Bandits Engaged (Battlegroup Z Book 4) by Daniel Gibbs (novels in english txt) 📕

“Aye, aye, ma’am.” The youngster came to attention briefly then stepped out and shut the hatch.

Silence came over the room.

“Miss Salazar, what was your position on the Hadley?” Wright asked in a soothing tone.

The civilian glanced up. “Third mate. Captain Gebara…” Salazar sucked in a breath. “He perished in the first few minutes along with the first mate.” She closed her eyes. “I apologize. I’m not myself.”

Tehrani set her hands on the table. This woman needs a therapist, not a grilling about the most traumatic event in her life. Allah help us. We have to know what’s going on. “We understand. Combat is something the officers and crew of the Zvika Greengold encounter almost daily, but it’s not something most merchant spacers ever see.” She tried to curl her lips into the warmest smile she could muster. “Whatever you can tell us, Lorea, will be helpful.”

“We were performing our Lawrence drive cooldown.” The monotone continued. “Two ships jumped in and attacked us without warning.” Salazar lifted her eyes and squinted. “We begged them to let us jettison our cargo, but they kept shooting. Captain Gebara tried to fight back.” A single tear fell down her face. “Pirates aren’t unfamiliar out here on the frontier, Colonel Tehrani.”

Wright leaned forward. “Are you saying these pirates didn’t act like normal ones?”

Don’t lead the witness. Tehrani shot him a look, hoping she wouldn’t have to say something.

“Cargo is valuable, especially luxury goods. That’s one of the reasons the Hadley stuck with ore. It's difficult to move unless you have a larger ship.” Salazar shrugged. “I don’t think they wanted what was in our holds. They were going for the destruction of our vessel. We weren’t even offered terms. Pirates always offer terms.”

Wright sat back, his brow furrowed. “I see. Anything else of note?”

“We lost half the crew.” Salazar pursed her lips. “What will you do with us, Colonel?”

“Right now, you’ll be treated by our medical staff, and we’ll put you off the ship at the nearest port of your choosing. This is a military vessel, however. It could be a few days,” Tehrani replied. She decided it was best to avoid clueing the woman in to the fact they could be fighting the pirates again at any moment. Or the League, for that matter.

Salazar sat mutely and nodded. She still presented the appearance of someone in a trance.

“Did you take a copy of your ship’s sensor and log data?” Whatley asked. His voice was gruff, as usual, but he seemed to try to inject some warmth into his words.

“Corporate policy is to collect our black boxes in case of loss of vessel.” Salazar turned to him. “I followed policy.”

“We’ll need to see them as soon as possible,” Tehrani interjected. She tried to smile. “Your forethought could be what we need to get justice for your crew.” The gesture seemed hollow.

Salazar narrowed her eyes and took on a hard expression. “When you find them, promise me something, Colonel.”

“If it is within my power.”

“Kill them. Every last one of them.” More tears came to Salazar’s eyes. “They butchered defenseless spacers who did nothing to deserve that fate. Many were lost to the void, without suits.” Her eyes glinted with anger. “Anyone capable of such a crime deserves no mercy.”

Tehrani inclined her head. “I give you my word as a CDF officer. When I find those who perpetrated this attack, they’ll be dealt with harshly.” She carefully worded her reply to avoid a promise she couldn’t and wouldn’t keep.

“Thank you, Colonel.”

“I think we’re done for now.” Tehrani gestured at the door. “If you’ll step outside, the master-at-arms will take you back to your quarters and see to any needs, including food.”

Salazar stood. “Thank you for coming to our rescue. I only wish you’d arrived a few minutes earlier.” She appeared only moments from complete mental collapse and turned on her heel to leave.

When the hatch shut a few seconds later, Whatley was the first to speak. “Soldiers, even enemy soldiers, I can respect in combat.” He gritted his teeth. “Thugs and criminals? Kill ’em all and let God sort it out.”

“I can almost get behind that,” Wright replied. “But, no.”

“We’re not the judge, jury, and executioner, gentlemen,” Tehrani said. Who am I kidding? If it were my crew, I’d move hell itself to get justice. No, revenge. “Regardless, we need some of them alive to figure out the broader picture here. Because some random pirates flying military hardware doesn’t add up.”

“Could be the megacorps.” Wright put his hands on the table. “They hate the Terran Coalition because we don’t allow them to do business in our space, for the most part. The Hestian Business Council comes to mind.”

Tehrani raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never heard of that before.”

“It’s a conglomeration of megacorps headquartered on Hestia—human-settled neutral planet a few hundred light-years beyond our border. Real tough customers. Treat the underclasses like indentured servants at best, slaves at worst.”

“Why do you know so much about neutral human-world politics?”

“I’ve told you before, Skipper. I planned to buy a freighter and go into business for myself in a few years. Knowing the lay of the land is only intelligent.”

It was the kind of logical sentiment she’d come to expect from her XO. Tehrani pressed her lips together. “Okay. We’d better get back to repairs. When the comms geeks get done with the black box from the Hadley, perhaps it will shed some light on where these pirates are based. Anyone have anything else?”

Whatley shook his head, as did Justin.

“I’d like a word privately, ma’am,” Wright said. “But I’m good for this meeting.”

“Very well. Dismissed. XO, I have a few minutes now if you want to talk.”

“Of course, ma’am.”

Whatley stood, followed quickly by Justin. They walked through the hatch, and Justin closed it behind him.

As it clicked shut, Tehrani turned to Wright. “What’s on your mind?”

“I’ve got a suggestion.” Wright smirked. “You’re not going to like it.”

“Oh no.” She grinned in return. “Out with it, Major.”

“Well,