Conspiracy

by A. K. DuBoff

  Leon nodded. “Sounds like a good gig.”

  “Except when it’s not.” Gil shrugged.

  “How do you pass the time?” Leon asked. “I’ve spent my whole life on planets. Being cooped up on a starship is strange to me.”

  “Well, there’s the gym, and the video library, games… But honestly, you want to pick up a hobby. Sven over here has written three novels.”

  Sven dismissed the statement with a flip of his wrist. “Novel is too fancy a term. They were space adventure stories about the team on this ship, as told from the boring perspective of a support systems engineer.”

  Leon smiled. “Sounds like a prime opportunity to make yourself the hero.”

  “No one would read about me.” He crossed his arms and nestled deeper into the couch. “Not saying I didn’t do that, though.”

  “I’m sure I’ll figure out something to do.” Leon looked back toward the ladder, debating whether or not to check out the level below to see what else there might be.

  “You can join us here, if you like. We were just about to play Fastara with the team before we eat,” Gil offered.

  “I can’t say I’ve played much.”

  Sven got a devious glint in his eyes. “That’s not a problem.”

  Unfortunately for Sven, Gil, and the members of Kira’s team, Leon’s assertion that he was unfamiliar with Fastara was a ruse. Many a night in grad school had been spent competing for prize money to fund a night off-campus, and he’d honed some skills. No need for him to elaborate on his past experience, though. They’d find out soon enough.

  — — —

  The winter sunlight shining over the Elusian capital was all the sweeter knowing that the Elusian Alliance was now once again a member of the grand Taran Empire. President Elton Joris smiled with satisfaction as he surveyed the city. We have a bright future ahead of us.

  A knock sounded on his office door.

  “Come in.”

  The door cracked open, and Ellen Calleti poked her head in. “Hello, Mr. President. Do you have a moment?”

  “Certainly. Come in, Ellen.” Joris gestured to the visitor chair across from his desk and took a seat in his own. “Is this about the integration guidebook?”

  “No, but that’s coming along well,” Ellen replied.

  When the Elusian Alliance had signed the reunification agreement with the Taran Empire, new opportunities opened for the Elusian people. President Joris had asked Ellen to draft a summary of those new benefits for citizens to use as a guide. The further they got into the project, the more details they uncovered that Joris knew needed to be documented. Despite the administrative burden, he was excited about the opportunities that would be available to his people in coming generations.

  Ellen sat down in the visitor chair and folded her hands over her tablet on her lap. “Actually, sir, I’m here about Chancellor Hale.”

  “Oh, yes.” Joris looked down a sighed. “I reached out to the Guard. My contact said he’d look into it.”

  Joris had been around politicians long enough to know when a person was dodging a request, and he imagined those same tells extended to members of the military. Given the information Joris had imparted about the Mysaran chancellor potentially being subverted, he would have expected immediate and decisive action. A casual ‘look into it’ statement didn’t come across that way in the slightest.

  Ellen frowned, clearly thinking the same thing. “Is there anyone else we can go to?”

  “I’m hesitant to take too many backchannels. We’re in enough of a political wedge as it is after signing the reunification agreement without representative sign-off.”

  “But this is a serious threat, sir. If Hale is compromised…”

  Joris nodded. “I agree. But it’s possible the Guard is taking a more covert approach. I don’t want to step on toes.”

  “Would you like me to do the toe-stepping for you?” Ellen offered.

  “What do you have in mind?”

  “Well, my brother went to work with the Guard after the MTech lab on Valta was shut down. I could see if he can find out whether an investigation is underway.”

  Joris smiled. “That’s a handy connection to have. But hold off. I’ll try a more direct strategy first.”

  “I’ll be standing by.” Ellen rose.

  “Thank you, Ellen. I’m glad to have you on my side.”

  She inclined her head. “I’m sorry there was ever a time I wasn’t.”

  Ellen departed, leaving Joris alone with his thoughts.

  He leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. Why would the Guard defer an investigation into Hale? The most obvious explanation was that they already knew something and didn’t want to share. If that were the case, he—and Elusia—might not be as safe as he thought.

  CHAPTER 5

  Kira thumbed through the entertainment selection on her tablet. Despite having an entire galaxy’s worth of content at her disposal, she still couldn’t find anything to watch.

  With a heavy sigh, she turned off the tablet with a click of the remote mouse they’d rigged up for her. Bedtime, I guess. Not that I’m tired after all those naps. Leon needed to hurry up and get that equipment he needed or else there might not be anything of Kira’s mind left to save.

  She chuckled to herself. Wow, I’m a terrible patient.

  Kira was willing to give herself some leeway, though, considering that Doctor Elric’s tests had all come back inconclusive. She wouldn’t know the extent of her modifications until Leon had a chance to complete his analysis of the new nanites. That could take days.

  The thought of waiting in limbo for that long upset Kira all over again, so she closed her eyes with the hope that sleep would pass the time.

  She was just beginning to doze off when a knock sounded on the window.

  Kira cracked one eye open. “Colonel Kaen?”

  “Good, you’re awake. It’s time we chat.” He kept his gaze fixed on her as he passed through the containment tunnel into the room.

  When the door hissed open, Kira tilted her head questioningly. “Sir, I thought you’d be in bed by now. It’s late.”

  “Just wanted to check on you.” Kaen stopped at the foot of her bed. “Since it’s just the two of us, no need for all the formality.”

  Maybe Doctor Elric is onto something. This doesn’t sound like the colonel at all. “I appreciate you stopping by.” Not really, but Kira figured that’s what people in her circumstances should say.

  “When I sent you on that mission, I didn’t expect events to unfold this way.”

  “Well, a lot of things didn’t go according to plan.”

  “I have to say, though, when things don’t work out like you envision, that’s when you learn a lot about yourself as a leader. I’ve learned more about myself in the last few days than I ever knew I could.”

  Kira grunted. “Aside from what happened to me, things didn’t go that badly. We still took down the lab and got the woman behind it all.”

  Kaen frowned. “Yes, though that was quite unfortunate she met such an untimely end.”

  “I’m sorry, sir, I hadn’t intended to take it that far—she wouldn’t submit.” Kira looked down. “Not that sparing her life would have changed present circumstances, since she’d already dosed me with the nanites.”

  “Speaking of which,” Kaen walked slowly along the side of the bed, “have you experienced any other transformations?”

  “Nope, just been relaxing here.”

  “Perhaps you should try? There’s no way to master new skills without practice.”

  “Yeah, I don’t think that’s really advisable in this case.”

  Kaen stopped midway along the bed near her knees. “Have you ever talked with other Gifted people?”

  “Not really, no. Why?”

  “Hmm, that’s surprising.”

  Kira shrugged as much as she could in the restraints. “Valtan telepathy isn’t held in very high regard among the telekinetically Gifted throughou
t the rest of the Taran worlds. I’ve never had the opportunity to interact with anyone, since the TSS turned me away.”

  “Well,” the colonel continued, “I’ve heard secondhand there’s a moment when someone first uses their abilities where it’s so new and scary that the power is terrifying, overwhelming. Except, using those abilities is a fundamental part of their identity. It’s only by pushing through the fear that they are able to come into their full selves.”

  “Except I wasn’t born this way—I didn’t choose to be a Robus. What happened to me is the product of illegal nanotech experimentation, end of story.”

  “Many advancements are an accident. History shows that those who seize opportunity hold the power.”

  Kira studied Kaen. She took a slow breath, trying to seem like she was considering his words. “Maybe this nanotech will turn out to be a helpful upgrade, but it’s going to take time for me to adjust to the idea. I hope you’ll be patient with me.”

  Kaen looked like he was going to say something else, his face tensing around his eyes and lips. After five seconds, he nodded. “Of course. Sleep well.” He stiffly exited the room.

  What in the stars is going on with him? Kira sunk into her pillows. And what does he want from me?

  — — —

  Something was most definitely off. Sandren watched Kaen storm out from the infirmary after his brief chat with Kira. The man I’ve served under for the past decade wouldn’t stop by just to check in on someone, no matter their condition. He’s always been strictly business. Unless…

  Sandren would never get answers watching from a distance. He walked through the darkened infirmary to the quarantine area at the back. Kira’s eyes were closed, but she was restless on the bed.

  “Kira?” he asked softly through the comm at the window.

  Her eyes flew open. “Who— Oh, Major. What are you…?”

  “I saw Kaen was here. May we speak?”

  “Yes, please!” She sat up in the bed as much as she could.

  Sandren went through the tunnel and approached her. “How are you feeling?”

  “Fine, sir. No other random transformations.”

  “And what did Kaen want?”

  Kira bit her lower lip. “It’s strange. Multiple times today, he’s talked about me embracing this change. He wants me to learn to control it.”

  “What you told me before is looking more likely,” Sandren admitted.

  Kira looked him in the eyes. “If he’s listening to this…”

  Sandren submitted to her telepathic link. “Clearly we’re on the same page here.”

  “Do you have a plan?”

  Sandren shook his head. “Not yet, but I’m working on it.”

  “Do you think he’s reporting to the same boss as Monica was? If they were working together, it would explain how she got away.”

  “A connection is likely. But what that connection is, I’m not sure yet.”

  Kira frowned. “I really don’t know what to do about these modifications.”

  Sandren wasn’t sure if the statement was genuine or if it was for the good of Kaen potentially listening in on their conversation. “The decision is yours, Kira, assuming they are able to come up with a countermeasure. If you want to keep the nanites, we’ll adapt—provided they don’t pose a security or health risk. If you want to go back to the way things were, no one will question it.”

  “I’d be lying if I denied there being some appeal to being physically powerful like the others on my team.”

  “Brute strength isn’t the only kind of power.”

  She shrugged. “I know. But I am out in the field. It’d come in handy.”

  “You’re actually considering this?”

  “Something Kaen just told me rang true. Any change is scary, but I don’t know what I can do or how this will affect me unless I give it a try.”

  Sandren nodded. “As long as you’re under my command, I’ll support whatever decision you make. We can seal off one of the sparring rooms and you can test out your new form, if you’d like.”

  Kira cracked a smile. “Thank you, sir.”

  CHAPTER 6

  The MTech lab looked untouched since Leon had last seen it three days prior, with the exception of the Mysaran landing craft no longer occupying the employee parking lot. The Guard landing shuttle set down at the end of the lot closest to the lab.

  “It’s so weird. I feel like I was just here,” Ari jested.

  “Yeah, yeah, I know.” Leon hopped out of the landing shuttle and stretched.

  It’d been a long day of travel on the Raven and it felt great to be on solid land again. Only three days and I’m already missing being planetside. Not a great start for his new Guard career in space.

  The soldiers opened up the back of the shuttle to prep it for their mission. Though the craft wasn’t a cargo vessel, the equipment Leon was after should fit in the rear cargo area that was typically reserved for mission-specific tech and armaments. Each team member wore standard body armor and carried a multi-handgun, but with any luck, even those wouldn’t come into play.

  Wearing armor felt strange to Leon after spending his whole career in either business clothes or a lab coat. He had no interest in being in the middle of combat, but he’d certainly rather spend time in awkward attire than have a gaping hole through his chest.

  “You don’t think anyone from MTech has come back here, do you?” Leon asked the group.

  “No signs I can see from here,” Ari replied. “If you’re wondering about why we’re wearing armor, it’s because we never go anywhere unprotected. We’d be in powered armor if we thought we were going to face opposition.”

  “I do have to say, it’s much nicer here on Valta when I’m not being shot at,” Nia said with a grin.

  Kyle rolled his eyes. “You’re not kidding anyone, Nia. You love a good firefight.”

  She placed a hand on her hip. “A good firefight, yes, which is one I’ve already won. If the enemy is still shooting, or hasn’t even started yet, there’s nothing good about that!”

  Ari rolled a hovercart out of the shuttle. “I think most people would say they’re in it for the win.”

  “Except maybe the Mysarans,” Kyle replied. “Or it seems that way since they never do.”

  Leon frowned at the man. “Let’s just focus on the mission.”

  The soldier straightened. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to touch a nerve.”

  “Look, I know Elusia is in the Empire now and Mysar is still on the outside, but Valta has equal ties to both worlds. I went to grad school on Mysar. I have nothing against the people themselves,” Leon explained.

  Nia patted Kyle on his shoulder. “In other words, we should all try to get along and be civil. Come on.”

  The four of them traversed the path from the parking area to the ruined entryway of the lab. Plastic sheeting was affixed to the building frame to seal the openings where windows had been shot out during the firefight. Stone fragments and glass shards littered the walkway and flowerbeds around the entrance.

  “Glad I wasn’t in the middle of this,” Leon murmured.

  Ari shrugged. “It wasn’t as bad as it seems from this aftermath.”

  “Still, I’m looking forward to getting back to our roots with covert entry,” Nia said.

  “With you there!” Kyle agreed. “Darting through the shadows, hacking into computer networks.”

  She smiled. “That’s the life.”

  When they reached the plastic sheeting, Ari produced a utility knife from a belt pouch and sliced a slit down and along the bottom edge to create a diagonal flap. He slipped through the opening with the hover cart and activated a light mounted to the front of his tactical vest.

  “Yeah, doesn’t look like anyone’s been in here,” he announced. “Come on in.”

  The rest of the team followed him.

  Kyle crouched at the entrance and set a small electronic device on the floor.

  “What’s that?” Leon asked.

/>   “Sensor,” the soldier replied. “If anyone comes inside, we’ll get an alert.”

  “That’s rather handy.” Leon led the way toward A Wing on the right side of the lobby.

  The A Wing security arch had fared better than the one to B Wing, but with the power disconnected from the building, it was just lifeless ornamentation.

  Leon clicked on his own chest light as they approached the double-doors leading into the wing, which were still propped open from the prior infiltration.

  The stark white corridor was downright creepy in the dark stillness. Leon listened for anything moving in the shadows, but the place was empty. He tried to shake the feeling that they were being watched—well aware of how many security cameras had been watching him every day at work before—but he knew that was silly.

  They reached the lab where Leon had conducted the bulk of his research before the Guard raid. With a pang in his chest, he saw the family pictures still on his coworkers’ desks.

  “When do you think people will be allowed to gather their things?” he asked.

  “Tough call,” Nia replied. “The Guard has been talking with MTech about what went on here, but I don’t know the details. I imagine whenever they reach an accord, MTech will get the facility back, and it’ll be up to them who they let in, if anyone.”

  “Tribeca was counting on this lab being part of the local economy.” Leon shook his head. “Shame it had to be mothballed.”

  “It could still re-open,” Kyle pointed out. “If the Guard determines that MTech isn’t corrupted at its core, then the honest workers like you will be able to get right back to what they were doing—the good parts.”

  “Yeah, I guess.” Leon set aside the thoughts about his former coworkers and started running through his mental inventory of the items they needed to retrieve. “It’ll be a tight fit on that cart, but I think we can grab everything in one trip.”

  “Good, because I can’t say I’m fond of this place.” Nia poked at the arm of a task light mounted to the island workstation at the center of the room.