by John Walker
“You still haven’t answered my question about why you want this ship back,” Gray said.
“Ah, the Captain. Here to bring us back to reality.” Siva tapped on her tablet. “The truth is I want that ship back here. I want to recruit Kale Ru’Xin into the ranks of intelligence and have them run ops for me. Provided they didn’t survive on pure dumb luck, I can use resourcefulness like that. Like you have. There’s a reason we’re talking right now.”
“I still don’t know how you convinced my government of this,” Gray said. “To put us to work I mean.”
“It wasn’t hard. Intergalactic cooperation for one.” Siva shrugged. “And I can pull strings too. Your council doesn’t quite know what to do with itself yet. Just entering into the arena of alien politics, they have to tread lightly and test the waters. Once they figure it out, I’m sure they’ll have some demands. Every race joining the alliance does.
“Until that time, it leaves them vulnerable to people like me who are able to…shall we say guide them, in the direction I need.” Siva paused for effect. “And that’s where you two come in. I’m able to give Clea what she was promised and keep her on your ship. You’re able to provide me with the military might I don’t possess without these deals. Together, we get things done. How’s that for transparent?”
“Pretty good,” Gray said. “So what happens to us when we get the Font back?”
“I hope you’ll stick around. I know you want a shot at the enemy’s home world but we’ve got a lot to do between now and then.” Siva lowered her voice. “I can give you an update on the deadlock our high command has found itself in regarding battle strategy. They’re not sure how they want to proceed. And with all the extra leaders at the table…it’s complicated.”
“So you’re saying the attack is delayed,” Clea said.
“Stalled,” Siva replied, “would be a better term. They’ll figure it out and when they do, I promise my games will not hold you back. You’ll be out there in the front lines if you really want to be…but I’m pretty sure even in that conflict there’ll be a better way for you to serve. Another avenue to help the cause. After all, any ship can sit in line to be battered. Few have the experience you do in being where one least expects.”
“Like with novalat,” Gray said. “When we showed up to turn the tide and ended up fighting the Orion’s Light.”
“Do you think they won’t catch wind of where all our ships are going and find a way to be a nuisance? Honestly, the thorn in my side that is Krilan Ar’Vax…” Siva shook her head. “But we’re not here to talk about that somewhat distant future. We’re chatting about saving a lot of lives today. People I know you feel close to. I’ve sent you my data. Now, I need you to be fabulous and find them.”
“Any suggestion on where to start?” Gray asked. “I don’t recall you having a lot to go on.”
“I don’t.” Siva shrugged. She gestured at Clea. “But this woman here had a dream and brought us the coordinates of the enemy planet. I’m pretty sure she can do anything.”
“Um…” Clea blushed, rubbing the back of her neck. “I wouldn’t go that far. It was luck…little more.”
“Skill.” Siva corrected. “Don’t forget it. I’ve watched your career for a while, Miss An’Tufal. Since before you joined the Behemoth and were operating as a tech officer. Someone showed me your scores and I barely believed them. I even had a covert investigation go into whether or not you cheated.”
Clea’s mouth dropped. “Excuse me?”
“It’s true.” Siva shrugged. “And when I learned you had not, I was all the more impressed. I put you on my watch list, so to speak. The good kind, by the way…not like Krilan or anything. I must admit I was pretty surprised when they sent you to be a liaison for the humans but it made sense in a way. Top of the class graduate would do more for them than a diplomat. After all, you had to teach them about the tech too, right?”
“They were fast learners,” Clea muttered.
“Sure they were. And they had a fantastic teacher.” Siva sipped her drink again. “In any event, I think we’ve done enough polishing of ego wouldn’t you say? Captain, I’ll let you get on with your day and we can meet again before you leave if you have any additional questions. However, I’m pretty sure you have everything and anything I can give. What do you think, Clea?”
“I…agree.”
“We’ll talk later then,” Gray said. “Thanks for meeting us here.”
“Best way to catch you right off the boat.” Siva shook his hand again. “Lovely to talk as always. Good luck out there. I hope you won’t need it but these days, who knows, right?”
“Indeed.” Gray opened the door. “Clea?”
“Um…if you don’t mind,” Siva said. “I’d like a quick private word with Miss An’Tufal.”
Gray’s brows raised but he nodded once, stepping out. Clea looked uneasy with the offer but remained still. The two women observed one another, remaining quiet. When finally Siva broke the silence, she prefaced her words with a smile. She needed to get this girl on her side, to make her a friend even in pretense if necessary.
“I’m sure you don’t appreciate my methods,” Siva said. “But I would like you to know I do everything I do for the sake of the alliance. Not merely kielans, but every race we’ve embraced as our friends. I want the universe to be a safer place.”
“I know that, ma’am.”
“Clea, what if I told you I wanted to bring you fully into the intelligence fold? To make you an officer reporting directly to me?”
“I would be surprised,” Clea said. “I haven’t really done anything to warrant such trust.”
“Haven’t you? You turned in your own sister and I know you could’ve found a way around it.” Siva shook her head. “Your work has been beyond the call of duty and I know for a fact you have a lot more to offer than merely working as a liaison. Even as part of the crew there, your job can be better. I want to give that to you.”
“At what cost?” Clea asked. “I don’t want to be like Trellan.”
“No, I don’t think you’re a covert operative and I wouldn’t wish it on you. You’re fondness for the humans shows you need to socialize without restraint.” Siva turned and looked at the shuttle. “I have to admit to you, I haven’t seen many officers come along with the right attitude to get things done as you and I. Eventually, I have to retire…or if something happens to me.”
“What’re you suggesting?” Clea asked.
“You’re an amazing code breaker, you put together pieces of puzzles that don’t remotely look like they go together and you’re smart to boot. You know when to take orders and when to break them. I have not found anyone even close to as qualified to take over for me and since I get to pick my own successor…”
“You want me to…”
“Be my second.” Siva looked her in the eyes. “At first, still serving aboard the Behemoth. Gathering intel about the places you visit. Being prepared for the main event in this war but afterward, you need somewhere to be. And I can’t imagine a better place than working with me. Being my eyes and ears out there until such time as you take over. It’s how my predecessor did it and I’d like to think he picked wisely.”
“I…don’t know what to say.” Clea looked down. “It’s a generous offer…an incredible one.”
“Once in a lifetime.”
“Yes…” Clea sighed. “Can I…can I think about it?”
“Do.” Siva nodded. “Come back with The Crystal Font and give me your decision. Really do some soul searching. I think you’d like the perks we have to offer.”
Clea moved for the door. “I need to catch up with Captain Atwell but…I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Perfect.” Siva sat back down. “Thanks for stopping by and good luck.” She finished off her drink and hoped the seed she planted would take root. A woman like Clea thrived on challenge and what Siva offered represented one of the greatest. She’d very likely say yes and if not, well…there were other w
ays to seduce a mark.
Chapter 3
Clea found it difficult to concentrate through the rest of her meetings. Siva’s comments stuck with her and left her wondering sort of indistinctly. Did she want to be a spymaster? The thought never occurred to her before but then, who aspires to such a position? It seemed unlikely one could simply decide on the intelligence track.
Her friends who joined the overt version of the division didn’t apply for it. They were offered the job after they finished their entrance exams, offered some oblique explanation for their eligibility. None of them even had the liberty to tell her where they trained or how long they’d be gone.
When they connected again, their conversations were guarded as if they didn’t know how much to tell her about their personal lives anymore. She wondered whether their families experienced the same evasiveness. If so, Clea didn’t want anything to do with it. Though after Vora, her sister, betrayed the alliance, she understood why people with classified info kept it to themselves.
Mother and father though? I guess filtering wouldn’t be such a big deal.
Where does it stop though? A little omission here, an overt lie there…eventually, one might not even know the difference. Clea wondered if Siva even connected with her parents anymore. Kielans valued their families very much. Clea figured she might be able to ask her potential new boss some questions.
Should I ask Gray what to do? The thought of talking to the captain about her opportunity made sense. They’d spent a lot of time together over the past year but would it be okay? Should he know? Siva made the offer private after all and she made a point of it in fact. That was all the answer she needed.
This was one decision Clea had to make on her own. If she took the woman up on the offer, then none of her friends and family should know until there was a reason. The less they knew, the better in case…of what? Some random eventuality that involved an enemy? The idea made her sigh, a sound that drew a scowl from the superior officer in the meeting.
Someday, I might be in charge of your people, Clea thought. So believe me, you prattling on about the budgetary concerns of the war effort aren’t really that important to me right now. Especially since I have no influence over the people spending the money. Thanks, but I really should’ve just sat this one out.
When Clea had time, she decided to visit the family estate well outside the city. During the early spring months, it tended to sit empty and she’d be able to really think, put some time to being alone. She needed to focus on the Crystal Font and how they were going to find them.
Gray told her they were going to spend two shifts in port before heading back out. Time might be of the essence and they needed to hurry if they hoped to save their friends. Clea knew that Olly and the rest of the tech crews would be absolutely invaluable in the process. They just needed to get out there.
And I have to shove aside my future for the time being. Kale and his people deserve my full attention. Especially after what they nearly sacrificed for us.
***
Kale felt immense pride in his crew for their efforts as they labored through the shift without rest. Their morale may have been shaken by what happened but they were bolstered by their escape from the enemy fleet. A sense of strength defied their worry. They felt like they could do anything. Fate truly felt on their side.
This didn’t mean their obstacles were simple to overcome. As they moved toward the planet, preparations for replacing the crystal had the entire engineering team on edge. Repair crews throughout the ship continued to find minor systems that failed upon their jump recovery and the medical team was stretched beyond thin.
As Kale read through the various reports, he felt their exhaustion and sympathized. Unfortunately, he couldn’t let up on them. All their lives depended on continuing on, finishing tasks and preparing for escape. They built in a rest schedule but few people actually wanted to leave their post.
The sense of ownership hit them all and no one wanted to be the weakest link in the chain that might eventually lead home. If the medical team hadn’t been so tapped out, they would’ve certainly pushed for enforced rest cycles. Those already in the sick bay likely wouldn’t be allowed to leave, ensuring at least half a shift worth of fresh faces in the event of an emergency.
Kale got to the quartermaster report and had mixed feelings. On one hand, they were well stocked for the next three weeks without rationing. Food supplies could be stretched to at least five weeks if necessary. They had far more severe problems but feeding the crew would matter pretty fast once they had to tighten their belts.
If the jump drive could not be repaired, they would be stranded for far longer than any amount of supplies could manage. They’d have to start foraging on any habitable worlds they could find, making a long trek to another system with a buoy that might bounce their communications far enough for someone to hear.
And even when they do hear, we’ll have to hold out until they can send someone. They won’t be able to drop everything and instantly hop out to us. We’re going to have to hold out as long as we can. Maybe this planet will be our salvation. If it proves habitable, then we’ll have no problem with resources as we wait for a rescue.
“Sir,” Deva caught his attention. “We’re near enough to the planet that I can get some better readings. I still have no idea what that energy is that we’re reading but I’m able to scan the surface. Readings are all well within safety levels. Foliage, water and oxygen content are nearly ideal…which…well, that worries me.”
“Yes, it does feel like quite the coincidence.” Kale rubbed his chin. “Do you have any theories you’d like to share?”
Deva sighed. “Only a wild one. Our sensors have picked up some strange metallic content in the soil and rocks. The databases have nothing that match them compositionally. Combine that with the unknown energy and I’m curious if we’ve encountered a construct…a planet built by intelligent life.”
Athan scoffed. “Impossible. No one has the technology to build something so large. And how would it be sustained? Their calculations would have to be miraculous to determine the exact distance from the star here.”
Deva sat up straighter. “Interesting thought, Athan.” She began tapping away at the console, her eyes narrow and focused. A few moments later, she grinned. “My theory has been given some weight. I believe this planet may have a variable orbit pattern, possibly modified by the energy reading.”
“For what purpose?” Kale asked.
“Idealizing the atmosphere for whatever people are visiting,” Deva said. “Why they would’ve made such a world, I can’t say but if I’m right, then they’ve created a wonder. If we can study what they’ve done down there, then we would be able to forward our understanding of planetary reformation by generations.”
“That’s a bold statement,” Athan said, “for something which I doubt is even remotely possible.”
“Anything is possible,” Deva said. “Your ten times great grandfather didn’t believe moving faster than light would ever happen and here we are. Believe me, if someone can think a thing, it can become a reality. Don’t get me wrong, if there’s another explanation for what I’m seeing, I’ll be excited to find it but right now, with the science we have available, I’m making some guesses.”
“Fair enough.” Kale closed his eyes in thought. “I want you to perform some additional scans. See if you can get an idea of how dangerous this place might be. Animals, sentient or otherwise, would be good. Poisonous foliage…anything you can pull. Also, we’ll need to analyze the water and discover if there’s anything edible.”
“I’m on it, sir.” Deva paused. “Gravitational pull seems unusually light. Far less than a body of that size should have. My calculations suggest we wouldn’t even be able to achieve a traditional orbit because it wouldn’t hold us.”
Thaina huffed. “Seems like debris would’ve leveled this place by now based on everything you’ve figured out.”
“I know,” Deva replied. “T
he planet’s energy emissions may also act as a repulsion beam. But how does it know what to keep away and what to allow close if I’m right? Honestly, I’m even guessing about that! We really need to go down there and learn more. This may be one of the greatest scientific discoveries of our culture.”
Kale frowned at the screen, peering at the blue world they were approaching. The continents were clearly visible through light cloud coverage and vast seas made up a good part of the surface. His gut told him to be cautious, that they were walking into a dangerous situation. Before the additional facts came out, the place represented an oddity. Now, the unknown factors started stacking.
He didn’t want to risk people unnecessarily.
“I need further analysis,” Kale said. “I’m not comfortable sending anyone down there with that unknown power reading and where would we even land? These questions need answers before we go.”
Deva didn’t seem pleased. “I understand but many of the questions we’re going to have will require onsite study. This place defies many of the conventions we take for granted. Wouldn’t it be irresponsible to leave before we at least got a few answers?”
Kale replied, “our first order of business is keeping the crew alive and saving the ship. We can always come back to this place.”
“I just…” Deva paused, biting her lip.
“Yes, I’m sure you want to be on the list of early discoverers. You have already catalogued more about this planet than anyone else.” Kale stood up and approached her station, patting her shoulder. “And you have time to conduct further studies from up here. Until there’s a reason, we’re not heading down there though.”
