by Ryk Brown
“I’m still not sure you should trust him,” Cameron insisted. “I’m also not sure you should be going on the mission yourself.”
“We talked about this, Cam,” Nathan reminded her.
“As captain, you’re supposed to let others do this kind of thing.”
“And as leader of this rebellion, I have to inspire others to serve, and that means putting myself into harm’s way.”
“I’m not certain you’re correct about that,” Cameron insisted. “In fact, I think you go because you don’t trust others to do it.”
“I don’t go on every dangerous mission, Cam,” Nathan argued. “Only those that are critical to our success. Besides, I got the Aurora into her current state, and I’m going to get her out of it.”
“Is that what this is about?” she wondered. “Guilt?”
“More like a sense of responsibility.”
“You have a responsibility to this entire Alliance, Nathan.”
“If the Alliance cannot survive without me, then it is already doomed,” Nathan insisted. “This alliance isn’t about me, Cam, it’s about the right for each world to govern themselves and to determine their own destiny. The one common denominator we’ve found since we’ve gotten back into space is that the strong still prey on the weak simply because they can. Humans have been that way throughout history. It’s got to stop.”
“You’re trying to change human history?”
“Only it’s future,” Nathan replied.
“If it’s been the same throughout history, what makes you think you can change it?” Cameron wondered.
“I don’t know that I can,” Nathan admitted. “But, I’ve been given opportunity after opportunity. First, I was assigned to the Aurora, then I ended up in command. I was even resurrected. And now, I’ve got these abilities. I can move better, think better, remember everything…all this must be for a reason.”
“How do you know it’s for this reason?” Cameron asked.
“I don’t. But if no one is able to tell me what the reason is, then I have to choose one myself. This is the reason I choose.”
“You do realize the Jung probably think the same way, as do the Dusahn. They both believe they are making humanity better for all.”
“Yes, but they are wrong,” Nathan insisted.
“How can you be so sure?” she wondered.
“Because I am not certain that I am correct,” Nathan told her, “more precisely, I am not certain that they aren’t correct. Nothing is more dangerous than the person who is so resolute in their beliefs that they excuse any atrocity used to achieve them.”
“But if you are not certain, then why do it?” Cameron wondered.
“Because all we can do is what we believe is right,” Nathan explained, “even when we are uncertain.”
“But if it is the right thing, and you don’t do it, then eventually someone else will,” she argued.
“Perhaps,” Nathan admitted, “but given what has happened to me…to us, how can I turn my back and leave it for someone else to do?”
“But, if you aren’t sure what needs to be done…”
“But I am sure that something must be done,” Nathan argued, “and that’s as good a place to start as any.”
Cameron sighed. “I hope you’re right, Nathan.”
“So do I.”
“Well, you’ve got six hours until the deadline. Maybe you should get some rest, as well,” Cameron suggested.
“You’re probably right,” Nathan agreed, rising from his seat and heading for the hatch.
“Just promise me one thing, Nathan,” Cameron said.
“What’s that?”
“If you ever become certain, tell me, so I can knock some holes in your beliefs and bring you back to reality.”
Nathan looked at her and smiled. “Deal.”
* * *
Nathan strode across the Aurora’s main hangar deck, Cameron and Jessica in tow. Others gathered around to witness the rare sight as the inner doors opened on the starboard, large airlock, revealing a Dusahn cargo shuttle.
Ghatazhak lined up on either side of the door, weapons charged and held ready.
Nathan looked to Cameron.
“We scanned it,” she assured him. “It’s empty, and we had them power down their reactor and come in on battery power, just in case.”
“They could still scram their reactor and do considerable damage,” Nathan pointed out.
“Which is one of the reasons I objected to this idea,” Cameron reminded him.
The side hatch slid open, revealing the cavernous empty interior of the cargo shuttle. A moment later, Siggy came out of the cockpit and stepped down, followed by his pilot.
“Nice ship you have here,” Siggy said. “A bit beat up, though. You sure she’s still space-worthy?”
“She’ll be fine,” Nathan replied. “A bit late, aren’t you?”
“I like to make a grand entrance,” Siggy boasted.
“You brought the uniforms, as well?”
“As promised,” Siggy replied. “Nice soldiers,” he added, looking at the twenty Ghatazhak with weapons trained on him. “I don’t suppose you hire them out on occasion.”
“You’ll have to ask General Telles,” Nathan replied, gesturing at the general as he approached.
“Lovely to see you again, missy,” Siggy said, leering at Jessica.
“Wish I could say the same,” Jessica sneered.
Siggy looked at Cameron. “And who’s this lovely lady?”
“Captain Taylor, my executive officer,” Nathan replied. “Captain Taylor, meet Sigmund Daschew.”
“Pleased, I’m sure,” Cameron replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“So, you gonna show me around?” Siggy wondered. “Or maybe one of these lovely ladies would like the honor?”
“Another time,” Nathan replied. “We have work to do.”
“Yes, yes, yes. Let’s get to it, shall we,” Siggy replied.
“Excuse me?” Nathan said.
“You didn’t think I was going to let you go without me, did you?” Siggy laughed.
“Not happening, Siggy,” Nathan stated firmly.
“Perhaps you misunderstood,” Siggy said. “You don’t have a choice.”
Nathan smiled. “I’m afraid it is you who does not understand.” Nathan strolled slowly toward Siggy as he spoke. “You see, this isn’t Haven. I may have needed your help to acquire this shuttle and the uniforms, but I do not need your help for anything beyond that. However, I have arranged for you to stay at a nice hotel on Rakuen while we are away. On us, of course.”
“And if I don’t agree?” Siggy asked, still feeling confident in his position.
“Then I’ll have the Ghatazhak toss you out an airlock,” Nathan replied calmly.
Siggy looked at the Ghatazhak, then at Jessica and Cameron. Finally, he looked back at Nathan. “What makes you think I didn’t tell the Dusahn about your plans or where you’re hiding?”
“One, they know where we are,” Nathan replied. “Two, you wouldn’t volunteer to go with us if you had warned them we were coming, and finally, you’re a greedy little shit and you are still hoping that you’ll profit off of this venture.”
Siggy nodded a few times. “You’re correct about the first two, I suppose, and partially correct about the last. However, I am quite certain that you plan to screw me in the end.”
“Then, why did you come?” Nathan wondered.
“First, I’ll be better off if the Dusahn are gone.”
“And you believe we are the ones who can do it,” Nathan surmised.
Siggy laughed. “On the contrary, I’m certain you’ll fail…quite possibly with this little stunt. However, on the off chance that you can defeat them, I’d like to think that I was able to help in some small way.”
“Ah, Siggy, is that a shred of honor showing through your crusty, scaly exterior?” Nathan joked.
“Watch it, Tuplo, I have a reputation to uphold.”
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“Sorry.”
“Well, good luck to you all,” Siggy announced. “I’m off to enjoy the wonders of Rakuen. Room service is included, right?”
“Of course,” Nathan replied, rolling his eyes. “Captain Taylor, would you see to Mister Daschew’s transportation?”
“Do I have to?” Cameron replied.
CHAPTER TWELVE
“How do I look?” Nathan asked as he walked toward the waiting Dusahn cargo shuttle.
“Good enough to shoot,” Josh replied.
“You sure you got the right size?” Nathan teased, tugging on Josh’s baggy uniform.
“I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t meet the Dusahn’s minimum height requirements for service,” Loki joked.
“Can you reach the pedals?” Nathan added, smiling.
“Funny,” Josh replied. “And for the record, this thing doesn’t have any pedals. Nice goatee, by the way.”
“I was going to go for a beard, but I was afraid I’d be recognized as Connor,” Nathan replied.
“Just keep your face shield down, like everyone else,” General Telles suggested.
Nathan looked over at Jessica, who was wearing far more gear than usual. “How the hell do you walk in all that?”
“Assistive undergarment, remember?”
“Yeah, but…”
“You sure you want to do this?” Jessica asked.
“You’re leading the shield team, Telles is leading the warehouse team, and Kellen is leading the cargo bay team. Who’s left that speaks Takaran?”
“Only every Ghatazhak,” Jessica replied.
“It’s my idea, and the future of my ship is on the line,” Nathan replied. “I’m going.”
“That’s what I thought you’d say.”
“Besides, you’ve got the hard part,” Nathan added.
“Just make sure you get them to drop that shield at the right moment,” Jessica told him as she turned to head for her Reaper, “or Samu and I will be like bugs on a windshield.”
“Right,” Nathan replied.
“Good luck, Captain,” General Telles said.
“To you, as well,” Nathan replied. He turned and climbed up into the Dusahn cargo shuttle, taking a seat at the front, along with the four Ghatazhak also dressed in Dusahn uniforms. “Let’s do this,” he said as he activated the hatch closure mechanism.
* * *
Jessica checked her partner’s gear, ensuring that it was secured properly and ready for use. Once she was done, the specialist checked her gear, as well.
“Insertion jump in one minute,” Ensign Weston announced from the cockpit of Reaper Six.
Jessica moved into position at the port hatch. “I can’t believe we’re going to do this,” she muttered.
“The joys of being Ghatazhak,” Specialist Samudio joked as he positioned himself at the starboard hatch.
“Thirty seconds,” the ensign repeated.
“You guys ready back there?” Lieutenant Haddix inquired.
“No, but let’s do it anyway,” Jessica replied as she lowered her face shield and her suit pressurized. “Good seal.”
“Good seal,” the specialist followed.
“Ten seconds to stealth jump,” Ensign Weston warned.
Jessica forced herself to breathe regularly, closing her eyes as she mentally prepared herself.
“Three……two……one……jumping!”
Her eyes still closed, Jessica could imagine the Reaper suddenly transitioning from its position just outside the Tico system to its new position only a few kilometers away from the Rama ZPED factory.
“Stealth jump complete,” Ensign Weston reported. “Opening side doors.”
Jessica opened her eyes as the door before her slid open, revealing the starry blackness on the other side. She reached out with her right hand to grab the handrail on the outside of Reaper Six’s hull, then let go of the inside rail with her left hand, allowing her body to drift outside. Once satisfied that she was floating parallel to the Reaper, she let go with her right hand.
The Reaper let out a few tiny spurts of cold thrust from her topside, causing it to drift downward away from Jessica and Specialist Samudio. A few more spurts increased its distance, causing it to distance itself from them at an even faster rate.
Jessica’s breathing rate increased slightly, despite her best efforts to control it. Less than three kilometers away, an energy shield stood between her and the Rama plant. In three hours, they would reach the shield perimeter. If it was still up, the mission would be over for them.
* * *
“Stealth jump complete,” Ensign Jayson reported. “Beginning cold-coast approach.”
“Settle in, gentlemen,” Lieutenant Taren added. “It’s a one-hundred-and-sixty-minute coast to the expected go-point. Hope you brought something to read.” He looked at his copilot, smiling. “I brought a movie.”
Ensign Jayson turned to look through the passageway behind them, into the main cabin. All six Ghatazhak, including the general, appeared to be asleep. “Jesus,” he exclaimed. “How the hell do they do that?”
“Beats the shit out of me,” the lieutenant replied. “The only place I can sleep is on my rack. To be honest, I’m a little jealous.”
* * *
“I’m never going to get used to this thing,” Aiden complained from the helm of his Orochi. “You want to verify our position, Mando?”
The systems officer pressed several buttons, then turned to look at Aiden. “My panel says the same thing as yours. We’re at the launch point.”
“Sorry, I had a hard enough time trusting the auto-flight systems on the Cobras. This thing is like ten-times more automated.”
“What now?” Ledge asked from the gun control station.
“Now, we have a two-and-a-half-hour wait.”
“Seriously?”
“Hey, I didn’t design this mission,” Aiden defended, “I’m just a guy pushing buttons like the rest of you.”
* * *
“This is, without a doubt, the scariest thing we have ever done,” Loki decided as he sat at the copilot’s station of the Dusahn cargo shuttle, waiting for their turn to spring into action.
“Scarier than jumping in between shield layers of a Jung battleship?” Josh wondered.
“Yup.”
“Scarier than slow-mo’ing it through Dusahn shields?”
“Yup.”
“Scarier than flying through a waterfall?”
“Yup.”
“Scarier than series jumping with a busted canopy?”
Loki thought for a moment. “Okay, second scariest.”
“I should really pay you guys more,” Nathan commented from the back.
“You should pay us, period,” Josh corrected.
“One of these days,” Nathan promised. He glanced at the mission clock display on the wall of the large, open cargo shuttle. “It’s about that time, gentlemen.”
“You think this is scary?” Josh said. “How’d you like to be with Jess right now?”
“I’m fine here, thanks,” Loki replied. “Jump point in twenty seconds.”
“Be ready on that trace scanner,” Nathan reminded them. “We don’t want to run into her.”
“Trace scanner is ready,” Loki assured him. “Jumping in three……two……one……”
* * *
Jessica had never felt so alone. After nearly three hours of drifting silently through the cold of outer space, she had finally won her battle with her respiratory rate. She could see Specialist Samudio a few meters to her right, but they were maintaining radio silence, and he had taken a Ghatazhak nap most of the journey. She hoped he would wake in time. Of course, if something went wrong, and Nathan was unable to get the Rama shield opened for them, it might be better that he remain asleep, at least then he wouldn’t feel it.
She glanced at the mission time display on the inside of her helmet view screen. They were less than three minutes from the shield, and her suit’s passive sensors were alre
ady picking up its trace energy signature, and it was growing stronger with each passing second.
Jessica’s breathing rate began to increase at nearly the same rate that the approaching shields trace energy signature rose.
Two minutes to go.
There was nothing Jessica could do but wait and pray. Their fate had been entirely in Nathan’s hands from the moment they stepped out of their Reaper.
At ninety seconds out, her life began to flash before her eyes: her days on the beach as a teenager, her time in the academy, the night she met Nathan, their adventures battling the Jung, and everything she had gone through to save him.
One minute.
Oh, God.
A flash of blue-white light appeared only a few hundred kilometers to her left, nearly blinding her.
“YES!” she exclaimed, though no one could hear her. Her breathing quickened again. The shield was not yet open.
* * *
“Jump complete,” Loki announced. “Rama, dead ahead, five clicks.”
The radio immediately squawked with a request from a controller that sounded angry.
“What do we do?” Loki asked.
“Patch me in,” Nathan instructed. A moment later, Loki nodded at him, and Nathan barked a string of commands in Jung. The controller replied, his tone turning defensive, but Nathan held his ground, barking additional orders in Jung even more emphatically than before.
“Holy crap, it worked,” Josh exclaimed. “They’re opening a hole in their shields.”
“Do you have them?” Nathan asked Loki.
“I’ve got them on the trace scanner,” Loki assured him.
“Matching their speed and moving in alongside them,” Josh reported.
“I didn’t know you spoke Jung,” Loki said.
“I picked it up during my time on Nor-Patri,” Nathan replied.
* * *
Jessica felt a wave of elation sweep over her as the sensor display on her visor showed a hole opening up in the Rama shield. The Dusahn cargo shuttle maneuvered in close to them, putting itself between them and the Rama ZPED facility’s sensor array, reducing their chances of detection even further.
