What Rough Beast by Michael R. Johnston

Author:Michael R. Johnston
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: science fiction, space, star wars, LGBT, The Widening Gyre, Blood-Dimmed Tide
Publisher: Flame Tree Publishing
Published: 2022-05-20T11:02:54+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Tajen

We shot out of slipspace straight into a nightmare of ships fighting.

Zhen ships were hammering the humans, and Marauders were everywhere. I stood beside Jinasek and studied the tactical tank, trying to suss out the situation. It quickly became apparent that the Marauders weren’t attacking the humans, and in fact were defending them. “What the hells?” I muttered.

“The Marauders have allied with the humans,” Jinasek said. He turned to his adjutant. “Relay to all ships: the Marauders are not targets.” Turning back to me, he gestured amusement. “It seems your alliance has grown.”

I nodded. “Katherine was headed into their space. Looks like she was more successful than expected.”

“Comms, open a channel to the Zhen command ship,” Jinasek said. The comms officer looked momentarily confused, then realized he meant the other side’s ship, and signaled the channel was open and broadcasting.

“Attention Zhen forces,” Jinasek said. He sounded confident, but years of analyzing Zhen body language told me he was worried. I glanced over the tactical plot and wondered why – our forces were superior to the Zhen’s in every way. “I am Commander Jinasek of the Imperial cruiser Adamant. I assume I have been called a deserter, but that is not the truth.

“There is a cancer in our Empire, and I have evidence to prove it. Stand down, and I will transmit the proof. Once you have seen it, I know you will stand down. Our fight is not with the humans, but with the forces destroying us from within.”

An audio channel opened, and a Zhen voice rang out. “You are the forces destroying us from within! You and the humans! We will destroy you all and erase the stain of your desertion today!”

Jinasek’s crest completely flattened to his scalp, a sign of sadness and disappointment. “I had hoped you, of all people, would listen, Kallenn.”

“I have listened to our leaders, Jinasek, not the grelkin you have become.”

Jinasek stood silent for a moment. “Then we are at war.” He signaled to comms to close the channel, turned to flight ops, and said, “Launch fighters.”

“Who was that?” I asked quietly.

He regarded me silently for a moment that seemed like forever. “My brother,” he said at last.

“I’m sorry,” I said, though the words seemed inadequate.

His voice was sad. “I doubt we are the only family who will find themselves on opposite sides in this struggle,” he said. He seemed to shake himself before speaking again. “I realize you would probably rather be out there, but I need you here. Please take command of Shir group.”

It wasn’t unusual for Zhen commanders to give tactical authority over a smaller unit to an individual officer. It was usually seen as either a chance at glory and proving oneself, or a demonstration of trust. Jinasek, I could see, was giving me and his crew both – showing them how much he trusted me, and allowing me to prove to them I was as skilled as they’d been told.

I hoped I wouldn’t fuck it up.

“Honored to, Commander.” I turned back to the plot.

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