by Sarah Noffke
Main Deck, Ricky Bobby, Tangki System
Fletcher’s team stood in formation at attention. The Lieutenant, however, nervously darted his eyes between Julianna, Eddie, and the entrance to the area.
“I thought he’d be here by now,” Fletcher said finally.
Eddie laughed easily. “He’s Hatch. He does things on his schedule, not ours.”
They’d been successful at closing Area One-Twenty-Six, but that couldn’t last forever. It was an active facility that the Federation needed to access on a regular basis. Although General Reynolds had ordered that no one go into or out of Area One-Twenty-Six, that order would soon be terminated—which meant that Ghost Squadron had to secure the Tangle Thief and keep it safely away from the Saverus.
“It’s fine,” Julianna said calmly. “Area One-Twenty-Six will stay locked down until twenty-one hundred. We have plenty of time.”
Hatch has just uploaded the directions to the Tangle Thief. I have access, Pip said in her head.
Good. We’re ready to roll, then, Julianna confirmed.
Not quite, Pip stated as Hatch rounded a corner onto the deck. Behind him Knox carried a silver case.
Julianna tilted her head to the side, trying to understand what Hatch might be up to. He hurried over, pausing in front of them.
“I’ve sent the directions to both Pip and the captain’s device,” he began. “I think the fewer who know the location of the Tangle Thief, the better.”
Eddie nodded, pulling his pad from his belt and scanning for the information. When he’d confirmed he had it he said, “I agree. Good move.”
“We don’t have sufficient time for me to brief you on everything you’ll find in Area One-Twenty-Six,” Hatch stated. “It’s a confusing maze, with highly irregular and dangerous technology.”
“Worse than Area Eight?” Eddie asked, looking impressed.
Hatch puffed out his cheeks. “Area One-Twenty-Six is where the Federation keeps some of the most classified projects—things that even God doesn’t know about, and for good reason. He might condemn us all to hell for some of the things scientists came up with just to see if they could.”
“I never took you for the religious type,” Eddie mused.
Shaking his head, Hatch said, “Damn it, I’m not. But this is serious, so I’m trying to get your attention.”
Eddie straightened, hiding a smile. “You’ve got it, Doctor.”
“I appreciate the warning,” Julianna offered, “but now that we have the directions, this should be an in-and-out job. Fletcher’s team is only accompanying us as a precaution.”
Hatch made a sound of frustration. “I’m afraid it’s not that simple, Julie. Like I said, Area One-Twenty-Six is complicated. My directions may not be foolproof, since it’s been almost ten years since I had the Tangle Thief locked up in the facility. Further, you’re going to need to pass through several corridors to get there, and who knows what you’ll find. I just can’t account for all the variables with this one.”
“If you’re trying to get me excited for the mission you’re doing a good job,” Eddie stated.
Hatch rolled his bulbous eyes at the captain. “I’m trying to tell you that you’re walking into something akin to the Outer Limits. Not everything in Area One-Twenty-Six can be contained, if you know what I mean.”
Eddie scratched his head. “I don’t, actually.”
“And did you just make a reference to an ancient television show?” Fletcher asked.
“I’ve seen it,” Eddie said. “It’s pretty good.”
Hatch cleared his throat. “Jaslene Corporation built the facility to ensure that what was inside couldn’t get out. It’s located far off the grid on Nexus, which protects others from the things it contains. However, once you enter the facility your proximity puts you at risk. Within the facility there are things that can penetrate the walls or transcend the space.”
Eddie and Julianna exchanged tentative looks.
Hatch finally shrugged. “That’s about the best information I can give you. I caution you to be careful, and question everything.” He gave Eddie a warning look. “And don’t touch anything.”
“Except the Tangle Thief, right?” Eddie asked, jokingly.
“Let Julie handle that,” Hatch said, waving a tentacle at her.
Julianna eyed the case Knox was holding with a quizzical expression. “Were you able to make the goggles work? Is that what’s in the case?”
Hatch followed her gaze and shook his head. “No. As I mentioned before, I’m going to need a blood sample from a Saverus to make those work. I don’t see any way around that.”
Eddie gave Julianna a look of surprise. “Area One-Twenty-Six is shut down. Why are you worried about the Saverus? Sounds like we need to be more concerned with what’s in Area One-Twenty-Six.”
“The Saverus shouldn’t be underestimated,” Julianna said flatly. “How do I even know that you are you? They could have knocked you out when we were on Kezza, and this version of you could be an imposter.” She waved her hand broadly at Eddie.
“You know I never left your sight, not even when we made a pit stop to drop off the pet shop of animals you risked your life to save.”
“Are you ever going to let that go?” Julianna asked.
“Absolutely,” Eddie chirped. “As soon as you give me something else to ream you about.”
“If you two are quite done, I’d like to get back on topic,” Hatch said, disapproval on his face. “Julie is quite right that the Saverus shouldn’t be underestimated. I have every suspicion that we haven’t seen the last of them, especially once the Tangle Thief is in your possession.”
“Which means we need a way to destroy it pronto,” Julianna stated.
“Cheng and I are working on that.” Hatch turned to the case, unbuckling it to reveal rows and rows of round green blobs. “I’m thinking that you need multiple eyes and ears in Area One-Twenty-Six to ensure you pick up on any funny activity, and this is the perfect opportunity to test Bob the Blob.”
“Wait, it hasn’t been fully tested?” Eddie asked, perplexed.
Hatch puffed out his cheeks diverting his eyes. “More or less. Honestly, the project got shelved after Cheng disappeared, so I’m not sure exactly how much the Federation did with it.”
“But Bob is such a valuable tool. Why hasn’t it been fully tested?” Julianna asked.
“Take a peek inside Area One-Twenty-Six and you’ll understand,” Hatch informed them. “The Federation isn’t running short of technology to test, and Bob was considered a bit unconventional. Most don’t immediately warm to the idea of sticking goo all over the place or on their person for spying purposes.”
“I admit that it’s not as glamourous as a chip for bugging would be, but I happen to like the unconventional aspect of it,” Eddie said.
Julianna tended to agree with him. There was something better about having a spy that was alive and had telepathic abilities than a simple computer chip.
“Anyway, we’re pretty certain that the bugs have been worked out with Bob, but still be aware of anything that should be reported,” Hatch stated.
Eddie laughed. “Bugs. Ha!”
“What should we be looking for?” Julianna asked.
Hatch picked up one of the blobs. “Accuracy. Transmission quality. Effectiveness of adhesiveness. Inability to detach.”
“Wait!” Julianna exclaimed. “Are you saying that if we stick those on our body that there’s a chance they won’t come off?”
Hatch shrugged. “There’s always a chance. That’s the reason we test.”
Eddie gave Julianna a commiserating expression. “Looks like we have just become guinea pigs.”
“Fine,” Julianna acquiesced. “We’ll test them for you.”
“Great.” Hatch handed her one of the blobs. “I’ve activated three transmitters. The agents here,” he swiped his tentacle at the case, “will send communications to these three. However, note that the relevant data will be divided
, since overloading you three with the same information wouldn’t be efficient. Instead, the transmitter will send the information to the person closest to the observation.”
Eddie and Fletcher each took a transmitter, and each of them looked unsure where to stick the thing. Julianna had the same question, but finally stuck it behind her ear. If it never came off, at least her hair would cover it. The men followed her lead, placing the blobs behind their ears.
Knox shut the case and handed it to Julianna.
“I’ve created two dozen agents for you,” Hatch said. “Place them anywhere you want spies.”
“What happens when the mission is done?” Julianna asked. “Do we need to collect them?”
Hatch shook his head. “When you’re done, the blobs will self-destruct at your command. There will be no noise or smell, and no remnants to show they were there.”
“What about Bob?” Eddie asked.
“He generates more as needed,” Hatch said.
“A renewable resource. I like it.” Eddie sounded impressed.
Julianna handed the case to Fletcher. “Have your team distribute these throughout the area when they do their initial sweep.”
Fletcher took the case and consented with a nod.
“All right, the next time we see you, Hatch, we’ll have your Tangle Thief,” Eddie said proudly, throwing his gaze in the direction of the Q-Ships, which were prepped and ready to go.
“Don’t screw it up, Teach. If the Tangle Thief falls into the wrong hands, everyone in the galaxy will be in danger,” Hatch said darkly.
Eddie gave Julianna a sideways look. “So no pressure, am I right, Commander?”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Area One-Twenty-Six, Nexus, Tangki System
Fletcher stared at the undulant waters of an ocean that he didn’t know the name of. He liked geography. Maps. Knowing things. Knowledge was in fact power for the Lieutenant. He envied Julianna in that way, since she was constantly connected to a source of knowledge.
The ocean rocked into the sea wall, sending spray high into the air. The taste of salt tingled on the tip of Fletcher’s tongue when he licked his lips. He began to whistle, because it calmed his nerves. No one could worry while whistling.
Fletcher’s team waited until Julianna unlocked the main door into Area One-Twenty-Six. Unlike the other storage facility, this one wasn’t located on a station but on a distant island on a relatively small planet. He put his back to the rolling sea, wondering when he’d see another body of water.
Although General Reynolds had ordered the facility shut down until the Tangle Thief was located, some personnel had access. That was the reason Fletcher’s team would sweep it, to ensure that it was secure. Hatch’s speech about the dark mysteries that dwelled within the building had left Fletcher with a sense of foreboding, which put him on even higher alert.
Fletcher stepped past Julianna and Eddie, giving them a curt nod. Area One-Twenty-Six was much like the other storage facility, with brushed stainless-steel walls and sealed compartments down the long corridor. Fletcher had been given the blueprints for the facility and had devoured the information, memorizing the layout of the building.
Bluish lights that provided minimal visibility flicked on overhead as Fletcher marched forward, noting the crisp coolness in the space. When he opened his mouth, his breath misted.
On Fletcher’s orders his team had divided into four to spread out through the facility and grounds. “Stay vigilant, and place the agents at even intervals. Report any suspicious activity.”
The teams strode off, rifles in hand and every one of them on high alert. This team was probably the finest Fletcher had ever commanded. He’d worked with the best—proven men and women who’d inspired him with their self-sacrifice and bravery—but this team that he’d constructed worked as one in a way he’d never experienced before.
“Damn this place is confusing,” one of Fletcher’s team members said over the comm.
“Creepy as hell too,” another replied.
“Just keep your chin up and eyes open,” Fletcher ordered.
When he reached an intersection in the first hallway, information began to stream in from the transmitter blob behind his ear. The voice was a neutral male’s and its pace was steady. “Second floor, southwest quadrant. Activity observed. The temperature is dropping. Currently at thirty-two degrees. Unknown object moving. Cannot make out details.”
That didn’t sound very ominous to Fletcher. So the area was cold. It was frigid throughout the building, probably the way they kept it to preserve…well, whatever was stored in Area One-Twenty-Six. Fletcher turned for the stairwell to check it out, though.
The other agents began reporting over the transmitter, but most of it was simple descriptions of their locations. Once they’d all checked in after being placed, the transmitters would only report if there was something deemed important. Apparently Bob’s enhanced intelligence allowed him to distinguish relevant intel and give it to the right person. That meant he’d receive information that Eddie and Julianna didn’t based on his location, and vice versa.
Fletcher paused at the top of the stairwell. It was as cold up here as it had been down below. He was still several yards from the agent’s location when he noticed an archway that lead into a cove-like room. The hair raised on Fletcher’s arms when he turned into the space. The temperature dropped significantly at the threshold and a blue glow lit the space, but its source wasn’t obvious.
Sitting on a platform in the middle of the small space was a little tree—a bonsai, if he was remembering correctly. But it was different somehow, its branches distinct from each other.
A shadow moved behind the tree. Fletcher reached for his gun, spinning around, but there was nothing. When he took a deep breath, Fletcher’s lungs burned from the cold. He felt like he was back on the ice planet of Klamath.
Behind him he heard a voice. No, not a voice. Whistling. He pivoted again, and finally he brought his gaze back to the strange bonsai. In the faint glow of the blue lights he noticed a sign next to the tree.
Family Tree.
Fletcher ignored the agent reporting more locations in his head and squinted at the plant. Whose family tree is this?
Compelled in a way he couldn’t describe, Fletcher reached , his pointer finger extended. Hatch said not to touch anything, he told himself.
Fletcher was nothing if not a rule-follower. He pulled his hand back to his side as the whistling continued. Reflexively he straightened, looking around.
“You’ve grown to be strong,” a woman’s voice whispered from behind the tree.
Fletcher strode around it, but there was nothing there.
“Who said that?”
“But just like your father, you lost all your hair,” the smooth voice said.
Fletcher froze. He knew that voice, and yet he didn’t. Its origin was stuck in the back of his mind somewhere. He couldn’t place it, though.
“Who are you?” Fletcher whispered.
“Child, we’re not permitted to name names. It’s one of the many rules,” the voice said.
“Rules?” Fletcher asked. What was this thing? Where was the voice coming from?
“Oh yes, and you love your rules.” The bodiless voice chuckled warmly. “Remember when I told you to ask for forgiveness rather than permission?”
Fletcher felt his eyes widen with shock. It couldn’t be. His gaze fell to the sign next to the plant. Family Tree.
“Grandma?” he whispered hoarsely.
Again she laughed. “I remember you told me that wasn’t right. You wouldn’t break rules, even when I was egging you on.”
His ghostly grandmother continued to whistle, something she had done often. She’d been dead for most of his life.
Fletcher couldn’t believe it. The voice distinctly sounded like his father’s mother. She had been a rebellious old woman, always getting herself in trouble with her sharp tongue or her questionable schemes. He had loved her dearly.
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br /> “Are you in the tree?” Fletcher asked.
“Heavens no, child. That’s ridiculous,” his grandmother said. “I have no clue where I am, to be quite honest.”
“If you’re here, are there others too?” he asked, hoping.
“We’re all here—everyone you’re related to who has passed,” Grandma Fletcher said.
Hot adrenaline coursed through Fletcher’s arms, and he pressed his hands to the pedestal where the tree sat, leaning over it. Suddenly his breath was warm spilling out over his shivering lips.
“Dad?” Fletcher asked, his voice shaking. “Are you there?”
Penrae took the binoculars from Verdok. She was having trouble focusing with the sea rocking underneath her. She was in the form of the crew member who had worked on this ship. Verdok had taken the role of the captain, not even giving her an option. Assuming the role of the captain had made it easy for them to take the ship from the harbor where it had been docked.
“I knew if we waited patiently they’d come for the Tangle Thief and lead us right to it,” Verdok said, obnoxious pride in his scratchy voice. The captain, based on the constant coughing, had been in the salty ocean air too long and had a bad upper-respiratory infection.
Through the binoculars, Penrae watched as two guards flanked the entrance to Area One-Twenty-Six. More guards spread around the perimeter. For days it had been deserted. She’d grown weary of constantly being anchored to the same spot, watching the strange metal building sitting in the middle of a small island.
Verdok pulled the binoculars out of Penrae’s grasp. “Tell the Petigren crew we’re headed for land, and fast.”
Penrae turned away from the bow of the ship. The Petigrens scrambled over the ship, their clawed feet scratching the deck as they scurried around with their shoulders slumped. She despised the rat creatures for some reason. Maybe it was because they had no sense of self-preservation, or because they all had a sniveling look in their beady eyes, as if trying to figure out a way to deceive at every turn.
“And Penrae,” Verdok sputtered out, coughing. “When we go in, don’t screw anything up like you did the last time.”
