Syfi Warriors Read online

  “Understood.” This wasn’t Martin’s first time on a military base. He knew the protocol. Civilian contractors didn’t go anywhere without an escort, and they were restricted from going off base while the project was underway without supervision. Security, especially with the new facilities going in, was always tight.

  They came to a building that looked like someone had stacked blocks together and connected them with a large pipe. Of course, the building was designed to allow the wind to blow around and through it, preventing swinging and damage. Not that it was necessary inside a domed outpost like this one.

  James parked the Rover and grabbed Martin’s bags before he was even out of his seat. Following his stoic guide, Martin glanced up to the tan sky. That was going to take some getting used to.

  He’d grown up on a space colony with an artificial atmosphere, and a holographic blue sky. Here the sky was naturally tan, like the sand on Earth’s beaches, and he could see it through the clear dome. Clouds, a sickly yellow and heavy like moist cotton balls, scattered across the horizon. Martin could see electricity arcing between the clouds. The blue and purple streaks of light lit up the sky even from this distance. He felt a bit uneasy as he watched them moving toward the base. Electrical storms on Genus Nine were reported to be quite devastating. Logic said the domes protecting the base and connecting city would keep the storm out, but Martin still felt a shiver of dread creep down his spine.

  “Mr. Black, if you’d please keep up,” James shouted over the drone of a shuttle flying overhead, coming in to land.

  Pulling himself away from his observation of the alien sky, Martin caught up to his escort and continued into the building. The entrance was nothing more than a sterile lobby leading to two elevator doors. James pressed the call button and almost immediately the doors on the right opened.

  The Lieutenant stepped aside, allowing Martin to enter first. All too happy to stand behind the delicious military man, Martin slid into the back of the elevator, his eyes instantly training on James’ ass as he pivoted in the small metal box, and pressed the button for the twelfth floor.

  “Four apartments to a floor,” James started talking, “Yours is 1203.”

  Meaning he had the third room on the twelfth floor. Easy enough to remember.

  “And what about roommates?” Martin asked, intentionally letting the suggestive tone slip into his voice.

  “Private contractors, such as yourself, are given their own quarters, Mr. Black,” James’ answer was, like so much about him, perfect.

  “So, I can have company over without bothering anyone,” Martin smiled, “How nice.”

  “All visitors must check in at the gate, and be approved for entry,” James replied. “They will be escorted to their location and must be gone before twenty-one hundred.”

  “So strict,” Martin sighed. “What if my companion is, oh, military personnel?”

  The sudden stiffness in James’ shoulders told Martin he was finally getting through to the man. Good.

  “Please refrain from such things,” James said, his voice a bit tighter than before.

  Damn, this was fun. Martin was enjoying himself a bit too much.

  The doors opened with a ding before Martin could tease his escort further. James quickly led the way down the corridor to the second door on the left. Swiping a key in the lock, James once again stepped aside, allowing Martin to enter first.

  With a low whistle, Martin looked around the one-bedroom apartment. It was certainly a lot nicer than he’d been expecting, with a complete bathroom and kitchen, plus a small living room.

  “You have one hour to unpack,” James informed him. “I’ll be back then to pick you up and take you to the construction site.”

  “You know,” Martin moved in closer to James, pressing the man against the wall, “Instead of unpacking, you could help me with a small personal problem.”

  Was that a blush? In the name of… holy supernova! The man was adorable.

  “Please, Mr. Black,” James turned his eyes away, his arms ramrod straight at his sides, “If you wish companionship, call into the town and make a request.”

  Well, that was no fun. A prostitute didn’t present any kind of challenge. “I’d much rather have you,” Martin emphasized by pressing closer to him.

  “Then I must disappoint you,” James finally moved, gently pushing Martin back and leaving the apartment.

  “I love a challenge,” Martin grinned at the closed door.

  James fired off round after round as he replayed the scene in Martin Black’s room in his head. How dare that fucking bastard make a pass at him! Who in the hell did he think he was?

  His gun clicked, signaling his cartridge was empty. Ejecting the box, he slid another into place and aimed. He took out three targets in rapid succession. Ducking behind a wall as he zeroed in on another target, this one with a hostage. As he watched, he imagined the target as Martin Black and fired.

  A loud buzzing went off and the practice session dissolved, leaving James standing in a round, white room alone. Panting, he removed his goggles and set it and the gun down on a tray that appeared from the wall panel. He accepted the towel and the water provided. James wiped the sweat from his face and chugged at least a third of the water as he moved to the door. He needed to go and pick up his charge, despite how much he didn’t want to.

  “Lieutenant.”

  Standing at attention, James waited for Captain Jonas to reach him.

  “How’s Mr. Black?”

  “Sir, he’s settling in, sir,” James answered.

  “Good,” Captain Jonas nodded. “Let me know if he acts… off.”

  “Sir?” James frowned. Was he talking about his harassment earlier? If so, James would report it right now.

  “Withdrawn, depressed, antisocial,” Captain Jonas explained. “He was reassigned here, against his will. So, keep an eye on him.”

  “Sir, yes sir,” James responded.

  “Dismissed.”

  James saluted before continuing his way down the corridor. So, Martin Black was forced to this base by his superiors? James silently wondered if it had something to do with the man’s lecherous ways that had gotten him sent all the way out here. It wouldn’t surprise him in the least to learn it was.

  Not that it mattered to him. So long as the man kept his hands to himself his behavior held no true sway over James’ abilities to perform his duties.

  Stopping by the Mess on his way to the civilian apartments, James refilled his canteen. Checking the time, he frowned. He still had a few minutes before he needed to pick Martin up. Grabbing himself a cool drink, James leaned against the wall and watched his fellow soldiers mill about, talking and enjoying the afternoon meal. His brothers and sisters in arms seemed entirely oblivious to the danger they were all in out here on the edge of the known territories. Of course, he knew that wasn’t so. They were all just taking the moment to breathe while they could.

  Realizing he was stalling for time, James chucked his empty drink container into the recyclables and headed out of the complex. He checked out a Land Rover and headed across the base.

  Genus Nine was discovered twenty years ago, with the base going up two years after that. The permanent dome was placed twelve years ago and over the years small attached domes had been added for the increased population.

  The planet had a rich mining economy that drew many people here. The problem lay in that they were out on the fringes of human explored space. Out this far there were things that made themselves known, and they weren’t the friendliest of neighbors.

  Glancing to the tan sky for a moment James considered how he could protect this civilian and do his job at the same time.

  “I guess if it comes to that I’ll just see what happens,” he sighed as he parked the Rover and climbed out. Looking up at the apartments, he tried not to show his irritation as he approached the front door. He ignored the others in the small lobby as he went straight to the elevator and pressed the button for th
e twelfth floor.

  Music played through the speakers making James twitchy. The elevators at the main building didn’t have music in them. They were quiet, providing a moment of peace for those that rode in them. The sounds of the smooth piano only served to make James wish he could shoot out the speakers.

  The doors chimed none too soon, and James quickly stepped out and went to the third room. He could hear music playing from here as well, though it was a completely different genre. Martin was playing new age rock ‘n’ roll. The electric guitar riffs and synth piano tore through the melody as a woman sang over it all with a near operatic voice. This was more his style. The man may be a lecherous flirt, but he had good taste in tunes.

  Raising his fist, James knocked on the door firmly. “Mr. Black, I’ve come to pick you up!” he called over the music, hoping Martin had heard him.

  Less than a minute passed before the music was turned off and Martin appeared at the door. His auburn hair and green eyes danced with some hidden objective as he hefted his bag on his shoulder and smiled at James. They were the same height, though Martin was slimmer in the waist with equally broad shouldered. “Miss me?”

  “Let’s go,” James stepped aside and motioned for his charge to walk in front of him. “I was told you’d want to see the construction site as soon as possible.”

  “Right.” Martin didn’t show any sign of dejection at being made to walk in the front as he moved to the elevator. The ride down was uneventful, for which James was thankful. He’d hate to break the man’s jaw. “Before going to the site though, do you mind if we make a quick stop?”

  “Where?” James asked, starting the Rover, and hesitating to put it into gear.

  “Where does everyone hang out around here?” Martin asked, a strange smile on his face.

  “Either the courts or the Mess,” James answered.

  “Let’s go to the courts,” Martin declared.

  James was confused. What in the name of the home planet could this man need at the courts? It was his job to show the man around though, so James put the Rover into gear and headed toward the ball courts.

  Chapter 2

  Martin watched from his seat in the Rover for several minutes as men and women played an assortment of sports on the courts. He smiled when one man made a slam dunk while playing a game of half-court basketball. Seemed basketball was a favorite for both players and observers. Volleyball was the next favorite. Third, a game of street hockey was allowing the more aggressive participants to let off some steam.

  “It’s been twenty minutes,” James sighed, “Is there something you’re learning while watching them play?”

  “Do you know what it is I’m here to oversee be built?” Martin asked, snapping a few photos.

  “A new wing on the hospital,” James answered.

  “Yes, but first I’m to build a recreation center,” Martin explained. “These courts are where the new wing is going, so you’ll be getting a new rec-center over there,” he pointed over his shoulder to the section of the base that was bulldozed before his arrival. “Once that’s complete, we level this area and start construction on the hospital.”

  “So, this is what? Research?” James inquired.

  “Partially,” Martin smiled at him with a wink.

  “Okay, that’s enough,” James started the Rover and headed for the construction site.

  Martin hid his amusement. He found the man’s efforts to save his comrades from his gazes admirable. Unnecessary, but admirable. Martin may be a flirt, but he wasn’t loose. Once he set his eyes on something he tended to be very single minded. Of course, that wouldn’t keep him from looking at all the delicious hot male bodies running around shirtless on those courts.

  They arrived at the site rather quickly and Martin instantly disembarked the Rover as he headed for the foreman standing with several other men. As he walked, he frowned. Martin had made himself extremely familiar with the construction and the plans before he landed this morning. According to the schedule, they should be well into laying the foundation. It barely looked like they’d broken ground.

  “Care to explain something to me?” Martin said, inserting himself directly into the conversation.

  “Excuse me?” the foreman, Daryl Harmond, frowned at him. He held the typical hard, working man’s aura. Dark hair, skin abused by years of exposure to the elements—both natural and man-made—and pale green eyes that just screamed of arrogance. “Who are you?”

  “Martin Black, your boss,” he flashed his ID and turned to look at the very empty construction site. “Now, explain to me why we’re two weeks behind? Because the last report I saw said everything was on schedule.”

  “Well, I don’t know how things work up in your office,” Daryl started to say, but Martin held up his hand, silencing him.

  “My job is centered on being on site,” Martin glared at him, pinning the shorter man in place. “I’ve been on dozens of construction sites, so don’t start talking to me like I’m a pencil pusher.”

  “Gerald didn’t seem to mind the slight delays,” Daryl wrapped his thick arms over his chest and met Martin’s eyes directly. “Not like he was ever here to actually check. If his report said we’re on time, that’s because he never bothered to come to the base and see what was going on here. I had a five-day delay on supplies thanks to pirates and another two days we weren’t allowed on site because of military maneuvers.”

  “Why weren’t the delays reported?” Martin demanded.

  “I reported them to Gerald,” Daryl shrugged. “It’s not my fault if they didn’t get pushed up the ladder so he looks better on his quarterly reports.”

  Martin’s temper sky rocketed. He’d been expecting to show up to a site that was running smoothly. Instead he found he had two weeks to make up. That meant the hospital construction was also going to be starting under delays. Fuck, this was not how he’d planned to start this assignment off.

  “I need the reports you sent Gerald, and a list of everything needed to get back on schedule,” Martin said. “Also, I apparently need to make several calls.”

  Daryl nodded, though it was obvious from his expression and posture that he wasn’t expecting much from Martin. Well the guy had a whole new reality to get used to. Martin was nothing like Gerald. This was his site now, and he was going to get it back on schedule. As soon as he got permission to bring on another crew.

  Grabbing his tablet from his bag, he started running through the timetable and making the necessary adjustments. He also sent a request via mail to his firm for another crew. Martin knew he’d have to make a verbal request via video conference, but he couldn’t do that right now. He’d worry about calling his boss when he was back in his room. No matter how much he was dreading talking to that man, all things considered.

  “Do we have the necessary supplies to start laying the foundation?” Martin inquired of Daryl.

  “We do. At least the first half. The second supply load should be here tomorrow.”

  Martin made a quick note of that, as well as to talk to the person in charge of incoming supplies. If the top brass wanted these projects done by the stipulated time, then someone was going to have to grease a couple wheels. Unfortunately, that someone was probably Martin. He hated that part of his job.

  “I want the rebar laid out,” Martin instructed, “As soon as I’m done with my inspection,” he quickly added.

  Daryl gave him a mock bow and motioned for Martin to go right ahead.

  Yeah, this guy obviously didn’t think too highly of the architects and engineers from the main office. Too bad for him, he was stuck with Martin. Not like working out here on Genus Nine was his first choice. If it hadn’t been for that small incident he’d probably be working on getting condos put up on Venus’ moons. Looked like neither of them were going to get what they wanted out of this little partnership.

  As Martin started walking around the site he noticed that James trailed his every move. He knew the man was supposed to be his escort,
but he was acting more like a bodyguard. Yes, Genus Nine was on the outskirts of the known space territories, and was right beside enemy territory, but was it honestly so dangerous that he needed to be watched so thoroughly? Not that Martin was complaining. He liked having the dark-skinned man’s attention solely on him. It felt like he was monopolizing him without even trying.

  James took lunch with the construction workers as Martin and Daryl continued to talk and discuss what needed done to bring the work back onto schedule. Now James was no expert, but it sounded like Gerald, the last man in charge, did a miraculous job fucking things up before he left. Martin kept cursing under his breath every time Daryl brought out another report or notice of delay.

  “Think it’s true?” one man’s voice, lowered to a whisper, drew James’ attention from his charge for a second.

  “Think what’s true?” another grumbled.

  “That our new boss was sent here because he got caught fucking the CEO’s boyfriend,” the first man snickered.

  “I heard he was the CEO’s boyfriend and they broke up,” a third added in. “He was sent here because it didn’t end on good terms.”

  “I thought it was because he fucked up on another job,” someone else said.

  “It has to be something,” the second man frowned. “No one from the main office just volunteers to come all the way out here.”

  Looking back over to Martin, James wondered which of those theories was the truth. He knew from his own C.O. that Martin Black wasn’t here by his own choice. So, was it as these men were suspecting and this was a form of punishment? James knew the man to be a flirt, he’d already harassed him on multiple occasions and he hadn’t been on the planet for more than a few hours. Knowing that, the idea that Martin had slept with his boss, or boss’ lover, didn’t seem too farfetched.

  As for the theory of him fucking up a previous job, for some reason James doubted it.

  Maybe it was because of the way Martin was taking charge and trying to get things figured out already. Or perhaps it was because he seemed to honestly take his job seriously. Either way, James doubted Martin’s assignment here had anything to do with his work performance.