Chapter 3: 02: SUSPENSION

Captain Elias Johnathan Pendergast was retired. Technically. Captain was his old field title from his days serving in Union Defense and the denizens of Silatem Company referred to him as President now. Elias spent most of his time out of combat gear and in a tailored suit, operating behind the scenes to run the direction of the Pendergast family business. However, old habits stayed lodged in place and ‘Captain’ continued to be his nickname.

The captain huddled over the authentic fireplace he’d installed in the main room of his mountain home, a special model he’d ordered from Union’s expensive and obscure Altirian Elite catalog. Flames crackled in that fireplace, burning a paper note sent to him directly by the most important man in the alliance. The ritual of setting those types of notes on fire was old at that point, with General Olet attempting many times over the years to convince Elias to merge Silatem’s operations with Union forces with a personal touch.

In spite of the repetition, burning missives written by the Olet’s hand proved satisfying. Especially when Silatem was currently suffering from Union penalties that severely limited the scope of his authority.

☼ ☼ ☼

L-6;

Sorry for the suspension. We had no choice. Can’t allow you to assault a senator on a Union embassy floor, even if Mr. Delaurin’s comment about your father was cruel and out of order. A line of decorum has to be drawn in our chambers, maybe more prominent than usual when dealing with you, since this involves Silatem’s future within Union.

You’re aware of the legal motions led by Concord that were filed after your altercation. The party's looking for permanent dismissal of all foreign contract hunter programs within Union, claiming only Union-owned authorities should handle local and native issues. Your actions did nothing to help the perception that your industry’s out of control, taking brash control over life and death to pursue a profit.

The proposed legislation would classify three quarters of your business as a crime, severely crippling Silatem's operations within Union. I think that’s a shame, to see so many hunters lose a large portion of your steady work. Your family’s accomplishments for Union can be traced back to the roots of our prototype colony, a legacy no one here takes lightly. I understand the rage you’re carrying because you were cheated out of Akil’s execution and I was the one who cheated you of that. You deserved vengeance.

I’ve personally apologized for the air strike on Akil’s home many times and I’ll restate that my empathy remains. My top consideration at the time was the safety of a billion people on this planet and a large percentage of those citizens of our Earth alliance. Akil needed to be eliminated, fast, before the full extent of his poisonous influence could reach our borders. There was no other choice.

Residual factions of Akil’s cult remain planet-wide, though his influence was greatly fragmented after he was declared eliminated. I’ve offered before that you and your company will have unfettered access to hunt every one of these monsters down under our banner, both inside of Union and within the rogue tribes overseas. All you have to do is agree to the merger.

My goal isn't to overtake your admirable company. I’d like to expand it using the power of our interstellar movement but my hands are tied. As long as Silatem remains a sovereign entity there’s only so much I can authorize you to do. You continue to sign secret agreements under your shield and I have to protect my own skin and chair.

Please find Addendum XIV listed under Union Satellite Acquisition C20-04-Y554. I’m sure you’ll find the additions to our deal generous. Consider the offer, because an agreement will also allow me to lift your suspension directly. I can get your men operating in full before the start of Harvest. Let’s have a conversation.

Honorably,
Gen. Olet

☼ ☼ ☼

Flames roared. Elias chuckled. He stoked the crackling fire with a metal tong and dropped the tool back into the holder with a loud clatter, his ice-blue gaze passing over the flickering heat. There was something to be said about destroying the note with battle-calloused hands. Something nice about watching Olet’s insult of an offer crumble to ashes. The routine made the short, unwelcome leave he’d been laden with that barred him from his office somewhat worthwhile.

He took a long swig from a bottle of Black Dot, forgoing the twin glass tumblers he’d produced when he brought his date for the evening home. Rose Desjard, North-Northwest Arbiter Kip Madsen’s sultry secretary, lay naked and dozing in his bed as he stewed outside, pacing the halls of his minimalist home deep in thought. Like usual, he’d been unable to sleep and wore down the trail through his abode a little deeper. Rose’s boss would be driving the Union screws further into Silatem in a few hours, tearing apart their resupply numbers during a scheduled quarterly review. Elias was cutting it close with the heavy drinking but figured Black Dot might help during a day of statistical misery. A torturous review scheduled right before Harvest, to make matters worse.

The season meant another clockwork ritual for Elias besides the note burning in his custom fireplace. He’d already viewed the leaked video clip of his father's death several times that night, the most recent occurrence right before he’d read Olet’s bribe of a note. Incomplete footage of the execution still waited in his projection queue for another observance, ready to show him of Akil brandishing a glinting scimitar before running it across his father’s throat. Any mistake that Elias had hoped for in identifying Akil’s victim, a man rendered unrecognizable after severe beatings and bites, was lost when clips of his father’s head on a pike became used as Sinum recruitment propaganda.

A sea of faces stood present on that stage watching John’s end, observing all from a point of high privilege on the island. Again, during the latest investigation of the images, Elias had slowed the footage to a crawl and studied every minute detail present, applying filters to clarify what he saw and assess potential identities. Elite members of Sinum’s darkest cults, he’d figured of the tribal identities and concealed members present, with the source of the clip itself from someone who’d managed to record the scene in secret.

John Pendergast, newest Union General of the Union Galactic Alliance, cut down by right after taking the highest seat in the Earth ministries. The insult—and Olet’s thievery of Akil’s death—weighed heavy on Elias. He'd remember each and every one of the bastards present on that stage, he swore to himself. If they showed face in his presence they’d suffer the heights of his wrath.

Elias wiped the back of his mouth with his hand, swirling the bitter drink in his mouth before swallowing it in a single gulp, thinking of Akil—and of everything. Black Dot, a complex spirit brewed with native herbs, was one of three things that could turn off the thoughts squeezing through his mind. Somewhere in his intoxication Elias fantasized about tearing through Akil’s jugular using the sharpest and deadliest of his hunting tools. He’d take his time to make sure each movement caused Akil pain.

Could almost feel Akil’s life fluid spraying, pouring down his fingers, staining his blade. Almost fought real resistance from cutting through bone in his mind. Imagined great satisfaction as Akil’s head fell into his grasp. He'd shove the trophy right into the faces of the butcher’s followers. Let them see—let them know.

A melodic series of tones interrupted his black thoughts. He lifted his head, lids drooped low from a lifetime of exhaustion, and peered at a visual from the SATCOM network, an alert of an incoming transmission request. Small, luminous orbs of light appeared in the center of his living room, a standard projection Elias could either dismiss or engage. He did neither, watching the translucent display twist and revolve, and waited until the transmission dropped on its own from inactivity.

That sound…he knew who that was and he wasn’t in the mood. Six long years away and his latest suspension, on public record for anyone with the correct credentials to see, signaled to the woman contacting him that he was back within Union borders and had some free time on his hands. Perfect setup for him to attend her latest fundraiser, the invitation to which remained flagged as unread in his inbox.

Shit.

Elias nestled back into the cushions of his sofa and waited for another attempt. A full minute could pass before she’d try again, if she was extra determined but not desperate to get in touch. Considering the approaching holiday and anniversary he knew she’d be back, even if she had no party for him to attend. If Elias kept ignoring her then she might go for his portables using her high-level clearances, a move of hers that he hated because she’d justify the privilege by interrogating him on Silatem before getting to her original point.

Before he could get too comfortable in their back-and-forth she pushed through a second time with barely a break from the last, more insistent than her usual badgering. Maybe something was actually wrong this time. If so, he shouldn’t delay. He leaned forward and uttered the command to accept a streaming link from his mother,connecting to Arbiter Ovadia Pendergast.

“COM. Accept transmission.”

The display switched at once, projecting a live feed of the arbiter dressed for her position at Capitol Ministry, her last scheduled work day before the start of Harvest. Ovadia was a stern woman, wearing her silver hair tied tight behind her head and with mouth pressed into a thin line while observing Elias. She stood stately within the light display, adorned in the regulation black Ministry of Justice robes, and Elias found his own clear-blue eyes assessing him with rapid disapproval.

"Good God," she said. "Elias. You're naked. Have a little decency and put some clothes on."

Elias glanced down at himself. He wasn't completely naked, though he’d been nude not so long ago.

"I've got something on," he replied. “And it’s not like I sit here waiting for your call.”

"There's another little whore there with you. I can tell. You’ve got that look about you—stirring trouble."

"None of your business if there is. That’s the exact sort of trouble I like anyway."

"All right. Let's keep the conversation light, then, if that’s your attitude.”

“Great. And it is.”

“You look like shit."

"Right. There we go." A cough concealed his laugh and he swiped a sedasig device from the low table before him, bringing it to his lips to inhale. "Hello to you too, Ma,” he said. A thin cloud of white vapor misted around his face as a calming rush whisked through his veins, settling him quickly. "Lovely weather we're having. Heard ol' Capitol City's extra temperate this year. Perfect for Harvest festivals and that big parade."

"Sure is," said Ovadia. "Surprised you're paying attention to what's going on over here."

"I keep it in mind."

"Glad to know. After six years I'd hope we cross your thoughts once in a while."

“You do.”

“Wonderful.” She dusted off imagined lint from her robes as she scanned the area around him. "Bottles. Another mess around you. Is that…Black Dot? Just like your father. Always had a bottle close at hand." She shook her head. "You'll lose yourself in the liquor. There is a point where that sort of behavior means you’re not paying attention."

"I'm fine. I know my limit. I don’t need you monitoring it. Anyway, you called me for a reason." He waved his hand in the air to urge her on. "Let's get to it."

"Senator Delaurin,” she said.

"He's a dick,” he replied.

"You punched him—"

"Clean right hook." Elias mimed his expert punch to the air. “Perfect.”

"Dislocated jaw."

"Good thing he's got a great health plan with MOJ. You know all about that.” Elias inhaled from the sedating blend of native herbs again. "They'll fix him up. He'll be fine."

"Not the point."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm real sorry about it. I said I'll pay the fines and his treatment and…whatever the fuck else is involved with this." He rubbed his eyes. "I got your invitation, by the way. To your fundraiser. Didn’t have a chance to confirm or anything, though. You're up again, right? Election after New Year."

Ovadia chortled. "I didn’t even bother expecting confirmation. It never happens. And obviously you're not coming even with Silatem's operations suspended for a fortnight."

"I'll do my best to stop by,” he said. “I did put a reminder in my schedule. You need to understand, though—suspended doesn't mean inactive, even if they’re cutting me off from my own headquarters. I've still got to hold the company down while we’re fighting this. Got a review to attend with your buddy Kippy later, matter of fact. Business as usual."

"Quarterly audit,” she said. "And you've had issues with some of your warehouses. An alarming spike in resupply requests. You, above everyone there, have to mind the legal limits."

"They’ve scheduled this audit right in time for the holidays. Perfect seasonal gift. Bunch of vandals with too much firepower on their hands and a bone to pick with hunters made this happen and giving us aggravation at the worst of times. Seems like there’s more complainers every year and they’re becoming a real issue, sabotaging our good name with these hysterics. Perfect way to get in the Harvest spirit, don’t you think?"

"Hm."

"Bottom line is, people need to get paid. Wheels keep turning. Our overseas operations remain active and in full effect despite this suspension. Had to call in a few favors to see if I could speed up the dismissal process and I need this suspension overturned ASAP to prevent further interference." Elias shook his head bitterly. "Total bullshit, what's going on."

"Well." Ovadia gave him a short nod. "I can’t give you my opinion on the topic. Delaurin is a colleague, you’re a foreign entity, and legally you’re being handed what you’re owed. I also suppose I've also gotten the answers to my question about what you’re up to and what to expect for tonight. I'll leave you to whatever…or whoever…you were doing."

You are reading story Native Blood: The Cursed Planet (Book1) at novel35.com

Elias sighed. "Okay. Ma—how are you? The rest of the family—have you seen them lately? I know they don’t like coming around too much on account of the business. And…how's Adam these days?"

"Fine, fine, yes, and fine, my son."

"He's seventeen now. Right? Turning eighteen. Kid's getting old."

"Yep. And it's been—"

"—fifteen years. For Pop."

"Yep."

"I'll try to stop by later,” he said. “I mean it. My reputation's not the best but for what it's worth, Silatem supports your campaign. I support you. Things haven’t gotten much easier but we’re doing fine. Surviving."

"Sure. Thanks. Appreciate it. Have a great day. Happy Harvest to you and everyone at the company."

The transmission ended abruptly. Elias stared at the empty living room once more, inhaling from the sedasig in placid quiet. His mind passed over the family he hadn't seen for a long while and perhaps, if he was honest with himself, family he'd been avoiding. His mother, his brother Adam, their extended relatives who remained with Union—the ones that dared to show their faces every now and then, always from a cautious distance because of the family trade—reminded Elias of the past. Of failures on the field that haunted him and of what humanity had lost with the death of his father.

His fingers reached for the bottle of Black Dot, the sedasig dragging the corner of his mouth down. As his fingertips brushed the glass container the hovering illuminated spheres appeared again, accompanied by subtle connection tones. Another alert for yet another privileged communication. His mother, maybe, to complete a second scathing overview and add details that she might've forgotten the first time around.

Elias accepted, expecting the visage of Ovadia in dark robes to reappear in his living room, but instead he was met with the projection of a gruff man in regulation Union Defense uniform. The stout figure was adorned with polished badges on the breast pocket of his suit that glinted under the beaming sun above. He was Admiral Shawn Heywood, Union’s official liaison between Defense and all of the alliance’s hunting organizations, as well as a high-level intelligence coordinator for UIA. Behind the admiral Elias spotted the movement of multivessels, ships and vehicles powered by native ether energy and able to operate fluidly from land to air to sea.

“El,” said Heywood, scanning the Silatem president quickly. “Glad you’re up. Glad you answered. See you’re…busy at the moment.”

“Ah.” Elias glanced at himself again and the pile of discarded clothes at the foot of the sofa before sitting upright to full attention. “Yeah. Was busy earlier. What’s up?”

“Are you secure?”

Elias shook his head as he thought of Madsen’s secretary, asleep in his quarters.

“No.”

“Gotcha.” Heywood removed the visual end of the link, leaving the rotating luminous orbs circling in the air as he spoke. “Any plans for Harvest?”

Elias shrugged. “I can't work whether I like it or not. But I did consider passing through Altir and stopping by Capitol City to visit the estate. See a few people and catch up. Maybe show my face at that fundraiser later to offer my support to the arbiter.”

“Been a while since you made the rounds.”

“Six years.” Elias chuckled. “Five years before that. Not the best record.”

“Doubt it’s the highlight of your day. Lots of poking around in your business and questions you don’t want to answer.”

“As usual. Comes with the territory. Part of my life will always be public.”

“I get the hesitation.”

“Thanks. I could do without any of it but I’ll handle it, because it’s my job and it’ll all benefit Silatem.” Elias nudged his jaw at the admiral. “What about you? Spending time with your kin?”

“Sure am. Julia’s ready to pop. Might be a grand-daddy sixth time around for the holidays. We’re crossing our fingers for the best.”

“Congrats, Shawn. That’s great news. Derek must be over both moons about it.”

“Thanks. He is. This one’s a girl so that’ll be a whole other battle. Good thing we’ve got access to plenty of ammunition.”

“I hear that. Good luck.”

Heywood’s tone turned more meaningful. “Anyway, we’ll be crossing paths at that review later. Was wondering if we could have a word before we go our separate ways. After the meeting, if possible.”

Elias nodded, exhaling more white mist. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“It’s important, El. Real important.”

“Acknowledged. I’ll make time.”

“Thanks.”

A long yawn caught his attention and he turned his head, spotting a still-nude woman pattering into the living room. Heywood’s transmission cut short right as Rose Desjard appeared and the orbs vanished, leaving them in silence. Heywood’s request lingered in his mind as Elias watched Rose’s soft breasts bounce during her approach. His gaze traveled up to her face and she tossed her dark hair, smiling coyly. Secretary Rose.

“Who was that?” she said in a low voice, bare torso and warm womanhood close to Elias as she stood before him, undressing him before straddling his legs, running a finger along his jaw. Her thighs pressed into either side of his knees as his touch traced down her belly. “Sounded like Heywood.”

“Don’t worry about it.” He nudged her legs further apart and a wry grin crept to his lips when Rose shivered, settling into his caress. “Call was for me, not you.”

“Oh. All right.”

“Worry about this instead.” He redirected her touch somewhere more opportune. “This is what I’ve got for you.”

“Yes. Good” Her scent enveloped him as she dotted kisses onto his face. “He didn’t see me, right? Heywood, I mean.”

“Not really.” Elias chuckled and squeezed a pleasing handful of her flesh. “He wouldn’t say shit anyway.”

“Yeah. You two are friends. Go way back outside of business. That’s why he can reach out to you directly like that. Even knew your father. Gets to be close to you.”

“My history with Defense is public. You know that. It’s part of my bio. I’m sure you’ve studied me close before approaching me for this arrangement.”

“I have. I’ve seen the record. It’s in your Bachelor’s Bio too for all we lucky ladies to see. Of course I’d look it over to get to know you.” Her voice rumbled as she nipped the lobe of his ear, settling into his lap and pressing her warmth against him. “Resume’s impressive, Captain. So are you…in a lot of ways.”

“Thanks.”

He drew her close, wrapping his arms around her, and their mouths parted to meet in a slip of passion, hinting of more to come. She laughed and pulled herself back, holding up her arm to peer at the red-colored COM band on her wrist.

“I’ve got to go though,” she said. “I told you we were cutting it close with this little visit.” Her breath sucked in lightly as he gazed at her, resuming his caresses with his fingers. “I have to get ready for that meeting.” She sighed.

“So do I,” he replied.

“All my stuff’s at the hotel. My uniform, my notes, my equipment—”

“I’ll get you there. On time.”

“You sure?”

“Yep. Kind of need to, on my end. Don’t need the questions, especially now. Enough of a mess going on.”

“Neither do I. The less people paying attention to us, the better. You’re my private little dirty secret and I want to keep you that way.” She nestled closer, lids heavy. Her fingers traced longingly over the taut lines of his arms and chest, enjoying his chiseled physique as much as he enjoyed her soft one. “Maybe…a little something quick. On the way out. I enjoy what you do.”

“Quick,” he repeated, smile creeping to his face. “All right.” He swatted her plump bottom. “No problem. You’ll get it fast. Hard.”

“Good.”

Few more words passed between them, save for low and insistent urges to move faster. Elias responded when she moved her kisses down the length of his body, her silken hair trailing along his flesh as she enveloped him with her lips. His head dropped back against the sofa as she firmly brought him to attention.

A tug on a grasp of Rose’s hair brought her warmth back up onto him and they eased together into the intensity they’d shared earlier. Time with a woman like Rose was the second of three methods Elias used to forget it all, even if the relief served only good for a fleeting moment.

The fireplace, an expensive unit purchased from Altirian Elite, flickered against the far wall. Crackling flames registered somewhere deep in the recesses of his mind as his pace quickened and deepened with Rose with acute and fevered focus, the sound of the fire providing him with the quiet comfort of General Olet’s words withering to ashes. A fitting end, he thought, for another worthless bribe.

You can find story with these keywords: Native Blood: The Cursed Planet (Book1), Read Native Blood: The Cursed Planet (Book1), Native Blood: The Cursed Planet (Book1) novel, Native Blood: The Cursed Planet (Book1) book, Native Blood: The Cursed Planet (Book1) story, Native Blood: The Cursed Planet (Book1) full, Native Blood: The Cursed Planet (Book1) Latest Chapter