The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2 by Elizabeth Price (good e books to read .txt) 📗

Sedom handed Danstu a stack of computer pads. “Have fun. The top three I want you to read by tomorrow. I want to go over them with you before I leave.”

Danstu grunted, taking the computers. He took a seat at the end of the table and began working. For some reason, Sedom couldn't help but stare at Danstu.

“How long were you employed by No'nee?” she asked.

Danstu looked up with a questioning gaze. “Four years, three months and a hand-full of days. I moved here a few weeks before the attack,” he mentioned.

“So you were at my Ardath celebration?” she asked, almost accusing. Danstu nodded. “Why didn't you tell me?”

He shrugged. “It didn't seem important. It's not like you'd remember me. There were hundreds of government officials in attendance. And if I remember right, you were too busy loathing the Marnet to pay attention to guests.” He handed her back a computer pad. “Which I’ve been meaning to ask… we, meaning you, are still on speaking terms with the Marnet? I figured, considering Mr. Helli leaving so urgently to speak with him.”

Sedom nodded, looking over the computer pad. “Yes. I may hate the Mandicien, but the Marnet and his family are still of mine.”

“Of mine?” he asked, for clarification.

“Of Narkoy blood. What is this?” she asked, regarding the computer pad.

“We're going to need more funds to support education and recreation. Also, I forgot to mention, I've hired twenty-eight new pilots. Qilo's started training them a few days ago. They should be ready for you to inspect tomorrow.”

Pilots? Did he say “pilots”? Sedom stood with her hands firmly on the table. “Trained pilots? What are your thoughts about them?”

He shuffled through the computer pads, handing Sedom one on information regarding a Marisheio battle cruiser in the territory. “There’re two-thousand sixty-eight slaves on board that particular ship. It would certainly be a nice compliment to our staff. And it’s rumored that Arsel Mercaun, the captain who fired the initial attack on the Narkoy cities, is the ship’s commander. I suggest you take them down and see what your new men are made of.”

“Arsel Mercaun,” she growled as she ran her tongue over her teeth. Sedom glanced over the information. “You're willing to risk my life?” she asked seriously.

“That's the point. There's no chance in hell I'd risk your life. But before you run off to find the Oslo, I'd suggest you get some extra forces in Gathow. What's an extra day or two? We save these people… train them. You return to a city that's worth a damn.”

Sedom rolled her eyes. “If you're so sure, I'll go now,” Sedom returned excitedly.

Danstu didn't budge, just kept reading the computers. “Happy hunting. And if you go flying, use a helmet this time. I'd hate to have to go find you. I'm a horrible pilot.”

“You’re a horrible shot too, that’s why you’re staying behind a desk,” she shot back. She grabbed her jacket, running out the door.

TWENTY-TWO

In the ship bay, Sedom found Qilo and his team going over flight pattern routines. When Qilo saw Sedom, he paused and saluted. “Chadon!”

All rose and saluted also.

“Um... at ease,” Sedom called, unnerved at the call of attention. I'm going to have to get use to that. Lightening filled her chest as she started to speak. “I hear you all are ready for some action. We've got a Marisheio battle cruiser off Nogoana... I want prisoners. The person, who brings me Arsel Mercaun, the captain of the ship, dead or alive, will receive a fifty-thousand credit bonus. Try not to damage my ships.”

Qilo gave Sedom a wayward glance, then nodded. “Okay, you all heard the Chadon. Let's take down that cruiser.”

The group hurried to their ships and Sedom to her ship as well. Qilo grabbed her by the arm, holding her back. “Where do you think you're going?” he questioned sternly.

She jerked her arm away. “Like I'm going to miss this?”

Qilo shook his head. “I haven't trained you. These men know what to do, you don't. Next time, when I'm sure you're not going to get yourself killed.”

“I'm going,” Sedom argued.

“Then I quit,” Qilo shouted back. “You're a risk I'm not willing to take. Next time, Sortec,” he demanded as he raced off to his own ship.

Sedom hurried away, cursing herself. What did she expect? Qilo was correct, and she hated when other people were right and she was wrong... or at least not well thought-out.

She hurried into the main tunnels leading back into the city and paused, leaning against the wall. Why was she acting so infantile about not getting to go? Would her people risk her grandmother going into battle? No. Her grandmother would wait in the war room and giving commands.

“War room, damn I almost forgot!” she cried, rushing to her feet again.

She ran into the war room. To her surprise, Lolum and Danstu were already present along with several others. She walked calmly over to Danstu, finding it rather remarkable he was there. He had to have gone to the bridge straight from her quarters.

“Who the hell are all these people?” she asked low as to not sound like an idiot.

“People I hired. You agreed to my hiring extra personnel,” Danstu mentioned.

“How many people did you hire?” she asked.

“We have twenty-three hundred and counting. So far the Underground has come through for us,” Danstu said. Sedom's eyes widened with surprise. Danstu replied with a quick smirk. “I didn't think you'd mind speeding up their arrival. We needed the personnel if we want to join the war.”

Sedom shook her head and then turned to the screen just in time to see the battle begin. There was a quick exchange of weapons fire, an explosion. She couldn’t tell at first what exploded