Lessa slowly crept up to the break in the trees.
It was dark. No lights in the buildings, nothing lighting up the exteriors, or the landing pad, the fence… nothing. Lessa motioned for the others to come up next to her, frowning. Was it even still active? Was THIS the abandoned camp, and the one they blew up…? She stopped that thought. No… hands going to her neck, Lessa brought the night vision goggles up to her eyes. She hated actually wearing the fuckers, but they had their uses. Ah, NOW she could see the lights. Still not many, and mostly placed to make them hard to see from the air, but there were some. Satisfied, she looked over at Kine.
Kine had his own goggles on, marking the sentries. There were four short towers on the corners of the perimeter, with one guard in each. None seemed to be paying much attention, and he couldn't say he blamed them. Only a fool would travel through the forest, and any attack from the air would either be detected by radar or… well, not detected. The point was the poor guards wouldn't be any good in that situation anyway. He looked at the others.
"Well?"
"I don't see any ground trip alarms," Irene commented. "This could be easy."
"I say we take out the guard nearest us," Sean said, attaching a scope to his rifle. "The one in the opposite corner already seems to be napping, so one more doing so might not be noticed. If we try all four, there's more chance one will cry out or thud to the ground." Lessa nodded, and checked her watch.
"The others should be in position soon. We don't want to leave them just sitting there any longer then we have to." She looked at Sean. "Do it."
Sean crept forward a bit, finding a comfortable spot. Raising the rifle, he started taking long breaths. In, out… in, out… on the exhale the sight steadied on the adult's head. He fired. The slight muffled sound next to his ear was followed a moment later by the figure on the tower crumpling out of sight. He quickly swung the scope at the other towers, finger on the trigger. Nothing. Sean unwrapped his arm from the sling, removed the scope, and stowed the rifle on his back.
Eyes on the other towers, Lessa waited until she was sure their attention was elsewhere and motioned them forward.
The four broke from the tree line and ran across the open field. The night was as dark as any on this world got, with only two of the moons visible and each at less than a quarter illumination. They still cast shadows as they ran, but within moments were hidden in the shadow of the closest building and out of sight of the still manned towers.
The camp was composed of a series of long, one story buildings. It had been designed to not exactly be hidden from aerial detection, but to not call attention to itself. The largest structure, probably holding whatever command functions they needed, ran along the northern edge of the camp. The other buildings ran east-west in three rows, the southern boundary marked by a small, empty, landing pad. Kine glanced around from their new position on the southwest corner of the camp, goggles still on, and gave a slight curse.
"There's a road into the forest by the northwest tower." Lessa swung her view over, and biting her lip nodded.
"So, the pad isn't their only line of communication… doesn't matter." She noticed a series of trucks parked at that end, marking the number in her head, then turned to Sean. "Which building do we try first?"
Sean led them around the structure, hugging the wall, until they were in sight of the inner line of buildings. Kine kept an eye on the southeast tower, but could literally see the guard sleeping. Sean motioned, and dropping to their knees they peered around the corner.
In the very center of the camp was a long building with no windows. No… it had windows, Lessa saw. They were long, thin horizontal slits running near the top of the walls. Just the thing for prisoners. Lessa motioned with her hands and the four made the dash across the wide road. They quickly made their way around to the eastern side of the building and found the door. Lessa stepped back, waving Irene in.
Irene pulled out a small box with wires hanging from it. Lessa noticed that the wires, rather than being different colors, had shapes molded into the plastic casings so they could be identified in the dark. Irene examined the door handle and lock, giving the keypad a dismissive glance, then moved two wire leads towards the handle. A thin bolt of electricity shot out from them, all four teens feeling the static charge in the air. There was a puff of smoke, and a click from the door latch. Irene quickly put the box back on her belt and drew her sidearm. With Kine and Sean keeping their eyes on the rest of the camp, Lessa threw the door open and jumped in with Irene.
The first room was dark and empty. It was obviously the guard area, with a desk, a few chairs, a locked gun cabinet, and a terminal. Behind it was a marked door leading to bathrooms. To the right ran a long hallway, with a half dozen doors per side. It looked like the right place.
"In", Lessa whispered. Sean and Kine quickly entered, closing the outer door. She moved over to the restroom door, glanced inside, and signaled all clear. Kine and Sean eased over in front of the first hallway door. It had a window, and in the dim moonlight they could see three small naked forms sleeping on a thin mattress. Crossing to the other side they saw two older nude teen boys sleeping, arms around each other. Kine turned to Sean and nodded. Irene came up to them, having found the keys hanging from a hook. Getting the final nod from Lessa, she unlocked the door.
The two boys were awake instantly. The sound of locks had probably ruled their lives for the past year, instilling fear them. Lessa entered the cell, holding a faint light illuminating her face. She knelt a meter from the two cowering teens.
"Shhh… it's OK. We're here to save you." They looked at her uncomprehending, and taking in the sight of them Lessa's anger grew. They were maybe fifteen, but their bodies were thin and obviously undernourished. There were various bruises on their bodies, and the look in their eyes was… she had seen that look, many, many times. Lessa opened her canteen and offered it. The largest, black haired, slowly leaned forward, hand tentatively taking it., He took a long sip, eyes never leaving hers. His companion clung to him, shaking, and with one hand rubbing his back in comfort the older boy whispered encouragement. Holding the canteen up to his friend's lips, he convinced him to drank the cool water as well. He then handed the flask back to Lessa.
"Thank… thank you."
Lessa nodded.
"We're here to rescue everyone we can, but we need your help. How many are in this building?"
The boy disengaged his arm from his companion, sitting up straight, legs folded on the mat. She noticed his genitals, though soft, were rather large. His mind coming awake, he licked his lips and thought.
"There's… maybe twenty eight of us?" His voice was unsure. Sean let out a soft "fuck!", quickly exiting the cell. Lessa could sense him moving over to the main door and opening it a crack, making sure all was well.
"How many adults are there here? How many guards?" Lessa didn't want to rush the boy, but time was going by fast. He looked at the ground and thought.
"Well… it will depend on if the soldiers stayed or left last night."
"Soldiers?!" Kine was suddenly in the cell, on one knee next to Lessa. The boy looked up, becoming, if anything, less frightened.
"Yes. They… brought in the new batch of kids now that we're used up. They… I think the next time the cameras roll on us will be the last…"
Lessa closed her eyes. They had acquired quite a collection of the violent videos as they had gathered information. The things done to these kids, by both men and women, the violating of helpless boys and girls… what had shocked her the most was the "Life Of" series. Literally, a record of everything done to a particular kid, from when they were first brought in, healthy and frightened, to… when, beaten and lifeless, they were killed… human beings BOUGHT these monstrosities!
Kine, however, focused on the important words he'd spoken.
"There's another slave barracks?"
The boy pointed towards the northwest. Irene raced into the guard room bathroom and climbed up on the toilet to get a look out the high window slit. She was back in a moment.
"Long building by the guard tower, the one with trucks parked by it. There's a loading dock on this end."
Kine looked like he was getting a very bad feeling about this. Lessa knew she was. He looked up at Irene, her expression mirroring his.
"How many kids there? How many guards?"
"Probably… 20-30 new kids? It's one big cell in there, not like here." The boy was now awake and excited. He was ready to help in any way possible. "There are... maybe 25 adults here normally? I think ten or so soldiers came in the trucks with the kids."
Lessa stood, followed by Kine. The two naked boys also got to their feet, the smaller one still clinging to the other. Lessa thought. Time was running out…
"OK. Here's the plan." Sean came over. "Sean, you stay here. Let all the kids out, explain the best you can. In ten minutes, or earlier if you have reason, turn on your beacon. Once the attack starts call in a shuttle to land and get all you can onto it. Keep the most healthy with you and try to get back to the forest with them." He nodded. "The rest of us will go to the other barracks. Got it?" They all nodded, and she held out her hand. His larger brown hand shook her firm tan one, and they looked in each other's eyes. Then he was out in the hallway with the keys, Lessa quickly leading the other two out of the building.
****
Holand watched as the dark skinned teen went down the row of cells, unlocking them. Free... he was going to be free. He wasn't even sure what the word meant. Paul was practically clinging to his side, shaking. He put an arm around the kid. For days, weeks, he had been telling him everything was going to be OK, that there was a light at the end of this. He no longer felt like a liar.
"Is your plan going to work?"
The stranger didn't ignore Holand's pointless question, as he expected. Neither did he turn to reassure him. Instead, the man just opened another door.
"Does it really matter to you at this point?"
No. No it didn't. Nodding, Holand entered the nearest cell and woke the sleeping slaves. They would be free, one way or another.
****
The first thing they noticed was the stench.
The first cell block had been full of clean, if not healthy, prisoners who had to be kept ready for the cameras. This building was full of frightened, mostly naked, freshly captured creatures kept alive by their captors and not much more. They hadn't yet had a hose turned on them for cleaning, and water was scarce enough for drinking the kids never even considered wasting any on such a luxury themselves. Many had been forced to piss and shit on the cell floor.
Lessa took all this in, as well as the fact that once again there were no guards. Lucky… although by now she really wanted an excuse to gut and kill someone- in that order. Many of the kids were not asleep, the horror of the place keeping them from that peace. The entrance of the three teens startled them, most rising to their feet as the trio burst in. Kine closed the door behind them, keeping it open a crack as he keep an eye on the main building. Lessa quickly went up to the bars dividing the building in half while Irene searched for the keys. A little filthy blond girl ran up to the iron door, eyes alight.
"Did my Daddy send you?!? Is Daddy with you!?!" A teen girl grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her back, watching Lessa with wary, tired eyes. She shushed the excited girl, then spoke.
"Who are you?"
"Rescuers who are really pressed for time. Questions later." Irene came back with the key, the kids stepping away from the bars in subconscious fear as she opened the cage door. The nude teen was going to speak again when suddenly they heard the sound of gunfire outside.
"Fuck!" Lessa ran over to Kine at the door, and as the sound of a general alarm started to sound she began cursing as well. The northeastern guard tower was firing into the woods, round about where half of their friends should be located. Lessa's hand darted into her pouch. Pulling out a metal puck, she flipped a switch on it, then tossed it into the middle of the room.
"OK, change of plans! Everyone, gather around me! Kine, watch the door!" She quickly moved to the middle of the room. The prisoners stayed on the other side of the bars. She mentally cursed, turning to them "In a few minutes, gods willing, you'll hear lots of explosions outside. Don't panic! That's our friends giving us covering fire!"
"Tower guard has been taken out!" Kine hissed from the doorway.
"After giving them a couple minutes to blow lots of evil slavers up," Lessa continued, "we're going to blow a hole in…." She looked around, and pointed. "… that wall. We'll lead you out, and you're to run to the woods as fast as you can! We'll have some friends there to meet you. Don't stop until you get to the woods! Understand?"
"I want mommy!"
The cry was pitiful, and a couple others started to cry. Lessa did not have TIME for this… she looked at the one teen girl from before. She seemed older.
"You're leader. Get them organized!" She moved away from the crowd, only half noticing the girl quickly getting other older kids to help. Irene slid over to Lessa, having examined the wall in question.
"It won't take much. In fact, the problem will be not blowing up the entire building." Lessa pulled out a pack of explosives and handed it to Irene. With a nod, she got to work.
The sound of explosions startled everybody. They seemed to come from all around, rattling the poorly constructed prison. Kine quickly shut the door, as rocks and dirt pelted the building at high speed. They could hear screams, and shouted orders. Kine spoke, eyes still out the door.
"Men just started pouring out of the main building. Be ready in case some seek shelter in here." His gun was drawn.
They waited, as a second round of explosions sounded outside. Then a third, weaker, followed by the sound of machine guns and lasers. Lessa gave the order.
"Blow it!"
Three meters of wall vanished in bang. Lessa leapt through while the sound still rang in their ears.
"Go!"
She bolted for the tree line, her eyes immediately marking the nearest guard tower. It was gone, just a pile of burnt wood. She looked back and saw naked kids pouring out of the building, running in terror. Looking beyond them, she saw the top of one of their shuttles sticking out above the roofline of the first barracks. The top turret was letting go with a steady stream of fire towards the front of the camp. Lessa glanced forward again, making sure of her path, before turning again to look back just as the shuttle began to lift. Her heart lifted as well. They were gonna…
The shuttle had started to bank towards the west as it rose, just clearing the building tops, when a streak shot out from the ground, seeming to pass... through the shuttle.
Fire shot out the cockpit windows a half breath later.
It continued to bank, burning, no longer controlled…
Heading right for them.
"RUN!!!!!!!"
Lessa turned and sprinted. She could hear it. The whistling of something big coming down. Even if it was just her imagination, what was coming was still all too real.
Her mind went blank. It always did, at times like this. No thought. No emotion. The Other took over. The Other that had survived so many battles, had taken so many lives. It forced her feet faster. She could do this. Would do this. Lessa would survive. She'd always survive, no matter the cost...
The shuttle crashed onto the southern half of the slave pen, flaming hulk rolling towards the forest.
The screams were sudden and short.
Lessa heard three loud crashes, then an explosion, her shadow cast long before her. She reached the tree line, grabbed a trunk, and spun herself around, dropping to a knee before looking back.
Three slaves were in front of her, the teen girl and two younger ones she was pulling by the arms. Five meters behind her was Kine, holding a toddler while dragging a young boy with him.
And…. that was it.
Behind them was fire. Burning wreckage. And... the smell… oh, god, the smell. Never had she wanted to smell that again...
The mental Other slapped her. As well it should.
Kine reached her, put the kid on the ground, then spun. His eyes widened in horror.
"Irene!"
He started to move back towards the fireball, but Lessa reached up and grabbed his arm.
"You know…" He looked down at her firm grip, then into her eyes. He saw. Saw the Other, looking back. Saw the truth reflected in those eyes. The truth that would never bide being ignored. Breaking his gaze away, Kine collapsed onto both knees.
There was movement in the trees,. In the flickering light, Lessa saw their eight companions hurrying over. Blond haired Darren was in the lead, and he practically skidded to a stop in from of Lessa, face one of shock, horror. Lessa forced herself to her feet.
"If you guys saw a shuttle sized clearing anywhere nearby, let's get there and evac. Fuck the plan."
****
Lessa stepped off the shuttle into a scene of utter despair.
The other shuttle had reached the Liberty first. It's hull was blackened with soot, small arms damage pitting its nose. Four thin naked boys were seated on the deck near it, being looked at by Bell. Bella was tending to Sean's arm, and Lessa's spirits lifted a little at that. Next to him, however, were two bodies covered with sheets, and two other of their number were getting patched up. The four unwounded from that squad, including Mel she saw, just sat on the ground, still stunned. She saw Ger walking around the shuttle, going over the damage.
Behind her, the eight members of the second squad helped the five freed slaves off her shuttle. They had yet to have accepted the idea of slavery, and now suddenly were in space far from home. She had no idea what could be going through their minds. Kine was the last one out, pausing in the doorway to look around before stepping down.
As Kine's feet hit the deck Amanda came flying across the room, plowing into him. He held her tight, his tears matching hers, as the two made their way to a quiet place out of the way. Their path took them past Shelly.
Lessa's best friend was sitting on a overturned cart in the middle of the bay. Her eyes were wide, darting from one returning band of "rescuers" to another. Her lips were trembling, hands clenching and unclenching. As tears streamed from her face, she seemed to be mumbling to herself. Lessa's heart broke. She took two hesitant steps towards the grieving girl, but on seeing Don coming up to her she stopped.
Don's face was emotionless. Lessa came to a tired attention automatically.
"What happened." It came out of Don flat, not even a question. Lessa just shook her head back and forth.
"What didn't?"
Don closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and nodded. Opening them again, he saw Shelly, quickly walking over. Leaning down, he spoke into her ear. Shelly sat there shocked, as Don walked away towards the elevator, then let out a wail and began to cry into her hands.
No… he didn't! Lessa's eyes followed Don out of the room. That fucking bastard wouldn't have! Yes... he would. He so would. Oh, she was going to kill him. Fucking kill him.
Lessa moved to Shelly, one murderous eye still on the door Don had used. She put both hands on Shelly's shoulders, leaning down to speak softly into the crying teen's ears.
"What did he tell you, Shelly?"
"… it's not my fault, it's not my fault, it's not my fault… IT'S NOT MY FAULT!"
Lessa straightened.
"That's it. He's dead."
She moved quickly towards the elevator, automatically checking her sidearm, unused so far that day. She made her way first to the second level, then the bridge. As soon as she appeared, Villa, in the command chair, called down.
"He's in his cabin."
"No fucking shit."
She walked past the distressed teen into the conference room, closing the door behind her. She looked to the right. There was the door to Don's cabin.
What, exactly, was she going to do?
Kill him, naturally. She could feel her dark side coming to the fore.
No, seriously, what was she planning on marching in there and doing?
Beat the shit out of him at the very least. She steeled herself. Reaching out, she touched the handle. The door was unlocked. She opened it.
The room was dark, apart from one dim light in a corner. Don was sitting on a stool in the middle of the floor, arms on his knees, just looking at the wall. He had taken his shirt off, just wearing his old uniform pants and his necklace. Lessa entered and closed the door behind her.
He gave no sign he noticed.
"What the fuck did you say to her?"
Lessa's voice was low, menacing. Her fingers flexed next to her holsters.
He said nothing.
Lessa took two steps towards Don.
"Answer me, you fucking bitch. What did you say to Shelly?"
Don looked down at his chest, hands moving to open his locket. Lessa was livid.
"Oh no you fucking don't." She drew her weapon, stepping forward until it was pressed into the back of Don's head. "What did you fucking say to her to set her off like that?"
Don showed no signs he even knew she was there, but just gave a sad, quiet sigh.
"I said it wasn't her fault."
Lessa almost dropped the gun.
"W-what?"
"It wasn't her fault." Don's finger wiped over the young girl's picture in the locket, almost as if the image was changing in his mind as he did it. "She's going to think it was, naturally. Forever. We all do. It's always our fault, in the night behind our eyes."
Lessa looked down at him, comprehension dawning. Carefully, her fingers slick with sweat, she gently holstered her weapon, then knelt down next to him, placing a hand on his knee.
"Who was she?"
Don kept looking at the picture. His face seemed beyond tears.
"My little sister. My Cynthia. My only love. The only one I'll ever care for." Lessa moved her hand up to his bare shoulder, gently stroking his arm.
"Why, Don? Why can't you care…" She almost said "for me", but held back. Don just bowed his head.
"I couldn't protect her. Can never protect.... I can't lose anyone again... if, if I let someone in… I can't!"
Lessa stood. Don's head shot up, in shock, as she moved to straddle him and sit on his lap. Her hands sought out his, fingers forcibly intertwining. Shifting her body forward a bit, settling more comfortably, she looked into his eyes.
"Let me in… and I'll protect you."
Lessa leaned down. Gently, her lips pressed to his.
His lips were soft, dry, and Lessa could feel the heat coming off his bare chest. Her own clothing suddenly felt stifling. As she shifted her weight, she could feel him pressing between her legs. It almost overloaded her senses. She pulled back her head, Don looking at her in wonder.
"Why?" he whispered.
"Because I love you." She lowered her head again, and felt him hesitantly move his lips against hers. She let go of his hands, sending one behind his head, stroking his short brown hair, lightly caressing his ear with her thumb. The other hand went to his chest, gently moving over and under his necklace. Hands that had only killed, suddenly found new purpose. She could feel the Other inside her laughing, scoffing at the very idea of affection and love. The new Lessa ignored her, reveling in her feelings. Lessa licked his lips. His mouth opened, whether in protest or surprise who could say. She slowly sent her tongue in on a search mission, finding his, and soon both teens were moaning. Don's own hands were caressing her hair, running down her long braid.
Lessa raised her head again and sat up. She took off her jacket, letting it fall to the floor. Her gun belt followed, falling next to the chair with a thud. Looking Don in the eye, she reached down and pulled her shirt up over her head.
Her breasts were firm half moons, standing without support, and when Don moved his hands to them they fit perfectly. Lessa gasped, kissing him again, forcefully, moaning into his mouth as he gently explored. Finally she stood, drawing him up with her. They joined together again.
Don pulled back. His eyes were wild, seemingly upset at this lack of control.
"I…"
"Shh…" Lessa leaned in for another kiss, but he raised a hand up to her chest and pushed back slightly. She looked at him, confused.
"Lessa, I…" He closed his eyes. "If it's not, not for forever, I can't do this."
Lessa traced the thin chain around his neck, and briefly held his locket in her hand. It felt heavy. The weight of a lifetime was contained inside. When his eyes opened and met hers, her soul gazed back.
"Forever."
****
Lessa moved them to the bed, and, as one, they both made love for the first time. As Don entered her, it was as if he was experiencing joy for the first time. As he climaxed into her, Lessa felt as if love itself was filling her body. They both collapsed onto the sheets, sweaty, exhausted, lost in their own thoughts.
****
Lessa's eyes were closed, her bare chest gently rising and falling, when Don sat up in the bed. He looked down at her, head shaking in wonder. She was so… beautiful. Why hadn't he seen it before? Well, he chuckled, part of it might have been she always had too many clothes on. He shook his head again, sanity somewhat returning. He ran a hand lightly over her, starting at those soft, firm breasts, moving down the tight muscles of her abdomen, to the soft, curly hair and the moist treasure beyond.
What, he thought, happens now.
Sighing, he stood, looking around the room. It was still pretty much as he had found it. He had not decorated, as others had, not tried to make this a personal space.
Well, Lessa had entered his personal space in more ways than one.
Don closed his eyes. There was only one thing he could do. Only one way to make this work, mentally, emotionally. He went to a dresser and opened up the top drawer. The scraping sound awoke Lessa. She sat up, eyes seeming to take a moment to admire his nude form.
"What is it?"
Don turned, holding something in his hand, and returned to the bed. He got up on the mattress, kneeling, motioning Lessa to do the same. She did so, facing him. His look was serious, and he swallowed hard. She waited for him to speak. Instead he opened his hand and she saw… another locket and necklace. Lessa gasped, and looked up at him. He swallowed again.
"It… it was Cynthia's." He opened it. She saw the photo of a younger Don, not much different, apart from the bright look, the hope, in his eyes. Tears came to her own eyes, as she realized what this meant, what Don was offering. She looked at him in awe.
"We… we'll have to find one we can put your picture in, Lessa, but, until then…"
He closed the locket and held the chain with both hands. Lessa, trembling, bowed her head. Don reached around her, and fastened it. Lessa straightened, locket falling between her breasts. Don put a hand on each locket, pressing them against each of their chests, and Lessa, after a moment, put her hands on his. He looked in her eyes.
"Together forever. Friend to the end."
"Together forever," she repeated, words barely adequate for what she felt. "Friend to the end."
****
The memory came to Don, of that long ago day, of a field by a stream by a mountain, when he heard Cynthia say those words as well.
****
And, for once, the tears that came at her memory were tears of joy.