by Ben Hale
Jack finished tying his tie. "I'm not sure. I'm an intelligence officer without anyone to spy on, so the president said he has another assignment for me."
"Do you think it has to do with Tess? She's been working on that weapon nonstop since yesterday morning."
"I'll find out when I get there."
Kate pursed her lips and handed him his shoes. "Alice's army reaches the coast tonight, but I wouldn't put it past her to try something. Be careful."
He leaned down to kiss her. "I always am."
He did not allow his worry to show through. Her expression revealed that she wasn't fooled. He issued a grunt of acknowledgment and flashed a look she knew well.
I'll be careful.
She embraced him and let him go. He then departed from the room and descended the steps to the ground floor of Breaker's house. Since Breaker had been sent to lead a section of the western front, the newly placed Prime had offered his home to Jack and Kate.
Anxious to reach the president, Jack strode from the house into the street. Then he turned his steps toward the Spirus in the distance. As the sun rose it revealed the extent of the damage. The battle for Auroraq had taken many lives and left enormous scars on the city.
The white granite of the Spirus stood pockmarked and blackened, while every inch of glass on the north side had been shattered. The trees surrounding the building had been decimated, leaving gaping holes in the landscape. Little had been left unscathed.
In the days following the battle, the Magtherian had repaired the critical sections but lacked the time for extensive work. The final battle with Alice's army took precedence. Instead of repairing Auroraq, the mages had been tasked with fortifying the city against intrusion and moving it to fly above the Stacks. For now, the great city remained wounded.
Lost in thought, Jack wound his way through the early morning light until he reached the tower. Both auren and mage soldiers stood as sentries, but knew him well. After they let him pass he ascended to the thirty-seventh floor. When he exited the gravity lift, he was surprised to find the massive map of North America nearing completion. The president lay on his back beneath it, talking with several mages as they worked.
"Mr. President?" Jack asked.
The president stood up, his body passing through the floating map. "Jack," he called, and motioned to the map. "It's almost done. What do you think?"
Jack nodded in appreciation. He'd seen the battle map two days ago when they had first started enchanting it, but not their latest progress. If they finished it in time, the atlas would give live updates regarding the battle.
"I'm glad to see you took my advice to build it," Jack said.
The president led him to an office abutting the main chamber and knocked on the door. They walked in when a voice called to enter. Once he stepped inside Jack realized that it was High Chancellor Gerik standing to greet him.
"High Chancellor," Jack said. "You look better than the last time I saw you."
A flicker of darkness passed over Gerik's features, but he managed to suppress it. "Being imprisoned like a dog takes time to wash off." He motioned for them to sit.
Jack did, and then said, "Forgive me for being blunt, but what's the purpose of this conversation?"
The president and Gerik exchanged a look. Then Gerik said, "I'll be equally blunt. We'd like you to command the defenses during the battle."
Surprise flitted across Jack's face. This was not what he had expected. "It was my understanding that Admiral Hughes was going to lead."
"He's dead," the president said, and released a long sigh. "Varson led a small army of mage and human Harbingers to attack Norad. Most of Congress, the Secretary of Defense, and Admiral Hughes were buried when the mountain collapsed on top of them, as were many of the surviving world leaders. My wife had gone to the Stacks, or she would have been with them."
"The Trimages and several ranking Masters died as well," Gerik said.
Jack passed a hand over his face. "Alice wants to eliminate our command structure before it's in place."
"She already has," the president said. "That's why we need you."
Still struggling to absorb the news about Norad, Jack leaned forward. "You are the commander in chief. Why don't you lead this yourself?"
For the first time since Jack could recall, the president appeared old. "The United States is gone, Jack," he said quietly. "Less than ten percent of our federal officials remain alive, and most of them are already assigned. The coalition that we are building is the only cohesive government left on the planet, and we need a commander for the Earth Army."
"With all due respect, sir, I'm an intelligence officer."
"But you were a soldier," the president pointed out, "and a good one. With half the joint chiefs and generals dead, we need a unique commander—one with the qualities that you possess."
Jack looked between them and realized what they meant. "I know the most about the mages and non-mages."
Gerik bobbed his head in agreement. "The mages are powerful, but we have lived a life apart from non-mages for thousands of years. The militaries of Earth, in turn, know nothing of us. You have made a point of learning about the mages since you discovered the identity of your daughter."
"You have also demonstrated your ability as a strategist, and you are an honest man," the president added. "If you don't lead us, we will operate together, but we won't be united."
Uncertain of how to respond, Jack didn't. The man was right. What they were proposing made logical sense, and yet went far beyond what Jack had ever aspired to. Should he do it? Or more importantly, could he do it? The weight of millions of lives seemed to hover in front of him, waiting for the shoulders that would carry them.
"I don't possess enough knowledge to do what you ask," he finally admitted, and then continued before they could argue. "But that doesn't mean I'm declining."
"What do you need?" Gerik asked.
"Communication will be key," Jack said, "so I'll need the best techno mage you have."
"Master Barrows is more than qualified—"
"Iris," Jack said. "I trust her, and I know what she's capable of."
Gerik frowned. "The girl is undisciplined, and her mother is part of Alice's forces. Besides, she is one of the oracle's friends."
"All the more reason I need her," Jack said. "We all know that this battle cannot be won. Tess is the key to victory, and staying in touch with her is paramount."
Gerik released a sigh. "I doubt you can convince her to assist you, but if you can she is yours. What else?"
"I want the MIO task force to help guard the city, and myself."
"My battlemages are prepared to act in that capacity," Gerik said. "Your request is unnecessary."
"The best of your battlemages have been sent to join the battle. Prime Breaker is one of the leading generals of the western front, and every available mage has been dispatched to assist other units."
"After the enchantments we have added, it is unlikely that Alice will attack here again," Gerik said.
"On the contrary," Jack said. "I have no doubt that she will attempt to damage our ability to coordinate our defenses. She has proven her willingness to assassinate in the past." He motioned to the president as a reminder. "And Norad demonstrates her willingness to destroy the command structure."
"It appears your family has many requests today," Gerik said. "Anything else?"
Jacob swung to face him. "What do you mean?"
Gerik's eyes moved to him. "The oracle requested more help on the Spirus roof. After what she has done in the past I could not refuse."
The president's eyebrows pulled together. "Will it really do as she described?"
"We can only hope," Gerik replied.
Jack frowned and resolved to speak to his daughter. If he was going to be the commander, he needed to know everything she was doing. "One last condition," he said. "My orders cannot be overridden."
Gerik seemed about to protest, but the president did not. "F
or the duration of this battle, you can command even us."
"So you accept?" Gerik asked.
Jack felt a chill course down his spine. If he failed, there would be no country to return to, no land of freedom left on Earth. Alice and the Dark would reign supreme.
Jack released a sigh. "I do. I'd like to be present when the generals arrive."
"I would expect nothing less," the president said. "They should arrive within the hour."
"Then I have a lot of work to do," Jack said, and rose to his feet.
After shaking their hands, he departed the office and caught Uri outside. As one of the better techno mages he'd encountered, Jack asked him to send a message to his wife and then went to collect his omni-glasses from his previous office. He'd used them to help select the coming generals, and found them to be far more useful than any computer.
He paused on his way back. Checking the time, he strode to the gravity lift and took it to the roof. He stepped out and came to an abrupt halt, his gaze lifting to see the enormous structure rising in front of him.
Mages climbed over it or floated around, casting magic into solid supports. Even though the superstructure had yet to be completed, Jack felt a chill. The light emanating from the curving beams implied strength . . . and power. Then Tess caught sight of him and dropped to the roof.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, and hugged him.
It was the first time since Hawk had died that Jack saw hope on his daughter's face, and it warmed him to the core.
"I'm sorry I've been too busy to see it," he said, and then gestured behind her. "You were a bit vague yesterday morning. What exactly will it do?"
"Think of it as an intercontinental missile," she said. "With it Gerik will be able to provide support anywhere on the continent. If it works, the damage will be extensive."
His eyebrows shot up as he considered the ramifications of such a weapon. "I'll need it," he said.
Her smile faded as she realized what he meant. "I thought Admiral Hughes was going to command the battle."
Her statement carried worry, prompting him to flash a tight smile. "The Harbingers intervened. Someone else needed to give you time, and it looks like I'm the most qualified."
She pulled him to the side, out of the bustle of activity. "Alice is going to come after you."
"That's why I need help," he said. "Do you think Iris will consider it?"
"Consider what?"
Jack turned to find Iris approaching. "I want you to be my communications officer."
Iris's eyes flicked to Tess, and then past her. "Quad," she barked, "make sure that anti-magic sheath is seamless."
"As you wish!" he shouted back to her, and threw a mock salute.
Iris's attention had already moved on, and she now spoke to several others in her techno army. She didn't meet his eyes, but Jack got the impression she was considering his words so he made no attempt to interrupt.
"I'm helping Tess," she finally said.
"I'm not asking you to stop," Jack replied easily. "I need someone I can trust—and someone capable of connecting to a hundred million troops. If you have a recommendation for another, I'd like to hear it."
Iris's lips tightened, indicating she knew that no one else could replace her. Instead of answering, she turned to Tess.
"He's right," she said. "And you have someone new to help you."
Jack caught the connotation, but gave no outward sign that he had. His gaze swept the collection of mages building the Halo, searching for one that stood out. It didn't take him long to spot her.
Her white blonde hair flowed in the wind as she glided around the growing weapon, her expression intense and determined. He flipped through his memory of every mage he knew, and then her eyes connected with his. The sheer power behind them made him want to flinch, and reminded him of his private research regarding mage history.
"Would you care to explain how Siarra Elseerian is alive?" he asked in an undertone, interrupting Tess and Iris.
"How did you . . .," Iris issued a grunt of understanding. "Sometimes I forget you worked for the CIA." She said it with a mixture of respect and irritation.
"She endured a spell that would keep her alive until now," Tess said quietly. "But she only has a few days to live. She came to help."
"Do you trust her?" Jack asked.
"With my life," Tess replied.
"Then so do I." He turned to Iris. "Will you accept the position?"
Iris hesitated, and then nodded. "As soon as the Halo is done, I'll be there."
Jack could accept that. "Let me know when it's operational."
"I will," Tess said, "and thanks."
"I should be thanking you," Jack said, and inclined his head toward the Halo. "This might mean we survive tomorrow."
"There's something else," Tess said, and lowered her voice. Then she told him about her vision of Alice's ultimatum.
"You think she will follow through?"
"I know she does," Tess said.
Jack stared into the distance. "It will give us an extra few hours to prepare." A tightness in his chest eased as he mentally pushed off the time of the invasion. Then his gaze settled on Tess. On impulse he asked her a question that had bothered him for weeks.
"What's it like seeing the future?"
Her features tightened. "Terrifying. I can only see what I'm not afraid of." She swallowed and looked away, prompting him to draw her into an embrace.
"We can do this together, you, me, and your mom." They parted, and she gave a tiny nod. Her expression conveyed her reply.
I'm working on it.
Jack didn't push her on it. Tess knew that victory depended on her. Focusing on it would only serve to hamper her efforts.
He flashed a grin, and added. "When it's over, there's a bowl of ice cream with your name on it."
She burst into a laugh. "You can count on it."
His grin faded as he descended in the gravity lift. The final battle had yet to begin, but he already felt the weight. Contrary to what he'd told Gerik and the president, he had not accepted the appointment because of his skills. He'd accepted because he would not trust anyone else to help his daughter.
Chapter 5: The Coalition
Jack reached the massive tunnel underneath Auroraq and came to a stop. Beside and around him, the surviving members of the MIO task force had joined him, already primed for their new assignment. Jack spoke with Charlie, head of the protective detail, while they waited. The president then joined them.
"Here they come," he said.
A glittering object appeared at the end of the tunnel, and a large teardrop vessel slipped into view. Gliding down the tunnel, it settled to a stop in front of Jack and a door swung open. Dressed in matching black suits, secret service agents hustled out. Agent Pierce led the way.
"Is the area secure?" Agent Pierce asked.
The president nodded to him. Pierce was the last survivor of the undercover mages tasked with protecting the president.
"This is the most secure location on the planet," Jack said.
"We thought Norad was out of their reach," Pierce countered.
Jack sighed. "The city has been fortified with both magic and other means."
Agent Pierce issued a grunt and made a motion to one of his men. A moment later the selected generals exited the mage ship. Descending the steps, they greeted Jack and the president.
"Glad to see you alive," General Braun said, his German accent thick in his voice. "Is everything ready?"
"As much as possible," the president replied. "Are your forces in position?"
Braun issued a grunt. "The line is thin. Time will tell if it holds."
Jack nodded and then stepped to greet the other generals disembarking. In his research, he'd ensured that each had a working knowledge of English. He'd further vetted them through his intelligence records to ensure they at least had a modicum of integrity.
A second ship soon joined and unloaded another group of generals. Jac
k felt a twinge of sadness at the sight of racial enemies soberly shaking hands. It had taken the loss of most of the planet to bring these people together.
For every nation present, one was not. Entire countries had been erased from Earth. Others had lost most of their senior cadre. By necessity some forces had been folded into others, like Portugal and Spain. A third group had chosen to gather in South America with Brazil. Inwardly Jack cringed at the idea of the Brazilian coalition. Without the mages or the numbers they were unlikely to last.
As the president moved to greet the newcomers, Jack caught Charlie and asked him to direct the military leaders to the command center as they arrived. Then he took the president and those with him up into the Spirus.
Sharp intakes of breath accompanied their passage as the non-mages came to terms with the magic displayed all around them. Living art, trees, and flowing water defied reality and any sense of normalcy.
At one point a diminutive mage assistant wove through the crowd and delivered a brief message to Jack. The water entity stood barely as tall as Jack's knee and resembled a small child. Marshal Williams from England nearly leapt from his skin as the water creature touched his leg. General Jacque Lefevre from France was the only one to reach down and touch it.
Jack hid a smile and a moment later ushered the entire group onto a gravity lift. Many demonstrated trepidation before they stepped onto the apparent hole in the floor. Since Jack stood without falling, they joined him. Several squeaked in surprise when they collectively began to rise.
"What sort of lift is this?" the British prime minister asked. He stared at his feet in wonder.
"This is a gravity lift," Jack said. "As you can see, there are no floors or walls, although if you try to reach out you will find a gravity shield present. As you will come to know, magic is energy. Focused through a human body into a specific form, they can do what we would consider impossible. These energies have surpassed much of our technology in their complexity."
The leaders gaped in astonishment or murmured to each other, and a moment later they reached the command center. They stepped out and came to a halt, stunned to silence at what lay before them.
