Renegade Redhead Page 3

  “No, he is actually the son of Colonel Hiro Donji's cousin Haruto Donji. So, I guess he'd be a cousin of sorts to both the Colonel and to Major Ishto Donji. And, yes, they do manufacture most of our armor, weapons, and ultra-fast ships. Although there is a twenty-year-old partnership between Donji Manufacturing and Roux Enterprises that make the most up-to-date ships. A diplomatic representative from Intergalactic Guard, and a representative of Roux Enterprises will also be joining the expedition,” the Colonel said, surveying Sasha with narrowed eyes.

  “You will have an opportunity to meet the other crew members at a meeting in the morning. Ryo Donji; Sophie Roux; the head of engineering, Major Toby Cook; the Chief Medical Officer, Helen Gutierrez; and your security detail supervisor, Major Colin Fairchild, will see you at 0900 hours in the Pinnacle conference room,” Colonel Sedgewick continued. “Let me show you to your quarters, help you get something to eat, and then we’ll talk more in the morning over breakfast with the others. Follow me please,” the Colonel ordered, then walked briskly from the room, expecting Sasha to follow.

  She did, dumbly. She’d hold her questions until tomorrow morning. So far, it sounded like a dream come true. Sasha wondered whom she’d have to answer to, besides Ryo Donji and Major Fairchild, that is. Wow! Unbelievable exciting. I bet I won’t be able to sleep a wink. She did. She slept the sleep of the dead. Too many hours in the saddle in freezing temperatures made her more than capable of a good night’s sleep.

  Chapter Four

  Gearing Up

  The following morning Sasha sprang out of bed and raced to dress. She was looking forward to the day with a great deal of anticipation and couldn't wait to meet the rest of the expedition members. Slipping on her flexible uniform and strapping her wrist tablet to her slender forearm, she swung out of her quarters and headed towards the Pinnacle Conference Room that Colonel Sedgewick had pointed out the evening before.

  Slapping her hand on the biometric reader, she waited for the door to slide open. With no sound at all, the barrier slid away to reveal several occupants already seated around the clear table. Walking in, Sasha greeted the group already present, “Hello, I’m Ensign Sasha Kelty, pleased to meet you all,” and pulled out a padded chair.

  Before she could take a seat, Colonel Sedgewick entered and said, “Good morning team. Ensign Kelty, help yourself to some food and drink. We’re waiting for a few others, then we’ll get started with more formal introductions.” The Colonel proceeded to help herself to some items from the food processing center, and pressed a tab on the drink processor as well. “Want coffee?” she asked Sasha.

  “No thank you ma’am. I’ll have a green tea and a meal bar,” Sasha replied, wanting to keep her food intake to a minimum in case the excitement roiled up her stomach. Taking a seat with her meal bar and drink, Sasha perused the people seated around the table. She supposed that the slim brunette at one end of the table was Helen Gutierrez, the chief medic.

  Perhaps the older, slightly time-worn blonde, blue-eyed woman at the end of the table was Sophie Roux. She had that elegant look that only French women could acquire without doing anything other than throwing on a scarf. The one around the older woman’s neck was undoubtedly Hermes, Sasha thought.

  To Sasha’s right sat Colonel Sedgewick. Just then the door slid open and two men strode in. One was a short, but muscled young Asian man. He had short buzz-cut hair and a stern countenance. He looked like he was in his late twenties. However, Sasha knew from the information on her tablet that he was younger than she. Twenty-five if the information on the tablet was correct. Young to be leading an expedition. She guessed that was what money and proprietary rights to high-tech equipment got you, Sasha thought cynically.

  The other man had to be Major Colin Fairchild. No one could have that ridiculous name and be anything other than tall, blonde, blue-eyed and very good looking. Plus, he had that stiffly-correct pseudo-swagger that all the young men serious about getting ahead in the Intergalactic Guard seemed to mimic.

  Geez, cut these guys some slack, will ya’! Sasha thought to herself. If they turn out to be douchebags, that will manifest soon enough.

  The next four hours were given over to introductions, in-depth profiling of the mission goals, clear delineation of each team-members roll, and an estimated time-line for the exploration. A few high-tech pieces of equipment were rolled in and explained.

  One was Sasha’s mechanized weapons suit. She happily explained its parameters and capabilities. Sasha couldn’t help her enthusiasm and looked up at the end of her discourse to see them all staring at her with slightly bemused expressions.

  “Lieutenant Kelty is very passionate about her work and is highly effective in the suit. As you can see, she appreciates its effectiveness,” Colonel Sedgewick said, a twinkle in her blue eyes. Major Fairchild laughed and said, “I want one of those!” The others nodded and returned to the table. Chloe Sedgewick winked at Sasha then motioned her back to the center console.

  The following week was more of the same. Sasha had endless lists of provisions to inventory and store aboard the Valiant, as the heavy cruiser they were taking on the expedition was called. Her quarters onboard were small, but private. She was grateful for that. On a long mission, sharing quarters could be very stressful.

  She also met all the flexible staff that was being provided for the mission by Donji Manufacturing. Most of them seemed to be smart scientists or laser gun carrying thugs. There wasn’t much in-between.

  Sophie Roux was Ryo Donji’s mother it turned out. She’d had a whirlwind love affair with Ryo’s father, Haruto Donji, but had not wanted to stay in Japan. Her own work with Roux Enterprises was too important to her. They were amiable parents, but lived apart, or so the rumor went. Sasha didn’t care. But it would make them closely aligned with each other’s agendas.

  Sasha wasn’t stupid enough to think that this was all about science and mapping galactical space. Two huge technology firms were backing this expedition. They’d want something more out of this than a map! Though a map of the frontiers of space was also of incredible value. Selling rights to that alone would make billions for the two companies, and aid the Intergalactic Guard in their own goals.

  The day before they were to leave Uzi’s orbit for the mission, Sasha was called to Colonel Sedgewick’s office. Surprised, Sasha hastened to comply. She hadn’t thought she’d be enough of a presence on the mission to warrant a private send-off speech.

  Pressing her palm to the sensor, Sasha waited for the system to notify Colonel Sedgewick of her presence. Once the door slid open, Sasha stepped over the threshold and was struck silent by the sight of the Territorial Governor.

  Leo Reinegaard had been a Colonel in the Orbit Guard and then in the Intergalactic Guard, before becoming the Governor of Uzi. He was an enormous man with a badly scarred face and neck. Married to Colonel Sedgewick for over twenty-seven years now, and they made an incongruous couple. He was huge and muscled, she was small and daintily elegant. Rumor had it she was a live-wire in a fight though. Sasha knew not to underestimate her.

  “I’m glad you’ve come,” Colonel Sedgewick said with a gentle smile. “Please come in and be seated. We have a few things we’d like to discuss with you before you depart on this mission. This is my husband, and boss, Territorial Governor Leo Reinegaard,” she said, motioning to the large man now sprawled on a seat next to her.

  “Pleased to meet you, sir,” Sasha said tensely, wondering what the hell was up.

  “At ease, Lieutenant. We’re here to talk to you in an informal capacity, so no need to stand on procedure. Take a seat,” the Governor echoed his wife, and gestured again to the empty chair across from him.

  “My wife tells me you’re a bit of a wild card on this expedition,” the Governor continued, looking her over like a laser surgeon bent on operating. “You were picked for that very fact. Well, that and the fact that you were the best candidate for what we need. We, being Uzi and what will be left of Earth in a few years,” h
e continued grimly.

  Sasha felt a cold dread coming over her. What did ‘left of Earth in a few years mean’? “Sir?” Sasha queried, concern lacing her voice. The couple looked at each other, then the Governor nodded at his wife.

  Colonel Sedgewick began slowly, “The new administration on Earth is not handling world politics well and strategists across the globe are predicting an extinction event. Probably some type of nuclear war.” At Sasha’s gasped inhalation, Chloe stopped, letting her try to come to terms with what had just been said.

  “We believe that the future of the human species is most likely here on Uzi. We want to make sure that human-kind proceeds forward in the future with the right mindset for survival. That survival will depend upon making alliances with new species and keeping peace within our own,” the Colonel continued. “If war does break out on Earth, we do not want that to spill over into the Intergalactic Guard, or onto UZ238. This planet and this military, might be the only thing standing between human-kind and extinction,” she paused for effect.

  “Do you understand?” The Governor asked.

  After a few moments of silence, Sasha began, “Yes, I think I do understand. You believe that while Earth continues this destructive path, under the new administration, that this expedition will help find new species that we can align with. You want to make sure this expedition acts humanely and with proper intent. I can see that,” she said quietly. “What I don’t see is that those are necessarily the goals of the expedition leaders. I can’t see private corporations doing anything that is just for humanitarian reasons. They’re going to want to make a profit. A large profit,” she added firmly. “It’s just how they work.”

  “My wife said you were a quick study,” the Governor said, with a quirk of his ragged mouth. “You’ve hit the nail on the head. Why do you think you were chosen for this expedition? Besides the fact that you’re also at the top of your class?”

  “Because I think for myself! Because I act on my own beliefs. And because I don’t follow blindly,” Sasha hazarded, questioningly.

  “Precisely!” Colonel Sedgewick said. “We’re not asking you to do anything except follow your heart on this mission. We’ll be checking in when we can get communications through. Follow orders if they make sense. Do the right thing. Encourage others to do the right thing. Be the voice of reason. That’s all we ask. Can you do that?” she asked, holding Sasha’s gaze.

  “Haven’t I always, ma’am?” Sasha said with a grin. “I’d be happy too!” Then sobering, looked at them and said, “Do you really think that Earth is on the brink of an extinction event?”

  The couple exchanged glances one more time, then the Governor said, “Yes, yes we do. We should all be glad that we’re out here, where the Intergalactic Guard is the authority. Earth is in chaos and it won’t be long before that chaos spills over into war. I hope I’m wrong. But I don’t think so.”

  “Good luck, Lieutenant,” Colonel Sedgewick said with a gentle smile. “Here’s an unlocked and unblocked selium crystal that will allow you to communicate with us from across great distances. Even through unknown space. It’s one of the new prototypes from Roux Enterprises. I’m sure they don’t know that I’ve been given some of them by Colonel Hiro Donji. He worries that this expedition is too focused on wealth and not enough on humanity. Keep in touch,” she encouraged and closed Sasha’s fingers around the device with her small hand.

  “Don’t let anyone know you have it. Understand?” The Governor stated grimly. “Insert it into a power source of any type, and it will send a signal through matter transfer. We’ll be on the other end.”

  “I understand, sir, ma’am. Thank you for trusting me with this. I’ll do my best to live up to your expectations,” Sasha murmured.

  “Oh, no. We don’t have expectations of you!” The Colonel exclaimed. “We just want you to use your own judgement, and be yourself. That’s enough for us,” she added firmly.

  “Do what your grandmother, Dolores, would do!” The Governor said with a bark of laughter. “She wouldn’t let anyone get her down or tell her what to do!”

  Sasha looked at them in astonishment. “How do you know my grandmother?” She asked.

  “We don’t really. We just know what your background check came up with. She’s a dynamo and a force unto herself. That’s all we want you to be,” Chloe Sedgewick said with a smile of encouragement. “Own your future, just as Dolores does!”

  “You decide. We don’t want you to feel that you’re ‘spying’ on the expedition. Just contact us if you feel a moral dilemma has come to a crisis. We’re not giving you this crystal to rat out the expedition. They will be communicating with us daily anyway. Our goal is just to have an alternative communication pathway, should anything really threatening to humanity’s existence arise. Do you understand?” Colonel Sedgewick asked worriedly.

  “Yes ma’am, I think I do. You want me to contact you if I feel that some decision is made that will ultimately harm the human race’s chances of survival. Otherwise, forget I’ve got this,” she said looking down at the small device. “Hopefully, I’ll never have to use it.”

  “Exactly! Of all the crew aboard that ship, you’re the most likely to challenge the authority of decisions that are not humane. Good luck Lieutenant. Please enjoy this voyage. It sounds like it’s going to be a wonderful experience,” the Colonel said, a slight smile curling her soft lips. “I wish I was going,” she said with a sigh, then leaned into her husband’s embrace.

  “I will ma’am, sir. Thank you,” Sasha said, saluted, and quickly left the room. She needed to lay down. She felt dizzy. Holy shit! The world on the edge of war. The request to do what was right in any situation. That was some heavy responsibility. Dear Heaven, she hoped she’d never have to use the flipping crystal.

  Flopping onto her bunk, she threw one arm over her eyes, tried to slow her breathing, and let herself drift off to sleep. Sleep made everything look better.

  Chapter Five

  Unknown Space

  It felt like a new life to Sasha, this uncharted space journey. Every morning she played Meghan Trainor’s ancient tune, ‘Woman Up’ while she slipped on a set of silky lingerie, put on her mascara and lipstick, then shook out her red mane of hair, winked at herself in the mirror and walked out to conquer her day.

  The Valiant had launched from UZ238 three months ago. It felt like only yesterday to Sasha. Every day they crossed unknown territory and charted new space. It was her dream come true. Twice they’d found almost habitable planets.

  One had turned out to have too much nitrogen gas, which might explain its teaming jungle-like cover. Way too many snake-like things on that planet for any of them to like it there. They’d taken tons of samples and the lab was running tests around the clock.

  The other planet had been windy and barren. No water could be found on the surface and the winds made it extremely uncomfortable to be out on for more than an hour at a time. Even with heavily sealed, science suits, the test gathering had been cut short when the winds started carrying away the test kits. Getting back to the Valiant on the small jump ship, had been nerve-wracking as two systems failed as they were buffeted about before they burned through the atmosphere.

  Sasha had enjoyed it a little if she was truthful. But didn’t want to admit it out loud for fear they’d all think her nuts. Which, she supposed, she was a bit. Trying to draw people out and get them talking hadn’t proved to be very successful. She’d asked people to work out with her and to spar with her. She’d had no takers except Major Fairchild.

  During that bout he’d seemed more interested in chatting her up. Finally, Sasha had had enough of his plastic grin and laid down an onslaught that had him skipping backwards trying to regain his equilibrium. The next few minutes were fraught with tension as they battled in earnest. It wasn’t long before Sasha laid him out cold on the mat with a sneaky backwards tumbling move that also translated well in the mech-suit.

  When he came back to life after a few m
inutes, in which she dumped her whole bottle of water on his face, he congratulated her coolly on her win, and stumped frowning from the gym. Seriously, she thought, did he think she’d gotten assigned to this mission to do security just because she was a woman and didn’t care about leaving anyone behind? What an idiot!

  The only people who talked were the medic Helen Gutierrez and the chief engineer, Toby Cook. Frankly, you couldn’t get the gray-haired mechanic to shut up. He talked nonstop on every topic in the book. Toby was also the only way that Sasha found out anything about anybody on the ship. He always knew all the gossip.

  It was from Toby that Sasha had learned they were stopping at another planet soon. This planet looked to be an almost perfect match for the search parameters. Early surveys found that the atmosphere might be thin, but other than that, the readings from the long-range sensors were positive.

  Sasha had taken to ghosting about the ship at all hours of the night. Never having to sleep as much as others because of her ability to use energy as a healer, she liked to explore while everything was quiet. Especially the bays that Donji Manufacturing and Roux Enterprises were trying to keep off-limits.

  So far, she’d managed to find ways into all of them but one. Sasha had been amazed to discover several types of mechanized weapons suits, much more sophisticated than the one she was trained on; a couple of small, wheeled rovers; something that looked like a larger version of the laser cannons the Valiant sported along its hull; and two, very sleek-shaped ships bristling with weaponry. The ships were too large to be fighters, and she supposed they’d be called sloop-class ships. None of these things had been shown to the crew. Just another thing that made Sasha aware that there was more going on here than just a mapping mission.

  Sasha sure would have liked to take a ride in one of those sloops! She’d been logging a lot of hours in the onboard flight simulator and wondered if she could gain access long enough to figure out how to fly one of those babies. They were sexy. She’d been trained on rudimentary engines such as jump ships and cargo barges in basic training. On Uzi she’d been able to learn to fly a fighter, which she loved.