by James McEwan
Not far away, the last of the ships arrived at the assembly area. On the command ship the Nephilim known only as the Dark Lord stood overlooking his fleet. “My Lord, we are ready.” His top commander informed him.
“Good. Let it begin.”
“Excellent my Lord,” he bowed and then turned to his crew, “Broadcast fleet wide, execute.”
The communication officer nodded then turned to his screen, “All ships, execute, execute, execute.”
Shortly after the command was issued, the first of the ships opened up hyperspace windows and jumped. Ship after ship disappeared leaving nothing but the inky blackness of empty space behind them.
Eve had received clearance to land at a private spaceport and had hover limos waiting for them. Colonel Grunt and his marines were the first off the Eden. The marines moved with the practiced grace of professional soldiers. They searched the limos and drivers and once they were happy that things were safe the unit’s command sergeant major gave Colonel Grunt the thumbs up.
Sasha and Conall were quickly rushed into the back of one of the limos then Colonel Grunt waved his hands in a circle, giving the command to mount up. The marines climbed into the limos in front and back of the one holding the Emperor. Colonel Grunt was the last to enter. He closed the door and three limos rushed off.
Next off the Eden was Amanda followed by the twins, and then Thad and Ruby. Behind them came Eve and Archie. Archie was carrying several bags. The driver of their limo held the door while the women got in. Thad stood next to the driver who was having a hard time not laughing. He was looking at Archie who appeared to have a custom new paint job. Well, paint job was a bit of a stretch. He had been painted with markers and makeup by Ruby. She had given him big red lips and a large red nose. She had then used white makeup around his eyes to make them appear much bigger. However, the best part was the red curly wig that he was wearing. Thad had been so busy with all the packing and other preparations he had failed to notice Archie’s current state. The look on the drivers face was what made Thad look.
Thad let out a loud belly laugh, which stopped Archie in his tracks. He stopped loading bags into the trunk and looked at Thad. “She wanted to play dress up. The dress was just too much Sir. I have pounded out my head for less,” Archie stated with all the indignation he could muster.
Thad composed himself, “Way to take one for the team there buddy.”
“Miss Ruby said the wig was quite fetching Sir!”
Chapter 11
The ride to Amanda’s apartment was quick and quiet. Ruby sat plastered to the window, her little nose smudging the glass; as she watched in wide-eyed wonder the sights, lights, and colors that encompassed the Isis Capital District. Thad was lost in his own thoughts. He had not thought about his past for a long time, but now being on this world once more brought up memories he had longed to forget. He wondered just how many people he had killed here during the course of his career as an assassin.
Though Eve also sat quietly, she was far from quiet. She was busily hacking government systems, searching for any information she could find. She wanted desperately to determine what was going on, to figure out just what the Admiral’s friends were keeping from her.
Amanda was busy working over a tablet. Her fingers rapidly moved over the screen as she pounded out messages to her staff and colleagues. The twins seemed to adjust to the change in time by falling asleep over one another. While up front with the driver, Archie was trying to remove the combination of marker and make up from his face.
The limo pulled into an underground parking area where the driver was met by an armed guard. The driver stopped the limo and rolled down his window. He passed over his credentials and then rolled down the back window. Amanda reached out with her own ID. The guard took the ID, checked it, and after confirming her identity he brightened, “Good to see you again Admiral. How long will you be staying this time?”
“Not sure actually, but it’s good to see you again Rusty.”
The guard handed back her ID with a smile, and the limo pulled away. After several turns it stopped in front of a bank of lifts. The group exited the limo, bid the driver good night and entered the lift leaving Archie to bring up the bags.
The lift shot upwards at a break neck speed. The inertial dampeners were a little slow in compensating for the rapid acceleration, which resulted in a momentary increase in gravity. Ruby squealed and giggled, but the rest of them found the sensation more uncomfortable than fun. Though unaware, the adults all marveled at Ruby’s enjoyment, momentarily contemplating the difference between children and adults, and how even the unusual sensations felt during a lift ride were seen as a wonder to her while they were a petty annoyance to the adult passengers.
Comprised of a transparent aluminum alloy, the lift was stronger and lighter than glass while maintaining the look and feel of the weaker substance. With skyscrapers reaching unfathomable heights, architects had made the switch to the stronger, though more expensive, material for safety sake. The lift rose higher and higher, soon passing out from below the underground floors as it propelled itself ever upward toward the suite. As the lift came out from below ground Ruby delighted in the discovery that the tube was attached to the outer wall of the building, allowing for a grand view as they rose higher into the air toward their floor. She placed her face against the cold glasslike wall, and balanced with a hand on either side, leaving breath marks on the metal at the city far below. “Wow,” she exclaimed, mesmerized by the enormity of what she SAW.
Thad smiled down at the little girl. Given all that he had done, he now knew beyond a doubt that he had made the right choice years ago with the destruction of the assassin program. It had saved her from what had been his fate. She was free to be a little girl and enjoy all the wonders of childhood.
The lift came to a stop and the doors swished open. The group marched out and walked down a short hallway to a set of double doors. Amanda placed her hand on a scanner and the door clicked open. “Welcome to my home, well my home here on Isis anyway,” she said, as she opened the door.
Thad was impressed, “The penthouse, I guess rank really does have its privileges.”
“Yeah it does, although I rarely get the oppertunity to enjoy it. Most of my time is spent on ships or in barracks as my job takes me all over,” Amanda said.
“You said this was one of the homes you have?” Fiona asked, wanting to know more about her mother-in-law.
“Yes, I have home on Nova Texas as well. I was born and raised there on the great convoys, and now own a ranch where I enjoy riding my horses.”
“It’s so much fun,” Ruby interjected. “Grandma’s taken me there lots of times and even got two ponies just for me to ride! I can’t wait to go back and see them,” she gushed.
“It sounds amazing,” Freya said as she bent down to Ruby’s level. “Why don’t you come tell me more about it?” She took Ruby by the hand and walked her deeper into the apartment.
Fiona was confused and asked, “How does one have a ranch on Nova Texas? Doesn’t it freeze solid for half the year?
“The ranch itself is on rails, just like the cities. It’s kind of fun really, because when you ride the range it is always changes,” Amanda said, answering her question.
As soon as the rest of them had cleared the doorway and made their way into the front room they where met by a man in a classic black and white butlers uniform. He was tall and fit, his face was chiseled, and he looked like he could stand in for a Greek statue. His hair was short and dark, but his brown eyes were warm and kind. “Sorry mum, I was not at the door to meet you as I was not infromed you were on your way home,” he said in deep warm voice.
Amanda set her bag down, “Don’t worry about it Charles, we really didn’t want to announce our arrival.” She placed her arm through his, “Everyone, this is Charles. Charles is my butler, my personal chef, the best bodyguard a girl could have, and a wonderful friend. He manages all of the affairs of this household. He will see t
o you all of your needs.”
Thad hadn’t been aware of the smirk that crossed his face. Amanda, on the other hand, didn’t fail to miss it, “Something to add Thad dear?”
“Hey, I’m not judging. I just didn’t take you for the type to go in for lovebots.”
For the first time Thad saw his mother blush, “What gave it away?”
“Couple of things actually, like the fact that it’s the middle of the night and he’s fully dressed with just a hint of dust on the shoulders. It looks as if he’s just brushed it away. And then of course there’s the way you touched him. I’d say you’re a little more fond of him than you like to let on,” Thad said, explaining his observations.
“You don’t miss much do you?” She said. “Is it a problem for you?”
“Not at all; like I said, I’m not judging. I just didn’t think…”
“What? Didn’t think that your mother’s a fully functioning woman with needs?” Fiona interrupted them.
“I, well, I,” Thad stammered as he tried to figure a way out of the conversation. The only thought that was going through his mind was to yell fire and run from the room.
“Stop now dear before you put your foot in any deeper.” Fiona said. She then brushed the butler’s shoulders removing the last trace of dust. “Besides I like your choice. He’s awfully handsome and I bet he beats that little plastic toy tucked away in a drawer somewhere.”
Thad now wished he had never opened this particular can of worms. He was looking for any way out when Archie entered laden with bags. “Hey buddy let me help you with those.” Thad quickly removed himself from the conversation to help with the luggage.”
The two women shared a look and then a laughed, “Men,” they said in unison.
It was late and they were tired from their travels. It wasn’t long before everyone was in bed and fast asleep.
Morning came early and Thad woke to find himself alone. He shaved, showered, and got dressed. The penthouse apartment occupied two floors, with the bedrooms on the top floor and the remainder on the ground. He went downstairs to the smells of fresh bacon and maple syrup. In the dining room a full spread of breakfast foods was displayed, as was coffee and several varieties of juice. Thad smiled when he noticed a bottle of Jenna’s Homemade Lemonade among them. Ruby was sitting with the twins, and Eve and Archie were there as well. Charles fussed about making sure everyone had enough to eat. Thad noticed that his mother was absent from the breakfast feast.
“So I’m not the last to arrive for breakfast I see,” Thad said as he pulled out his chair.
“Sorry sir, but no. The Admiral took her breakfast two hours ago and then departed,” Charles said as he pushed a glass of lemonade into Thad’s hand. “The Admiral said this was your favorite.”
“It is, thank you,” he replied as he took the glass and sat down. “Did the Admiral say where she was going by chance?”
“She departed for work sir. She left instructions for you to join her once you finished your breakfast.”
“Looks like it’s bring your kid to work day,” Freya said with a wink and a smile.
“What about us girls?” Fiona asked.
“She felt you would enjoy an opportunity to see the sites and do some shopping,” Charles said.
“Smart woman your mother is,” Freya added.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but for once I think I’d rather go shopping with you all,” Thad said.
The girls all laughed at his comment, Thad just smiled, “So Eve what about you? You coming with me or going with the girls?”
“Neither actually. I promised Carl that I would return to the Eden and take him shopping. You know how much he hates food replicators. So we’re going grocery shopping.”
Thad turned to Archie, “And what about you big guy?”
“Sorry sir, I am on protection detail full time,” he replied with what Thad thought was a tone of relief in his electronic voice.
“Charles?” Thad asked in desperation.
“Sorry sir, I must also decline. My duties here keep me quite busy.”
Freya hugged Thad’s arm, “Oh how bad can it be, really. After all, you’ve faced down Ralnai warriors with nothing but a force blade.”
“Yeah, well at least then I was armed,” he grumbled.
Chapter 12
A quick hour later Thad found himself in the headquarters of the StarGuard Fleet Command. Even though Thad had been to Isis many times in the past, he had never set foot inside this particular building. It was like most government and military buildings, completely unimaginative and boring. He wondered what his mother was thinking having him come to what he considered to be the belly of the beast. Thad gave his name to the young lieutenant manning the front entrance who informed him he was expected, and issued him a visitor’s badge to be worn round his neck. He couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy knowing that very likely the orders that had created the program which had ultimately given him life came from somewhere deep within this building. Thad figured that Eve must have had enough time to hack into the StarGuard’s computer system, so he used his communication implant to contact her, “Eve dear, are you in yet?”
Her voice came back sharp as if she was offended that he would even ask. “I was in last night. Their A.I. Heimdall is a charming enough of fellow… tough, even a challenge, but never a match for me.”
Thad laughed inside his mind at her statement, and then wondered if his laugh was trasmitted.
“The answer is yes. Anything you think is transmitted to me,” Eve said, answering his unasked question.
“Really, everything?”
“Yes everything, at least as long as the link is open. So if you don’t want me listening in on your thoughts you’d best make sure you remember to turn off the link. It’s no fun knowing what you’re going to get for Christmas.” Thad imagined Eve smiling. “Yes I am, and thank you very much. Now you didn’t contact me for small talk. What can I do for you Thad honey?”
“I was just wondering if you have gleaned anything about why I’m here or what’s going on,” Thad asked.
“As far as why you’re here? Nothing. Your mother is playing that one very close to the chest. As far as what’s going on? They don’t have a clue. It seems that either the Federation has the worst intelligence service in the universe or someone or something has been scrubbing the data from the system as it comes in. I think someone doesn’t want anyone to know what’s really happening. I’ll keep working on it. I have a trace program running, but it will take time,” Eve transmitted.
“Thanks, keep up the good work,” Thad responded and then remembered to turn off his link. It was bad enough that Ruby had full access to his mind. He really didn’t need Eve in there as well.
His thoughts were interrupted when a major came to escort him to the meeting. He was told nothing just led through a series of hallways that looked in every way identical to the previous hallway and that before it. Had it not been for the alphanumeric lables on the doorways, he would have sworn he was being lead in a giant circle. When Thad was properly lost he contacted Eve long enough for her to send him a map of the building.
Finally, he was led to a door where the major placed his hand on a scanner and then leaned forward for an optical scan of his eyes. Once his identity was confirmed the door opened and the major pointed to an open doorway, “They’re expecting you sir.”
Thad thanked the major and entered the room. The conference room had screens that lined the walls, and a large oval table surrounded by tall backed black leather chairs. Occupying those chairs were the top brass of the StarGuard, senior members of the planetary government, both the President of the Rep Com and the United Federation of Planets, the Terrain Emperor, and his mother. The man speaking at the time he walked in was Sky Marshal Drake. Thad didn’t need any introduction to the Sky Marshal. He had seen him a few times before. One look at his face and Thad had memories of a much younger man standing next to Thorne, overseeing the program.<
br />
Thad knew this man was bad news even if no one else did. Thad wanted nothing more than to leap across the table and strangle him with his bare hands. However, somewhere deep inside his mind he fought the urge. Then he thought, ‘This must be what true stress is; when your mind overrides your body’s basic desire to choke the living daylights out of some jerk who desperately deserves it.’
Amanda saw Thad enter the room and stood up, interrupting the Sky Marshal. “Excuse me sir, but Mr. Hammer has arrived.”
The Sky Marshal looked highly annoyed at having just been interrupted, “And just who is Mr. Hammer and why exactly is he here?”
Before Amanda could answer Emporer Conall Barros spoke, “Mr. Hammer is a close friend and personal adviser. He’s here at my request as well as because it was his home I was visiting when it was destroyed. If it hadn’t been for Mr. Hammer and his extraordinary family I wouldn’t be sitting here today.” He flashed a quick look at Amanda. He thought no one had noticed it, but he was mistaken. Drake saw the look and made a mental note. “I see,” he said trying his best to hide his displeasure at having a civilian in the high-level meeting.
“Is that a problem for you?” Conall asked.
“Not at all your Excellency. In fact, I’m incredibly interested to hear Mr. Hammer’s report concerning the events that occurred on Nome.” Drake said changing his tone as the politician in him took over.
“Mr. Hammer will you please give us a briefing on the events that took place on Nome,” Amanda said stressing Nome as a message to Thad. The moment Drake had said Nome she knew he was involved, as they had all been very careful not to reveal the location they had come in from.
Thad understood her message and gave his account of what had happened during the Dreenoi attack. He left out how they blew up the moon as he really didn’t want to be answering a lot of questions about Dr. Hammer’s work.
