by John Walker
“No, of course not. I just want to keep our expectations level.” Brett leaned forward. “Can you tell me what we’re doing? Specifically.”
“I don’t follow. Are you talking about this mission or…”
“No, I mean the whole point of us running around out here. We did some relief effort; I assume that was political. But what about this pilgrimage thing? What’s the point?”
“Even if the Prytin don’t care to pursue it,” Titus explained, “this is giving us insight into the enemy. A group of aliens that will invade our space at some point, and in force, when they realize where we’re from. So I’m taking this as a fact-finding mission. One that might open some opportunities for our allies too.”
“It’s just been crazy dangerous.”
“I know but that’s exploration.” Titus shrugged. “It’s not as bad as our first encounter with the Kahl.”
“Yes, we can at least handle them now. I hope our commanders back home are using this time wisely.”
“My last report showed several ships working through the refit process. I think we’ll be in a good place.” Titus finished the drink. He coughed. “No, you were wrong. The first one didn’t do a damn thing. That stuff is disgusting.”
“First off, it’s a sipping drink. You don’t slam it like you’re in some university party. Second, if you want to be a captain, you have to refine your tastes.”
“I am refining them. I’ve narrowed down that I hate brandy. That’s a good first step.” Titus stood. “What’re you really worried about, Doctor? Are you going through some general dread or is there a specific concern?”
“Morale,” Brett replied. “I’ve had people in the medical bay who are asking the kinds of questions I did. Why are we doing this? What’s the point of running around the galaxy right now? These are people used to providing security for our colonies. We stopped pirates and other criminal acts.”
“And now we’re in the middle of a potential galactic war,” Titus said. “I get that. It makes sense that they’re worried. Do you think this is causing a serious morale problem? Or is it starting?”
“Right now, they’re asking questions. Unfortunately, they’re not getting satisfactory answers.”
“I’ll have a briefing before we arrive at our destination. Reassure the crew. I admit I haven’t been keeping up on that lately.”
“It’ll do them some good.” Brett sipped his drink again. “See? I can barely taste it now. Just feel the sting of it going down. That’s what you’re aspiring for.”
“Pretty sure you’ve had more than that glass if you aren’t tasting it.” Titus leaned against the wall. “Do you think we should be back home? Defending the front rather than running around out here?”
“No, I believe allies are important when you’re talking about the sort of genocidal mania we’re facing. But everything happened so fast, our soldiers didn’t get a chance to wrap their minds around it. And you know the rank and file. They’re in the weeds. They do their day-to-day jobs without knowing the ‘high level’ stuff.”
“Not unless we paint the vision, I get it.”
“Even you were thrust into this role potentially before you were ready.”
Titus raised a brow. “Really?”
Brett shrugged. “Tell me I’m wrong. You didn’t have a single doubt? Nothing worried you about taking over as captain? Your right hand is older than you.”
“Rhys thought I was wrong for the job,” Titus replied. “I think I won him over.”
“You won me over too. But there’s a lot more to being in charge than leading us through combat missions and bringing people home alive. In fact, that’s kind of bare minimum stuff. The rest is inspiration. Keeping the troops motivated. Some of that you’ve got down. Others… well, I know you’ve been busy.”
“I’ll pick it up.” Titus chuckled. “This feels like a reprimand.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way. It isn’t my intention. This isn’t even official. I just thought you’d like to hear. That’s all.”
“I appreciate it. Very much.”
“How likely is it,” Brett asked, “to encounter an enemy force when we arrive?”
“Very. If not someone else, then pirates coming to collect their friends.”
“And we can do this? We’ve got the capabilities of holding them off?”
“I would say… yes.” Titus nodded. “As long as we stay motivated and focused on the real objective: getting our people out of there.”
“Good.” Brett grabbed the glasses. “I should leave you alone. I’m sure you’re pounding through reports concerning the repairs. I don’t want you to miss something on my account.”
“Your life depends on it.” Titus grinned. “So yeah, I’d better get back to work.”
“Oh! Ronan…” Brett lowered his voice, as if someone might be eavesdropping. “I think we’re making some progress. He may be combat ready again in the near future.”
“We’ll put him through some simulator practice,” Titus said, “see for sure one way or another. Sam and Jane have made an excellent battle crew. They both deserve a commendation for their actions. I’ve been impressed.”
“Yes, I’ve received positive feedback about them as well. You’d be surprised at what I hear from the injured. They have a lot to say. As if wounds take away their inhibitions.”
“Any serious complaints you’d like to share?” Titus asked.
“None specifically. You know, client patient confidentiality. It’s like the confessional, that medical bay.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s not true.”
Brett smiled. “Don’t worry. If anyone said anything particularly inflammatory, I’d let you know. Right now, it’s all general complaints, confusion, and thanks given to the people keeping them alive. Though, I’d like to point out that some of the maneuvers we pull during combat have put some people off.”
“Yeah, I imagine. Believe me, I’m not fond of them myself. But that’s space combat.” Titus shrugged. “At least now. I know most of us are used to straightforward fights with minimal movement. That’s not an option fighting the Kahl. Not with all their weapons. We have to stay mobile. And fast.”
“It’s terrible when we’re working on people, I’ll tell you that. Doubling up the dampeners helped. Engineering made it so we’re not jostled quite as bad, but it’s a big power drain apparently.”
“Maybe they can do the same for the bridge.” Titus walked him to the door. “We’ll talk again later, Doctor. Thanks for stopping by. I’m falling shy of thanking you for the drink though. That was gross.”
“You’ll grow to like it,” Brett said. “I’ll work on you.”
“Not exactly sure how my doctor is trying to addict me to old man booze, but thanks for the attention… I guess.” He closed the door, then returned to his desk, catching up with the reports. Three hours to go. The thought pumped him up, despite the fact he’d hoped to get a little rest. That’s not going to happen.
Titus struggled with the thought of his people out there. He hated the fact they were distracted by the relief effort. Much as he appreciated helping civilians, he dreaded what that delay meant for his wayward crew. People I sent to the station. My responsibility… left to deal with the consequences.
Rhys had some words about it. Fortunately, he kept them to himself. At least for the time being. If Alon and the others wound up dead, the conversation would certainly happen. After he warned me about it. But we needed that information. Did they get it? He had no idea. That’ll determine if any of this was worth the hassle.
Huxley sent an announcement to the command crew, letting them know all weapon generators were fully functional again. This included the defensive arrays. Emitters have been replaced and are charging up. We’ll have full shields, though until we can run some tests, the port side may be a little weak.
“Great news,” Titus muttered as he replied: Thanks for the information. I’d like an update on propulsion and helm control as well
. What is your current priority list? Please explain why each item is located where it is. Appreciate the work and look forward to your reply. He hit send then turned his attention to reports from other parts of the ship.
Things seemed to be going well. Titus hoped he wasn’t jinxing them with his optimism. A couple hull breaches and we’re already at warp. That’s a testament to our Engineering staff and their ingenuity. He felt like they had something to contribute to the rest of the fleet, some kind of information that might help the war effort.
If nothing else, their experience dealing with problems in the middle of what’s become modern warfare. All of them knew things their peers did not. No one else in the TCN had faced the Kahl and lived. The minute command puts that together, they might call us home for training. Which put another timeline on his mind.
We have to get our work done before a variety of points come up to the admiralty. Titus wanted to finish the pilgrimage. The scientists on his ship would definitely push to see the end of that journey. Then there was his duty as an ambassador, working with the Prytins to secure their alliance. We’ve got a lot of responsibility out here.
The question came down to whether they’d be allowed to see it through before command could interfere. I guess we’ll find out.
***
Haulda rubbed his temples, trying to soothe a splitting headache. It felt like something stabbing his eyes. As the foretold moment approached, he found himself apprehensive. And somewhat ill. Nausea tightened around his stomach, and a sense of vertigo made everything worse.
The tunnel charge ended ten minutes earlier. That helped some of the pressure in his head. He never liked being down there during such events. Before the invaders, they slept above ground in far simpler structures. The climate allowed them to forsake high-tech options and stick to natural materials.
I miss our home in the north. Once fire streaks filled the sky, Haulda gave the order for his people to retreat to the caves. They took up their positions, readying the facilities for the Prophet’s appointed. His mate took her people to address the enemy, to ensure they were occupied. I wish she’d check in.
They used minimal technology in their efforts, mostly to avoid detection. No communicators, no high-tech gadgets, just blades and powder projectiles. His people had to play a dangerous game against beam weapons and heavy armor. Even with training, he fought to maintain faith.
The doors opened. Deilna strode into the room. Blood soaked her outfit, smears of mud and gore matting her hair. She limped but that was the only outward sign of injury. At least that she was willing to show.
Haulda stepped toward her but she held her hands up. “Stop. Some of this is fresh. Believe me, you don’t want it all over you.”
“What happened? You’ve been gone so long!”
“We engaged the enemy several times,” Deilna replied. “Twice at entrances to the tunnels. No one wants them poking around here until we’re ready for them. The latest attack took place at a sealed entrance. Must’ve been the Prophet’s chosen that did that. Unfortunately, they weren’t particularly thorough on the outside.”
“How so?”
“They shoved a couple rocks in the entrance.” Deilna shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. The enemy rooted around there. We slaughtered them. Came out of the trees while they scanned the place. Cut their throats. And we’ve brought back their weapons. Along with some armor as well, which we can use in the main fight.”
“Excellent.” Haulda frowned. “Have you been hurt?”
“Yes. Several times. I’m heading to the medical bay now. We couldn’t get back in for a while with the charge running. Is everyone okay here?”
“Mostly. They are suspicious.”
“Did you expect anything less?”
Haulda huffed. “Two of them are resting in the other room. They followed me from the medical center to get some information. The rest are back there if you want to see them.”
“I won’t have a choice.” Deilna handed him a sidearm. “This came from one of the invaders. You might want to familiarize yourself with it. They’re simple enough, but I don’t know how they reload. If they even need to. The way they fire their weapons, you would think they have a never-ending reserve.”
“It’s possible, I suppose. We’ll run some scans.” Haulda led her to the door. “You should’ve gone straight to Medical.”
“I sent others who were worse off than me first. And while they received care, I came here.” Deilna smiled. Unfortunately, with all the gore and filth, it looked far more sinister than she likely intended. “I know what I’m doing. Things are fine, love. Everything is happening according to the prophecy.”
“I only hope our allies can do what we want them to.”
“We can’t get those defenses online,” Deilna replied, “it must be them. One way or another, whether it’s technical expertise or mystical power, they will bring them online. And we’ll repel the invaders. I have total faith.”
I wish I did.
“Your face… you have doubts?”
“Are you reading my mind now?”
Deilna tilted her head. “Do I have to? You tend to confide in me.”
“I’m worried, that’s all.”
“Don’t be. You weren’t out there. Everything we’ve heard, the way they fight in groups, the fact they don’t bother to even try to communicate, it’s all as it was written. And the allies you brought here, they were personable, right?”
“First thing she did was try to talk to me.”
Deilna nodded. “There you have it. We are on the right side. As we expected. As we wanted.” She winced. “Okay, I need to get some things taken care of. Do relax. Take something for your headache.”
“How’d you know I had one?”
“Your expression is tense. You only look like that when you’re in pain. Since you weren’t out fighting, I assumed.”
Haulda chuckled. “I never have to wonder why I’m with you.”
Deilna winked. “Too bad I can’t say the same.”
“What?” Haulda’s eyes widened.
“There we go. Now you’re relaxing. See you soon, my love. And remember to relax! We’ve got this.”
Yes, well… we’ll see about that. Haulda headed to the room where Milna and Niva rested. He stepped inside, clearing his throat. Getting too close to either of them while they slept wouldn’t be a good idea. Not while they were in a strange place with people they didn’t trust yet.
“Excuse me?” Haulda tried whispering. He tapped the wall. “Um… hello?”
Niva sat up with a deep breath. “Is there a problem?”
“The charge is done,” Haulda said, “we can begin now when you’re ready.”
“I have to get my people.” Niva tapped Milna. “Wake up. We’re on.”
“I barely slept,” Milna replied. She stood from the cot. “So we’re heading to these ruins, is that it?”
Haulda nodded. “We’ll lead you there when you’re ready. Through the caverns to the underground entrance. From there, you’ll be on your own, I’m afraid.”
“Schematics?” Niva asked. “The things I asked for?”
“Ready for you. I’ve got a device you can take back to the medical center. My mate is there. She can answer any questions you might have while she is tended.”
“Great.” Niva motioned for Milna to follow. “Let’s get this over with.”
She has the same concern I do, Haulda thought, at least her tone suggests it. They seemed capable. After all, they survived something that should’ve killed them. And most of them walked away from the crash. They are the chosen. Have faith, man! These people will give you purpose.
It seemed like a lot of pressure to place on strangers. But then, he didn’t have a choice.
***
Vesper woke with a start. Tiller touched her shoulder, shushing her as she tried to catch her breath. The room smelled of antiseptic, cleanser… something sweet. She swallowed hard, accepting a bottle of water from him
to take a sip. The first quaff soothed her sore throat, chilling her all the way down to her stomach.
“What the hell happened?” Vesper whispered. “I… where are we?”
“Long story,” Tiller replied, “but I can catch you up fast. Natives helped us. We’re in an underground medical facility. They asked us to help with something crazy involving the Kahl that are looking for us. No contact with the Triton yet, nor the Brekka, and we’re kind of on our own. You’re the last to wake up.”
“That was… very direct.” Vesper huffed. “Can I stand?”
“From what I can tell, the stuff we gave you fixed you up well enough. You and Alon should be good to go.”
Vesper threw her legs over the side of the bed, standing slowly. Blood rushed through her body, making her vision dim with vertigo. She drew a couple deep breaths then sat again. I hope that clears up or I won’t be able to contribute much to whatever’s happening. She looked around, noting the rest of her group was present.
Her armor sat beside the bed, neatly stacked with her weapons nearby. They’d been cleaned. The surface of the chest plate practically gleamed. She grabbed the rifle, checking it over. Fully charged and ready for action.
“Did you do all this?” Vesper asked.
Tiller nodded. “Yeah, I had time to kill and wasn’t tired. I took care of Alon’s too. The others dealt with their own stuff. Hope you don’t mind.”
“No, I appreciate it. Very much. Thanks.”
“All good.” Tiller stood. “Niva’s got a briefing, but we’re falling out as soon as we get some grub.”
“That’s fast. Must be urgent?”
“The Kahl have been looking for us for a while,” Tiller replied. “They ain’t giving up. Which probably means they didn’t find what they wanted on the Flotilla.”
“Us? Or the info?”
“Both, I’m guessing.” Tiller gave her a hand up. “Come on, let’s focus on paying our debt for rescue before we do anything else.”
“You’re up!” Niva called. “We’ll talk more after this. It isn’t much, I’m afraid.” She tapped her device, bringing a projection up on a blank wall. It depicted a series of structures, spires with chunks missing climbing toward the sky. As it panned out, a wall came into view. Everything appeared to be made of stone.
