Free Inherited War 1: Retribution by Eric McMeins Page B

on to a bigger question.  Could he trust the human to firstly get them past the perimeter security, and secondly secure access and command capabilities of a ship once there?  And for that matter should he hold on to the Doctor just in case the human didn’t work out.  He dreaded the thought of another half century search for a suitable candidate.  But it would be that much harder if he didn’t have Sky.  He would have to hold onto her until the human had done his job, then there would be plenty of time to space her.  He took a long slow drink and smiled.  Command was hard but it had its perks.  Speaking of the Doctor she was a fine specimen, he dearly wanted to see how well she held up to his brand of, well, fun.  He hit the comm button “Give me three hours to rest and freshen up then bring the doctor to my cabin.”  Yes command certainly did have its perks.
    The guards walked them back down the hall to their cell.   Cole was getting tired of staring at these blank white walls.  He almost preferred the view from the airlock.  They made it to the cell and were roughly shoved in.  The manacles were taken off and the guards backed out.  These guards had a more menacing air about them then the Captain’s.  They seemed more alert and ready for violence at any rate.  They moved with strength and confidence, never taking their eyes off of either of them.  The door slid shut and once again they were alone.  Well alone as in, no one in the room, he was sure they were being monitored.  Cole walked over to the panel and hit the button that popped out a sink.  Turned on the water and took a long drink.  Then he let the sink fill up and splashed water on his face and hair scrubbing vigorously.  He turned and lean back on the sink looking at Sky.
    “Well this doesn’t bode well for us.”  Cole started.  “This Admiral seems like a tougher son of a bitch than the Captain and his guards seem more capable to me.  It has me wondering why the big boss man was out here, so obviously unexpected by our dear Captain.  And what that means for us? At least they kept us together.  You’re much better company than me by myself, that’s for sure.”
    She laughed, Cole thought it was a nice laugh.  “I have enjoyed your company as well, and I was wondering the same things about the Captain and Admiral myself. Unless the Admiral doesn’t trust the Captain to turn over the ships once he has control of them…that is the only reason I can think for him being here.”
    “Oh well, we will find out soon enough I guess ,” responded Cole.  “For right now though, I’m going to do some calisthenics then take a shower and a nap.  You are welcome to join me if you want.”  Cole started to stammer.  “I mean with the calisthenics, not the shower.”

    Sky blushed.  “I would love to work out with you, but I will be showering alone.”  She smiled sweetly at Cole his cheeks turning red.  They started to laugh then got up and began working out as best they could in the tight quarters.  An hour and a half later both were reclining on the bench and cot respectively, tired and cleaned up.  Both dozed off and neither heard an hour or so later when the door slid open and the guards crept into the cell.  In a lighting fast motion, one reached out, grabbed Sky up, and put her over his shoulder. The other let loose with a right hook that took Cole totally by surprise as he was attempting to sit up.  The punch laid him out flat again and by the time he got up, they had Sky outside and the door closing. Cole jumped up but the door had closed in the few short seconds it took Cole to get there.  He pounded his fist on the door shouting at the cowardice of the guards and how they never would dare take him on fully awake and ready.  He got no response and after a few moments of futile pounding he stopped.  Breathing heavy he sat down on the bench.  He glanced up, looking around for the camera or mic that he knew was