Episode XVII
Secret voyages to Heave and Hell. (Part. 1)
 

 The operating table was cold, and hard. The doctors crowded around Ridow, trying to pull away the blood gushing from his head. Ridow had gone into shock, he was slipping into a coma and away from life.
 The room began to turn slowly, doctors spinning, a flash, and Ridow was surrounded in a white room. The room was empty, and Ridow searched its white walls for any sign of where he was, or what was going on. Doctors stood over him, their mouths covered. They passed things over him. One looked down at him; he had a large breather mask in his hand.
 Its going to be all right, Commander. The mask fitted over Ridows nose and mouth. The white glow increased, it enveloped everyone in the room, and took over. The color filled him, his mind soared. Ridow stood in a dark room, a voice talked slowly.
 We have no time for prisoners. Execute them all. The room changed. It was suddenly an open hall. Ridow looked down at himself, he had a NTF Uniform, and dark trench coat covered his shoulders. The room was large, and long, almost like a hanger. Large rafters hung from the ceiling, not attached to anything. Ridow stood next to Richtoven on a large platform, below them was almost a hundred Vasudans. They were guarded by NTF guards. One of the Vasudans wore a dark red coat, much like the one worn by Vorant. Ridow noticed instantly that it was a member of the Vasudan Guard. The Vasudan made his way slowly towards the front of the pack. When he reached there he drew a sword from nowhere. He slashed quickly at the closest guard, cutting off the mans arm. He slashed quickly at the guard to the other side of him. HE pushed the curved blade through the chest of the guard. Pulling it free quickly he turned to Richtoven. Richtoven smiled. Hold. He said to his guards. Drawing his sword, Richtoven jumped down to meet the Vasudan. One strong hit sent the Vasudan to his knees, his sword falling to the ground. Richtoven picked the Vasudans sword up off the ground. The Vasudan looked up at Richtoven.
 You are not the Leader for the Shivans. Richtoven laughed slowly. He shoved the sword right through the Vasudan. The Vasudan coughed blood, and fell backwards, unto the floor.
 Kill them all. Richtoven said throwing a hand out to one side. The Guards opened fire. All the Vasudans had been scientists, and Richtoven had massacred all of them. Richtoven jumped back unto the stage, and turned to Ridow. You approve Sirus? Richtoven asked liked a snake. Ridow nodded.
 Yes Leader Ridow said slowly. He wasnt in control, somehow he had been allowed to see through the eyes of Sirus, one of Richtovens high ranking officers. Suddenly, the room seemed to get very long, and Richtoven looked very far away. White filled his vision, and he was back on the med. Deck. He reached for his head, he groaned. He looked up to see Kate smiling down at him. He only then became aware of where his hand was, she was holding it hard, and Ridow made no attempt to free it.
 How long? Ridow asked slowly. Kate looked up a moment. Then back down at Ridow, still smiling.
 Three days. Ridow groaned again.
 Dove fed your fish. Ridow laughed slowly.
 Oh goodie. Kates smile grew. Thank you. Kate lost her smile.
 Why? I almost killed you. Ridow shook his head; he reached out a hand and pushed a hair away from Kates face.
 Almost is a lot better then definitely. Kate smiled again.
Um, are you two having a moment? Because I can come back later. Kate suddenly shot away from Ridow; she let his hand go. David smiled as he stepped forward.
 That you, Admiral? Ridow asked, sounding as if he was badly injured.
 Yes, commander. David walked over; he slapped a small folder down unto Ridows stomach. Ridow breathed out hard from the force of the hit. Your orders. David began to laugh. Ridow began to pull himself up, Kate helped him up. He shook his head when he was braced against the wall. He picked up the folder and took a look at the pads inside.
 This looks like a rescue mission. David said slowly.
 Were going after the Doctor. Ridow nodded.

     * * *

 The small transport slowly made its way to the shining planet. The planet turned slowly in deep space, the sun was away from them, and the planet was draped in darkness. A bright ring surrounding the planet gave it away. Four fighters guarded the transport.
 On the transport guards cocked their weapons, and loaded ammo packs. Vorant altered the power settings on his Plasma Caster, he checked the power cell, and pulled another one from his cloak. He checked that one against the one in his weapon; he nodded slowly and pushed the energy cell back into his coat.
Dove shifted the large pistol in his hand. He felt uneasy heading down into the stronghold of the NTF. He had probably known some of the people down there, and he might have to kill some of them.
Kate checked her assault riffle. She had, had minimal training with it in basic training, it was simply, point, exhale, pull the trigger, and try not to let the weapon push her back. She much preferred the safety of the cockpit. Kate really didnt understand why David had decided to send them down on this mission, but he was the Admiral.
Ridow twirled his pistols around in his hands. He looked like an old western sharp shooter. Kate gave a small laugh. Ridow stopped suddenly, almost losing one of his pistols. He shifted his body quickly to compensate. He stopped the spinning and threw his weapons down into their holsters.
The Captain of the marines walked down to them. He handed each one of them a breather mask, and a special one for Vorant. He was a tall man; he wore the usual armor of the Galactican Terran Marines. His mask was pulled over to one side, and flapped about as he turned his head from side to side.
The O2 levels are breathable, but not very well. Youll be on your hands and knees without one of these masks. You wont die, but you wont be going anywhere either. He walked past them and into the back of the large shuttle. He reappeared carrying body armor vests. He handed one to Kate and the rest of them. He turned to Vorant. My apologies Captain, but we do not carry the correct vest for your species. Vorant nodded slowly. He raised a hand and struck his chest. A small mettle clash could be heard from underneath the cloak.
Do not worry, I brought me own. The marine captain smiled. He clipped his mask over his mouth. He walked up to his seat and sat down. A voice came over the intercom.
Thank you for flying the unfriendly skies, please buckle in, we will be entering enemy controlled territory in less then thirty minutes. The ships flowed across space, the stars looked down at the ships, and watched as they headed in.

    * * *

Twenty minutes later the planet was very large on their screens. Alpha wing broke off, and headed quickly to the enemy complex, while the transport headed around back of the planet, Alpha wing was to start a diversion while the shuttle moved in for the kill.

    * * *

This is Alpha 1, were beginning our attack, good luck gamma. The ships were Herck MKIIs, and they stayed their course. Keep alive out here people, were bound to hit their patrols any time now. The ships didnt shake formation, they continued for the planet.
Where are they? Alpha 3 asked quietly.
Theyre out there somewhere Iron. Alpha 1 looked around quietly, searching space, he didnt like this anymore then Alpha 3 did, but they had to keep calm. Keep it steady.
What the Hell is that?
Cut the Chatter Alpha 4. Alpha 1 said quickly.
Sir, its not chatter, twelve Oclock. Alpha 4 said quietly. Alpha 1 pulled himself forward in his seat, trying to get a view from straight above them. The Suns rays glanced across his cockpit as tried to see through the golden light, he squinted, and could just barley make out whatever had spooked Alpha 4. It looked like a large shipyard, but this thing had engines, it was made up of several rings that looked like they had been made out of spare parts, the rings grew smaller and smaller, there were six in all. A destroyer sat in orbit guarding the station. It probably wasnt operational, but Alpha 1 didnt know if they could take that chance. He shook off the feeling of disspare that suddenly hit him. He pushed himself back down into his seat.
Well call it in later, right now, lets just focus on that diversion. Alpha one looked out across at the complex, he saw a large radio dish, that would make a good target. Not only would it send about a dozen fighters after them, and cause all hell to break loose inside that complex, but it would force down communications for a while, perhaps they could cut off that station up there, at least for a little while. They approached the dish, but before they could reach it, almost ten fighters exploded from nowhere.
Watch your flanks. Alpha two yelled, as he dodged a screaming Hurck. Did the NTF know about their attack? Did they suspect anything? Alpha one shook the notions away, he had no time to think about that. He quickly barked an order for everyone to stay together, and threw off an insult from one of the enemy fighters.
Alpha 2, I want that dish gone, everyone else, attack those fighters. Alpha 1 said in a mad dash. He pushed forward, following an enemy fighter around a cloud, and firing a few blasts destroyed the fighter. He pulled his ship back down to earth, and screamed around the landing pad. He heard the frightened scream of one of his wingman as she died in a blast of fire. Alpha 1 swore, he suddenly screamed out to Alpha 2. Alpha 2, whats your status? There was nothing. Alpha 2? Alpha 1 asked quickly. He gritted his teeth as a shot came daringly close to his cockpit. There was suddenly a burst of fire from the radar dish of the small facility. Alpha 2 crackled across the comm. link.
Sorry about that Alpha 1, was doing a power maneuver. Alpha 1 gave a small laugh, and then turned back to a serious commander.
All right people, rough that base up a bit and lets get out of here.  There were shouts of encouragement as the fighters blasted out a few windows on the base and then streaked away towards the clouds.

    * * *

Richtoven stepped out unto the operations center of his little captured station. The station had once been controlled by Terrans, but after the Terran Vasudan war, the base had been relinquished to the Vasudans. They had just finally gotten around to removing those Vasudan overlays, and now the panels were back to their original Terran standard. Richtoven gave a small laugh; really, he didnt care about any of those, those stupid Terrans can believe what they want, just as long as he gets the Leader for the Shivans. His hand rested nicely on the hilt of the sword. It was a fake; of course, you could never get the actual sword of the Leader for the Shivans. Richtoven thought he had been smart, he thought he had searched the deepest parts of space for that weapon, but in the end he had to settle with the copy he had made so many years ago. He felt the small button on the hilt with his fingers. Sam had used an electric current running through the blade to strengthen it, and to make it cut better. Richtoven had figured that impossible, but there were many things Science didnt understand. An officer walked up to Richtoven and interrupted his train of thought. Before the man could act, Richtoven had drawn the sword, and cut the man across the cheek with the tip of the blade. He slipped the sword back into its scabbard, and nodded to the man.
Sir, we are reading four targets coming in fast above scanners. Richtoven nodded.
And below? Richtoven asked quietly. The officer fixed his collar. He swallowed hard, the news wasnt good, or perhaps the lack of news would cause his leader to lash out at him and sever his head from his shoulders.
Leader, we cannot scan below, this is an old Richtoven reached out a fast arm, faster then any normal human and grabbed the officer by the color, he lifted the man off the ground. Richtoven brought the officer close to his face.
Scan, below. The man nodded sharply, he understood. Richtoven threw him off. Launch fighters, and prepare ground forces. Richtoven suddenly smiled deviously. He knew what was going on, David had sent the Leader for the Shivans to get back their fallen comrade. That was the best part. Damn that station up there, damn its weapon of immense power, he would face the Leader for the Shivans. He began to leave, but suddenly turned quickly. Swords only. Someone turned.
Swords only? The officer asked with a questioning hand. Richtovens sword was suddenly in his hand. He pointed it at the officer, who swallowed hard. Yes Sir, swords only. Richtoven laughed slowly and slid his weapon back into his scabbard; he had one last thing to discuss with Extinguisher.

    * * *

Extinguisher looked around his dark cell, was he going to escape? Was escape even possible? Why was he asking so many questions? He shook off the notion and went back to examining his cot. The cell was hard, its ceiling was blank, and its walls were no better off. The bars were simple, steal if he was not mistaken. But the lock was not simple; a quadruple bypassed plasma lock. It would be easier to saw an atom in half then to open this lock without any real tools. The door to the brig suddenly opened, Extinguisher rose to his feet. Richtoven stepped into the wall.
And what do you want? Extinguisher asked. Richtoven smiled as he stepped into the room. Extinguisher could hear the sounds of fighting, and explosions out in the hall. Having trouble? Richtoven continued to smile.
Ive been getting better at this Terran Standard. Richtoven said walking slowly towards Extinguishers cell. The Russian accent was enough to hid my problems, but now I have no longer need of it. Extinguisher grinded his teeth slowly.
Good for you. Extinguisher said slowly. Richtoven pressed himself up against the bars; his coat fell between some of the bars. Richtoven pointed a gloved hand over his shoulder; he pointed towards the open door, which emitted the continuing sounds of battle.
You hear that? Richtoven asked, half a joke, half-serious. Extinguisher nodded slowly, of course he could hear it, and he knew what it meant, it meant that they were coming for him, the fools. Richtoven gave a small laugh. He knew perfectly what Extinguisher was thinking. Richtoven pulled a small gun and backed away from the bars.
I could kill you right now. Richtoven said slowly. Extinguisher swallowed hard, he didnt want to end like this, shot quietly in cold blood in a small cell on this alien world. But he knew he would die here, somehow, he had always known. Richtoven pulled the trigger slowly. A small bead of sweat trickled down the face of Extinguisher. Extinguisher quickly brushed it away, trying to seem as quickly as possible. Richtovens smile grew.
Go on. Extinguisher pushed. If Richtoven was going to kill him, hed be dead by known, and both of them knew that. Richtoven laughed slowly as he put the gun back into his coat.
Ive had a change of heart. Richtoven said slowly. Extinguisher almost laughed. He knew that, that was about as likely as the devil sending him a thank-you card. Im not going to kill you now. Richtoven said slowly. He began to laugh. I want the Leader for the Shivans to be there when you die. Extinguisher shook his head.
You kill me, she will kill you. You kill her, I will kill you. Richtoven laughed at that, it was a slow, quiet laugh, but the man made it sound as if it were a full laugh, a laugh that could skin the darkest of creatures.
Easier said. Richtoven said. I have only to kill one Woman, and she has to get all the way up here. Several guards ran past, carrying only swords. Extinguisher laughed quietly and slowly. Richtoven headed towards the door.
Im ready for death, are you? Richtoven stopped suddenly, as if a nail had been driven through his heart. Richtoven turned slowly, quietly.
I was ready for death thirty two years ago, on that black ship, that dark ship, he killed my master, and for that everyone who bares his namesake must die. Richtoven turned and left.
I will see you in hell. Extinguisher said after the man, but Extinguisher knew that, that was not very probable, since Hell was too good for that man.

    * * *

The small transport landed, Kate eased open the hatch and stepped out unto the gangplank. She signaled, and the operation began. The swirling sand tossed around the end of the plank, Kate eased herself down unto the sand, her sword felt warm, and she felt that she would be using it soon, very soon.

   To be continued
 

Leader for the Shivans 3: Journey from Dunwitch Hill
Will continue with:

Episode XVIII:
Secret voyages to Heaven and Hell. (Part 2)