Harbinger

by Ken Lozito

  By default, once Connor was through speaking, the floor was turned back over to Mullins.

  “That is something we'll be discussing. I'd like to highlight the fact that this is just a discussion. We’re not requiring decisions to be made,” Mullins said.

  Connor had lost count of how many items had been "just a discussion,” and then, more often than not, were the precursor for an approved project. He stabbed the speaker button again, and Mullins glowered a little.

  “The question is not whether or not we can colonize this other planet. We can, but the question is whether or not we should work toward that goal,” Connor said.

  “General Gates,” Mullins said, “I will not let you domineer this discussion and rush a conclusion to these talking points. You make valid points but—”

  “He has hardly begun making his point,” Dr. Trautmann said, interrupting.

  “Bob,” Governor Wolf said. “I, for one, would like to hear what Connor has to say, and so do a lot of other people in the room. We facilitate discussions, but in order to do that, we need to listen to what people say.”

  The tips of Mullins’s ears became red, and he nodded. “My apologies, Governor,” he said and turned toward Connor. “General Gates, please proceed.”

  “Thank you,” Connor said, directing his gaze at Governor Wolf. “I don’t want to beat around the bush here. We’re worried about the Krake and the threat they are to this world. That’s the driver for whether or not we colonize another world in the immediate future, but I'd urge everyone here to be cautious when considering this option. We live in an established colony. We can build ships. Actually, we can build anything we could possibly need. This is a resource-rich star system. The preliminary probe data indicates that the star system in question has resources for us to use as well, but we don’t know how much. However, even though it might be a safe assumption that we could colonize that world, that's not dealing with the main issue—the Krake. Let’s be honest. If we leave this world, it’s because we’re running from the Krake.”

  “Excuse me, General Gates,” Mullins said. “Just so I understand. You're putting forth that there are circumstances that would necessitate relocating to another world?”

  “Absolutely, but only as a last resort,” Connor said. “If we were to move this entire colony to a new world, it would take us years to do it right, even working at breakneck speeds, and at the end of the day, what happens if the Krake follow us?”

  “The reports concerning the Krake indicate that they largely operate within this star system but in many different universes,” Mullins replied.

  “That knowledge is based on a few different scouting expeditions, one of which is overdue, as you’re all aware. Our own scientists and many senior officers are divided on the capabilities the Krake have. Some of their technology seems superior to our own but not everything. It’s not quite an equal playing field, but if the Krake wanted, they could follow us wherever we went.”

  The reactions from the people in the meeting were mostly supportive, but not all of them.

  “We can’t make any guarantees here,” Mullins replied, “but right now, we have an option open to us, and it’s something we can't afford to ignore—that is, until we know more about the Krake, but there's also a significant risk in doing that. If we keep antagonizing the Krake, we’ll give them a reason to come find us.”

  “The Ovarrow believe that the Krake will come here, especially now. There’s no use arguing about whether or not we can put the genie back in the bottle.”

  Mullins shook his head. “That’s just my point. Continuing to antagonize the Krake will bring them here faster.”

  Several speaker requests came in from the other attendees.

  “Gentlemen,” Governor Wolf said, “there are a lot of strong opinions here, and I don’t want this meeting to descend into a theoretical debate. There are multiple issues coming to a head, and I have no choice but to address them here. Most of us would agree that we can’t afford to put all our eggs in one basket, meaning that each decision we make carries with it a certain degree of risk. As Connor has highlighted, if we committed to moving the entire colony to this new star system, we'd have to start from scratch, and how much time would we really buy ourselves by doing that? Especially where the Krake are concerned. In fact, it might make it even more difficult to find a way to protect ourselves from the Krake, as General Gates has also suggested.

  "However, I don’t see any issue in drawing up plans on how we'd relocate the entire colony. We’re not committing to doing anything, but colonizing this other planet is an option, and a serious one at that. It wouldn’t be prudent for this council to ignore either of these options at the expense of the other. I think there are ways we can accommodate both. One”—she gestured with her index finger—“just off the top of my head is based on a discussion with Dr. Trautmann—before the discovery of this new planet, I might add—that we send a smaller colony and let them establish the planet's viability. It doesn’t cost as much in resources and is certainly within our reach. There are a lot of options open since we have the capacity for subspace communication. Distance is still a factor, but a smaller colony of five thousand is something that's definitely within our reach. And an effort like that wouldn’t detract from any military efforts. It could, and I stress could, be an avenue we might explore further.”

  Clinton Edwards, the Mayor of Delphi, hit his speaker button. “How would we pick the people who would go?”

  “That's something we’d need to consider,” Mullins replied.

  “We’re not going to hash out all the details here,” Governor Wolf said.

  “What about the Ovarrow?” Connor asked. This drew a few questioning looks in his direction. “I know we’re tiptoeing around the subject, but if we do decide that leaving here is our best option, what about the Ovarrow? Do we abandon them? Do we offer to bring them with us?”

  Trautmann was nodding enthusiastically. “This is an excellent question. We hadn’t considered this, and it's something we should discuss.”

  “Yes,” Mullins said in a mild tone. “There are always the Ovarrow to consider. Thank you for that, General Gates.”

  Connor caught the double-edged meaning of Mullins’s last statement, and he wondered if anyone else did as well. It was because of Connor that they’d found the Ovarrow in the first place, and Mullins had never been an avid supporter of bringing them out of stasis. Connor was still surprised that they hadn’t found any evidence to link Mullins with the rogue group activities that had been led by Meredith Cain. Either he'd covered his involvement even better than Meredith Cain, or he hadn't been involved.

  “Governor Wolf,” Nathan said, “this might be a good time to bring up the request for authorizing additional scouting missions to worlds potentially occupied by the Krake.”

  Connor noticed the hint of recognition in Dana Wolf’s gaze. She’d been expecting the question.

  “Indeed,” Governor Wolf replied. “I see no compelling reason not to authorize more scouting missions.”

  “Excuse me, Governor Wolf,” Mullins said quickly. “I think we should put restrictions on future CDF scouting missions.”

  Governor Wolf leaned back in her chair. “What kind of restrictions?”

  “I agree we should go look for the Krake, but I don’t think we should exhaust our resources doing so. And I don’t think there should be an open policy for the CDF to conduct the scouting missions without getting any results. The purpose of these missions is to acquire intelligence about the Krake and find out what they know about us. However, every time there's been a mission to an alternate universe, it has cost a very high price in terms of lives, and it's also been a significant risk to this colony. I propose that we don't give the CDF free rein on how many operations they can conduct to scout these alternate universes. Each mission should have a clear objective and be approved by the Security Council.”

  Connor clenched his teeth. “Would you like a report every time we
leave a room too?”

  Mullins smirked. “I think you of all people should be acquainted with the concept of accountability. This ensures accountability.”

  Connor’s response was on the tip of his tongue, but at the last second, he glanced at Nathan, who gave him a slight shake of his head. It wouldn’t be the first time Connor’s mouth had gotten him into trouble, so he shifted his gaze to Governor Wolf.

  “The Colonial Defense Force was established based on accountability,” Connor said. “We already have defined objectives of scouting alternate universes to look for the Krake.”

  “Yes,” Mullins said, “but there's the lack of an approval step. Not all missions are the same.”

  “That's correct,” Nathan replied. “Not all missions carry with them the same degree of risk.”

  Connor wanted to invite Mullins on the next mission. That way, he could leave him on an alternate world. Accountability . . . These were the same people who'd let someone like Meredith Cain infiltrate and manipulate the upper echelons of their government.

  “I think what would help here . . .” Governor Wolf began. “A briefing should be sent out to the Security Council about specific scouting missions. That way, everyone is kept in the loop. Individual scouting missions don’t require Security Council approval, but a briefing should still be sent to my office.”

  For a few moments, Connor thought they'd cancel all the scouting missions so they could hammer out an approval mechanism for him to operate under. Sending out a briefing about scouting missions would give Mullins part of what he asked for, but Connor knew when someone was angling to increase their influence. Mullins shouldn’t have any influence on CDF affairs. He was just a governmental advisor, yet he had a satisfied expression that indicated he’d gotten exactly what he wanted.

  The meeting went on for another hour as they discussed more of the specifics about the colonization of the new planet. Connor didn't pay much more attention to it. He kept thinking about the implications of what Mullins had done, and he wondered if Nathan had caught on to it. Sending out a briefing to the Security Council also gave them a window of opportunity to voice concerns, which could propel Governor Wolf to act accordingly—and not just Governor Wolf but future governors as well. Governor Wolf had another two years to serve on her term, but Mullins was playing the long game. Connor would have to keep an eye on him.

  The meeting ended, and Connor received a comlink request on his private line. Only a select few people had access to that, so he answered it immediately.

  “Noah, how’s—how are you?” He’d almost asked how the recovery was going, but Noah was sensitive about it.

  “I’m fine,” Noah replied. “In fact, each day I wake up and I’m not in a coma, I call it a good day.” He said it jokingly, but there was a slight edge of bitterness as well. Connor could relate. He’d been quarantined and then strictly observed at the end of the Vemus War because of his exposure.

  “Excellent. What can I do for you?”

  “This is more about what I can do for you,” Noah replied.

  “I’m going to stop you right there because Kara will kill me if I don’t. No, you're not cleared to assist in the scouting missions,” Connor said.

  Kara had almost breathed fire when she’d learned that Connor had brought Noah along on the op to capture Lars Mallory.

  “You need me for this kind of work.”

  “You’re right; I do, but not until the doctors clear you. You spent almost a year in a coma, Noah. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. It’s just going to take some time.”

  Noah looked away for a moment. “I know it hasn’t been that long. Honestly, the reason I contacted you is that I’ve been looking at the documented differences between the arch and the space gates.”

  “All right, I’m listening.”

  “The Ovarrow were attempting to reverse-engineer the arch, which is how we stumbled upon subspace communication, but I think it goes further than that,” Noah said.

  “Well, they did teleport several buildings to another planet, and we haven’t been able to duplicate that. I think they were doing multiple things with technology they didn’t fully understand,” Connor replied.

  “That’s just it; the Krake never used it for that, but I’m at the point where I need some resources to conduct my own experiments.”

  “What are you trying to do?”

  “I’m trying to overcome the five-minute window where we lose the subspace communication signal. Sometimes it’s less, but it’s never more, so there's got to be something we’re not doing right,” Noah replied.

  “Have you consulted with the scientific teams already working on this?”

  “I have, but there are some things I’d like to try. There are fundamental differences between the arch and the space gates, and I’m still wrapping my head around that,” Noah said and paused for a moment. “Who have you been bringing with you on the scouting missions?”

  “Dash,” Connor answered.

  Noah grimaced and looked away again.

  “Noah, I promise I’ll keep you in the loop. If we find anything I think you could help with, I’m not going to keep it from you. Now, can I ask how you’re feeling?”

  “I’m surprised you’re not just looking at my medical records.”

  Connor shrugged. “You know I won’t do that now that you’re awake.”

  Noah sighed. “I still get painful headaches. Sometimes vertigo. The doctor believes it’s temporary,” Noah replied.

  “Well, take it one step at a time and listen to the doctor. Send your request to my office, and I’ll either make sure you have what you need or give you clearance to a place that does have it.”

  Noah thanked him and closed the comlink. Connor sat, staring at the empty space where the video comlink had been active. Noah had almost died. Connor could really use his help with scouting for the Krake but wouldn’t involve him until he was back to normal. If Noah was never normal again, Connor would just have to find another way to solve the technical problems he faced regarding Krake technology. What he wouldn’t do again is bring his friend into dangerous situations. Noah had sacrificed enough.

  16

  Sean walked down the corridor, heading to where the Krake prisoners were being held. They’d initially captured six Krake, and three of them had committed suicide. The remaining two had attempted to end their lives, but Sean had stopped them. Using the Ovarrow translator, they'd told him they were already dead and nothing would change. Sean had found the entire exchange with them appalling. He didn’t like being in the room with them, but it was necessary.

  “Are the civilian mutineers being held nearby?” Boseman asked.

  “Yes, they are, but I don’t know how much longer I’m going to keep them here.”

  “Why is that? Are you getting soft in your old age?”

  Chad Boseman was in the Spec Ops platoon assigned to the Vigilant. They had served together for years and were friends.

  “Maybe.” Sean said. “It’s tight quarters, and I need them to work. We can't afford any freeloaders. As long as they behave themselves, I won’t keep them down here, but they’ll have to answer for their actions when we get home.”

  “Morale is a fragile thing. Who’s to say that if we let them out they wouldn't cause trouble,” Boseman said.

  “They’re scared. That’s why they did what they did. And Lester used that to convince them to help him.”

  “That man is a disgrace. We tried to take him alive, but he already knew he was going to die.”

  Sean clenched his teeth a little and his mouth became a grim line. “It was either going to be you or me. The moment he put us in that situation . . .” His voice trailed off, and Boseman gave him a firm nod.

  They walked to the end of the corridor toward the Krake holding cells. The doors to the cells were translucent and the Krake prisoners could see each other. Sean wanted them to know that the others were still alive. He’d thought it would entice them
to cooperate. They hadn’t.

  There were two CDF soldiers stationed nearby, and they saluted Sean as he went by. Sean walked to the center holding cell within full view of the others. They were under constant watch, and there was nothing in the room they could use to take their own lives. They’d had to be restrained after multiple suicide attempts.

  Are all Krake as fanatical as these salvagers are? he wondered.

  Sean opened the door and walked inside. Boseman followed, and the soldier outside closed the door. The prisoners had been captured from a Krake salvage ship they’d ambushed.

  Sean activated a holoscreen and brought up an image of Aurang. The Krake prisoner stared at the image for a few moments.

  “We’ve met other Krake who are willing to communicate with us. Can you understand me?” Sean asked.

  The Krake prisoner winced and its eyes darted to Boseman and then to Sean.

  “I’d call that a yes,” Boseman said.

  “Say something,” Sean said.

  The prisoner seemed to draw himself up to his full height. “Betrayers,” he said and charged toward Sean.

  Boseman stuck out the stun baton, releasing a high-powered jolt into the Krake’s side and bringing the prisoner to his knees.

  “If you'd just cooperate with me, I'd let you go. The same with the others. They can hear us,” Sean said, gesturing toward the other holding cells where the Krake prisoners were listening. “Aurang wants us to help him against the overseers.”

  The Krake prisoner winced and scrambled back. “There is no outcome other than death. There is only death.”

  The prisoner came to his feet and charged them again. The other prisoners began banging their heads against the wall, each of them chanting that there was only death.

  “Colonel,” Boseman said.

  Sean saw that the Krake prisoner was lying on the ground, not moving, and there was a dark ring around the side of his head. Boseman was staring at the stun baton in disbelief.