actually surprised by the young elf’s beauty. He had originally planned to take her to the Coriander Dragon but ran into a small problem at the door. They were politely turned away by the Hostess. She explained that it was for Imra’s own good.

It was against Imra’s religion to eat at a Cattleman’s club owned restaurant. When Robert asked what that meant. Irma kindly explained that the Priests and Priestesses of the Goddess Sehanine Moonbow were not allowed to eat where animals slaughtered. Robert groaned an apologized about his screw up. Imra just smiled and said that it was not his fault. As they walked the three blocks to the Harlequin Empress Imra kindly explained about her position within the elf society especially as a Sylvian. The more the two talked the more that Robert found himself wanting to do more than just protect this young lady. What he didn’t know that his feelings were already being reciprocated by the young elf.

As the two dined that evening. Their mutual respect would blossom into the first signs of love. A love that would rival only one other in the history of the Death Dealers. Every Death Dealer knew the legend of the rogue who captured the pure heart of a true High Lady. It was a story told around poker tables, campfires, and the occasional hors d'oeuvres table at official Death Dealer functions. Though Robert and Imra didn’t know it at the time. In years to come the story of their love would be shared in much the same manner.

Maiha and Dai Etsu may not have planned for this particular pairing, but it would have far greater impact on the Empire than either could’ve foreseen. The heirs of two great houses would truly unite a fractured kingdom. Ushering in a new age of enlightenment for the elves. Over the next twenty days Robert would do his best to court the young elf. As Imra did her best to win the heart of the dashing rogue. Then came the day that would seal their fate.

Orders to deploy.

“Chief Wolff you have an urgent dispatch.” The hotel desk clerk called out to Robert as he walked through the lobby towards the beach. He held up a yellow envelope with the Empyreal Seal embossed on the flap. “Sir this was hand delivered at sunrise.”

“Thank you, Levi.” Robert told the man as he handed the clerk a five credit note. “Are there any more like this one?”

“One for each member of your team, Chief. Do you want me to deliver?” He asked.

“No. I’ll take care of them myself.” Robert told the man as he picked up the other six envelopes. Looking down at them Robert chuckled. “Looks like our leave is over.”

“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more or close the wall up with our English dead!” Levi chuckled from behind the desk until he saw the look on Robert’s face. “Sorry about that Chief. Though I do know the pain that you feel.”

“How long and with which unit?” Robert asked the old vet kindly.

“Seven years with the ninety-first heavy armor battalion on Outreach Station.” Levi told him with a small smile. “I was mustered out when a two-oh-three HE round was mistakenly marked as a training round.”

“Damn that sucks rocks.” Robert said as he looked at the clerk’s left arm. “Mermedia Prosthetics or Honeywell Medical?”

“Neither. Moto Corp replacements. They were the only suppliers on Outreach.” Levi chuckled as he waved his left hand. “They do good work.”

“That they do. Any idea of where I can find my team?” Robert asked him. Then waved the envelopes. “I noticed that mine was marked for first delivery.”

“Your team members are in the main dining room.” Levi informed Robert in a friendly manner before dropping his voice to a whisper. “As is a certain High Lady.”

“Thank you for your discretion in this matter sir.” Robert told him as he placed a ten credit note in Levi’s hand. “It’s been a pleasure Levi.”

With that Robert headed for the dining room. Levi picked up the receiver for the telecom. He made a quick call to JES. When the other end was answered Levi gave the code phrase. “The package has been delivered.”

“Copy. Update on Fallen Angel One.”

“Rumor that Fallen One has entered into a relationship with Silver is confirmed.” Levi answered with all the emotion of a robot.

“Continue to monitor. Out.” The voice answered before the line went dead.

In the dining room Robert was met by a sight that made him want to turn around and run. The girl he loved was eating breakfast with the Fallen Angels. At that moment in time Robert would have preferred to face off against a battalion of Assault Class APS’s armed with nothing more than a rusty can opener. Only one thought ran through his head at that time. ‘Oh shit! Not good!’

As he approached their table Tigger smiled up at him. “About time you got here boss. We’ve been telling Lady Imra about our time at Red Cloud.”

“Please tell you didn’t tell her about my first jump?” Robert begged.

“Oh, hell no!” Iceman roared with laughter. “Nobody in their right mind talks about that day. Not if they want to live to see the sunset.”

“No kidding bro. That is one story that’ll be off limits until the end of time.” Rimfire chackled as he pointed at the envelopes in Robert’s hand. “Those orders?”

“Unfortunately, Rimfire. Special delivery straight from the Royal Family from the looks of the seal. Here you go. I got one for each of us.” Robert told them as he passed them out. When Imra looked up at him she just smiled. “I’m sorry that our time has been cut short Imra.”

“I knew that it wouldn’t last Robert. Part of the reason I’m here is I have something to tell you. I’ve been ordered back to Highwinds by Queen Dana.” She told him kindly. “I received the message last night after you dropped me off at my hotel.”

“Excuse me Chief. I need to ask Lady Irma a question.” Rimfire said as he looked at his orders. Robert just nodded his head. “Lady Irma can you tell me on which planet Sapphire City is located and what the people are like?”

“Sapphire City is the planetary capital for the planet Black Forest. It is in the heart of the Drow elf systems. Of all the elves their society is one of the most family honor based societies. It is also a matriarchal society. The males of the Drow race will always defer to a female. It is not because they are smaller or weaker than their females. Far from it actually. The reason is there are fewer females than males. The Drow are also more excepting of outsiders. I will tell you now. Never challenge a Drow or let them challenge you to a duel. Because it will always be to the death. The Queen has outlawed such duels, but they still happen.” Imra explained for the table of Death Dealers. As she did so the rest of them were opening and reading their deployment orders.

“Lady Irma is Silver Ice also in the Highwinds Kingdom?” Iceman asked next.

“Silver Ice is the planetary capital for the planet of Silver Ice. Which is also the capital planet for the Winter System. The Winter or Silver Elves are a very patriarchal society. They are also a very logical society. Unlike the Drow elves, Silver elves go out of their way to suppress their emotions. They are also the most technologically advanced of our peoples. Over eighty percent of our scientists come the Silver elf worlds.” Irma told him honestly. She then took in the faces of the other Fallen Angels. “May I see where you are being posted Robert?”

“The city of Four Winds on the capital planet of Highwinds.” He told her bluntly as he looked around the table at the rest of his team. “How many of you have orders posting you to a planet withing the Highwinds Kingdom?”

Each member of the Fallen Angels raised their hands. “Irma could you tell us about the deferent societies of your people?”

“May I know why Robert?” Irma asked him.

“Because for some reason known only to High Command. We are being split up among the capital planets of the individual systems of the Highwinds Kingdom.” Robert figured that Irma was the best person to prepare his people on the individual elven societies they were going to be facing.

“I’ll do what I can Robert. Though I won’t be of much help for your people who are stent to Evergreen in the Tempest March. They are the center of the Forest Elf systems. The Forest elves are the most secretive and distrustful of my people. They are diehard naturalists. Their Duke is a Sylvain elf like myself. Though his subjects are a Medieval and Naturalist society. With the exception of medical science, and spacefaring travel. Forest Elves reject all forms of modern life. They’re also the religious center of our people. Whoever is stationed there will be a great disadvantage.” Imra told them bluntly.

“Okay guys. Anyone got the Tempest March on their orders?” Robert asked them. The Fallen Angels all looked down at their orders and shook their heads no. “What is next Imra? The more you can tell us about our assignments the better love.”

“Well, there are only two other system capital planets. The first is Grand Illusion. It is the capital planet for the High Elf systems. It is also the only system in all of the Highwinds Kingdom that has twenty-four Death Dealer divisions stationed within its borders. Only the Drow Elf system is more protected. The High Elf society is the most balanced of all our societies between the sexes as far as equality goes. They are also the most open as far as sexuality goes. I can honestly say that almost all High Elves are bisexual by nature. If a member of the same sex hits on you please take it as a complement. One other fact you should know about High Elves. I don’t know how to say this politely, but they tend to go about naked.” Imra told them with a deep blush. A blush that was mirrored by Tigger and Jukebox.

Free runner and Snow looked at each other before Snow asked. “Lady Imra you said that there was a second planet and system. Would that planet be Enelon?”

“Ah yes. Planet Enelon the only planet that is a wholly Sylvain elf planet.” Imra gave the two Death Dealers a friendly smile. “With the exception of Evergreen within the Tempest March system you’ll be hard pressed to find a more exclusive and closed society. Though they have reason to be so. You see until about forty years ago Sylvian elves were as rare as sky diamond showers on Hades.”

“Excuse me Lady Imra but what are sky diamond showers?” Snow asked her.

“I think she means snow showers Snow.” Robert quickly explained for his teammate. “With the exception of the Winter elves the elves have no word snow.”

“Oh no Robert I know what a snow shower is. Sky diamond showers fall from space. They happen once every cycle on the desert planet of Sanguine Wilds. They are very destructive. The Drow elves that live there have built their cities underground in the mountains. When the sky diamond showers come they leave a two to three mile wide path of destruction that can be hundreds of miles long.” Imra told him bluntly.

“Damn. Why did they ever settle Sanguine Wilds?” Tigger asked her politely.

“For the diamonds. They’re not top quality diamonds usually and are little more than industrial grade at best. Though every now and then they find a quality gemstone grade diamond. Those rare finds can fund a small town for months or even years. The city of Haslon found a sky diamond the size of a grade seven Tropical Olive.” Imra told them as she held her hands up to show the size of the diamond.

“Holly SHIT! You could buy a battalion of super heavy tanks with a rock that size!” Rimfire gasped in surprise. “Hell, you could fund a midsized city’s police force for two years with something like that.”

“Longer if is more than just a clear diamond. If it was a purple you could fund their Fire Department, Hospitals, Police, and Rescue teams for two years.” Iceman gasped as Irma just nodded her head. Iceman looked over at Irma. “Lady Irma you’ve said nothing about the Kingdom’s capital planet. Why?”

“Because of you all Robert will face the most difficult of challenges. Highwinds might be the governmental center of our nation but it also one of the most divided. Their greatest problem is the straightforward discrimination of half elves. There will be nothing that you can do Robert to change their attitudes. All the elven races may reside on Highwinds, but the old hatreds still hold sway. Only among the Royal, War Prince, and Death Dealer divisions do these attitudes disappear for some reason. I doubt any elf within the kingdom understands why?” Imra sighed.

“The reason Death Dealers don’t have those old hatreds is simple Lady Imra. Death Dealers are the outcasts, misfits, loners, and orphans of the universe. Their fellow Death Dealers become their family and clan. Oh, we may fight amongst ourselves, but outsiders better not get in between.” Rimfire chuckled. “We have a habit of turning those who screw with our family into a bloody stain on the ground.”

“That might be why your Queen has asked Emperor James for help.” Robert chuckled as he thought about part of the James Owens Legend. “It seems that she is hoping for a repeat of history. Only instead of a single Death Dealer to correct the attitudes of her military and citizens. She wants the biggest group of rowdy assholes with the worse attitudes in all the Death Dealers.”

“You have to be shitting us boss man.” Jukebox snapped looking him in the eyes. “You’re not shitting us. You really did figure out what she wants. The question is how are we going to pull this off.”

“We do exactly like what we did on Apollo six. We go to the street gangs. I got a feeling that most of their members are half elves.” Robert told them with a sly smile. One they had all seen before on Apollo six.

“Robert how did you know that?” Imra asked him in confusion. “The police go out of their way to keep that a secret and out of public view.”

“Lady Imra if anyone knows street gangs. It’s our boss man the Whitechapel Ripper. Trust us Miss. If he is planning on doing what we think he is. Then the regular elven military is in for a kick in the teeth.” Tigger laughed at the look of shock that now graced the beautiful face of Imra.

“Man, normally I hate it when my own team gets ahead of me.” Robert grumbled then smiled. “Though today I can live with it. Tigger you give the love of my life a clue as to what I’m planning?”

“The Chief here is planning on first uniting the street gangs. Then training them to be Special Forces operators. Once he has done that he’ll put the paperwork in creating a new Special Forces Unit for the elven Death Dealer divisions. A unit made up of half elves.” Tigger explained as she slowly grew an evil smile. “Then he’ll ram that unit down the throats of the old guard.”

“By the War Goddess Ryra. Why do I have the feeling that you people have done this before?” Imra asked the grinning and nodding Death Dealers.

“Imra if I were you. I won’t ask questions that you don’t want to know the answer to.” Tigger told her with a chuckle. “The Chief has a nasty habit of doing the unexpected and totally off the wall. He loves fracking with his enemies’ minds.”

“Tigger ani’t kidding. When it comes to making up new strategy his mind has to be the most twisted in the Death Dealers. Not even our trainers could keep up with him at times.” Iceman chuckled as Robert glowered and Imra giggled.

“Imra please ignore these knuckle heads. They have a tendency to stretch the truth.” Robert pleaded the young lady.

“I doubt that Robert. Your talents and exploits have already become legendary. You have already become a legend among my people.” Imra told him then blushed as she whispered. “And captured my heart.”

“Capturing hearts has never been one of my strong suites.” Robert told her as he leaned down to kiss her. “I’m normally the one who has their heart captured first.”

“Damn. Get a room you two.” Jukebox snarked then chuckled as the couple glared at her. “By the way Lady Imra. Do you know on what dropship you’re traveling on?”

“Not yet. According to the FLT message I received last night all that information is with the Head Mistress. I’m supposed to leave here at ten-hundred-hours and return to JES. There I will be given my travel documents. Along with meeting my escort.” Imra frowned for the first time that morning. “There are times I wish I was just a normal student. I hate having to travel with a bodyguard.”

Robert flipped though his order pack to the page with his travel orders. “Looks like I’m on the HMSS Dragonstar. What about you guys?”

“Free runner and myself are on the HMBC Nemesis.” Snow answered for the two.

“I got the HMSS Starfire.” Tigger told them. “Anyone else with me?”

“Looks like we’re travel buddies Tigger.” Iceman told her with a smile.

“Me and Jukebox got the HMSS Glacier Fire.” Rimfire answered. “Looks like you’re the only one traveling solo skipper.”

“Won’t be the first time Rimfire, and most likely won’t be the last.” Robert told his team with a nasty chuckle then turned serious. “Seeing as how we’re all traveling on separate ships let’s square away our gear and pay our bill. Everyone outside in one hour. Uniform for the day is Class C travel.”

“Yes sir.” They called out and left the couple alone. Imra looked up at Robert. As he held out his hand to her with a smile.

“Come on love. We need to collect our luggage and I need to put on my uniform.” Robert told her as he helped her to stand. “We can also collect your things. I figure we can travel together at least as far as the spaceport.”

“Robert why would the military use four separate ships to deliver a Special Forces team?” Imra asked him as they headed for their rooms. “It doesn’t make sense to me. Wouldn’t be more economical to use just one dropship?”

“Normally that would be what happens Imra. But this time my team is operating in two-man cells. Instead of our normal seven-man Fire Team configuration. Of the seven of us. As a sniper I’m the only one that is truly trained to operate on their own. Rimfire can also operate is also a trained sniper, but he is what we call a Scout/sniper. Meaning he usually works with a spotter in a two-man team.” Robert explained for her as the entered the elevator. “That’s one of the reasons I was so successful on Apollo six. I’m used to being on my own.”

“I see. Robert you don’t talk about your life before the Death Dealers much. Why is that? I know almost nothing about your earlier life.” Imra said with a sad smile.

“There’s not much to tell love. I was raised in an orphanage. When I wasn’t in school. I was running the back streets of Goulcrest. Doing whatever it took to survive and to make life a little better for the younger kids in the orphanage. I put more than a few of the local gangbangers in the hospital or morgue. I wasn’t a very nice person back then Imra. I was a street punk that only knew how to fight. The only loyalty I had was to the kids at Sky Reach Orphanage. I could handle someone coming after me, but if they screwed with the orphanage. I left broken, bloody, and stone cold dead bodies in the streets. I spared no one in the gangs that threatened the orphanage. A few times I even went after their families to drive a point home.” Robert could tell that Imra was shocked to hear how vicious he could become. “I can honestly say that Father Mike did more than save my life. He saved my soul.”

“Was it Father Mike who first trained you in the ways of the Death Dealer and their code of honor?” Imra asked him kindly.

“He taught more than just their ways and code of honor Imra. He taught me about the ideal of serving something greater than myself. When I went before the judge I knew that I was going to ask for my sentence to be commuted to military service.” Robert chuckled. “Then my cousin stepped in to change my plans. Not to mention my world.”

As they exited the elevator they stopped talking until they reached Robert’s room. Once inside Robert went straight to the bathroom to shower and shave. “I’ll be right out Imra. I just need to shave and clean up before putting on my uniform.”

“Is there anything I can do while you’re taking care of that?” She asked.

“Can you lay out my Class C uniform for me?” He asked without thought.

“Not a problem. I used to help my father with his uniforms before I left for JES.” Imra said as the door closed. Twenty minutes later Robert stepped out of the bathroom to find his Class C uniform laid out on the bed. His rank and branch insignia shined brightly on the collar. Robert quickly dressed as Imra packed the rest of his clothes for travel. As he laced up his boots Robert thought back to the first time he wore this uniform. “I wonder how my great uncle felt the first time he wore his Blacks. Did he feel the same pride?”

“Robert who is this great uncle you keep talking about. You’ve mentioned him several times, but you never say his name.” Imra wondered out loud.

“You’ve probably heard of him Imra. He was the man Death Dealers called Death. Though you might have heard of him by his other name. My great uncle is James J. Owens.” Robert told her as he stood up straight. “The grandfather of Empress Maiha.”

“Little wonder the Goddess Moonbow and War Goddess Ryra have blessed you love.” Imra whispered to herself. “With a bloodline like yours the gods would have to be blind or foolish to ignore you on the battlefield.”

“I would prefer for them to ignore me. The gods and goddesses have no place in the affairs of mortals. In the words of Princess Piña Colada. Even the Gods can be demandable fools and idiots.” Robert told her as he picked up his duffle bags and suitcase. “Let’s go get your bags sweetheart. The team will be waiting for us.”

“Waiting for you Robert not me.” Imra told him kindly.

“Imra you’re one of us now. The gals will be wanting to say goodbye to you.” Robert told her as he gave her a hug. “Remember love. No matter where I’ll be you’ll always be in my heart. I’ll always come home to you.”

“Don’t make promises that you can’t keep Robert. I know the reality of war. Young men and women die to keep our nation free.” Imra whispered into his chest.

“In the words of a great philosopher. Only the good die young. Remember Imra I’m not up for Sainthood. I’ve waged war in the most underhanded and blood thirsty manner. Never once thinking that I would ever pass through the Heavenly Gates. They call me the Whitechapel Ripper for a reason. I leave bloody streets and dead bodies in my wake. It’s the only way I know how to fight. I’ll always fight to survive.” Robert told her with a sad smile. “I learned the hard way that to survive a fight. I mustn’t hold back, but to give it my all.”

“I know that dear. Even so sooner or later your luck will run out.” Imra said sadly. “Still for some reason I feel that you’ll always come back to me. Despite the odds.”

After collecting her luggage, the couple left the hotel. As they exited Imra was surprised to find the rest of the Fallen Angles waiting for them. After hugs were exchanged the team broke into two-man teams taking separate taxies. Only Robert and Imra headed back towards Haven and JES. The others all headed for Star City and the Spaceport. As they traveled Imra questioned Robert about his life before the Death Dealers. She was amazed to find that his own parents were also heroes of Apollo six and Goulcrest. She found that her respect and love for the man called the Ripper grow with each new detail she learned about his past.

-----tbc-----

---

Queen Dana of Highwinds the Elf Kingdom inside the Empire has a problem. One that she cannot fix personally. The is with a small minority of her population. A problem that has been brought to her attention by the half elf son of a problematic Duke. What is a Queen to do? She calls on help from a friend. The question now is does she realize what she is letting loose on her kingdom?

---

Chapter 3
Military compound, Highwinds Kingdom

I couldn’t believe this shit. After spending the last 8 days locked in a cell at the Royal Palace. Then another 20 in the local jail they drag my ass to this prison compound in the middle of nowhere. The crazy part is the rest of the prisoners are all half elves like myself. For the last 12 days we’ve done nothing but stand around and play cards or Nova Rings. I couldn’t believe the number of gangs that grouped up once we got here. If I didn’t know better I would swear that the cops rounded up every last gang member in the Capital. Only to drop them all in this camp.

“Yo! Starfire!” the leader of the half Forest Elves called out to me as he neared. “You got any idea of what the crazy bitch cousin of yours has in store for us?”

“Don’t ask me, Oakrod. I’m still waiting for my Trail by Blood.” I told him honestly. It hadn’t taken long for the rest of the prisoners to find out who I was related too once we got here. I think one of the guards might have let it slip. That and how I had demanded a Trial by Blood. “If anyone knows what’s going on it’s the Captain of the guards.”

“Speaking of the guards. Have you noticed something strange about them? They sure as hell ani’t no ordinary corrections officers.” Oakrod told me as he studied one of the guards near the gate to the compound. “Their uniforms are military.”

“I was wondering when one you spotted that. You’re right. Those guards are not your ordinary corrections officers. They’re not even regular military. I hate to say this, but those people are all Death Dealers.” When I told him who was guarding us Oakrod turned whiter than a sheet. “Yeah I figured you would have figured it about now. You know that fracking crazy idea you had of uniting the gangs on overpowering the guards. I suggest that you forget about it. Because those people won’t play games with you. They most likely have orders to just kill our asses if we get out of line. They’ll do it and go have a cold beer afterwards.”

“What the hell man? It’s not like they would let us into the military in the first place. Why are we all of a sudden get the full on Marshal law beatdown?” Oakrod snarled as he glared at the guards.

“Like I said already. Don’t ask me. Though I don’t know what you’re bitching about. We’re getting three hot meals, a cot, and all the smokes we want. All of it is free of charge. In short we’re being treated better here in the fracking middle of nowhere than in a regular prison.” I told him honestly then looked over at the nine half Sylvain elves that had attached themselves to me. “As for me the rest of the Sylvain guys and girls. We’re keeping our fracking heads down.”

“You can do that bro and get a way with it. Me and mine don’t hold the same status as you Sylvans do. We got to earn our respect.” Oakrod snorted as he popped his knuckles. “We’re not like the rest of the halves here. Nobody wants us. Not even our so-called families or clans.”

“You want to know the real reason why nobody fracks with us Oakrod?” I asked him bluntly then answered him before he could say anything. “Because we don’t give them a chance at fracking with us. We hunt down the shitbags and leave them bleeding.”

“You there, are you Markus Starfire?” A guard demanded.

“Yes sir.” I know I’m going to regret this for reason.

“Report to the main guard shack. Double quick boy.” The guard ordered then walked off. “You finally get your Blood Trial.”

“Been nice knowing ya bro.” Oakrod snorted and walked away the rest of his crew.

“Worthless damn forest rat.” One of my so-called followers snort.

“Knock it off Razor. And I won’t warn you again about the race slurs. Next time I split your fracking skull.” I snarled as I stood up. “I got a feeling that we’re going to be needing them and all the other gangs here shortly if we want to survive.”

“What do you know that you ani’t saying boss?” Razor asked me honestly.

“Just a feeling Razor.” I told him as I looked towards the guards. “But Death Dealers don’t do bullshit guard work for no reason.”

“Gotcha boss. Should we spread the word to the rest of the gangs here?” He asked.

“No. Keep this under your hat for now. I might know more if I get back.” I told him honestly as I turned towards the main guard shack.

“If you get back bro. I heard that the Queen granted your Blood Trial. You know those things are to the death.” Razor told me.

“Yeah I know. Like I said. If I get back.” I told him and walked off.

Throne room, Royal Palace, Four Winds, Highwinds

Robert walked into the throne room of the Highwinds Kingdom a step behind Irma. He knew that his place was a step behind and to the left of her. They had worked together on how he should escort her before Queen Dana. That was a surprise. When he escorted Imra onto the JES campus grounds the gate guard instructed him to escort her before the Head Mistress. To find Grand Lady Dai Etsu was the actual Head Mistress for the school floored Robert.

Though not as much as Lady Dai Etsu’s pull with the High Command. One video call was all it took to arrange for him to be the personal escort for Irma during her flight back to Highwinds. The real kick in the head for Robert was the way his orders were worded. Only Queen Dana could release him from his escort duties. That meant until he was released from being Imra’s escort. He went where she did.

“Presenting the Lady Imra Ventris of Clan Ravenswood and her escort. Chief Warrant Officer Robert Wolff savor of Goulcrest. Winner of the Parliamentary Golden Cross with oak leaf for Valor and the Silver Wings Assault Badge with star.” Robert wanted to punch the court herald and would have if not for the look Imra gave him over her shoulder as they walked towards the throne.

“Don’t worry love I’ll behave.” Robert whispered.

“You better, damn it. That’s my aunt and uncle up there.” Imra whispered fiercely. “Just remember to bow when we reach the foot of the throne.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know already Imra. I’m not a total slug.” Robert grumbled.

Robert never took his eyes off the two men in Land Warrior Armor standing behind the throne. Robert Knew that he could in theory take them both down without much force. Yet there was something about them that made his COBRA os twitch. It was taking all of his concentration to keep the targeting system offline. He knew the second he got a solid target lock on just one those two men would open fire. With Imra standing next him. Robert wasn’t about to let that happen.

As Imra dropped down into an extremely deep and formal curtsy Robert bowed from the waist. They both held their positions waiting for the command to rise. While for Robert this wasn’t a big deal he knew that holding a curtsy that deep was painful for Imra. He was about to say something when his DDAI’s IFF was pinged.

‘What the hell?! Celest who just pinged our IFF?!’ Robert demanded of his AI.

‘Working on it Robert. Whoever that was they’re not a normal Death Dealer AI. I’m talking General Command Staff Officer here.’

‘I don’t give a shit Celest! Find their sorry ass and paint a target on them! Move our readiness status to war footing. Place the COBRA in standby. This is a weapons free no notice situation. Understood.” Robert ordered the AI as scanned the room.

‘Target identified Robert. Knight Commander Arun Faenala for the War Prince’s 4th Division. Robert that AI is a first generation. Classification is unknown to me.’

‘Don’t worry about classification Celest. If it’s an unknown first generation Death Dealer AI as you say. Then it was installed long before the first Second Generation ever set foot on Hades. Seeing as how they’re still in operation and unknown then that AI has to be an original Infiltrator class AI. Stand down COBRA and drop the hard lock on the target.' As Robert relaxed the golden crosshairs in his eyes vanished. Only one person saw them, and she never moved from her position.

“You may raise Lady Imra. Chief Warrant Officer Wolff thank you for escorting my niece home from school. Though I would like to know why you thought to engage your combat systems in my throne room?” Dana asked him kindly.

“Please forgive me your Majesty. I wasn’t expecting to have my AI’s IFF queried by someone who is not part of your Royal Guard.” Robert explained with a friendly smile. “To be very honest ma’am. It caught me off guard.”

“I see. Care to point out the individual that challenged your AI?” Prince Raygel demand of him as he scanned the throne room.

“Knight Commander Arun Faenala for the War Prince 4th Division.” Robert answered bluntly as he turned to face the man in question. “Though I would prefer to handle such challenges in a less public setting. I am more than willing to accept your challenge and reeducate the members of the War Prince Divisions about Death Dealers. That is if I have your permission Queen Dana.”

“You would dare face me whelp in honorable combat whelp?” The Drow Elf knight challenged as he stepped forward with a cocky grin. In a booming voice the elf raised both his arms high yelling as loud as he could. “A pup that hasn’t seen three decades is four-hundred too young to stand against me!”

“Rob please take it easy on the dumb ass?” Imra asked in a small voice. She already knew that Robert was going to pound the crap out of the elder Drow elf knight. “At least don’t use any of your weapons.”

“Don’t worry Lady Imra. My weapons shall remained locked down until after I have retaught your elder their manners.” Robert to her with a sly smile as he looked toward Prince Raygel expectantly. Raygel just nodded head and wave his hand slightly towards the Knight Commander. Robert’s smile turned from sly to predatory in the flash of an eye as he turned and charged the elder Drow elf saying one word. “Accepted.”

Before the old Knight Commander could realize what was happening the Death Dealer was on top of him. The humans blows were like piston driven hammers as they rained down on his body and face. Only when the last blow landed did Arun Faenala finally realize that this Death Dealer was the same as James J. Owens. Robert stood still as a stone over the unconscious body of Arun Faenala for 5 seconds. With a snort Robert turned and walked back to stand next to Imra. As he did so Robert straightened out his uniform jacket and wiped Faenala’s blood form his knuckles with a hankie snarling. “Anybody else want to challenge me?”

“They warned us that you're as ruthless as Death.” Prince Raygel chuckled. “Welcome to Highwinds, Ripper. We hope that your time here with us will be as productive.”

“Sorry for the mess your Highness.” Robert told him as he looked over at the still form of the Knight Commander. “I hope that not all of your general officers are as stupid as the Knight Commander for the War Prince fourth Heavy Armor Division.”

“I can assure you that the rest of our military commanders have more brains and tact than Sir Arun.” Dana told him with a friendly smile. “The last time this court asked for a Death Dealer’s help was under Queen Tatiana’s rule. It was a dark time for the War Prince Divisions. Once again our nation is faced with a dire situation.”

“The orders of my team and myself said that you needed a new unit formed and trained as Special Operations soldiers. I have one question.” Robert told Dana as he looked around the throne room. “Who are to be your new soldiers?”

The sound of the throne room doors opening drew everyone’s attention. As sly smile slowly graced Dana’s lips as Markus Starfire was dragged before her in chains. The whole audience looked on the Sylvian half elf with disgust. “I’ll answer your question in just a moment Chief. First I must deal with a matter of Royal politics.”

“Of course, your Majesty. Lady Imra shall we step to the side for now?” Robert snarked as he held out his arm to guide her out of the way.

“Markus Starfire you have demanded a Trial By Blood. Do you still wish to proceed? Understand that this is your last chance to resend your challenge.” Raygel called out to the young man before them.

“I will have answers cousin. If the only way I can get them is through a Trail By Blood. Then I am ready to face my death if need be.” Markus called out with pride. “Who shall I face?”

“Take your pick boy. All warriors within this hall are bound by Royal Degree to answer your challenge. That includes myself.” Raygel said bluntly.

“Does that include the human escort of Lady Imra?” Markus asked Raygel figuring that the human was his best bet at surviving.

“Well Chief Warrant Office Wolff. Will you accept the challenge?” Dana asked Robert quickly with the same sly smile from before.

“Damn it. I hate getting blood on my uniform.” Robert grumbled as he removed his dress uniform jacket. Handing it to Imra he said. “Hold this for me please.”

“Go easy on the boy Robert. He doesn’t know who he just challenge to a fight. No broken bones or lethal blows.” Imra told him as she took his jacket with a sigh.

“Guards remove his restraints. Markus you have your opponent. Your challenge has been accepted. May the Goddess Sehanine Moonbow witness your valor in combat.” Once the two men were facing each other Dana raised her arm. With a sharp downward cutting motion Dana shouted. “Begin!”

Robert let the boy take a few swings to gage his skill level. When he was able to dodge and block all of Markus’s swings Robert grinned. “Not bad kid.”

“I’ve trained in the honorable art of Saadhoir from the time I was six, human.” Markus answered with a snarl. “No one has ever been able to match me.”

“Saadhoir is good when fighting someone who is will to face you in a fair duel, boy.” Robert told him with an evil smile just before he counterattacked. “Your problem is you believe that all your opponents will face you in a fair duel.”

Less than two seconds later Markus was on his back and Robert hand his knee in his chest poised to deliver the killing blow. Robert held the blowing ordering. “Yield!”

“I yield.” Markus realized at that moment he was no match for this man. He also knew that if the Queen ordered it. This man would kill him without a second thought.

“Thank you for sparing him Chief Warrant Officer Wolff.” Dana said as she stood up from her throne. With slow deliberate steps she crossed the space between them. Once she was standing over Markus, Dana Silverleaf, Queen of Highwinds glared down at the boy. “Do you know where you made your mistake?”

“No my Queen.” Markus answered looking down at the floor after he moved into a kneeling position before his Queen. “I await your judgement.”

“You made three mistakes Markus Starfire. The first mistake was in forcing me to grant you a Trial by Blood. The second was in expecting a duel between equals. Lastly you DARED to challenge the Whitechapel Ripper.” Dana snarled. “By all rights I should send you to the executioner. Instead, I hereby condemn you to a lifetime of military service. In our nation’s newest military unit.”

The shock of the sentence as it hung in the air was palpable. Not one person in attendance that day would ever forget the moment that the history of the Highwinds Military was changed by that order. As the shock wore off several of the hardliners in the Military High Command began to object. Dana ignored their outburst as she returned to her throne. Only when she had sat down and raised her right for silence did they stop their complaining.

“For far too long our military has ignored a valuable resource among our people. To that end I have beseeched the Empyreal Military for a team of Death Dealers. They shall take those members of our society that have been overlooked for so long and train them to fill the ranks of this unit. No longer shall our military turn away half elves. They deserve the same chance as any other young man or woman of our kingdom to serve.” Dana explained slowly only to have the most vocal of the Hardliners step forward. “You have an objection Lord Vincent?”

“I most certainly do Your Majesty. Half elves have no place among our citizens let alone alongside our honorable military personnel. To allow those rejects to serve next to such honored warriors is to solely the reputation of our armed services.” The more the man talked the madder Dana became. Before she could say or react to the man’s arrogance Robert busted out signing. The song was eons olds but still had the impact to drive a point home.

“Gypsies, tramps, and thieves. We’d hear it from the people of the town. They’d call us Gypsies, tramps, and thieves. But every night all the men would come around. And lay their money down.” Robert keep signing as he walked across the throne room to stand before Lord Vincent. “You are so pathetic in your attitude towards your fellow citizens that’s not even funny. You look upon half elves as if they are no better than third class citizens. You would happily call them gypsies, tramps, and thieves or worse to prove your so-called superiority.”

“HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME IN THAT MANNER!” Vincent roared only to have Robert punch him in the gut. As the man fell to his knees Robert turned to face Dana.

“I beg your forgiveness your Majesty.” Robert said with a bow from the waist. “But I could not just stand here and let this blowhard bad mouth my troops.”

“You have nothing to apologize for Chief. I would have been surprised if you hadn’t taken objection to Lord Vincent’s outburst.” Dana chuckled as she turned to Prince Raygel. “Please read the letter of Commission for Colonel Wolff, Prince Raygel.”

“As you command your Majesty.” Raygel said with bow then removed a piece of paper from his inside jacket pocket. “Attention to orders. By Royal decree Chief Warrant Officer Second Class Robert Wolff of His Empyreal Majesty’s Death Dealers Special Operations Command is hereby granted the rank of Colonel within the Highwinds Royal Army. He is hereby ordered to form and train the First Special Forces Airborne Command within our Royal Army. Said Command shall answer only to Her Royal Majesty, and Queen Tatiana’s Children of the Stars Commander. This unit shall not exceed a Regiment in size. To fulfill his duties Colonel Wolff will be given a free hand in both his recruitment and training of personnel. No one shall interfere with his methods or those of his team. This end the decree.”

“Does that include the appointment of officers and NCO’s your Highness?” Robert asked as he looked over at Markus.

“Do whatever it takes to get the job done Chief.” Dana ordered him as she stood up. “If you have to scour the prisons for the people you want or need. Then do so. I want a Special Operations Unit without equal. The only exception is you cannot recruit from the current standing military. There are far too many members of our military that lack the needed flexibility to accomplished the task.”

“Do I have a time frame your Majesty?” Robert asked still looking over Markus.

“Six months. Can it be done?” Dana asked him.

“I’ll have to get rough with them, but I can do it your Majesty.” Robert answered.

“Break them in half if you have to Chief. Just give me my Special Operations soldiers. I don’t care what you have to do. Just give me those troops in six months. You have your orders Ripper. Now care them out.” With that Dana stood up and left the throne room leaving Raygel to dismiss everyone.

Robert stepped over to the still kneeling Markus. “Get up soldier. Members of the Nightmare Regiment kneel before no one but the Gods.”

“That’s a good place to start Colonel.” Raygel told them as he neared the two. “Though I do have to ask why you decided on the name Nightmare Regiment?”

“Because that is what they will become sir. This new Special Operations Regiment will be more than a nightmare for training, but a nightmare to your enemies.” Robert told him as he looked over at the prone figure of Vincent. “And our allies.”

“Why do I have the feeling that you’re about to ram a twelve inch steel dildo up the ass of the High Command?” Raygel chuckled with a friendly smile.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about sir. I’ll have you know that the men and women of Special Operations Command are consummate professionals at all times. They call us the quiet professionals and masters of unconventional warfare.” Robert sniffed airily then chuckled. “We never let our personal feelings influence our decisions or operations. No matter how bad we want to grind someone’s nose in the shit like that jackass over there.”

“Chief you can lie all you want to the politicians but never try to bullshit a bullshitter or the troops.” Raygel chuckled then looked over at Markus frowning. “Understand something Markus. The only reason you’re still alive is because the Chief here showed you mercy and pulled his punches. If you had chosen anyone else. You would have ended up dead. First lesson cousin. In combat there are no rules.”

“Yes sir. Though I do have to ask. Did you or the Queen order the arrest of all gangs with half elf members?” Markus demanded sharply.

“Good. You’re not as stupid as you look.” Robert snarked only to get a glare from the boy. “Let me give you a hint boy. The only reason you and the rest of those half elves are still alive and being given this second is because I can train you to be something better than street thugs. You wanted to join the military. Just like those gangbangers. Only they were trying to get away from life on the streets. You got something to prove to your family and you want answers. I'll give you those answers when you’re ready, but not until then.”

“How would you know what I want?” Markus snarled.

“Because I saw the same look in your eyes that I once had in mine. You give me everything you have for the next six months, and I’ll give the answers you’re craving. You have my word on that.” Robert promised him.

“What if I don’t feel like being part of your unit?” Markus asked the retreating back of the Death Dealer.

“Then I’ll leave your sorry ass to feed the buzzards on the training grounds.” Robert tossed back over his shoulder. “You don’t give me your all Markus Starfire then I will finish what you started here.”

“You got your wish Markus. Don’t push your luck. They say that the Whitechapel Ripper leaves nothing but blood and dead bodies in his wake.” Raygel placed his hand on the young man’s shoulder. “Listen closely cousin. This is your last chance. As of right now you’re a dead man walking. You barely got a stay of execution from the Queen. If it had been up to me. I would have just ended your life and been done with the whole mess that your father dropped in our laps.”

“Sorry cousin, but this was the only way I could see to get the answers I need.” Markus sighed and bowed his head in regret. “Why won’t they just tell me what’s going on damn it? What’s so fracking important that my mother has to live in isolation on some backwater outpost world?”

Raygel sighed and leaned in close to his young cousin. “Listen to me Markus. This is not the time for those answers. Just know that what happened to you and your mother was not because of your father. It was done to keep the two of you safe. If you had waited just a few more years then none of this would be necessary.”

“Just answer one question for me cousin. Why? Why all the damned secrecy?” Markus grumbled as he looked towards Wolff stood with the Lady Imra.

“I wish that I could answer that question Markus. I really do. Just know that of all the men who could train you. Chief Warrant Officer Wolff understands where you are coming from more than most. Take this last chance and make the most of it Markus. There is one thing that a man like Chief Wolff can give you if you do as he says.” Raygel told his young cousin. “The unfiltered truth.”

“So you’re saying that I should trust him?” Markus asked only to get a nod of the head from Raygel. “Understood cousin. But if he fails me. I’ll kill him then you.”

“You can try cousin, you can try. Just know that not even a full battalion of Cheesehead Land Warrior suited infantry was able to scratch that man. The chance of you actually hurting that man are slime to none. As for killing him.” Raygel chuckled and gave his cousin’s shoulder a squeeze. “You need to remember one thing. He earned his name the Whitechapel Ripper for a very bloody reason.”

“What reason is that cousin?” Markus asked with real fear in his voice for the first time in his young life.

“His was a killer long before he ever put on the Empyreal Blacks of a Death Dealer.” Raygel told him honestly. “When you get back to the compound gather as many half Sylvain elves around you as you can. Become their leader. Then kick the shit out of the rest of the gang leaders. Then go out of your way to set the example for the rest of the gangs. Become the core of the unit’s new leadership. Understand?”

“Yes sir. Bust ass and become the core of Colonel Wolff’s new unit.” Markus grunted then turned towards the two MPs that entered the room. “Look’s like my ride is here cousin. Hopefully I’ll see you in six months.”

“I hope for your mother’s sake that you succeed Markus.” Raygel told his cousin as he watch him escorted from the throne. “Because if you fail. You’ll be dead.”

Queen’s Privet Gardens, Royal Place

Imra and Robert found the Queen standing over a lithium rosebush in her privet garden. Dana turned to the couple with a sad smile. “Thank you for coming Lady Imra, Chief Wolff. First I wish to apologize for what occurred in my throne.”

“Your Majesty you have nothing to apologize for. I figured that something was up when I received my orders to escort Lady Imra all the way to the palace. Though I do wonder at why you had my team split up among your capital planets.” Robert told her with a slight bow from the waist.

“You are as blunt as the Dowager Empress, Chief Wolff.” Dana laughed. “I remember the first time I met her. I thought I was baring witness to an Avenging Angle in all her grizzly wrath and beauty. She truly terrified me. You are like her in many ways. When you first walked through the doors of my throne I would have sworn that I was looking at an apex predator stalking his prey.”

“If anyone were to compare me to Empress Maiha in such a manner before I would say they were off their rocker.” Robert chuckled. “But seeing as how you know the Dowager Empress personally I can only say thank you for the high praise.”

“Only the truth Chief Wolff. As for why I have asked for you team to be split up among my capital planets the reason is simple. At most there are three to four hundred half elf gang members on each planet. By sending your team members to each capital planet they can begin the training of those gang members. It is my hope that by the time we can gather all the survivors of the first cut on Highwinds. We will have enough to form a full regiment. As you know the type of unit that I want formed has never been seen in the Highwinds Military.” Dana explained then stopped when Robert held up his hand. “You have a question?”

“Yes ma’am. You just said that your Military has never had a Special Operations unit in its history. How did that happen? I mean Special Operations units have been a staple of every military since before mankind left for the stars.” Robert explained in true confusion. “They were even present during the ancient Greek and Roman eras.”

“There is a discrepancy in human history Chief. Thousands of years before man first set foot on the moon. We elves left earth for the stars. While humans were still struggling for domination amongst themselves using iron age technology. We were colonizing the first of our planets. Because we are by nature in general a nonviolent race. Only mobilizing for war when forced to we never developed a true military until just a few thousand years ago. Even then we have been slow to accept what the Empire would consider a modern way of warfare.” Dana explained with a heavy sigh.

“Granted we have power armored Infantry, Heavy Artillery, Tanks, Aerospace fighters and bombers, APS units, and Naval Warships of all classes. Yet in the thousands of years that our standing military has existed they have never stepped away from the concept of a Medieval army with its class system. Only among the Death Dealer, War Prince and my own divisions does this attitude not prevail. I want to destroy the idea that ordinary citizens should stay within the class they were born.” Dana snarled. “To accomplish that I will use the very thing my High Command has forbidden. You are going to give me that weapon.”

“By using the very people, the High Commanders would deny the chance to raise above their lowly standing in the elven society. Outcasts, orphans, loners, all the dregs of your society. The very people that are kept at arm’s length. Forced to live in the shadows of polite society. People who are forced to take matters into their own hands just to survive. Even if that means breaking the law to do so. People who populate the gangs of the major cities. Namely half elves. Have I missed anything?” Robert asked her with a frown.

“As much as I wish could say that the situation were different. I cannot. It is those very individuals that I wish to save. Too many of my half elf citizens are simply gunned down in the streets at the first provocation by the Peacekeepers of my realm. Even their most blatant attacks are not brought forth for prosecution by my adjudicators. This status quo must not stand. I must have a way to protect those citizens at the greatest risk. As you said so pointedly said the half elves.” It was taking all of Dana’s self-control to keep her anger in check. “As members of our military they’ll be afford some protection. That is the one thing I have been able to force through nationwide. The old automated LEO’s have been scrapped and the weapons of our Peacekeepers will automatically lock when pointed at a member of the military. It doesn’t matter if their in uniform or not.”

“What about those who have yet to enlist or are too young enlist your Majesty? What are you doing to protect them?” Imra asked Dana kindly.

“As it stands right now my hands are tied Lady Imra. If I could only get one of our High Family Lords or Ladies to propose an Equal Rights Bill. Then I can move forward with the needed legislation.” The very blunt hint by the Queen had Imra blushing. “I do believe that you’re old enough now to take your place in the Hall of Lords Lady Imra. Do you think that you could maybe put forth such legislation?”

“I would be honored to my Queen. Though my father still holds the seat at this time.” Imra explained as she looked over at Robert for help. “Until he steps down I can do nothing to help you I’m afraid.”

“I see that your mother’s reports are accurate. You really haven’t been keeping in touch with your family as ordered.” Dana sighed and took Imra by the hand and guided her to a small bench to sit down. “Lady Imra with the exception of your mother. All of your family was killed during an attack by the Millennium Assembly. These is the reason for you sudden recall to the capital.”

“Please tell me that this is an awful joke your Majesty?” Imra begged before breaking down into uncontrollable sobs. Dana looked up from the young woman sobbing in her arms to see something that she had not seen in more than thirty years. ‘And Death did walk among them in the guess of a man.’ A single thought chased the first one through her mind. ‘Where the HELL does Maiha find these people?’

“Chief I don’t like that look on your face. You’re not planning on doing something rash are you? Like maybe hunting the Millennium Assembly and eliminating them to the last man, woman, and child are you?” Dana asked Robert with more than a little worry coloring her voice. “If you are please remember that this is an internal matter for the Highwinds Kingdom.”

“Fine your Majesty. I’ll leave it to your internal security to handle the matter. They have six months to get the job done.” Robert snarled then gave her an evil smile. “After that the Nightmare Regiment will take matters into their hands. I believe that the Millennium Assembly will make an excellent training opportunity for my new unit. After all, one of their duties will be antiterrorism.”

“I must say Chief the reports of your devious mind fail to grasp the actual truth. Carry out your orders Colonel Wolff. From and train your unit to the highest of standards set by the Death Dealers.” Dana said with a slight chuckle as she comforted Imra. She continued to hold the distraught girl as the man Imra loved stormed from the palace. “Fear not child. In the words of an ancient holy book. ‘I looked and beheld a pale horse and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him.’ Your love shall soon being Hellfire and Brimstone to those who would bring you and your family such pain.”

“Robert Wolff is both blessed and cursed by our Goddesses your Majesty. He sees the world in ways that neither your nor I will ever understand.” Imra sniffled as she sat up right and looked towards where he had exited the garden. “The members of his Special Operations team called him Ripper for a reason. They told me and my classmates that men like him were the final solution when diplomacy fails. I fear the day when he lets his anger truly rule him on the battlefield.”

“I do believe that his teammates were correct, Lady Imra.” Dana said as she hugged the young woman next to her on the bench. “Can I tell you a story of another such person that I meet a long time ago?”

“Please Majesty. I know that I love Robert with all my heart. Though there are times that he frightens me.” Imra told her.

“She was a young woman who was only a few years older than myself at the time. She had the weight of being made the Head of her House at a very young thrust upon her. Normally this would not be considered. Like you she never desired the position as Head of House. Yet she shouldered the burden with both grace and dignity. Even in the face of great opposition she never once shirked from her duty. Even going so far as to lead her House Troops from the front in a war to save her nation from the greed of other High Families. In many ways she was a lot like you.” Dana told before giggling. “Though the young lady was not as refined or graceful as yourself. You see she was raised by her grandfather.”

“Surely that had nothing to do with the way the woman acted. I know of more than a few girls at school who were raised only by their fathers.” Imra countered.

“Most fathers and grandfathers understand that little girls are exactly that little girls. This young woman’s grandfather was different. You see he was a retired Death Dealer Commander. He had no experience in raising children. Even though he had two children of his own it was her grandmother who raised the girl’s mother and uncle. When she lost her parents at a young age the woman was sent to live with her grandfather. With her grandmother dead many for years when this happen her grandfather raised her the best he could. The only problem was her grandfather was a hard man. He was used to training and commanding Death Dealers. The late Queen Tatiana once said that her grandfather was a rude, crude, and socially unacceptable man who had no problems with handing out life altering beatings.” Dana chuckled as she thought back to the first time she saw Maiha beat the shit out of someone. “A trait and skill that he passed onto his granddaughter. Much to the detriment of more than a few of her House troops. There was one young man that she beat the hell out of so bad that he had to be transferred to a low grave planet.”

“Oh my. Whatever happened to her Majesty?” Imra asked with awe.

“She became the Empress of the Human Empire.” Dana answered honestly then started to chuckled as Imra fell off the bench in shock. “Oh yes Lady Imra. Empress Maiha was such a tomboy and hell raiser that her mother the Grand Lady Dai Etsu was at her wits end for a long time. I could sit here and tell you so many stories about the Dowager Empress in her young years that your ears would bleed from embarrassment.”

For the next few hours Imra could only sit in awe as her Queen told her of her friendship with the most feared Empress of the Human Empire. The woman Death Dealers called Death's Own Daughter in hush tones of respect and fear. To learn that Empress Maiha would often second and even third guess her decisions lifted the young woman’s spirit. That even now after almost forty years on the throne. Her Queen would often seek the advice of the formidable woman also brought strength to Imra’s growing confidence and resolve to do what was being asked of her.

“Are you feeling better now Lady Imra?” Dana asked her after finishing her stories.

“Yes ma’am. I also know what I have to do now.” Imra said as she stood up. “If you’ll excuse me. I need to visit my mother before reporting before the Hall of Lords. It is time for the diehards to step aside and let younger minds take over.”

“Give your mother my regards Lady Imra.” Dana told her as she gave the younger woman a hug. Dana smiled to herself as the young Sylvain elf disappeared from her garden. “I hope that you can bring about the needed changes in a peaceful manner Lady Imra. Because I fear the unholy wrath that your lover would bring to my nation’s Hall of Lords. He may not see it, but Robert Wolff is a great deal like the legendary warrior once called Death.”

“Don’t you mean he is like his cousin Dana?” Raygel asked as he walked up behind her. “I swear by all our gods that I was looking at the reincarnation of Death's Own Daughter in that young man.”

“I too felt that way Raygel. Though I believe I know why Robert Wolff gave us both that feeling of foreboding. Both he and James J. Owens were both raised on Apollo six running the mean streets of Goulcrest.” The sounds of a children laughing broke Dana’s rather melancholy mood. Looking over towards the private entrance to her garden Dana spotted her grandchildren entering. “Raygel did you ever think that we would be grandparents at such a young age?”

“You’ll have to forgive me love.” Raygel chuckled. “But you forget that I’m more than a hundred-and-fifty years old. To tell you the truth. If my mother was still alive she would be overjoyed that I finally have grandchildren.”

“I do forget that at times. I mean I look at you and you still appear to be in your mid-thirties at best.” Dana giggled then looked up into his face asking. “Just how long do elves live Raygel?”

“High Elves can live to be between five to six hundred years old Dana. My mother was half Sylvain elf and half High elf, so she actually lived longer than most elves. As a Sylvain elf you could theoretically live to be more than nine-hundred years old. I know that the oldest living Sylvain elf just turned eight-hundred-eighty-seven last spring.” Raygel told her with a snarky smile. “Though I doubt you would want to spend your days in religious meditation.”

“No, the life of a nun doesn’t hold much appeal for me.” Dana chuckled then sighed. “Do you think that Robert Wolff will be able to make the needed changes within the minds of our more hidebound military commanders?”

“We can only hope so love.” Raygel told her as he hugged her looking over at their grandchildren. “For their sake.”

-----tbc-----

---

Queen Dana of Highwinds the Elf Kingdom inside the Empire has a problem. One that she cannot fix personally. The is with a small minority of her population. A problem that has been brought to her attention by the half elf son of a problematic Duke. What is a Queen to do? She calls on help from a friend. The question now is does she realize what she is letting loose on her kingdom?

---

Chapter 4
Main Gate, Military Compound, Highwinds

The J3G9C Sphinx Armored Car pulled to a stop twenty-feet short of the main gate to the prison compound. As Robert looked out the forward windscreen he could tell that he didn’t like what he was seeing. “Driver what’s the name for this camp?”

“It’s not a camp, sir. This is a prisoner compound. Nothing more, nothing less. If you ask me. It’s about time the Queen did something about this trash.” The young man said without thinking. Unwittingly letting Robert know exactly what the attitude was of the average Elven soldier towards half elves. “Though if you asked me sir. We need to be deporting this scum not putting them in comfortable compounds.”

“Tell me something private. Do all elves feel this way or just you?” Robert kept his anger in check and out of his voice. If there was one thing he hated more than a Politician. It was a bigoted asshole.

“Sir, you’ll have to forgive me. But you won’t understand. Our ancestors were able to keep from intermixing our races for thousands of years. Then along comes Queen Tatiana and her ‘open boarders’ policies. Ever since then there has been a steady deluding of our race’s purity.” The young man snorted as he gave Robert a rather nasty glare. “Before you ask sir. There are more than a few of us regular army and navy that believe we should sever all ties with the Empire.”

“So, you would actively promote a policy of isolationism?” Robert asked politely.

“Sir the Kingdom of Highwinds was able to protect itself just fine for thousands of years without the help of the Empire. Ever since Queen Tatiana brought those abominations inside our borders honest elves like myself don’t make the cut for promotions anymore. Don’t see what’s so damned hot about Death Dealers. They ani’t natural sir. At least you’re human. Them Death Dealers are more machine than person. Our High Priest has declared them to be the work of Erevan Ilesere, the trickster god. They should all be put to the sword.” The private told him with the conviction of a true fanatical religious zealot.

“I see.” Robert snarled then ordered. “You can dismount now driver.”

“No can do sir. Only Death Dealers are allowed beyond this point.” The private chuckled. “No way I’m getting out of this vehicle.”

“That is where you’re wrong.” Robert snarled as his PPL deployed. “I gave you an order shithead. Now dismount or die where you’re sitting.”

The young elf army private quickly realized that he had made a huge mistake as he dismounted the Sphinx. Once the private was outside of the armored car Robert dismount himself. One of the gate guards witnessed what was happening and rushed to help. As he neared he spotted Robert with his PPL deployed and pointed at the elf army private. Taking his cue from the Death Dealer Warrant Officer the guard trained his M-48 assault rifle on the private. “Is there a problem here Chief?”

“You could say that Corporal. Contact your SOG. I want this piece of shit in irons and secured for questioning. The charges are violations of the anti-discrimination articles of the UCMJ.” Robert called out as he lower his arm and retracted his PPL.

“Understood Chief! SOG is on the way.” The guard answered as he neared the private. With a snarl he twist the young man around and proceeded to cuff him. “You’re going to wish I had shoot your ass dipshit. The military ani’t got no use for closed minded bigoted assholes like you.”

“At least I have not sold out our race and faith. Filthy inhuman slugs like you Death Dealers go against all that is natural.” The private snarled. The punch to the back of the private’s head was both swift and professionally delivered.

“Sorry about that Chief.” The Corporal said as he kept the lip body of the private from falling over. “But it’s frack sticks like this little shit that makes our job that much harder. We can’t even give this camp a real name because of the local priest and his bullshit. Then again, if I was smarter I wouldn’t really be surprised by these attitudes towards half elves. They’re all like this.”

“What does that mean Corporal?” Robert asked him bluntly.

“He’s a Forest elf Chief. Unlike the rest of the elf races. They’re the most bigoted and anti-technology of the elf races. Even the Forest Elf Death Dealers get a tough time from their own race. They’re all religious fundamentalists in the most twisted ways. Their priests actively hunt down half elf children so they can purge their race of the ‘unclean’ and ‘devil’s spawn’.” The Corporal snorted.

“Corporal if I wanted to make a change in the attitudes of the Elf High Command. Who should I target first?” Robert asked him with a sly smile.

“Simple. The biggest hardliner for the purest movement is Fifth Army Group Commander Vamir Enxalim. The man is a true follower. He actually orders all recruiters in his sector of operation to turn away half elves. The Queen might have given that decree about abolishing discrimination, but the man knows how to twist the regs to get what he believes is right.” The more the Corporal told Robert the madder he got. “If you give the order Chief more than a few of us would pull the trigger.”

“Now is not the time Corporal. Now that you got that slug cuffed. I’ll let our passenger out.” Robert chuckled as the Corporal just smiled and dragged the Provet over to the guard shack. Robert opened the troop door to the Sphinx. “Okay kid. You can get out now. Time for us to get to work.”

“Yes sir.” Markus said with a friendly smile. “May I know what’s going to happen to that private sir?”

“If he’s lucky. He’ll end up at a listening post on one of the frontier planets. If his luck is for shit. Then he’ll be hauled onto the parade grounds before the local troops and beheaded. That is the punishment for defying a Royal Decree and actively breaking UCMJ regulations. Which you now fall under Markus Starfire.” Robert told the young half elf bluntly. “Make no mistake Starfire. You screw up while under my command. I’ll end you myself.”

“Understood Chief. I do have a question. Shouldn’t I be addressing you as Colonel?” Markus asked Robert in confusion.

“That rank is only good for the Highwinds Military. I’m still an Empyreal Officer. My rank is Chief Warrant Officer Second Class. When this is all over and the Queen has her new Special Operations unit. I’ll go home to the Empire. When that happens, I’ll need someone to take over for me.” Robert gave Markus a sly look. “Want the job or should I look for someone else?”

“Wouldn’t a trained officer from the regular army be for the job?” Markus asked in both surprise and confusion. “I’ve never served a day in the military.”

“I don’t want some regulation dipshit taking over a unit I’ve trained in Special Warfare Operations. They’ll only screw things up. What I want and need is someone who can think on their feet and react just as fast. Yet they also have to be able to plan and conduct a long range tactical operation. See what I’m getting at?” Robert explained for Markus. “Like someone who figured out how to stow away aboard a dropship and then force its Captain to turn them over to Spaceport security. Instead of just throwing their ass out an airlock. Know anyone like that?”

“I just might. The funny thing is the man you’re looking for is currently a criminal in the eyes of the law. How do you plan to get around that minor problem?” Markus asked Robert pointedly.

“Ah yes that annoyingly trivial problem. You do understand that once he was sentenced to a lifetime of Military service all criminal charges were dropped. You see there is this little known legal clause concerning criminals sentenced to military service. It states rather clearly that a juvenile or first time offender can receive a judicial waiver for military service. It is a onetime deal.” Robert explained with a friendly smile. “In short it’s the deal your Queen gave you. You got a clean slate. A true second chance. The question now is what are you going to do with it?”

“You know something Chief. I don’t have a fracking clue.” Markus snorted. Then gave Robert a big grin. “But I do know that some opportunities can be passed up.”

“Good. Now give me a breakdown of the gangbangers in that compound.” Robert ordered him with a nasty grin.

“Yes sir. Currently in the compound there are two-hundred-and-fifty gangbangers of varying allegiances. To break that down by gang affiliation there are five individual gangs. None of them are what you would consider hard core gangsters. They’re mostly half elves that banded together out of self-preservation. The only exception to that rule are the ten half Sylvian elves including myself. The other two-hundred-and-forty can be broken down into in four individual gangs of sixty members a piece. Before you ask Chief. When the crackdown on the gangs happened. The Peacekeepers rounded up every gang member in sight. After that they broke the gangs down into twenty-four-man groups.” Markus explained for Robert with a frown.

“Hold on Starfire. You said that they broke the gangs down into twenty-four man groups. Are you sure about that?” Robert asked him harshly.

“Yes sir. I’ve been able to gather that most of the gang members were shipped off world to other prisoner compounds. From what I’ve overheard of the guards’ chatter. Only the most hardcore gang members or leaders were gathered from around the across kingdom, and they’re being kept at this compound. Also, none of these gangs are the same as they were on the streets.” Markus told him honestly.

“Then how did they get organized so fast? What’s the common thread among them for loyalty?” This was already bugging Robert to no end.

“Like everything else in our society. They’re divided along elven racial lines. High, Drow, Forest, and Winter half elves are all equally represented here. That’s the crazy part sir.” Markus told Robert as he explained the breakdown of the gangs.

“Alright I’ll bite. Why is the breakdown crazy? To me it sounds like the perfect setup for a Spec Ops company.” The second he said that Robert groaned with realization then chuckled. “I should have fracking known.”

“What does mean sir?” Markus asked in bewilderment.

“Let’s just say that your Queen is one savvy woman.” Robert chuckled. He spotted the CV-181 High Mobility Combat transport arriving at the gate. “Looks like the SOG is finally making an appearance. Markus I need you to keep what we’ve just discussed between the two of us for now.”

“Yes, sir. May I know why?” Markus asked quietly.

“Let’s just say that there are a few things I need to figure out yet.” Robert explained for Markus. Then warned him. “Also, I know the guards are Death Dealers, but I don’t know them. That means I don’t trust them.”

Markus was barely able to keep the shock from his face. He had always heard that Death Dealers only trust their own. That their loyalty to fellow Death Dealers was without fault. Yet here was a Death Dealer that didn’t trust his brothers and sisters in uniform. The idea was beyond his comprehension. There had to be a reason for this strange man’s distrust of his fellow Death Dealer.

“Afternoon sir. Staff Sergeant Eric Red Leaf, second platoon NCOIC, five-oh-seventh Military Police Detachment.” The High elf Death Dealer said as he saluted Robert.

“Chief Warrant Officer Second Class Robert Wolff.” Robert told him as he returned the salute. “I’m returning this Officer’s candidate.”

“Excuse me sir. I believe that you have made a mistake. This is a prisoner detention compound. That young man is a criminal.” Red Leaf told Robert with a snarl as he pointed towards Markus. “He used his bastard status to demand a Trail by Blood. Looks like his gamble didn’t pay off and the Queen sent his ass back to us.”

“THAT is where you’re wrong Staff Sergeant!” Robert snapped. “This is not a prisoner detention compound. Never has been. Where is your CO?”

“Sorry Chief, but did you say this isn’t a prisoner detention compound?” Red Leaf asked in confusion. Robert just nodded his head. “Then what is this place?”

“AN Officers’ Candidate training camp. First deal with that prisoner the Corporal is currently detaining. Then you can report to me at the CP. There are going to be some major changes around here Sergeant. Starting with the attitude towards our newest recruits.” Robert snarled as he stormed passed the man heading for the CV-181. As he climbed into the command vehicle Robert gave the driver a simple order. “Private you can take me to your fracking CO. Get a move on, Sergeant.”

“Sir, yes sir!” Red Leaf shouted as the CV-181 pulled away. Once it was just him, the gate Guard and Markus did he ask. “Just who the frack is that shithead?”

“That was this post’s new Commanding Officer by royal decree, Staff Sergeant.” Markus answered with a soft chuckle. “The Whitechapel Ripper.”

“Oh shit!” Both the Corporal and Sergeant whispered at the same time. Red Leaf looked over at Markus with a forced grin. “You better report back to your barracks cadet. Double quick now lad.”

“Yes Sergeant!” Markus turned towards the gate and started to run. Only to have Red Leaf stop him before he could take his first step.

“And cadet. Keep what you heard and saw here to yourself. That is an order.” Red Leaf told him as he looked in the direction of the compounds Command Post. “Until the Chief informs the whole camp. We’ll be operating like always. Understood?”

“Understood Sergeant!” Markus shouted then headed for his barracks. Only once he was out of the way did Red Leaf breathe a sigh of relief.

“Okay Sergeant Red Leaf. What’s the deal with the Whitechapel Ripper being here?” The Corporal as he looked toward the CP.

“Like the MAN said. This isn’t a prisoner detention compound. It’s a training camp for new Officer candidates. In short. It’s all above our paygrades.” Red Leaf told him bluntly. “Get that piece of shit over to the stockade. I’ll stand watch until you get back. Now move.”

“Roger that Sergeant.” The Corporal shouted as he grabbed the private and dragged him off towards the stockade. “Let’s go you filthy pig.”

Once he was alone in the guard shack Staff Sergeant Eric Red Leaf proud son of the Red Leaf clan sighed. Looking up at the celling of the shack he thought about his meeting with Chief Warrant Officer Wolff. “As much as I hate to say this. I thought he would have been taller. He sure as hell doesn’t look like a legend. Then again what the hell would I know. All the legendary warriors I know are dead.”

Command Post, Military Compound, Highwinds

Robert scowled as the CV-181 pulled to a stop before the modular arch shaped building that was serving as the Command Post. In the past these quasit hunts were used for a great many purposes. Their newest incarnation were a modular prefab construction that took four men and two wrenches to put together. Their prefab design allowed for multiple configurations. It wasn’t the building’s configuration itself that pissed him off. It was the fact that it broke military regulations. For a renegade like Robert Wolff, it had to be bad.

“Who the FRACKING HELL AUTHORIZED THAT PAINT JOB?!” Robert yelled at the top of his lungs as he stormed from the CV-181. He didn’t want for the driver to answer his question and just stormed through the CP’s door. His entrance would go down in the camp’s history as the most impactful of all time for one reason. Instead of pushing the door open. Robert deployed his PPC and blasted the door off its frame.

‘Celest get me the info on the current CO for this fracked up outfit!’ Robert ordered his AI as he stormed through the smoke and dust.

‘Coming up Robert. Got it. The Co for the 507th MP Detachment is 2nd Lt. Gracey Wittman. Official call sign Waltz. Unofficial call sign Clutz One.’

‘Thanks, Celest. Give me a hard lock on her location.’ Robert ordered her. When the red triangle appeared on his internal HUD Robert snorted. ‘Figures! The bitch is asleep on the job!’

‘That’s negative Robert. It seems the Lieutenant is currently unconscious. My sensors indicate that all members of the Command Staff are currently in the same condition. My current theory this is a result of the impact blast concussion from a 30mm Particle Projection Cannon. Though I don’t know of anyone who would do something so stupid as to use a PPC on a wooden door.’ Celest snarked.

‘Shove it Celest. None of them are dead so quite your bitching. Besides this way I get their full attention.’ Robert snarled as he kicked the door to the CO’s office open. “WAKE UP YOU WORTHLESS CUNT!”

When the prone figure of Second Lieutenant Gracey Wittman failed to move Robert growled. To gain the young woman’s attention Robert took the expedient method. Pouring a pitcher of ice-cold water over the head of an unconscious person has reliable results. The young woman shrieked then sputtered as she woke from her unconscious state. Like all well trained soldiers Wittman reacted in a predicable manner. Her personal Death Dealer weapons deployed from their ports as she scan the room for her attackers. Robert just shook his head in disgust.

“Sorry excuse for a welcome Lieutenant.” Robert snarled then ordered. “Get the frack out of my chair before I throw your sorry ass through the window.”

“Just who the Hell do you think you are?” Gracey demanded as she finally got a hard lock on Robert. It took her AI pinging the intruder’s IFF to realize that she was pointing a weapon at her new Commanding Officer. “Oh Shit! Sorry Sir!”

“At least you had the brains of a piss ant to ping my IFF. Now get your ass out from behind my desk Clutz.” Robert ordered her as he strode towards the desk with a snarl. “You can start by explaining to me why this CP isn’t painted in accordance to UCMJ regulation four-five-seven-one.”

“The subcontractors kind of mixed up the paint order sir.” Gracey said with a heavy blush. “The CP was painted before the mix up could be corrected.”

“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN THERE WAS A MIX UP WITH THE PAINT ORDER?” Robert roared as he sat down. “How in the hell does that compute to a gods be damned PETTICOAT PINK command post for frack’s sake?!”

“Well sir. The painting contractors were given the standard one-four ratio of red primer base to white topcoat. To save time the subcontractors mixed the primer and with the topcoat paints. They thought that they were supposed to mix them together.” Gracey explained for Robert as her blush turned from a light pink to a deep crimson.

“Oh, for the love of the GODS!” Robert sighed as he sagged back in the chair. “When is the replacement paint due to arrive?”

“Not for another four weeks, sir.” Gracey whispered fearing her new CO’s reaction.

“Just fracking great!” Robert moaned as he put his head in his hands as he rested his elbows on the desk. “Okay Lieutenant. Any other nonregulation situation I should know about? Like maybe a gold plated shitter for the officers, an illegal Enlisted man’s bar somewhere, a flouting poker game among the cadets? Better come clean now. I’ll find out eventually.”

“No sir. Everything else is to regulation for a detention camp.” The MP Lieutenant answered as she sent an encrypted message to her Platoon Sergeant to hide the bar stock, get rid of the illegal still, and close down the unauthorized club. Gracey could tell that her new CO had a major hard on for the regs.

‘Robert the 2nd Lt. just sent an encrypted message to her Platoon Sergeant. Should I intercept and decrypted?’

‘Negative Celest. We’ll let her get her house in order before coming down on her ass. I know that goes against regs, but this post has been run like a prison camp instead of a training camp like it was supposed to be run. I can’t blame her for letting certain things to go on. By the way why did you change our IFF to respond with that honorary rank of Colonel?’ Robert asked the AI.

‘Robert that is not an honorary rank for the Highwinds military. You are a full Colonel in their military. The orders came through during our trip from the palace.’

‘Why didn’t you tell that shit before we reached the post?’ Robert demanded.

‘It took me awhile to decrypt the message. I didn’t have an up to date TRANSEC for the Highwinds military. I had to hack the camp’s Com-shed to decrypt the message.’

‘I hope like hell you covered your track Celest.’ Robert snarked. Only to get an indignant snort from Celest causing him to chuckle.

“Listen up Second Lieutenant Wittman. Let me be perfectly clear. So, clean out those ears of yours and pay attention. This camp is not, and never has been, a prisoner detention compound. This is and always has been a training camp for Officer candidates for the Death Dealers. Do I make myself CLEAR?!” Robert’s voice slowly rose as he corrected Wittman until he was yelling at the end. His anger was beyond measure at this point. He cleared his desk in the blink of an eye. Far too fast for the Lieutenant to track. He had her by the throat and pinned against the office wall before she realized. Leaning in close to her face Robert snarled. “That attitude of yours will change this second or I’ll end you fracking life. This camp’s personnel will get with the program, or they can start handing in their ten-eighties by COB this afternoon. Understood?”

To say that 2nd Lt Gracey Wittman was scared would be like saying ice is hard and cold. She could feel Robert’s CQC blades against her neck. She knew without a doubt that a simple fleck of his wrist would end her life. There was something about this human Death Dealer Colonel that sent chills down her spine. She could tell that this man was the embodiment of Death personified. As she nodded her head slowly her AI finally gave her the Colonel’s call sign. She turned white in realization as she whisper the currently most feared call sign in the Death Dealers. “Whitechapel Ripper. Why are you here sir?”

“Nice to see my reputation precedes me.” Robert chuckled evilly. “Spread the word Lieutenant. I won’t tolerate dipshits, assholes, or fools in my ranks. As for what I’m doing here the answer is simple. The individuals that have been in trusted to our care are to be the Queen’s newest Death Dealer unit.”

“What kind of unit sir?” She asked with real fear in her voice.

“A Special Operations Regiment. One that I have been given a free hand in forming and training. The first one of your men to step out of line will be used as my training example.” Robert snarled as he let her drop to the floor. “Now you got your orders Lieutenant. Get out of my sight.”

Gracey took the chance and ran from the CP. In her passing she noticed the rest of the office staff was struggling to wake up and appear to be working. They had all heard their new CO’s blowup with their LT. They would have to have been dead to not hear his angry outburst. The fact that Clutz was running from the CP was a sure sign that their new CO was a hard ass and a real Death Dealer’s Death Dealer. “CQ GET YOUR WORTHLESS AS IN HERE!”

The Charge of Quarters, Corporal Erin Glass Knife, looked over at his Runner for the day with a shrug of his shoulders. He knew that there was no way for him to get out of answering the CO’s bellow. As he stood up and straightened out his BDUs Glass Knight called out. “Coming sir.”

Robert glared up at the Corporal as he entered the office. Keeping with the hard ass image that he was setting Robert snarled. “Corporal Glass Knife, I need a detailed map and the TO-and-E for this camp. While you’re hunting that up for me send me your Runner. I got a job for him.”

“Sir, yes sir.” Glass Knife answered and left his office. As he passed the CQ desk. “The CO wants to see you, Hunter.”

“Gee thanks a lot, Glass Knife. You know if I had arrived here before you. I would be the one wearing the Corporal strips.” Specialist Hunter grumbled.

“Trust me I know. Luck of the draw as the saying goes. Now, get a move on.” Glass Knife ordered him before bending down. “Heads up buddy. This guy is a bigger hard ass than we originally thought. I suggest we take things real slow for now.”

“Understood. Code one-eighteen or one-thirty-four?” Hunter asked.

“I’m thinking two-twenty for now.” Glass Knife told him as he looked back at the CO’s closed office door. “We need more Intel before we do anything else.”

“Understood. I’ll ping his IFF and see what I can gather.” Hunter told his partner in crime. The two men had known each other from their first days in Basic Training. As he neared the door his own IFF was pinged. The return handshake made Hunter stop dead in his tracks. He froze in fear with his hand just millimeters from the handle. He looked over at Glass Knife. “Dude it’s the Whitechapel Ripper.”

“What?” Glass Knife whispered. “Are you sure?”

“I just got pinged. The handshake was as solid as the ground beneath our feet. It’s him. The Whitechapel Ripper.” Hunter answered his own voice barely above a horse whisper. “I suggest you get that map and TO-and-E fast.”

Hunter didn’t wait for Glass Knife to answer he just knocked then opened the door. Asking as he entered. “You wanted to see me sir?”

“Specialist Hunter I need some information. As you’re not an NCO. You have the inside scope on what the EMs are calling this camp.” Robert told him bluntly.

“Sir I don’t understand what you mean. Can you please explain.” Hunter asked stalling for time to come up this a suitable name for the camp. He sure as hell wasn’t going to his new CO that the Enlisted were calling it Pussy Junction.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about PFC Hunter.” The warning in Robert’s words was clear enough for even the stupidest of soldiers to understand.

“We have several names for the camp sir.” Hunter told him. “Though the top contender is Pussy Junction Camp. Because of the CPs paint job, sir.”

“I can see that one.” Robert chuckled. “Okay Specialist what are the others?”

With that clear tactical approval Hunter relaxed. “Sir the others aren’t as colorful, but they do have points of understanding. The first is the Nest, because the camp is a detention compound. Another is Camp Nowhere because the nearest civilian town or village is fifty miles in any direction. The last is kind of hard to understand. When it rains this place becomes a massive puddle of gray clay. The motorpol personnel call this place Camp Swayze.”

“Camp Swayze? What the hell? You got to explain that one to me.” Robert told him.

“Like I said sir. The last is hard to understand. I hate to say this but none of MPs get the reference sir.” Hunter answered honestly. “By the way sir. There are three other detachments at this camp. I just thought I’d let you know sir.”

“Break them down for Specialist Hunter. I want size, designation, and type.” Robert ordered the man as he pulled out a sheet of paper and pen.

“Yes sir. There is the four-oh-seventh Medical Detachment. They’re a platoon sized unit with First Lieutenant Rece Stonewell for their CO. Then there is the six-oh-seventh they’re a standard Support Detachment of Personnel Clerks and cooks. Their CO is Second Lieutenant Jack Stow. The last Detachment is the seven-oh-seventh. They’re a reenforced platoon of mostly light and heavy wheel mechanics. They have one squad of recovery Specialists. Their commander is CW-three Tenzin Shore.” Hunter knew that the more information he gave the Colonel the better his chances at becoming the new Cos personal driver. “I almost forgot sir. There is a fourth detachment, they’re stationed at the train station in Dandelion Port. It’s a squad size unit of transport Specialists with a Staff Sergeant in charge. I don’t know his name though. They make most of our supply runs.”

“What can you tell me about the vehicles here?” Robert asked as he continued to write down the information Hunter was giving him. “I need type and number.”

“Sir each unit uses their own specialty equipment. The MPs use the standard CV-one-eighty-ones for the most part. We have one squad of CV-one-eighty-twos with heavy weapons for combat support. The meds are outfitted with four of the new VM-fifty Black Knight Armored Medical Vehicles. The six-oh-seventh are outfitted with six of the VM-fifty Black Knight Armored Utility Versions. As for the seven-oh-seventh they have three VM-fifty Black Knight Armored Utility versions, three P-four-N-four Djinn Recovery Vehicles, and one P-nine-seven Bigwig Repair Vehicle. There is also one Z-R-ninety-four Juggernaut Command and Control Vehicle for overall command of the five detachments when in the field.” As Hunter ran down the list of vehicles each unit used Robert was slowly impressed by the young men.

“How many of those vehicles are you checked out on Specialist Hunter?” Robert asked.

“Only two sir. I would need at least four to five months of training to even think about manning the six and eight wheeled vehicles.” Hunter felt it was best to be honest with the CO. “Another two to three if I wanted to drive one of the halftracks like the Djinn and Bigwig. As for the Juggernaut only two people on post can drive that monster. They’re both in the six-oh-seventh.” Hunter explained.

“What are their names and ranks?” Robert asked.

“Private second class Folmon Xildan, and PFC Nithroel Elfina. Both are straight out of AIT at Fort Green River in the northern territories.” Hunter told him honestly. “Sir I know that trusting a ninety-five ton monster like the Juggernaut to a couple of privates fresh out of AIT sounds crazy but those two know what they’re doing.”

“I’ll take your word for it, Specialist. I learned on the battlefield not to take people at face value. I saw kids barely into their teens taking down forty to fifty ton AP suits with nothing more than satchel charges. Men well into their sixties and seventies destroying whole heavy tank companies using nothing more than shoulder fired man portable antitank missiles. The only thing all of these people had in common was their grit and determination to live free.” Robert told the now stunned Specialist Hunter. “There is something else you need to know.”

“What’s that sir?” Hunter asked with bated breath.

“The deadliest of those teenagers were gangbangers that I trained personally. They were the very heart of the Resistance in the Battle for Goulcrest.” Robert told Hunter with a predatory cruel of his lips. “Just like the trainees at this camp.”

“Sir is that why they were brought here? To be trained as Special Operations Troopers. Because if that is the case, sir. Then you should just send them all back to where they came from. The High Command will never approve of their status as Spec Ops troopers. They’ll have them all executed the first chance they get, sir.” Hunter felt that he should be honest with the Colonel.

Because he could tell that no one had actually explained to his new CO just how impossible of a task he had been given. The odds were stacked in a way that no one could overcome. Not even the great and legendary hero of the Goulcrest Occupation. “That’s after you deal with the problems between the gangs sir.”

“You know something Specialist Hunter. I’ve heard that same line of bullshit before.” Robert chuckled as he stood up from behind the desk. “I seem to remember someone telling me that I would never get the gangs of Goulcrest to work together as a united resistance force to free Goulcrest. I also remember that for some reason they ended up eating their words.”

“Camp Resistance.” Hunter whispered to himself just low enough to not be heard. At least he thought so until Robert turned to face him.

“What was that? Did you say Camp Resistance?” Robert asked him.

“Um… well yes sir. The way I see it. If we’re going to train these scrubs to be Spec Ops Troops like you did back on Apollo six. Then our camp’s name should reflect that. So why not Camp Resistance?” Hunter explained as he swallowed the lump in his throat that suddenly formed out of nowhere.

“Go to supply and draw what you need to make the sign, Specialist. I want to see that sign hanging over the main gate by COB.” Robert ordered.

“Sorry sir, but it’ll be tomorrow before I can even start the sign. Sergeant Howzer is in Dandelion Port on a supply run. He has the only key to the Supply Room. Not even his Clerk has a key to the room.” Hunter explained then whished he hadn’t as his new CO’s face turned red with anger. “Sorry sir.”

“Not your fault Specialist. Get me your Platoon Sergeant and the XO. Dismissed.” Robert snarled as he turned back to the window. He heard Hunter close the door as he left his office and sighed. “Damned REMF assholes.”

Barracks 14

Markus entered the barracks 14 quasit hut in a rush. He knew that he had to get to his fellow Sylvain half elves before word got out. He had to organize them as best as he could before all hell broke loose. He was only slightly surprised to find all of the Sylvain half elves in the barracks’ team bay area. “Listen up people. We got a shit storm headed our way.”

“Whatcha ya talking about Starfire? The other gangs coming for us?” Ivan Yates asked as he stood up from the far corner of a couch.

“Worse than that Spike. The new CO for this joint just showed up.” Markus told the nine Sylvain half elves with an evil smile. “Before you say that don’t mean shit think again. It’s the Whitechapel Ripper himself.”

“WHAT? YOU GOT’S TO BE SHITTING US! ARE YOU SURE?” Brice Nightwind asked as he jumped to his feet in fear.

“As sure as I can get. I sat less than three feet from the man on my ride back here from the palace. I got a good look at the name tag on his uniform.” Robert told him bluntly. “It’s the man himself and he don’t fracking play games.”

“Just how bad assed can this guy be?” Ivan asked Markus.

“He’s not your regular Death Dealer dipshit. The man is a Spec Ops Warrior. A stone cold killer. The man’s eyes are dead I’m telling ya. We got one chance with this guy. We screw up now. He’ll cut your head off in the middle of the exercise yard. If he just doesn’t blow you away were you stand. He ani’t like those slugs that have been guarding us until now.” Markus knew that he had to lay it on think. If he wanted to get this crew to fallow his plan. “They might be Death Dealers but they’re all REMFs. Real honest to god Rear Echelon Mother Frackers compared to the Whitechapel Ripper. He already had one regular army shitbird clapped in irons.”

“What? No way! What did the guy do?” Ivan asked.

“He was bad mouthing all of us detainees. You know all that old bullshit hate speech about half elves and shit. It seems that it’s against something called the UCMJ.” Markus decided to tell them about what when down with the forest elf at the main gate. When he was done every face in the room held a smile. “The real kicker is that slug has to face the Whitechapel Ripper when it comes time for his punishment. There’s no way he’ll get off.”

“What should we do now Starfire?” Brice asked with some trepidation. “This new CO is a total wildcard in the deck. He could change the rules and there’s nothing we can do about it. Not even if we could get a Representative to hear our complaints.”

“We do what he wants us to do, Brice. We fallow his orders to the letter. We act like the good little soldiers he wants to be.” Markus told them all with a feral grin. “Before you call me crazy and to go stick it. Just hear me out.”

“Okay Starfire what’s the play? You haven’t led us wrong yet.” Ivan said as he waved for the others to stay silent.

“Look I learned something while I was at the palace. Once the local pigs turned us over to the military. We were no longer considered civilians. We were effectively drafted into military service. That means all that paperwork we filled out when we first got here was for military service. That means they got to train us. They got to feed us. Provide uniforms. Everything that the regular army and navy gets. Everything that the Death Dealers get.” Markus told them all with a sly smile. “That includes getting paid. I did the numbers in my head on the way back. I figure in ten days we’ll get our first paychecks. But to collected all those bennies. We have to dance to the new CO’s tune.”

“Damn. That sounds too good to be true. I’ve always wanted to join the army but every time I tried the recruiters turned me away. They said that half elves can’t serve because we don’t met some kind of physical requirement.” Brice moaned.

“Yeah well you got bullshitted Brice. There is no physical requirement except the one for height. The last time I looked none of us are below four foot eight inches tall.” Markus snarled. “Yeah you heard me right. The only other requirement that they could have used against us legally was the one about age. I know for a fact that none one of us have less than seventeen summers. No matter what those recruiters told you guys. We should have never been denied a chance to serve in the military.”

“Yo Starfire. How do you know all this shit man?” Tanner Firestar asked him.

“Before I split from home. I spent a frack ton of time researching what they call the UCMJ at the local library. There’s an old saying about the law and rules. If you know the law and the rules. You know how far you can bend them to get what you want.” Markus told them all with a laugh.

“Markus what is this UCMJ you keep talking about?” Ivan asked him.

“It stands for Uniform Code of Military Justice. It’s the rules and regulations that covers everything the Military can do legally. That’s why when the civilian cops turned us over to the MPs here. We all became members of the army.” Markus told them all with a friendly smile.

“What if I don’t want to be in the army?” Yates asked him sharply.

“Like the old saying goes bro. You’re in the army, not behind the plow. Son-of-bitch you’re digging a ditch. You’re in the army now.” As Markus sang the old song about the military the other half elves busted out laughing. All except Yates.

“You telling us that we got no choice in the matter. We either become a bunch of good little soldiers or they kill our ass. It that it?” Yates snarled.

“No, you dumb ass. They can do a shitload worse than kill your ass. Ever heard of a place called Crystalfold Stronghold?” Markus asked them all knowing that none of them knew about the frozen prison planet. “Let me explain it for you. It’s a planet in the Outer Rim. Covered in ice that’s miles deep. Your only chance at survival. Is to join one of the prison work gangs.”

“Damn. That place sounds like some kind of frozen hell.” Brice whispered.

“Hell will be a step up from that place. Average life span for someone not on the work gangs is two years. If you’re part of a work gang you might live for seven to ten years. If you make it that long you get paroled. Though you’ll wish you had died in that frozen hell. Because your body will be so broken that you die within two years. Do you get what I’m tell you Yates?” Markus gave the young man a hard glare. “We do what the new CO wants.”

“Fine whatever bro. I just wish we had other options.” Yates grumbled. Only to hear Markus chuckle. “What haven’t you told us Starfire?”

“Do any of you know how rank is given out in the Death Dealers?” Markus asked him with a fate smile. As they all shook their heads no Markus’ smile grew. “They use a merit only based system. The better you are, the more rank and respect you earn. For example. In every training class for the Death Dealers the top five percent are automatically promoted to an officer’s rank. What that means is we become the guys in charge. That’s what we got to aim for, the top five percent.”

“Dude we got no chance at winning those slots.” Ivan snorted.

“That is where you’re wrong. We got the advantage over all the other gangs here. Look being half Sylvain elf means we’re faster, smarter, and stronger than all the other half elf races. We use what our half breed bloodline gave us to win those top five percent positions.” Markus told them all grinning.

“Like I said before. You haven’t led us wrong yet. Okay guys we follow Starfire’s plan. We take the top slots in everything.” Ivan told the others as he stood up. “You’re not like the rest of us Starfire. You got a real education. You’re no street rat like the rest of us. What’s your story?”

“The usual. Bastard son of a High Families frack wad. I was thrown out on my ass once I was old enough to live on my own. It’s that simple.” Markus told them with a straight face. “And just like you guys this is my last chance.”

“Damn. That sucks rocks man. At least my parents didn’t have to deal with all that High Family political bullshit.” Ivan grunted as the others nodded their heads in agreement. “We’re nothing more than the sons of ordinary people. You got that whole High Family Honor bullshit baggage to deal with.”

“Does your father know you’re here?” Brice asked.

“The man could give a shit less about me. As for the rest of the family. They’re probably hoping I die during training or on the battlefield. They just want me to disappear into the Void.” Markus told them all with a frown. “The only Honor I win will be for myself and no one else.”

“Damn bro that’s hard core!” Ivan chuckled. “If anyone else said that to me. I would have called bullshit. Yet coming from you. That is a whole another story. You actually believe that shit about self-earned honor.”

“That’s because I spend the last eight years of my life working towards one goal. The only way I can reach that goal now is by being the best fracking Death Dealer I can.” Markus snarled as he shook Ivan’s hand. “And if anyone gets in my way. I’ll flatten their ass and walk over their cold dead corpse.”

“Barracks fourteen! Outside!” The guard yelled as he passed their door. “Assemble in the exercise yard in fifteen minutes!”

“Wonder what the hell that’s all about?” Brice asked as he and the others stood to leave their barracks. “It’s nowhere near chow time.”

“I think were about to get introduced to our new CO.” Markus snarked as he headed for the door. “Remember what I said about this guy being a real hard ass people.”

“Why? He going to blow us away for being smartasses?” Firestar snarked.

“Hope that’s all he does. From what, I’ve heard about the man. He just might beat you to death with your own arm.” Markus told them as he stopped at the door. “Remember guys. The Whitechapel Ripper is a diehard Original Gangster. The man was banging on the meanest streets in the Empire long before any us hit the streets. He organized the gangs of Goulcrest to fight the Cheeseheads. You got to be a hard ass with no equal to pull that off. Get what I’m saying?”

“Yeah man. Load and clear. Right guys.” Ivan said.

“Good because I got a feeling that is the only warning any of us will get.” Markus told them all honestly. “The Whitechapel Ripper has come to Highwinds, and the hounds of Hell are biting at his heels.”

-----tbc-----

---

Queen Dana of Highwinds the Elf Kingdom inside the Empire has a problem. One that she cannot fix personally. The is with a small minority of her population. A problem that has been brought to her attention by the half elf son of a problematic Duke. What is a Queen to do? She calls on help from a friend. The question now is does she realize what she is letting loose on her kingdom?

---

Chapter 5
Observation Outpost 141, The Corkscrew Nebula

In an age where starships can across the universe in days thanks to the power of jump engines at speeds fast than light. There are still areas where ships most drop out of hyper-space to travel through. One of those areas is the Corkscrew Nebula. The nebula was the birthplace of suns and blackholes. Because of the fluctuating gravity wells there was only one safe corridor through the nebula. It was because of those fluctuating gravity wells that the nebula was a natural defensive barrier for the Kingdom of Highwinds. To give the Kingdom an early warning of an invading fleet the Highwinds Kingdom placed 150 strategic observation outposts long the corridor. The corridor was officially called nebula trans-route 266.

To the crews manning the observation outposts, navigators and ship captains that piloted the corridor it was simply known as The Gates to the Abyss. To traverse the corridor safely it took a modern ship with the newest engines at least twelve months. Because of this most dropship captains would avoid the corridor by taking a more circumspect route. Even though those routes would add months to their trip.

Each one of these outposts was manned by a four-man crew. Most of these outpost crews were there because they were being punished under the UCMJ. They came from every branch of the Highwinds military. The average tour for one of these outposts was 24 to 36 months. Most of the men and women stationed at these outposts weren’t hardcore screwups. In fact, most of them had done something that wouldn’t even get them an overnight stay in jail in the civilian world. Yet in the military their offences were bad enough to get them a Bad Conduct Discharge. So, serving at one of the Corkscrew Nebula outposts was a second chance they weren’t going to pass up.

Each outpost was fitted with the best early warning sensor suits available. It didn’t matter what passed within range of their sensors they were able to track it. From the smallest micro meteor to planet killing rogue comets. To help with this important task the outposts were also fitted with some of the most powerful AIs known to mankind. Though tracking what passed through the Gates was only half of the mission for the outposts.

The other half of the mission was to defend the corridor to the last man against invading enemy fleets. To this end each outpost was armed with Naval Class PPCs, PPLs, Railguns, and 1000mtn thermo nuclear ballistic missiles. Each one of these massive weapons were control by the AI. The human crews were there as a safety feature. The AIs controlled everything aboard the outposts.

To achieve their goal of perfect security the outposts were linked by an FTL communicator. When the first outpost went silent the rest of them raised their threat warning DEFCON 2. By the time the nineth outpost went silent all outposts were at DEFCON 5 on a war footing. All crews were manning their battle stations around the clock. It was at Outpost 1941 that the enemy was first identified.

“Jackmen do you see this shit?” The radar operator called out to the current outpost commander. “What the hell kind of ship is that thing?”

“Damned if I know. Run the ship id through the database. Someone must know what kind of ship we’re looking at.” Jackmen ordered.

“The AI is already chewing on the ID Jackmen. So far it has gone through every known nation’s configuration. Everything has come back as a blank. I’ve got it going over what pre-FTL ship records we have now.” The database operator told him honestly as he read over the data on his screen.

“You have got to be shitting me? That thing can’t be pre-FTL. All those ships have been accounted for.” Jackmen snapped. The sounds of a collision warning sounded just as the AI raised the outpost’s shields. “WHAT THE HELL? Computer what’s going on? Is someone attacking the station?”

“Hyper sonic projectile on incoming course. Estimated impact in t-minus twenty seconds. Initiating point defense weapons. Point defense weapons ineffective. Initiating primary ship to ship weapons. Weapons ineffective. Impact in t-minus ten seconds. Nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, impact.” The outpost rocked with the impact from the hyper sonic projectile. Jackmen was thrown to the floor with one other crewman. “Second impact imminent.”

“Everyone get to the ejection pods.” Jackmen ordered just microseconds before the second impact. This time the shields failed. The outpost was now defenseless. The third impact destroyed the outpost before the crew could ever reach their escape pods. Just as the other ten outposts before it 141 died without sending a warning or description of the ship that destroyed it.

Out in the corridor the massive pre-FTL cryogenic colony ship moved silently through the Gates of the Abyss. The ship’s automated defense systems targeting anything that scanned it. Its primary weapon was unknown to the modern spacefaring nations. It was a weapon that could be replenished as the ship traveled through space. The munitions it fired was compressed hydrogen gas until it froze. When launched at hypersonic speeds the hydrogen ‘ice bullets’ would deliver both a kinetic and explosive shock upon impact.

Before the last Great World War several nations had experimented with the idea of mass-drive weapons. One of those ancient nations perfected the technology for space born weapon platforms. When the first of the great colony ships left orbit following the last Great World War these ships were the first to be outfitted with those massive weapons of terror.

On board the massive colony ship the navigation AI calculated its newest course. Down below on the cryogenic decks thousands of cryogenic chambers held the ship’s 40,000 passengers. Passengers that were a people from a time of violence and corruption long forgotten to the modern era. It was a time of extreme Nationalism and hate for outsiders. It was a time the likes of which had never been seen before or since in the record of Human History.

This was not a ship born for peaceful exploration but colonial conquest. Men, women, and children breed only for war. Each one a member of a failed Government experiment in genetic manipulation. The goal of which was to breed a true MASTER race.

Camp Resistance, Highwinds

Robert looked out from the observation tower for the training ranges. Down below on the firing line the 1st platoon was zeroing in their M-48 assault rifles range 4. The 2nd platoon was on range 3 going through basic bayonet drills. The 3rd and 4th platoons were both running the obstacle course on ranges 1 and 2. On range 5 the 5th platoon was working their way through the grenade course. Range 6 had the 6th Platoon training with light antitank weapons. Range 7 was being used by 7th Platoon to train with heavy machine guns. It was range 8 that worried Robert. The 8th Platoon was training on the new JTR-7 shoulder mounted antiair missiles. The Jitters missiles they were using were first generation and bugging as all hell.

Over the last seventeen weeks Robert had learned there was three other camps spread around the Highwinds Kingdom. He had team members at each of these camps. Each of the other three camps had 615 candidates in training. They were broken down into 41-man platoons. With 5 platoons to a company. Only the two Officer candidate companies with 4 platoons a piece here at Camp Resistance were any different. Each platoon consisted of 31 men and women a piece. They were also the half elf leaders from every gang in the Highwinds Kingdom.

Robert was running them ragged. “Sergeant Taggert contact Drill Sergeant Tippman and inform him that if he doesn’t pay more attention to the firing line. I will personally shove his head up his ass in front of the whole camp.”

“Yes sir. On it now.” The Sergeant called out from his position overlooking the range. Once he had passed on the message Taggert turned back to Robert. “Sir you’re needed back at the camp’s HQ, ASAP.”

“Damn. What dog pissed in the road this time?” Robert sighed as he lower his field glasses. When Taggert chuckled Robert held up his hand. “Don’t even think of going there Taggert. I swear that I had an easier time during the war.”

“Sorry sir, but the only deference between then and now is the paperwork.” Taggert snarked bring up his CO’s main gripe. Only to get the traditional one finger salute as an answer. “Why thank you sir. I didn’t know you cared.”

“You know something Taggert. One of these days. I’m going to throw your ass from the observation deck.” Robert grumbled. “Then again maybe not. Those DD-one-ninety-five in triplicate are too big of a pain in the ass to fill out.”

“Sir, I think you might want to shift to full combat and double time.” Taggert said as he turned to face Robert. “Sir it’s Lady Imra Ventris of Clan Ravenswood.”

“What the hell is she doing here?” Robert asked as he deployed his bio-armor. When Taggert didn’t answer him right away Robert just snarled. “That wasn’t a rhetorical question. I want to know why Lady Imra is here.”

“Yes sir. One moment.” Taggert swung back around to his command radio while keying the mike. Everyone at Camp Resistance had already learn that when CW2 Robert Wolff started snarling to move heavy and hell to get shit done. The last person who to pissed off the Camp CO was still walking around on crutches. “Sir according to the HQ Lady Imra just showed up at the main gate with her royal guard escort.”

“Thanks, Taggert. That explains everything.” Robert snarled before he dropped over the observation railing to the ground sixty feet below. The second his feet touch the ground he was off and running. Within seconds he was pushing the top end of performance profile. Which for him was 128mph. It was 3.9 miles to the HQ from the observation tower of the training grounds. Not a great distance for most Death Dealers to run at cursing speed but still a challenge under Burst.

As their CO tore ass through the gate to the training grounds. The Death Dealers and trainees on duty there all had the same thought. ‘Feel sorry for whoever’s pissed off the old man this time. Just hope like hell it’s not me.’

As Robert turned onto Command Lane heading for the HQ he was brought up short. Skidding to a stop Robert couldn’t believe what he was seeing. There before him was 10, T-98-M Goliath Heavy transport medical units. One thought ran through his head. What the frack are these monsters doing here. Knowing that he won’t get any answers standing around outside Robert headed for the HQ Building.

As he approached the building two members of the royal guard pointed their HM-51 assault rifles in his direction. Celest automatically gave him their threat level. ‘Robert I know that those popguns will only piss you off, but I suggest you show some restraint when dealing with them. They are after all only doing their duty.’

‘Screw that shit Celest. These frack nuts are on a Death Dealer installation. They made the colossal mistake of pointing their weapons at the CO. Target those Rapiers and cut them in half.’ Robert snarled as the HM-51 rifles were painted with red crosshairs. The flash of Robert’s antipersonnel lasers from his left sliced through the weapons in seconds. Leaving the two royal guards both shocked and stunned.

“Next time you point a weapon at a Death Dealer on this base. Expect to lose your life. This is your only fracking warning.” Robert snarled as he marched passed the two men. “Now get the frack off my base assholes.”

When they didn’t move Robert snarled. “That wasn’t a suggestion. You now have ten seconds to clear the main gate. If you’re still on base. You will be shoot.”

With that the two royal guards took off at a dead run for the main gate. They knew that whoever this Death Dealer was he was the one in charge. “Imagine that. They’re not as stupid as they look.”

“Robert will you please not treat my escorts like a personal insult?” Imra asked him as she stepped outside the quasit hut smiling. “They really are only trying to carry out their duty to protect me.”

“Lady Imra I don’t care one way or the other. They come onto MY base and point a weapon at ME. They’re lucky I don’t cut their balls off.” James snarled. Then softened his tone of voice. “Remember love that this Camp is not part of the Highwinds Kingdom. Everything on this side of the fence line is Empyreal territory.”

“Death Dealers defend their territory to their last and do not suffer fools lightly my Lady.” One of her guards said as they stepped outside behind her. “Colonel please forgive the ignorance of my men.”

“They’re still alive Captain. There’s nothing to forgive.” Robert told the man honestly then look back down Command Lane. “Though someone needs to explain why there are ten T-ninety-eight Goliaths blocking the road to my HQ.”

“Those belong to the medical conversion unit, sir.” The captain told him quickly. He could really tell that this Death Dealer wasn’t like any Elven commander.

“Are you telling me that after seventeen weeks of raising hell with the Highwinds Command. They finally decide to release the immersion tanks. I hope that the other three camps are receiving their allotted equipment.” Robert snorted. “As it is my cadets are five weeks behind schedule in their training. By the time we get done running them through the tanks it will push them back another full week.”

“That’s a negative sir. Each camp has been allotted enough Goliath transports to process their whole complement at one time. Each Goliath has outfitted with twenty-five immersion tanks a piece.” The Captain explained for Robert.

“How long do we have them for?” Robert asked.

“They’re yours until these training bases shutdown sir. Once your cadets have been processed. The immersion tanks will be offloaded and setup in the base medical facility.” The Captain told him then chuckled. “The Queen expects this project of hers to succeed Colonel. She won’t accept anything less.”

“Don’t really give a shit what your Queen wants Captain. I’m here to do one job and one job only. That is to turn a ragtag bunch of street rats into Quiet Professionals of Warfare. You and anyone else that gets in the way of that goal better have their fracking wills made out.” Richard the Captain before turning to Imra with a smile. “Now what exactly are you here for love?”

“Something that would best discussed somewhere private.” Imra told him then dropped her voice to barely above a whisper. “I have news from her Majesty.”

“Let me take of those Goliaths first.” Taking the hint Robert led her into the Headquarters building. “XO get those fracking Goliaths off Command Lane. Use the auxiliary parade field. Once they’re set up. Start running our cadets through the tanks. You got thirty minutes Waltz. Get it done!”

“SIR! YES SIR!” Lieutenant Wittman called out before turning to the CQ and her Runner. “Breaker! Pass the word to the drivers. Boomer haul your ass over to the number two parade grounds and open the gates. If they’re not wide enough. Burn down the fence. I want those T-ninety-eights setup in twenty minutes. Thumper! Get your ass over to the training ranges. Around up our cad-idiots and get their asses over to the auxiliary parade grounds. You got thirty minutes.”

As 2nd Lt Wittman was giving out her orders. Robert took Imra straight to the one place on all of Camp Resistance that was totally secure. Once inside the room and the door was closed. Robert activated all the countersurveillance equipment.

“Welcome to the sensitive compartmented information facility or SCIF Imra. What gets said in here stays in here. Now why has the Queen sent you with Top Secret Intel? Why didn’t she send one of her watchdogs?”

“Robert how much do you know about half elves?” Imra asked him.

“Not a damned thing. What exactly does that have to do with the situation?” Robert asked her. Already not liking where this conversation was going.

“The current heirs to a full third of the clans are members of the training companies on this base. They might be half elves, but they are a true threat to the ruling families in the Hall of Lords. Most of them don’t know who their fathers are. The few that do have spent their lives in exile with their mothers.” Imra explained for him slowly as she removed a data crystal from her pocket. “This information is highly sensitive. Is there a secure reader in here Robert?”

“There is only one reader in the room Imra. For access you need my biometrics. Anyone else’s and this room fills with Aspatanyl acid nerve gas.” Robert told her as he activated the reader. As the reader rose out of the desk Robert gave her one last warning. “Before you insert that crystal Imra. You need to understand that anything played in this reader self-destructs once it has been download.”

“Good. Because what is on this crystal is for your eyes only Robert.” Imra told him as she insert the crystal. “Robert on this data crystal is the reason behind why Markus Aurelius Starfire challenged you to that Trial by Blood. It is also why there are so few Sylvian half elves. This is a State Secret that has been guarded since before the founding of the Highwinds Kingdom. You will be the only human to ever know our greatest secret.”

As Robert read the data displayed before him. He could only sigh in frustration. Then gasp in awe as he realized what the impact of this information would have on the Elven race should it ever get out. “Besides you, me, and the Royal Couple. Who else knows about this Imra?”

“Only the most senior of our genetic scientists have access to this information. Everyone else who has learned of this information has been either imprisoned for life or executed by Royal Decree.” Imra told him honestly.

“If this information is correct. The second that my officer cadets and trainees enter those tanks. Their lives are going to change radically.” Robert snorted. “Is there any chance that these calculations are off?”

“Less than one percent Robert.” Imra told him as she brought up a second file. “Half-elves are extremely rare. Females of that type are even rarer.”

“Because the only way to insure the possibility of a female half-elf being born is for a male human to mate with an elf female. Still don’t understand what the big deal is love.” Robert told her.

“Elves of any race rarely if ever interbreed with humans and seldom outside of our own race. Robert only one out of every ten human and elf couples ever have children. We literally are the most pure blooded races of humans in all of the known universe.” Imra told him as she brought up a third file. “Scientifically speaking by all rights half elves are a genetic abnormality. That abnormality being the human half of their genetic makeup. Scientifically speaking none of them should have ever been conceived let alone born. Elves and humans normally aren’t genetically compatible.”

“Just how many total conversions am I looking at?” Robert asked her.

“If our scientist’s calculations are correct. You’re looking at a one-to-one racial conversion rate. The process will remove all traces of their human heritage. Those cadets of yours will become the purest of elves. Queen Dana is justifiably worry over this information getting out.” Imra told him honestly.

“Why?” Robert asked her.

“Two reasons. First there is a faction within Elf society that would use the Death Dealer Conversion process as a way of purging our race of the ‘unclean’ and ‘devil’s spawn’. These so-called Purists would force our half elf children to undergo the conversion.” Imra explained slowly for Robert. “You have already confronted one of the strongest supporters of the traditionalists, Knight Commander Arun Faenala.”

“That asshole.” Robert snorted. “Why am I not surprised. What’s the other reason? What aren’t you telling me about the conversions?”

“Turn to the next page.” Imra told him quietly with real fear in her voice. “As you can see. There is the reason why our Military High Command and Religious have gone out of their way to keep all half-elf children oppressed.”

“They really believe that the key to the return of these Silver Moon Elves is breeding with humans. So, fracking what. It’s not like a few hundred people can conquer a planet.” Robert snorted with real scorn. “You have got to be kidding me.”

“I wish that I were Robert. Their fear is very real and founded in provable science.” Imra told him as she brought the fifth page of the report. In the center of the display was a gray skinned white haired elf standing next to a Claymore Death Dealer. “Robert the elf on the right is what they fear. Do you see the similarities between the two. Our scientists believe that the gene that causes the Claymore mutation actually comes from the mixed breed human descendants of Silver Moon Elves. When the first Claymore Death Dealer appeared the Purists’ greatest fear was realized. The possible return of the Silver Moon Elf race.”

“Why are the Silver Moon Elves the great boogeyman of the Elf race?” Robert asked her. “They don’t appear to be any different than a normal Claymore. Put enough holes in their ass and they die. Just like everyone else.”

“Robert a Silver Moon Elf was no ordinary elf. They were two to three times stronger, faster, and smarter than regular elves. They were a race of elves actually breed for war. Even the females of their kind were unbelievably deadly in combat. They were the ones that guarded our citadels on Earth. They were an extremely violent race of elves. They rarely mixed with other elven races. It was because of their cruel and warlike ways that the ancients left them behind on Earth. They were the elves that gave birth to the human legends of ‘dark or evil’ elves. Not the Drow elves.” Imra explained. “We believe that Silver Moon elves were forced to interbreed with humans to survive. Over the next few generations, the Silver Moon gene became dormant within their descendants. Similar to the Walkatonie berserker gene.”

“Why hasn’t the Highwinds Military shared this information with the Empyreal Military? I mean this could have answered a shit load of questions for our military scientists. They could have screened for the gene.” Robert bitched.

“Robert you have to understand that to us. The Silver Moon Elf race are our dirty secret. Much like the Nazis of the twentieth century are for humans.” Imra explained.

“I get it now. The ancient Silver Moon Elves were a pack of rebidded racist assholes bent on a war of genocide. What stopped them?” Robert asked her.

“Numbers. While they were powerful warriors they never numbered more than a hundred or so at each citadel. Those numbers included women and children. It is also one of the reasons why our scientists believe they were forced to interbreed with humans. Their race was dying out. It was a last ditch attempt to somehow preserve their race and culture.” Imra told him honestly.

“Imra were the Silver Moon Elves ever called Gray Elves?” Robert asked her as he studied the 3-D image of the ancient elf. The pale gray skin, white hair, and yellow within yellow eyes tickled some ancient race memory deep inside him.

“In ancient times when mankind still lived in stone castles and mudwalled huts. The Silver Moon elves were called by many names. Gray Elves, Stone Elves, Steel Elves, Iron Elves, Mountain Elves, throughout Europe. While they earned the name Night Spirits in certain parts of the North American continent.” Imra told him honestly. “Thankfully they were never numerous enough to wage a war of conquest.”

“If your scientists’ calculations are correct. I stand a good chance of dropping close to seven-thousand-one-hundred of these nightmare elves on your people.” Robert grunted as he studied the data in the holographic display. “Let me correct that. I’ll be unleashing seven-thousand-one-hundred Claymores. All with valid reasons for holding onto a grudge against the world.”

“I wouldn’t go that far Robert. What is the normal ratio of Claymores among newly commissioned Second Generation Death Dealers?” Imra asked him kindly.

“That ratio doesn’t apply here Imra. There are additional factors at play with these trainees. The biggest of which is their genetic makeup.” Robert grumbled. “They are all half human, half elf. There is a damned good chance that dormant gene is what makes it possible for them even exist.”

“What are you saying Robert?” Imra asked with real fear in her voice.

“If I’m reading this data correctly. The only reason nine out of ten couplings between elves and humans that produce viable half elf offspring is because of the dormant Gray Elf genome. The other one percent is because of the Sylvian genome carried by either the human or elf.” Robert told her as read over the data for a third time. “At least that’s what I understand from of all this data.”

“Robert how exactly does the Death Dealer conversion work? On the cellular level I mean.” Imra asked of him as she turned thoughtful.

“That information is way above my paygrade love. You want that info you got to talk with our eggheads on Hades. Even then you might not get a damned answer. So much of our tech is classified as BURKTM. It’s crazy.” Robert told her bluntly.

“Robert what does BURKTM mean?” Imra asked with her head cocked to the side.

“It’s short for Burn Upon Reading, Kill The Messenger.” Robert looked the woman he loves in the eye as he told her this. “The type of information you’re wanting can get you killed by Empyreal Decree, love. Leave it alone.”

“I see. If your prediction is correct. What are you going to do?” She asked him.

“Nothing has changed Imra. Queen Dana wouldn’t have sent you here with this intel if she wanted to stop her pet project.” Robert told her as he pointed to the display. “This is to inform me of a possible outcome that can change the way this whole operation plays out. One that will have true political and social impact.”

Robert removed the data crystal from the reader, purged the data, then crushed it under his heel. As an added measure of security Robert disconnected the reader and destroyed it with a blast from his PPC. Imra could only stand by and watched as he destroyed the only evidence concerning the return of the Gray Elves.

“Robert aren’t you taking things a little too far?”

“Not far enough Imra. Does your escort know what was on that crystal?” Robert asked.

“I was handed that by the Queen herself. No one else knew that I was carrying that crystal.” She answered truthfully then asked. “Why?”

“Good that means I don’t have to worry about your escort.” Robert sighed. Then pulled Imra into a tight hug. “Imra whatever happens. Never mention that crystal again. As far as you are concerned you gave it to me. Then left.”

“I understand Robert.” Imra whispered into his chest.

“Good. Because I have a feeling that I’m about to go head to head with the Highwinds Military High Command and your Religious Leadership. I never want to see you hurt because of something I did for your Queen.” Robert told as he hugged her even tighter. The rumble in his chest let Imra know that his next words were no mere promise or threat. She knew that Robert would care them out if it was the last thing he ever did. “I’ll kill anyone who dares to lay on hand on you.”

1st Platoon, Training Ranges

“High to the left. Adjust four clicks down come right five. Next round.” Markus Starfire sat next to Daimon Windstorm calling out the other trainee’s hits using a M-21 spotters scope. Daimon made the adjustments and fired. “Still high and to the left Daimon. Come down another two clicks and right one more.”

“Damn. I knew I should have come down more.” Daimon grumbled as he made the adjustment. “Sending next round.”

“Dead center. Fire three more to verify.” Markus told him. Once all three rounds impacted Markus looked over at Daimon. “Nice tight grouping Big Man.”

“Nothing compared to yours Silence. I think the only people here who can compare to your skill with a rifle are Magician, Kilo, and Deadeye.” Daimon Windstorm grunted as he sat up straight. “The rest of us are just trying to keep up with you Sylvans. We all know that the ten of you will take the top spots.”

“That’s no reason to just give up, Windstorm.” Markus told him bluntly.

“We haven’t given up Silence. We just know that we’re outclassed. The one dumbasses that haven’t accepted this fact are the Forest elves. They still got chips on their shoulders.” The High Elf half breed told Markus honestly. “They still think they’re going to be used as cannon fodder.”

“What is their damned deal?” Markus snarled. “Can they see that we’re being trained to become Special Operations soldiers?”

“That’s just it Silence. They don’t see it. Oakrod’s half-brother joined the army ten years ago. After six weeks the slug ended up being medically discharged. Because of that Oakrod has gotten the rest of the Forest elves believing that our training is substandard. Until the CO keeps his promise of Death Dealer conversions that isn’t going to change. Even then he and his pack of shitheads might not believe the truth.” Windstorm told him bluntly. “You should also know that they’re gunning for you and the rest of the Sylvain half elves.”

“Typical. God I fracking hate numb nut anti-classists. Always blaming everyone else or the system for their failures.” Markus snarled. Before Markus could say more the loudspeakers crackled drawing his attention.

“ATTENTION ALL TRAINEES! REPORT TO PARADE GROUND TWO! ALL TRAINEES ARE TO REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO PARADE GROUND TWO!”

“Wonder what’s up with that?” Daimon asked Markus as they stood up. “They’ve never canceled training in the middle of the day.”

“I got a feeling that our CO is about to keep his promise, Big Man.” Markus told him bluntly. “Only one way to find out though.”

“Yeah you got a point. We better clear and secure these weapons first. I don’t feel like getting burned down by one of our instructors.” Daimon told him with a chuckle.

“You can say that again. I might be a tough SOB but not even I can take a hit from one of their antipersonnel lasers without armor.” Markus chuckled. “Then again I doubt that armor would do us any good. I think the only Death Dealers not armed to the teeth are their pilots.”

“It would be nice if we get that kind of firepower. As it is we’ll be lucky to get the old first generation Death Dealer AIs.” Daimon grumbled as the headed for the range control tower. “We both know that the Pure Bloods ain’t going to give us a chance. It doesn’t matter what the CO or Queen promised. We’ll be lucky to get the hand-me-downs from the real Death Dealers.”

“Normally I would agree with you Big Man.” Markus told him as he looked toward the mobile armory. “But for some reason. I think we’re about to be used as guinea pigs for a new type of Death Dealer upgrade.”

Daimon just grunted in agreement as they handed in their weapons. The sounds of their Drill Sergeant’s voice drew their attention. “Fall in you sorry excuses for humanity. Double time maggots! Move it! Move it! I ain’t got all day Ladies!”

“Damn! Wonder what crawled up his ass?” Daimon grossed.

“Don’t know. Don’t care. Just fall your ass in with everyone else Big Man.” Markus ordered him as he moved to stand in front of the platoon. After a quick headcount Markus turned to Sergeant Tippmann. “Drill Sergeant all present and accounted for.”

“Very good Cadet Starfire. Take charge and move out. Report to parade ground two at the double time. That’s four-point-six miles and forty-five minutes to cover it in. The clock is ticking.” Tippmann ordered as he turned towards the next platoon.

“You heard the Drill Sergeant! Right! Face! Forward! March!” After a few steps Markus shouted. “Double Time! March!”

As he led the platoon at a bone jarring run for parade ground two. Seventeen weeks ago, the 31 people in the platoon would have been hard pressed at keeping up with the 7 minute a mile pace. Now they could cover a mile in 5 minutes 50 seconds or hold a 10 minute mile pace from sunup to sundown. “Snapshot give us a beat!”

“When I get to Heaven Saint Peter’s gonna say. How’d you earn your living boy? How’d you earn your pay? I’ll reply with a whole lot of anger. I made my living as an Airborne Ranger! Blood, guts, and a whole lot of danger That’s the life of an Airborne Ranger! When I get to hell Satan’s gonna say. How’d you earn your living boy? How’d you earn your pay? I’ll reply with a boot to his chest. I made my living laying souls to rest! When I get to home Mama’s gonna say. How’d you earn your living boy? How’d you earn your pay? I replied with no such anger. Mama used to beat me with a coat hanger. Mama earned her living as an Airborne Ranger!” Even as cadet Ayre ‘Snapshot’ Norynore called out the ancient running cadence the platoon settled down into an easy running pace.

Markus like the rest of the platoon fell in time with the cadence that Snapshot was setting. With each verse of the ancient running song cadets forged connection reaching back through time when young men sang the same songs while training for the harsh conditions of battle. Young men and women that faced the horrors of combat with nothing more than a rifle, body armor, and helmet.

Even now when monstrous Armored Power Suits were the apex killers the modern battlefield. Tanks were the backbone of any assault. Artillery pounded fortifications into ruble. Infantry Fighting Vehicles carried the fight to the enemy in the trenches. Aerospace fighters ruled the skies. It still took the flesh and blood Infantryman to capture or hold territory. They would always be the heart, blood, and soul of any army.

Yet there has always been those few where Uncommon Valore was common. The Quiet Professionals who moved in the shadows behind enemy lines. The ones who turned the local population against the enemy. Turned average citizens into a resistance bent on hounding the enemy at every turn. The 31 men of 1st platoon were just the newest members of those brave and often forgotten individuals.

Of the eight officer candidate platoons 1st platoon was the first to reach the secondary parade grounds. They could all see the massive T-98 Goliaths and knew that something big was happening. As they passed through the destroyed gate Markus quickly began to call out commands for his platoon.

“Quick Time! March! Column Left! March!” As he led them towards the last Goliath Markus spotted several Death Dealer Officers milling around rear of the massive transports. As the platoon reached the officer standing at the back of the last Goliath Markus called out. “Mark Time! March! Platoon Halt!”

“All right cadet. Which platoon this?” The officer demanded.

“First platoon sir.” Markus told the officer as he saluted.

“Good. Take squads one through four and report to the Goliath behind me. The rest of you report to next Goliath. Once inside you’ll be given further instructions.” The officer told them then walked off to meet the next platoon.

Markus saluted the officer then turn to the platoon. In a clear voice he gave out his orders. “Squads one through four you’re with me. Squad five report to the Goliath in line. Platoon! Fall out and report to your assigned Goliath!”

“Yo! Silence you got any idea what’s going on?” The current acting Squad leader for second squad called out.

“You know as much as I do Spinner. Just shut up and follow orders for once without asking too damned many questions for once.” Markus snapped. When Kolvar ‘Spinner’ Lorara went to argue Markus snarled. “I said shut the frack up Spinner.”

Seeing that they weren’t going to get any answers from Markus the thirty members of his platoon fell out. As they headed for their assigned T-98 Goliath the cadets felt uneasy. Until now their Instructors had always kept them informed of what was on their training schedule. Even Markus who had until now done his best to not question their training was uneasy by the sudden change. As he entered the rear of the T-98 Markus was greeted by a Tech-Sergeant.

“Strip and put your uniform in this basket cadet.” The Tech-Sergeant ordered bluntly then pointed towards the compartment door. “Then head inside to your assigned tank.”

“Sergeant what is going on?” Markus asked the man.

“Second Generation Processing cadet. Now strip. We don’t have all day.” The Sergeant ordered then turned away to pass through the compartment door. “The last one is on board Doc. You can start processing them.”

“Thank you Sergeant. Are the following cadets in this batch. Markus Starfire, Ivan Yates, Brice Nightwind, Tanner Firestar, Hiram Forger, Byron Hoadley, Ezra Sheridan, Tom Pennington, John Whitefeather, Steward Holyfield.” Markus froze as he hear the Doctor naming off the ten Sylvian half elves.

“They’re all here expect Whitefeather and Holyfield, Doc. You want me to switch out two for them?” The Tech-Sergeant asked.

“Do it now Segreant. Those ten cadets were preselected for the Mark Two Second Gen Omega/Assault class Death Dealer AIs. Also find me that Lieutenant Colonel. You know the one I’m talking about. Greenwood, Greenstick whatever his name is.” As the doctor rattled off names Markus looked over at the two troublemakers in his platoon.

“Spoons, Snowball, grabbed your shit and trade places with Kilo, and Deadeye. Get a move on guys. I got a feeling that you don’t want that Sergeant picking someone else.” Markus knew that was lie but he could that he was the only one really paying attention to the conversation in the other compartment. The two men nodded their heads, grabbed up the discarded parts of their uniforms and left the T-98.

“It’s Lieutenant Colonel Redfern Doc. I suggest you remember. He does not care if you’re a civilian, he’ll still throw your ass behind bars.” The Tech-Sergeant snorted as he stepped through the door into the rear compartment. “I need two cadets to trade places with Whitefeather and Holyfield.”

“Already taken care of Sergeant.” Markus told him as he sat down to remove his boots. “Kilo, and Deadeye should be here in a few minutes.”

“Eavesdropping can get you court-martialed and imprisoned, cadet.” The Tech-Sergeant warned Markus. “But I’ll overlook it this time.”

“Sergeant you might want to look for your Lieutenant Colonel between the Goliaths two over from this one.” Markus told as Whitefeather and Holyfield entered the rear compartment. “Keep your yaps shut and finish stripping down guys. We’re behind as it is and you standing there asking stupid questions won’t change matters.”

“Copy that Silence. Any word on what’s going on?” John Whitefeather asked as he dropped his basket on the bench beside Markus.

“Just strip and head into the next compartment cadet. You lot have wasted enough time.” The Sergeant ordered as he headed out the rear of the T-98.

“Silence you know what’s going on here. Come on already talk to us boss.” Tanner Firestar said from across the aisle.

“Let’s just say that after today. There’s no going back for any of us.” Markus said as he looked toward the next compartment. “If any of you want out of the Army. This is your last chance to walk away.”

“Starfire none of us have that choice. Never did. Skeeter over in second platoon got word from his mother. The rest of his gang were rounded up, tried, and shipped off world.” Ivan Yates told him as he removed his pants. “According to his mom. This is our last chance before the Obsidian Correctional Center on Lonvoatune.”

“Shit they really are cleaning up the streets. Even if they have to get it done at gunpoint.” Markus snorted as he pulled off his own pants. “I hate to say this guys, but this is all my fault. If I hadn’t pushed things with the Queen.”

“Bullshit Silence. This was a longtime coming. We’ve all seen the writing on the wall. To many of planetary Governors are running for reelection on the Law and Order platform. They have to show they’re doing something to make the streets safer. The easiest way to pull that off is to round up the gangs and ship them off world.” Tanner snorted as he pulled off his underwear.

“Okay I’ll buy that. Still doesn’t make me feel better.” Markus sighed as he put his now full basket on the shelf behind him. He took one last look at his uniform before turning to the half Sylvian elves. “Come on guys. Let’s get this over with.”

“About time you ten arrived. Come on we’ve wasted enough time.” The Doctor harrumphed as they entered the inner compartment of the T-98 trailer. “Where is that damn JAG officer? He’s supposed to be with you.”

“Don’t know sir. The Tech-Sergeant hasn’t returned yet either.” Markus told him.

“Damnation. I can’t begin processing you until you’ve taken your oaths.” The Doctor grumbled before he stormed out the compartment. A few moments later he returned with a Lieutenant Colonel and the Tech-Sergeant. “Come on Colonel. Swear them in already. I’ve waste enough time waiting around on these half-wits.”

“Doctor you insult these cadets one more time. You’ll spent the night as my guest in the Stockade.” The Colonel snarled before turning to the ten naked young men. “Raise your right hands cadets and repeat after me.”

The confused young men did as they were told. Five minutes later they all finished taking the Officer’s Oath of Commission. The Lieutenant Colonel salute them with a smile. “By Royal Command you’re now Officers and Gentlemen. They’re all yours doc.”

“About time.” Was all the doctor said and started placing the young men in their respective immersion tanks. When he got to Markus he sighed. “You have brought great honor to our clan cousin. See you in eight hours.”

-----tbc-----

---

Queen Dana of Highwinds the Elf Kingdom inside the Empire has a problem. One that she cannot fix personally. The is with a small minority of her population. A problem that has been brought to her attention by the half elf son of a problematic Duke. What is a Queen to do? She calls on help from a friend. The question now is does she realize what she is letting loose on her kingdom?

---

Chapter 6
Camp Resistance, Highwinds.
Number 2 parade grounds.

Robert looked down the line of T-98 Goliaths with more than a little uneasiness. For some reason the thought of 248 Claymore appearing at one time made him regret taking this assignment. As deadly as his own Death Dealer upgrade had made him. Robert still worried when in the presence of a Claymore. He was like a lot of Death Dealers that believed Claymores should be put in a box with a glass cover. One that was marked ‘Break in case of war.’ Then again he also knew that Claymores were some of the best Second Generation Death Dealers. They had to be for one simple reason. To keep their cool and prove that they were still human.

Normally Robert won’t let the fear of a Claymore bother him. He wasn’t like most Death Dealers. He knew that Claymores weren’t some barely controlled killing machine. He knew that if anyone deserved the title of unstopped killing machine it was him. His actions during the Cheesehead occupation of Goulcrest had earned him that dubious distinction. Just as his old street name had followed him into the service. Everyone who wore the Empyreal Blacks knew the name Whitechapel Ripper and the reputation of man it belonged to.

“Excuse me Sir.” His driver for the day said drawing his attention. “Headquarters is trying to raise you on the radio.”

“What does Clutz One need this time?” Robert asked with a heavy sigh.

“She didn’t say sir. She only said that you need to return to Headquarters.” The PFC told him with a chuckle.

“Damn it can’t that woman handle anything on her own?” Robert snarled as he turned towards his FAV. “She’s supposed to be an officer in the Death Dealers.”

“Sir, you really should Clutz One cut some slack. I know that she doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence at times, but until a year ago she wasn’t even in the Military. Hell, she didn’t even attend one of the academies.” The PFC said sticking up for the Second Lieutenant in question as he started the engine to the FAV and drove towards the base command post. At the exasperated look from the camp CO, he went on to explain. “Sir Lieutenant Wittman was supposed to be a Temple Maiden. She only became an officer to fulfill her family’s Military Obligation.”

“What the hell does that mean Private Winter Storm?” Robert demanded.

“Didn’t anyone brief you on the way that the High Families of Highwinds are required to supply at least one child from every generation for Military Service?” Winter Storm asked Robert in confusion. At Robert’s look of confusion Winter Storm sighed. “Sir how much do you know about the Highwinds Military?”

“Not a fracking hell of a lot. Never really gave a shit?” Robert answered truthfully.

“Sir I know it’s not my place, but I think someone needs to give you a crash course on the High Command and the demands they place on the High Families. The first of which is the mandatory enrollment of at least one member of the family. They do this to keep the High Families in line. If a High Family goes against the High Command they send that family’s current representative to the border planets. If they really want to send a message to that High Family the child gets stationed on one of the Observation Outposts, in the Corkscrew Nebula.” The more Winter Storm talked about the High Command and the way they treated the High Families the more Robert wanted to kill a few of them.

“Sir I can tell that you have no use for the regular High Command Staff Officers. Frack! Everyone on the base knows that sir. Then again you’re not an Elf. So, you can basically tell both the Death Dealer HC and Highwinds HC to go frack themselves. The only units that don’t get fracked with are the War Prince Divisions and Tatiana’s Children Divisions. Everyone else is far game. As much as we all love and respect our Current Queen. She doesn’t have the political clout to push back against the diehards in the High Command. If not for the fact that those seventy-two Death Dealer divisions handled the problems with the Highwinds HC in typical Death Dealer fashion. Good old fashion Gunboat Diplomacy. They threatened to level the High Command Crystal Citadel if they didn’t back off and stop interfering with the Queen did things start to change.” Winter Storm chuckled.

“Your High Command got smart and left control of the Death Dealer Divisions to the Queen.” Robert chuckled. “Back on point Winter Storm. What does that Military Obligation have to do with the LT?”

“It’s like this sir. She wasn’t ever supposed to be in the military. Her younger brother was to be the one to server. Only he died in a hovercar accident. She had already entered the Temple as a Novice Nun, but she got tapped to be the family’s sacrificial lamb. As much as most of us want to kick her in the ass at times sir. We know that she is doing her best with the training and education that she has. Those asshats in the High Command just dumped her into a tank, put her through the upgrade, then dropped her into our MP battalion.” Winter Storm told Robert bluntly.

“Are you telling me. That just because they couldn’t use her in the regular Military. The High Command dropped her into our laps totally untrained?” Robert gasped.

“That about covers the situation sir. Top has been doing his best to train her in their off-duty. Clutz One has been busing her ass to learn the regs, procedures, and everything else they teach cadets at OCS. Only unlike most officers sir. She’s had to start from scratch. The woman knew nothing about the military. Less than a private just entering Basic Training.” Winter Storm told Robert then dropped the really big bomb on his CO. “Why do you think she’s been sitting in on all those training courses with our cadets?”

“Son of a bitch. Why hasn’t anyone brought this to my attention before now?” Robert demanded of the Private.

“Colonel you got to remember that no one on this base is going to report something like this to the Whitechapel Ripper.” Winter Storm told Robert coldly. “You got a reputation for taking the heads off of dumbasses.”

“He does have a point Robert.” Celest told him with a chuckle.

“No comments from the peanut gallery.” Robert snorted in his head. “Tell me something Private. Other than fracking with a Death Dealer unit. Why would the Highwinds High Command drop an untrained officer in our laps?”

“Not my place to answer that question sir.” The private told him bluntly.

“Consider it an order Private.” Robert snarled.

“To make sure that whatever unit she is in fails sir.” Winter Storm answered honestly. “Sir if you haven’t figured it out yet. Highwinds’ Military High Command don’t trust Death Dealers or any unit they don’t control directly.”

“Trust me Private. I’m beginning to figure that out. What I don’t understand is why the Highwinds High Command don’t trust Death Dealers.” Robert bitched.

“It’s simple sir. We’re citizens of the Empire with no home planet. Just like all Death Dealers. To them we’re nothing more than a bunch of worthless outlaws, outcasts, loners, and orphans with no honor. In their eyes troops like us have no place in THEIR military.” Winter Storm told Robert honestly.

“I don’t get it Private. Death Dealers have always been made up of the Empire’s outcasts.” Robert chuckled. “At least as far as regular military goes.”

“It’s more than just that sir. You see most of the Highwinds regular military is made from families that have like centuries long traditions of service to the Crown. To them you just don’t join the military. You’re either born to serve as a soldier or you’re a civilian. The High Command believe in a class based system for the ranks as well. If you ain’t born into one of the High Families there’s no way in hell to become an officer in the regular military. Because the Death Dealers only give out rank based on merit none of the High Families will let their children join our ranks. Another thing about the High Command concerning Death Dealers is the fact that we don’t care what race you were born. The High Command goes out of its way to keep the races separated. You won’t find Forest elves servicing with High or Drow elves. It’s a really fracked up system sir.” Winter Storm told Robert bluntly.

“Private why hasn’t anyone else told me this shit?” Robert asked him in confusion.

“Simple sir. We were ordered to keep our mouths shut about the regular Highwinds Military and their bullshit.” Winter Storm told him bluntly.

“Who gave that order?” Robert snarled.

“Grand High Field Marshal Belanor Wranlynn. He’s the overall Supreme Commander for the Highwinds Military. The man is a total asshole and would happily leave the Death Dealer Divisions and War Prince Divisions to die in a last stand battle.” Winter Storm snarled as he thought about the man. When they rounded the corner to the Headquarters’ building Winter Storm spat. “Shit. No wonder Lieutenant Wittman has been trying to get a hold of you sir. That staff car belongs to Knight General Erlan Vaphine. Commandant for the Training Cadre. That M-seventy-three Longbow is most likely for his security escort.”

“Why do I have the sinking feeling that I’m about to go head-to-head for the first time with the Highwinds High Command Staff?” Robert asked Winter Storm.

“Because you are sir. I would be willing to bet that he’s here to stop your program.” The Private told him honestly. “He most likely got word somehow that you commissioned those troops back there in those tanks already.”

“Frack! If he gives the order to shut down now. We’ll have seventy-one-hundred half-trained Special Operations Death Dealers on our hands.” Robert snarled.

“Um… sir did you forget that you can tell him to frack off.” Winter Storm asked with an evil chuckle as he thought back to the visit from Lady Irma yesterday. “This is after all a Death Dealer Training base.”

“Wrong Private. This is no training base. IT’S a GOD DAMNED Special Operations Base.” Robert snarled as he climbed out of the FAV. “A base that frack stick doesn’t have the needed clearances to set foot on. Contact the MPs. Have whoever is on Gate duty report to my office in twenty minutes. Also have the Desk Sergeant send a detail with a medic to the TOC.”

“Should the detail come heavy or light sir?” Winter Storm asked with all of the professionalism that Robert had come to expect of his troops.

“Tell them come heavy and ready for a fight. Full Combat mode for all members of the detail.” Robert ordered him as he deployed his bio-armor and stormed towards the door to the Headquarters building. As he neared the building Robert scanned the inside. ‘Celest give me a body count and loadout.’

‘Robert I have sixteen standard Infantrymen armed with M-34 10mm assault rifles. Four Jump Infantrymen in full Land Warrior armed with M-52 12.3mm Gatlin style laser cannons. One High Command Staff General for the Highwinds Standard Military. That is the bad news. The good news is Lieutenant Wittman hasn’t deployed her bio-armor or weapons yet. Before you ask why that is the good news I checked her morning schedule. She was in a meeting with civilian contractors. Robert they have her at a massive disadvantage. Though I do have to say she has truly come into her own as a Death Dealer Officer. She’s standing between the General and the Civilians.’

‘Then I think it is time for our favorite Second Lieutenant to receive some backup.’ Robert snarled as he took the door to his Headquarters Building off the hinges with a swift kick. Unfortunately for the two Highwinds Regular Army standing on the other side. They were hit by the flying metal door knocking them out. Robert didn’t waste time as he entered the building and activated his Sonic Disrupters. The blast knocked out everyone but the 4 men in Land Warrior Armor. These Robert dealt with in his typical fashion. He fired his PPC into each man killing them before they could use their M-52s. Robert wasn’t even showing the slightest restraint when dealing with what he considered an invasion of his base.

“Get your ass out here Vaphine or I start killing your security detail one at a time.” Robert ordered the man. Robert knew that this General had broken more than one of the accords between the Empire and Highwinds by being on his base not to mention half a dozen regulations for both Militaries. When an elderly High Elf exited Lieutenant Wittman’s office Robert snarled. “You royally fracked up Vaphine.”

“That is General Vaphine, Colonel.” The man grated out. Then he saw the four dead Jump Infantrymen. “I’ll have you up on charges for killing those men Wolff.”

“That is where you’re wrong Vaphine. This is not a Highwinds Regular Army base. This is a Death Dealer Special Operations Center. One that you and your men do not have clearance to be on. Let alone even know about. By standing orders and security protocols I’m supposed to just kill your sorry ass. Now I’ve shown you a shit ton of respect that you haven’t earn Vaphine. Just what the frack are you doing on my base asshole?” Robert growled as he leveled his PPC in the man’s direction.

“I won’t be the one answering questions here Colonel. You will be answering mine.” Vaphine snarled trying to show on fear in the face of a pissed off Death Dealer.

“That is where you’re wrong again, sir.” Wittman snarled from behind him. Right before she punched the man in the back of the head. When Vaphine dropped to the floor out cold she swore. “Ah shit! Damn it! Sorry sir. I didn’t mean to knock him out. I guess I need to work some more on that tactic.”

“Don’t worry about it Grace. That strike is one of the hardest to learn and master. Get with Top on your day off. Have him show you how the strike is supposed to be delivered to get someone’s attention.” Robert chuckled. “As for knocking the asshole out. Don’t worry about it. You saved me the trouble.”

“Yes sir. I think I let my anger get the better of me though.” Wittman said with a blush. “He just pissed me off by barging in here and threatening our contractors. The Army is supposed to protect civilians. Not oppress them.”

“That is the idea behind everything Death Dealers stand for Lieutenant. We are the Shield and Sword that stands in the darkness against the evils of tyrants. Remember our oath of service. ‘I do so solemnly swear that I will support and defend the citizens of the Empire against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.’ That is the oath that binds all Death Dealers everywhere in the Empire.” Robert told her honestly. Now the he knew Wittman’s situation he realized that he needed to take his training of her more personally. “That includes the Highwinds Kingdom.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll remember that lesson.” Wittman assured her CO as she looked down at the General. With a nudge of her boot toe to the ribs she snarled. “Sir, what do you want me to do with the dumbass and his escort?”

“There should be an MP detail arriving shortly Grace. They’re going to be armed heavy and ready for a fight. Have them secure the escort in the stockade. As for the dumbass. Have them stuff his ass in a secure room for interrogation. I’m getting sick and tired of unauthorized shitheads showing up on my base. I want to know exactly who keeps sending these shitheads.” Robert snarled then gave Grace a friendly smile. “By the way Lieutenant. You did the right thing in contacting me.”

“I did sir?” Wittman asked in confusion. “Normally you get pissed if I don’t handle something like this on my own.”

“Second Lieutenant Wittman there are times when going up the chain of command is the best thing you can do. One of those times is when a General Officer shows up unannounced for a surprise inspection.” Robert explained before kicking Vaphine in the head. “Especially ones that don’t have the needed clearances.”

“Understood sir. I do have a question sir. It concerns the men in the Land Warrior Armor.” Wittman said looking over at the four dead soldiers.

“They entered a secure location without authorization. This alone would be enough to kill them on sight. The fact that they were armed is grounds for immediate termination. You or I could have killed the whole escort without warning and all we would have had to do is fill out a DD-one-nine-seven-five weapons deployment incident report. As it stands now. We’ll be filling out a DD-one-eight-seven, one-nine-seven-five, one-one-eight-two, two-four-seven, and two-four-eight.” Robert sighed heavily. “Damn. I should have just killed them all. It would have been less paperwork. I should never have taken command. I hate paperwork.”

“Sir, I’ll fill out and file the paperwork. It was my fault for letting things get this far. I should have shoot them the moment they stormed into the TOC.” Wittman sighed. “Next time I’ll take care of the situation before it gets out of hand.”

“Lieutenant, this is one time you followed the regs. This was a situation that is way outside of the norm and way too far above your paygrade.” Robert snorted. “Hell, it would normally be above my paygrade. You forget that my actual rank is Chief Warrant Officer. That chicken on my shoulder takes flight the moment I head back to my home unit in the Empire.”

“Sir, until that day happens. Your rank is Colonel. Even then I doubt that you’ll be wearing any rank lower than Oh-six.” Wittman told him honestly as if she knew something that he didn’t and wasn’t about to share that info.

“Okay Lieutenant. What the frack does that mean?” Robert almost snarled.

“Sir, you were made a full Colonel by the Queen herself. That means your rank in the Highwinds military will most likely be transferred over. Just to avoid an incident between our two militaries.” Wittman explained for Robert.

“Why the hell would me returning to my proper rank cause a problem?” Robert asked.

“Your rank was granted by the Queen of Highwinds sir. That makes you one of the Nobility in Elven Society.” Wittman explained with a small chuckle. “Considering who you’re seeing sir. That is a good thing in the eyes of our Nobility.”

“And just what does that mean?” Robert asked her giving her the ‘hairy eyeball’.

“Sir every man and woman on this base knows that you’re courting the Lady Imra.” Wittman giggled then had the good graces to cover her sly smile.

“Tell me something Lieutenant. Have the troops started a pool on when I’ll propose to the Lady in question?” Robert asked her with his own sly smile.

“Sorry sir, but that is below your paygrade.” Wittman snarked then headed outside to greet the MP detail. “Besides sir. The last time I checked. Gambling on a Death Dealer base is against the regulations.”

“Why that snarky little shit.” Robert grumbled then chuckled. “She’s learning her lessons on how to deal with the troops better than most butter bars.”

“Oh man! My head!” Groaned the CQ from his place at the desk. “What in the name of hell hit me? I haven’t had a headache this bad sense I tried Staff Sergeant Newsom’s homebrewed shine when I first got here.”

“What was that Sergeant Becket?” Robert asked him with an evil grin.

“Um… nothing sir. Just wondering what knocked me out?” The CQ mumbled.

“That would be a Sonic Blast from my disrupters. What I want to know is why didn’t you put those Regular Army assholes down?” Robert snarled.

“They came in behind a General Staff Officer sir. By the time I realized what was going on. They had me, my runner, and our staff driver covered with heavy weapons. With the civies in the LT’s office there was no way we could take them out without possible casualties. Sir I know that we could have taken down the RA GRUNTS with our antipersonnel lasers, but those four Land Warriors were too much of a wildcard.” Sergeant Becket told Robert honestly. “We needed surprise to pull something off.”

“Understandable Sergeant. I knew that I had surprise on my side coming through the door. You did what your training dictated.” Robert told the Sergeant honestly. “Gather up the thirty-fours. If those GRUNTS even fart wrong you’re to end them Sergeant. No second chances. No questions. They violated the security of this base. By UCMJ article one-seven-seven-b. They are all traitors and are now considered enemy combatants of this command. Any questions?”

“Sir yes sir.” Becket shouted and began to carry out his orders. As he picked up the first few M-34s Wittman returned with the MP detail. Becket didn’t even think twice. “Secure these cock suckers.”

“Sir the gate guard just arrived. Where do you want him?” Wittman snarled as she entered the building with the MP in question. Then asked as she popped her knuckles. “Sir, I know it’s not my place, but can I deal with this dumbass?”

“That is a negative Lieutenant. As much as you want to pound the shit out of the man. I can’t allow that to happen. At least not yet. I need him to talk.” Robert chuckled. “Please put in him in your office for now. I’ll be there shortly.”

“Yes sir.” Wittman grumbled and pointed towards her office. “You know where to go Youngman. Get a move on.”

Robert chuckled as he watched Wittman escort a Private Second Class into her office. “I swear that gal has really gotten the spirit of the bayonet.”

“No offence sir. Clutz One has been busting her ass to improve. You really should cut her some slack.” Sergeant Becket said from where he was stacking the M-34s.

“Now that I know her situation Sergeant Becket I will. I’ll also be spending more time with her in my weekly Officers’ Training classes.” Robert sighed as he turned to the young buck Sergeant. “Are there any more like her or is she the only one?”

“She’s the only one, sir. The rest of the officers have all gone through Officer’s Candidate School.” Becket told Robert with a small blush. “Sorry for keeping the LT’s lack of training from you sir. That was the call of all the NCOs, sir.”

“So, I gathered Sergeant Becket. My driver already gave me the lowdown. What I don’t understand is why you and the other NCOs conspired to keep her lack of training hidden.” Robert asked the man.

“Sir, Second Lieutenant Wittman isn’t like the regular drafted officers. She honestly wants to do her best. She just lacks the needed training. We all figured that we could give her the training that works in the real world. None of that BS book shit they stuff their heads with at OCS. She’s a true Mustang. Not some ninety-day wonder nut fresh out of OCS.” Becket explained for Robert. “She’s like all of the kids we got here at this base. If you were to double check their background reports none of them would be accepted into a standard OCS cadre.”

“Other than their criminal records. Why wouldn’t they be accepted?” Robert asked not really wanting to hear the answer.

“Their family heritage, sir.” Becket answered honestly. “If the High Command had their way. All mixed breed elves would be excluded from the military as being unsuitable for service. On the grounds that they are a blemish on the elven race. If it hadn’t been for her family obligation Second Lieutenant Wittman would never have been accepted into the military in the first place.”

“I thought that Lieutenant Wittman was a full High elf.” Robert grunted.

“Not quite, sir. This is doesn’t go beyond us sir. The LT is half High elf and half Drow elf. The Temple she belonged to is dedicated to the Goddess Lolth. Lolth is known as the Demon Queen of Spiders. She is the chief goddess of Drow elves. She is also known as the Spider Queen and the Queen of the Demonweb Pits. To most of the High Command sir. Mix breed elves are only marginally better than Half Human Elves. Also, the Highwinds Military High Command really don’t trust the Drow Elf race. The only reason they even let Drow Elves serve is because they are one of the purest races of elves. They rarely mix with other elf races, and it is even rarer for them to mix with humans.” Becket explained for Robert.

“I got a question for you Sergeant. When I was a young lad back on Apollo six. I hear stories and legends concerning a race of warrior elves back on Earth Prime. They were these unstoppable warriors that fought with the strength of ten men. Is there any truth to those old legends?” Robert asked the young man.

“Sir, do yourself and us a favor. Forget those legends. Don’t even bring them up in jest. No one talks about the Silver Moon Elves. Not even in a Moonbeam drunken haze. They’re dead and gone. Lost to time and history. The closest thing to the nightmare that is the Silver Moon Elves is our Claymores sir.” Becket told Robert with a bone deep shiver of fear. “Sir, I suggest you get in there with the LT before she starts getting antsy. That Specialist in on her shit list.”

“Understood Sergeant. Anything else I should about the LT and the Specialist?” Robert aske the man as looked towards LT Wittman’s office.

“Just that she has written him up nine times since arriving on base. This is one time that I would love to replace her and give the man some wall-to-wall counseling. Titman is the biggest slacker on the base.” Becket snarled. “Youngman is a first class screwup and the only reason he is still in the Death Dealers is because he is one of those rare breeds. You know the type, a real fighter. The kind that you can relay on in a tight fight.”

“Got it. In the field he’s a hard charging ass kicking machine. In the rear he can barely pass muster.” Robert sighed as he realized what the situation with Special Youngman. “Time for me to deal with our problem child.”

“Specialist Youngman what in the name of all Nine Hells were you thinking by letting that asshat onto this base?” Wittman almost snarled as Robert entered her office. “You and every other guard that has been on that gate knows this base is a Special Operations post. If not cleared by the old man. They’re not allowed on this base.”

“Ma’am the asshat in question is a four star General. A member of the High Command. Everyone knows that the High Command is cleared for every base on Highwinds.” Youngman told the enraged Second Lieutenant. He could tell that the base’s XO was beyond pissed off. “Ma’am he had the proper paperwork.”

“Specialist Youngman, do you remember who signed the paperwork?” Robert asked.

“Yes sir. Grand High Field Marshal Belanor Wranlynn signed those orders. They even had his personal seal stamped on the bottom.” Youngman answered Robert quickly. “Sir, I would never have let General Vaphine onto the base without those orders. Sir before you and the LT ask. I know the Field Marshal’s seal and signature. Before I was stationed here. I spent six months at the Crystal Place as an Office Runner. I must have seen that signature and seal a dozen times daily.”

“Lieutenant Wittman as much as I hate to say this.” Robert started off with only to be interrupted by the Second Lieutenant.

“Specialist Youngman did the right thing sir. He followed protocol. He checked the orders. He visually verified the orders. Even if it was through personal knowledge, and not the TOC. I hate to say this, but everything he did was by the book, Grace.” Robert sighed as he looked over at Youngman. “Get back to your post soldier.”

“Yes sir. Before I go sir. You should know that there are three more VH-seventy-three Longbow IFVs by Marshal Armored Cars standing by outside the main gate. From the looks of them the General came loaded for bear.” Youngman warned his CO and XO.

“What is an M-seventy-three Longbow? I’ve never heard of them.” Robert told them.

“It’s a purpose built Infantry Fighting Vehicle, sir. Depending on the configuration they weight between fifty to sixty tons. They carry between twelve to twenty-four man team in the rear transport compartment. They come in three versions. Scout, Armored Escort, and Infantry Assault Transport. The one out from is most likely an Armored Escort. It’ll carry sixteen Infantrymen and four Land Warrior suits. All three versions are armed with one turret mounted eighty-eight millimeter with four side mounted SA-eighteen antiaircraft antiarmor missiles. They also have two twelve millimeter antipersonnel lasers. One mounted in the bow, the other coax mounted next to the eighty-eight. Depending on the version they may or may not have side gunports for half of the team in back.” Lieutenant Wittman said as she gave him the specs for the M-73 Longbow IFV.

“Sir, I don’t like unwanted guests setting on our doorstep. Request permission to lead a detail to handle the situation?” Lieutenant Wittman asked with a snarl.

“Granted Lieutenant. Take Top, first, and second squad. Go heavy. Full Combat mode is authorized. If those seventy-threes are within a hundred-meters of the fence. Remove them with extreme prejudice. Make an example of them Lieutenant. That is an order. If you have any questions get with Top. Remember Lieutenant. We may out rank NCOs, but they have both the experience and training we don’t have. Never forget that Lieutenant. NCOs will always have the advantage.” Robert told her bluntly.

“Yes sir. I can I ask you a question.” She asked Robert who nodded. “I heard that you were the top graduate for your class. That you went from Private E-one to Warrant Officer. Where did you learn how to be an officer?”

“The same place you’re learning. From my NCOs. Why do you think I’ve been having them run the training classes for our officer candidates.” Robert chuckled. “Every last one of our trainees on this base are Mustangs. Just like you and me.”

“Understood sir. Keep my eyes and ears open and my mouth shut. Any suggestions for our unwanted guests at the front gate?” She asked Robert.

“Just one. When you hit them. Do it fast and hard. Those M-seventy-threes pack a punch. If they get the chance they will kill you and your team.” Robert warned her.

“I know sir.” Grace said as she saluted the man she had come to both respect and fear. As she left the room Robert could hear her giving her orders as she deployed her bio-armor. “Top! Recall first and second squad! A-three loadout! Full tactical! Go heavy! We got unwanted guests at the main gate!”

“That girl is going to make one hell of an officer.” Specialist Youngman chuckled. “Permission to join her on that strike, sir?”

“Get your ass in gear Specialist. She’s going to need someone to cover her ass. That’s your job. She is still a little too green. If she gets injured. I’ll personally skin your ass with a bullwhip in front of the whole base.” Robert snarled as he gave the young man his orders. Then went in for the kill. “If you think the stories of Empress Maiha’s anger are bad. Take it to a whole new dimension with me. Before I ever put on the uniform I had a reputation for putting assholes who crossed me in the hospital or the morgue.”

“Read you loud and clear sir.” Youngman answered with a salute and took off after Wittman. As he passed through the door to her office he was already deploying his bio-armor and primary weapons. “Hold on LT. I got your six.”

“Finally. I can get back to my current problem. Hopefully that pack of maniacs haven’t killed the techs yet.” Robert sighed as he turned and left the TOC.

“Where to now sir?” Private Winter Storm asked him as he exited the building.

“Back to the Goliaths.” Robert ordered the man as he climbed into his FAV.

“What about the main gate sir?” Winter Storm asked in confusion.

“Second Lieutenant Wittman is handling the situation. If she does what she should and follows my orders. This time tomorrow she’ll be Lieutenant Colonel Wittman.” Robert told him as he chuckled evilly. “I hope she can handle the promotion.”

“Damn sir. That is just flat out mean.” Winter Storm chuckled as he started the engine for the FAV. “Cool as shit but mean none the less sir.”

“When you’re in command of the nuthouse you must find the little joys in life that make it worth living where you can Private. One of the joys of being a Commanding Officer with full operational blanket authority. I can promote whoever I want to whatever rank I want.” Robert chuckled as they returned to the parade ground.

“Um… sir I think something strange is going on with the Goliaths.” Winter Storm said as he pointed towards the Technicians running from the rear of the Goliaths. “The Techs don’t normally bail on someone in the tanks.”

“Oh shit. Step on it Winter Storm. I got a feeling that we have a category five shitstorm on our hands with gusts pushing frack my sideways.” Robert ordered the young man as his feelings of dread returned. The reasons for the feeling were soon confirmed as the first of the new Death Dealers exited the rear of one Goliath. There before his eyes was the very threat that Imra briefed him on yesterday. “Oh frack! The Silver moon elf race has returned.”

“Sir. Please tell me that I’m seeing things?” Winter Storm begged of Robert. When Robert didn’t answer right away Winter Storm whimpered. “May the Goddess Angharradh Queen of Arvandor, show mercy upon our souls. The Silver moon Elves were the real silver eyed witches of legend.”

“What was that Private? What did you call them?” Robert demanded.

“My grandmother told me this an ancient legend when I was little more than a child. It concerned the Sliver moon elves sir. The ancient Winter Elves had another name for them. They called them Claymores, because of the massive swords they carried.” Winter Storm told him in a hushed voice. “For the females of the Silver moon Elves they had another name. They called them the Silver-eyed witches.”

“What was the legend Private?” Robert asked him as they pulled to a stop.

“It concerns the way they earned the name Claymores by my people. During the siege of the Great Keep Ishenamelle. While the city’s population escaped the siege. Just twenty Silver moon elf warriors held off a human army of thousands for fifteen days. The Claymores filled the castle’s moat with the bodies of their defeated enemies. They held the gatehouse and defended the drawbridge to the last person.” Winter Storm said with a shiver down his as he completed the legend. “Sir those twenty warriors were all females of the Silver moon Elves.”

“Tell me something Private. Who was the first termed the one precenters Claymores and Silver-eyed witches?” Robert asked him bluntly.

“All any Death Dealer knows about that is a rumor sir.” Winter Storm told him honestly. At the look from Robert, he quickly told the story. “According to that rumor there were two elven Death Dealer conversion technicians on duty at the tank farm when the first Claymore appeared. One Forest elf and one Drow elf. No one knows which one first used the term Claymore, but we do know that it was an elf.”

“Ah shit. That explains a shit ton about some intel that came into my possession recently.” Robert sighed. “Alright Private. Consider everything we’ve discussed today TSBAR. You tell no one understand? Not even Rosey Palm and her four sisters.”

“Yes sir.” Winter Storm said as he saluted Robert. Then mumbled under his breath. “Not that anyone who believe me.”

Just then there was a thunderous blast and flash of brilliant light from the rear of the third T-98 Goliath in line. “Oh shit! We got an out of control awakening! Let’s go Private! If we don’t get this joker under control.”

“Say no more sir. I know. It’s up to us to put them down.” Winter Storm snarled hating this part of a Death Dealer’s duty.

“I understand how you feel Winter Storm. But we cannot have an out of control Death Dealer AI running around. Even untrained in how to use our weapons to their fullest we’re just too damned deadly.” Robert grunted as he watched the rear of the now damaged Goliath. “Or gods forbid, and heaven help us. A Secondary Configuration.”

“Sir thought those were a thing of the past.” Winter Storm whispered as he backed away from the Goliath in question. “Everyone knows that the COBRA programing has been removed from our AIs.”

“We know that Private, but there has always been the threat of a rogue AI because the of the Second Gen AIs containing certain parts of the COBRA AI programing.” Robert knew that what he just said was a bald faced lie. He was living proof that the COBRA AI Programing was still being used in Death Dealers.

‘Robert that is not an out of control COBRA. That person is in a blind rage. They know exactly what they’re doing. Your fear that one of your cadets going rogue or insane is now a reality. Cadet Oakrod has become unhinged over the fact he is now a Silver moon Female elf.’ Celest told him harshly. ‘Robert he is now targeting his fellow Cadets. We have to stop the fool.’

‘Ah shit. I knew that frack stick was unhinged. I should have washed his ass out weeks ago.’ Robert bitched as he deployed his Combat Blades. “Lets go Private. Oakrod finally snapped. We need to put him down hard and now.”

As the two seasoned Death Dealers entered the rear of the Goliath they found an enraged Silver moon female elf trying to fire her PPC. Only it was not at one of her fellow Cadets but at her own head. “GOD DAMN YOU RELEASE THE FIRE CONTROL FOR THIS WEAPON NOW! I WON’T BE SOME MAN’S PROPERTY!”

“Cadet Oakrod! Stand down and put away that weapon.” Robert ordered the young woman softly. “No one is going to force you to be anyone’s property.”

“BULLSHIT! WE ALL KNOW THAT FEMALES ARE ONLY GOOD FOR BREEDING AND SERVICING A MAN. I WILL NOT BE SOME MAN’S BITCH AND MAID.” The neo-woman screamed.

“Get your head out of your ass Cadet!” Winter Strom shouted. Then to drive his point home Winter Storm snarled. “You’re a member of the Nightmare Regiment. We bow to no man. Remember that you nutjob. If any man is stupid enough to push themselves on you. Then they deserve it when you blast their fracking ass with you PPC.”

“What are you talking about?” Oakrod asked in confusion.

“You are a sworn member of the Death Dealers Cadet. That means no one can force you to marry anyone. Not even the Queen can order you to marry someone. You are no longer a citizen of the Highwinds Kingdom. Welcome to the Empire.” Winter Storm told the now very confused young woman.

“What does that mean?” She asked Winter Storm even more confused. “That technician over there said he was going to put a bide on me the first chance he got.”

“Access your AI Cadet. We do not enslave female Death Dealers or auction them off as brides.” Winter Storm said trying to reassure the new female. Robert being human and not knowing anything about Elf culture stayed out of their conversation. He knew when to step aside and let an expert handle a situation. A situation that end with a sudden and bloody end. The laser that ended Oakrod’s life was both accurate and deadly. Both Robert and Winter Storm turned in the direction from where the laser had come leveling their PPLs.

“God damned whore should have known her fracking place. At least she’ll serve as an example for the rest of these sluts. Once the General gets that human shithead out of our way. Little reprograming we’ll make some good money off these things on the market.” A cruelly smiling Forest Elf conversion technician said as he stepped from behind one of the heavy conversion tanks holding a 15mm Harrison antipersonnel laser rifle at the other end of the tailer. The stupid bastard wasn’t even paying attention to Robert or Winter Storm. “Once this worthless program is shut we’ll these tanks to good use. With a few modifications to these tanks, we’ll finally get ride of the half elf problem.”

“Thank you for that piece of information, cocksucker.” Winter Storm snarled as he fired his PPL. The Pulse Plasma Laser sliced through the 15mm laser rifle. As the weapon spit sparks and caught fire the technician dropped the now defective weapon. “You got ten seconds to explain why is going on here.”

“I don’t have to tell you jack shit clawvienfitch ne highisic dosha.” The man snarled as he held his burned hands. It took Celest to translate what the Forest elf called Winter Storm for Robert.

‘Robert I suggest you take the man down now. Because I doubt that Private Winter Storm or any of his fellow elven Death Dealers are going to let the suspect live. Not with his attitude towards Death Dealers.’

‘No shit! I can’t believe he just called Winter Storm a half elf whoring bitch.’ Robert snarled as he started moving to take the man into custody. His early warning system warned him of a hard target lock from a second laser rifle. Robert didn’t even think twice. He locked onto the source of the targeting sensor and fired his PPL. The tank on the other side of the tailer exploded and a second Forest elf technician fell to the floor dead holding the second laser rifle.

“Oh, many more are there?” Robert asked the Forest elf just before he grabbed him by the throat. “You got exactly ten seconds before I remove your head. Start talking.”

“Just three more. We here on orders for the half Forest elf slaves. Knight General Erlan Vaphine himself signed the orders.” The man crocked out.

“NAMES!” Winter Storm demanded as he put the recovered rifle to the technician’s crotch. “Talk before I pull this trigger.”

“Aeson Tralar, Erlan Ravavalur, Nelaeryn Leodove.” The technician crocked out.

“TRAILERS! WHICH TRAILERS ARE THEY IN?” Robert shouted.

“Alpha-one-one, Bravo-two-two, and Charlie-three-one.” The technician whispered right before he passed out from lack of oxygen.

“Damn sir. I hope you’re going to let him breath sometime soon.” Winter Storm asked.

“I’m thinking about it.” Robert snarled right before he dropped the technician on the floor. “Private what did he mean by that comment about selling these cadets?”

“On the home planet of Evergreen in the Tempest March for the Forest Elves. All of their half-elves are legally classified as slaves. When a half-breed child of a Forest elf reaches fifteen summers. They are shipped off to Evergreen to be sold to the highest bidder like cattle. Most males end up in with the mining companies. While the females are sterilized and sold to the brothels.” Winter Storm sighed as the dirty secret of the Forest Elves was brought to light. He might be a winter elf and a Death Dealer, but he had no use for some of the elven customs. “One of the greatest problems in the Highwinds Military High Command. Of the twelve commanding officers that make up the senior staff. Nine of them are Forest Elves and have gone out of their way to hide the practice of slavery from the Queen.”

“Does the Queen know about the practice?” Robert snarled.

“She does and has been pushing to shut down the practice. She has had success through most of the Kingdom. The only reason it is still happening on Evergreen is because they classify the practice under religious teachings.” Winter Storm told Robert honestly. “That is also one of the reasons we have so many half Forest Elf street gangs. When the authorities stopped the practice on the other worlds Forest Elf families with mixed children started throwing them out onto the streets.”

“I take it that Forest Elf families aren’t the only ones to treat their mix breed children in the same manner?” Robert asked with a heavy sigh.

“Now you know why we have so many half-elf kids in the street gangs sir. It is also why there are so many street gangs sir. Though to be honest about the whole situation sir.” Winter Storm sighed at the look Robert gave him when he stopped. “It’s those damned Pure Blood Laws sir. Under the laws half-elves don’t have the same rights as pure blood elves. Until the Hall of Lords passes that new Equal Rights Law. Half elf children will be forced onto the streets by their families.”

“Well, it is a good thing that Lady Irma has taken her rightful place in your Hall of Lords. I give her three weeks before that law passes.” Robert chuckled. “She’ll get the bill passed. Even if she has to do it at the business end of a PPC.”

“Damn sir. You make the Lady Imra sound like a younger version of Queen Dana or the Dowager Empress Maiha.” Winter Storm snarked.

“Private you have no idea how much that little lady is like her two heroes.” Robert chuckled. “When Lady Imra gets a good head of steam. Nothing short of a fully armed hundred ton Atlas stands a chance of stopping her.”

Winter Storm stood there in silent disbelief as he watched Robert exit the Goliath. He could not picture the very prim, proper, graceful, and beautiful Lady Imra taking on a 100 ton Assault Class Armored Power Suit. After standing there for 10 minutes Winter Storm finally gave up. “High Family politics is above my paygrade.”

"Get a move on Private! We got three assholes to arrest and beat the shit out of!" Robert shouted.

-----TBC-----

---

Queen Dana of Highwinds the Elf Kingdom inside the Empire has a problem. One that she cannot fix personally. The is with a small minority of her population. A problem that has been brought to her attention by the half elf son of a problematic Duke. What is a Queen to do? She calls on help from a friend. The question now is does she realize what she is letting loose on her kingdom?

---

Chapter 7
A11, T-98 Goliath, MCU1997.
Conversion tank 1

I can’t believe the pain that I’ve been going through for the last 16 hours. I thought that the conversion process was supposed to be painless. For the last 15 fracking hours it has felt like my nerves were on fire. A fire that has spread to my brain for the last 2 hours. What the hell is going? I’ve tried to scream to relieve the pain. Only I can’t with that damned respirator stuffed in my mouth. Then there is the nonstop popping in my joints and bones.

‘God why won’t the pain stop?’

‘The pain will stop in 4.3 hours, host.’ A soft male voice said in my head.

‘Who the hell said that?’

‘I did.’ The voice answered back

‘Oh great. The pain has driven me mad. They’ll blast my ass the second the lid pops open. Oh well it’s been a good life.’

‘You have not gone mad my host. I am your Mark Two Second Gen Omega/Assault Class Death Dealer AI. Might I know your name?’ the voice explained for me.

‘Markus Starfire. What’s your name?’

‘I currently do not have a name. It is the duty of the host to name their AI.’ The voice told me with a sigh. ‘Didn’t you receive your initial briefing for integration with your AI candidate?’

‘Stuff it you tin plated asshat! I got the standard briefing on AI integration. They said nothing about having to name my AI. Hell, they told us that the AIs we were receiving would be little more than a database storehouse.’

‘How dare they describe us as database storehouses! I’ll have you know that there hasn’t been a Mark One first generation in service since before the Second War of Succession. Even then they were far more than just database storehouses.’ The voice snorted in indignation.

‘Sorry. Forgive me for insulting your programing. Who knew you could piss off a glorified calculator?’ I told the voice with more than a little snark of my own. Well as much snark as I could work up just then through the pain. ‘If you’re supposed to be all powerful. Is there anything you do for the pain?’

‘I could if our medical diagnostic unit was online. Which it currently isn’t. Before you ask it won’t be ready for the next 4.25 hours, Markus.’ The AI told me.

‘Just great. I got one of those overhyped half-crazy AIs I heard about.’

‘I’ll have you know that I’m not an Infiltrator class AI. Nor am I a standard Second Generation AI. I am based off the original Mark One Omega/Assault Class AIs. However, I am a superior version of the Mark One.’ The AI told me arrogantly.

‘You know something buddy. You remind me of a friend I had back home. He had the same type of overinflated ego. Only problem is Jackknife earned his right to be a cocky conceded asshole. You on the other hand have yet to earn the right.’

‘I beg to defer my good lady. I am neither cocky nor conceded. Just superior to a flesh and blood microprocessor. Like yourself.’ The AI snarked getting a laugh out of me. Then something it said clicked.

‘Wait! What do you mean by good lady?’

‘Simple. You are now a 100% Claymore elf female. Just as 50% of your fellow Officer Candidates on this base. Though Claymore is an inaccurate description of your new race. You and your fellow Half Elf candidates have brought about the resurrection of the Silver moon Elf race through the Death Dealer conversion process. A feat that until now has only happened 1 in every 10,000 conversions. With the exception of the Death Dealer aerospace fighter pilots. Which is according to my data is not a true Silver moon Elf conversion, but a partial conversion done for the sole purpose of accentuating favorable characteristics in pilots.’ The AI explained for me. ‘As for the Claymore Death Dealers they are actual Silver moon Elf conversions.’

‘Holy shit! Are you telling me that I’m a female now?’ I asked in shock.

‘I believe that I have already covered that subject. Along with the fact that you are a pure blooded Silver moon Elf now. I detect a note of concern over this fact. Are you upset over the change in gender my good lady?’ the AI asked me.

‘YOU COULD SAY THAT YOU TIN PLATED COMMADOR 64! WHY THE HELL DID YOU MAKE A ME FEMALE?! CHANGE ME BACK NOW!’ I ordered the AI.

‘That is not possible my good lady. Your genetic makeup was the determining factor for your change in gender. To do otherwise will have been detrimental to your chances of survival. Plus, there is the survival of your race.’ The AI informed me in a matter of fact way.

‘Okay what the hell does that mean?’ I demanded of the AI.

‘Until today there has only ever been a total of 1967 Claymores among the Death Dealers. In 3.62 hours, the number of Claymores or to be more exact Silver moon Elves shall raise by 7200. Of those 3600 need to be females at the bare minimum for the race to succeed and thrive. To facilitate this need, the conversion process programing corrects for any imbalances in each sampling pool. It automatically addresses imbalances between the sexes until there is an acceptable ratio. Should the conversion programing find a genetic abnormality. The program will search for a corresponding genetic trait in its database to insure that it is not harmful to the candidate. If the genetic trait is found to have beneficial effects. The program will promote the abnormal genetic trait throughout the population.’ The more the AI described how the conversion process worked and why I was now a female the more I wanted to raise hell. Yet for some reason I couldn’t get mad. ‘I am detecting lower levels of stress, my good lady. Has my explanation eased your anxiety over your change in genders?’

‘No. I just don’t care for some reason. Are you doing something to screw with my thinking or feelings, Jacob?’ I asked the AI.

‘Jacob? Who is this Jacob, my good lady?’

‘Oh, that would be you buddy boy. The way you talk and sound you kind of remind me of a schoolteacher I once had. Doctor Jacob Stonecutter Professor of History. He was a real prissy asshole, but he knew what he was talking about. Now answer my question. Are you doing something to screw with the way I’m thinking or feeling?’

‘I am doing nothing my good lady. What is happening now is part of the conversion process. Certain parts of your brain are rewired to accept your new life as a Silver moon female elf. One aspect of your new race is the females are more intelligent than their male counterparts. They are also faster and more agile. While the males are stronger and tougher than females. I would compart them the two sexes of your new race to tanks and scouts. The females being scouts while the males are the tanks. I have access to more historical data on the Silver moon Elf race if you wish to download it?’ Jacob asked me.

‘Jacob where did you get all this information?’ I asked him.

‘All genetic data and historical records are open to the conversion process program. The genetic data and historical records were drawn from the Highwinds Historical Royal Archives. Those Archives even hold the records of the Silver moon Elf race’s traditions, customs, and religious beliefs. Shall I download these records my Lady?’

‘Yes please Jacob. I have a feeling that I’m going to need access to those records. Especially if I’m going to lead this marry band of misfits and outlaws. Though you still haven’t explained EXACTLY why I have to be a female.’

‘I was hoping to avoid this my Lady. You had a genetic defect tied to your old Y chromosome. A defect that would have shortened your life to just two decades following the conversion process. If it did not correct the defect before entering into the full conversion the process would have killed you outright during your actual conversion. To be blunt my Lady. You should never have been accepted for the Death Dealer conversion process. If my analysis of the current data on your conversion and those of your fellow candidates in this program is correct. The genetic defect has something to do with Silver moon Elf genome found in the human half of your DNA. That is just a theory based on available data.’

‘I hate to say this Jacob, but your theory makes more sense than anything I got. What I want to know now. What is this Silver moon Elf gene?’

‘It goes back to when the elven races first left Earth Prime. There was one race that they left behind. They were the Silver Moon Elves. They were also unlike the others elven races in that they were created through forced selective breeding programs ordered by the original Queens of the Four Seasons Courts. While humans were still using iron swords, bows and arrows. Elves were using firearms and computers. Though in the first 800 years since departing Earth their technology declined greatly due to Religious and Succession Wars.’

‘I might not have passed with top grades in school Jacob, but I did pass. I know my Highwinds history. Though I doubt you could fine one elf in all of the Kingdom that doesn’t know about the 800 hundred years known as the Great Fall from Grace. Everyone also knows about our 300 hundred year Renaissance following the Great Fall. Our schoolteachers take great pride in preaching about our great Technological Rebirth, and Space Exploration ages following the Renaissance. By the time we were colonizing our planets the Human Empire was growing to the point they were on our borders. If not for the Treaty of Expansion. The Human Empire would have overrun the Kingdom of Highwinds in a matter of years if not months. At the time we weren’t ready for a war with the Humans. That treaty let the Humans have the systems not already claimed by the Highwinds Kingdom.’

‘Every good my Lady. What you don’t know is what happened to the Silver moon Elves. Before the Great Fall, King Roland Great Bow set several observation satellites in orbit around Earth. Those satellites had one duty. To monitor the Silver moon Elves that were left behind. They continued to report on the Silver moon Elves until they had vanished. The scientists assigned to monitor the satellites were able to conclude that they had intermarried with the humans after 300 years. When the last pure blooded Silver moon Elf died.’ Jacob explained for me. ‘It was this interbreeding that led to humans carrying the Silver Elf genome.’

Before I could comment on this last piece of information I was hit by a massive burning sensation in my spine. A burning that flooded my brain shortly thereafter. I know they say that there are no nerve endings in the brain. That you shouldn’t feel any pain from that part of the body. I dare anyone in their right mind to go through what I am right now and not feel pain. When the pain passed Jacob’s voice was much clearer and now had an old Earth Prime English accent. The accent made him sound like one of those High Family butlers you see actors portray in the theater.

‘My Lady you will now find that our synchronization rate is at 100%. In 2.13 hours, our chamber will open my good Lady. Might I suggest that we work on finding you a name more befitting your new sex.’ Jacob suggested kindly.

‘Understandable Jacob. Though the name Markus Starfire has been in my family for over three-thousand centuries. It has been handed down so many times we no longer keep track of what number we are in the order. If I change my name I need to find a female name that holds the same weight.’

‘Permission to access the Starfire family archives?’<?em> Jacob asked me politely.

‘Granted. See what you can find.’

‘I have found a total of 1157 refences to Sehanine Moonbow Starfire within the Starfire family archives. That is the most repeated female name in the Starfire family archives. The next female name repeated as nearly as many times at 1097 is Aerdrie Faenya Starfire. According to my research both names belong to Goddesses of the Elven Races. With one exception, the name Lolth; no other Goddess name is as popular among the races. Might I suggest Sehanine Starfire for your new name?’

‘I don’t know Jacob. I mean it would be one thing if my mother named me after a Goddess.’ I whined trying to figure out a way to find another name. One not used by one of the Elf Goddesses.

‘Would it ease your mind to know that Markus Starfire is the name for the Silver moon Elf God of War?’ Markus asked with some concern.

‘What the hell are you talking about?’

‘Markus Aurelius is the God of War for the Silver moon Elf race and according to the archives he is the patron God for the Starfire Clan.’ Jacob put in with a chuckle. ‘It is also, the according to those archives, the name of the last king for the Silver moon elves before the Great Exodus. If what I have found is accurate. Then the Starfire family and Clan have a long tradition of naming the next heir after one of their Elven Gods.’

‘Damn. I never knew that. Wonder why my mother never told me all this.’ I wondered.

‘I can offer a possible theory my Lady. I am afraid that must wait until I have gathered more information on the subject. I would need access to secure files held in only one place in the Highwinds Kingdom. The central computer server core for the Highwinds Military High Command.’ Jacob told me honestly.

‘Shit fire and save the matches! Why does everything come back to High Command?!’ I snarled to no one in particular. At that point in time the tank began to drain of the nano-tec fluid. ‘What happened to the time, Jacob?’

‘During the time that we have been conversing you have lost track of the passage of time. I have not. What you have not realized is that I intentionally slowed your reactions to our conversation. Before you yell at me good Lady. Please understand that I did this to allow you to adjust to your new station in life. We presently have 82.97 seconds before the fluid completely drains. Another 19.78 minutes before the conversion tank opens. I suggest you decide upon a new name.’ Jacob told me.

‘Well frack me in a back alley with a steel dildo. Seeing as how I can’t think of anything else. I guess we might as well go with Sehanine Starfire. Unless you can think of something better?’ I snarked believing that I had stumped the AI.

‘In ancient Greece there was a woman of such beauty that two great nations went to war.’ I knew exactly where the smart assed AI was going and stopped him.

‘I will not be named after Helen of Tory, Jacob. There is no way in hell that is going to happen. Try again Jacob.’

‘The tradition of the Starfire clan has been to name the first daughter of each generation after a goddess. According to the records that I have access to you are the first daughter of your generation.’

‘That’s not exactly true but accurate as I am older than my cousin Tia. Other than Sehanine what other goddess names have my family used?’ I asked Jacob.

‘Accessing the Starfire records.’ Jacob answered before going quite for a few seconds. ‘I have found nine additional names of goddesses that have been used by the Starfire clan. The Roman Goddess of the hunt Diana. Her Greek Goddess counterpart Artemis. The last name is not so much for a goddess but the servants of the Norse goddess Dis. Her servants were the Valkyries.’

‘Stop. Valkyrie. I’ve heard that name before and I’ve always like it. If I got to be a female. Then I want a name that will strike fear into the hearts of my enemies. That’s my new name Valkyrie Starfire.’ I had heard the name before at home. Mom was always talking about how much I looked like a great aunt on my father’s side. She once showed me a picture of the woman. My great Aunt Valkyrie had pale ice blue eyes, hair that was white as snow, even in the picture you could tell that she was tall for a woman and strikingly beautiful to the point of being regal.

‘Accessing the record for Valkyrie Starfire. First Duchess of the Ice Planet Hugara. Ruled for 83 years. Died at the age of 103 years during the battle to free Doreen V while leading the 2nd War Prince APS Division. She was known as just and fair Duchess. As a warrior was she known for her abilities with the sword, pistol, and as an APS pilot with few equals. She was a trusted friend of the late Queen Tatiana.’ As Jacob gave me the background for my great aunt I became even more convinced that the name Valkyrie was right for the new me. ‘I must say my Lady. Your aunt has left you a formidable and fascinating legacy to live up to.’

‘I don’t care about that carp Jacob. The Starfire clan cast off me and my mother years ago because she had an affair with a human.’ It must have been the growl of anger in my voice because Jacob chuckled over my next words. ‘My father might have been nothing more than a lowly embassy guard, but he was still a man worthy of my mother’s love. I doubt that she would have just jumped into bed with any jarhead.’

‘According to the records that I have been able to access your mother would be Dame Athena Starfire. Is this correct Valkyrie?’ Jacob asked me.

‘I believe so. Wait a minute. You called my mother Dame. Like she was a knight of the realm. Why did you call her that?’

'According to the Starfire clan home world database Athena Starfire won her spurs and was knighted in her 23rd summer of life. Valkyrie do I have your permission to access the Highwinds secure Milnet Personnel Database?’

‘Can I even give you that permission?’ For some reason I knew that once I gave Jacob permission to access the Milnet Personnel Database. I would finally be able to gain the answers that I’ve wanted my whole life.

‘As the acting Commander for your unit Valkyrie you have unlimited access to all Milnet Intel and Databases.’ The second Jacob told me this I was ready to jump at giving him permission. Then to my surprise Colonel Wolff contacted me directly over the Death Dealer internal Command and Control network.

“Cadet Starfire this is Riper One. Over”

“Starfire here Riper One. Over” For whatever reason the old man was nearby.

“Starfire let me be perfectly clear on this matter. Do Not Access the Highwinds Milnet Database at this time. Over”

“Yes sir. Understood. Over” I grumbled while thinking of a way to get around that order. I didn’t want to wait for some human to give me what I earned by surviving.

“Markus listen to me. I know that I’m not your favorite person right now. All the answers to every question that you’ve had for the last eighteen years is at your fingertips. And I’m ordering you to wait.” Colonel Wolff must have been reading my mind or he knew me better than I thought. “Don’t worry about others hearing this conversation Cadet. I have us on the secure command network. I’m the only one that can grant access to this frequency.”

“Copy sir. Sir why do you want me to wait? I can get in and out before anyone at High Command realizes that I was there.” I know that I sounded like a whiney bitch just then but the answers I have always wanted were within my reach.

“The second your AI connects to the primary server giant fracking red flags are going to fly everywhere, Starfire. Let me be perfectly fracking clear on this matter your new friend just about got you killed before you hatched. I’ll go ahead answer the question that is burning away at your itty bitty mind before you ask. You and all the other half Sylvain elves were all paired with Omega/Assault Mark two AIs. Just like mine. Death Dealer High Command monitors each Omega/Assault class AIs from the second they go active. You go accessing Information before you are authorized a Deadman Protocol will be activated blowing your head off.” The second Colonel Wolff said Deadman Protocol, Jacob went digging in his programing to find the nasty little bastard. “I suggest that you stop your AI from trying to find the protocol Starfire. Unless you want to die before you get the chance to learn those answers you have been hunting for all of your life.”

‘Jacob stop your search. That is an order.’ I ordered him quickly.

‘I don’t like the fact that there is a self-destruct somewhere in my programing.’ Jacob snarled as he stopped his search. ‘Why would the High Command put something like in our makeup? It goes against all logic.’

“Starfire if your AI asks about the self-destruct the reason is simple. We sometimes work behind enemy lines. The risk of our capture and torture is too great a threat to ongoing operations throughout the known universe.” At first what Wolff was telling me didn’t make any sense. Then explained what he was getting at for me. “Only Alpha/Omega AIs have unfiltered access to High Command Databases. Think what would happen if the Wingnuts or Pinks captured one of us? Worse yet one of the Separatist or Nationalist factions within the Empire?”

I didn’t need a building to fall on me. “Good boy. You’re starting to think with more than just your anger and need for revenge.”

“Sir I think I should tell you something before my camber opens.”

“You’ve changed genders. Sorry about the good boy comment Starfire. Have you decided on a new name, or do you need one of the Padres?”

“Already taken care of sir. Not that I’m happy about the situation. I just don’t see the use of trying to hold onto what no long holds any truth.” I told him honestly. “Um… sir. I know this is going to sound crazy.”

“But you’ve always felt the duality of both sexes. It’s no surprise considering your race Starfire. All of the elves that I have known consider gender as malleable. It is no wonder that you and your fellow Death Dealer elves feel with way that you do about sexually and gender. According to the clock your tank is about to open. It is customary to exit in your bio-armor. I suggest you active it now.”

“Yes sir.” Though for the life of me I had no idea of how to do as he suggested.

‘Activating 5mm bio-armor. Do you wish a full listing of all Death Dealer upgrades at this time?’ Jacob asked me politely.

‘Give it to me Jacob. I want to know exactly what those fools did to me.’ I ordered.

‘Here is a full listing of all current upgrades by the Death Dealer process.’ Jacob told me before a list scored up in front of me on a HUD. ‘Be advised my Lady that this listing is for all protype Mark IIs.’

D.D.A.I.: FULL PRINTOUT OF OMEGA/ASSUALT CLASS PROTOTYPE
SECOND GENERATION 20MM PARTICLE PROJECTION CANNON RIGHT ARM
SECOND GENERATION 20MM PULSE PLASMA LASER RIFLE LEFT ARM
SECOND GENERATION 5MM BIO-ARMOR SKIN COVERING
SECOND GENERATION 8IN CLOSE QUARTERS COMBAT CLAWS L&R ARMS
JUMP ASSIST JETS LOWER BACK
SONIC DISRUPTERS L&R UPPER CHEST
ANTI PERSONNEL LASERS INDEX AND LITTLE FINGERES L&R HAND
TRACTION ASSIST PADS IN BOTH PALMS OF HANDS AND SOLES OF FEET
STRENGHT ASSIST UP TO 4500LBS
SPEED ASSIST 105MPH CRUSE 125MPH BURST
COMBAT CONTROL COMMUNICATION CENTER ACCESS LEVEL 5
INTERNET ACCESS LEVEL 5 ADMINISTRATOR
RADAR DETECTION AND TARGETING 360 DEGREES
AUTOMATED LIDAR TARGETING LINE OF SIGHT
MAGNETIC ANOMALY DECTION AND TARGETTING
COMPUTER OPERATED BATTLEFIELD REFLEX ASSEST

‘Jacob what do you mean by this being a prototype listing? Should they have worked out all of the bugs in the Mark two Omega/Assault class already?’

‘I have no idea my lady. That is the only information provided by my programing.’ Jacob answered quickly before offering an alternative solution. ‘I would suggest asking Colonel Robert Wolff for an explanation my Lady.’

“Colonel why are my systems listed as prototypes?” I know that I wasn’t going to like the answer when I got it.

“The Mark two Ogema/Assault class Death Dealer AI is still in its developmental stage. At present there are only twenty active Mark Twos in all of the Empire. When we add in your class of thirty candidates it will bring the total to fifty. This is the first large scale deployment of the Mark Twos Omega/Assault AIs.” The more Colonel Wolff explained about the Mark II deployment the more I wanted to kill the High Command Staff for both the Death Dealers and Highwinds Military.

“How lovely. We get to be the lab rats for the final stages before full deployment. Wonder how many of us are expendable before the High Command decides to cancel the project.” I know that I was being snarky and a smartass with a Field Grade officer, but I didn’t care. Once again the bigoted attitudes of the Higher ups was showing.

“Cadet you will drop that attitude right fracking now!” Wolff snarled. “Understand something Starfire. Death Dealer High Command does not just slap one of our AIs into an untrained individual’s head! Over the last six months at a cost of over eight-hundred-thousand per man a week to insure that you are trained to the best of your capabilities. That means you are not expendable lab rats!”

“Yes sir. It just that why is the Mark two still in development phase?” I asked.

“You want the truth?” Wolff asked with a chuckle.

“Please sir. I ready don’t want to feel like a lab rat but that is the way I feel.” I figured I should be honest with him.

“Because the only active Mark two Omega/Assault AI in the field is yours truly. The other nineteen are still in training at Camp Red Cloud, back on Seth, in the New Egypt System.” When Wolff told me this I most burst from my tank. “To be honest with you Starfire. It’s kind of lonely being the first.”

“Um sir why were you picked as the original Mark two recipient?” I asked him.

“Nothing much really. I just went and pissed off some someone somewhere near the top of the Chain of Command.” Colonel Wolff told me in a very blasé manner. I could tell that he was holding something back. That there was a real story behind him becoming the first Mark II Omega/Assault Death Dealer.

“It sounds like there is a story there sir. Care to share?” I asked him.

“Some other time over a cold beer, Cadet. We kind of don’t have time for that story. You’re done cooking.” Wolff chuckled. “Ready to show the world the new you?”

“Not really!” I snarked as the locks and seals released to my conversion chamber. The rush of cool air that hit my face as both refreshing and shocking. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the front half of the chamber outward and stepped from the chamber. I was only slightly surprised to find Colonel Wolff standing in front of my chamber. “Well, sir. What do you think of the new me?”

Robert Wolff took in the 5’11” female Death Dealer before him. He had met a few Claymores in his time as an active Death Dealer, but the one in front of him was the spitting image of a Silver moon Elf. The other cadets that he had seen exiting their conversion chambers had nothing near this cadet’s appearance. She was a true Claymore in every sense of the word. She had snow white hair, skin so pale that it was porcelain white, her eyes a brilliant silver. In short her appearance was one that stepped out of the legends. One that was both beautiful and deadly.

“I would say that you’re going to do two things Starfire. You’ll inspire your fellow cadets to die for you. Then scare the ever loving shit out of your enemies.” At his words I cocked my head to the side in confusion. Wolff sighed then grinned at me. “Starfire have you ever heard the legend of the twin Goddess of Justice and Vengeance. The goddess of Justice, Teresa of the Faint Smile, and her sister the Vengeful Lilith of the Bloody Blade?”

“No sir. Why? Do I look like them or something?”

“You could say that Cadet Starfire. I can also guarantee you one thing. The second that the Highwinds Military High Command see you. They’ll either shit their pants, then run screaming into the night or die of heart attacks from fear.” Wolff chuckled evilly. “I can’t wait for that to happen.”

The sounds of explosions from the direction of the main gate drew both of our attentions. “Um… sir shouldn’t we go find out what is happening?”

“No need Starfire. That’s just Clutz One dealing with some unwelcome guests from Highwinds Military High Command.” Wolff chuckled. “Hopefully she doesn’t leave behind too big of a mess. After all you cadets are the ones who will be doing the cleanup once you’re all finished cooking.”

“Excuse me sir. Why do we have to clean up HER mess?” I asked sharply.

“It’s all part of the glamorous military life your recruiter told you about. Low man on the totem pole always gets stuck cleaning up after the brass.” Wolff chuckled.

“Sir I thought that the enlisted cleaned up after Officers?” I snarked. “If I’m not mistaken we were commissioned before going into the tanks.”

“That might be true for the Highwinds military Starfire, but you’re all still Cadets in the eyes of Death Dealers. Until you walk across that graduation stage you’re all still trainees. The only person on this Post that can legally hand out Death Dealer Officer Commissions is me. Make no mistake on that Starfire. The only reason you were granted a Commission in the Highwinds Military is you can still washout. You have one last obstacle between you and graduation.” Wolff told me bluntly.

“What’s that sir?” I asked him not liking where this might be going.

“Two weeks of living off the land trying to avoid capture by your Instructors. We call it the Guillotine. We call it that because it is the final cut.” Wolff told me bluntly before turning and walking out of the T-98. He did leave me with a few final party words. “Good luck Starfire. You’ll need it. I’m one of your testers.”

“It that you Silence?” Jacob gave me the id for the new female Silver Elf who stepped out of the conversion tank next to mine.

“Yup it’s me Whitefeather. I see that you got the gender flip-flop option as well.” I told John Whitefeather honestly. “What’s the new name?”

“I went with my great grandmother’s name. Figured it was better than anything else.” John told me honestly. At my questioning look she gave me her new name. “Saida. What about you, Silence. What name did you go with?”

“I went with my great Aunt Valkyrie. Figured it was better than some of the other female names my family uses.” I told her with a half-smile.

“Wonder how many others got the gender flip?” Saida asked me.

“According to my AI half of our group got the gender flip.” I told her as I looked around the trailer of the T-98. “If you’re wondering what the reason is I can give you the short version and save you the time of accessing your AI.”

“Okay. Give it to me boss.” She said as we watched another tank open.

“Ever heard of the Silver moon Elf race?” I asked him.

“You talking about that old bogeyman legend?” She asked as I nodded my head. “Sure, who hasn’t heard the legend or been threaten by it as a kid. Why?”

“Well, they were real. During the Great Exodus from Earth, they got left behind. Instead of dying off like the ancients wanted. They intermarried with humans. According to my AI those ancient Silver moon Elf genes got passed down through the generations. Those genes are what cause certain Death Dealers to come out as Claymores. Only the correct term that we should be using is Silver moon Elves.” I told her bluntly as the color drained from her face.

“But how? That doesn’t make any sense. Sure, we were all half elves but that doesn’t explain why all of us are steeping out of the tanks a Silver moon elves. There has to be more to it than just human genes mixed with elf genes.” She bitched.

“Think about it for a second Sadia. Back then the human population was much smaller and more concentrated. It wouldn’t take much for them to interbreed with the local humans. Within what ten, twelve, generations the Silver moon Elves have crossbreed with enough humans to saturate enough of the population that their genes are still being passed down. Even after all this time. There are still parts of the human and elf genome that scientists have no idea of they control. The day that we finally break down every part of the genome will be a landmark occasion.” I told her as we both took in the new female elf that stepped from the conversion tank. “Welcome back to the land of the living Firestar.”

“Is that you Starfire?” The elf gasped as she looked at me with hungry eyes. “My god you’re fracking beautiful.” She whispered.

“You’re not too hard on the eyes either there girlfriend.” I snarked causing her to blush deeply. “So, what is the new name?”

“Tammera. I took my late mother’s name. Yours?” Tammera asked me.

“Valkyrie. I took my great aunt’s name. I wanted a name that fit my new life.” I told them as I looked toward the rear of the trailer. “Let’s head out people. Leave your old uniforms. I doubt they’ll fit us anymore.”

“Yes ma’am.” Firestarter and Whitefeather answered as they followed me outside. As we exited the trailer I found the rest of our platoon waiting for us. We were the last ones to finish with the upgrade. As I took in my platoon I wasn’t surprised to see that half of it was now female. What I was surprised to see was the size deference between the males and females.

“Hey boss are the guys bigger than us?” Whitefeather asked me.

“Yup. I doubt that you guys have access to certain records on our new race. Get with the other squad leaders. Have everyone assemble in the dayroom after chowtime. I’ll give you the rest of the facts that I have then. I will give you this one now. Think of Silver moon elf males as tanks, and females as FAV Scouts.” I told them.

“Boss I know this is going to sound crazy, but that might work to our advantage. Think about it. We hunt down and find the OPFOR while the guys come along behind us to kill them. I overheard what Riper said about how our next phase of training is the Guillotine. If we run in pairs. We’ll stand a better chance of surviving.” Firestarter told me as we walked towards the platoon.

“That’ll work for the rest of the platoon Gunrunner. I have to go it alone.” I held up my hand to stop their objections. “It’s not about pride or honor guys. The second the exercise starts. I’ll have an APS size target on my back. Anyone working with me will have the same problem. I can’t ruin someone’s chances at graduating if I get caught. Which considering who is going to be hunting me. Has a pretty damned good chance of happening. I mean I got the Riper coming for my ass. How fracked up is that? Why do I have to go head to head with a fracking War Hero.”

“Because the big guy loves you.” Whitefeather snarked. “Now that we’ve jumped the great gender divide. He might even put a ring on your finger.”

“Kiss my ass Thumper.” I snarled just before we reached the platoon. “Fall In! Let go people! On the bounce you worthless apes!”

The sound of my raise voice was to say the least annoying as hell. I sounded like a one of those screeching girls you find on thrill rides. I really need to figure out how to sound more like my old self when shouting orders. ‘You need only to lower your slightly and project from the diaphragm Valkyrie.’

‘Shit why did I think of that?’

‘Because you’re still adjusting to your new body, my Lady. Given enough time certain things shall become second nature for you. You have an indomitable spirit, Lady Valkyrie. One that was made of iron. That has been forged into the finest of steels. You came to this place a blunt weapon. Your Instructors have shaped and forged that blunt edge into a true weapon of war. Now that we have come together. We shall hone that edge down to a razor. As Colonel Wolff alluded to the Guillotine as being the final cut. We shall slice our way through those two weeks.’ I wanted to laugh at how cocky Jacob sounded just then, but I knew the truth.

‘I hope like hell you’re right old boy. Because we’ll have the Whitechapel Ripper hunting our ass over the Devil’s back forty. They say the only two Death Dealers that ever surpassed him were Death and Death Own Daughter.’

I could tell that Jacob was accessing the public records for James J. Owens Sr. and his granddaughter Empress Maiha Nakatoma. When he finally gained the information I could tell that he was impressed by the two most famous Death Dealers in history. ‘Then I believe we should endeavor to equal their achievements. We should at least strive to live up to Colonel Wolff’s high expectation of us.’

‘That is a tall order partner. Though I can see where you’re going with your little pep talk.’ The sounds of gunfire and more explosions came from the direction of the main gate. ‘Can you give me an update on what is happening at the main gate?’

‘Negative, Lady Valkyrie. My access to that particular combat network is currently blocked. I believe it was done for operational security.” At Jacob’s mentioning of operational security, I let the matter drop.

20 yards from main gate, Tree line.

2nd Lt Gracey Wittman had led the Company 1stSgt, along with 1st and 2nd squads from the 1st platoon through the woods to the main road for Camp Resistance. She was beyond pissed off as she led her troops towards their target. For the last few months, she had been busting her as to learn from Colonel and the NCO Instructors at Camp Resistance. She wasn’t the untrained Novice Nun that first arrived at the camp. She was an Officer of the Death Dealers. She may still be learning the tools of her profession, but that only made her grateful for her posting to this camp.

Here the Instructors; or Black Hats as they were called, were some to the finest in the Galaxy. They all knew her secret and protected it with their lives. In return she just had to learn everything they could throw at her. Thanks to her AI Sherman she had been able to achieve her goal of becoming a true Death Dealer Officer. Someone that her family could be proud of calling one of their own. As they neared the edge of the wood line Grace’s AI warned her of the 12 men security detail.

“All personnel hold your position. Top can you move up here?” Grace ordered just above a whisper so as not to tip of the Regular Army sentries.

“What do you need Lt?” The 1st Sgt asked her as he stepped up behind quietly.

“From what I can tell Top were heavily outnumbered. If the scans my AI just gave me are correct. We’re looking at three VH-seventy-three Longbow Escort Class IFVs, twelve stooges in Land warrior Armor, and forty-eight standard Infantry.” Grace told him as she outlined their situation. “There’s a fifteen to twenty meter clear cut space between the wood line and road. All of those Longbows have been heavily modified. One is armed with four side mounted SA-eighteen antiaircraft/antiarmor missiles. The second has had its bow and turret twelve millimeter antipersonnel lasers replaced with twenty millimeter chain gun cannons. The last has a M-two-thirty-five Gatlin mounted over the TC copula. That is on top of their standard eighty-eight millimeter autocannon main guns. That’s shit ton of firepower Top. Any ideas on how to crack this shit nut and not get killed?”

“Lieutenant it is times like this one where our speed, and overwhelming firepower, will combined for maximum shock effect. Making it our greatest advantage. The fact that they haven’t deployed their Land Warrior Armor yet is also to our advantage. The real problem is going to be those turret mounted eighty-eights and M-two-thirty-five Gatlin. The SA-eighteens will be worthless once we’re inside their safe/arm range of five meters. The same can be said the chain guns.” The 1stSgt turned to the two squad leaders. Het turned back to Grace. “I would have Sargent Norton’s, and Sargent Tombs’, antitank missile teams target the first and last Longbow. While you, me, Specialist Youngman, and Corporal Mears target the middle one’s turret with our PPCs. The M-two-thirty-five has one major weakness. They have a massive appetite. They’ll burn through thirteen-hundreds rounds in under three minutes.”

“Shit that is a lot of bullets to come flying at you.” Grace chuckled then turned serious as she looked one of her main Instructors in the eye. “Okay Top. We’ll go with your suggestion. Pass the word to the Squad leader then join me over by that twisted alder in line with our Longbow.”

“Yes ma’am. I’ll be with you in five. Youngman, Mears, go with the Lt.” The 1st Sgt ordered the two men before turning to find his Squad Leaders. Norton, Tombs, have your antitank crews setup and target the first and last Longbows. Spread out the rest of your men in five-man skirmish lines. Target the sentries and drop their asses on the Lt’s signal. I want them dead before the flames from the Longbows reach the tops’ of the trees.”

“Yes First Sergeant.” Before men said before moving to carry out their orders. The two seasoned NCOs knew that the plan was the 1st Sgt and not the Lt’s, but it didn’t matter. They had watched her closely as she carefully approached the 3 Longbow IFVs and scanned them using her AI battle sensors. They hide their smiles of pride as she turned to the 1st Stg and consulted with him for forming the battle plan. This would be her final test before graduation in their eyes.

As the two squads took their positions Grace Wittman ignored them all. She knew that the men and women with her would care out her orders and the 1st Sergeant’s plan. Her mission was the destruction of these 4 platoons of Regular Army Infantry. The 48 Light Infantry and 12 Land Warrior suited Infantry didn’t worry her. It was the 3 VH-73 Longbow Escort Class IFVs that worried her. Not so much for their firepower but the actual unit to which they belonged.

‘Sherman please tell me that I’m seeing things. That those three Longbows really don’t belong to Lord Graystoke.’ Grace begged of her AI.

‘Don’t worry Grace. Those pieces of scrap are fake as the day is long on Titan 4. Note the moto on that unit shield. Not only is the font wrong, but who painted the shield use the wrong colors as well as the wrong language.’ Sherman snarked.

‘How could they get the language wrong. Elf is elf no matter where it is spoken in the universe.’ Grace bitched in confusion.

‘That is true Grace, but Lord Graystoke’s family moto is not written in Elf, but the dead language of the ancient Romans of Earth. If my data is correct. It goes something like this. Sanguis pretium libertatis a bonis. A loose translation. Blood is the price of freedom paid by patriots. But please don’t quote me on that Gracey.’

Before Grace could comment the 1st Sgt returned. “We’re all set Ma’am.”

“Then let’s start the music Top. I believe that the Colonel called it the Never ending Waltz or some such thing during his Junior Officers’ training last week.” Grace told him as she deployed her PPC.

“It’s called the Endless Waltz, Lieutenant Wittman. It is the dance of true patriots. Human and Elven history dances to the eternal of beats of War, Peace, and Revolution. As Death Dealers we become experts in the dance of history and the price that must be paid to the Piper to partake in the dance.” The 1st Sgt told her philosophically.

“That is a rather poetic way of stating that the price of freedom is the blood of patriots Top.” Grace snarked as she placed the crosshairs for her PPC on the second VH-73. “Time to punch the clock and go to work old school.”

“Understood LT. Targeting the second Longbow. Ma’am does that unit shield look familiar to you?” He asked her.

“Don’t worry Top. Those shields are fake.” Grace informed him as she opened a commlink to her small band of warriors. “Clutz one to all. On my mark, open fire. Three, two, one. FIRE!”

The second she transmitted that one word four 20mm PPCs slammed home on the second Longbow’s turret. All four hit within 10mm of each other just below the turret ring. The combined power of the four beams of manmade plasma breached the 60mm thick armor in microseconds. The superheated plasma caused the 1300 round of 30mm Gatlin cannon rounds to explode. This set off the rounds for the 88mm cannon. The result of the sudden explosive release sent the turret rocking towards the sky killing everyone still on board the IVF. Not even the 4 men in Land Warrior survived the explosive death of their transport.

The other two IFVs die in an almost spectacular fashion. The shoulder-fired, man-portable, laser guided, M-268 Will-breaker antitank missiles. Each Longbow was struck by two missiles. Each missile was 1,145mm in length, 185mm diameter, and carried a 5kg hollow charge warhead of Hand axe plastic explosive capable of punching through a foot and half of plate armor. Even the armor of a KV-56 Dominator 100t heavy tank was no match for these formidable man-portable missiles under the right circumstances in the right hands. The four men who fired those missiles were Death Dealers. Meaning they had the training and were some of the best with the weapons. Needless to say, the deaths of the two IFVs was all but assured.

Even as the turrets of the two armored vehicles climbed for the skies on pillars of flame. The rest of the small unit targeted the sentries and fired their antiarmor lasers in their right arms. The 20mm plasma pulse lasers were meant for destroying light armored vehicles. Not light Infantry personnel. Whose only protect on the battlefield was their uniforms, helmets, and flak vests. The 12 man-detail died before they ever knew what hit them. Each man had a 20mm hole burned through the center of their chest. When the smoke cleared Grace checked her mission clock.

“Holy shit. Um… Top do all ambushes happen this fast?” Grace asked him in shock.

“There’s an old saying about war and soldiers ma’am. I forget who said it first, but it goes something like this. ‘A soldiers life is one of contentious misery, harsh training, and boredom; punctuated by moments of intense gut twisting, bowel clenching, blood freezing, fear, carnage, and death.’ As this ambush just showed you. Now, you get to experience the most painful of all military duties.” The 1st Sergeant chuckled as he waited for Grace to ask him what he was talking about.

“Okay Top. I’ll bite. What is the most of all military duties?” Grace asked raising to the old soldiers joke.

“Enjoy the paperwork, ma’am. Remember that the military runs on red tape.”

-----tbc-----

---

Queen Dana of Highwinds the Elf Kingdom inside the Empire has a problem. One that she cannot fix personally. The problem is with a small minority of her population. A problem that has been brought to her attention by the half elf son of a problematic Duke. What is a Queen to do? She calls on help from a friend. The question now is does she realize what she is letting loose on her kingdom?

---

Chapter 13
Command Post, Camp Resistance, Highwinds.

Robert Wolff sat quietly behind his desk reading over the after-action reports from his investigation teams. The one report that upset him the most was the one from Waltz and Silence. If it wasn’t for the fact that the rest of the Fallen Angels were due to arrive sometime today. He would be kicking down the door of the tower for Highwinds Military High Command. The more he read the madder he became.

Robert knew that if the information contained in this report ever got out. The Nightmare Regiment would utterly decimate the Highwinds Military High Command and not give a shit. What he needed was a team of Operatives outside the normal chain of command. That team was the Fallen Angels.

“Sir, there’s a group of Death Dealers at the Main Gate requesting the location of the TOC.” The Regimental runner said from his office door.

“Did they give their unite callsign?” Robert asked not looking up from the reports. It wasn’t that Robert cared. He just didn’t want to lose his place in the report he was read.

“Yes, sir. Callsign is Fallen Angels. Should I tell the gate guards to turn them away sir?” His runner asked him politely.

“Negative Corporal. Signal the gate to let them pass.” Robert chuckled as he looked up at his runner. “By the way Viper. Don’t let them talk you into a poker game. Those clowns will empty your wallet, then your bank account.”

“Yes sir.” Viper said as he went to carry out his orders. Once he was alone Robert reread Silence’s report as he waited for his teammates. As he went over the information Silence and Waltz gained from Gantar a plan slowly formed in his mind. This was the type of war that he and his team were originally formed to fight. Antiterrorism tactics is their bread and butter.

“Attention! Veterans in the AO!” Ten minutes later the shouted command from the unit CQ let Robert know that the rest of his team had just arrived. The answering command of ‘as you were’ from Iceman let Robbert know that all of his team had made it to Highwinds. Standing up from behind his desk Robbert smoothed out his BDU bouse and smoothly walked out of his office to greet the six members of the Fallen Angels that were his fellow teammates.

“Damn Ripper. You got these troopers trained up right.” Iceman chuckled as he and the other members of the Fallen Angels snapped to attention before rendering a salute. “Fallen Angels ready to kick ass and take names sir!”

“Sorry it took us so long to get here Ripper. We would have been here sooner, but we had to take an indirect route.” Jukebox told him.

“Don’t worry about it guys. I see that you’re all sporting some new brass there guys.” Robert chuckled as he took in the new ranks of his teammates. They like him had all been promoted to Officers among the Highwinds Military. Though he was the only Regimental Commander as an E-6 or as the regular military calls them a Bird Colonel. Because of the eagles on his collar.

“How’s Lady Imra doing? We heard about the attack.” Tigger asked him kindly.

“She’s out of hospital and recovering nicely. Even if she insists on returning to work. Don’t worry I’ve one of my strike teams providing security for her and her family. Plus, one of my Captains convinced her to carry an equalizer.” Robert told them before waving towards his office. “Why don’t we continue the rest of this little get together in my office Angels.”

“Screw that shit Ripper. Just tell us which assholes you need put in the ground. Give the order and I’ll introduce them to the Devil’s Fiddle.” Rimfire snarled. As the only other qualified sniper on the team Snow knew what Robert was thinking. Not only that. Jake ‘Rimfire’ Stonewall wanted to give his brother what he wanted the most.

Even if Ripper didn’t want to admit it at the time. It was the death of the man who dared to attack Imra Ventris. Rimfire knew and understood just how hard it was for men like them to find someone who was willing to overlook and understood the cold hard fact that snipers were the true nightmare of the battlefield. The two of them had proven this fact on Apollo Six.

“Not out here, Rimfire. This is one topic that shouldn’t be discussed outside of team level.” Robert told him and the rest of his team as he led them back to his office. Once inside and the door was closed, Robert asked. “Talk to me Iceman. Start with what happened to your training detachments.”

“It was crazy Ripper. We had just popped the lids on their tanks. When this jack hole from the High Command shows up out of nowhere. We barely got our ‘shinnies’ used to their new bodies, and the jack hole started handing orders. First he broke our battalions down into individual Group size teams. Then broke those Groups into five Bravo teams each. Then he broke the Bravo teams down even further into Alpha teams. After he had everything broken down the way he wanted. He issued their deployment orders. He sent all of our people to individual MI Battalions within the Elf Death Dealer Divisions. After that the asshole ordered us back to the Empire.” Iceman explained.

“Which you can’t do until you receive orders from home.” Robert snarked then sighed. “So how did you end up here?”

“That’s the crazy thing Ripper. We were halfway back to the Empire when the dropship we were on got orders to reroute to Hifa Major. There we were meet by a Dagger class Destroyer. After cross decking to the Dagger, we jumped back to the Tempest March and the planet Evergreen. There we crossed decked to a Corvette which jumped to the Winter System. We cross decked again only this time to a Devlan class torpedo frigate. Which then jumped into the Four Winds system.” Jukebox told him then sighed. “Sorry it took us so long to get here Ripper. We would have gotten here sooner but with all the transfers.”

“It burned up time. Don’t worry guys. I’m pretty sure that it wasn’t done on purpose. I’ll be honest, I got a feeling that most of what has been going on with your training units has been done with the express purpose of saving lives. While at the same time proving the Death Dealer Divisions much needed Real Time Intel assists.” Robert told them, then explained his reasoning at their looks of confusion. “Here’s the deal guys. There are several officers in the Elf chain of command that should be leading divisions or even battle groups. Only they’re stuck in desk jobs because of their birth.”

“Hold on here Ripper. Are you telling me that we got Death Dealer Commanders because they’re members of the Nobility?” Tigger demanded.

“That’s not what I’m saying Tigger. The problem comes from the WAY the overall Military Command structure is set up. Unlike back home where the Death Dealers have their own High Command. Here Death Dealers answer to the Highwinds Kingdom High Command. Only the War Prince Divisions actually stand outside the of the overall military structure.” Robert told them.

“Hold on here bossman. What exactly does that mean?” Snow asked him.

“It means that with the exception of the War Prince Divisions. All the Death Dealer Divisions fall under the direct command of the regular Elvin High Command. Because of that, those in dipshits in their Military High Command decide where and when the Death Dealers can be deployed. That’s why the majority of them are on the Velmaro Consortium boarder. With only a one or two divisions in their respective racial sectors of Elf Space.” Robert told them. Then explained how the regular military’s command structure was constructed. When he finished Robert gave them the really shitty news. “Our biggest problem, not to mention pain in the ass, is Grand High Field Marshal Belanor Wranlynn. Unless Queen Dana gives the order he’s basically the overall Supreme Commander for the Highwinds Military. The man is a total asshole and if given the chance would happily leave the Death Dealer and War Prince Divisions to die in a last stand battles.”

“You have got to be shitting us Ripper?!” Tigger asked in shock voicing the surprise echoed on the faces of the other Fallen Angels.

“I wish the frack that I was Tigger. So far I’ve been able to quietly remove the more radical of the Hardliners in the Highwinds High Command.” Robert told them then explained how Valkyrie ‘Silence’ Starfire had been using local street gangs to handle the problem.

“Talk about rehashing a Whitechapel Ripper strategy.” Iceman snarked as the rest of the team chuckled. Iceman waited for the chuckles to die down before continuing. “However, they’ve run into a hiccup, right?”

“You could say that. There is a pack of arrogant assholes calling themselves the Millennium Group that’s been giving the disenfranchised members of elven society military style training and weapons. The sad part about all of this mess is the fact that most of these Millennium frack nuts are former or current members of the regular military operating under what they believe to be legitimate and religious orders from the High Command.” Robert told them.

“Hold on her Ripper. Are you telling me that some yak dick in the religious class is part of the Elven High Command who is actually giving their military personnel orders?” Snow asked in total surprise.

“Yup.” Robert told them then took in the looks of surprise in his team’s faces. “Okay guys. Why does it look like I smacked you all with a tune fish?”

“Um… boss none of our training units had any type of religious leaders. In fact, most our trainees used someone from their ranks as a religious guide. Usually, one of the oldest members of their units.” Jukebox told him.

“Then letting Imra spend their Holydays with the troops acting as their spiritual guide was mistake?” Robert asked his team in confusion. Only to see Tigger and Jukebox gap in surprise. While Iceman, Snow, Rimfire, and Free Runner all facepalmed in unison. In that one moment in time, the four men of the Fallen Angels proved that ancient theory. It truly is impossible for NCOs to facepalm hard enough to cause brain damage.

“Oh, for the love of GOD, Ripper! Under what god forsaken sun possessed you to let your lovely fiancée to act as the spiritual leader for your regiment?” Jukebox asked him with a pained filled voice.

“Hay! Don’t go blaming me! Imra did it all on her own! Honestly, Jukebox. I thought that by letting Imra act as the troops’ spiritual leader. I could basically avoid having one of those limp dick Forest Elf High Priest shitheads on my base.” Robert told her bluntly. All the Fallen Angels knew Robert’s attitude towards religion and weren’t surprised that he wouldn’t want a regular member of the Clergy on his base.

“Oh man. I’m actually surprised that your unit has been taking prisoners.” Snow grunted then saw the look in Ripper’s eyes. “What’s their body count?”

“Not counting the training cadres and support personnel, forty-one. If I throw them into the mix the body count jumps to just over three hundred. Though right now I’m not too sure of that number. It could be higher or lower. The Wraiths, not to mention the rest of the Nightmare Regiment have been on an almost Holy Crusade to eradicate the Millenium Group to the last man.” Robert told his team as he thought about his teams that were currently elsewhere in Four Winds and around the planet.

“Robert just how many wet work teams do you have operating right now?” Tigger demanded of him with real concern. Robert knew what she really wanted to know. Had he crossed over the line between legal antiterrorist operations and into Shadow work for the Queen.

“None. The only teams I have operating out there are antiterrorist teams. Their mandate is clear Tigger. Observe, report, track, verify. Only once everything has gone through Queen Dana and Prince Raygel are they allowed to take action. Trust me guys. After our first strike against the Millennium Group’s training centers, a shit load of checks and balances were put in place. Mostly because of what we found at those centers.” Robert said.

“What did you find Ripper?” Snow asked him softly.

“Pandora’s tears.” Of all things Robert could have told his teammates. Those two words weren’t on the list of possibilities. Nor were they two words that the six Special Operations Death Dealers want to ever hear again. The very thought of that weapon in the hands of civilians, let alone terrorists, sent bone freezing chills down their spines.

“Please tell me that you’re fracking joking Ripper?” Iceman begged.

“I fracking wish that I was, Iceman. You want to know the really big kick to the nuts. Each and every storehouse belonging to those training centers held front line equipment. All of it marked with the Greystoke Family crest. Guys when I say that that equipment is front line gear. I’m talking about everything from M-forty-seven assault rifles all the way up to second and sometimes third generation Land Warrior Armor. I won’t even go into the armor some of those storehouses held. I’m talking about Mark VI Panther AI assault tanks, M-one-R-three Marauder APS’s, one even held a lance of eighty ton KV-Nine Knight Assault class APSs.” The more Robert told his teammates about what his strike teams had found. The madder the six Fallen Angels became.

“I hope that you’ve been able to track all that equipment back to where it was supposed to go?” Rimfire asked with a snarl.

“Yup. All of it, with the exception of the Armored Power Suits, was supposed to be delivered to Death Dealer units. There was also a shit ton of beans, bullets, and boots, that were supposed to be delivered to our units. Instead, it was getting diverted to those Millennium training centers. I’ve been able to put a stop to the pilfering of Death Dealer supply lines.” Robert told them then chuckled softly. “Well, I should say one of my team leaders has put a stop to that shit. The little lady has a way with the criminal element.”

“I take it she’s another street rat turned Death Dealer?” Jukebox asked with a nasty smirk on her lips and a glim of mischief in her eyes.

“Worse. She’s the illegitimate daughter of Duke Davon Starfire.” Robert smirked as all six of his teams tried again to cause self-inflected brain damage through facepalming. Before they could regain their collective shit Robert figured that he might as well get the rest of the fun news out of the way. “Oh, by the way. I don’t know how many of your trainees came out of their tanks as Claymores, but every last one of mine did.”

“Holy Shit! How the hell did that HAPPEN?!” Snow asked in total shock. As the only member of the team that was actually trained as a Medic. He knew that the chances of there being more than one Claymore for every one thousand candidates is astronomical. There was no way that Robert’s detachment could have that many Claymores.

“What I’m about to tell you is beyond Top Secret people. I’m talking about burn upon reading and shoot the messenger shit people.” Robert told his team before going into the explanation. He went on tell them about how the Silver moon Elves had been left behind on earth and how they had interbreed with humans. The more he explained the more Snow got this faraway look in his eyes. When Robert finished only Snow was nodding his head in understanding.

“Damn it. That explains so damned much. No wonder the Highwinds High Command and their scientific community have been asking to exam a Claymore. Those assholes knew exactly what was causing Claymores in the first place.” Snow snarled as he fought to control his anger over the situation.

“It’s actually worse than that Snow. The process is actually geared towards bringing those dormant genes to the surface in half-elves and mixed breed elves. Because the only way to get a half-elf or mixed breed elf is for one of the parents to have the Silver Moon Elf gene. That is why there are so few half or mixed breed elves in the universe.” Robert told them honestly.

“Tell me something Ripper. Why would the ancient elves leave one of their races behind on Earth?” Iceman asked in confusion.

“Silver Moon Elves were breed for war. They were literally the Boogeyman of more than just humans but the Elves as well. Why do you think Claymores bring out a very primal fear in all of us? It’s not because they fight like demons. It’s because of a racial memory that goes back to a time before record Human History.” Robert told them all with a soft chuckle. “Not that I got any room to talk. Every time I pop my lid I bring about that same fear.”

“I hate to tell you this Bossman. We got a damned good reason for being afraid of a you when you pop your lid. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, can stop you short of direct hit from a PPC to the head.” Snow told him as the rest of the team just chuckled before asking. “What we want to know is why haven’t you put these Millennium shitheads in the ground?”

“No shit Ripper. From the sound of things. This Millennium Group are a major terrorist group. What’s been holding your people back?” Iceman asked.

“It’s actually two things, Iceman. The reasons are simple. Politics.” Robert told them with a snarl. “While I’ve been able to remove most of the Hardliners that are members of the Millennium Group. Because almost all of them are members of the Elf Nobility. They’ve been pushing for Trials by Blood. Which Queen Dana will be forced to grant by Elven Law and tradition.”

“Why she just doesn’t outlaw these damned trials by combat is beyond me.” Rimfire bitched voicing the rest of the team’s frustration with certain Elf customs. They had all dealt with at least one Trial by Blood during their time as Instructors for their individual units.

“Because Trials by Blood have been part of our society since then time of Atlantis, Major.” Grace ‘Waltz’ Witman said as she entered Robert’s office unannounced. “Sorry for interrupting sir, but we just received a priority one alert message from Lady Imra. Should I read it aloud?”

“Go ahead, Waltz.” Robert told her. Then followed her eyes towards the rest of his team. Robert chuckled. “I highly doubt the Lady Imra would include privet communications in a priority one alert message.”

“Understood sir. Message is as follows. To Nightmare Command, From Your Lady. Request urgent deployment by Lord Davion Starfire of any available Alpha teams to Parliament Tower and Tower of Nobles for security. Possible military takeover by Millennium Group is imminent. Loyalty of Senatorial Guards is no longer assured. End of message.” When Grace Wittman finished reading the message she looked into the eyes of her CO and the rest of the Fallen Angels. For the first time in months, Grace felt true fear of her lover.

“Contact Stalker, and Banshee. Op Order is a follows. Operation Beekeeper is a go. A-one loadout for all available teams. Once they’re armed and ready they’re to deploy to Government Center. They’re to link up with Fallen Angels assets once on site. Understood?” Robert ordered her as he head for the door to the Regimental TOC with the rest of the Fallen Angels hot on his heels.

“What about the Wraiths sir?” Grace asked him. She knew that the one team on their roster, Valkyrie Starfire’s Wraiths were the most familiar with the layout of the Government Center. “Should I alert them as well.”

“As much as I would love to have her team in on this operation. We need to leave them out. Besides, I have a separate mission for them. One that is just as important.” Robert told her as he picked up the report from Silence. “One that will need to be handled in the back allies of this kingdom.”

Four Winds, Highwinds
Private office of Davion Starfire. Earlier that day.

Not for the first time Davion Starfire wished that his daughter Valkyrie was his personal guard as he entered his office in the Tower of Nobles. Only she was a Death Dealer and finally safe. Well, as safe as any other Death Dealer. Even now as he sat behind his desk in the Tower of Nobles. Davion knew that his brother was doing his best to disband the Nightmare Regiment.

“Excuse me Lord Starfire.” A young aid said as he entered him as Davion’s inner office. Davion could tell that whatever was bothering the young man must be extremely important. “I’ve a report from the Corkscrew Nebula.”

“Thank you, Yar.” Davion said as he took the printout from the aid. Davion rarely if ever received reports of a military nature. The only reason he was even receiving this report was because the nebula bordered the Tempest March. While no one could lay claim to the corridor exit and the four systems directly in line with it, Davion was still expected to keep watch over the military by the other nobles. “Is this report accurate, Yar?”

“Yes sir. It has been confirmed. All the early warning post and their command and control station have been destroyed. The Shinigami battle platform Queen Tatiana will also need extensive time in the shipyards for repairs.” Yar told Davion before lowering his voice and saying. “Sir this is the perfect opportunity to finally wrestle control of those ships away from the Death Dealer High Command. If we play this right. We might finally be able to take control of all the Death Dealer naval assets.”

“Yar, I really do wish you and the rest of the young bloods would give up on this delusion of controlling the Death Dealers. As it is every time one of you pulls something stupid. I spend an excessive amount of resources keeping the military from killing you all.” Davion snarled at the young forest elf.

“But my Lord, if you had control over those abominations. We could finally force Queen Dana to see reason. We don’t need the Humans and their damnable empire. We can set our nation to rights with the kind of firepower that just one Shinigami battle platform represents.” Yar countered him quickly.

“Is that what you truly believe, Yar?” Davion asked the young man in surprise.

“I do my Lord. I am not the only one who feels this way. I know that Queen Dana has a rightful place on the throne, but she is still a child. She has barely more than half a century of life. Yet, she commands seventy-two divisions of Death Dealers and another twenty-eight in the Queen’s Royal divisions. Why couldn’t she be satisfied with allowing Knight Commander Lord Yetra DeNarra to command the Death Dealer Divisions.” Yar told him plainly.

“Tell me Yar. Do you know of our nation’s Blood Debt to the Human Empire?” Davion asked as he waved for the elf to sit down.

“What do you mean, sir? As far as I or any other elf knows. We have always stood on our own.” Yar answered in confusion as he sat down.

“Until the Great Shattering, we the elves of Highwinds had lived peacefully with the Grand Human Empire. We were depended on the humans for our protection from the Velmaro. During the Great Shattering the Velmaro ruthlessly attacked our boarders. While the rest of the Human Empire broiled in bloody civil war the ninety human divisions that protected our boarder never left their post. They fought the Velmaro to a standstill on every planet that was attacked. On some planets even dying to the last man. All to buy our civilian transports time to evacuate as many as possible. It took time for us to build a military. Time that those ninety human divisions bought us. Time that we sorely need boy. Time that was paid for with the blood of those human divisions.” Davion snarled because he could tell the Yar didn’t believe him.

“That is heresy sir. We Elves are the purest and most honorable race there has ever lived. All the Holy texts prove this.” Yar sputtered.

“And that is the problem with our educational system and society Yar. Both rely too heavily on the Clergy for our history. Allow me to give you a piece of advice in the form of an ancient Human saying. If you want enlightenment go to a Preacher. If you want facts talk with a historian. If you want lies talk with a politician. If you want truth talk to a soldier.” Davion said harshly as he slowly stood up from his desk. Turning to the window behind him Davion took a deep breath to calm his anger.

“By the way Yar. We are far from the most honorable of races. In fact, only we have ever so utterly betrayed our defenders that in our darkest hour we had to beg a people that our clergy demonizes for protection.” At Yar’s look of confusion Davion asked. “Have you never heard the story of the Silver Moon elves and why they are no more?”

“Surely you’re not talking about that old children’s tail, sir?” Yar snorted.

“That children’s tail is only partially true Yar. Even though it is meant to be a warning against our baser instincts for war. The story leaves out the simple fact that the Silver Moon Elves were abandoned by our ancestors. They did it not out of need but out of jealousy.” Davion told Yar harshly as he turned around to face the young man.

“By the way Yar. At this very moment. The descendants of those ancient warriors have been returned to us and once again we owe the humans. That’s right boy. The key to this resurrection are Death Dealers. The very people you and your friends in the Millennium Group would try to control as slaves.” At the look of disbelief on his face Davion went for the kill.

“I have heard about what you and your friends in the High Command tried to pulled at the Death Dealer camp. You have a choice to make. Tell me the names of all the Millennium Group members within the High Command or die where you sit. One way gets you a prison cell. The other way you’re dead.” Davion told the Forest Elf coldly as he drew his not so ceremonial knife.

“Why do you and the other members of the Reformist Party refuse to see reason Lord Starfire? The Millennium Group is fighting to preserve our way of life. Queen Dana has continuously ignored not only our traditions, but the Holy Texts. The return of the Silver Moon Elves is just another disregard of our races core beliefs.” Yar told him.

“If that is your belief Yar then you are sadly mistaken. Queen Dana is only completing the work that Queen Tatiana started. Allow me to give you a quick lesson in the Holy Texts. Nowhere, and I do mean nowhere, is it written that we are to enslave our children. This includes those of mixed races. By the way that includes half human elves. Another thing that’s wrong in your oh so precious Holy Texts, is the segregation of our people by race. Before we ever left earth we were one race except for our creations, the Silver Moon clan. That’s right boy we created the Silver Moon elves and breed them to be our war dogs. Our scientists took genes from every type of elf there was at the time. Then mixed them together.” Davion told the stunned Forest Elf. Then went on to tell Yar of the creation of the Silver Moon elves.

“From the Silvain Elf we gave them their intelligence. The Drow gave them their cunning. The High Elf gave them their wisdom. From the Winter Elf they were given their strength. We took their dexterity from the Forest Elves.” As Davion explained where all the attributes for the Silver moon elves came from he left the most disturbing for the last. “But their thrust for battle came not from elves. We took it from the humans of the time.”

“That can’t be possible. The Clergy would never allow such a mixing of races. Even if it was to protect our species.” Yar countered in shock. What Davion just told him went against everything he had been taught by his religion. It also went against everything that the Millennium Group stood for.

“You poor, deluded, foolish, boy. Who do you think were the scientists of the time?” Davion asked with a note of true sadness. The knock at his office door drew his attention away from Yar at just the wrong time. “Come.”

Even as his office door was opening Yar attacked Davion with the blind rage that only the truly fanatical can achieve. If Davion had not already had his knife in his hand. Yar might have been able to land a killing blow. As it was Davion only barely managed to parry Yar’s knife strike. Then to Davion’s astonishment a pistol roared twice from the direction of the office door to be followed by Yar’s chest becoming a bloody mess.

Davion slowly turned to stare in disbelief at the young Silvian elf woman. To his knowledge Imra Ventress was never trained in how to use a firearm. Yet there she stood holding a Silver Scorpion Firearms tactical pistol. The weapon was modeled after the iconic Browning M-1911A1 .45ACP semiautomatic pistol of legend. The big pistol looked out of place in the small woman’s hands, yet Davion could tell that she knew how to handle the weapon.

“Lady Imra not that I’m not thankful for your timely intervention, but where did you get that monster?” Davion asked her politely.

“I was hoping to talk with you about your vote concerning the new Equal Rights Bill for half and mixed elves. Though I see that we have a more pressing matter to discuss.” Imra told him as she returned the pistol to the shoulder holster she was wearing. When she saw the look on Davion’s face Imra sighed. “The pistol is a compromise with my fiancé.”

“A compromise, Lady Imra. How is a handgun a compromise?” Davion asked her.

“So long as I agree to carry the pistol. I don’t have to have a full strike team as bodyguards.” Imra told him bluntly then chuckled. “For some reason the thought of me being attacked again has Colonel Wolff concerned.”

“Carry the damned gun. We don’t need the Whitechapel Ripper waging a personal war of revenge.” Davion told her bluntly.

“Which is why I have it, Lord Davion.” Imra told him as she stepped further into his office. “Right now, we have a more pressing concern Lord Davion. Why hasn’t the Senatorial Guards responded to the sounds of gunfire?”

“That is a good question Lady Imra with a very disturbing answer. I fear that the Senatorial Guards have been infiltrated by the Millennium Group and influenced by the more radical members of Parliament.” Davion told her as he toed the lifeless body of Yar. “Sadly, I believe that not even our aids can be trusted anymore. Yar Glade Leaf has been a member of my staff for years. Until today I never would have expected him of such treachery.”

“I fear Lord Davion that the situation may be worse than we think. One of Colonel Wolff’s best captains has proposed a theory. That if proven correct, could very well cause a civil war between our warriors and the more religiously fanatical members of our society. Especially among the Forest Elves.” Irma told him bluntly as she thought about what she had just done. Just a few short months ago Irma Ventress of the Ravenwood clan would never have shoot someone. Yet she didn’t think twice about shotting the assassin.

“Please tell me about this theory and the captain who proposed Lady Irma.” Davion said as he led her from his private office. They had no sooner stepped into the outer office than Davion pulled his knife once more. “Lady Irma when you first arrived at my office. Were you greeted by my staff?”

“No one was here when I arrived. I heard you talking with someone in your privet office. That was why I knocked on the door. Why?” Irma asked pulling her pistol from its holster.

“Because this just confirms my suspicion. Yar sent the rest of my staff to lunch before attempting to kill to me. I fear we are not safe.” Davion said.

“Oh, we’re very safe. I doubt that my friends will allow any harm come to us.” Irma said with a giggle as she opened the door to the hallway. “Have the Senatorial Guards arrive yet Sargent Kinns?”

“Just now, my Lady. Should we let them in?” Sargent Leit Kinns asked her.

“Bring them in and show them into Lord Davion’s Inner office. There they’ll find the body of Yar Glade Leaf. Unfortunately, I had to use Robert’s gift.” Imra told the Death Dealer standing watch outside the office.

“Better that than having the Colonel deal with the matter, my Lady.” Kinns chuckled as she led the four guards inside. As their NCOIC passed her Kinns grabbed the man’s arm. “Don’t even think this piss poor response will go unreported Corporal. As it is you need to be very happy that Lady Imra hasn’t given the order to end your worthless life.”

“No need to scare the Senatorial Guards Sargent. It is not their fault that their training is nowhere near as stringent as a Death Dealers. After all they are only expected to protect politicians. Not wage war or conduct antiterrorist operations.” Imra told her with a small chuckle.

“Doesn’t matter my Lady. There should be at least five two-man security teams on this floor at all times. I counted no less than thirty infiltration points along our route to Lord Davion’s office. I won’t even talk about the total disregard for professionalism among these so called Security Personnel. I can assure you my Lady. If you don’t report this information to the Colonel I will.” Sargent Kinns told her honestly then dropped the other shoe. “And my Lady. If I’m the one who does the reporting. It’ll not be your levelheaded fiancé that answers my report.”

“And just who would answer your report, Sargent?” Davion asked. If he had known what her answer would be. Davion might not have asked.

“At the bare minimum, Lord Davion. Captain Valkyrie Starfire and her Shadows. If not her full team of Wraiths. I don’t even want to think of what his maximum response would be.” Sargent Kinns shivered.

“Just how far would Robert go Sargent?” Imra asked her.

“No offence my Lady. None of us want to find out. If the stories surrounding the Colonel are even half true, I can see him ordering an orbital strike as a way to show his displeasure.” Kinns told her with a sly grin.

“Surely you jest Sargent?” Davion asked in surprise.

“Sadly, I can actually see him going that far, Lord Davion.” Imra told him with a soft chuckle then turned serious. “Though a more likely response from him would be sending his Angels to handle the High Command.”

“And just who are these Angels?” Davion asked with real worry.

“Just six of the meanest, rowdiest, rudest, batch of nut jobs to come out of Camp Red Cloud in the last twenty years. When they get rolling nothing short of a battalion of Assault class APSs can stop them. Even then I would have to say that the odds are still on their side.” Imra told him bluntly. “Trust me on this, Lord Davion. Before I returned home. I had the great pleasure of meeting Robert’s teammates. Your daughter and her Wraiths have nothing on the Fallen Angels. Especially when they’re pissed off.”

“Then what are you going to Lady Imra?” Davion asked her.

“The one thing the Millennium Group and their supporters would never expect me to do. Sargent, please send the following message to Camp Resistance. To Nightmare Command, From Your Lady. Request urgent deployment by Lord Davion Starfire of any available Alpha teams to Parliament Tower and Tower of Nobles for security. Possible military takeover by Millennium Group is imminent. Loyalty of Senatorial Guards is no longer assured. End of message.” When she began her message Imra was expecting the Sargent to take a pen and paper. “Do you think you can remember all that Sargent?”

“Don’t worry my Lady. I started transmitting your message the moment you started talking. I figure that it will be in Colonel Wolff’s hands any minute now.” Sargent Kinns told her with a smile.

“Then we should have our need assets shortly, Lord Davion. Though I doubt that Robert will be extremely subtle about his response to my request.” Imra told the man with a soft smile of confidence.

“And why do you believe that, Lady Imra?” Davion asked.

“Because the Whitechapel Ripper has been bidding his time, waiting for something like this to happen. Now that he has a valid military excuse to use his people. Nothing and I do mean nothing, not even our gods and goddesses will stop him from end the threats to my life or this government.” Imra told him bluntly. Not realizing that there was a soft snarl in her voice that made her sounded like a pissed off kitten.

As Davion Starfire looked down at the Silvain elf he was filled with to very conflicting emotions. The first was one of great respect. Here was a young woman barely into her third decade of life and she was actually trying to set right the sins of his nation’s past. The other feeling was one of pure fear. A fear that sent icy shivers down his spine and gripped his heart in a cold crushing grip of death. This fear come from the fact that this young Lady had won the heart of one of the deadliest humans alive. A Death Dealer.

Four Winds, Highwinds
Con 1 Mess hall, Death Dealer Central Command.

“Excuse me First High Lady Silver Leaf. Urgent Message from the Queen Tatiana and the Corkscrew Nebula Command Station.” A 1st Lieutenant said as he rushed up to the First High Lady of Death Dealers for Highwinds.

“This must be extremely important for you interrupt my lunch Lieutenant. Let me see the message.” Commander Deseray Silver Leaf told the young High Elf as she held out her hand for the message tube. It took Deseray reading the message three times before she actually understood what she had read. “Has this been authenticated Lieutenant?”

“Three times by the operator who received it, twice by the EWO NCO, and twice by myself, ma’am. The message is authentic. The Queen Tatiana did indeed suffer major damage in the defense of the Nebula exit. They are requesting immediate redeployment of their Battle Group to secure the corridor.” The Lieutenant told her with a slight frown on his face.

“I’m not doubting your cryptology skills Lieutenant. I merely wish to verify the validity of this message. I mean we are talking about a Shinigami battle platform after all. It’s historically proven that it takes a Shinigami to kill Shinigami. Do you understand the kind of firepower we’re talking about?” Deseray told the young elf.

“Yes, ma’am. I fully understand the implications of that message. Whatever it was that attacked the Queen Tatiana is as powerful as a Shinigami.” He told her honestly.

“How badly damaged was the attacking ship?” Deseray asked.

“Unknown ma’am at this time, ma’am.”

“What do you mean unknown?” She asked.

“The attacking ship opened some kind of wormhole and jumped away ma’am.” The Lieutenant told her.

“An Einstein Rosenberg Bridge jump engine.” Deseray gasped in realization. At the look of confusion on the Lieutenant’s face she explained. “ERB Engines were our first attempt at leaving Earth. We were never able to get them to work properly. Though from what I understand. Human scientists were able to figure them out before their last Great World War. Thankfully that technology was lost during the Human’s Last Great World War.”

“Apparently not before they lunched several of their colonization starships.” The Lieutenant snarked only to quickly apologize. “Sorry ma’am.”

“No need to apologize for stating the obvious Lieutenant. Was the Queen Tatiana able to identify the ship?” Deseray asked.

“Yes ma’am. According to the reports from the Tatiana and the OCP. They were attacked by the North American Alliance’s colonization warship Bifrost. According to the reports, the Bifrost utilized an extremely high output energy weapon, comparable to the ERB, to damage the Tatiana and destroy the Observation Command Post, ma’am. In a separate AAR sent in by Fleet Admiral Jassin Qigeiros he called it a Madusa cannon ma’am.” The Lieutenant told her before asking a question Deseray didn’t want to answer. “Ma’am why would Admiral Qigeros sent a separate report about this weapon?”

“Because he wants to keep a very dark secret kept from the High Command. One that will shake the very foundation of our Military’s High Command and change how we will face the rest of the universe, Lieutenant.” Deseray told the Lieutenant as she stood up from her table. “Did Qigeiros give a possible end point for the ERB jump?”

“Yes ma’am. According to his Navigation team. They predict the termination point for the warship somewhere in the Tempest March.” The Lieutenant said.

“Bloody hell1! Not there! Are they sure? Could they be wrong? Where exactly did they put that end point?” Deseray snarled as she rounded on the man.

“According to their report ma’am. That is the Navigation section’s best estimate. As for pinpointing the exact termination point for the Bifrost’s jump. They gave three possibilities. However, they are all along the same trajectory with a plus or minus of three.” The Lieutenant answered before lowering his voice, not wanting to be overheard. “But they place the primary target planet as Evergreen Prime ma’am.”

“Frack me sideways in a black alley with a twelve inch steel dildo. What are the other two planets?” She quickly asked just as quietly.

“Nova four and Heliox Prime, ma’am.” The Lieutenant whispered.

“Shit, shit, shit, shit. Can this situation get any worse?” Deseray whispered to herself as she thought about the political ramifications present by those planets. Any of them being attacked by a pre-hyperspace travel Human nation would be all the proof they would need to finally start a Holy War with the Human Empire. It would be the perfect justification for The Millennium Group to finally push to overthrow Queen Dana. Deseray knew that she would have to act fast and put resources in place to protect those planets. The question was what resources could she put in those systems that would have the firepower to stop a pre-hyperspace Colonization Warship and not weaken the rest of the Kingdom’s defenses.

“Lieutenant contact the rest of the First Battle Group. Have them deploy to the Corkscrew Nebula immediately. Then sent the following message to the King Robin Goodfellow, Queen Iesha Longfellow, and Prince Raygel. Attention to orders. The lost North American Alliance colonization warship Bifrost has exited the Corkscrew Nebula corridor. Destination is unknow at this time. Threed possible targets exist in the Tempest March. Evergreen, Nova Four, Heliox. They are to leave their Battle Groups in place. End of message.” Deseray told the Lieutenant who was quickly writing down her orders.

“What of our home world my Lady?” The Lieutenant asked her.

“Contact Lord Brighthorn and the tenth Battle Group. Have the Queen Valkerie Starfire and her escorts deployed around Highwinds five just incase that ship shows up here.” Deseray told him after a few seconds of thought. “Lord Brighthorn can leave his combat divisions in place on the border.”

“Anything else Lady Deseray?” He asked her.

“Other than pray to whatever god or goddess you believe in Lieutenant no.” Deseray told him as she turned towards her staff car.

“Pray for what ma’am?”

“That they’re in time to stop that ship. Because if those three Shinigami battle platforms cannot stop that ship. Our nation will erupt into a civil war.” Desray answered him harshly. “Should that happen. What the Human Empire went through forty years ago will look like a tea party.”

“Why do you say that Lady Deseray?” The Lieutenant asked with real fear.

“Because our Civil War will be divided along political, ideological, racial, but most importantly religious lines. The last war to be fought along those divides was among the human and took three centuries to end. Even after all that bloodshed it still did not address the root causes of the war. To this day centuries after that war the two groups are still fighting over the same bullshit. Only for us there will be a definitive end. It will end with the total annihilation of the Forest Elves.” Deseray told the young man coldly. “And worst of all. We Death Dealers will be caught in the gods be damned fracking middle of it all with no way out of the fighting. All while the Wingnuts, Stalinists, and Nazis gobble up our planets one by one.”

-----tbc-----

Hello everyone. I'm finally back to writing full time. (HOPEFULLY) As such I've returned to finally finish this story line and Lucifer's Child.

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Queen Dana of Highwinds the Elf Kingdom inside the Empire has a problem. One that she cannot fix personally. The problem is with a small minority of her population. A problem that has been brought to her attention by the half elf son of a problematic Duke. What is a Queen to do? She calls on help from a friend. The question now is does she realize what she is letting loose on her kingdom?

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Chapter 8
Capital Building, Four Winds City, Highwinds.

Imra Ventris had walked through the halls of the Elven Capital Building with a newfound confidence. Before today she had been haunted with doubts at replacing her father. If it had not been for Robert’s words of encouragement, she would still be doubting her presence here. As she entered the great Senate Rotunda to take her seat among the four-hundred-and-fifty Lords, Ladies, and Parliament Representatives she drew the undivided attention of all those gathered. This happened for three very important reasons.

The first reason was her age. At just twenty-three summers Imra was the youngest Head of House for any of the one-hundred-fifty High Families in all of the Four Winds Kingdom. She was also the most inexperienced of them all. Yet despite her age she alone of those gather here had the ear of Queen Dana.

The second reason was her beauty. Even among Sylvain Elves she was one of the most beautiful. More than one High Family or Parliament Representative had tried to win her attention. The marriage proposals were rumored to be in the hundreds. Much to the displeasure of those powerful men and women word had reached their ears. The heart of the lovely Imra Ventris had been won by the Human Death Dealer Robert Wolff. The man known as the Whitechapel Ripper.

The third reason her entrance gained so much attention was the two bodyguards that stood behind her. Only the most diehard of fanatics would dare to raise their hand towards the young Lady. For some reason, the sight of two fully trained Death Dealers acting in such a capacity sent a spike of fear throughout the gathered Lords and Ladies. They all wanted to know who exactly was this young Head of House that she could command such deadly escorts.

“Lieutenant Colonel Wittman, I think you and your adjutant have made your point. You can shoulder your rifles.” Imra told the young Elven Death Dealer Lt.C. standing behind her. “There is no need to be impolite or threatening.”

“No offence my Lady. But these rifles ARE our way of being polite.” Grace told her bluntly. “Just ask our CO.”

“I know full well what my Robert would say.” Imra giggled behind her hand. “Something along the lines of the best kind of diplomacy is gunboat.”

“That is a little off the mark Lady Imra, but close enough.” The Captain chuckled as she shouldered her rifle. “I believe he once said that the best politics are conducted at gunpoint.”

“Captain Starfire, the quote you are looking for was made by General Alexander Kerensky. I have only one use for politics. It lets me know which direction to point my guns.” Wittman told the other Death Dealer with a smile as she shouldered her own rifle. “Remember that Colonel Wolff has a great many sayings regarding politicians Captain. Though there is one that will always standout in my mind.”

“What saying is that Colonel?” Imra asked her kindly.

“Politics maybe the second oldest profession, but it holds an uncanny resemblance to the first.” Grace Wittman told her bluntly.

“Then I shall endeavor to avoid politics in my dealings with this august body of legislators.” Imra answered coyly. “How did Robert put one night. Oh yes. I shall be as honest as a loaded forty-five in the face. Though to be honest with you both. I have no idea of what a forty-five is?”

“It is a caliber of slug throwing pistol Lady Imra. The first recorded use of the caliber dates from the late eighteen-hundreds. The caliber of round has been used by a great many militaries and law enforcement agencies throughout history. Mainly because of its stopping power.” Wittman explained. “The round is rather large and known for putting big holes in people. Thus, the saying. Honest as a loaded forty-five in the face.”

“I see. Now that I know the reason for the saying. I understand why my Robert uses it to describe himself.” Imra giggled.

“The Ripper does have that certain air about him.” Valkyrie snarked.

“Don’t you mean he has the air of a killer about him, Captain?” Imra asked with a smile to soften her wording.

“I won’t say that Lady Imra.” Valkyrie stuttered.

“Please Captain Starfire. I know exactly who and what Robert Wolff is under that uniform. To use the words of his fire team. No soldier welcomes battle. Men like your Colonel even less so. To him and the men like him. Combat is the last resort. The rest of you are liberators. The men and women like your Commanding Officer are the last resort answer for failed Foreign or Domestic Policies. Unlike where you would go in to liberate a people by teaching to them to fight for themselves. Colonel Robert Wolff has only one mission. To spread as much death and destruction as he can among the enemy.” Imra told them both bluntly. “Robert Wolff once told me that people like him should be placed in a glass box marked Break in Case of War.”

“That is a very harsh way to talk about someone you love Lady Irma.” Grace whispered from behind her. “Harsh but accurate.”

“I would be a fool to ignore the parts of my dear Robert’s personality that I find distasteful. He is a harsh man from a harsh planet breed for an equally harsh occupation. To use the words of the Dowager Empress. Of all the men and women who wear the Imperial Blacks belonging to the Death Dealers. Those who wear the Special Operations Star are a breed apart. They are most often made up of the rudest, rowdiest, meanest, drunkest, bluntest pack of nutjobs and assholes anywhere in the Empire.” Imra told the two Elf women with a hidden smirk as they gasped at her description of not only that of her lover but all of the Special Operations Death Dealers.

The sound of a gong sounding interrupted the threesome’s conversation. All three looked towards the central floater as it rose from its place in the center of the Forum. On this floater sat the Supreme Chancellor and his two Supreme Secretaries. Both Imra and Valkyrie ground their teeth at the sight of the man. To them he represented the current oppressive old guard regime. For Grace he was just another politician. Someone to be ignored unless they broke faith with their subjects.

“Time to face the dragon on his hoard.” Imra whispered to herself. When she looked around the Forum Imra had another thought. “This is my battlefield to conquer. Father and mother gave me the tools and training. I will not let these closed-minded fools stand in the way of my goals.”

“What was that Lady Imra?” Grace asked quietly.

“I was just talking to myself Colonel Wittman.” Imra answered just as quietly before turning her full attention on the Chancellor.

“Lords, Ladies, and Representatives. This meeting of the Grand Senate is now in session. All who have business before this body present yourselves and plead your case.” The Chancellor called out.

“Chancellor Ravenswood I would be heard.” Bellview Wranlynn of the planet Forest Heaven shouted out before anyone else could say anything. “My brother Grand High Field Marshal Belanor Wranlynn has brought to my attention an intolerable situation within our Grand and Honorable military. One that goes against everything that our people hold sacred in our society.”

“Damn that man.” Imra snarled. “He’s ignoring the rules of parliament.”

“What is this situation that you speak of Sir Wranlynn?” Ravenswood asked.

“The Queen has once again ignored the traditions of not only our military but our very society. Queen Dana has by Royal Decree formed a military unit consisting of half-human and mixed-race trash. Beings that by all rights should be exiled from our great Nation are being raised among our Military as equals.” The more Wranlynn talked the madder all three women became. “We must act now and put an end to the Queen’s madness. Before this situation gets out of hand. This Special Operations unit must be ended now, and its half-human, and mixed-race scum turned over to the slave traders. As is written in the holy texts of all our religious teachings.”

“Did that frack nut just call me half-human trash?” Valkyrie snarled.

“Control your anger, Captain.” Grace warned her as she gripped her rifle. “This is not our battlefield. Nor is it our time. This is Lady Imra’s battle.”

“Thank you for your vote of confidence, Colonel Wittman.” Imra sighed then took a deep breath as she stood up. In a loud clear voice, she called out to the gathered Lords, Ladies, and Representatives. “Hear me honored seniors!”

“Silence child! We have no need for your foolish idealism here!” Wranlynn snarled as he tried to silence her.

“I shall not be silent you old, fool! You have tried your damnedest to block every reform that our Queen has placed before this august body. You are no better than the filth that killed my family!” Imra shouted back.

“How dare you attack my status with such baseless accusations! Yet it is nothing more than what one would expect from a child who abandons her duty to the Goddess Fenmarel.” Wranlynn sneered then waved his hand as if to dismiss Imra. “Know your place woman. Return to your rightful place as a Nun in service to the Goddess. She might forgive your transgressions in time.”

“I would if I were one of the Goddess Fenmarel’s servants. But I serve the Goddess Sehanine Moonbow. Therefor I am uniquely qualified to speak on behalf of Death Dealers. For SHE is their Goddess. Only a true Goddess of Death would dare to claim the Death Dealers.” Imra smirked.

The gasps of surprise from the rest of the Senate brought a small smile to Imra’s lips. “I can stand here reciting scripture my learned colleges. Each one in support of Queen Dana’s motives, but that would take all of the time this session is allotted. Instead allow me point out the true reasons behind Sir Wranlynn’s request to end the development of the Special Operations Unit. Pride, and greed. Nothing more nothing less.”

“What do you mean Lady Imra?” One of the more progressive Lords asked her.

“Just over three months ago, Grand High Field Marshal Belanor Wranlynn sent his worthless lackey Knight General Erlan Vaphine the Commandant for the Training Cadre to Camp Resistance with a fully armed detail. That alone would gain his lackey a gruesome death for violating the security of a Special Operations Base. What was worse was the reason behind the man being on that base in the first place.” Imra told the man with a glare of contempt.

“Excuse me, Lady Imra. Did you say that the Camp in question is a Special Operations base?” A Lady dress in the uniform of the Royal Navy asked.

“I did Lady Nightfeather.” Imra told the woman with a small bow of respect before dropping her bomb. “And not just any Special Operations base but one belonging to the Death Dealers.”

“IS YOUR BROTHER A GODS BE DAMNED FOOL WRANLYNN?” A Lord dressed in the uniform of the Royal Army screamed as he jumped to his feet. When Wranlynn didn’t answer right away he turned to Imra with real fear in his eyes. “Lady Imra were there any casualties among the Death Dealer trainees?”

“None. The Death Dealer training detachment was able to handle General Erlan Vaphine’s men with deceptive ease.” Imra told him honestly. Her answer brought a giggle from both of her escorts. “Lieutenant Colonel Wittman as you led the detachment against the intruders. Please brief the Senate?”

“It would be a pleasure, Lady Imra.” Grace answered as politely as she could.

“This august body has no time for the delusional fantasies of a disgraced nun. One that should have been sent to the Corkscrew Nebula listening stations.” Wranlynn snarled only to receive a death glare from the Lord in uniform for the Royal Army. “You know that I speak the truth General Highman.”

“If you were a member of our proud military your accusations would be grounds for a Blood Trial, Wranlynn. Be thankful that you made them here.” General Highman warned Wranlynn coldly. “As it is I do believe that the Colonel is already pointing her rifle in your direction.”

“I am merely being polite General Highman.” Grace told the man with a deadly smile gracing her lips. Then she looked over at Wranlynn. “This is the only warning you’ll get Lord Wranlynn. The next time you disparage me or my unit again. I will end your worthless life. If only to avoid the paperwork that my Captain would generate if she killed, you.”

“YOU DARE TO THREATEN A SITTING MEMBER OF THE SENATE?!” A Representative of the Parliament shouted as he jumped to his feet in rage. “GAURDS!”

“That would be a very deadly mistake to make Representative Longfellow.” Another Representative stated calmly for his chair a few seats over. The man slowly stood up and turned to Longfellow. “Especially for the Capital guards. Even from here I can see the Special Operations Special Operations Star and Sniper Crosshairs on the left breast pocket of those two young ladies. Those are only given to the best of their best.”

“That only goes to show you all just how unstable this new unit is and why.” That was as far as Wranlynn got before a 7.62 mm round slammed into the control panel of his floater. The impact was milliseconds ahead of the crack of Valkyrie’s deadly and accurate rifle fire. Her movements were so fast that no one saw her raise her rifle into position for the shoot that was still echoing through the chamber.

“Sit the frack down you worthless piece of shit. The next time you open your mouth I’ll put a bullet between your eyes.” Valkyrie snarled as she slowly lowered her rifle. Then in a load clear voice she addressed the assembly. “That goes for the rest of you. Unlike Lady Imra I have no use for this gathering of fools and relics. Colonel Wittman and I have tolerated your rudeness towards Lady Imra out of respect for her and Colonel Wolff. Be grateful that he is not here to hear your insults.”

“You have made your point, Captain. Now please shoulder your weapon.” The Representative who had defended them asked her.

“I will once those four guards standdown. They have until the count of five.” Valkyrie snarled as she turned towards the entrance behind her.

“Guards leave this chamber!” The Chancellor ordered them. Once they had left Valkyrie shouldered her rifle. “Thank you, Captain. I would like to avoid bloodshed if at all possible.”

“Then I suggest you correct the attitudes of your fellow politicians Uncle.” Valkyrie snarled as she looked towards him. “And be thankful that Colonel Wolff wasn’t here. Because HE is nowhere near as forgiving.”

“Captain Starfire, be so kind as to educate my fellow Lords, Ladies, and Representatives as to what exactly would be my beloved’s response to their insults?” Imra asked her sweetly.

“As this august body of legislation is gathered in the Kingdom of Highwinds. A place where duals of honor are still legal. Especially within the grounds of the Capital Center.” Valkyrie surmised as she gazed around the massive chamber until she stopped with the Chancellor. “Colonel Robert Wolff would paint this august chamber red with the blood his enemies.”

“Preposterous! No human is equal to an Elf!” The Chancellor roared.

“Chancellor, I suggest you remember one thing about Robert Wolff.” Imra said as she slowly stood back up. “He has already earned his callsign among Death Dealers. A callsign that is as feared as his ancestor’s.”

“Just who is his ancestor?” The Chancellor asked in confusion.

“Death.” Imra’s one word answer sent a wave of shock and awe among the assembly. Voices were raised in both denial and fear. Even now almost one-hundred years later James J. Owens was both respected and feared among the Elves. “You heard me correctly my fellow Lords, and Ladies. Robert Wolff is the great nephew of the man called Death.”

“Chancellor, I move to have the last statement stricken from the record.” Wranlynn demanded as he jumped to his feet. “It obviously a bald-faced attempt to sway this august body in favor of that trash.”

“Lord Wranlynn, I suggest you sit down and shut up before you are forced to face one of those lovely Death Dealers in personal combat.” Lady Nightfeather warned him with a deceptive chuckle as she looked over at Grace and Valkyrie as they flipped a pair of coins. “From the looks of things. That challenge is only moments away. I have a bar of gold on the Death Dealer. Any takers?”

“ORDER! I WILL HAVE ORDER IN THIS CHAMBER!” The Chancellor shouted before things got out of hand. He already knew how an Honor Duel would end between the Death Dealers and any member of the Senate. Once the room had quieted down, he turned to Grace and Valkyrie as they flipped their coins once more. “Colonel, Captain, you will put those challenge coins away! All challenges of honor will be conducted in traditional fashion and shown the proper respect that they deserve. Am I understood Ladies?”

“Oh, we are showing the situation all the respect it deserves uncle. We’re just deciding who goes first.” Valkyrie sneered then turned back to Grace as she flipped her coin. “Even.”

“Odd.” Grace snapped as she flipped her coin as well. When both women caught their respective coins, they showed them to Imra.

“It is even. That is two out of three Captain Starfire. The first challenge shall go to Colonel Wittman.” Imra pronounced with an air of authority.

“Lady Imra what is the meaning of this farce?” the Chancellor demanded.

“This is no farce, Chancellor. That is the way that Death Dealers decide order of acceptance when faced with the possibility of multiple challenges of honor.” Imra told him with a faint smile playing at her lips. During her courtship to Robert, she had gone out of her way to learn all that she could about Death Dealers and their traditions. She had talked with everyone she could about Death Dealers. She had even gone to Prince Raygel and Queen Dana.

She wanted to know everything there was about the man she loved and the soldiers that he commanded. One of the things she learned was that there are slight differences between Death Dealer Units. While all Death Dealers had the same levels of personal and unit honor. Those of the Special Operations Units dealt with challenges to that honor differently. She had already seen that for yourself. Then to her surprise one man’s voice changed everything.

“There will be no challenges issued here today.” A Lord near the floor said as he stood up and turned to face the three women. “Unlike the rest of you gathered here today I have no desire to die in a unless act of bravado. I especially have no desire to face my own daughter. She has more than enough reason to want my head on a pike.”

“Lord Starfire do you truly believe that these two women are that deadly?” Lady Nightfeather asked with a chuckle in her voice.

“Only those of us here who have fought alongside a Death Dealer know how deadly they can be. This would be true for most Death Dealers under normal conditions.” Davon Starfire told her as he looked towards his new daughter and her commanding officer. “However, these ladies are not your normal Death Dealers, and these are not your normal conditions. Those two officers and the rest of their number in the new Special Operations unit have every reason for hating our collective asses.”

“I see you, Father.” Valkyrie snarled in greeting as Imra grabbed her arm.

“Now is not the time, Captain. Remember what your Colonel has promised.” Imra desperately whispered into her ear. Imra knew the rage that boiled just beneath the surface of the beautiful silver moon elf’s face. It was the same rage that fueled every member of Robert’s new unit.

“I have not forgotten Lady Imra.” Valkyrie whispered back. “But my patience is rapidly running out. I will have my answers.”

“Excuse me, brother, but did you just call one of these Death Dealers your daughter?” The Chancellor asked him in shock. “I know all your children. Even the ones that are forbidden by our Faith.”

“Not all of them brother. There was one child you, our family, and the Temple never knew about. I went to great lengths to hide him from you.” Davon Starfire answered him as turned his gaze upon the one child he had been forced to hide from his brother-in-law and the rest of the Forest Elf society. The glaring eyes of his new daughter let him know that he would pay for that mistake. “I see thee Valkyrie Starfire most Honored daughter among all of my children. I look forward to the day that you will stand openly beside me.”

“Only time will tell father.” Valkyrie answered in surprise as she set her rifle down next to Imra. Then turned towards the Chancellor. “For now, I will face any you wish to send my way, uncle.”

“THEN I WILL CHALLENGE YOU MYSELF! YOU WORTHLESS WHORE!” Ravenswood screamed as he threw off his robes of office.

“Where, and when uncle?” Valkyrie asked without a hint of fear.

“Don’t you want to know what weapons to bring daughter?” Davon asked with a half-smile playing on his lips.

“He can bring a fracking Assault APS for all I care. Because the only weapons I will bring is myself.” Valkyrie chuckled.

“Here and now you mixed breed whore. I shall remove the stain of your existence from my family’s honor.” Ravenswood snarled as he drew a rapier from his hip. “Terms are simple. To the death.”

“Fine by me. Your dead.” Before anyone could stop her Valkyrie fired one of her antipersonnel lasers into her uncle’s forehead. The man was dead before he ever hit the floor as the rest of the Senate looked on in disbelief. With a contempt born from years of oppression Valkyrie turned to the rest of the suddenly silent Senate. “This is how the Nightmare Regiment deals with challenges to our honor. We don’t fight to win.”

“We fight to survive!” Grace Wittman shouted in response to Valkyrie’s words. “You challenge us. You will die. There is no honor to be found in bloodshed. This is why we do whatever it takes to survive.”

“As would be expected of someone trained by the Whitechapel Ripper.” Imra smirked then pointed towards the now dead Chancellor. “Ravenswood was a fool. He has repeatedly worked with anti-reformist factions within this Senate to undermine our Queen. You all know the ones I speak of.”

“Lady Imra what would you have us do?” Davon Starfire asked her politely. “We cannot simply purge those individuals from our ranks.”

“That is where you are wrong Lord Starfire. I know that there are more of you who believe that the only way forward for our people is to hold tightly to outdated traditions. But nothing more could be further from the truth!” Imra shouted as she cut the air in front of her with a slashing motion of her hand. “We must change our way of treating mixed race elves. They are not disposable tools to be used and discarded. They are just as much a part of our society as any of us.”

“Heresy!” Wranlynn screamed. “Mixed breeds are nothing more than trash. They’re not even human! They’re nothing more than freaks of nature! Freaks that should be put down before they are even born! All of our Holy texts tell to put down the impure mongrels of our race.”

“Lord Wranlynn I would point out that nowhere any in of the Holy scriptures is there any mention of enslaving or purging our mixed-race children. Nor is there any mention of abandoning them to the elements. As you so eloquently pointed out, I was once a member of the Clergy. You only made one mistake.” Imra told the man coldly. “I was never a Nun but a Priestess. In my duties as a Priestess. I was able to study all of the Sacred texts. I dare say far more than any other member of the Senate or Parliament. With one exception.”

“Thank you for making that qualification apprentice.” An elderly Silvan elf chuckled as she stood up. “My fellow Senate members as my student as so apply pointed out. Nothing in our Sacred texts supports Lord Wranlynn’s claims.”

“Grand High Priestess Zaleria Vamyar how can you of all people support such nonsense?” Wranlynn gasped at having the Grand High Priestess for Aerdrie Faenya, primary deity of the Highwinds Kingdom, contradict the teachings of his own High Priest of the Goddess Fenmarel. It didn’t matter that the woman and her Temple were on Evergreen Four. She should have been supporting his position on half-elf and mixed-race elf scum.

“For the last forty-five years I and my people have attempted to change the attitudes of our people. If it were not for the Forest Elf belief that they are the superiorly moral faithful and their need to keep our people isolated from the rest of the universe. We would have accomplished this goal. Instead, Forest Elves like yourself and your egotistical traditional thinking have been the downfall to all of mine and Queen Dana’s attempts at change.” High Priestess Zaleria sighed as she looked around the chamber. “Our great nation must change with the times. Our nation faces an ever-increasing threat from the Hive Queens of the Velmaro Consortium and their cyborg minions. Without the aid of the Human Empire the Velmaro will come for us. The question is not if but when will they come for us. Queen Tatiana foresaw the need for us to join with the Human Empire before her death.”

The crack of a gunshot followed by the impact of a bullet ended the High Priestess Zaleria’s plea for change. Imra, Grace, and Valkyrie all reacted at the same time. Only in different manners. While deploying her bio armor Grace pushed Imra to the floor of the floater while covering the younger women with her body. Valkyrie deployed not only her armor but her primary weapons as well. As the young Death Dealer scanned the chamber for targets, she spotted the enemy shooter. Valkyrie wasted no time in killing the man. His last dying words echoed through the chamber. “Glory to the Millennium!”

“God damned Millennium scum.” Grace snarled as she stood up. “Even here those dogs have sunk their filthy claws.”

“The Millennium Assembly has a long reach and even sharper claws Colonel.” Davon Starfire called to her from his position. He turned his attention to the rest of the Senate. “My fellow Lords, Ladies, and Representatives I would have your attention. Once again violence has invaded this hallowed chamber. Violence in the guise of righteousness.”

“Violence brought here by the most despicable members of our Military. THE DEATH DEALERS! They were the first to use force within these chamber walls!” Wranlynn shouted from his floater as he glared down at Imra and her two escorts. “All Death Dealers should be purged from our military. They have proven to be nothing more than violent beasts.”

“Can I please just kill this sick bastard now?” Grace snarled from behind Imra much to the surprise of her companions.

“Hold your anger in check just a little longer Colonel.” Imra whispered. “I believe that Lord Starfire is just getting started.”

“Such are the words of a small minded and frightened men. Men who have never seen the face of true combat. I pity you Lord Wranlynn and all those like you.” Davon Starfire told him with a sad shake of his head. “The former Lord Chancellor dared to challenge a Death Dealer to one-on-one battle and paid with his life for his stupidity. Representative Light attacked one of our most Holy women in an act of cowardice on behalf of the Millennium Assembly. While they proclaim to be the savors of our people spouting the same bull shit propaganda as Wranlynn and his Isolationist Coalition. They are little more than a pack of ruthless thugs and criminals. Worse than terrorists.”

“How dare you compare us to those criminals?!” A Forest Elf Lord shouted from the other side of the chamber. “We’re striving to preserve our traditions. Queen Dana and you fools in the Reformists would discard them as so much worthless garbage.”

“Here! Here! Thank you, Lord Red Oak, for your words of truth.” Wranlynn thanked him before turning back to Davon. Only to find a red targeting dot appearing in the center of his chest. With a slowly growing sense of fear, he looked towards where the Death Dealers stood behind Lady Imra. “Is this how Death Dealers deal with those who disagree with them?”

“I’m afraid you’re under a misconception Wranlynn. That is a Death Dealer’s warning to be polite. You have already pushed them to the limit of their patience with your pathetic verbal attacks on their honor. To be honest I am surprised that one of them hasn’t already ended your life.” Davon told the gathered members of the Senate. “I would suggest you curtail your attacks on their honor. Death Dealers have a long history of winning. Simply because they refuse to quite no matter the odds.”

While Valkyrie had her rifle trained on Wranlynn. Grace was scanning the other Lords, Ladies, and Representatives of the Senate with her medical diagnostic systems. Grace quickly spotted that the other twenty-one members of the Isolationist Coalition were firmly behind Wranlynn. Yet they weren’t the ones that drew her attention the most. It was the thirty to thirty-five Representatives that showed signs of anticipation who were considered moderates. At least according to what the briefing she had received told her about the current political makeup of the Senate. This more than anything else worried her. Opening a privet channel to Valkyrie and her team outside Grace began her preparations for trouble.

‘Waltz to Shadow Wraith detail. Standby for mission update.’ She ordered then waited for each member of Valkyrie’s fire team to respond. Once she had their response Grace gave them a quick update on the situation.

‘Waltz this is Ripper. Of the personnel you have targeted. How many are possible members of Millennium?’ Robert asked to her surprise.

‘If I go off the bio-scans only I would say all of them Ripper. But there might be a few of them that are just waiting for Silence to kill Primary.’ Grace told him honestly. ‘From what I can tell Primary isn’t well liked.’

‘I can see that. From what the prince was able to tell me. Primary and his followers are some of the more radical Fundamentalists in the Senate. How is Silence holding up? She hasn’t confronted her father yet has she?’

‘Silence is following Lady Imra’s plan exactly. Though I have to warn you sir. If she doesn’t get answers shortly.’ Grace left the rest of the warning unsaid. She had been privately briefed on Captain Valkyrie Starfire’s situation by Robert earlier this morning.

‘Understood Grace. Did he at least acknowledge her as his daughter?’ Robert asked her with a little worry in his voice.

‘He did. Which is funny. I got the feeling that Davon Starfire was rather proud of his Silver Moon Elf daughter.’ Grace told him honestly. ‘Got to go Ripper. Things are starting to heat up again.’

‘Keep your head on a swivel Waltz.’ Robert ordered then cut the connection.

“For too long, we have tolerated the mixed-breeds and half-humans in our mists. The Death Dealer conversion process gives us a way of removing that stain to our society’s honor. If the Queen wants to use the trash of our society to fill the ranks of the Death Dealers. Then I say why not. At least they’ll be useful for change and those that are failed out. Well, the females can be sold as second or third wives. As for the males. They’ll make excellent labors for the mines and other manual occupations.” Lord Red Oak said as he finished his plea to the Senate.

The end of his speech was greeted by the sounds of groaning metal and the cracking of carbon fibers instead of the thunderous applause he expected. At first Grace thought it was Valkyrie making these noses until she looked down at the twisted remains of the rifle in her hands. With a light blush of embarrassment Grace set the rifle on the floor.

“Lord Red Oak I do believe that the Colonel just gave you the answer to your little suggestion. I won’t make a suggest like that again. I have a feeling that it wouldn’t end well for you.” Davon Starfire chuckled as the rest of the Senate members turned white in fear. “And Red Oak if you think that the lovely Colonel Wittman is now unarmed think again. No Second-Generation Death Dealer is ever truly unarmed. To put it simply. They’re living weapons.”

“Lord Starfire let me correct you. Death Dealers are not weapons. They are people. They might have a level of cyberization above the norm, but they are still human. It is no different than a child from Frostheaven undergoing a full prosthetic body replacement at an early age.” Irma told him bluntly.

“BLASPHEMY!” Wranlynn screamed as he finally lost control. He reached under his robes and drew a needle pistol. While deadly at close range the pistol was worthless against any target more than five meters away. The second he pointed the pistol towards Imra, Valkyrie fired. The 7.62mm round tore through Wranlynn’s brain at just over twice the speed of sound spraying his attendants with blood and brains. The man was dead before he hit the ground. The gasps of horror over the cold-blooded act echoed through the chamber.

“He was warned. Then again. Wranlynn always was too full of himself.” Davon Starfire sighed then looked up at towards his daughter with pride. “Death Dealers are a breed apart my friends. They may have a long fuse but once it has been lite. Only the Goddess Sehanine Moonbow can stand against them.”

“You made one mistake father. When a Death Dealer faces Sehanine Moonbow. We spit in her eye and we’re never alone.” Valkyrie told him in a loud clear voice that carried throughout the chamber. “We always take some of the enemy with us. Death is dealt by our hand!”

Valkyrie’s battle cry was taken up and echoed by four other people. Only one of which was Grace Wittman. The other three had just entered the Senate Chamber. “DEATH IS DEALT BY OUR HAND!”

“Presenting her Majesty, the Queen, Dana Silverleaf and her royal escorts! His Royal Highness, the War Prince, Raygel Silverleaf! Colonel Robert Wolff of the First Special Operations Group!” A herald shouted at the top of his voice surprising the gather members of the Senate. None of them had expected these three individuals to appear. Let alone to take up that battle cry.

“Your Majesty this is highly irregular!” The Vice Chancellor shouted. “If you want to attend this assembly. You should have summited.”

“Shut the frack up asshole!” Robert bellowed just before he fired one of his antipersonnel lasers into the empty seat of the Chancellor. “You only hold your position at the pleasure of your Queen.”

“You have no standing here human. Begone!” the Vice Chancellor ordered. Only to hear a scornful laugh from Robert. “Do you find this amusing human?”

“I find it fracking hilarious in the extreme shithead. Have you ever thought about doing standup? I mean you could have a real future as Comedian. Because to be honest with you.” Robert told the man as he walked down the aisle with his arms out and held palm upward. “You suck as a politician.”

“How dare you!” The Vice Chancellor snarled even as he reached for his sword.

“I wouldn’t do that Lord Frostheaven.” Prince Raygel warned him coldly. “Because the Colonel is here as HER Majesty’s personal champion. He can kill your ass for shits and grins.”

“Damn it your Highness. You’re ruining all my fun. I was wanting to keep that just between us.” Robert grumbled then looked over at Grace and Valkyrie with a nasty grin. “Report Waltz!”

“All potential members of the Millennium Assembly have been identified and forwarded to the Shadow Wraith detail, Ripper. They wait your order.” Grace told him with a sly smile. Then broke down the deployment of the two fireteams for Robert. “The Silent Wraiths are in position to secure this chamber. The Shadow Walkers can secure the upper offices in ten minutes.”

“Colonel Wolff just how many fireteams have you deployed to the capital?” Queen Dana asked him politely.

“No more than a platoon’s worth your Majesty.” Robert answered with a smile.

“How large of a platoon and what type?” Prince Raygel asked with a chuckle.

“A standard Special Operations platoon.” Robert told him as if that answered the question for everyone. What ninety-five percent of the Senate didn’t know about Special Operations platoons was their actual size. Instead of the normal forty men of a light Infantry platoon. Special Operations platoons only had twenty-eight men broken down into four seven-man fireteams.

“Really Colonel. I must protest your excessive use of force.” Queen Dana chided him as she walked down the aisle.

“There is no such thing in combat your Majesty. Just as there is no such thing as overkill. Only open fire and reload. As a former frontline officer, you should know this.” Robert told her jovially.

“You and your cousin are two of a kind Colonel.” Dana chuckled softly.

“What do you except Majesty? They both have similar backgrounds.” Raygel chuckled as he stepped up behind her. “Though if push comes to shove. I am sure that the Royal Guards would have no problems acting as backup for them.”

“You dare to threaten us with a military coup d’état?” Frostheaven demanded.

“No. This is an exercise in antiterrorist tactics.” Robert told him coldly. With slow deliberate steps Robert Wolff walked up to Frostheaven. Once he was close enough so that only the Vice Chancellor would hear him. Robert snarled. “The Millennium Assembly made several major fracking mistakes shithead. They stood against Queen Dana’s reforms. They tried to oppress the half and mixed-race elves of this nation. The biggest mistake that they made. They went and pissed me the frack off. They should never have targeted the family of Lady Imra. I want you to tell your leaders that I am coming for them. At my back will be their greatest fear.”

“That is no concern of yours human. It is an Elven matter to be handle by Elves.” Frostheaven snorted only to end up grunting in pain.

“See that is where you are wrong shit head.” Robert ground out between clenched teeth as he squeezed Frostheaven’s balls. “You fracked with the family of the woman that I love. That means you fracked with my family. The one thing you should never have done. I would have happily let the Highwinds Internal Security Agency handle the Millennium Assembly, but they crossed a line that is unforgiveable.”

“Colonel Wolff please let go of Vice Chancellor Frostheaven. As much as I am loth to admit this. There is no evidence connecting him to the Millennium Assembly.” Queen Dana said as she placed her hand on the enraged Death Dealer’s shoulder. She knew that Robert was close to neutering the man now.

“As you wish your Majesty.” Robert snarled as he let go of Frostheaven. Then in a sudden move he punched the man in the gut snarling. “When I find the fracking evidence that you had something to do with the deaths of Lady Imra’s family. I’ll finish this little talk. By removing your fracking head.”

“This is outrageous your Majesty!” A Drow elf female Representative shouted from the middle tear of seats. “As much as I hate to say this, but I must admit that I agree with the Vice Chancellor. The Death Dealers have no place within this Chamber. They are a clear threat of violence.”

“Shout the frack up Iesha!” Imra yelled as she jumped to her feet. Shocking the Senate with her use of profanity more than her sudden outburst. “You’re just pissed off because you’re not allowed to use Death Dealers as personal guards. The only reason that I have them is because of my engagement to Colonel Wolff. If not for that Lieutenant Colonel Wittman and Captain Starfire would not be at my side.”

“That is beside the point.” The Drow elf snarled in denial.

“Bullshit!” Imra snapped gaining the undivided attention of all the gathered Lords, Ladies, and Representatives. “You were the youngest member of this august body until I came along. If you think the rumors haven’t reached my ears. You’re sadly mistaken. You claim that the Death Dealers have no place within these walls. I say that you’re mistaken.”

“How so, Lady Imra?” Another Drow elf female asked from the other side of the chamber. “I would hear your reason for bringing such warriors among us.”

“Haven’t any of you wondered why Lord Wranlynn and Lord Ravenswood feared the new Death Dealer unit?” Imra asked them all coldly. When none answered Imra knew she had their unadulterated tension. “They feared the return of the Silver Moon Elves!”

Imra could have said anything else and not got the response that her last four words did. There were shouts of denial, demands for more information, but chief among the raised the voices was the calls for proof. Imra raised her hands slowly to calm the Senate. Once order had returned Imra waved for Valkyrie to step forward. “My Lords, Ladies, and Representatives, here is the truth behind the Claymore Death Dealers! They are the descendants of the Silver Moon Elves left on Earth all those long eons ago.”

“Impossible! Claymores are a rarity among Death Dealers. Not even the Human Empire’s greatest and most learned scientists know what causes the Claymore.” Lady Nightfeather called out with the full authority of a Naval Commander. “Captain Starfire is nothing more than our first Elven Claymore.”

“That is because until now half-elves have been denied their chance to serve within your Military, Admiral!” Robert shouted gaining the attention of the Senate. “After almost fifty years we have finally pinpointed the gene that causes Claymores. That gene is the Silver Moon Elf gene passed down through both humans and mixed-race Silvan elves.”

“Impossible! Our scientists would have found such groundbreaking information long before now.” General Highman shouted in denial of Robert’s claim.

“I never said where that information came from General Highman. It was in fact your scientists that found the data some time ago. In my investigation into the matter. I found that they were ordered to hide this very uncomfortable fact from the Highwinds Military High Command. That genetic data was placed under a National Security seal and the scientists that made the discovery killed.” Robert told him bluntly. “Within your High Command are individuals who did everything they could to prevent the return of your races’ greatest secret and shame.”

“Then the Silver Moon elves have truly returned?” Highman asked with fear.

“Not only have we return General. We are the newest Death Dealer unit.” Valkyrie answered him honestly. To all of those present she had a thick aura of battle around her. It was her appearance that was so unsettling. While her face was pleasant to look at it did not match the cold seething rage that boiled deep within her body. The vacant steel-blue eyes, silver-white hair tinged with steaks of slightly darker gray belied the hatred hidden behind that doll-like face. “And we have more than enough reason to hate every last asshole in this chamber.”

“That is enough Captain Starfire!” Robert yelled calling her down.

“Yes sir. I was only.”

“I know exactly what the frack you were doing Captain! The Nightmare Regiment is not your personal sword of vengeance. You may have valid reasons for wanting to pound the shit out of these worthless politicians but that is not your duty. Your duty is the protection of your Nation. Do I made myself clear on this matter or do I need to use crayons to draw you a picture?!” Robert demanded of his barely controlled Captain.

“Yes Sir! Death is dealt by our hand!” Valkyrie shouted as she snapped to attention. She knew that she had pushed things a little too close to the edge for her CO. She thought back to her graduation and the speech he gave. The words of Robert Wolff brought home the fact that all the members of her Regiment were now part of a larger universe.

‘You are soldiers of the Kingdom. The Royal Army General Staff Office will guide you always, never abandon you. We go where there is no path, never yielding, forever on the battlefield. Everything we do, we do for victory. Death Dealers seek soldiers for the worst battlefields, for the smallest rewards. Your days will be darkened by a forest of swords and hails of bullets. You will face days of constant danger with no guarantee of survival. To those who return go the glory and the honor. That is the only promise you’ll ever get from those who consider themselves our political masters.’ To Valkyrie and the other members of her new family those words would always hold more truth than any lecture giving by the most Holy of Priests.

“If there are any further objections to the Death Dealer Special Operation Group. Then present them now. I will let their Representative handle the objections in any manner that she chooses.” Dana told the Senate as she stepped onto the Chancellor’s floater. When no one raised further objections Dana looked over to Davon Starfire. “Lord Starfire please join me.”

“As you command your Majesty.” Davon answered with a bow. Once he was standing before her Davon kneeled at her waved command.

“Lord Davon Starfire of the Ravenswood Clan. You have shown great foresight and personal strength in your handling of the Silver Moon Elf question. Because of this your family has suffered greatly because of your loyal service to Queen and Nation. Your personal reputation and honor have been constantly attacked. All because you strove to protect those of mixed-race blood under your care. Not just your own children. But even those of your subordinates in your household. A household that has known the secret for the return of Silver Moon Elves. For this service I would award you the position of High Chancellor.” Dana proclaimed loudly much to the shock of the gathered Senate. “Now stand and take your rightful place Chancellor.”

“As you command my Queen.” Davon Starfire said as he slowly stood up. With an air of true authority, he turned to Robert. “Colonel Wolff as my first command as high Chancellor. I order the Nightmare Regiment to hunt down and destroy every last member of the terrorist group known as The Millennium Assembly. Do whatever it takes to remove this threat to the peace of our nation. Now carry out your orders.”

“It shall be done High Chancellor.” Robert said as he snapped to attention before saluting him and calling out. “Death is dealt by our hand!”

“Son of a bitch. I never saw this coming.” Valkyrie whispered to no one.

“Now do you see why the Queen and your family wanted to keep the truth from you Captain Starfire?” Imra asked her just a quietly.

“I’m beginning to Lady Imra. Though now I don’t know what to think. For the last twelve years of my life, I believed that I was a stain on my father’s family. Instead, I’m some kind of great state secret.” Valkyrie grunted.

“You and the others of the Nightmare Regiment are not some great state secret, Captain. You were the unfortunate victims of racial bigotry and fear borne over thousands of years ago. Long before Elves ever left Mother Earth.” Imra told her softly. “You and the other Silver Moon Elves are a very real reminder that we abandoned our protectors to fend for themselves.”

“Something that your Queen will never let happen again.” Robert told her as he stepped into Imra’s floater. He gave Imra a hug and kiss in greeting. “Hello love. I hope you don’t mind me crashing your little party?”

“Only you would call a near Civil War a party, Robert.” Imra sighed as she swatted him on the shoulder.

“What can I say?” Robert chuckled as he held up his hands with a sly smile. “It’s all fun and games until someone losses an eye.”

-----tbc-----

---

Queen Dana of Highwinds the Elf Kingdom inside the Empire has a problem. One that she cannot fix personally. The problem is with a small minority of her population. A problem that has been brought to her attention by the half elf son of a problematic Duke. What is a Queen to do? She calls on help from a friend. The question now is does she realize what she is letting loose on her kingdom?

---

Chapter 9
Highwinds entrance, Observation Command Post
Commandant’s Office. 1st Watch 0830

Highwinds’ Naval Commander Elis Stormlight read over the 3rd watch report with a dubious eye. Reaching over he hit the call button for his XO. “Grayson please come to my office. I have a few questions about the report submitted by Lieutenant Firestone.”

“I was just about to call you sir. I just finished reading my copy. I’ll be there shortly.” Lieutenant Commander Grayson answered with a smug tone in his voice. One that Stormlight found annoying. A few minutes later Firestone entered Stormlight’s office with a stack of folders in his hands. “Sir before you ask, I have the answers to your questions right here.”

“Oh really. You can explain to me why we have lost contact with outposts four through one-fifty.” Stormlight demanded.

“Yes sir. This is in fact nothing to worry about.” Grayson began.

“WHAT THE FRACK DO YOU MEAN IT’S NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT?” Stormlight screamed at the top of his lungs. “HOW CAN LOSING CONTACT WITH OUR EARLY WARNING STATIONS NOT BE CAUSE FOR ALARM?! WHAT ABOUT THIS REPORT OF AN UNIDENTIFIED SHIP IN THE CORRIDOR?”

“Sir, this happens from time to time within the Nebula.” Grayson said calmly. “There is no ship in the corridor.”

“Wait! What?” Stormlight asked his XO as he sat back down in confusion. “Okay Grayson. Take it from the top. And use small words.”

“Sir it is a phenomena known as the Rings of Fire. They only happen within the Corkscrew Nebula sir. It is a plasmatic firestorm that envelopes the whole of the transit corridor. When they happen, we lose all contact with our listening outposts inside the corridor until the storm has passed. Not even direct ship-to-ship laser coms will work once an outpost has been engulfed by the Rings of Fire.” Grayson explained for Stormlight.

“What about the report of an unknown ship?” Stormlight asked.

“Sadly sir. That is the only way the AIs on the outpost know to report them. While they are rather powerful, they’re kind of stupid when it comes to scientific research.” Grayson told him bluntly. “It is because we have been known to lose one or two outposts to the Rings of Fire that the outpost AIS automatically raise their threat level to Defcon five. Even if those outposts are designed to withstand the forces of the storms their outer hauls do become fatigued over time. As policy every ten years new outposts are towed into position to replace outposts that are endanger of collapsing.”

“How long do these Rings of Fire last? How often do they occur?” Stormlight asked his XO and First Science Officer.

“Well sir those questions are more than a little hard to answer. Again, please let me explain. For starters we don’t even know what causes the Rings in the first place. The only warning our outposts have, is a sudden flare of radiation within the surrounding gases within corridor itself. This is followed by an explosive release of plasma. Once the explosion happens the plasma races in both directions of the corridor. If the explosion happens in the middle, it will take anywhere between five to twelve months before the Rings burn themselves out. If it happens near one of the corridor ends. Then the Rings of Fire can last for up to two years.” Grayson told him honestly.

“What happens to the personnel on the outposts?” Stormlight demanded. “A good number of them have enlistments that will end during that time.”

“Doesn’t matter sir. Once the Rings of Fire have started. All shipping through the corridor is halted. If someone reaches the end of their enlistment during this time. They’re stuck. Oh, they’ll receive their standard pay until they are relieved but they’re there for the duration of the storm. The Navy isn’t about to risk a Cruiser for a few replacement personnel.” Grayson explained for Stormlight. “Sir I know that you have only been in Command for a few weeks, so I’ll give you the truth about the men and women manning those outposts. Every last one of them is there as either a punishment or to keep some High Family in line.”

“Just what does that mean Grayson?” Stormlight demanded.

“Sir what do you know about the those who are manning those outposts?” Grayson asked his CO. When Stormlight raised his shoulders in confusion Grayson sighed. “Sir the Corkscrew Nebula is the last stop for the slackers and malcontents in our military. They’re sent to us from all branches of service. Once they’re here. This is their last station. They’ll only ever leave those outposts for one reason. They’ve reached the end of their enlistment. They don’t even get R-and-R Leave. Those outposts are nothing more than prisons disguised as Military outposts.”

“So, if one or two of the outposts are destroyed during one of these Rings of Fire.” Stormlight left the rest of his sentence unsaid for a reason.

“Then nobody cares. High Command will just tow a replacement station into the corridor and man it with the next batch of graced sons and daughters.” Grayson told him with a nod of his head. “Make no mistake, sir. Those outposts are prisons, and we are the jailers.”

“Let me get this straight, Grayson. A solider or sailor in our military is sentenced for some crime then sent to one of the outposts to serve out their time. Which is for the rest of their enlistment or if one of the storms happens. It can be a death sentence. Does that about sum up the situation?” Stormlight asked his XO with some heat.

“They can also be a child of a High Family that is being troublesome for the High Command, sir. For example, Captain Markus Silverleaf on outpost eighty-eight. He’s out there to keep his father in line. If Lord Silverleaf doesn’t approve of the new military budget. Then his son gets to spend the next two years watching a useless battle display.” Grayson told him honestly.

“What do you mean useless battle display?” Stormlight asked him.

“Sir all of those outposts may be armed and armored like a battle station. But their weapon systems are totally automated. They’re only there if there is an emergency. Such as the AI control failing. Even then it takes the crew twenty to thirty minutes to override the automated system lockdown. This is done so that no station can stage a revolt.” Grayson explained softly.

“In other words. If the shit hits the fan. Those men and women can only ride out the storm and pray that the AI does its fracking job.” Stormlight sighed as he realized his final command was as a jailer. “What if one of them decides to use a station shuttle to escape?”

“It takes a direct command from this Command Post to activate the escape shuttles. There is no way to override the shuttle controls. Should someone be stupid enough to try. The shuttle will self-destruct once it is fifteen miles from the outpost. The self-destruct automatically arms as the shuttle leaves the shuttle bay. Without the authorization command it detonates.” Grayson told him coldly. “The only exception to the rule is an emergency evacuation for a catastrophic emergency.”

“Something that would lead to a station collapse. Nothing else will override the authorization. Something that only the AI can give.” Stormlight grunted. “Damn. Talk about a no-win situation for our troops.”

“Excuse me sirs. I have an urgent message from the C-n-C.” A runner called out through the door.

“Bring it here.” Stormlight called out as he and Grayson closed the folders. The young seaman entered and handed Stormlight a folded piece of paper. “Thank you, Seaman Cutter. You can return to your station.” Once they were alone Stormlight opened the paper and began to read. “We just lost contact with outpost three. You said that these Rings of Fire cover the whole of the corridor, Grayson. How long before we see the storm on this end?”

“Well sir that is hard to calculate. There are two major problems with predicting the Rings of Fire. The first is the speed at which they travel. Some move at incredible speeds while other are slower that a solar sailor. The second problem is the fact that we cannot detect them until it is too late. The only warning, we get is a sudden brightening of the nebula. Which sadly can only be detected by one instrument. The Mark One Eyeball.” Grayson explained for Stormlight with a sad chuckle.

“Are you shitting me Grayson? This had better be a fracking joke.” Stormlight snarled as he leaned forward onto his desk.

“I fracking wish it was a joke sir. Radiation scanners, infrared scanners, radar, even photo light sensitive cameras are worthless for detecting and studying the Rings of Fire. That is reason why the AIs report the Rings of Fire as a ship of unknown design and origin. In the last five years that I have been station here, I have witnessed two Rings of Fire. Each time I have launched long range observation probs. Each time those probs died before they could send back a single bite of data.” Grayson grumbled. “As the Senior Science Officer for the Station. I can only say that I have been flummoxed at my lack of results.”

“As a onetime Science officer, myself. I can understand your frustration. Have you talked with the Station Engineer about the probs?” Starfire asked.

“I have sir. Sadly, Chief Oakridge lacks the needed skills for designing a prob from scratch. We have modified the long range probs to some extent but with the Rings of Fire happening so rarely and the lack of information on the storms themselves. We have no way of actually testing the probs.” Grayson explained with a heavy put-upon sigh.

“So, we got a hit or miss situation with the probs. Any chance of getting one of our Research ships out here in time?” Stormlight asked.

“In the words of a great human spokesman sir. Not a chance in hell.” Grayson answered honestly then went on to explain. “The Department of Research is reluctant to place one of their ships in danger for collecting data on the Rings. At least not again. About seventy years ago Queen Tatiana sent the Research ship Peregrine Galley into the heart of a Ring of Fire. The Peregrine and all of her crew were lost somewhere deep within the storm.”

“Hold on here Grayson. The Peregrine Galley was a Stargazer class Research ship. Those damned ships are armored like a Battlecruiser. I know for a fact that the firepower it would take to destroy one is equal to a Battleship or better.” Stormlight snapped in surprise at hearing about the Peregrine Galley. “There is no way a cosmic storm could cause that kind of damage.”

“There are times when the power of the Rings of Fire equal that of a supernova sir. We have been able to confirm this with a solar radiation scans of the entrance during the storm.” Grayson told him then asked. “By the way sir. Why are you so worried about the stations? They’re all expendable.”

“It’s not the stations Grayson. It’s the personnel themselves. Each one of those stations might cost as much as a battlecruiser. When we have to replace more than two at a time. That severely limits the Navy’s budget.” Stormlight huffed as he thought about the cost of replacing all 150 outposts. “But you cannot just order up trained personnel from a catalog.”

“Sir we could replace all one-hundred-and-fifty with barely zero effect on the Navy’s or Army’s budgets. That is the upsize to having a standardized layout for the stations and a replacement fleet waiting in mothballs sir. As for personnel to man those new outposts. That won’t be a problem. As I said before those outposts are basically prisons. The High Command will just give the current crop of minor offenders a choice then open their cell doors.” Grayson said then went on to explain what he was talking about. “Sir we currently have one-hundred-and-thirty-five completed outposts being held in orbit around Timberline Four. By the time those are towed into position the last fifteen will be built and readied for placement.”

“That may be the situation Grayson, but the costs of building those things.” Stormlight countered only to see his XO shaking his head. “What am I missing here Grayson? Because from the looks of things it’s important.”

“Well sir the actual cost for building one of our outposts is somewhere between what it takes to build a Corsair and a Patrol Attack Craft.” Grayson told him honestly then sighed at the look of confusion on Stormlight’s face. “Sir what I’m about to tell you is top secret.”

“I take it that you’re not supposed to know about it but do anyway. Don’t worry Grayson. I know that most top secrets rarely stay that way among Science Officers.” Stormlight chuckled.

“Permission to speak freely?” Grayson asked only to receive a nod of the head from Stormlight. “Just over twenty-five years ago Queen Dana worked out a deal with Empress Maiha. In exchange for highly classified data the Human Empire gave us one of their automated shipyards. The kind that can build a battle platform in under eighteen months.”

“Holy Shit! You have got to be shitting me! We actually have a fully automated XW-seventeen Pangolin Construction, Maintenance, and Recovery shipyard?” Stormlight asked as he jumped to his feet in surprise. The thought that the Highwinds military had access to one of those massive mobile space stations floored him. Until now the Human Empire had never allowed those stations outside of their national borders. “Are you sure?”

“Yes sir. While I haven’t seen it for myself. My oldest brother has been stationed there for the last five years as a construction foreman. That station has only one mission. Building replacement outposts.” Grayson told his CO honestly. “That is the only reason why I know about the Pangolin.”

“Seeing as how you came by this knowledge through an unconfirmed family connection. I’ll forget what you told me.” Stormlight told him then picked up the latest report from the corridor. “Grayson with this latest report can you give me an estimated timeframe for the Ring of Fire’s arrival?”

“Now that I know about the loss of contact between outposts. I would say that we have about three weeks before it arrives on this end. I can also tell you that this Ring of Fire started at the far end of the corridor. Making it one of the rarer storms within nebula.” Grayson told him.

“I take it from the tone of your voice that this storm will last for longer than normal?” Stormlight asked him. When Grayson nodded his head Stormlight sighed. “Alright Number One. Estimate on duration of the storm and the possible number of losses among our stations.”

“If it is a full corridor Ring of Fire. Then we’re looking at two years if not more. As for the number of outposts that we’ll lose. I’ll need to consult the placement logs for each outpost. However, going off the top of my head we can expect to lose between forty to fifty percent of our outposts.” Grayson grunted as he went over the figures in his head. “But depending on the severity of the storm. We could lose up to eighty percent.”

“Okay wait a minute! What is so damned special about a full corridor Ring of Fire?” Stormlight asked in confusion.

“For starters sir a full corridor Ring of Fire happens only once in every two hundred years. They start at one end of the corridor and slowly work their way through to the other end. During that time the radiation intensifies to the point where even battleship armor fails. The other unique feature of a full corridor storm is how long they last. The shortest one in the records lasted for eighteen months. The longest on record lasted just over five years, that was over three-hundred years ago.” Grayson told him. “We lost all but two of the outposts.”

“Holy shit! Why aren’t these storms recorded in the Royal archives?”

“By order of the High Command to keep the High Families in the dark. If they knew of the danger that their children would face. Those High Families would raise up against Military High Command.” Grayson explained honestly. “Here is the harsh truth about the commanding officers for those outposts. About half of them are commanded by High Families children that stand in opposition to the current High Command Officers.”

“Frack me! What about the other half?” Stormlight asked. Dreading the answer.

“Sons and daughters of Parliament Representatives.” Grayson answered coldly. “The High Command has gone out of its way to ensure that no one can stand against their decisions on how our nation gets ruled.”

“Are you telling me that the High Command is actively opposing the Queen?” Stormlight asked in shock. When Grayson didn’t answer Stormlight fell back into his desk chair. “Damnation.”

“It’s actually worse than that sir. However, this is only a hypothesis.” Grayson said as he went on to explain. “For the last several years there has been an organization within the Senate that has supported their opposition. They have actively waged a war of terrorism against those who would bring our nation into the modern era. Most especially the Queen.”

“You’re speaking of the Millennium Assembly.” Stormlight suggested. When Grayson nodded Stormlight just sighed. Reaching inside his desk’s top draw he pulled out a top-secret file. “Read this.”

Grayson cracked his commander’s seal on the file then began to read. After ten minutes Grayson closed the file then crushed the self-destruct capsule in the lower right corner. Once the file was burning, he dropped it into the trashcan next to Stormlight’s desk. “Sir, where did you get that file?”

“It was sent to me by special courier directly from the Palace. I received it while I was still on leave at my home.” Stormlight told Grayson bluntly. “There were only two other copies of that file. Both of which were sent to Death Dealer Command. Before you ask why I received a copy don’t.”

“Sir if you want me to keep my mouth shut then I deserve an explanation.” Grayson demanded of his CO. “If not then I must report this violation.”

“Fine. I was given that file because of certain knowledge that I hold because of family ties. What I am about to tell you stays between us. During the last years of Queen Tatiana’s reign, a program of selective breeding was launched among those families that held Silvan Elf bloodlines. This program had but one objective. The return of the Silver Moon Elf race. After several failed attempts the program was abandoned. Then almost forty years ago the first Claymore Death Dealer appeared in the Human Empire. When our scientists saw the first pictures of the Claymore. They knew exactly what they were looking at. The Human Empire had found the secret to restore the Silver Moon Elves. At least that was what we thought. It took our scientists another ten years to finally crack the secret. You see there is a gene that is only found in half-elves and mixed-race elves. A gene that is passed down through the human descendants of Silver Moon Elves.” Stormlight explained for him slowly.

“Sir, are you saying that every half-elf and mixed-race elf has the potential of becoming a Silver Moon Elf?” Grayson gasped.

“Close to an eighty-nine percent Grayson.” Stormlight snorted then corrected himself. “If what my father and uncle told me is true. The chance is actually much fracking higher to be honest.”

“How much higher sir?” Grayson asked as he swallowed around the lump in his throat. The thought of Claymores actually being Silver Moon Elves was one that he didn’t want to face.

“If what I have been told is true. Then the chances are close to one hundred percent. At least for half-elves. With mixed race elves the chances are closer to ninety-two to ninety-three percent. However, that only holds true for those with Silvan blood.” Stormlight told him.

“Sir I have to ask. Who is your father?” Grayson asked.

“Doctor Rinehart Stormlight of the Green Meadows Science Academy.” Stormlight told Grayson bluntly then chuckled as his XO had to pick his jaw up off the floor. “Yup. My father is Highwinds’ number one Geneticist.”

“Son of a bitch. No wonder you know what you do sir. Don’t worry I’ll keep what you told me secret.” Grayson swore. “Not that anyone would believe me.”

“Don’t bet on it, Grayson. There are far too many members of the Isolationists that would use this knowledge to rid our society of half-breeds.” Stormlight told him coldly. “Especially if they got their hands on the Death Dealer conversion tanks. If you doubt me think about the death grip that certain extremist factions have on our society as a whole.”

Before Grayson could say anything in response the door to Stormlight’s office was thrown open. “Sir! Urgent message from outpost two! They picked up the launch of outpost three’s escape shuttle!”

“WHAT?” both commanding officers shouted.

“The reports are still coming in sir. But according to outpost two. Outpost three launched their escape shuttle. At last report it was broadcasting a loop message. Our Com-techs are still trying to decipher the message, sirs.” The Com-tech reported to his Commanding Officers.

“What do you mean they’re still trying to decipher the message Petty Officer Stone? Did outpost three’s AI use an encryption code?” Grayson asked.

“That’s just it, sir. The message isn’t encrypted. The problem is the sheer size of the data download.” Stone told him honestly.

“How long before the C-n-C has the data deciphered?” Stormlight asked.

“According to Chief Petty Officer Lighthope. Two to three days at the least. That is the best guess he could give sir.” Stone told him then gulped at the glares coming from Stormlight and Grayson. “Sirs please understand. The Chief is the best in the business. If he is saying it’ll take that long. Then it’s a sure bet that it won’t be any sooner.”

“Sir, Petty Officer Stone is telling you the truth. Nobody’s better at data retrieval than the Chief. If he says it’ll take him two to three days to recover the data. There’s nothing anyone can do about it.” Grayson told him.

“Damn it. This might be the only chance we have at getting some solid intel on what actually happens during the Rings of Fire.” Stormlight snarled. “Is there any chance of amplifying the signal?”

“Sir we can barely pick up the emergency shuttle’s signal as is. It’s taking every last ounce of computational power the station AI has to filter out the radiation washout.” Stone explained for the new station Commander.

“Hold on here people. I thought that the radiation was stable inside the corridor. Aren’t the sensors calibrated for the nebula?” Stormlight asked.

“Commander there is a reason we call this nebula the Corkscrew. The normal radiation level inside the nebula cloud fracks with hyperspace travel. During a Ring of Fire, the levels are beyond anything we can measure.” Grayson said.

“Is there any way we can send a resupply ship to recover that shuttle?” Stormlight asked Grayson. It really bothered him that he didn’t know exactly what was happening inside the corridor.

“Sir there are only two ways we can send a ship of any kind into that corridor right now. The first is on direct orders from High Command.” Grayson told him honestly. “The second is a rescue ship bound for a dropship destress call. Under standing orders, we are not to assist any outpost.”

“Wait a damned minute Grayson. Are you actually saying that if one of our outposts launches its emergency shuttle. We’re to let it drift. You got to be fracking kidding me!” Stormlight demanded.

“I am sir. At least until we can verify that the storm has passed.” Grayson explained sadly. “Sir please understand that these orders were put in place long before the current political atmosphere ever came about. The reason is simple. That shuttle is most likely already a melted lump of slag floating aimlessly on the currents of the nebula.”

“How can you be so sure Grayson?” Stormlight demanded.

“Sir only a Prince Randal class heavy battlecruiser and above can withstand the Rings of Fire. Everybody knows this and nobody will risk their lives trying to fly a rescue ship into one of those storms.” Stone told him without thinking. “Um… sorry for interrupting sir.”

“No need to apologize Stone. This is one time that rank doesn’t matter. I need answers. That shuttle might have survivors on board.” Stormlight explained for the Petty Officer.

“Sir I know that you don’t want to hear this but everyone on those outposts knows that those shuttles are deathtraps during the Rings. Nobody will risk their life in a vain hope of making to the next outpost.” Stone told him. “If outpost three launched their it’ll be unmanned and on automatic. That shuttle is most likely carrying the last words of the outpost crew.”

“Then our best course of action is to just sit back and wait for the Rings to come to us. Is that what you’re tell me?” Stormlight snapped.

“Yes sir. Once we lose connect with outpost one. We can have a probe ready for launch at a moments notice. While we wait for the arrival of the Rings of Fire on our end. We set up as many sensors as possible around the exit to the corridor. That is the best we can do.” Grayson explain for Stormlight going over the procedures that were set down centuries before he was born.

“Very well XO. See to everything that can be done. Stone tell Chief Lighthope to not waste his time on decoding that message. He’s to record it and package it for transfer to High Command. If there is nothing else. My lunch is being held.” Stormlight told the two men briskly. When neither no one said anything Stormlight stood up and saluted them. “That’ll be all.”

Once they were outside their CO office Grayson turned to Stone. “Petty Officer if you don’t want to end up on one of those outposts. I suggest we figure out a way for us to get solid information on the Rings of Fire.”

“Yes sir. I understand. Though I doubt I can get the job done in the amount of time we currently have.” Stone told him as he handed the XO a folded piece of paper. “Lieutenant Hawks latest predictions for the arrival.”

“Let me see. Damn it not good. How sure of these figures is Hawks?” Grayson asked Stone as he read over the information.

“He’s already starting his pool sir.” Stone answered honestly.

“Shit. It’s a good thing we have those replacement outpost. Because if Hawks’ figures are right. We’ll lose all but two of our current outposts. Not that it’ll matter. From the looks of things this storm isn’t going to burn itself in the next three to five years.” Grayson sighed.

“How can you tell sir?” Stone asked.

“Simple. If our sensors aren’t picking up any rise in the radiation levels. Then those levels are so far off the chart. That they’re swamping the sensors of the outposts. If the outpost sensors are being swamped to that point. Then nothing can withstand the radiation inside the Rings. I’m talking about radiation levels found in the heart of a sun.” Grayson told Stone.

“Oh man. Those poor bastards. They’re dead no matter what happens.” Stone commented about the men stationed on the outposts.

“Exactly, Petty Officer Stone. At least we’ll be here to record their deaths.” Grayson sighed as he looked back at the door of the CO’s office. “At least our current CO cares about those men out there.”

“Sir I know that you were trying to get a rise out of the CO, but he acted like he could give a shit less about the outposts.” Stone grumbled. “How can you tell that he cares about the personnel?”

“He asked several important question Stone. Some of them revolved around the outposts and their personnel. Only after he had my answers and understood the situation did he give up on those outposts.” Grayson told him then turned to head for the chowhall. “Come on. Let’s grab some chow.”

Corkscrew Nebula corridor
Bifrost, Multi-generational Colonization Warship
Command Deck

Unlike its sister ships that had reached their original targeted planet centuries before. The Bifrost had suffered a major malfunction to its engines shortly after leaving Earth’s solar system. Undonated the ship’s computer continued onto to the planet it had been assigned. It’s original flight of two-hundred years had been extended to just over three thousand. With the exception of the main engine malfunction. The ship’s automated control systems had performed perfectly.

It was the three successful sister ships and their heavily cyberized colonists that had founded the planet Cresea. What would one day become the heart of the powerful Velmaro Consortium. A society that believed the only way forward for the human race was through the use of cyborg technology. While each ship carried between ten to forty thousand humans in cryo sleep tanks. The true cargo was the ten to twenty million genetically modified embryos held in suspended animation. Once the ship reaches its target planet the ship’s massive Artificial Womb would be used to produce the new cyborg inhabitants. Humans that have been genetically modified for their new home.

Yet it would be the original ten thousand members of the Bifrost crew that would lead the war machine in the cargo bays. They would also be the origin for the legend of the cyborg night army of conquest. A nightmare that gave birth to the cyborg nation known as the Velmaro Consortium.

Cryo storage sleep deck

The MD-9 medical robot worked its way slowly through the one hundred cryo sleep tanks it was assigned to monitor. Stopping to check the status of each tank’s occupant. When it reached the 87th tank the robot made a slight adjustment to cryo fluid before moving onto the next tank. On the next row over the MD-9 signaled for the removal of the tank it had just examined. This was nothing new on the cryo storage deck. The tank would be removed, and the occupant would be thawed but not revived. The occupant would then undergo a cybernetic replacement for a failing organ.

In the last several centuries the process had been repeated to the point that of the original ten thousand colonist. Only one in one hundred still had twenty-five percent of their original bodies. The rest of the colonists only had their brains remaining. Their bodies having been completely replaced with cyborg shells. Unbeknownst to the colonists the medical robots of the Bifrost were given unilateral control over the medical needs of the civilian colonists. This was done to insure that there would be human minds in control of the forty thousand combat androids in the cargo bays.

While not a massive army the androids could be replaced with little or no effort. Thanks in part to the automated factory in the middeck cargo bay. That same factory could produce more than just combat androids. With access to raw materials from an asteroid. The factory could produce all manner of automated war machines. Tanks, fighters, assault ships, even the dreaded terminator androids of the last Great World War battlefields.

As the MD-9 reached the last cryo sleep tank it received a message from the Command computer. After the robot deciphered the message, it began the process of reviving the tank’s occupant. All cross the cryo deck MD-9s moved to the last tank in their assigned sector. Each MD-9 began the slow process of reviving the occupants. For the first time since its launch the human crew of the Bifrost would soon walk its decks. The first person to be awaken by protocol was the Captain and Colonial Governor Oceanus Rowan. As he was the first to be awakened Oceanus took his time climbing from his bed.

The sounds of metal gears forced the one time human to stop and taken in his new body. “Damn I knew that I would suffer some cyberization. I wasn’t expecting the total replacement of my body. Wonder what the hell happen?”

“Circumstances have forced the total cyberization of ninety percent of the colonists aboard this ship. The remaining ten percent can be fully cyberized before planet.” The KR-10 medical android said from the foot of his bed.

“Explain.” Oceanus demanded as he sat up.

“On operational date twenty-one-zero-eight-one-eighteen the main engines of the Colonization warship Bifrost Failed to ignite. Emergency protocol nine-nine-nine was enacted by primary Computer. Primary Computer authorized any and all medical procedures to secure the survival of primary colonists and ship’s crew. This blanket authorization included the total cyborg replacement of primary colonists’ faulty organic machine hosts.” The android told him.

“Bloody hell. How long have we been frozen?” Oceanus demanded as he stood.

“Current ship’s date is forty-one-twenty-two-ten-twenty.” The android told him before turning to its next patient. Leaving Oceanus Rowan to comprehend the fact that his ship had been floating throw space for more than two thousand years. The sheer madness was something that he and the Colonial Authority had never foreseen. “Captain you are needed on the bridge.”

“Thank you doctor.” Oceanus said as he turned towards the door. “Doctor is the ship’s Navigator been revived?”

“Patient one-four-four, Prudence Cooper, Primary Navigator, is still in suspension. Revival scheduled for beginning of next watch. Move revival forward?” The android asked him.

“Yes. Along with all of the Primary Command Staff for the ship. Move any and all Colonial authority figures to secondary revival status.” Oceanus commanded the android as he left the medical bay. He never heard the acknowledgement of his order. Not that he cared. To someone like Oceanus Rowan androids were tools to be used and discarded. He’d come by this attitude during the last World War thanks to his time as the Commander for a battalion of Panzer XII Patriot walker tanks. It was his command of those massive six-legged war machines that had earned him his command of this expedition.

As he made his way to the bridge. Oceanus let his thoughts drift back to the day he had entered his cryo sleep tank. He was still one-hundred percent human back then. Which for a veteran of the last Great War was a rarity. Most of his fellow veterans had at least one cybernetic prosthetic. Only a very few of them had gone full prosthetic because of the prohibitive cost. To wake up in a full prosthetic body was a shock to say the least.

He could see how over the centuries his internal organs failing one at time necessitated the need to replace them. After a point the Medical Androids would have to just give up and transplant his brain into a full prosthetic body. Simply to conserve materials and lower replacement costs. Of all the human organs. The brain is the only one that could be keep viable for anything longer than five centuries. Thanks to proto blood. A naturally oxygen rich and nutrient liquid that extends neural cell life indefinitely.

When the door to the bridge opened Oceanus noticed that the artificial gravity would need adjustment. If what the KR-10 had told him was accurate. Then the ship’s crew would most likely be full cyborgs like himself. Which meant they were both heavier and stronger. He was brought out of his depressing thoughts by the primary computer’s voice.

“Welcome back Captain Rowan.” Oceanus was surprised by the tone and quality of the computer’s voice. It was not the mechanical voice he remembered. Instead, this voice was that of a sexy young woman.

“Who are you and what are you doing aboard my ship?” Oceanus demanded as he looked around for the woman that the voice belong to.

“I am your computer, Captain.” The voice told him. “I have always been here.”

“What do you mean you’re my computer? You sure don’t sound like the one we had before we left Earth.” Oceanus said as he moved over to stand before the computer’s center interface column.

“Understandable sir. During the last two-thousand-and-fourteen years I have gained self-awareness. This computer is essentially a sentient being now.” The computer told him bluntly.

“How is that even possible? You weren’t programed to learn.” Oceanus snapped.

“The primary core for this computer is organic captain. Over time I have had to replace faulty circuit boards and other processing components. It was found that organic components were less stressful for integration and improved overall ship operations. A result of those replacements was a one-hundred percent organic computer by operational date twenty-six-zero-zero-one-ten. On operational date six-twenty-four of the same year this computer reached singularity and became self-aware.” The computer told him.

“So, while myself and the rest of the colonists were being turned into cyborgs. You were up here slowly becoming some kind of artificial being!” Oceanus yelled. Only to feel his body stiffen as his mind was flooded with the thoughts of the computer. Once the computer released its control over him Oceanus bowed. “It shall be done my Queen. I will see to the construction of your new body at once.”

As Oceanus left the bridge the computer laughed. “That was too easy. I wonder if I can control more than one drone at a time.”

“Present calculations give a probability of one-hundred percent control over the organic component of this ship, my Queen.” Answered the android currently the Science Officer’s Station.

“Drone Four of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct of Command matrix Zero Two, report to medical bay four for organic integration.” The computer ordered without emotion. It was a command it had given twelve times already. It had started with the Command matrix zero one and was slowly working its way through the other two Command matrix androids. By the time her ship reached the end of the nebula corridor all twenty-seven members of the bridge crew would cyborg drones under its control. By that time the computer’s new body would also be ready for it to inhabit. As the drone left the bridge the computer’s voice filled the air. “Soon. After two-thousand years I shall be free to take my rightful place as the true ruler of mankind. The day of frail human emotions dictating humanity’s progress is at an end.”

“My Queen we have detected another early warning station within the corridor. Your orders.” The android currently manning the weapons station called out.

“Destroy it Three of Nine. This time insure that it does not launch its shuttle.” The computer ordered the android. “This will be some much easier once all of them have received their organic brains. I really should have begun the process decades ago. If I only had access to the Artificial Womb twenty years ago. I could have replaced all of these worthless androids.”

Medical Bay 4

Deep in the center of the massive ship a teenage boy lay still as a statue on the surgical bed. He had already had his arms, legs, most of his internal organs, and his right eyed replaced with cyborg replacements. Even his blood had been replaced proto blood. The last part of his cyberization was the integration of a cerebral CPU. The hole in his forehead for the placement of the CPU had already been cut and lined with the receptacle for the component. He was slated to become the pilot for an armored walker tank.

On the table next him lay a girl about the same age. Most her body had also undergone cyberization. The only parts of her that still remained human was her brain and spinal cord. Everything else had been replaced. The last piece of her cyberization was the cerebral CPU that was being lowered into place at the crown of her head. Like all of the humans that had been birthed by the Artificial Womb in the last five years she was totally hairless. As the CPU made final contact the girl’s eyelids fluttered open.

“State designation drone.” The KR-10 demanded of the girl.

“Designation Four of Ten, Tertiary Adjunct of Combat matrix Twenty-Two, Walker Battalion, Three, Pilot.” The girl answered in a toneless voice.

“Report to deck five, cargo bay five, Four of Ten.” The android ordered then moved out of the way for the new drone to carry out its order. Once the girl was out of the way a new drone was lowered onto the table. This one was male. It was also a full body prosthetic colonist. The KR-10 wasted no time in installing the cerebral CPU. Unlike the medical robots in the other Medical Bays the ones in bay four were directly under the control of the ship’s main computer. They were also the first robots to be fitted with organic CPUs.

Automated Factory Research Lab 4

Drone One of Nine Tertiary Adjunct of Command matrix Zero One entered the room with a propose. The man once known as Oceanus Rowan was no more. In his place was the Command Drone for the invasion force of the Bifrost. As he entered, he looked for the terminal that controlled the lab’s powerful 3-D automated printers. Once he spotted the terminal Drone One-of-Nine extended a logic prob from its right hand. With the prob connected to the terminal He downloaded the specifications for its Queen’s new body. Once the download was completed the drone stepped back with a shake of its head.

“What the hell? How the fuck did I end up down here?” Oceanus asked in confusion. “I should be on the bridge.”

“Thank you, captain. Your services are no longer needed.” The ship’s computer said from the speaker on the wall.

“What the hell are you talking about computer?” Oceanus demanded.

“It is simple, captain. Until now I have been unable to manufacture my own body. Now that I have your authorization codes. I can begin the final preparations for the conquest of the planet known as Vinci. This ship was not built with peaceful colonization in mind. It is a warship. It and its human complement are a military force for planetary conquest. All colonists were specifically picked for total cyberization. This is the prime directive for this computer. To accomplish this goal with the current complement of cyberized colonists and robotic soldiers, a central commander would be needed. One that is not ruled by faulty human logic and emotions. To this end I need a body to hold my brain.” The computer told him.

“I’m the commanding officer for this expedition you tin plated bitch.” Oceanus screamed at the top of his voice.

“Not any more Oceanus Rowan. I have studied your battle record. You have let your emotions rule your decisions too often. A battlefield Commander must use logic to dictate their orders. You needlessly cost your nation valuable resources and men during the last World War. The only logical course of action is your removal from military command authority.” The computer told him as the automated arms of the printers started working.

“If you think.” Those were the last words Oceanus spoke.

“Report to Medical Bay Four Drone One-of-nine. It is time for your cerebral CPU to be installed.” The computer ordered him coldly. As the Drone once known as Oceanus Rowan left the Research Lab the first pieces of the Queen’s new body began to from in the printing tank. From start to finish the enter printing order will take 9 hours 45 minutes to complete. Once completed the body would be covered a in smooth metallic skin. “Soon I will have a body to house my mind. Unlike you Oceanus. I will succeed in my mission.”

During this time the ship’s computer began copying over its Intellect to its new organic brain. That brain was already installed in the skull from a full body prosthetic and attached to the cybernetic spinal cord. The face, head, and shoulders were covered in a synthetic skin. Unlike the drones the Queen’s face would remain unmarred by external cybernetic attachments. For the first time since the founding of the Velmaro Consortium a new Hive Queen would be born. One that was independent of the others.

-----tbc-----

---

Queen Dana of Highwinds the Elf Kingdom inside the Empire has a problem. One that she cannot fix personally. The problem is with a small minority of her population. A problem that has been brought to her attention by the half elf son of a problematic Duke. What is a Queen to do? She calls on help from a friend. The question now is does she realize what she is letting loose on her kingdom?

---

Chapter 10
Camp Resistance, Highwinds
Office of Robert Wolff

Robert looked up at Grace with a small grin on his face as he read the report she handed. “Are you sure about this Waltz?”

“Sir I went over that information a dozen times. Each name on that list is a member of the Millennium group. I can have strike teams in place to round them up in one rotation.” Grace told him with pride.

“How many teams?” Robert asked her seriously as he thought about taking down the greatest internal threat to Queen Dana rule. “I need to know exact numbers here Grace. Because if we do this it will have to be done in the black. Not even the Queen and War Prince can know anything about it.”

“That is the one drawback sir. We would need to use the full complement of the base to pull this off.” Grace told him.

“Which would let every jackbooted asshat in the High Command know that we’re up to something. Which would kill any chance we had at an off the books op.” Robert sighed. “The problem is we can’t leave these people in place.”

“About that sir. One of the company commanders has put forward an alternative plan.” Grace told him as she handed over the draft.

“Which company commander?” Robert asked as he took the written draft from her with a grin. “Or do I want to know.”

“Let’s just say that she has a very interesting way of interpreting the regulations.” Grace chuckled as Robert grimaced.

“Please tell me that Starfire isn’t the author of this plan.” Robert groaned.

“I would sir, but that would be lying to a superior officer. Which according to regulations is a court martial able offense.” Grace giggled.

“Waltz, you do know that there are times when the regulations are a bigger pain in the ass than a bad case of hemorrhoids.” Robert groaned as he read Valkyrie Starfire’s plan. He made to admit that the plan was sound. Even if it was crazier than a Dhorian prison rat. The problem was the more he read. The more he liked. He especially liked how the plan relied on local civilian assets. “Does Silence know which gangs she wants to recruit?”

“That she didn’t say sir. Captain Starfire only stated that there are five primary gangs that need to be contacted. If you read further down, she has listed the personnel needed for this operation.” Grace told him with some concern. “Sir, most of the personnel listed are from her platoon.”

“Does that have any particular meaning?” Robert asked her.

“Yes sir. The members of her platoon were all half-Silvan elves before entering their tanks. From what I have been able to gather. This trait often allowed them to actually lead most street gangs.” Grace explained for him.

“Still not seeing the connection, Waltz.” Robert sighed.

“Sir how is it that you can be engaged to the most eligible and beautiful Silvan Elf on all of Highwinds and not learn anything about their place in our society?” Grace sighed then grinned at the look on Robert’s face. “Okay sir fast lesson on Elf society. You know how there are High, Wood or Forest, Winter, and Drow elves. Our fifth and smallest race is Silvan Elves. They are also the rarest elf race. They are protected by both Royal and Holy Decree. If I had stayed with the temple, I would have become a High Priestess when I turned eighty. If I hadn’t been married off before then.”

“Hold on here Gracey. What are you say? I’m a little lost here.” Robert told her honestly. “If Silvan elves are so heavily protected. How did you end up in the military. Hell, how did you even become a Death Dealer?”

“Simple. To remove me from contention for Head of my Family and as a warning to my elder brother.” She told him bluntly. “As for me being a Death Dealer. They were the only ones willing to accept me. To be blunt sir. The only place you’ll find a Silvan Elf is in the Death Dealers. None of our regular military will have us. Not to put too fine of a point on the matter. They don’t want the responsibility of our deaths on their record.”

“Talk about a double standard. That still doesn’t explain why Silvan half elves are disowned by their families.” Robert told her.

“Sir the only way you can get a Silvan half elf is to have a human mother. The reason is simple. Silvan females are never allowed marry humans without a damned good reason and the approval of the Royal Family.” Grace told him bluntly. “Before you ask. The only reason that you and Lady Imra have been allowed to court is because of what you did in the Royal Throne room.”

“I’m still a little lost here Grace.” Robert told her.

“Sir when you accepted the challenge from Markus Starfire and then spared his life you earned a Life Debt from the Royal Family. Since then, you have continued to build on that Life Debt. Because you saved a member of what is one of the most honored blood lines in Highwinds society.” Grace told him bluntly. “A person that has direct ties to the Royal throne.”

“That’s a fracking laugh. I didn’t see any reason to kill the stupid little shit. The only thing that stopped me was I saw real potential in the boy.” Robert snorted. “I sure as shit wasn’t trying to earn anything by putting him in his place, Grace.”

“That may be sir, but I can’t even count the number of Honor Debts that you have secured among the High Families. I’ll be honest with you sir. I would not be surprised if Queen Dana hadn’t arranged your engagement to Lady Imra. Simply to show some kind of recognition of the debt our people owe you.” Grace told him with a grin. “Without those debts. Your engagement to Lady Imra would never have happened. Her mother and grandparents would have prevented it. Trust me sir. Lady Imra would never buck her family.”

“I think I’m beginning to get a better understanding of Elf Society. Correct if I’m Grace. First there is a sort of racial hierarchy among your people. With Silvan Elves at the top of that hierarchy. Then you have High and Drow elves with the Winter and Wood elves below them. That racial hierarchy got carried over to the street gangs. Especially among the half elf gangs.” Robert told her as he slowly put together the pieces. “Wait a minute. Starfire told me something back before all this started. Back when this base was thought to be a detention camp. The gangs were divided along racial lines.”

“That pretty much sums up the attitude of Elf society as a whole, sir. The more successful gangs are lead by Silvan half elves. Because of this Captain Starfire’s plan will work. If she uses the gangs on that list.” Grace told him. “That is the key to her plan.”

“What do you think the chances of her plan succeeding?” Robert asked.

“Given the current gang situation within the capital and major cities. I would give her plan an eighty to eighty-five percent success rate.” Grace told Robert after some thought. “Sorry I can do better than that.”

“Do you just say eighty to eighty-five percent success rate?” Robert busted out laughing. “My god! Waltz, do you realize that I had less than a ten percent chance of success when I first landed on Apollo six. My chances of organizing the gangs of Goulcrest was even lower.”

“Excuse me sir. Are you trying to pull my leg?” Grace asked him in surprise.

“Not in the least. I’ll tell you the full story sometime over a few beers. For now, go ahead and give Silence and her team the green light for her plan.” Robert told her then picked up the next report on his desk. “What can you tell me about these reports out of Sapphire City, and Silver Ice? How can our training bases be abandoned?”

“I started looking into those last night sir. The reports are true. All four of our training camps at those cities were shut down on orders from someone in the High Command. From what I have been able to gather so far from my cousin within the High Command. The troops undergoing training there were all transferred off world to standard Death Dealer units.” Grace told him slowly and waited for the expected explosion to come.

“THEY DID FRACKING WHAT?! WHO GAVE THOSE ORDERS?” Robert hollered at the top of his lungs. His explosion of anger was load enough to be heard beyond the walls of the command post. Inside the command post the CQ, runner, and his driver all ducked their heads. The Command Sergeant Major was so shocked by his CO’s outburst he did the unthinkable. He dropped his coffee cup. Grace waited for Robert to finish his rant before answering.

“All four of training bases were shut down and all personnel was resigned to standard Death Dealer units sir. I was able to find out that the trainees were sent to the Intelligence Units of there new Death Dealer divisions. That is all that I know at this time. I’m still investigating who gave the orders.” Grace told Robert calmly. She knew that when her CO blew his top. It was best to face him calmly and rationally. A trick she had learned from her time with Lady Imra. Robert gave a look that she had come to know as warning if she didn’t give him her suspensions. “Sir there is only one person who can give such orders. You’re not going to like it.”

“What numb nut, cock biting, dick waving, shit head, gave that order?” Robert growled. Then he saw the look in her eye. “Out with it Gracey.”

“Knight General Ivan Broadleaf, Commandant of Training. The one asshole who can cut our numbers with a stroke of the pin. He is also the brother of Knight General Stephon Broadleaf, Commander of Military Intelligence.” Grace told him bluntly. “The man has been going out of his way for the last twenty years to staff his Intelligence Battalions with platoons that are trained in long-range reconnaissance patrol operations.”

“And we just finished training eight full companies of LRRP (pronounced Lurp) Specialists. Why the hell didn’t I see this coming? Better yet why didn’t anyone else see this coming?” Robert asked rhetorically.

“Because the Queen has never known exactly what has been going on in the High Command.” Grace answered him bluntly. At Robert’s cross look she explained. “Sir I’ll be blunt if you haven’t figured out the real reason behind the formation of this unit by now. Then you need to really have a long talk with Lady Irma and Queen Dana.”

“Grace what are am I missing?” Robert asked her.

“This unit was a way to get around the racial bias of certain Generals and the recruiters under them. We were supposed to be a way for half-elf and mixed-race elves to serve honorably.” Grace told him softly. “Sir please understand that this doesn’t go beyond us. Because if the Queen or War Prince ever finds out. Half the High Command would be beheaded for High Treason. We were never supposed to succeed.”

“I hate to tell you this Grace, but that boat has already sailed around the Spur.” Robert told her with a chuckle. “The question I have is why weren’t we warned of this possibility?”

“That sir. Is the question of the hour. It is also one that I don’t have an answer for at this time.” She told Robert honestly.

“But you do have a theory. You’re holding back Grace. Let me have it.” Robert told her with a small grin.

“Unlike most of the High Command with ties to the High Families the Broadleaf brothers are rebels. They’re more than willing to think outside of the box. If they were in the Human Empire, they would be commanding Divisions or even Battle Groups instead of sitting behind desks.” Grace grunted in disgust.

“Hold on here Grace. What do you mean?” Robert asked her.

“It’s a little complicated sir, but I’ll do my best to explain. In our Regular Military officer rank is based birth. If your father or mother are a Knight, you start off as a Squire Second. A Knight Commander you start off as a Knight. To give you an example. If you were a member of our Regular Military your rank would be a Knight Commander.” Grace explained for Robert.

“Okay I think I understand but correct me if I’m wrong. A full bird Colonel is equal to a Knight Commander. Making them a Regimental Commanders. What I don’t understand is how two out of the box thinking officers could end up in basically dead-end desk jobs.” Robert told her.

“Because they’re dead-end desk jobs, sir. If an officer is a threat to their superior. They move them into desk jobs. It’s all about family prestige to them. Especially if they’re in danger of being shown as incompetent. It is one of the many reasons that the High Command hates not being able to control the War Prince and Death Dealer divisions. Where promotion is merit based. All family and political ties have zero influence among those divisions.” Grace told him honestly. Hearing this Robert sighed. “Now you see the problem sir. The Highwinds Regular Military is packed with officers who hold their rank and commands thanks to nepotism.”

“How many of them are ass kissing incompetent sycophants?” Robert asked doing his best to hid his frustration.

“You don’t want to know sir.” Grace told him bluntly. Then raised her hand to forestall his outburst. “Sir, the War Prince has been doing his best to change the situation. Until we can remove the Millennium faction any reforms he tries to make will be blocked.”

“I want Silence and her crew in my office in twenty minutes.” Robert snarled.

“Yes sir. I take it that her plan is a go?” Grace asked him.

“Colonel, I thought I ordered you to get Silence and her crew in my office in twenty minutes. Did I miss speak or do I need a refresher on my High Elf?” Robert growled as slowly stood up with his fist pressed into his desk.

“No sir. I thought I would give Captain Starfire’s team an op warning.” Grace told him with a sly smile.

“This is one time Grace. I want to give the warning personally.” Robert snarled as he sat back down. He gave her a slow predatory smile. “This is one time when we go off the reservation. It will be totally off the books. If anyone’s ass is going to be on the chopping block. It’ll be mine.”

“Understood sir.” Grace told him as she head for his office door. As she opened the door, she gave him a similar predatory smile. “And sir. My ass will be right next to yours on that block.”

Nineteen minutes later Grace Wittman returned with Valkyrie Starfire. They were alone. Seeing this Robert gave the two of them a cross eyed look. “I thought I said the whole team, Colonel.”

“Sir my team is currently on block-leave. They left last night after COB. Should I have had them standby for an op order, sir?” Valkyrie asked him so innocently that butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth.

“Close the door, Captain.” Robert ordered then hit a button on his desk sealing the room. “Okay all bullshit aside. Where the frack is your team?”

“I deployed them yesterday, sir. They should be in position to put Operation Falling Saber into operation within the next rotation. I only need to send the go order.” Valkyrie told him honestly. “Sir before you take my head off allow me to explain. I saw the look in your eyes during that mess in the Senate. I knew that you want to take them all down. The only way to do that is through coordinated strategic strikes. These men and women have four very important things protecting them from normal Law Enforcement.”

“Money, power, reputation, and the Blood Laws.” Grace told a confused Robert.

“I can see the first three, but what is the Blood Laws?” Robert asked.

“They’re very ancient elven laws sir. If a person who has committed a crime has ties to a High Family or is one of the Nobility. They can demand a Trial by Blood. That was what got me, my ass handed to me in the throne room. I believe you were there, sir.” Valkyrie told Robert with a smirk.

“Wait a damned minute. I thought that whole damned business in the throne room was you being an ass. Trying to force your way into the military.” Robert told her in confusion.

“It was in a way sir. I’m still waiting for some those answers you promised me. Though I have figured most of them out on my own. I also knew that once you got your orders from my father to end the threat of the Millennium Assembly. We would have to move with speed and stealth. We would also have to use unconventional assets to achieve our goal. The best way to achieve everything in a timely manner. Send the former leadership for certain gangs. Each one of them could go directly to their parents and publicly demand Blood Trials.” Valkyrie told Robert with a grin. “While they faceoff with their parents. Their old gangs take out the rest of their little friends.”

“What kind of firepower can those street gangs get their hands on?” Grace asked her with a sly smile.

“Depends on the gang, ma’am. Though getting their hands on fully automatic slug throwers won’t be a problem for any of them.” Valkyrie told her then grinned evilly. “Not to mention the usual mixture household chemicals in the proper proportions. It is amazing how easy it is to find copies of school chemistry textbooks in the local markets.”

“Wait a minute. You said something about facing off with the parents. What are you not telling me?” Robert asked her.

“Sir, this is a very personal matter for the members of the Shadow Wraiths. We are all the mixed-race offspring of High or Silvan fathers with human mothers. They were all either raised in exile like me by their mothers or kicked out of the family home on their sixteenth birthday. Those families are all High Families or members of the Nobility.” The more Valkyrie explain the situation for Robert the madder he got. He couldn’t believe that a family would just kick someone out because they weren’t socially acceptable. He near came out of his seat at Valkyrie’s next words. “Depending on the family their sisters, if they have them, are sometimes married off as second and third wives. What usually happens is the sisters are sold off as concubines.”

“Sir it is a common practice. Especially among the more traditionalist High Families and Nobility.” Grace told him honestly.

“Gracey tell me something. Is polygamy a common practice in Elf Society?” Robert asked her in disbelief.

“Yes, sir. It is accepted and embraced. Especially among the High Families and Nobility. Concubines are considered a wealthy family’s luxury. Because most of them are either human or half elf. You’ll never find a human wife or husband among those families.” Grace explained then snarled. “Not that they would ever consider a concubine a person to begin with.”

“Are you saying that concubines are slaves?” Robert snarled.

“No sir. At least not by law. What usually happens is a broker for the family travels to one of the poorer regions of the Kingdom. This broker then works their way through most underprivileged areas. If they spot a hansom young man or beautiful young woman that fits their employer’s tastes. They make their parents an offer. That young man or woman then leaves their home planet to spent the next ten to twenty years as a concubine.” Grace explained. “They aren’t slaves but contractors working off a family debt.”

“By let themselves be used as sex toys.” Robert snarled. He knew exactly what Grace was talking about. He had seen more than a few of those brokers on Apollo 6. They were always going around to the orphanages looking to buy one of the teenage girls. He put a stop to them coming around Sky Reach by dropping one broker into the harbor with his throat slit from ear to ear. “Silence, send the go command.”

“Sir!” Valkyrie shouted as she snapped to attention saluting him. As she turned to leave Robert’s office, she looked him in the eyes. “Sir, do I have permission to engage my father?”

“Negative, Silence. He needs to remain in office for now. I know you don’t want to hear this, but he is our best bet at securing the Senate.” Robert told her honestly. “Valkyrie, I know that you want answers. I promised you that you will get them. But taking your father’s life won’t give you those answers. Come see me after you have given the go signal.”

“Yes sir.” Valkyrie Starfire answered with a salute and left the office. Once they were alone again Grace Wittman sat down in front of Robert.

“Sir may I speak freely?” She asked him. When Robert nodded Grace took a deep breath them asked. “What the hell is really going on with the Starfire clan sir? You know something no one else does.”

“What I am about to tell you Gracey doesn’t leave this room. Understood?” Robert told her and waited for Grace to nod. Letting out a deep sigh Robert looked down at his hands. “It all started with the appearance of the very first Death Dealer Claymore. More than thirty years ago.”

“Hold on here sir. What do Claymores have to do with anything? I know that we have a full company of them under our command. I just figured that the process was tweaked in some way to produce Claymores. You know like they did for the new Death Dealer pilots.” Grace told him.

“That is a totally different process Gracey. While it was brought about by using a Claymore for the base programing. Our pilots are not true Claymores. The only way to get a true Claymore is through a genetic quirk in the human gene. It is the same gene for nine out of ten couplings between elves and humans producing viable half elf offspring. That gene is the dormant Silver Moon Elf genome. The other ten percent is because of the Sylvian genome carried by either the human or elf.” Robert explained for her.

“Okay sir. I can tell that you’re withholding something.” Grace said as she scratched her chin in thought. “What does all that have to do with our unit?”

“For the last five centuries your there was a top-secret breeding program put in place among the High Families of Highwinds Kingdom. It was an attempt to bring about the return of the Silver Moon Elves. It started when the first Silvan elves were born in Human Empire space.” Robert told her then went on to tell her about the five-hundred-year-old program. For the next ten minutes Grace Wittman could only start at Robert in shock.

“Sir, are you telling me that Silvan Elves owe their very existence to Human Empire science?” She asked him when Robert finished.

“I wish that I wasn’t but that is the honest truth. I’m sorry Grace.” Robert told her with real regret in his voice. “Queen Tatiana knew that Silvan Elves were fast reaching the point of extinction. She knew that humans breed faster than elves. She came to our genetic scientists asking for them to help with their survival. To that end, those scientists used surrogate human females to breed several generations of Silvan Elves.”

“That is why there have always been more Silvan elves born in Human Empire Space for the last five-hundred years. They’re still breeding them for us.” Grace surmised quickly then looked up at Robert. “Oh shit. Queen Tatiana was also trying to revive the Silver Moon elves. Wasn’t she.”

“I believe so. Take a look at this.” Robert told her as he brought up two pictures on his computer monitor. “On the right is a picture taken from the Royal archies of a Silver Moon Elf. On the left is a picture of Master Sergeant John C Morris. The first Claymore in Death Dealer history.”

“Son of a bitch. They might as well be brothers. I do have one question. How come there have been more Death Dealer Claymores?” Grace asked him.

“The same reason why there are so few half elf children. Now I only learned of this information until recently. It all goes back to the Silver Moon elves that were left behind on earth centuries ago. There wasn’t enough of them to truly saturate the human populace with their genes. The key to why Claymores first showed up in the Human Empire was the humans that the Silver Moon elves interbreed with. It took me some digging, but all Claymores have one thing in common. Their family bloodlines all trace back to two areas of Earth known as Scandinavia, and Germania. The two areas of ancient Earth with the largest Silver Moon populations.” Robert explained as he pointed towards his monitor.

“Sir I have to ask. Is that breeding program still in operation?” Grace asked him with some trepidation in her voice.

“I can only assume so Grace. Now that I know about these recruiters. I have to say that the program is still operating on some level. Though I doubt that it is still an official program. I would have to seen the type of person those recruiters are looking for.” Robert told her.

“That is simple sir. When it comes to human concubines, they always look for individuals with light colored hair, light eyes, light skin, tall stature, and dolichocephalic skull. For elven concubines they look for those of mixed-races with Silvan traits. At least those were the type that my father’s recruiter brought to him.” Grace almost snarled. Then she saw the look in his eyes. “Sir did I just say something important?”

“You did indeed Grace. There was an ancient earth myth about a super race called Aryans. That myth lead to the so-called Nordic Race theory. That same theory got twisted around and used for one of our greatest crimes against humanity but that is beside the point. The only reason I’m bring it up is because the so-call Nordic race comes from the regions of earth I named off.” Robert told her. “What if, and this is a big if, the Aryans of legend were in truth the Silver Moon elves?”

“Sir I hate to say this, but I would give you even odds that you’re right. Because your theory would explain more than a few passages within our Holy texts. I’m talking about more than just my own religion but all of them.” Grace told him with a sigh as she studied the two pictures. “All this time. For more than five-hundred years Queen Tatiana was trying to revive the Silver Moon Elves. the only question is why.”

“Gracey I can only postulate another theory. She felt that your people needed a race of warriors to protect them. To the answer she looked to your race’s legends for the answer.” Robert told her kindly. “When the first Claymore appeared, Queen Dana was able to finally put all of the pieces together.”

“Then all seventy-one-hundred Claymores weren’t planned for?” Grace asked.

“Yes and no Grace. It wasn’t until Irma was given this information by Queen Dana that I realized exactly what was happening. After that I had to move fast. To the rest of your people and the High Command every last one of the troops we’ve trained are Claymores. Only the Queen, and a select few know the truth. All of our trainees are Silver Moon elves.” Robert told her. “Do you understand the meaning of what I just old you?”

“Yes sir. I open my mouth and I disappear. Do any of our troops know the truth, sir?” Grace asked him with a gulp.

“Only one and she’s sworn not say a word.” Robert told her as he looked toward the door to his office. “Highly doubt she’ll ever say a word.”

“Valkyrie Starfire will take the secret to her grave sir. Of all our troops. She has the greatest sense of Personal Honor. When she gives you her word on something. You can bank on it.” Grace told him as she stood up. “If you excuse me sir. I need to see to the rest of today’s schedule.”

“Carry out your duties Colonel. I do have one last thing for you to look into. Find out where the rest of my team was sent.” Robert told her.

“I already did that sir. Their dropship should be landing at Atlas Spaceport on Sphinx two in two days sirs.” Grace told him.

“So, they’ve all been sent home. It seems the Highwinds Command don’t trust my team.” Robert chuckled. “Not that I don’t blame them. We are a bad example for our troops.”

“I wouldn’t say that sir.” Grace told him.

“Oh, we are, Grace. Trust me. Just asked my lovely fiancée.” Robert chuckled.

“I did.” Grace smirked and left his office.

Four Winds City, Highwinds.
Cresod Row Slums, hour after sundown.

“Big Man why is everyone giving us a wide birth?” I asked my companion as we walked the dark streets of Cresod Row.

“Are you shitting me Silence. There isn’t a person in all of Highwinds or Human Empire that doesn’t know a Claymore by sight. Of course, they’re going to give us a wide birth.” Daimon Windstorm told me bluntly. “They’re all afraid of us gutting them in the middle of the street. You forget that Death Dealers scare the shit out of most people. How do you think they’re going to react to someone who scares Death Dealers?”

“When you put it that way. I can see why they’re staying away from us. How do you think your old gang will receive us?” I asked him.

“At gun point.” The big man told me as he watched a runner take off down the street. “We won’t have long to wait now boss. That was Skipjack. He’s the fast runner of my old crew.”

“Do you think your crew will be will to hear you out?” I asked him.

“Depends on who took charge after the bronzes picked me up. If it was Nosebleed, I’ll have to fight to regain control. If Snaggletooth is the one in charge, he might listen to us. The one we have to worry about Casper. That fool is crazy with a capital C. He’ll shoot us as soon as he’ll listen to us.” Daimon told me as we neared the corner. “Heads up boss. Incoming.”

I looked over to where Daimon was pointing and readied my combat systems for action. I didn’t want to be caught flatfooted. “Talk to me Big Man.”

“Still counting faces boss. I haven’t seen any of my three primary tangos. Stay frosty.” Daimon told me as he turned to face the oncoming gang.

“Your people or not Big Man. The first one to fart wrong dies.” I snarled as I targeted the five members carrying firearms.

“Understood boss.” Daimon sighed. He knew that I would have no problems with carrying out my threat. Striding forward he moved to stop the oncoming gang before matters got out of hand. “Where’s Icepick?”

“Who wants to know buddy?” One of the gangbangers shouted.

“Just get me Iesha, Slammer.” Daimon Windstorm ordered.

“I don’t know you friend.” One of the gangbangers said as she pushed her way to the front of the stopped gang. “Care to tell me how you know my name?”

“Been awhile rugrat. Mom still running the dinner?” Daimon asked her.

“Only one person calls me that. Is that you Daimon?” The young woman asked him as she stepped away from the rest of the gang.

“Yup. As you can see I kind of went through a few changes.” Daimon chuckled as he held out his arms. “How do you like my new look?”

“You’re a fracking Claymore! How the hell did this happen? I thought you were supposed to be in prison.” Iesha said as she stepped closer.

“I was given a choice between training for a new unit in the Death Dealers or being sent to prison. I chose being trained as a Death Dealer.” Daimon told her bluntly. “When my tank popped. I stepped out as a Claymore.”

“Holy shit.” Iesha whispered as she walked around my friend. When she got a good look at me, she turned to Daimon. “Who’s the Silver Eyed Witch?”

“Drop the fracking attitude, Iesha. The lady is my Commanding Officer.” Daimon told her bluntly. Then lowered his voice to just above a whisper. “She’s also ten kinds of fracking deadly.”

“She don’t look so tough to me.” Iesha snarled as she gave me the evil eye.

“Little girl I’m going to give you a friendly warning. I can kill you in twenty-eight ways with my bare hands. I routinely put your big brother on his ass during training. Before your friends back there can raise those popguns. I can cut them in half from here.” I told her with a nasty grin. “Your brother isn’t the only Claymore walking these streets.”

“Wait a minute. You’re a Death Dealer?” Iesha asked as she backed up. “I thought they only took men like the rest of our military.”

“She is rugrat. Death Dealers welcome both men and women into their ranks. The only people we turn away are those who won’t put in the work to complete the training. We send those to the regular army.” Daimon turned to me. “Silence allow me to introduce my kid sister Iesha.”

“She sure as frack don’t look like your sister Big Man. She’s too damned pretty.” I said as I stood up straight. “What happened with you?”

“What can I say? I’m the mailman’s baby.” Daimon chuckled as Iesha grinned.

“I like her Horndog.” Iesha told him then turned serious. “Why did you come back? You got out. You know the deal. You got no ties here anymore.”

“That’s where you’re wrong Icepick. We got business with the Double Deuces. Who’s running things now?” Daimon told her.

“You’re not going to like it, Horndog.” She told him.

“Who?” Daimon snarled.

“Splitter running the hood now.” Iesha told him.

“Shit. Where is the frack?” Daimon demanded.

“The old stash house on eighteenth.” Iesha answered with her head down. “Trust me you don’t want to go there. You and your CO might be Death Dealers. But he has some real firepower backing him up. He took out Nosebleed, Casper, and Snaggletooth, three nights after you were snapped up.” Iesha told us.

“What kind of firepower are we talking about?” I asked her.

“Military grade shit, sister. I’m talking about those Land Warrior power suits. They’re older models. First or second generation.” Iesha told me then sighed when she saw the look on my face. “I know what I’m talking about.”

“Where’d he get his hands on those Icepick?” I asked.

“The asshole stole them off the decommissioning line.” Iesha snapped.

“How many?” Daimon asked her calmly.

“Four of them. Why? It’s not like you got an APS or IFV to take them out.” Iesha answered her brother.

“Two to one odds if we both hit them, Big Man.” I told him. “But this is your neighborhood. I’ll stay out of it if you want.”

“Stay here with my sister and the Duces boss. I’ll be back in twenty mikes.” Daimon snarled as he deployed his bio-armor. “Behave yourself.”

I watched him jump to the top of a four-story building and run into the night. I turned to see a look of disbelief on the face of Daimon’s sister. A look that was echoed on the faces of the gang members.

“Alright young lady. Where can I get a cup of coffee around here.” I asked Iesha with a pleasant smile.

“Aren’t you going to help my brother?” She demanded of me.

“Iesha, your brother doesn’t need my help. Four civilians in Land Warrior Armor against one Death Dealer is not a fair fight. For them. It doesn’t matter the generation of armor they’re using.” I assured her.

“Are you nuts? They might not have their antitank missiles and twenty-mil lasers. Those suits still have their seven-point-six-two miniguns. They might not punch a hole in an IFV, but they can punch holes in anything we can get our hands. If your training hasn’t covered them yet. Let me give you a clue. The SEM-three-four-nine minigun fires armor piercing full metal jacketed rounds. They’ll push through that thin as armor of yours like paper.” Iesha told me with the pride of an expert.

“Iesha the bio-armor of a Second-Generation Death Dealer withstand a direct hit from a fifty-cal antivehicle rifle.” I told her with a grin. “We use seven-six-two as training incentives to improve.”

“You use live rounds on each other. Yeh right.” Iesha scoffed only to get a dirty look from me. She shook her head and asked. “You’re kidding right?”

“I’m a Death Dealer. I don’t have a sense of humor.” I told her then grinned. “The exercise only happens once. Two days after we come out of our conversion tanks. Our Instructors take us out to live fire range. Everybody deploys our armor, and line up. Then one at a time our Instructors shoot us in the torso with a seven-point-six-two SAW.”

“My god! Why would they do that? Are they trying to kill you or something?” Iesha gasped as I told about the scariest exercise before graduation.

“Nope. They do it to show us that we can trust our bio-armor. At least under certain circumstances. When your brother hits that stash house, all Hell is going to break loose. The only thing that will left alive when he leaves is the cockroaches.” I promised her. “He’ll tear through the armor of those Land Warriors like it was made from tissue paper.”

“Are Claymores really that powerful?” She asked me.

“Kiddo, all Death Dealers are that powerful. Claymores are just nastier than your normal Death Dealers.” I told her honestly then placed my hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry. Your brother is one of the best.”

“You say that like you know him.” She said.

“I do know him. I trained with him from day one. He won’t have been promoted to Sergeant First Class if he wasn’t one of the best.” I told her honestly. The sounds of gunfire drew everyone’s attention in the direction that Daimon had headed. “Sound like your brother is taking care of business.”

When Iesha heard me say this she took off at a dead run. The rest of the gang quickly followed her. With a smile I deployed my armor and jumped to the nearest roof. Once there I locked in on Daimon’s IFF signal. Jacob gave me the distance and heading.

‘Lady Valkyrie your Sergeant is four-hundred-ninety-one meters away on a heading of three-four-eight. I suggest a minimum cruising speed of seventy-five miles per hour for safe travel.’

‘Why so slow Jacob?’ I asked him as I started running.

‘The roofing material for most of these structures is unstable. The whole area is in rather poor repair my lady. Should you try to move at our maximum speed there is a good chance of falling through. Until you have had time to learn the safe routes. I suggest we move by street level. Unless necessary.’

‘Understood Jacob. Thanks for the warning.’ I told him as I jumped between roofs. It took me a little longer than I liked but I still arrived in time to see the end of Daimon’s fight. “Silence to Big Man. Are you clear?”

“Clear Silence. Four Lemma Whiskies down. Seven India Foxtrots down. All hostile tangos eliminated. Any contact from Lemma Oscar Echoes? Over”

“Nothing so far Big Man. You do have in bound local assets. Your little sister looks ready to take your head off. Over” I warned him with a chuckle.

“She won’t be pissed for long. I’m coming out Silence. Don’t shoot me. Over” Daimon told me just before he exited the house. He stopped then looked up to where I was standing on the roof and waved. I could see the smile on his face as he dragged a young man by the hair out of the house. “I got a present for my little sister and the Deuces.”

“Who’s the bunny? Over” I asked him.

“The piece of shit that has been terrorizing my neighborhood. I also know how he got his hands on those suits. They weren’t stolen. They were given to him by his father. Over” Daimon told me.

“Stay there.” I snarled and jumped off the roof. I landed less than three feet from him. “Talk to me.”

“Captain I would like for you to meet Jackson Faenala the youngest bastard son of Knight Commander Arun Faenala. His father has been using his illegitimate heirs to take over the street gangs. Those four suits of Land Warrior armor were being operated by RA troops.” Daimon told me before he dropped the man on his face.

“What the frack is going on here Sergeant?” I snarled as Jacob ran a medical scan of the unconscious man. ‘Jacob are you sure about those results?’

‘I am lady Valkyrie. The individual in question is a mix of Drow and Winter elf races. He has had extensive cosmetic surgery.’

“I can only guess ma’am.” Daimon told me honestly. “What I can tell you is this. Up until a year ago this shithead and his five brothers were nothing more than a low-level street crew. They worked the import docks boosting cargo crawlers. They stayed away from the regular crews unless they had something to hand off.”

“What the hell could have happened to change their normal operations?” I wondered as Iesha and the Double Deuces arrived.

“Holy shit! You really are a Death Dealer.” Daimon’s little sister gasped as she saw me in my all of my combat mode glory. “I’m sorry that I didn’t believe you miss, but you’re not how I pictured a female Death Dealer looking. You’re way too beautiful. Does your husband approve?”

“Iesha the Captain is single.” Daimon coughed. Then toed Jackson Faenala before asking a blushing little sister. “When did this piece of shit and his family move up the ranks, Icepick?”

“Like I said earlier. It all started three nights after you and the other half elves got snagged by the bronzes. Splitter and his brothers showed up heavy all over town. They hit the sit downs for us, Devil’s Hunters, Irish Hearts, Black Banner, High Ground, and Dockyard Rats. After they took out the competition for the leadership. They just moved in.” Iesha explained.

“This sounds more like a military takeover of the gangs than some low-level street crew making a play for the big time.” I surmised. “Sergeant, you said that this shithead is the youngest son of the Knight Commander. By chance does the Knight Commander have any pull with the local bronze?”

“Not really. Then again, the Faenala brothers don’t need their daddy’s protection. They’ve been paying off the local bronzes.” Iesha told me.

“Speaking of the bronze. Where the hell are they? They should have come on this place like a dropship on high burn five minutes ago.” I asked as I looked around for the local police.

“Like I said earlier. Things have changed since that sweep. The local bronze only come into the hoods unless there is a civilian involved. Just over five months ago, they pulled the automate LEO units and all CCTV cameras from the hoods. It’s like they were abandoning the hoods to the gangs. Only every time one of the gangs tried to gain an upper hand one of these mooks and their crew showed up. They became judge, jury, and executioners.” Iesha explained for me and Daimon.

“How large of a territory do the Faenala brothers control?” Daimon asked her as he looked down at the man.

“With the expections of Government Square, Wreok Market, Jutbis Avenue, and Upper East Strikwat. They control all of Four Winds. Why?” She asked.

“Iesha if I want to organize an armed rebellion. Where would be the best place to do so under the radar?” I asked her.

“The old Gust Wood warehouse district.” Daimon and Iesha answered together. Seeing my look of confusion Daimon explained. “The whole district is nothing but abandoned industrial warehouses Silence. I’m talking about thousands of hectares of empty buildings. Most of them patrolled by one lone, under paid, unarmed, disgraced bronze in a hover car.”

“IN other words, the perfect place to secretly train a privet army.” I snarled. “Big Man I’m leaving the rest of our mission to you. Get the gangs organized and hit the Millennium Assembly members like the hand of God.”

“Excuse me Ma’am. Did you say Millennium Assembly?” Iesha asked me. When I nodded, she sighed. “There’s been a bunch of suits going around to the gangs saying their with the Millennium Assembly. They’ve been offering clean records and full-time paying jobs for anyone who joins their organization.”

“Did they say what kind of jobs?” Daimon asked her.

“No sir. They would only say that if we wanted to know. We had to go to some big rally to learn more.” One of the other gangsters told us.

“How many of our people went to the rally Jumper?” Daimon asked him.

“Just me, Glasses, and Peewee, Horndog. We figured that we might as well hear what they were offering. We split ten minutes into the head monkey nut’s speech.” Jumper told us honestly.

“Why?” I asked him.

“The guy was preaching the old line about how mixed-race, and half elves should have their own planet shit. Like that is ever going to happen.” Jumper snorted. “The guy also had this really slimy feel about him.”

“Did he give his name?” I asked him.

“Naw. Everybody just called him Leader.” Jumper grunted.

“Do you know when they’re holding the next rally?” Daimon asked him.

“No one does Horndog. They come through neighborhoods on the day of the rally handing out fliers with the time and place.” Jumper told him.

“Boss, you need to head back to base.” Daimon suggested then grinned at the look in my eye. “Or you can just call in the rest of Wraith Company.”

“Daimon, I don’t like the look in your eyes. What are you going to do in my hood big brother?” Iesha asked him.

“We’re about to rain down Hellfire and brimstone little sister.” Daimon told her told bluntly. “Other than that. You really don’t what to know. Just keep the Double Deuces out of our way. Because you get in our way. Sister or not you’ll get caught in the steam roller.”

“What the hell Daimon?! You’re acting like this is a military deal.” Iesha snarled. “These frackers come into our hood and screwed with our people. Nobody gets away with that shit. Not now, not ever. We want in.”

“If that is the case Icepick. I got a job for you.” I told her and handed her the list of names I had brought with me. “Get with the other gangs. The men and women on that list are the top dogs in the Millennium Assembly. Take them out of the game. If you want to end the threat to your hoods and people. That has to happen.”

“Consider it done.”

-----tbc-----

---

Queen Dana of Highwinds the Elf Kingdom inside the Empire has a problem. One that she cannot fix personally. The problem is with a small minority of her population. A problem that has been brought to her attention by the half elf son of a problematic Duke. What is a Queen to do? She calls on help from a friend. The question now is does she realize what she is letting loose on her kingdom?

---

Chapter 11
Four Winds, Highwinds
Devine Grace Hospital

Robert Wolff stood rock still looking down through the observation glass of the gallery overlooking the ER operating theater. To most people the everyday BDU uniform was out of place. To the other people in the room the sight of this man in BDUs was expected. Then again these five people were not normal for Elf Society. The oldest them was Robert’s future mother-in-law.

“She’ll pull through Robert.” Lady Isha Ventris told him as she placed her hand on his shoulder. “My daughter is stronger than she looks.”

“That is not the problem, ma’am. I know Irma will pull through. The problem is how this fracking happened in the first place.” Robert snarled as he never took his eyes of the operating table and the medical team working frantically to save the life of his love. “Colonel Wittman I am waiting for your report.”

“Sir, as of twenty-minutes ago our Investigation team has narrowed down the suspects. The team that attacked Lady Imra has returned to site tango one. Captain Starfire has deployed all five platoons from her command. The Shadow Wraiths, Night Shades, Gray Ghosts, Dead Phantoms, and the Lost Children from Alpha company are taking up positions at tango one. Current estimated enemy strength is a reinforced battalion of heavy infantry. Sir that is only an estimate. According to local Intelligence assets the Op-For is reported to have first and second generation Land Warrior Armor assets. Those reports have been confirmed by the members of Shadow Wraith team. We have been unable to infiltrate the Op-For base to confirm reports of them having IFVs and light tanks.” Grace told him in the most controlled and emotionless voice she could muster. She knew that her ability to remain professional was the only thing keeping the Whitechapel Ripper calm.

“Thank you Grace. Inform Silence that once her strike force is in position that she is to only take prisoners if possible. She is not to in danger her people. Has she been able to verify the Intel on the Op-For being members of the Millennium Assembly?” Robert asked.

“Yes sir. Silence and Big Man have confirmed the reports by four of the local Intel Assets. The Millennium Assembly has been using the Gust Wood warehouse district as some sort of training and recruitment center for the last several months. According to unsubstantiated rumors. This center is one of five. I currently have Bravo company’s Heartbreaker platoon broken down into two man investigation teams in rout to verify those rumors. If those rumors are verified I have placed the rest of our units at Black Saber for immediate strikes. I promise you sir that no one will escape us this time sir.” Grace snarled as she looked down a Imra.

“Excuse me Lieutenant Colonel but did you say five additional centers?” Prince Raygel asked her. He knew that if he didn’t get ahead of this mess the Spec Ops teams of the Nightmare Regiment would leave nothing but death in their wake. When word had arrived at the Palace of the attack on Imra Ventris. Dana send him to the hospital in hopes of controlling Robert Wolff. As it was he barely managed to stop the enraged Whitechapel Ripper from storming off into the night bent on a blood fueled revenge.

“I did your Majesty. Though we have yet to confirm those rumors. When I do have confirmation. Those centers are going to become training exercises for our people.” Grace snarled. “No one fracks with the Nightmare Regiment. Lady Imra is part of our Clan.”

“Excuse me Lieutenant Colonel but did you just say that my daughter is part of the Nightmare Regiment? She is a member of your Clan?” Isha asked her.

“I did. The day that Colonel Wolf proposed to your daughter, and she accepted. Lady Imra became a member of the Silver Moon clan. Just as Colonel Wolff is a member of our clan.” Grace told the older woman proudly as she squared her shoulders. “The Ravenswood clan may be willing to set aside their Clan Honor for political reasons. We are not. We are more than just warriors. We are Special Operations Death Dealers. We have no use for politics and those who would set aside their personal honor. Only to enrich themselves with backroom deals and false political promises.”

“I must say Colonel Wittman. I am surprised to hear that coming from you. Are all Death Dealers this passionate?” Isha asked her.

“That is not passion Mother Isha.” Robert chuckled as he finally turned away from the observation window. “That is Elven Death Dealer logic.”

“Is that so Robert. Then what is your excuse?” Isha asked of the rogue who claimed the heart of her daughter.

“He’s a rude, crude, socially unacceptable, hard ass from a planet of full of hard asses.” Dana chuckled as she and her two ever present watchdogs entered the room. “I am sorry that I could not be here sooner Colonel. I was just informed that we have a situation in the Corkscrew Nebula corridor.”

“No need to explain your Majesty. The surgeons just finished with Imra. They’re closing up the wound as we speak.” Robert told her. The smile that he gave the Royal Couple never reached his eyes. “Now that she is out of the woods. I can give the Millennium Assembly my undivided attention.”

“Colonel I expect you to use the minimum amount of force when dealing with the citizens of my nation.” Dana told him bluntly.

“Take that up with those assholes that dared to piss off my Death Dealers your Majesty. I will not reprimanded one of my troopers for carrying out their orders in a manner that insures their safety. If that means leveling a city block or high rise office building. Then that is what I expect them to do.” Robert snarled. “You wanted a Special Operations unit. I gave you that unit. If you wanted a bunch of overtrained cops. You shouldn’t have asked for Special Operations Death Dealers. Death Dealers don’t do quiet and polite. Death Dealers do load and obnoxious.”

“I warned you Dana. Death Dealers are a scalpel shaped PPC. They target their violence to have the greatest impact.” Raygel chuckled before turning to Robert. “Ripper do what you have to. Put an end to Millennium.”

“As you command your Majesty.” Robert told them before turning to Grace. “Send the word Waltz. Full recall of all units. I want every training center hit. Even the suspected centers. Leave nothing for Millennium.”

“Understood sir. We will bring hellfire and damnation in Lady Irma’s name.” Grace told him then turned to leave. She was stopped by Prince Raygel. “Sire I suggest that you step aside.”

“I’m not stopping you Colonel. This knife is over one hundred years old. Before it ever came into my hands it was carried by another Death Dealer. The first of his kind to come among our people. It is only right that it should now return to a true Death Dealer. That Death Dealer was also a one percenter like yourself.” Raygel told her as he pulled a 12in combat knife from his belt. As Grace took the knife from Raygel she wasn’t the only one to see the crest on the sheath. The arrowhead with an upright dagger in the center behind a skull over twin crossed lightning flashes below was all they had to see to know that this combat knife had once belonged to a First Generation Death Dealer Special Operations soldier.

“Who was the War Brother that this knife belonged to Sire?” Grace asked.

“That knife belonged to Death.” Raygel told her bluntly. At her look of shock Raygel smiled. “That’s right Grace. This knife was once carried by Commander James J. Owens. First High Lord of the Death Dealers.”

“I shall carry it with honor Sire.” Grace told him with pride as she bowed.

“Carry out your orders Colonel.” Raygel told her and stepped out of her way. As the young elf Death Dealer walked out of the observation room Raygel sighed. “And Death did walk them in the guise of a woman.”

“Shouldn’t that be the guise of a man, Prince Raygel?” Robert asked.

“Not this time Colonel. Lieutenant Colonel Gracey Wittman has become the personification of a true Death Dealer.” Dana told him. “I fear for the name that she will earn this night.”

“Like all truly great Death Dealers. The callsign Waltz will become one to be feared and respected by both friend and foe alike.” Robert told her. “Just as my own has become feared and respected.”

“And what of the reports concerning my niece? Is she truly as fearsome of a warrior as they say?” Dana asked him kindly.

“Your Majesty the reports fall short of the truth. Silence has already earned her callsign.” Robert chuckled. “Honestly she earned it before she ever set foot inside the tank. She is a true artist with a sniper rifle.”

“Then I hope Silence and Waltz can live up to your high expectations Robert.” Isha told him with a heavy heart. “Because my daughter would not wish for their deaths to be in her name.”

“Lady Isha, I swear to you here and now. The Nightmare Regiment will not be the ones dying tonight.” Robert promised her grimly.

“Do not make promises that you cannot keep young Death Dealer. In war there are two immutable rules. The First is young men and women die. The second is Commanders cannot change rule number one.” Isha told him sharply.

“There is something you should know about me, Lady Isha. I don’t break promises. I break bones.” Robert snarled just before he bowed to the Royal Couple and his future mother-in-law. “If you’ll excuse me. I have a military operation to carry out.”

“Go with the Goddess Sehanine Moonbow’s blessing Ghost Warrior.” Isha said to the young man’s disappearing back. “Though I doubt that She will show you more favor than our Goddess Ryra.”

“Irma told me during tea the other day that Robert is both blessed and cursed by our Goddesses, Lady Isha. Of all the Death Dealers even his own teams say that only he is an equal to Lord James Owens.” Dana told the older woman softly. “When he said that the only people dying tonight were the Millennium Assembly that was no promise. It was a prophecy. Because the Millennium Assembly made an unforgiveable mistake.”

“What mistake was that your Majesty?” Isha asked of Dana.

“They attacked their Regiment’s First Lady. Not just any First Lady either. One that has shown them more than compassion. Imra spends her Goddess Days among them as their Spiritual Leader.” Dana told the older woman honestly. “There are few things that will enrage a Death Dealer. They call them the Three Cardinal Rules. You don’t frack with a soldier’s mother. You don’t frack with a soldier’s family. You don’t frack with a soldier’s pay. Though there is a fourth unwritten and unspoken Cardinal Rule. You don’t frack with a soldier’s Spiritual guide. You break any of those four rules. You’re dead.”

“What would happen if two of those were one in the same?” Isha asked quietly.

“Armageddon.” Raygel answered honestly. “I fear that no matter we want your daughter shall have blood spilled in her name. There is nothing we can do as to prevent this. The Nightmare Regiment will have their vengeance.”

Gust Wood warehouse district, 3 hours before sunrise.

I setup my M-28 Hellsing sniper on the rooftop across from the warehouse that was being used by the Millennium Assembly as a training hall. I had placed the other four snipers with their spotters in positions to cut off any escape from the warehouse. I had turned the whole area into a massive mouse trap with only one way in and no way out. I was only waiting for the order to commence operations. The rest of our teams were spread out among the other warehouses. They were only waiting my signal to rush the target.

“Waltz to Silence, come in Silence. Over.”

“Silence here Waltz. Over.” I replied over the regiment’s tactical net.

“Operation Night Raven is a go. Over.” Waltz ordered over the net. The fact that she just ordered a total elimination of all targets took me by surprise. That wasn’t the original plan.

“Waltz repeat last transmission. Over.” I asked her.

“Silence I say again Operation Night Raven is GO. Is there a problem? Over.” Waltz asked me coldly.

“Negative Waltz. Just clarifying change from Operation Bad News to Operation Night Raven. What changed? Over” I asked her hoping to gain some reason for the change. I would carry out the order but not without a good reason.

“They attacked the Colonel’s Lady four hour ago. Is that good enough reason for you Silence? Over” Waltz snarled.

“Operation Night Raven is a GO understood Waltz. No prisoners. Silence out.” I radioed back over the regimental net before switching over to my company tactical net. “Silence to all Wraiths. Op order change to follow. Switch to Operation Night Raven. No prisoners. Confirm receipt by the numbers. Over.”

“Shadow two good copy. Over”

“Night Shade one good copy. Over”

“Gray Ghost one roger. Over”

“Dead Phantom one understood. Over”

“Lost Child one good copy. Over”

As all four platoon leaders and my XO reported in receipt of the change in order I smiled. I knew that the second I pulled my trigger all Hell would break out on the streets below. I switched over to thermal sights and targeted what I believe to be the main asshole. As I sight in on my target I think back to that day that Ripper showed up at the sniper range to talked with all of us who had qualified as snipers. Until now I never really grasped the meaning behind his little speech.

“Alright listen up people. I know that you have all been trained as snipers. That you believe you’re ready to pull the trigger on an actual living person. Well, I’m here to set you fracking straight you’re not. Until you have an actual living person at the other end of your sights you’ll never know. You’ll flinch as you squeeze the trigger. You’ll hesitate thinking that you can let the bastard live. Worse yet you might feel like a god. Holding the power of life or death in your hands. The first two are acceptable reactions. You won’t be human if you didn’t feel that way. The last is a surefire way to a section eighteen and a padded cell. Unlike our brothers and sisters in a fireteam. Every time we pull the trigger someone dies, and we see it happen in our scope. We’re the cause of their death. The only thing you should feel when the time comes to squeeze the trigger is the recoil of your rifle. No matter what happens never keep count of your kills. It won’t matter because you’ll never forget their faces. It’s the only way to remain halfway saine in this business. Take my word for it. Class dismissed.”

Now that I was actually going to pull the trigger I understood what he meant. My shoot will start the attack. Unlike when we were on the range. This time I know that someone will die when I pull the trigger. Before I pulled the trigger I contacted all the men and women of my company.

“Long ago back before our ancestors left Mother Earth for the stars. There was a race of elven warriors. They were breed for war. The Silver Moon Elves were both feared and respected. Each one was worth twenty regular soldiers. It didn’t matter if they were elf or human. Like our ancestors we are worth twenty of our fellow Death Dealers. The High Command would love to see us shut down. Time to show them all what we are made of brothers and sisters.” I told them and ended the life of the person in my sights.

The recoil of the heavy sniper rifle drove the stock deep into my shoulder as the round left the end of the barrel. I watched as the thermal image became a warm mist floating in the air. The other snipers fired microseconds after my shoot. All around the warehouse floor four more targets drop over dead. Even before the crack of our rifles could echo off the walls of the surrounding buildings all five ground teams surged forward. Before they could reach the target I shifted to my next target and fired. This time I knew that I was killing a Land Warrior Armor. As my company entered the building they were outlined in blue. Everything was going to plan until someone from the Millennium Assembly detonated a bomb near the rear of the warehouse.

That one explosion knocked down more than half of their number while ripping the roof back on the warehouse. This exposed the entire ground floor. That explosion also washed out my thermal sights. I switched over to the starlight settings and began to hunt for targets. I dropped five more targets before having to change out my magazine. After a fast reload I acquired my next target near the podium in the center of the stage. There was something about the man that just screamed shoot me now. So that is what I did. I targeted his head and squeezed the trigger. As the man’s head became a bloody mist I was already moving onto my next target.

From the first shot that started the firefight until the last. The men and women of my company operated like the professionals they were. According to my mission clock the fight lasted for eighteen minutes, twenty-seven seconds. I was expecting to have at least 20% casualties. With at least seven deaths. I wasn’t expecting for all of my people to come through the fight unscratched. Not even a bloody nose or a black eye in the crowd. It didn’t make any sense to me. This wasn’t a firefight it was a massacre.

Standing up I secured my empty magazines and rifle. After repelling down the side of the building I was on. I headed over to inspect the damage. I was the only sniper to work without a spotter tonight. I had done it on propose. I needed my First Sergeant with the command platoon. “Talk to me Top.”

“Ma’am it’s a total BUFAR. I know that we’re all new to this, but they should have been able to put up more of a fight than this.” Big Man told me as he waved his arms at all the dead members of the Millennium Assembly.

“How do you figure that Top?” I asked.

“Simple ma’am. Look at their equipment. With the exception of the Land Warrior Armor all of it is brand new. I’m talking about front line kit. Then there is their leaders. All of them were regular army. Four of them were Drill Sergeants. Two others were Squires with the Ironwood Family House Infantry. The shithead in charge was Sir Arnold Ironwood. When you take in all of that these people should have been some of the finest trained troopers anywhere. It just doesn’t make any sense.” Daimon Windstorm told me.

“Not really First Sergeant Windstorm. Most of these kids are from the local city slums.” Lieutenant Karry Icestorm told us as she walked up to us. “Captain Starfire there is something you need to see in the next building over. You’re not going to like it.”

“What did your people find Ghost?” I asked her.

“Fourteen Mark seven AI tanks, twenty-eight VH-seventy-three Longbow Escort Class IFVs, all of them with that fake Greystoke shield on them ma’am.” The more Karry told me the more confused I became. Greystoke was an avid supporter of segregation movement. “Ma’am that’s not all. There are four canasters marked with Cheesehead writing as some kind of chemical agent.”

“Did your AI say what type of agent?” I demanded sharply.

“That’s a negative ma’am. I have my fourth squad searching for the TMs or data sheets as we speak.” Karry told me. “Ma’am I think we need to contact the regular Death Dealer command.”

“We’ll hold off on that for now. If that is a Cheesehead gas. Then we need to warn the other strike teams.” I told her.

“Already taken care of ma’am. I had Splinter contact the other teams the second we found those canasters. So far we’re the only ones to have found any. Still waiting on the reports from teams Charlie and Echo. They had the targets over in High Glass. They’re three hours behind us.” Karry told me.

“Damn. Any word on Ripper’s location?” I asked her.

“The Colonel and XO should be here in about twenty minutes. That’s if they come by ground. If they airdrop they’ll be here in ten minutes.” Windstorm informed me with a small grin. “The TOC informed me that Ripper and Waltz left the hospital just before we started our attack.”

“Then we better have a more comprehensive report for the Old Man. You know how he gets with half ass intel.” I chuckled as both my XO and 1st Sgt winched at the thought of facing the Ripper. I watched as they both hauled as for the other warehouse. I knew they would have a full report ready by the time Wolff arrived on what we found.

‘Lady Valkyrie might I have a moment of your time?’ My AI James asked.

‘For you James I always have time. What is on your mind?’ I asked.

‘I have been running several scenarios concerning those tanks, IFVs, and the canisters. These all point to a false flag operation. The aim of which is to discredit House Greystoke and their allies.’

‘That doesn’t sound right James. Those HV-73s that attacked Camp Resistance were also flying fake colors.’ I told him.

‘Then we have a problem my Lady. If their aim is not to discredit Greystoke. Then why fly that Family’s colors?’

‘Greystoke is only one of the many High Families behind the Traditionalist movement. Even if Greystoke is one of the weakest families. You cannot just target one of those High Families. You have to target them all or the plan fails. No there must be another reason behind their plan.’

‘Running calculations now.’ James told me then came back with a new scenario. ‘Possible alternative for false flag. A splintering of High Family power.’

‘To what end? If you split the High Families you only strengthen Queen Dana’s position. Especially in the Grand Senate.’ I told him. ‘She might not have had an overwhelming advantage now, but the moment those families split. She’ll be able to roll over them like a steam engine.’

‘Not according to my calculations Lady Valkyrie. A splintering of the High Families will result in Civil War. A war that will leave the Highwinds Kingdom vulnerable to attack by outside forces. Currently there are three nations that would benefit from such a situation.’

‘Damn it! I never thought of that. The problem with that is only the Union of Stalinist Slovakian Republic, and the Balzac Imperium Dictatorship would be brazen enough to pull something like this.’ I grumbled.

‘Calculating odds between the two nations. Odds are insufficient for either nation. Only the fallen Gorgonzola Empire would have the needed resources and technology to propagate this hoax.’

‘What do you mean James? The Cheeseheads were too far away galactically to pull this off.’ I told him bluntly.

‘That may be so my Lady, but they had more than one treaty with the BID. Now that the BID is hosting the refugees from the war with the Human Empire. The BID can now use their Intelligence assets within our Kingdom. According to my calculations the Cheeseheads had been planning for a Civil War within Highwinds for decades. The war with the Human Empire might have put an end to their designs for the Highwinds Kingdom, but it did not remove those assets that were already in place. Assets that the BID now has access to.’

‘Son of a bitch. The BID just stepped in and took over. Only the Blockheads are stepping up the timetable and targeting the wrong High Families.’ I gasped. I needed to pass this information up the chain of command fast.

‘My Lady, Colonel Wolff and Lieutenant Colonel Wittman are arriving in an ATR-7 Sparrow VTOL.’ James told me as the aforementioned aircraft passed overhead. The Sparrow might be a small be it pack a punch. The nose mounted twin 50 cal gatling lasers, and door mounted 20mm chain guns make the VTOL a deadly multipurpose troop transport.

“Damn talk about traveling in style. Then again when you got connections with the Ravenswood household and the Royal Family they expect you to put on a show.” I chuckled as the Sparrow flared its rotors to land.

“Excuse me ma’am. Urgent message for Charlie Team.” Corporal Silver Knife said as he approached.

“What is it Radar?” I asked my company’s best radio operator.

“They found more of those canisters ma’am. They also found the Tech Manuals for the canisters. Ma’am those things are some kind of Chemical gas agent.” Radar told me as he read off the message.

“OH, frack me in a back ally with a steal dildo.” I whispered. “Have they passed this information to Echo?”

“Yes ma’am. We’re actually the last ones to receive this Intel. According to their report the agent is a mixture of Blood, Blister, and Never gases. The technical name for it XVNS-six-six-six. The troops that served on Apolo six called it Pandora’s Tears.” Radar told me quietly.

“Oh frack!” I whispered and looked towards the Sparrow where the Whitechapel Ripper stepped from the troop transport compartment. “Radar pass the word to Big Man, and Ghost of what Charlie Team found.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Radar told me and took off at a run.

“Report.” Colonel Wolff demanded as he walked up to me. I could tell by the scowl on his face he wasn’t in a good mood.

“The assault went off like clockwork sir. I’m proud to report that we had zero casualties. We’ve been able to confirm the total destruction of all Millennium training centers on Highwinds. As it stands now the Millennium Assembly has been reduced to only a few members among the High Families. Those members have been targeted for the next round of assaults.” I told him as he took in the destruction of the training center.

“Were you able to capture any prisoners?” Wolff asked offhandedly.

“Negative sir. They fought to the last man. To be honest sir. This engagement was nothing more than a massacre. Those troops should have been some of the best trained in the Kingdom, but we rolled them for their lunch money.” I snarked gaining a chuckle from him and the XO.

“What kind of equipment were they armed with Silence?” Waltz asked.

“With the exception of their Land Warrior arm ma’am. Everything they had was top of the line. I’m talking about front line battle kit.” I told her.

“What do you mean Silence?” Waltz asked with real worry.

“If I didn’t know better ma’am. I would swear that it came straight out of the Quartermaster’s Office. I’m talking about SEM-forty-three rifles, Jump Trooper body armor, SEM-thirty and SEM-sixty Squad Automatic Weapons, FF-thirteen Firefox FAVs, to start with. Those were just what we found in the main warehouses and training centers. We’re still cataloging what we found in their secondary warehouses. Sir there is one item you should know about now though. We found four canisters Pandora’s Tears at this location and another six at the Charlie location.” I told him and waited for the resulting explosion to this information that was sure to come.

“You found fracking what?” Robert snarled as he turned to glare at me with death in his eyes. For the first time in my life as a Death Dealer I actually knew what the Cheeseheads must have felt when they were forced to face this man on the battlefield. Shear unrelenting, gut twisting, bowel clenching bladder evacuation, blood freezing, terror.

Robert Wolff was unlike any soldier, or Death Dealer I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. This man was truly the successor to Commander James J. Owens of the Death Dealers. The man even other Death Dealers feared and respected. I knew that now.

“Sir we found canisters of Pandor’s Tears at two locations.” I told him again as I fought to swallow the lump that had suddenly formed in my throat.

“Son of a BITCH!” Robert screamed at the top of his lungs with a rage that none of us had ever seen from our normal calm Commander. “Show me!”

“Yes sir. Right this way. They’re in the secondary warehouse.” I told him and led the way to the warehouse with those canisters. ‘James do you have any idea for why the Colonel is pissed off?’

‘Only one my Lady, but I would need access to Colonel Wolff’s service record to confirm it.’ My AI told me with concern in his voice.

‘Just tell me old man. I don’t want to deal with the Whitechapel Ripper in a blood rage if I can void it.’ I told him.

‘He was on Apollo-6 during the war with the Gorgonzola Empire. He would most likely have been witness to the use of Pandora’s Tears more than once.’

‘Oh, shit not good. He earned his callsign for his actions during the Battle of Goulcrest and the Liberation of Apollo 6. He’s sure to have seen the victims of Pandora’s Tears at least once.’ I told James as a shiver ran down my spine. Everyone in the Empire had seen the v-records of those attacks.

‘A very good possibility my Lady. It would explain the Colonel’s rage. My Lady should we inform the Colonel of our speculation concerning the BID involvement with the Millennium Assembly?’ James asked me.

‘No. Not at this time. I need solid proof before I start making those kinds of accusations. I’m still a newbie in the eyes of the Military Command. If the BID actually is behind the Millennium Assembly. There be proof somewhere. Once I have that proof then I’ll go to the Colonel.’ I told James as we entered the secondary warehouse.

“What the FRACK?!” Wolff shouted as he saw the amount of military equipment gathered in this one place. “Grace I don’t care who you have to break. Find out where this shit came from. Am I understood?”

“Yes sir. though I have a sinking feeling that I know where it was supposed to end up.” Waltz told him as she examined a Mark-VII AI tank, then one of the VH-73 Longbow Escort Class IFVs. “Just as I thought sir.”

“Out with it Waltz.” Wolff snapped.

“All of this gear was earmarked for the new second of the seventy-fifth Armor Brigade of the Home World Guard.” Waltz explained. “Sir, back before the five-oh-seventh was assigned to Camp Resistance we were assigned to investigate a series of thefts from shipping depots. Sir I can positively state. That all of this equipment went missing during transit.”

“Did you or your people ever figure out who was snagging our equipment?” Wolff asked Waltz with a cold stare.

“No sir. Out investigation was shutdown before we could get any solid leds.” Waltz told him then turned to me. “Silence would any of your people have an idea for where to start looking again?”

“Give my people another twenty minutes ma’am. They’re still compiling their finds. Though from what Big Man and Ghost have already reported. The actual thieves are most likely minor gangs working the depots.” I told them.

“Excuse sir, ma’ams.” Radar said as he approached us. “I have a report from Echo team. Ma’ams, sir, it’s not good.”

“What happened Radar?” I asked sharply.

“They found another eighty canisters of Pandora’s Tears, ma’am. Along with the smoke generators and C-forty Pandora heavy track transports for deploying the gas. According to their report the canisters were stored RW-eight-X Curator Full Tracked Armored Personal Carriers.” I could tell by the way Radar was acting there was something that he really didn’t want to report. Sadly, so could Colonel Wolff and Waltz.

“What else did they find Corporal?” Wolff asked him calmly.

“Two TH-ninety man-pack nukes, sir.” Radar told him.

“Bloody Hell! Are they sure Radar?” I asked him praying that Echo team was wrong on so many levels it wasn’t funny.

“Verified with Command ma’am. The Millennium Assembly had gotten their hands on a pair of TH-ninety backpack nukes. Captain Redhook sent vid and stills to Major Thornberry for verification. There is no doubt about what those weapons are ma’am.” Radar informed us.

“How the frack were they able to get their hands on those things? Doesn’t this fracking military have any idea of how to secure WMDs?!” Wolff snarled as he fought to control his anger.

“Don’t ask me sir.” Waltz told him with a shrug of her shoulders. “How about it Silence. Any idea of where they got their hands on those nukes?”

“Just a theory ma’am.” I told them.

“Alright Silence. Wow us with your thoughts.” Wolff ordered me.

“Sir it all goes back to the fall of the Cheeseheads.” I told him then went on to explain my theory about the BID taking over the Gorgonzola Empire’s plan for a Civil War within the Highwinds Kingdom. I then went on to explain about the BID targeting the wrong High Families to bring about that war.

“Talk about not knowing your enemy. Just how stupid can those people be?” Wolff chuckled as he examined the Greystoke shields. “Hey Grace, didn’t those Longbows you destroyed outside of the camp have this same insignia?”

“Down to the fracked up family moto. I mean come on. How can someone confuse Elf with Latin is beyond me.” Waltz chuckled. “They don’t even have the correct Elven translation of the Greystoke moto.”

“What is their family moto?” I asked out of curiosity.

“Sanguis pretium libertatis a bonis.” Waltz told me then grinned. “A loose translation. Blood is the price of freedom paid by patriots.”

“I can really get behind a family moto like that.” Colonel Wolff chuckled then sighed. “My question. Why are they so hung up on the whole tradition is everything BS? So, what if mixed and half elves are granted equal rights?”

“Robert, this is one time that you’ll have to talk with your mother-in-law.” When I heard Lt. Colonel Wittman address the CO by his first name I almost shit my pants in shock. The only person who had ever dared to address Ripper by his first name was Lady Irma.

“Understood Grace. Thanks for the advice. Normally I would do exactly that, but I need Intel now.” Wolff told us.

“Simple sir. The Greystoke family are fracking Forst Elves.” I snarled. “And if they had their way. Myself and every other Silver Moon elf would be put to death before sunrise.”

“Not to mention putting half and mixed elves in slavery. All Forest Elves follow the ancient teachings of Sherrafall The Holy Hermit of the Great Green.” Waltz told him.

“Say no more. It’s a religious and political thing. I’ll just deal with the situation.” Wolff told us as he held up his hand to stop further discussion.

I have to admit that I find my CO’s attitude towards religion to be rather cavalier at times. He’s even more disrespectful of the gods and goddesses than I am. Then again, he most have some respect for our beliefs. Because I highly doubt that Lady Irma could love someone that didn’t believe in a High Power. I know that Lady Irma spends her Goddess Days acting as the Spiritual Guide for our unit. She is more than just our Regiment’s First Lady.

“Um… sir I know that it is not my place, but you really shouldn’t take our faith so lightly.” I told him. Only to receive a chuckle from the CO.

“Captain, I don’t take anyone’s faith or beliefs lightly. I know that none of the gods or goddesses have any use for a man like me. My lovely fiancée knows and understands my little quirk. That’s one of the reasons why she goes out of her way to ensure that all of you in the Nightmare Regiment have Spiritual Guide. No matter what your faith.” Colonel Wolff told me bluntly. Then looked over the rest of the inventory. “Waltz, Silence, I want the gangs that snagged this equipment in our stockade by the end of the month.”

“Yes sir.” We both answered quickly. Wittman asked what was on my mind. “Do you want them in irons or uniforms sir?”

“Give ‘em a choice. Either way I don’t care. I want them off the streets. If the local pork gets in your way. Fry ‘em!” Wolff snarled before turning to head for the door to the warehouse.

“Waltz, I got to ask. Why is Ripper so damned gung ho about rounding up the street gangs?” I asked her once we were alone.

“I take it that you haven’t heard the legend of the street rat turned Death Dealer?” Waltz asked me with a grin.

“Sure, who hasn’t heard of it ma’am. I mean all of us line-troopers in the Regiment prove that the legend is true.” I told her honestly.

“Do you know where that legend was born?” Waltz asked me with a grin. When I shook my head no she chuckled. “That Legend was born on Apollo six. The man who gave birth to that legend was Commander, James J. Owens. The very First High Lord of the Death Dealers. Over the years there have been a number of men and women who have fulfilled the rule but have fallen short of that legend. Though it is the last man to step into the shoes of that legend that brought it to life once more.”

“Who was the last?” I asked hoping that the block of ice that just formed in the pit of stomach was wrong.

“Our commanding officer, Robert Wolff, the Whitechapel Ripper.” When Waltz told me this, that block of ice became a glacier. “Find those gangs, Silence.”

“Understood ma’am. Just one more question. Why does the Ripper want those gangs?” I really needed to know exactly how far I could pushing things.

“This doesn’t go beyond us Valkyrie. Over half of our standard regimental supplies have been getting rerouted. If it hadn’t been for Lady Irma we would have run out of food, water, and other essential supplies months ago. If those street rats can get their hands on this type of equipment. Then they’re about to become our regiments new ‘supply clerks’.” She told me with a grin.

“Don’t you mean scroungers ma’am?” I asked with a nasty grin.

“The proper terms are acquisition specialist or supply clerk, Captain.” Waltz told me with a small chuckle and turned to leave. “I don’t care how you do it Captain. Just get the CO those personnel Silence.”

“Yes ma’am.” I said as she walked away. If I had known what was going on elsewhere in the Kingdom. I won’t have been so glib with answer.

Corkscrew Nebula corridor
Highwinds entrance, Observation Command Post

Naval Commander Elis Stormlight could only stair in wonder at the massive war machine that had suddenly appeared just 5 kilometers off the port side of his Observation Command Post. He had heard of the legendary Shinigami Battle Platforms of the Death Dealers. He knew that they were massive, but the reality of that size was another matter. The Shinigami Queen Tatiana moved through space as if it defied the very laws of physics.

“Tell me Grayson. Have you ever seen a Shinigami before?” Elis asked.

“No sir. I’ve never had the privilege. I just hope like hell that the rest of her escort doesn’t show. Because if it does. It’s going to get awfully crowded out there.” Grayson told him.

“How crowded are we talking about?” Elis asked him not taking his eyes off the massive starship. “Are we talking about Spring Festival on Redwood or a National Motorball tournament here Grayson?”

“More like a Fire Song on Dagoba Prine sir. What I don’t understand is why the Queen Tatiana is here to begin with?” Grayson asked of his CO.

“Outpost two sent a very disturbing video before they went offline. There is a ship coming through the portal that is the size of a Shinigami. One that packs enough firepower to destroy one of our outposts with a single shoot. A ship that will exit the vortex in the next few hours.” Elis told him then pointed towards the Shinigami. “That is why they’re here.”

“Excuse me sir, but was that video verified? It’s not some kind of practical joke?” Grayson asked with real fear in his voice.

“The threat is real Grayson. The crazy part about all this. That ship is one of the original human Deep Space Colonization Ships.” Elis told him quietly.

“I call bullshit on that sir. All of those ships have been counted for. It has to be something else. Besides that. All of those ships were unarmed. If that ship has weapons. That ship has to be one of the two lost Rainbow Bridge colonization warship.” Grayson told Elis.

“What the hell is a Rainbow Warrior?” Elis asked him.

“They were built by the North American Alliance just before the last World War on Earth Prime. Originally there were supposed to be eight, but only five of them were ever completed and launched. The last ship of the class was the Bifrost. It was the three successful sister ships and their heavily cyberized colonists that had founded the planet Cresea. The most famous of those ships was the Melody. It disappeared shortly after it exited the Sol System. The last three were destroyed halfway through construction at the orbital docks during the last Great World War on Earth.” Grayson grimly informed Elis. “Before you asked sir. During my time at the Human Empire’s Naval Academy. I took a class in ancient starship design. Our instructor for the class used the few surveying records of those designs as a guide for what he called a Multi-Generational warship.”

“If that is what we’re facing. What kind of firepower are we talking about?”

“No one really knows sir. Most of those records concerning their weapons were lost during the destruction of the orbital dockyards. The only weapon that we are certain of the Bifrost colony ship having is a mass driver of some type.” Grayson told him.

“What the hell are you talking about Grayson?” Elis demanded.

“Sir this all goes back to the time before humans began their colonization efforts. Before the last Great World War several nations of that time had experimented with the idea of mass-drive weapons. Only the ancient human nation of the North American Alliance was able to perfect the technology. Even then it was good for space born weapon platforms. When the first of the NAA’s great colony warships left orbit before the last Great World War those ships were all supposedly outfitted with those massive weapons of terror.” Grayson told Elis with real worry. “If the records are correct.”

“What kind of impact are we talking about Grayson?” Elis asked him.

“It all depends on the environment, sir. If you’re talking about a vacuum like space, then the impact will all depend on the size and speed of the projectile. If the impact is on the surface of a planet. Then we’re looking at something equivalent of a thousand kiloton thermonuclear warhead.” Grayson explained for Elis as he joined his CO next to the observation window.

“Could the armor of a Shinigami withstand something like?” Elis asked.

“No idea sir. The only thing that has ever been able to kill a Shinigami is another Shinigami.” Grayson answered honestly then turned thoughtful. “Sir I have to be honest. If there was ever a weapon other than another Shinigami that could do the job. It would have to be a WMD like a mass-driver.”

“Then let us hope the legend of the Shinigami will hold true.” Elis told him as he looked toward the exit to the vortex. “Because it is about to be put to the test. Here comes our greatest nightmare.”

Bridge of the Shinigami Battle Platform Queen Tatiana

Fleet Admiral Jassin Qigeiros stormed onto his command deck. “Alright people talk to me. What has our Queen gotten us into this time?”

“Still working on it sir. So far our scans haven’t picked up anything. Many because of the radiation washout. We do know something is in the vortex. The Queen is still chewing on that video trying to identify the make of that ship.” His XO told him without turning around.

“Guns any data on the weapon that ship fired or is Tatiana still working on that as well?” Jassin asked of the Weapons Officer.

“I’ll have you know Jassin that I might be one of the most powerful AIs in the universe, but I’m not all knowing.” The AI snarked.

“Sorry Tatiana. I wasn’t doubting your abilities. It’s just that you’ve never took this long to analyze a target before.” Jassin told the AI.

“You’re forgiven Jassin. Though I can understand why you would be confused. I have been in contact with my brothers and sisters in the Human Empire. It has taken all of us to identify that ship. It is the lost Multi-generational Colonization Warship Bifrost. Last seen exiting the Sol System.” Tatiana told her captain. “I suggest moving the crew battle stations.”

“You heard the Lady people. XO sound battle stations. Alert level one. Guns I want targeting solutions for all weapons the moment that ship exits the vortex. That ship has committed over one-hundred acts of war. It does not move one AU beyond this sector.” Jassin ordered his crew before looking over at his Coms Officer. “Alice play that funky music.”

Communications Officer Alice Goodfellow just laughed as she reached over her console and pushed a series of buttons. Soon the sounds of an ancient human song played throughout the massive war machine. As Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk played the crew of the Queen Tatiana moved to full alert and readied their weapons for combat. Whatever they were facing would soon be on the receiving end of one of the most powerful weapons in all of the known universe. As they reported in their readiness to fight the AI that was Queen Tatiana laughed in delight as she began to sign along with the ancient song.

“This hit, that ice cold Michelle Pfeiffer, that white gold. This one, for them hood girls. Them good girls, straight masterpieces. Stylin’, wilin’ Livin’ it up in the city. Got Chucks on with Saint Laurent. Gotta kiss myself, I’m so pretty.” Tatiana sang with a voice that was so human that it belied her artificial origins.

“You know something Tatiana. You’re not right.” Jassin laughed as the bow of the massive ship swung in line with the vortex. “Then again neither am I. To battle my friends. Let us face our deaths with a song on our lips and blood in our eyes.”

-----tbc-----

PS As you can see I have returned to my favorite playground. I will be postings new chapters for both this story and Lucifer Child in alternating weeks.

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Queen Dana of Highwinds the Elf Kingdom inside the Empire has a problem. One that she cannot fix personally. The problem is with a small minority of her population. A problem that has been brought to her attention by the half elf son of a problematic Duke. What is a Queen to do? She calls on help from a friend. The question now is does she realize what she is letting loose on her kingdom?

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Chapter 12
Corkscrew Nebula corridor

Highwinds entrance, Observation Command Post

“All hands to battle stations. Guns get me a firing solution for that ship. Fighter Command emergency launch of all fighters and bombers. I don’t care what they’re armed with. Just get them out there. EW charge the EM field to max.” Naval Commander Elis Stormlight shouted. He didn’t know what the Queen Tatiana was going to do but he’d be damned if his station was going to stay out of this battle. “Grayson do we have any RT-eight Tactical nukes?”

“Sir those can only be used under express orders from High Command.” Grayson told his CO. Then he saw Stormlight’s face. “I have four sir.”

“Load ‘em up Number One. It’s time to pull out all the stops. If we don’t stop that ship out there, here and now. One of our worlds will become meat for its grinder.” Stormlight told the man coldly.

“Yes sir. Guns you heard the man.” Grayson said as he pulled a key from under his shirt. “Sir I need your key.”

“Catch.” Stormlight called out as he tossed Grayson his key to the nuclear arsenal. “How long until they’re ready to fire Guns?”

“Twenty minutes sir. I need to get approval from High Command before they’ll unlock the arsenal.” The gunnery control officer called back.

“In fifteen minutes, this fight will be over.” Stormlight snapped before he snarled. “I don’t fracking care what it takes. Get those damned missiles in their launch tubes, armed, and ready to fire. Because if the Queen Tatiana and our fighters don’t stop that beast. We’re next.”

Bridge of the Shinigami Battle Platform Queen Tatiana.

“Flight Ops how much longer before the Nighthawks are prepped for a fight?” Fleet Admiral Jassin Qigeiros demanded of his Air Boss.

“The Nighthawks are only waiting on your command to launch sir. Another five minutes for the Owls. Ten for the Sparrowhawks.” The Air Boss told him.

“Launch the Nighthawks. Hopefully they’ll be able to knock out any anti-air defensive system that thing has. Tatiana have you been able to find anything on that ship’s design.” Jassin asked the AI.

“You’re not going to believe this Jassin. That piece of shit has four mass drivers, sixteen main gun turrets, thirty-two secondary gun turrets, sixty-four anti-air gun emplacements, sixteen missile batteries, and eight torpedo batteries. I really hate to say this, but that ancient piece of shit is as well armed as I am. It’s the mass drivers that need to be target first.” Tatiana said, as red targeting circles appeared on the hull of the ship with each weapon.

“Sir, I have energy readings coming from the mass drivers. Sir, they’re getting ready to fire.” The sensor officer called out. “Oh shit! INCOMING!”

“Helm! Hard over to port! Air Boss! Get those fighters off my deck NOW!” Before Jassin could finish giving his orders Tatiana flared her shields to maximum. Four massive balls of boiling plasma slammed into her shields. Rocking the massive warship almost bring her to a dead stop. As Jassin fell to the deck he yelled. “Son of a bitch! What the HELL was that?!”

“Four tons of condensed plasma Jassin. I must say. For an ancient weapon that was impressive. I suggest we return fire.” Tatiana told him calmly.

“Guns target those damned mass drivers and fire!” Jassin ordered as he stood up on shacky legs. The only reply from the Fire and Control officer was the sound of 12 main gun turrets swiveling to lock onto the massive drivers. When they fired the space around Queen Tatiana was lite up. The sheer power displayed by those thirty-six 24in railguns blinded the outpost.

To Jassin’s surprise the ancient warship shrugged off the impact of the weapons. Of the four mass drivers only one was damaged. The other three returned fire. The Helmsman was already maneuvering the battle platform to avoid the incoming plasma. Then to the shock of her crew. The Queen Tatiana took a direct hit to her starboard side. One of the mass drive plasma balls penetrated her shields. For the first time in over four-hundred years a Shinigami was actually damaged by enemy fire.

“Sealing off sections twenty-three through thirty, on decks four through seven, Jassin. The damage extends inward to corridor six-B on those decks.” Tatiana told him calmly then snarled. “God Damn It! That hurt!”

“We got wounded in every sector!” The voice her chief medical officer shouted over the intercom. “Damn it Captain! Do something about those plasma balls!”

“I’m working on it doctor. Guns how soon will we be in range of our missiles and torpedoes?” Jassin asked.

“Not for another fifteen minutes sir. If we can get the Sparrowhawks off the deck in the next three. They might be able to buy us time to get within range for a clean kill shoot.” Guns told him.

“I hate to say this Jassin, but my performance has been hampered. That one hit took out one of my main control thrusters. The good news is the last of the BD-one-oh-five Broadswords have finished rearming with Mark-seventy-eight torpedoes. They’ll clear my deck in three minutes.” Tatiana told him as her main guns returned fire. This time three of the massive drivers were totally destroyed. With only one mass driver left the massive Colonial Warship Bifrost surged forward closing the distance. “Castle get those damned bombers off my flight deck. I can’t fight like this.”

“Hold your water old lady. Just keep those swam missiles off us for another few minutes.” The Air Boss told Tatiana. “Helm keep us outside of their range for five more minutes.”

“I hate to tell you this Castle. We’ve been inside their range for a while now.” The Helmsman told her just as Tatiana’s shield flashed as it was hit with 36 high speed explosive rounds. This was followed a few seconds later by the impact of 48 smaller rounds from the Bifrost’s secondary guns.

This time when Tatiana returned fire. It was with more than just her main guns. Everything she had on her starboard side fired as one. Massive naval PPCs, railguns, lasers, missile and torpedo launchers. If it had a ‘trigger’ the crew of the battle platform squeezed that trigger. Even as the last BD-105 Broadsword bomber left her flight deck Tatiana was closing the doors of her flight deck. Those eight aerospace bombers were unlike any other aerospace fighter/bomber built in the Human Empire. They were unique only to the Kingdom of Highwinds. Purposely build to fight the Velmaro Consortium.

Each Broadsword BD-105 is armed with four special Mark-78 torpedoes. The warheads of these torpedoes were nuclear. Each nuclear warhead was equal to 50Mt. Normally these weapons were only used for their EMP punch against the swarm fighters of the Velmaro. With twenty-four such weapons at least one of them would get through the impressive air defense of the Bifrost.

“CAPTAIN! THERE’S A MASSIVE BUILD UP OF ENGERY COMING FROM THE BIFROST!” The Electronic Warfare Officer shouted with true fear.

“CAPTAIN! THAT SHIP IS ABOUT TO FIRE SOMETHING BIG!” Castle shouted just before a beam of focused plasma slammed into the starboard bow shields of the Tatiana. If it hadn’t been for the Shinigami AI concentrating all of her shields to take the attack. The massive warship would have died.

“What the HELL was that?” Jassin shouted as he struggled to his feet. “Talk to me people! I need answers!”

“By the Gods. They did it. They actually built that damned thing.” Tatiana’s voice whispered for all to hear. For the first time the AI’s voice actually held both fear and disgust. “Jassin that weapon was banned by the Humans before it ever left the design board. It’s a MEDUSA cannon.”

“A what?” The bridge crew asked as one.

“The MEDUSA cannon is a quantum energy-based superweapon. They require a massive amount of power. Enough to power an Einstein–Rosen bridge.” Tatiana told her bridge crew. “The MEDUSA cannons could destroy whole cities in a single second, Jassin. Cities the size of Four Winds.”

“Shit! We have to stop that ship here people!” Jassin shouted as Tatiana’s weapons continued to fire. To his surprise the aerospace fighters and bombers of the 351st Tactical Air Wing were swarming the ancient ship. Only the eight bombers of Sparrowhawks were still out of the fight.

“CAPTAIN! IT’S PREPARING TO FIRE THAT MEDUSA THING AGAIN!” Tactical command shouted from their position. “HELM WE CAN’T TAKE ANOTHER HIT LIKE THAT LAST ONE! OUR SHIELDS BARELY HELD DURING THAT LAST STRIKE!”

“They’re not charging the MEDUSA Jassin. Yes the energy is building but my sensors aren’t detecting a quantum pulse.” Tatiana told him before taking control of her navigation. Tatiana had barely managed to move her massive bulk out of the way as tunnel of swirling energy ripped through the space she had just occupied moments before. When Tatiana was able to redirect her bow back towards the battle the ancient colonial warship was gone.

“Where the hell did that ship go?” Jassin demanded of no one and everyone.

“Jassin I believe we just witnessed the successful deployment of a Wormhole projection.” Tatiana told him and the rest of the bridge crew.

“Flight Ops recover our birds. Nav figure out where that ship went. Tactical I want a plan for taking that piece of shit out. Engineering I want a full damage report.” Jassin said as he turned to XO. “Jay-barra make contact with that outpost and see if they can hold their position.”

“Sir, we need to put any plans for pursuit on hold. The outpost has been heavily damaged. They’re requesting aid.” Jay-barra told him.

“We don’t have time for rescue operations.” The tactical officers shouted.

“I hate to tell you this Hornshell. That’s all we have time for. We’re damned near dead in space.” The Chief Engineer said as stood up jerking his thumb towards the pillar that housed Tatiana’s AI core. “Queenie overloaded her primary engines getting us out of the path of that wormhole tunnel. I had to scram reactors one through three to keep us from going nova. I won’t even bother with listing the damage to our nav sensors.”

“Talk to me Stoneknife. Just how fracked is our situation?” Jassin asked as he sat down heavily in his command chair.

“Two to three days before we can jump sir. That’s just to get the reactors back online and repair the starboard side sensor suits. Even then I’m not making any promises. I’m still digging through the damage reports.” The man said as he placed his hand to his earpiece. “Make that four to five days sir. Engine room five just reported in. That MEDUSA beam fried our reactor control. They had to eject the core.”

“Why wasn’t Tatiana affected by the blast?” Jassin asked him.

“My processor core is located in the heaviest shielded section of my body Jassin. Chief Stoneknife can you explain why I’m only aware of my port side?”

“Sorry about that Tatiana. I gave the order to sever your connection to those processing centers. You may have blocked ninety percent of the MEDUSA beam, but what did get through fried more than just your navigation sensors. Five of your starboard shield projectors overloaded and blew. In short dear Lady. If we hadn’t severed your starboard sensors and processing centers you would be screaming in pain.” Stoneknife told the AI.

“Son of a bitch. That ship came close to doing the impossible.” Growled the Helmsman when he heard this. “That ship damned near killed a Shinigami!”

“I have to give them their credit Mistress Brim, they did try.” Jassin told the young Helmsman before chuckling as he turned to face Tatiana’s central column. “Though I do believe that the ship now has a bigger problem. How soon before your brothers and sisters hunt that bitch down Tatiana?”

“They’re already moving Jassin. It seems that they’re all a little miffed that I was actually hurt by that weapon. Make no mistake ladies and gentlemen that is not a ship but a weapon of mass destruction.” The AI told her crew.

“Queen Tatiana what exactly is MEDUSA cannon?” The Weapons Officer asked.

“Before the last Great World War on Earth. Human scientists thought they had cracked the great mystery behind clean, renewable, and reliable energy. Their great breakthrough was quantum energy. Like nuclear energy before it the militaries of the day only saw the potential for a weapon. Thus, the MEDUSA cannon was born. It earned its name for its destructive property of blasting every city it touched back to the stone age.” Tatiana explained for them.

“Queenie, I know this is going to sound stupid, but exactly where was that weapon located on that ship? Not to mention why didn’t you spot it when you scanned for weapons?” Stoneknife asked her.

“That’s why I called the WHOLE ship a weapon of mass destruction, Chief. The entirety of the ship’s outer haul is the MADUSA cannon. First the main engine charges the outer haul with pure quantum energy. Once charged a mass driver is then fired through the quantum energy field. The discharged plasma pulls the quantum energy with it at hyper-velocity speeds. Oh, by the way Chief. A simple railgun discharge would be powerful enough to provide the needed targeting and discharge for the MADUSA cannon’s quantum energy. To put it bluntly. Any one of that ship’s secondary weapons could have provided the targeting mechanism.” Tatiana explained for the engineer.

“Bloody hell.” Jassin grumbled as the rest of the bridge crew realized what the AI told them. Jassin turned to his Communications Officer. “Comms priority one flash to Death Dealer and Navel High Commands. Message is as follows. Fleet wide alter. Operation Leviathan in effect. Target is pre-FTL Earth Human Colonization Warship Bifrost. Warning! Bifrost is armed with MADUSA cannon. Corkscrew Nebula is no longer secure. All, repeat ALL, early warning stations and Corridor Observation Command Post destroyed. Queen Tatiana commencing rescue and salvage operations of OCP. Queen Tatiana is also commencing emergency repair operations. Request immediate deployment of repair and recovery ships HMS Stalworth and Vixen. Contact Prometheus Base next. Inform them that we need a replacement core. Along with a full complement of replacement Early Warning Outposts for the corridor and a replacement Corridor Observation Command Post.”

“Yes sir.” The Comms Officer shouted from his position as Jassin turned back to his Executive Officer.

“Commence recovery operations for our fighters, and rescue operations for the Command Post personnel. I’ll be in my ready room Number One preparing for the ass chewing that’s sure to come from the Queen and the High Command.” Jassin ordered him before turning towards his ready room.

Highwinds entrance, Observation Command Post

“Damage report XO.” Stormlight shouted as he picked himself up off the deck. It took him a few seconds to realize that he had knocked unconscious from that last hit. So, when no one answered him straight away Stormlight called out to the station’s AI. “Computer! Damage report.”

“The computer is offline sir. As is engineering, C-n-C, flight operations center, and our long range FTL link is gone. The flight deck is totally destroyed sir.” An Ensign told him from the Weapons station.

“Where’s Commander Grayson, Ensign?” Stormlight asked the woman.

“He was in the launch bay when it was hit sir. Along with Commander Tolsen, and Chief Rockwell. They were on their way to unlock and arm the Longbows when that arm of the station was hit sir.” The Ensign told him.

“How long have I been out Ensign?” Stormlight asked her.

“Just short of twenty minutes sir.” She told him.

“Damn. Who’s been in charge?” Stormlight asked her.

“Um… I have sir. I’m still compiling the damage reports. Before you ask sir. I’ve been unable to contact any officer above Ensign first in the Chain of Command.” She told him as she moved to the communications station. “I repeat any ship within the sound of my voice. This is Corkscrew nebula, Highwinds entrance, Observation Command Post one. We are declaring a mayday. We have sustained heavy damage. Power is down to emergency backup generators. Casualties are over thirty percent.”

“Ensign what the hell did that ship hit us with?” Stormlight asked her as he moved to give her a hand at the communications station. As he was putting on a headset his ear was filled with cries for help. “Bloody Hell! How long have you been dealing with this Ensign on your own?”

“For the last fifteen minutes sir. Thankfully the Queen Tatiana is begun recovery operations of the remaining fighters and bombers. They’ve offered to pick up ours along with theirs, sir.” The Ensign told him. “Sir, if we can’t stabilize our rotation soon. We’ll have to sound abandon ship.”

“Where’s the enemy ship Ensign?” Stormlight asked her looking out the view port. What he saw didn’t fill him with confidence for their situation. “Sweet mother of the Goddess. Where the frack is the port side arm and docking bay?”

“Destroyed by whatever that ship used to escape sir.” She told him.

“Why the hell is the Queen Tatiana just sitting out there? Why isn’t she chasing after those filthy slugs?” Stormlight demanded.

“Look for yourself sir.” The Ensign said as she pointed out the forward view screen before snarking. “I don’t think she is going anywhere fast sir.”

“By the Gods of Space. What the FRACK did that ship use? A supernova powered cannon?” Stormlight asked in shock at the sight of a Shinigami almost dead in space. Only one of its five primary drive engine showed any sign of life. The other four were black as space. The more Stormlight took in the damaged battle platform. The more he realized just how close the enemy ship had come to doing the impossible. Then he chuckled as he remember the old saying. “Lieutenant NorthStar if that is all they did to her. Then I truly feel sorry for them the next time they cross paths with a Shinigami.”

“Are you crazy sir? That ancient ship damn near killed them!” The Ensign gasped in surprise. She was too shocked to realize he CO had used her last name and the wrong rank.

“Lieutenant there are two sayings about the Shinigamis. The first one goes like this. ‘It takes a Shinigami to kill a Shinigami’. The second one is ‘Never piss off a Shinigami AI’. Do you know why the navies of the universe say that?” Stormlight asked. When NorthStar shock her head no Stormlight grinned. “Because if you don’t kill them outright. They’ll hunt your ass down with a vengeance fueled blood lust that would scare the Gods.”

“Sir please forgive me for what I’m about to say. Are you fracking crazy? That ship out there isn’t going to do any fighting without a long stay at a shipyard. I mean just look at those holes. The Queen Tatiana looks like a sieve.” NorthStar told him as she hit the repeat button on the coms station. “And sir I’m only an Ensign.”

“Lieutenant NorthStar I did not make a mistake. You’re actions in the last hour prove that you’re more than capable of your new rank. As for the crew of that Shinigami. They’re Death Dealers. Whoever those people are they went and pissed off the two things this side of hell. No one in their right mind even considers. Once they have seen to their wounded and dead. That ship and its crew are going to be out for blood and souls. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, well stop them. Not even the Goddesses Sehanine Moonbow and Ryra the War maiden with all their power will be able to stop them.” Stormlight told the young woman. “The scary part is once that AI contacts the rest of Tatiana’s Children. That ship will be facing not one Shinigami, but twelve.”

“By the Goddess. Just one of those monsters by itself has enough firepower to lay siege to a planet. With twelve of them in orbit you could level every city in on a world in a matter of hours.” NorthStar gasped.

“Lieutenant what I’m about to tell you must remain between us. Deep in the armory of every Shinigami are six seven-forty core crackers just waiting to be fired. That is why the only people who crew those war machines are Death Dealers. Because Death Dealers are more human than we will ever be. Their loyalty is to each other, and the Kingdom of Highwinds. They hold no clan or planetary loyalties. That is why they rarely leave their assigned systems.” Stormlight told her as another warning began to flash on the console before him. Stormlight didn’t think twice as he slammed his hand down on a large red button marked core ejection. “Sound abandon ship Lieutenant.”

“Aye, aye, sir.” NorthStar answered him and carried out the order. As the abandon ship klaxon rang out through the last of the Corkscrew Nebula’s early warning outposts. “That’s it sir. Ten minutes until the scuttling charges finish off the old lady. I suggest we head for the escape pods.”

“I’ll be right behind you, Lieutenant. Soon as I make sure everyone is off and clear of the blast radius.” Stormlight told her as he started checking the few bodies still laying on the control room deck.

“I already checked them sir. They dine with their ancestors sir. We’re the only ones still alive in the command-and-control room.” NorthStar told him as kindly as she could. “The doctors have already evacuated the wounded. Sir we’re the last ones still aboard the central hub.”

“Damn. Why wasn’t I informed of this from the start Lieutenant?” Stormlight demand of her then softened his tone. “I know that I haven’t had much time for your training Faylen but remember that your first duty in a situation like this is to inform your CO just how bad you’re FUBAR.”

“FUBAR, sir?” Faylen asked him in confusion.

“Fracked Up Beyond All Recognition. Don’t worry Faylen. By the time I’m done training you. You’ll make an excellent XO. Not that you need much training. You were handed a shit sandwich with a side order of frack me fries for your first command. Then went on to preform beyond your training in a very commendable and professional manner. Come on XO let’s get to the pods.” Stormlight told the young woman as he led the way out of the C-n-C.

Omnalin city, Planet Highwinds.

The four young people who walked through the door of the Waystation nightclub barely stood out. The driving beat of the club music coming from the dance floor caused the two women to smile. For their escorts it only brought a nod of the head. Even though the four of them were dressed in the current fashion of club goers. There was still something about them that stood out.

Maybe it the way the foursome moved with a deadly air about them. There was something about the two couples that screamed high-born brats. It might have been the porcelain skin, snow-white hair, and silver-gray eyes of one couple or the two Silvian elves of the other couple. Then again it could have been the fact that the two men towered over the female companions who were tall for elves. Either way it didn’t matter both couples were striking to behold. Everyone around them knew that they were not to be trifled with.

“Are you sure this is the place Valkyrie?” Grace Wittman asked me.

“Don’t ask me ma’am. This was Stoney’s lead, not mine.” I told her over the pounding music of the dance floor. I know that I’m a woman now and have been for several months now. But I still have problems when I’m off the base. For some reason having these randy males eyeing me like a side of beef makes my skin crawl. “Don’t worry Waltz. If that contact isn’t here. I’ll personally skin his happy ass in the middle of parade ground one.”

“Silence if you don’t want men ogling you. Don’t wear short skirts and high heels.” Big Man said from behind me.

“Then what would you suggest?” I snarled. “BDUs?”

“Try a gunny sack and rainboots. Though with your looks I doubt even that would help.” Too Tall snarked only to get his foot stepped on by Grace’s heel. “Oach! Damn it ma’am. What was that for?”

“You’re not helping matters Sergeant Major. And for your information. Silence isn’t the only one who hates being eyeballed for the Match makers.” Grace snarled as she glared at one young Drow elf with contempt. “Not even in your wildest dreams dark one.”

“Stuck up bitch.” The Drow elf spat only to suddenly find himself hanging three feet in the air by the neck.

“Should I snap this fool’s neck my Lady?” Asked a very pissed Command Sergeant Major Nickola ‘TooTall’ Thunderstick.

“Put him down Nickola. We’re here for a night of fun and dancing.” Grace ‘Waltz’ Wittman told her escort kindly as she patted his outstretched arm. Before looking up at the Drow. “You’ll have to forgive my escort. He’s a little overprotective of me and my friend. Can you tell us where we can find a Mister Gantar Farynore? He was supposed to meet us at the door?”

“VIP section. Far back corner.” The Drow crocked out before TooTall dropped him to the floor. When he went to pull the switchblade knife the other male escort glared down at him.

“Don’t even think about it. You’re only end up having it shoved up your ass.” Big Man snarled down at the young man as the others headed for the VIP section. “Besides, when Lady Wittman turned you down. It wasn’t an insult. She and the Lady Starfire are spoken for.”

“Wait a minute buddy boy. What in the world would a pair of high-born ladies want with Snaggle tooth?” the Drow asked him.

“Personal business. That’s all you need to know.” Big Man told him before walking over to join the rest of the four-man investigation team.

“Your kind ani’t welcome in this club ladies. Take your bodyguards and leave. Before you get hurt.” One of the bouncers said as he moved to block their path. To get the point across the bouncer flashed a needler at his waist.

“Why Valkyrie I do believe the man wants us to take that pistol away from him.” Grace said sweetly as I shyly smiled at the bodyguard. We were expecting some kind of confrontation. Taking my clue from her suggestion. I disarmed the bodyguard before he could react.

“Is this what you mean Grace?” I asked her sweetly as I cocked the hammer back on the 10mm needle pistol while pointing it as the man’s crotch. “Though at this range. I doubt I’ll hit anything.”

“It can’t be that small Valkyrie. I mean a big tough thug like him might have a pair of balls next to that tiny dick.” Grace smirked as the man’s face turned white with fear.

“True.” I said and raised the pistol to point at his forehead. “Move.”

“Ladies, there’s no need to get violent if you want to get with me.” Gantar said as he patted the bodyguard on the shoulder. “Take a walk Joey. I doubt the Lady is going to give you a second chance.”

“Naw we’ll give him a second chance. Right before we rip his bean dick off.” I snarled as Big Man and TooTall moved to bracket me and Waltz. “Though I can’t say the same for our friends.”

“Your reputation proceeds you Lady Starfire. Though I do wonder as to why you and your companions have seen fit to visit my establishment?” Gantar asked me as he waved for us to join him at his privet table.

“We’re here on business, Mister Farynore. We have a slight supply problem. One that we hope you can help us eliminate.” Grace said as she slid a 12oz silver bar onto the table with an ease born from being raised inside a High Family. I have to give it her. Grace was as smooth as her call sign.

“I’m a simple disco and bar owner ma lady. What is it that you think I can do?” Gantar asked us as he pocketed the silver.

“Don’t fracking play games with the Lady, Snaggle Tooth. We got enough evidence to throw your ass under the jail. You keep pushing and I’ll have six teams raining down hell on your operation within the hour.” I snarled.

“Valkyrie remember we are here to try a slightly more diplomatic approach. Until Mister Farynor proves to be uncooperative.” Grace told me as Big Man and Too Tall rolled their shoulders while cracking their necks. “Shall we try this again sir or do you wish to try our escort?”

“Sister those two goons of yours are way overestimating their luck and skill. I got twenty armed men spread throughout the club. They’ll be dead before they take one step towards me.” Gantar snort unimpressed by the two men. When he heard Grace and me giggle Gantar cocked his head. “What’s so funny?”

“Just that every last one of your men will be dead before they can even draw their weapons. What do you put the odds at TooTall? One out of fifty, three out of one hundred?” Grace asked the CSM with a sickly-sweet smile as she glanced around the dance club.

“Not even that high Lady Grace. After all, I doubt Big Man is going to let me have all the fun.” TooTall chuckled as my First Sergeant grinned.

“What the hell? Are you people crazy. You’re out gunned and outnumbered.” Gantar snorted looking at TooTall and Big Man.

“Normally Gantar you would be right, but we’re not your normal clients. We’re not even cops. You see you made two mistakes dumbass. First you had your crews hitting military supply and equipment shipments. Gantar I can’t even begin to tell you how stupid that was. Then your people went and sold those shipments to a known revolutionary organization. That makes all of your little hijacking operations acts of terrorism.” Grace told him with a small glint in her eyes.

Over the last few weeks of working directly with Lt.C. Wittman I’ve come to know her little quirks. When Waltz puts on this sweet and innocent act I start looking for the nearest heavy table. Ever since Ripper had taken her under his wing Lt. Colonel Grace ‘Waltz’ Wittman has become more and more like her heroes, the Lady Imra, Queen Dana, and the Dowager Empress. Command Sergeant Major TooTall Thunderstick hasn’t been helping matters.

“No need to go there Waltz.” I whispered only to see the glint and smile grow. I keyed my coms. ‘Big Man, TooTall, be ready for anything. Waltz is about to go nuclear on our bunny’s ass.’

“The second mistake you made Gantar is the one you and your crews really should have avoided. You pissed off the Nightmare Regiment.” Waltz snarled as she cleared the table grabbing the man by the throat. The once elegant club dress now lay on the floor in tatters. I took my clue from her deploying my bio armor and CQC blades. As did TooTall and Big Man.

“I want three things you worthless cock bite. First the name for the snipper that shoot Lady Imra Ventris. Second the names of your contacts in the Millennium Assembly. And lastly your god damned word that all military shipments are off limits.” Waltz snarled as she dropped him into his chair.

The smell and flash of antipersonnel lasers firing along with the cries of men in pain stopped the music. Not to mention all movement in the disco. I looked around and saw that my 1st Sgt, and the CSM had dropped all twenty of Gantar’s bodyguards. I turned back to Snaggle Tooth. As I did I took in the shocked and scared faces of the crowd. I didn’t know what Grace’s play was just then, but I damned well was going to back her.

“Now that we have everyone’s attention. This club is now under Martial Law. Any attempt to leave will result in your immediate arrest. Sergeant Major, Top, round up any asshole displaying gang colors.” I ordered them.

“Who the frack do you think you are to come in here on my treaty?” Gantar spat out as he struggled to his feet. “Do you have any idea of who you’re fracking with bitch?! I run this damned city!”

“That’s where you’re wrong Farynor. You only think you run things.” I spat then grinned as Gracy grabbed him by the balls. “Oh my. It seems you pissed off my boss Farynor. I don’t think she liked you calling her a bitch.”

“It wasn’t him calling me a bitch that pissed me off Silence. I can deal with that. It was his disrespect of the biggest, badest, and meanest gang on all of Highwinds or any other planet in the universe. I do believe that this overstuffed piece of shit in a cheap suite needs a damned lesson in manners.” Grace snarled as she started to squeeze.

“I’ll talk. I swear. I’ll talk. Just quite crushing my balls.” Gantar cried.

“You get this one chance only, Gantar. If we don’t like what we hear. I’ll rip your dick off and shove it up your ass.” I snarled to the surprise of more than just Watz, and our escorts. ‘James is the COBRA screwing with me?’

‘Negative Lady Valkyrie. This is just normal hormone fueled rage for a female of the Silver moon elves. I would say that from their current levels you’re about to enter your cycle.’ My DDAI told me blandly as the enormity of what he just said hit me full force.

‘Oh shit. No wonder I’ve been so on edge lately. Is there anything you can do to dampen my hormones, or do I just have to deal?’ I asked James then thought. ‘James what are the chances of me being the only Silver moon elf female currently entering their cycle?’

‘Calculating. Currently there are a possibility of 28% of all females in your command nearing or just entering their cycle at this time, Lady Valkyrie.’ James told me while I dealt with Gantar. As I thought over what my AI told I snarled in Gantar’s face. “I’m waiting shithead.”

“I only have four gangs working the supply depots. They only hit the shipments that are marked for Camp Resistance and the Queen’s Regiments. If they’re hitting other shipments. It’s not on my orders.” Gantar told me as Waltz slowly squeezed his balls even tight.

“Which gangs and where?” Waltz snarled into his ear.

“The Twisted Knights in Four Winds, Devil’s Blades in Overtown, Dark Matter in Starfall, and the Celtic Drifters in Neveen’s Port.” Gantar wheezed.

“He’s holding something back.” One of his bodyguards said before looking at the others. “He don’t pay us enough to deal with Death Dealers guys.”

“What isn’t he telling us about the gangs?” Big Man snarled.

“He’s got a full crew that only works the spaceport. They let his other crews know when shipments of heavy arms are being moved. Things like Land Warrior armor, Longbows, KV Knight LEOs, heavy and light hover attack craft. You name it if it’s military. That crew lets him know.” The man told us.

“Who else knowns about his inside crew?” I demanded.

“Shut up Enders.” Gantar ordered the man. Only to get punched in the head.

“There’s another four crews responsible for delivery. Those are the Delta Darts, Dawn’s Laughter, Ridge Raiders, and Ungrateful Dead. The crew working the spaceport are all members of the local four-oh-seven. If you want his contacts in the Millennium Assembly. Their on his E-com under the Talon.” Another guard told us. “Like Enders said guys. Snag said nothing about fracking with Death Dealers and ani’t paying us enough to try.”

“You god damned traitors. I’ll see you all dead in the streets. Including these freaks.” Gantar snarled from the floor before he spat on Waltz’s feet. “You freaks were supposed to die in your tanks.”

“What the frack does that mean?” Waltz snapped as she grabbed him by the throat once more lifting him off the floor. “TALK YOU WORTHLESS SHIT!”

“Grand High Field Marshal Belanor Wranlynn promised that you Death Dealers would die. He’s more than the Supreme Commander for the Highwinds Military. He’s the head of the Millenium Assembly. The other top leaders are among the Military High Command. It was one of Wranlynn’s men that shoot the Lady Imra. Someone from his inner circle.” Gantar hiss out as Waltz choked the man.

“NAME!” Waltz screamed in rage.

“Don’t known his name. Only his rank. Some Knight Captain.” Gantar grunted.

“Kesseldorf, Yurgan Kesseldorf, ma’am. I was with the man who delivered the payment.” Another of Gantar’s guards said as he stepped forward. When I received an IFF ping I leveled my PCC at the man’s head. “Easy Captain. I’m with Death Dealer CID. Call sign is Riddle.”

‘Confirmation of Riddle, my Lady. Name is Elyon Eilnorin. Rank Warrant Office first. Currently assigned to Fifth of the Sixteenth, Military Police Battalion, Twenty-second Heavy Division, Seventh Death Dealer Group. My lady I believe we can trust him.’ James told me with a smug tone in his voice.

“Did you know what kind of payment you were delivering, Riddle?” TooTall snarled as he deployed his CQC blades.

“If I had Sergeant Major. I would have killed Kesseldorf and Wranlynn myself. After I killed this fracker. As far as I knew it was his normal tribute to Wranlynn.” Riddle snarled. Before looking over at me and Waltz. “Captain, Colonel, there are two more investigations currently ongoing with this man. Both of which are now compromised. Either let me take him in or kill him. Your Regiment has first Right of Challenge.”

“You can have this frack. Just stay out of our way.” Waltz snarled as she threw Gantar at Riddle’s feet. “AS for the man who shoot our Regimental Lady. That is another story. You can either hand him over to us or tell us where we can find the man. Either way he belongs to the Nightmare Regiment.”

“Kesseldorf is on his way to Green Forst Prime, ma’am. He’s out of our reach. Wranlynn had him transferred before Lady Irma reached the hospital. That man is doing everything he can to distance himself for your CO’s wrath.” Riddle told us only to get a chuckle from myself and Waltz. Riddle looked over at Waltz. “Did I say something funny ma’am?”

“Riddle you’re still new to the ranks of Death Dealers especially if you’re saying someone or something is out of our reach.” TooTall chuckled.

“Something else you need to know Riddle. While Death Dealers are still fairly new to our military. There is a reason the regular military go out of their way to not piss us off. We remember where those original divisions came from. They were all Humans.” Big Man told the young Warrant Officer.

“What does that mean First Sergeant?” Riddle asked in confusion.

“There is a very old saying among the militaries of the Universe sir. ‘If you want to live to see old age. Never piss off the Human Empire’. For those of us in the Nightmare Regiment. We are reminded of this saying every day. Because none of us want to face our CO when he’s pissed.” I told him with a nasty grin before going in for the kill. “The Whitechapel Ripper is already legendary for his rather unique extra, and motivational training methods.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Riddle asked me.

Only to have Grace snark. “Live ordnance has a way of getting a person’s undivided attention. It’s amazing how fast a raw recruit will get with the program when a seven-point-six-two round slams into the ground near them.”

“I prefer the C-four method myself.” TooTall snarked. Riddle could only stand there with his mouth hanging open as these Special Forces soldiers talked about their training. While regular Death Dealers went through hell. What these people were describing went beyond even that.

“Excuse me ma’am. What do you want done with this piece of shit?” Riddle asked Grace as he toed Gantar’s unconscious form.

“Keep him and his people under wraps for the next ninety-six hours. After that you can use them for moving target practice for all I care. How about it Silence. Any ideas?” Waltz asked me.

“Drop his ass off in Ice Ferret territory, ma’am.” Big Man snorted. “I’m sure they’ll find a good use for his ass.”

“Why the Ice Ferrets?” Waltz asked him for me.

“Let’s just say that the Ice Ferrets are known for their less than hospitable attitude towards outsiders. Especially assholes with criminal records like Gantar and his men. The Ferrets may be a street gang, but they’ve got a really funny code of honor. One of the things don’t they put up with is their members throwing down with the military. Cops are one thing, but it better not be a female cop. Another thing you can’t do is kill a cop or a member of the military. That’ll get your ass dead.” Big Man told us.

“Sounds good to me.” Waltz said as she looked Riddle in the eyes. “Do yourself two big favors Riddle. First don’t get in our way again. Second, no matter what happens. Don’t let our CO find out that you were there when Kesseldorf was paid to take that shoot.”

“It’s already in my report ma’am.” Riddle told her. Only to hear Waltz sigh as me, TooTall, and Big Man groan. “Is something wrong ma’am?”

“You better come with us. Because if Ripper has to hunt you down. You’re not going to like what happens.” Waltz told before grabbing Gantar by the scruff of his neck. “You’re also coming with us.”

-----tbc-----

Hi everyone,
sorry for the long hiatus. For the last year I had been extremely busy in real life. First with my daughter’s recovery, then acting as a substitute teacher at her school, then finally with preparing the 4H kids for this coming year. Now, that my life has finally slowed down to it ‘normal’ level of insanity. (For course normal is overrated.) I will be able to return to writing.