Captain Bayne Read online

  “I’m just trying to figure out the truth,” Bayne said.

  Mao nodded. He returned to the stoic man of discipline, though the bitter edge was gone. He may have been acting, but Bayne liked to hope the moment of honesty, or at least vulnerability, had won Mao over. At least for now.

  Meetings of the captaincy were unpredictable. At times, Bayne fought the urge to fall asleep. At others, he fought the urge to leap from his chair and bludgeon a fellow captain with his boot. It all depended on the topic at hand. He suspected this meeting might tend toward the latter.

  The room, a conference room with a round table at the center big enough to seat the twenty-five members of the United Navy Captaincy, was half full. The captains milled about, chatting with one another, some smiling, but only few doing so genuinely. Most tended to avoid Bayne. Not maliciously, but more because they were naturally drawn to the captains with whom they had more in common. Those from prestigious families who attended the Naval Academy. Those who rarely sailed far from the core planets.

  Only a few welcomed assignments in the Deep Black as Bayne did. One such captain was Mara Jeska. Her hair was short and scrunched up with tight curls. Her eyes were a deep green that made any room she was in feel like a sun-drenched meadow. Her voice was loose and tinged with disdain for the whole affair she would be forced to sit through.

  “Drummond,” she said. “Fresh out of the Black. How’d the tour go?”

  Bayne shrugged. “About the same as always.”

  Jeska laughed. “Sure. Judging by those bloodshot eyes, I’d wager you’re telling the truth. As much as I hate being back here, each tour out there gets a bit harder. I spent my first week back after my last tour hungover as hell. Still have a bit of a headache and I’ve been back nearly a month.”

  That thought gave Bayne some comfort. Not that he wasn’t the only one who occasionally drowned his worries in rum, but that, for a time, he was the only Navy ship out in the Black. That sense of solitude used to worry him. He had an anxiety attack his first tour. The thought of being out there, so alone, so far from help, set his heart racing and skipping. It was the return trip that did it now.

  “When are you headed out next?” Bayne asked her.

  She shrugged. “Don’t know. We’ll see what this meeting yields. Rumor has it something’s got the council shaken. Figured with the timing of your return, you’d know something about it.”

  Mao scoffed from behind them. When their eyes fell on him, he smiled and nodded.

  “Depends,” Bayne said. “I might.”

  Admiral Ayala called the captains’ attention. “Take your seats. We’ll get started.”

  Every seat was filled now. It had been a long time since Bayne attended a full meeting of the captaincy. It was typical that one or two of them would be away on tour or a mission or attending some other matter of Navy business. Those rumors might be more than rumors.

  “I appreciate you all assembling like this on short notice,” Ayala said. “Especially those who were serving off-base.” She gestured to a Captains Horne and Bigby, adventurous types who took trailblazing tours along the outer rim of the system. Shorter tours than those Bayne and Jeska served in the Deep Black, and with much more support considering their intent was fact-finding. Those facts were useless if they weren’t preserved.

  The room was tense and quiet. All eyes were fixed on the admiral. They knew as Bayne did that this meeting was unusual, which meant unusual news. Which likely meant trouble.

  “The pirate problem in the Deep Black has ebbed over the past year thanks in large part to Captain Bayne and the Royal Blue.” She gestured to him. The unexpected attention made his cheeks hot. He squirmed in his seat. “Pirate activity has diminished by nearly two hundred percent. Human trafficking has been all but eliminated in the core, pushed to the black markets of the most remote planets. Drug shipping lanes have been severed. Arms smuggling has been crippled.” The but hung over the room like a guillotine. “But there’s been a recent development that may render all of that moot. Ore Town.”

  Bayne’s gut clenched. He knew the discussion was coming, but he loath to have it. Luckily, Admiral Ayala continued without calling on him to do so.

  “I’ve uploaded briefs of the situation to all of your tablets,” she said. “They contain detailed dossiers on confirmed parties as well as suspected ones.”

  “I’ve seen most of these names before,” Captain Jeska said. “Mid and low-level pirates. Thugs really. I figured most of them went underground once Bayne started cleaning house. I would hardly classify them as a threat.”

  “The individuals involved aren’t what concerns us,” Ayala said. “Not most of them, anyway. The real threat here is more of an existential one. We’ve learned, again through Captain Bayne’s diligent work, that Ore Town, once a Byers Clan holding, has secretly been controlled by the pirate Parallax for an unknown length of time.”

  Captain Bigby spoke. “To what end?”

  “That is what is most concerning,” Ayala said. “It appears Parallax intends to create a haven of sorts for pirates. A settlement to call their own. A place within the borders of the United Systems but free of its regulation.”

  Bayne’s cheeks grew hot. He hoped they did not betray his feelings to the captaincy. Those feelings being So what? Don’t they deserve a place like any other?

  Murmurs and grumbles sounded around the room. Disbelief. Disgust. Outrage. Not a dissenting word. But the Navy was not the place for dissent. Ore Town was the place for dissent.

  “This haven, if allowed to exist, will become a center of illicit trade,” Ayala said. “Furthermore, it presents a threat to the very existence of the United Systems. The foundations upon which it’s built. It could lead to a descent into anarchy akin to the times of the warlords. It could spark that very same war. Which is why we must act immediately.”

  A handsome, young captain stood from his chair. He was composed, almost regally so. He tucked a hand inside his coat while the other was folded behind his back, like he was a general of an old Earth army. At least five years Bayne’s younger, his dimpled chin and windswept blond hair made him look like he’d stepped out of a recruitment post. Captain Lachlan Hix. He was new to the captaincy, awarded command of his own ship just three months prior. He had a reputation for being bold, daring, and out to make a name for himself.

  “If I may, Admiral,” Hix said. “I would like to volunteer to lead the assault on Ore Town. My crew is aching to prove themselves.”

  Admiral Ayala smiled at him, the way a teacher would at a well-meaning but overeager student. The gesture elicited unexpected jealousy in Bayne. “The offer is appreciated and noted, Captain Hix. However, an open assault is not on the table at the moment.” She stressed that last bit, insinuating that it may very well find its way to the table soon. “There are other factors we need to consider before crafting our approach.”

  The captains waited for an account of those factors, but Ayala seemed reluctant to give it. Bayne, however, was growing restless. “The Byers Clan,” he said.

  Ayala nodded, to the frustration of many of the captains. “It’s their colony. Their equipment. Their dirt. Some of their people may still be there, potentially as captives.”

  Captain Jeska scoffed. “And it’s their reputation that gets tainted when it gets out that they let pirates take over their colony without anyone knowing.”

  Bigby raised a hand to speak. “How is it possible that the Byers Clan didn’t know they lost an entire colony? That doesn’t add up.”

  “No, it doesn’t,” Ayala agreed. “The Byers Clan isn’t being upfront with us, but the Joint Council wants discretion. We must handle this delicately. We can’t move on Ore Town without first consulting with the Byers Clan on our approach.”

  The captaincy grumbled collectively. They were a group that volunteered to be part of a machine, to take their orders and carry them out without question, though most did not want to question anyway. But when another cog was forcibly im
planted in their machine, one that did not respect the mechanism, they could not help but voice displeasure.

  “How much consulting are we expected to do?” Jeska asked.

  That tired look washed over Ayala’s face again. “As much as the council deems necessary.”

  Bigby spoke again. “No offense, ma’am, but aren’t you the chairperson of the Joint Council? Don’t you have some influence over the matter?”

  The fatigue seemed to seep into Ayala then. She sat before she had the chance to collapse. “We are a council, Captain Bigby. A representation of different governing sectors of the United Systems. There’s a balance. To exert my influence would disrupt that balance. We are not a military dictatorship, and I have no interest in making us one.”

  Ayala pinched the bridge of her nose. Bigby knew not to press the matter further. “Captain Hix,” Ayala continued. “Since you and your crew are so eager to get underway, you will establish contact with the Byers Clan representative. Present our strategy, learn theirs, report back. She is docked at a Byers space station in Triseca’s orbit.”

  The Universe was a mysterious place.

  Bayne’s hand shot into the air. Ayala was startled by his exuberance. “Admiral, I would like to accompany Captain Hix.”

  Ayala’s eyebrows nearly crawled up and over to the back of her head.

  “I have firsthand knowledge of the situation in Ore Town,” Bayne added. “I can brief the Byers rep and help inform their strategy. Maybe even persuade them toward a specific course of action,” he added coyly.

  She seemed to consider the offer.

  “If I may,” Captain Hix interjected. “I certainly mean no offense, but, as you suggested, Admiral, this matter must be handled with care. Captain Bayne has a reputation for being somewhat…” He hesitated, casting a sidelong glance in Bayne’s direction. “…brazen.”

  Mao chuckled from his seat behind Bayne, but immediately disguised it as a cough.

  “I will be there to consult on the situation only,” Bayne said. “All matters of finesse I leave squarely in the capable hands of Captain Hix.”

  Ayala studied Bayne’s face. She apparently found nothing concerning because she said, “Fine. But as you will be a guest aboard Captain Hix’s ship, he will assume total operational control. You are a consultant on this mission. Nothing else.” She drove those words into Bayne’s chest like dagger.

  “Aye, ma’am,” Bayne said.

  “Then we are adjourned,” Ayala said, dismissing the captaincy. “Captains Hix and Bayne, remain, if you will.”

  Mao nodded to Bayne and followed the rest out.

  “The parameters are understood?” she said, speaking to both but looking at Bayne. “Hix is in charge.”

  Both captains answered, “Aye.”

  She seemed assured, but there was a skeptical squint in her eyes. “Then make ready. You leave at oh-six-hundred.”

  6

  The Esper was a sleek ship, smaller than most of the fleet, built for speed. It wasn’t quite the fastest, but it was an impressive vessel for such a new captain.

  “Ayala must like you,” Bayne said to Hix as he shook his hand. The landing platform was bustling with techs getting the ship ready to launch. Bayne had to practically yell to be heard.

  “I’m sorry?” Hix said because he didn’t understand, not because he didn’t hear.

  Bayne gestured to the Esper. “She’s a pretty ship. New captains tend to start off with a junker then work their way up to something like this.”

  Hix stood at Bayne’s side so he could look at the ship. “Well, I don’t know about any of that. The admiral doesn’t strike me as someone who makes decisions based on personal feelings.” He looked at Bayne. “That ship you’re flying is a beauty. The admiral doesn’t seem overly fond of you.” He smiled.

  “Me and the Royal Blue joined up at the same time. I brought her with me. Someone else gave her to me, not the Navy.”

  Understanding fell over Hix’s face like a shadow. “Oh.”

  “Problem with Rangers?” Bayne asked.

  Hix seemed flustered. “No, not at all. It’s just, well, I don’t think I’ve met one, actually. Are there many in the Navy?”

  Bayne drew a steady breath, making a conscious effort to keep his face from going flush. “No. Only a dozen or so joined up after the war. Some of them didn’t stay long. Others are still around but don’t have their own ships. I’m the only captain. But Jeska and Bigby have the hearts of Rangers. Mouths too.”

  Hix’s smile returned. “Well, it’ll be my pleasure to have you aboard. I’ve a fondness for the Rangers.” He left it at that, which struck Bayne as odd. It wasn’t a common sentiment among the captains. But Hix was young. That fondness was likely closer to a boyhood idolization than anything else.

  Departure was still an hour off, but Bayne wanted to speak with Hix privately before getting underway. “If you don’t mind, Captain, I have a request to make of you.”

  Hix nodded but look reserved in his judgement. His idolization of Rangers wasn’t so much that he’d allow Bayne to take advantage of him. Which pleased Bayne more than frustrated him. He would sooner sail with a man who could follow his own chart than copy another’s.

  “I would like to bring a team with me,” Bayne said. “A small team,” he quickly added. “A few others who have some value to bring to the discussion.” He handed Hix a list.

  Hix’s brow furrowed as he read the names. “This person is not a member of your crew. If I’m not mistaken, he is a civilian. And a person of interest to Central Intelligence.”

  “He’s been cleared by Intelligence. Fully debriefed and released into my care. His perspective is wholly unique from that of any member of my crew. Invaluable insight that will yield progress, and that Byers will understand.”

  Hix considered the list another moment. Reluctance was clear on his face, but he would not deny the personal request of a captain who was his senior. “Very well. I will have bunks made up for them.”

  Bayne thanked him then went to collect his team. He hadn’t anticipated any resistance from Hix, so they were already gathered and waiting at a café in Central’s market district. Two of them were, anyway. Sigurd was halfway through a steak sandwich, mustard dribbling down his chin, when Bayne pulled up a chair.

  “We good, sir?” the security chief asked through a mouthful of bread and meat.

  “Disgusting,” Lieutenant Delphyne said, throwing a napkin at Sigurd.

  “We are,” Bayne said. “We leave in an hour.”

  Delphyne sipped her iced tea then set the glass down and nervously ran her finger along its rim. “Don’t get me wrong, sir. I love away missions. Been too long since I’ve been on one, but I usually like to know what the mission is before embarking.”

  “We’re accompanying Captain Hix and the Esper to meet a Byers Clan representative near Triseca, where we’ll brief them about the situation in Ore Town.” Bayne ordered a coffee from the young waiter with the beginnings of a tattoo creeping out of his sleeve. The support staff on Central had grown much more eclectic since his last visit. Not so buttoned-up.

  Delphyne cleared her throat. “Right, but is there a secondary objective?” She tried to speak in a way that would subtly insinuate another meaning, but subtlety was not a strong suit of hers.

  “It’s the only objective you need worry about, Lieutenant,” Bayne said. He sipped his coffee. He was tempted to sneak the flask from his pocket and splash some rum in it, but he resisted.

  Finally finishing his steak sandwich, Sigurd leaned back in his chair and muffled a belch with the back of his hand. “Should I be packing anything…special?” He, too, attempted some nuance. He was as successful as Delphyne.

  “We are participating in this mission in a purely advisory role.” Bayne took another sip of his coffee. “But, yeah, bring a gun.” Bayne stood from the table. He gestured for the others to sit when they made to follow. “We still have some time. Relax while you can. I’m going to collec
t the last member of our company.”

  The boy stared at Bayne as though waiting for the captain to finish his sentence. Bayne had finished his sentence. Two minutes ago.

  “Are you sure?” Hep asked.

  “I wouldn’t be here if I weren’t,” Bayne said. “That being said, you are not a member of my crew. I cannot force you to do this.”

  “Pretty sure you could,” Hep said.

  “I’m not like Parallax or Shill. I won’t force you to do something against your will.”

  “Yeah, but you aren’t exactly like those other Navy captains either,” Hep said. He looked at the floor.

  Bayne fought back the sudden defensive rush. He took a deep breath and accepted the comment as it was likely intended. “That’s right. I’m not.” He sat in a nearby chair and pulled the flask from his pocket. He held Hep’s eye as he unscrewed the lid, put the flask to his lips, and took a long pull. He offered it to Hep, but the boy refused. Bayne tucked the flask away again.

  “Truth is,” Bayne said, “I don’t exactly know who I am. I’m being pulled hard in two opposite directions and I fear I’ll soon be ripped in two. That’s what this is all about. Why I needed your help in Centel. Why I need your help now. To figure out which direction I’m going.”

  Hep considered the captain a moment, his words cracking through the thick armor that Hep always wore. “Okay,” he finally said.

  “Okay,” Bayne repeated.

  The Esper was as sleek on the inside as it was on the outside. One of the new models of Navy ships, it contained state-of-the-art everything. Guidance systems. Weapons. Communication. It even packed in some of the minor comforts that you wouldn’t know you missed until someone pointed out you didn’t have them.

  “These are the softest sheets I’ve ever felt,” Delphyne said as she tested her bunk.

  “Yes, ma’am,” Ensign Smith said. He was young and stuttered when he got nervous. The sight of Lieutenant Delphyne made him nervous. “You’d be the f-f-first person to touch them.”