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Head of the Squad

Flander was head of the squad, and that was usually something he lived to be. Now that his mate was old enough to be on the squad, he wasn't sure where he stood. He knew that she was talented and capable, but he had lost many warriors who were both. She'd been hurt today. Not seriously, but that was still possible. If he didn't control his feelings, he wouldn't be worth a darn in the job he loved. His mate had been perfect doing the job that they had hoped for. She'd remembered everything needed and reacted to every situation appropriately.

On this mission, he'd been the weak one. He'd been so afraid for his mate that he'd been slow in making his decisions, some of which had been wrong. Flander went to the gym because he needed to let off some steam now that supper was over. Hel had ignored him. She'd not even sat beside him, choosing another squad member instead. His stress level was high, and even though the mission had been successful without any losses, he didn't feel the sense of accomplishment he usually did.

To make matters worse, his squad was on a roster to start patrols of Purgatory. It was the home planet of his mate Hel. She would be a big help on the planet, but it would also put her in even more danger. The only bright side was that since B3PO plans had also been found and brought back to the ship, the robot would go with them and start in the morning. Even though they had taken out most of the gang that had attacked them, reports said that there were multiple gangs just like that in all the major cities and he had no doubt that they would be sending more people to join that gang. It was an equal opportunity employer since it took men, women, and old and young.

Children as young as eight had been found in the gangs, and one gang was said to be run by a woman who was sixty-three. They had that information because they had sent someone undercover. They said they had sent several undercover, but only one had made it out with information. Desperate people would do whatever they had to do to survive. Once a fleet of robots was turned loose on the planet, most criminals would not survive. After they ensured that the robots were safe for the regular residence, the robots would be the ones patrolling the planet, and his squad would only be going on missions, targeting areas where Mercury had stockpiles of plans and technical equipment.

That might sound easy, but that company and stockpiles of equipment, plans, and sometimes both in forty-eight different places. The most important ones were the ones that Kasey had worked at. Those would be the ones they would be hitting first. Many missions would be overnight because they would get the equipment or plans in an area where the ship could flash them up. It would take time to get all that done.

No one seemed to be in the workout room, so he went to the weights first. They were the most popular because most warriors like to keep their muscles built up. Thirty minutes later, he was sweaty but still had energy to burn. The treadmill and the bike helped a little, but now he was ready for a fight. He had to be careful. The robots could not take the powerful hits he could dish out. If he destroyed another one, he would have to pay the full cost, and they were high. It was a better place to take out his anger than in the ring, where he might cause significant damage to some other warrior.

They had counselors you could talk to, but he didn't feel like that. Sometimes, when certain things occur, they make you talk to those people, and he doesn't like that either. This robot was not as strong as he was, but it was fast. Since he couldn't manage the speed to win, he had to anticipate what it would do. The problem was that he couldn't count on the robot doing the same things as last time. It had been made to adjust and improve. He'd used it before, and it knew him as well as he knew it.

The robot came to life, lights blinking, and it ran at him, veering away just as he sent a punch at it, barely missing. Then Flander turned quickly and got a small piece of the robot. This was a small robot that floated in the air and had no legs. It only helped train a warrior for head and chest shots. That made it harder to catch it, and only high kicks would work, and those were very hard because if you missed, you ended up on your ass. All he did today was get little hits here and there that didn't disrupt the robot at all. After half an hour, he decided to settle in and get some rest. Tomorrow would not be an easy day on the planet with his mate in the highest-risk position on the squad.

Once in his room, he felt so tired, but he needed to shower because he was covered in sweat and dirt from the patrol. He stripped out of his uniform and put it in the hamper where it would be clean tomorrow. Stepping into the shower, he lathered up and rinsed off. This shower had an air dry, and he was done. Flander felt too tired to even find some personal release. Setting his alarm, he went to bed and immediately fell asleep. He woke up the same way. In an hour, they would gather to go on the first patrol.

Flander entered the cafeteria and saw his squad at their usual table. Other squads were spread around the cafeteria because fifteen would soon be headed to the planet. The only squad going into a heavy enemy area would be his because they had the robot. He filled his plate full and sat with his squad. As usual, his mate had chosen a spot between two other squad mates. Why couldn't she just take things easier on him? Didn't she think it was hard enough that he would have to watch her put herself in danger?

She shot him a cool look and nodded, acknowledging his presence and nothing more. He dug into his food because the other members of his squad were nearly finished eating. Right now, he had to think about his job. Other things had to be pushed aside. Ten teams would meet on the bay and go down to the surface, while five teams would join them from their sister ship. They each had their own location to go to. The remote locations the other teams would go to would be safer, but their area would be more challenging and dangerous. They would have B3PO to help protect them. They were also considered the best squad.

He finished his meal and noticed the others were already waiting for him. There was no point in them leaving without him since he was the leader, and they could not load until he told them to. Flander rose and headed toward the bay, his team following closely. His mind was on the mission, and he tried to put all other thoughts away. As soon as they arrived at their shuttle, the others loaded first, and as leader, he loaded everyone else, and all other necessities were on the shuttle.

Hel was the pilot today, and she received the order to go, and they lifted off. It didn't take long for them to land. This location was within fifty miles of the last one. The population was slightly lower than their first mission. Flander could only hope that it would make things easier. Not that he'd ever been lucky like that before. From the crowd outside the shuttle, many of them dressed like those who had attacked them on the first mission. He saw his luck wasn't going to be any better now. The robot exited. As soon as the first shot was fired, it returned fire. That was the only way to ensure it hit enemies and not allies.

The damage to the enemy was devastating, and the robot continued until shots were no longer fired. Flander went first to be sure that it was safe, and that was something he had always done ever since he had become a leader. The others followed behind, and they began to move. As soon as the last person, the pilot, left the shuttle, it was locked down. That prevented the enemies from attempting to steal it. It would be difficult but why give them anything that might make it easier.

Hel moved up to the front of the squad to lead the way to the next place they would attempt to enter. Flander looked up at a tower that was about six stories up. It looked like it was made of copper and glass, yet nothing damaged the tower. What did that mean it was built out of that it could resist everything sent at it? That was where they were headed, and the robot cleared the way. When they reached the tower's base, Hel put in the code and opened the door. It was a double door, and everyone hurried in, including the robot who brought up the rear.

“Where are the things that we're going to need?” Flander asked.

“Top floor. The roof opens, and we should be able to gather everything and have it flashed to the main ship," Hel explained.

“That should make things easy," Jaird offered.

“Nothing is ever easy until it's done," Tomsin observed.

"So true," Ronner chimed in.

Only Tanen stayed silent and watched the others. He was a good member of this squad. Flander trusted him with his life many times. That was the most important thing about being in a squad. Everyone had to be trusted to protect each other. He had no doubt the members of his squad would risk their own lives to save a fellow squad member. Flander knew that he would, and even his newest member, Hel, would do the same.

He wasn't sure what his mate was doing because she wasn't going up the stairs. She had disappeared into a room on the side, and suddenly, the power came on. Most of the squad jumped because it was such a surprise. She came out and found the elevator.

“B3PO, you'll have to go up the steps because the elevator can't take your weight. We'll meet you up there," Hel directed.

The robot immediately started heading up the steps. When she opened the elevator, all of them got in. She pushed the top level, and the elevator moved incredibly fast. They were lucky that none of the people on the squad were ill in any way because it was that fast. When they reached the top floor, and the door opened, he almost grinned when he saw how quickly the rest of the squad exited. He and his mate were the only ones that didn't rush to get out.

“What now?” He asked.

Hel pointed at several doors, and she went to the first one and opened it. This one held a mini robot half the height and narrower than the first one.

"This is SR3, and he will help us. He has many skills. SR3, we need to find the plans Kasey left here for you to give us," Hel said.

“What is SR3?” Flander asked.

“Small robot model 3. I told you I don’t name them.” Hel replied.

"Looks like the little guy is getting things done," Ronner observed.

“It looks like he has all the plans we need now. He's filling another tub with computer gear I'm not sure we can use, but we'll take it anyway.”

“Looks like he’s done. What the hell is he doing?” Jaird asked.

SR3 lifted into the air and attached to B3PO’s head.

"They are joining and combining their abilities," Hel explained.

“Why?” Flander asked.

“SR3 isn’t fast enough to keep up with us, but he will give B3PO added energy and firepower. It's the perfect solution under the circumstances.”

“You know a lot about your sister's work even though you weren't involved.”

“She ensured that Lane and I kept up with her work. I can't repair the robots, and I can't tell you everything they do. I have the skills of an operator, and that's all," Hel explained.

“I think that's pretty cool," Tomsin declared.

“It's coming in handy now," Ronner mentioned.

Flander had to admit it was true, and that was probably what Kasey had in mind when she started training her siblings. She had been a forward thinker and planned for the possibility that she and/or her dad wouldn't be available when needed. Her mom hadn't worked with them and had her own career and concerns. That only left Hel and Lane to pass the information on to. Most employees had run when the planet was attacked, showing she had made a good choice.

It was time to exit, or at least it would be as soon as the ship flashed up the tubs of plans and technical items. He thought about it, and there it went, and everything was gone. Flander motioned for everyone to exit, and the robot began down the stairs. It still moved fast, but he was sure they would have to wait for it to make it all the way down since there were six levels. They loaded into the elevator to conserve energy in case things were worse on the way out. He knew they would be happy even if they only ended up with the robot.

The wait wasn't as long as he expected it to be. He'd admit that he worried as he waited, thinking that all the gangs that had seen them come in would still be waiting outside for them. When the robot arrived, it headed directly to the door, which opened automatically, and went outside, guns blazing. He had to admit that having a weapon like the robot would save many of their lives. Since they had made a deal with Mercury, he was sure that they would be available everywhere before long. Because his race was warlike, that was the number one cause of death among men.

It was true that many females signed up and trained to be warriors before they ended up doing something else. None of those wanted to be here in the hot zone. Many of them came to find a warrior mate. Flander couldn't prove it, but that was what he thought. He had been hit on by many of them, but they weren't the right ones for him. They had found someone else willing to accept someone who wasn't their one where they had seen the one for them.

He should feel lucky that he had found his one, even if he would have to fight for her. Flander was sure he was about to get the promotion he wanted since he had begun as a warrior. Why did he feel so sad when everything in his life was moving forward? Maybe he was afraid that Hel would reject him and that he would lose his chance at the promotion, or perhaps that he or his mate would die going down to this dangerous planet. Weren't those good enough reasons to be worried?

Even with the robot who was firing more than he had before, the bullets were going everywhere. His squad moved fast, and he was relieved when he saw his mate open the door and rush in, moving to the pilot's seat so she could get the ship going. That was good in multiple ways because the automatic guns on the shuttle would begin firing at those trying to hit them. In a way, it was sad because they were killing young people who had been desperate, and that was why they had signed up with this gang.

He'd prefer if they could bring them in and turn them into useful citizens. The Emperor didn't do things like that. He couldn't care less about what happened to those he considered the enemy of the Empire. Ranni's father had never been nice, and it didn't look like he ever would be. The shuttle lifted up, and they all took a deep breath in relief. It was a shame that they left a pile of bodies behind. A warrior didn't enjoy killing, at least not one that was a good person.

They landed on the ship and unloaded. Ranni and Kasey met them in the bay. The robot took two tubs and carried them off the ship, then returned and got two more. Now, he stood by the tubs, waiting for further orders. Kasey gave him some directions, and he picked up two tubs and exited the bay. Two warriors came forward to carry the other tubs away.

"Good job," Kasey observed.

Everyone in the squad nodded. It was good to be recognized for a good job. Ranni was less likely to do so. He was more likely to jump on anyone who messed up. The warriors not getting in trouble simply knew they were successful in their mission.

“Flander, I need you to give me a report," Ranni directed.

He followed as they headed toward the office that Ranni used. That was where he gave him a full report on everything that had happened and what had occurred.

“The enemy had heavy losses, and many of them were young. It just seems to me that a better way could be found.”

“My father has learned old earth terms and would call you a bleeding heart," Ranni admitted.

“Is that what you have to say as well?”

“No, come up with a plan, and we will see if we can implement it. I hate to see anyone die, especially for a doomed cause.”

"Hel can help me," Flander suggested.

“I concur. You two get to work.”

Flander was glad for an excuse to spend time with his mate. He wondered if she would be angry that she was forced to work with him. Hopefully, he will make it up to her in time. Hel could be anywhere, and he needed to find her. It was lunchtime, so maybe the cafeteria. Was he lucky he found her?

"After lunch, I need to talk to you," Flander whispered.

“Why can’t you just tell me now?” Hel asked.

“These are orders from Ranni.”

Hel went back to eating and ignored him. Flander decided to eat his food, and when they were both done, he motioned for her to follow him. He led the way to his small office, and after she sat down, he closed the door. Moving to his seat, he sat down and looked at her momentarily.

“Ranni has instructed me to work with you to devise a plan to prevent so many enemy deaths. We need to find a way to convert them so that being with a gang doesn't sound so good. Offering them a better life among us is what I want to do. We will work on this project on the side, which will take time and effort. I hope you understand the importance of this plan," Flander explained.

“Why me? I know nothing about this. I’ve never been around people much. This isn’t something I’ve ever done.”

“That's probably why he assigned you this job. A warrior must be able to do many tasks and be willing to learn new things. Don't you understand how important this is? It could save lives. Many of those in the gangs are young, some even younger than you.”

“I understand its importance. That is why I question why I was selected when I am no good at this kind of thing," Hel explained.

“If you try and give it your best shot and find it impossible, then we will find someone else. We ask that you give it a good try.

“Fine. I’ll give it a shot. When do we start?”

"We won't be going to the planet tomorrow. The rest of the squad will be assigned other duties while we work on this project," Flander admitted.

"Fair enough," Hel agreed, then she left.

Flander watched her as she left and wondered if this would help him advance in his cause. He knew she should be his, but he didn't know how to make her understand that. In the morning, they would begin, and he hoped they would learn a little more about each other, and maybe she would admit that she needed him too. Breakfast was like usual, and everyone in his squad was there.

“Where did you get stuck at Tomsin?” Ronner asked.

“The cargo bay. What about you?”

“The trash chute. Ain't I the lucky one?”

"Hey, I'm in the garden," Jaird said. "What about you, Hel?"

“I got office work.”

“You poor thing.” Ronner grinned.

He was probably glad he wasn't stuck in an office, but did he prefer the trash chute? No one asked Flander where he was going, and he didn't volunteer. Flander couldn't wait to spend some time with Hel alone. His priority was his relationship with his mate, but saving lives was an excellent side benefit. Most people would look at him and never believe he cared about helping people. They would be wrong, and the only reason that helping people wasn't his top priority was because he needed his mate.

Everyone finished eating and scattered, going toward their assigned work. Hel followed him to his office, where they would devise a plan to save some of the young gang members from certain death. Many had no hope. They needed Flander and his squad to give them hope for a better future. How would they spread the word? Somehow, they needed to let them know there was a future if they just reached out and grabbed it.

There was a planet next to Purgatory that was livable but barely populated. It would be a good place to resettle gang members who wanted out of that life. They could farm, or Mercury could open a business there. He saw options there and hope.

“What do we need to do?” Hel asked.

“We need to find a place to send gang members that want out. Where can we send them?”

"If you need a planet in the system everyone avoids, Venus is livable but rough. My mom might be able to terraform it."

“That’s a good idea. It’s close but on another planet. We could establish a military base there.” Flander suggested.

He wouldn't mention that a military base was already being planned. They would push up the deadline and get it in there sooner. Some of the younger gang members might even be able to be turned into Majuri warriors. That would be one more possible job they could hold.

“The problem now seems to be how to get the information out so that the disillusioned will be able to find it and us.”

"Why not dump pamphlets with the information on them? We can tell them how to contact us," Hel suggested.

“Why don’t we print up a few and see if it works?”

“We need to decide what information to put on it.”

"The most important is how they can make contact," Flander suggested.

He watched her print up a page with information.

Tired of fighting just to stay alive? We can help you find a new life. Turn on the radio to AC radio waves. We can help.

"That looks good," Hel approved.

“We’ll put this on small pieces of paper and spread it everywhere.”

“We’ll see if it works. If it does, we will work on the next step.”

“Okay, what now?” Hel asked.

"We'll print these out, have them cut to size, loaded on a shuttle, and dumped somewhere many gang members are."

It was easy to print and cut the small slivers of paper. They loaded the shuttle and dumped the papers on the largest population center. They were surprised when they were contacted. The radio was set up to give a contact number and a rendezvous spot. A team was set up with a shuttle, and they joined them to pick up the first group of people. The robot went with them, and Hel gave the robot instructions. It was shocking how many people were at the pickup point. More people were there than they could pick up. Taking those, they could, they lifted off with no issues and brought them to an area on the other planet that the Majuri had started to set up for workers they planned to use to build a base.

Flander had set the place up, but he needed more people and supplies to take care of the people that would be there. They'd not been prepared for this response. He planned to handle it anyway. The shuttle returned, but it wasn't as easy this time. It was obvious another run would not be possible. Organizing the drop spot and managing the people they'd brought to safety was a priority. He'd not expected this overwhelming result and hoped Ranni wouldn't be angry at him. Arriving with the second and last shuttle drop; they would have to stay and try to organize those already here and figure out who they were.

Hel had some organizational skills because she had a laptop and was taking down names and information. There were a hundred people, and she had selected someone to be in charge. That person would be giving other people jobs so they could get the work done so everyone would have a place to sleep and some food to eat. It was a shame that things hadn't improved because he wasn't sure what would happen to the people left behind. Flander also worried that there might be people here that didn't belong. Infiltrators that had come hoping there was some way they could take advantage and find out who wasn't committed to the gang.

Squads had been left behind to handle security for these humans. Two squads were experienced, but the others were younger and needed to learn. This could be a good thing if it was worked properly. The next time they did this; a larger ship would pick up those who wished to escape.

“Did you get much information on the people we picked up?” Flander asked.

“Yes, at least a fourth of them were locals, not gang members. They've had enough of the crime and danger on the planet and are ready to leave now. I don't know if this was what they were expecting.

Some locals can be sent elsewhere, especially if trained in something worthwhile."

“We'll have to take them at their word because I don't know them. I never got out into the population much," Hel admitted.

Flander wondered if he had made a mistake taking this on. Once this was organized, he and his mate could walk away and leave others in charge. The issue was that this might take a lot to get organized, and he was sure that the boss would expect him and that he would be made to work on it until it was done. The base they had just created was in complete chaos, but everyone would have a place to sleep and food by nightfall. It was time to leave and get back to the ship.

The computer would run through the names and find out everyone's secrets. Flander would talk to the boss and see precisely what he wanted them to do. His squad had been set up to go to another location tomorrow, but Flander wasn't sure if Ranni would cancel their mission and put them to work setting up the base planned to house the people that were now there. He had to admit that he would prefer this mission to one he had to babysit people he did not know. Those locals would be fine and could be put into positions where they could accomplish something. Many of those from the gangs would have no practical skills and have to be trained. They could only hope they would have some talents and abilities to be used on the base.