The audience shifted in its seats. Arms crossed over the chest, and other telltale body language of discomfort was evident in most of those in attendance.
“We have to step back now and ask ourselves, what next? A new cold war with the League that eventually turns hot? Or do we find a way for both sides to live with one another? Time will tell. I’ve carefully considered how to proceed with our military leaders and through much prayer.” Spencer turned from side to side, careful to take in the entire crowd and make eye contact with random people throughout it. It was an old trick he’d learned from years of public speaking. “Ultimately, the loss of two-thirds of the League’s home defense fleet has left them unable to project military might into our arm of the galaxy. Coupled with the destruction of their shipyards, they will not be a threat on the galactic stage for some time to come.”
Relief was evident on the face of lawmakers in both major party blocks. The arms started to uncross, and faces relaxed across the building.
Spencer continued. “I’m sure some of you will say, why not press on? Why not take the fight to Earth and finally rid the galaxy of the worst evil it has seen since the advent of the Nazis, over five hundred years ago. Why not, indeed. If we hadn’t lost more than two hundred ships and our allies hundreds more, I would stand here today, urging exactly that course of action. The truth is, we lost too many good men and women three days ago. Survivors are still being pulled from the wreckage in orbit of Canaan, and will be for days to come.” As he stared at the rest of the speech through his holo-prompter glasses, something inside him stirred. All of this means nothing if we don’t heal the wounds in our nation.
* * *
David Cohen sat quietly in the front row next to MacIntosh during Spencer’s speech. He found himself surprised that the extent of the CDF’s losses were mentioned, but trying to hide it made little sense. If the press found out, they’d have a field day, and undoubtedly the League’s intelligence apparatus already knew—so there was no reason to lie. I sorely wish we could end it, once and for all.
A worried expression crossed onto Spencer’s face before he started to speak once more. “The honored dead who defended our homes and freedoms with their lives must never be forgotten.” He paused once more. “I came here today to talk to the representatives of the people, and the people themselves, to explain why I decided to sign a cease-fire. The truth is, we must undertake a deeper discussion. One born not of relief that the Terran Coalition survived, but an honest assessment of what it will take for the Terran Coalition to heal. For if we do not heal our nation, we won’t survive.”
David stared ahead at Spencer intently. He heard the raspy whisper of MacIntosh’s voice in his right ear. “That’s not the speech.”
Spencer’s voice choked as he continued. “The last year and a half has torn us apart. Yes, League of Sol intelligence operations played a large part. They used our freedoms against us, sowed discord through social media, and planted fake stories designed to drive wedges between different ethnic and religious groups. But we have to admit something to ourselves. Those efforts wouldn’t have been successful if we hadn’t embraced them. We, collectively, as citizens of the Terran Coalition, could’ve rejected division and the hatred sweeping our society. We didn’t. Instead, we did the League’s job for it.”
The room turned tense once more. David glanced around to see many crossing their arms, frowns evident. He’s not wrong.
“Now we have a second chance. One bought and paid for by the blood of patriots, willing to die so that others might live. The question I ask myself is do we deserve the sacrifice of those brave souls? Is the Terran Coalition worth the millions of lives surrendered so selflessly to defend it?” Spencer paused, and it seemed as if he was staring into the souls of the entire chamber. “For the rest of my time in office, and indeed my life, as God is my witness, I will do everything in my power to ensure it was worth it. That means treating those with whom I disagree with respect. It means not demonizing anyone out of lockstep with whatever party orthodoxy is prevalent and putting an end to the disgusting practice of destroying an individual’s life because you don’t like what they say. We’re all guilty, including me. I challenge every citizen in the Terran Coalition… to be equal to the sacrifice made for you. Every day.”
Without thinking, David sprang up, clapping loudly. Instantly joined by others, in a few seconds, the entire gallery was on its feet. It took upwards of thirty seconds for the tumult to die down and everyone to return to their seats. As Spencer spoke at length about policy proposals, David found himself mulling the question asked. Can we ever repay those who gave their lives? Probably not. But we can do better.
“In closing, I am designating next Saturday and Sunday as two days of fasting and prayer for our nation. I call on all citizens to join with me in contemplation and soul searching, regardless of religious beliefs. We must turn back to what has seen us through so many crises and remind ourselves we are, first and foremost, one nation under God. Thank you all, and may God continue to bless you and the Terran Coalition!”
Thunderous applause again spread quickly throughout the chamber, as Spencer was escorted out through the main entrance from where he’d come in at. David found himself considering the President’s words for some time and resolved to do whatever he could to answer the call.
* * *
The quiet yet upscale restaurant Taylor had taken her out to was a bit of culture shock for Ruth. She wasn’t used to the finer things in life, and rarely, if ever, went to a so-called “fine-dining” establishment. As the waiter, who was dressed in a tuxedo shirt, bowtie, and cummerbund, cleared off the table, then swept the tablecloth clean with a straight razor, she couldn’t help but giggle to herself. After the man walked away, she rolled her eyes. “You know, I would’ve been fine with a burger and a beer.”
“Well, uh, I wanted to do something special.”
Ruth grinned. “Mission accomplished.”
It was Taylor’s turn to laugh. “Thanks.” He glanced down for a moment. “I was scared I’d lose you when those Leaguers stormed the bridge.”
“We didn’t lose each other, and those Leaguers got what was coming to them.” Ruth held a dark expression on her face. “I don’t care for this so-called peace treaty.”
“At least the war’s over.” Taylor reached across the table and took one of her hands into his. “It’s time to move on. To think about life again, and other things besides killing.”
“I still struggle, Robert. Do you have any idea how badly I wanted to kill, no, murder Seville? He was right there, in my sights. I could’ve paid him back for all the pain.” She pursed her lips together.
“Why didn’t you, then?”
“Because General Cohen was right. Killing unarmed, fleeing people… that’s murder. At that moment, I realized how far I still need to go. The other thing? Killing him is letting him off easy. It’s a shame we can’t kill him and bring him back to life a few million times.”
Taylor grimaced and narrowed his eyes. “Ruth, that’s barbaric.”
“Maybe.” She shrugged. “Some days, I don’t care. Others, I do. Right now, I do.”
“I’ve decided to put in my paperwork to muster out.”
Is this when he says he’s leaving me? The voice of doubt reared its ugly head within Ruth. She’d been waiting for the other shoe to drop, thinking she was never good enough to make someone else happy. “When?”
“Well, the scuttlebutt is the Lion will be going on a tour of neutral space for six to eight weeks. I’d like to be there for it, one last cruise around the neighborhood, if you will. After that, I’m out. What about you?”
“It’s what I know. I’m probably going to stay in, see if I can make Major.”
“I’m sure you can,” Taylor replied with a warm smile.
“Yeah, but they’re already talking about downsizing the CDF. If that’s the case, it’ll be difficult to get promoted.”
“We could get out together.�
�
His words hung over the table like an unspoken invitation. Ruth found herself absentmindedly pushing her bangs to the side of her face as she stared at him intently. “And do what? I’m not familiar with job openings for a tactical action officer with a penchant for blowing up League ships.” Though she delivered it with a smile, pain gnawed at the back of her mind.
“I’m sure someone would want to hire one of the heroes of the third battle of Canaan.”
Ruth shook her head. “No, I think the CDF is where I need to be. You could say it's my calling in life.”
As she was finishing the sentence, the waiter returned. He set a small plate down between the two of them. On it was a cake made in the shape of a heart.
Her mind processed the details on the dessert slowly. There was a ring with a single diamond on it, sitting atop a dollop of frosting at the center of the heart. Ruth put her hand to her mouth in shock as she realized Taylor had moved—he now knelt at her side.
“Ruth, will you marry me?”
For a few moments, she found herself stuck. Ruth’s mouth hung open, and her brain went around in circles. What? Is this a dream? A joke? No one could want me. Tears began to flow down her cheeks as she realized that not only did Taylor want her, she loved him in the same way. “Yes,” she finally got out.
“You had me worried there.”
Ruth laughed while crying, and he ended up sitting next to her in the booth, and they embraced. “I didn’t… I didn’t expect that.”
“Hopefully the first of many positive surprises.”
There was something about his aw-shucks nerd persona she found so endearing and innocent. It was an ever-present reminder that despite the ravages of war, one could overcome the trauma. “Yes.”
By now, almost everyone in the restaurant was watching. A few took pictures with their handcomms. Taylor slid the ring onto her finger, then held it up. “She said yes, in case anyone was wondering!”
Applause and laughter swept the restaurant, and the waiter disappeared, leaving them alone.
Ruth rested her head on Taylor’s shoulder. “I’m not sure how much of a catch I am. You might be better off with someone else.”
“Nah.” He kissed the top of her head. “I think I’ve got the better end of this deal.”
She laughed. “You’re nuts.”
“I’ve been looking at a few places I can afford. For us.”
“Do they have a crib pre-installed?” Ruth asked dryly.
“Nope. But I know how to put furniture together.”
“One step at a time, okay?” She put her hand on top of his and squeezed. A shiver went through her, and she contemplated what would come next. Marriage… children… family and home. Can I handle that? Am I even cut out for it? Ruth wasn’t sure. She’d been a soldier her entire life. It was what she knew and what she was good at. Maybe in time, I can learn new things. As the two of them sat there, she resolved to try.
* * *
Kenneth Lowe nervously adjusted his tie. He’d received a summons to appear at the CDF Headquarters annex in Canaan the day before. What worried him was there was no information as to what it was for, or who would be present. For all I know, they’ll arrest me for shooting Casey and stealing all the execs’ money. It’d still be worth it. It took him half an hour to crisscross the corridors inside the mammoth building. The invitation had a conference room listed on the forty-first floor. When he got there, Kenneth found two plainclothes guards standing switch outside the door. They examined his ID badge and waved him inside.
As Kenneth walked into the room, his heart skipped a beat. President Spencer, General MacIntosh, and another man with white hair he didn’t recognize were present, along with more members of the protective detail. “Uh, I think I may have the wrong room.”
Spencer laughed and gestured to the table. “No, Mr. Lowe. You’re in the right place. Please, have a seat.”
“Yes, sir,” Kenneth replied and strode to the spot indicated.
Spencer, MacIntosh, and the other man all sat as well. Once everyone was seated, Spencer spoke once more. “There’s a few matters we need to discuss. CBI has completed an investigation into the assets and former executives of SSI.”
Kenneth swallowed and tried to calm his heart down as it raced. “Uh, yes, sir.”
“Our interviews have established you threatened Margaret Lee and Steven Casey with violence, including shooting Mr. Casey with a pistol,” the white-haired man announced. “After, I might add, helping to steal a CDF warship and being pardoned for your involvement.”
“I wouldn’t characterize it exactly like that, Mister…?”
“Yoram. Gideon Yoram. How would you characterize it, then, Mr. Lowe?”
The CBI director? Whoa. This just got real. Kenneth blinked. “Well, I discovered they’d looted the corporate accounts and were planning to flee with the funds.”
“And you tried to stop them?”
“Yes, sir. The fleet needed those ships. They’d been siphoning off funds for months and planned to escape the Terran Coalition.” Kenneth set his jaw. “I couldn’t let that happen. Not on my watch.”
“So you challenged them?” MacIntosh interjected.
“Yes, sir. I own several firearms. I gave a sidearm to one of my program managers, and we decided to confront them. Let’s be clear; Casey tried to attack me.”
“Which ended with him being shot?” Yoram asked.
“I gave them every chance to stand down.”
Spencer stared at Kenneth during the exchange, seemingly studying his body language. “Did it occur you to take the money and run?”
A look of disgust came over Kenneth’s face. “Of course not, sir. I decided we had to repair the ships.”
“So you broke into a CDF communication station and sent a series of unauthorized transmissions,” Yoram began. “Then you solicited tens of thousands of people who lacked proper security clearance to help repair military hardware, which you delivered to the battle using reservist crews supplied by a retired General… Pipes, was it? Who had, I might add, no command authority.”
Having his actions laid out in such a succinct manner caused Kenneth to consider the gravity of the situation. I suppose when they put it like that, I committed a few thousand felonies. “Uh, yes, sir.”
The three other men exchanged glances. Spencer leaned forward with a broad smile on his face. “We’ve already interviewed your top people and confirmed the story, Kenneth. I must confess, it seemed outlandish at first.”
“There will be no charges,” Yoram added. “Though I would advise you not to do this again.”
Kenneth couldn’t keep a grin off his face. “I’ll keep that in mind, sir.”
“What are your plans for the future?” MacIntosh asked.
“I’m honestly not sure.” Kenneth shrugged his shoulders. He hadn’t thought that far ahead. There was the matter of ensuring everyone got paid with the funds remaining in SSI’s accounts, but that task was almost done. For the first time in a many years, he wasn’t sure what the next day’s work would be. “I suppose I’ll look for another job.”
“I would’ve thought you would keep running SSI,” Spencer remarked. “You, after all, are the sole remaining officer in the company.”
“Uh, are you sure, sir? What about Ms. Lee and the rest of them?”
Spencer grinned broadly. “As part of the plea deal they signed yesterday, they ceded all rights and ownership in the company. Since you’re the only remaining officer, all shares will revert to you.”
“Ummm.” Kenneth found himself speechless as his mind worked through the possibilities. But I spent every dime. SSI is broke, and so am I. He frowned. “I thank you, Mr. President. But, you see, the company isn’t viable. It’ll have to shut down anyway. I, uh, well, I spent all the money on those ships.”
“You know what the nice thing about this job is?” Spencer replied. “I get to do things like this.” He beamed. “You’ll find the contract to fix the mothball fl
eet was amended to include an incentive fee. That fee will be paid by the end of business today. I believe it’ll be more than enough to keep operations going and execute the work your new company has. Success beyond that, well, it’s up to you.”
Kenneth’s jaw dropped open and rebounded a couple of times. He tried to force words out of his mouth but failed for several seconds. “I don’t know what to say beyond thank you, sir. Words seem inadequate.” His mind spun in circles, trying to make sense out of what was happening.
“Many people—including you—helped to save the Terran Coalition. It didn’t seem right to have a whole bunch of those people lose their jobs, and we were in a position to help.” Spencer stood. “I’m afraid I have a tight schedule. Good luck with your new venture, and Godspeed, Kenneth.” He extended his arm.
Noting the President’s firm grip, Kenneth shook hands with him. “Thank you, sir. Godspeed to you too, sir.”
Spencer and Yoram made their way out of the conference room, along with the protection detail, leaving MacIntosh and Kenneth alone. The older man was the first to speak. “I hope you don’t think this will get you any preferential treatment.” Though the words were said in a direct tone, he wore a smile.
“Wouldn’t dream of it, General.”
“I’m curious. Where’d you get the idea to crowdsource repairs on the mothball ships?”
Kenneth shrugged. “I just thought that if people had the option to help, and I let them know where they could help, they would. I suppose I clung to the hope that, somewhere, we’re all Terrans and would support each other when the chips were down.”
“It’s nice to see you were right.”
“Yes, but far too close of a thing.” Kenneth stuck out his hand toward MacIntosh. “A pleasure as always, sir.”
MacIntosh stared at the lanky contractor’s hand for a moment before taking it and shaking firmly. “Not a turn of phrase I normally associate with your lot, but the sentiment is shared. Godspeed, Kenneth.”
Finish the Fight: Echoes of War Book Seven Page 28
