Mace shook his head. “I should go back. If for some reason you were to go down I don’t want to be a hindrance to you when you’re trying to keep yourself alive.”
Jasper nodded. “Your choice.”
Mace walked down the ramp and Jasper was away. The next eight hours made Mace a man with boredom written all over his face, wandering from one room or activity to the next. The science lab was busy looking for the next breakthrough that would bring back a moving wormhole. The Targarian excavation project offered little more than fifteen minutes of interest. Mace walked into the ammunition manufacturing area and was surprised to see Bontu Montak walking about.
After a short walk to catch up, Mace said, “How’s it going, Mr. Montak?”
Bontu replied, “Just trying to keep these machines supplied with resources. Glad to see you up and about.”
Mace nodded. “Moving slow, though. I see your crewmen are in here with you.”
Bontu stopped. “I don’t refer to them in that manner anymore, Mr. Hardy. They are now all my brothers. Is there something you are in need of? We have a lot of work to do here to keep these lines running.”
Mace held up a hand. “Nope. Was just saying hi. I’ve got a couple weeks of convalescing to get through before I can go back out, so I’m just burning time. Keep doing what you’re doing.”
Mace headed for the dining hall kitchen. Tres Dowda was busy testing the taste of a big pot of gravy.
An order was given to a Targarian helper. “Another cup of number sixty-seven in there, Fred.”
Mace asked, “Fred? Didn’t know there were any Freds among the Targarians.”
“Freddalk. I just call him Fred. Is there something you need?”
Mace laughed. “Yeah, about two weeks of rehab. Got that in a pot around here anywhere?”
Tres smiled. “Bored, huh? Last week it was Mr. Collins. He was in here two or three times a day wanting to make conversation.”
Mace frowned. “Sorry if I’m interrupting. I’ll leave.”
Tres shook his head. “Not at all. I like having the company. Gives me something to talk about with Vanessa other than running this kitchen all day.”
Mace said, “You could always volunteer for Earth duty. That would give you something to talk about.”
Tres huffed. “Not the conversations I want to have. Besides, that fighting just isn’t for me. I’ll do it if forced to, but I otherwise don’t have the stomach or the nerve for it. I’m more than happy to keep things running here.”
Mace nodded. “An army marches on its stomach. That was a supposed Napoleon quote. And it’s right. A well provisioned army will keep fighting and fight harder for longer. You’ve been keeping us well provisioned for several years now, and I for one am extremely grateful for it. The machine performs best when all the gears are meshed together and working. You can make that a Mace Hardy quote.
“How are the girls adjusting to all this?” Mace asked.
“There’s no adjusting for them. This is all they know. It’s scary sometimes how smart they are. And healthy, too. Never sick. I used to catch everything that came my way. They get nothing.”
Mace frowned. “Could be because they aren’t being introduced to anything. We only have a few dozen Humans here. The bacteria, pollen, and viruses on this planet may not have the same impacts on Humans as those back on Earth.”
Tres shook his head. “Doc doesn’t think that’s the case. He’s had a team researching outside should we one day want to live above ground again. This planet has its share of toxins, viruses, and bacteria… some of which our immune system might not be equipped to handle.”
Mace slowly sat at a table. “Well, that doesn’t sound all that promising.”
“That’s why they’re doing the research. He wants to get a leg up on any potential problems we might be facing.”
“The doc is a good man. Not sure how he keeps all that straight.”
Tres retrieved a glass. Setting it on the table in front of Mace, he next pulled a bottle from a cabinet. A glass was poured a quarter full from the bottle.
Tres said, “Give it a try. It’s my attempt at whiskey. I’ve been told I did well.”
Mace took a swig, swirling it in his mouth before swallowing. “Hmm.”
Tres sat in front of him. “Well?”
Mace took another swig. “You did good. How’d you get that wood note in there?”
Tres grinned. “I took a sample from a local tree, dried it, pulverized it, and turned it into a powder. I took that and put it in a teabag-like filter and soaked it in my container for a couple hours. Took me a dozen tries to get to that particular taste. You like it?”
Mace nodded. “I could have sold that as top shelf. Wouldn’t mind having a few bottles of that for the right occasions.”
Tres frowned. “Yeah, unfortunately I have a major issue to overcome. It doesn’t age well. I made that bottle just yesterday. In two weeks’ time it will have a harsh taste to it. Some of the ingredients from this planet add flavor at first, but the microbes they contain begin to eat away at some of the other flavors. Doc says I need a way to keep those microbes at a set level or do away with them altogether. Not really sure where to start on that.”
Mace said, “You’ve got an assistant for a couple weeks if you want one.”
Tres grinned again. “That would be awesome. You just got yourself a job. When can you start?”
“Right now. I’ve got nothing else on the radar.”
The next four hours were spent in a back room of the kitchen, learning the makeup of the ingredients that Tres used during his distilling process.
A comm came in from Jasper Collins. “Mr. Hardy, just thought I’d give you an update. I just cleaned out Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville on Florida’s east coast. Our troops there are mopping up. Unless you have specific targets you want me to hit, I’ll just keep working my way up the coast. First one took a bit of work to figure out how to best use this cannon. I had Jacksonville cleared in twenty minutes.”
“We haven’t heard from Stark in days. Keep going up the coast. When the Royal Fortune gets back we’ll see if they can coordinate with you.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Mace asked, “You have anyone else with you?”
Jasper shook his head. “Nah. Figured I could handle this on my own.”
Mace replied, “I think you should come back and get one or more of your people. Always good to have an objective opinion-giver with you. And someone to take over when you’re getting tired. Or to tell you when you’re getting tired.”
Jasper scowled. “Don’t need the help. Anyway, thought I’d let you know how things are working. I’ll check back in after a bit. Gonna go kick a little Dedrus ass for a while.”
The comm closed before Mace could reply.
Tres said, “He’s a stubborn one, isn’t he?”
Mace chuckled. “Stubborn doesn’t cover it.”
A short time later the volunteer crew of the Royal Fortune returned to continue their fight. Two additional runs were made with the city count finally swinging back in the favor of Humans. Jasper’s gunboat was ending the threat for twenty new cities per day.
A frantic and agitated comm came in from Jasper. “I’ve got four warships on my ass! Can’t shake them! I gave the first one a good beating but it’s still coming!”
“Dedrus?” Mace asked.
Jasper shook his head as he turned hard left, skimming the treetops between two hills. “Can’t say! I’m about fifty kilometers from Blacksburg. Trying to make it to the cave!”
Mace said, “Can you comm the others?”
Jasper nodded. “Already did. They’re getting collected right now… crap! Just lost my back armor. Have to ditch!”
The comm went silent.
Mace opened a channel to Jeff. “Jasper’s down. Check these logs from our comm. See if you can determine who was after him.”
Jeff replied, “Will do.”
Mace stood
. “Gotta go. We’ll pick up on the whiskey later.”
Tres nodded. “Absolutely.”
Mace moved at his quickest pace since being shot. He walked into Jeff’s lab three minutes later.
“Haven’t seen those ships before,” Mace said.
“Actually, I think we have. Those are pieced together, similar to what Mr. Collins did with his shuttle, the Halfbreed.”
Their makeup looks largely UF with a bit of Hoorka and some Karthian mixed in. Could be from any of them.”
Mace huffed. “Has to be UF. They had the tech that could see us.”
Jeff winced. “Malcom Stark had that ability as well.”
Mace shook his head. “We haven’t heard from Stark in days.”
Jeff shrugged. “Maybe it’s because he was off building those ships?”
A comm from Stark came in to Mace. “I’m certain you are aware of Mr. Collins’ crash. I just wanted to tell you that he survived. I would suggest you keep your other crew away for a while. I’m in negotiations with the Dedrus for the removal of their troops. Your interference, particularly that of Mr. Collins, is making that difficult.”
Mace sighed. “Another deal, Stark? What is it this time? Another ten years as a branch of their military?”
Stark replied, “Not at all. I’ve spent the last four days at the Dedrus capital. The negotiation is for a peaceful removal of their troops. I’m trying to convince them that they have exacted their pound of flesh for the loss of troops at Promexa. This war does neither of our peoples any good. And if they were willing to peacefully remove their troops, we would allow it. Mr. Collins was once again interfering with my plans.”
Mace asked, “Who’s flying the ships?”
“My people. It has taken considerable effort, but we were able to piece those ships together from salvaged hulls. Quite the remarkable feat considering our resources. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without use of the massive hangar on Hardy. An impressive structure the Targarians built. I’ve made that and your Alpha Centauri complex my first two interstellar bases.”
Mace said, “What are you expecting from us, Stark?”
Malcom Stark smiled. “Exactly nothing. Give me two weeks to negotiate the Dedrus exit and we will have peace. It will be a peace with no strings attached. Earth will finally be without threat.”
Mace scowled. “We’ll still be sitting ducks. We have no way to protect ourselves.”
Stark shifted in his chair, leaning forward. “You have your solar ship, Mr. Hardy. That should be enough to keep any threatening species away. Unless…”
Mace said, “Just be careful with whatever deals you’re planning. We’re vulnerable right now.”
Stark smiled. “Our fates are resting in my hands, Mr. Hardy. The elected king’s hands. If I can’t negotiate a peaceful exit within the next two weeks, you are free to do as you will. Any interference between now and then will be dealt with swiftly.”
The comm closed on a smug and confident Malcom Stark.
Jeff said, “If he can achieve peace, it’s worth taking the chance. We can square our beef with him anytime afterward.”
Mace returned a half scowl. “As much as it pains me to say so, I agree. If he can pull this off, we’re at least better off than we were. He’ll have his two weeks. Gives me time to get back on my feet, anyway.”
Chapter 18
*
Mace looked over the frame of the wormhole device Jeff Moskowitz was working on. “Anything new today?”
Jeff nodded. “Mr. Klept was able to modify the structure of a containment field. We’re hoping that leads to the stable output we seek from the gain circuits. We may be prepared to try a new board swap in the coming days.”
Mace replied, “We have the shuttle available. We’ve been doing nothing but ammo runs for the past three days.”
“No word from Mr. Stark on his negotiations?” Jeff asked.
Mace shook his head. “Haven’t heard a word. The Dedrus attacks have all stopped. And our people aren’t trying to take any cities back. So I’d have to say at least a ceasefire appears to be in place and holding.”
A comm came in from Malcom Stark. “Mr. Hardy… it is done. The Dedrus will be bringing in transports to fly out their troops. I expect the process to begin in the next few days. They will give notice, and will be done within three days after. They have promised to not violate Earth space, former Galactic Union space, Karthian space, or United Front space. As to the Hoorka… the Dedrus have agreed to refrain from taking action there for a period of at least two years so long as they are not provoked by the Hoorka in any manner. I attempted full peace with them as well, but the Dedrus held firm.”
Mace replied, “You wouldn’t mind if I hold my congratulations until the Dedrus are gone, would you?”
Stark smiled. “We are approaching a moment of greatness, Mr. Hardy. A new beginning for man. We will have the knowledge we need to build and to grow. This entire sector has habitable worlds sitting empty, waiting to be colonized. Our new generation of citizens are enhanced. For most, their intelligence equals that of some of our greatest minds. I see a bright future for Man where we can grow and spread into the heavens like never before imagined.”
Mace crossed his arms. “Other than recovering from the Dedrus attacks, our first order of business should be our security. If we can’t protect ourselves, the first nasty species to come along is gonna bowl us over. You do realize there are other hostiles out there besides the Dedrus, right?”
Stark sighed. “I am fully aware of the threat and of the need for security. I was merely attempting to instill a sense of hope with you. When peace has arrived, you and I will discuss reconciliation between us. I know your actions have been taken in an attempt to protect us all. While commendable, they have interfered with our plans time and again, probably setting our progress back dozens of years. However… your intentions were good and honorable, so I will be wanting to bring you back into the fold.”
Mace scowled. “We just want what’s best for Mankind, Stark. The Dedrus leaving is a good start. Our path from there? Well, I think we have a few major differences to overcome. Expect a tough negotiation when that time comes.”
Stark smiled. “I look forward to it.”
Johnny was standing behind Mace. “Those narrow eyes… he was making plans as he was talking to you. You could see it in his face.”
Mace nodded. “He’s gonna be Stark. Always scheming.”
Johnny asked, “Any word from Jasper?”
Mace shook his head. “We left a note at the cave for him with a way to contact our shuttles while they’re dropping ammo. Haven’t heard from him yet. Would have expected him back there by now. Hope he wasn’t injured.”
Johnny said, “Or captured or killed. I could see Stark lying to us about those things.”
Three days passed with no activity from the Dedrus. The ceasefire was holding. Johnny had begun to speculate the Dedrus were backing out of the deal.
“I’m just saying. How long does it take to send transports?”
Mace replied, “The fighting has stopped. Let’s take that as a win. We’re still making ammo deliveries. If the fighting does pick up again we at least have that bit of advantage.”
Johnny said, “I still think we should check out the wreckage of Jasper’s ship. I don’t trust Stark’s word that he lived.”
Mace shook his head. “We’ve done several bioscans. There was no sign of anyone in or around the wreckage. But if it makes you feel better, we’ll give it a check on our next visit. Doc has an update he wants data from that he’ll be putting in the shuttle today.”
A comm came in from one of Jasper’s ships that was delivering ammo. “We have wormholes opening, Mr. Hardy. Initial data shows transports.”
Mace replied, “Thank you, Captain. Keep us informed.”
The captain cautioned: “Wait, sir. We have more… warships. Data says sixty-six.”
Mace took a deep breath. “Let’s go prep the shu
ttle. This can’t be good.”
Johnny said, “You’re still a couple days from your medical release, aren’t you?”
Mace scowled. “Like that matters. Come on, let’s get out there. I want to see what they’ve planned with Stark.”
Mace put on the battlesuit and met Johnny at the Royal Fortune. Jeff was coming down the ramp.
Mace said, “Did you just swap circuit boards?”
Jeff nodded. “I did. And I updated the sensor software to give us three extra data points.”
“We’ll still be able to jump, won’t we? The Dedrus just rolled a bunch of warships into Earth space along with their transports. I’m hoping those were just sent to protect their transports as they’re leaving.”
Jeff replied, “The indications in the lab are the wormhole will properly initialize and should stay open. I would take a moment for evaluation before proceeding through.”
Johnny asked, “Jenny coming?”
Mace nodded. “And Jane, Crawford, and Geerok.”
Derwood raced up the ramp just ahead of Jane.
Johnny reached down, petting the Dachshund on the head before scratching his sides. “You coming to help us fight the Dedrus, Der-der?”
Jane said, “He shot out the door before I could stop him. And no, he doesn’t need to go along. We don’t know what we’ll be up against.”
Johnny laughed. “If we ever catch up to Stark, he can sniff him out. I can turn on my holo-projector and he still knows right where I am.”
Jane said, “That’s because he knows your stink.”
“I believe the term you were looking for is smell. He knows my smell.”
Jane shook her head. “He has a nose. He smells… you stink.”
Jane got the dog’s attention by holding its face in her hands. “Tres has a treat waiting for you, boy. Go see Tres for your treat!”
The Dachshund barked and bolted for the door. He was down the ramp and across the tarmac before Jane could open her comm.
“Tres, you have a visitor coming. You’ll know what he wants when he gets there. Take care of his needs. We’re heading to Earth to check the situation.”
Tres replied, “I’ll have it ready when he—”
HADRON Emergent Page 18
