by Daniel Gibbs
“You had it right the first time,” she replied. The smile on her face was warm and full.
Taylor scrunched his brow together. “Where are we?”
“Beyond… in between. Somewhere other than your natural existence.”
The light suddenly faded, and the entire scene before him changed in the blink of an eye. He found himself standing next to her in a wooded glen, overlooking a lake with a small wood cabin visible in the distance. It feels so real. He realized that it smelled like the outdoors. It can’t be real. Then it dawned on him—everything was a little off. Like the view through a piece of smoked glass. Still, it was tranquil and beautiful.
“Care to walk with me?” Rachel asked.
He took her hand in his, marveling at how it looked exactly like his wife’s hand. He caressed her long fingers and brought it up to his lips and kissed her wrist. “I’ve missed you.” Where am I? Is any of it real?
Rachel grinned before she leaned in and kissed him on the lips. “Perhaps this is reality, husband. Maybe it’s all in your mind. But you’re going to be here for a while.”
“Why?”
She shrugged and slipped her hand into his, leading him down a path toward the cabin. “Listen.”
He stopped moving and kept as quiet as possible. There was a distant sound, almost like a voice. “Is someone talking?”
“In your normal reality, people are trying to help you. Doctors, nurses. But you’re far from them now.”
“I’m sorry,” Taylor said.
“For what?”
“I let you down,” he replied, beginning to cry. At first, just a tear, then full-on sobs. “I should’ve joined the Marines and been with you. Maybe you wouldn’t have been killed.”
She cupped her hands around his cheeks. “Do you think they’d have let us serve together?”
“Maybe. I don’t know.”
“Pretty sure the answer’s no. You weren’t the reason for my death, Robert.”
“I’ve condemned myself for it for years.”
He felt her arms wrap around him. The landscape around them changed, like a holoprojector changing scene. One second, the forest was there, the next, they were standing in a church, but not just any church. It was a small chapel, festooned with flowers, garlands, and decorated for a wedding. Our wedding.
“Do you remember this day?”
“Happiest day of my life,” Taylor said, turning toward her with tears in his eyes. “You were so beautiful. I mean, you were always beautiful, but it was extra special.”
Rachel giggled and reached her hand out to tweak his nose. “Still digging yourself in and out of holes. It was the happiest day of my life too. Why don’t you think about me like this?”
Taylor turned away, staring at the pews of the church. The memory came alive in his mind, with throngs of guests, his parents and friends lined up in neat rows. “I was so scared standing up there, waiting for you. I thought you would come to your senses and run out the back.”
Her hand tugged his face around into her line of sight. “Never, Robert Taylor. I loved you then, I love you now. Someday, I’ll see you again and still love you.”
“If I’m where you say I am, it might be sooner rather than later.”
“Do you want to die?”
“I don’t know.”
“Sounds like something you should figure out. Maybe we can do that together, here.”
Just like that, they were back at the forest. Though this time, they were directly in front of the cabin. “You’re probably a figment of my imagination. A manifestation of my subconscious shielding me from the pain without,” Taylor said as he turned his head toward her.
“Maybe. Maybe not. Does it matter, if it feels real?”
“I suppose not.”
Rachel took his hand and beckoned to the cabin. “It’s not going to freshen itself up. Come on, soldier. We’ve got work to do.”
A grin spread across Taylor’s face as she tugged him up the steps to the log house; indeed, it seemed to need some work done to it. Debris was piled up against the side of it, as if someone had dumped a load of branches and tree limbs, while dust was evident on the windows. This could be fun. He allowed himself to accept the vision as reality and followed her.
Aibek squared his shoulders and walked through an open doorway inside the Gileadean security HQ. While there to support David’s efforts, he had also been tasked directly by the Saurian leader—Chief Minister Obi—to gather information on Orbita and its possible effects on their physiology.
Seeing how the drug ravages humans exposed to it has scared Chief Minister Obe. He couldn’t figure out why someone would use a substance such as this in the first place. Then again, there are many things about humans I cannot fathom.
“Greetings, Colonel,” Nelson announced as he stood up from the table.
Another conference room. Humans, always with the incessant talking. Aibek scowled and stood, pointedly staring at the politician. “What information do you have for us?”
“I was expecting Colonel Cohen this morning.”
Aibek opened his mouth, displaying teeth and making a slight hissing sound as he spoke, an indication from a Saurian that they were angry. “He is otherwise occupied. You will be dealing with me. Answer the question I posed.”
Nelson sat in one of the chairs. “We have no updates.”
“Did you complete your DNA scans of the wreckage?”
“Not yet.”
“Have you analyzed the comms traffic between the ship and Gilead?”
“We’re working on it, Colonel Aibek.”
Aibek leaned forward and again showed his teeth. “If you were a Saurian under my command, I would have you whipped for such incompetence.”
Beads of sweat broke out on Nelson’s brow. “I apologize for our lack of progress.”
“Do not patronize me,” Aibek replied as he held up his hand. “Of all the traits humanity possess, it is the one I detest the most. I want answers. Truthful answers, on behalf of the Terran Coalition and the Saurian Empire.”
Nelson crossed his arms in front of his chest. “I’ll do my best.”
“Do you believe Feldt is dead?”
“No.”
Aibek sat down at the table, directly across from the human. He stared intently at him. “The first truth you have spoken today.”
“Colonel, you must understand, the Gileadean government is tired of this problem. We want it to go away. We are a planet that specializes in—”
“Debauchery,” Aibek interjected, cutting Nelson off. “I’ve experienced it firsthand. Your planet seemingly thrives on it.”
Fire lit up behind Nelson’s eyes as he stood, propelling the chair he’d been in backward. “We came here on colony ships with nothing, Colonel. We turned a desert into a resort and used what skills we had to thrive. I do not care for the holier-than-thou Terran Coalition types coming to my world and telling us how to run our affairs.”
“Do I look like a human to you?” Aibek asked, his tone snarky in the extreme. “I speak as a Saurian. This vain importance you assign to leisure, it is not honorable. Not to mention putting harmful chemicals into your body to make yourself feel better. I find this entire world to be repugnant and a violation of everything the Prophet teaches.”
“I’m glad we’ve got that out of the way,” Nelson thundered. “I don’t give a damn what you think about Gilead, me, or how we do things, Colonel. Do I make myself clear?”
“Perfectly. Let me be equally clear. Gilead will make itself an enemy of the Saurian empire if you do not provide us with the information I seek.”
“I’ll give you anything I can, Colonel Aibek,” Nelson replied, his voice tight and loud.
“Does Orbita affect Saurians?”
“We don’t know. Do you want to test it?”
Aibek snorted. “Mock me at your own peril, human.” This man offends me to my very core.
“Anything else?”
“The truth about Feldt
being on the freighter.”
“He probably wasn’t on it, even if the DNA results say he was. Happy?”
With a flourish, Aibek stood and gave a toothy smile. “See, was that not easy?”
“We do seek to provide pleasure for our guests. If you’ll excuse me, matters of state beckon.”
“When will I receive another update?”
“I’ll have a liaison officer brief you in an hour.” Nelson turned on his heel and stalked out before Aibek could respond.
I believe that is what Colonel Cohen refers to as being dismissed. The thought of smashing through the office building until he found someone who’d answer his questions came to mind, but he squashed it. Diplomacy. How humans put up with this is beyond me.
15
League Navy Headquarters
Switzerland, Earth
November 4th, 2462
Admiral Pierre Seville paused outside of his office in the expansive League Navy HQ building in Geneva, Switzerland. Sometimes I miss the simplicity of going out each morning and tending my potatoes and leeks. The memories of eight years spent on an agricultural colony, supposedly in retirement, but in reality, a punishment for the disastrous first battle of Canaan, were never far from the forefront of his thoughts. It was quiet in the reception area. Too quiet. Pushing the large ten-foot-tall door open, he found Dmitry Borisov, the Director of the League’s External Security Service, sitting in one of the chairs directly in front of his desk.
“Director, such a pleasant surprise.” Seville’s voice dripped acid.
Borisov stood and faced him with a cold smile. “It has been some time since I’ve seen you, Admiral.”
“Has it? The time flies as the Terran Coalition invades border world after border world.”
“Trouble with Pallis?”
“He’s looking for a scapegoat.”
“I noticed in the last committee meeting,” Borisov commented.
Seville slid into the ornate chair behind his desk and smiled thinly. “Funny how External Security is always insulated from such concerns.”
“I find it important to have information at my disposal to avoid such misunderstandings.”
I’ll bet you do. A dirt file on every member of the Committee. “What can I do for you, Director?”
“Orbita.”
“The wonder drug with extensive side effects that turned you into a narcotic?”
“Yes… we have a problem.”
I don’t have all day, little man. “Well, out with it, Director. I have defeats to lead our fleet into.”
Borisov leaned his head back and laughed. “Really, Admiral. Your mood is awful. You should be careful your mouth doesn’t get you into a situation it can’t get out of. Especially with a man who has much, ah, information.” He paused for a moment until Seville’s face blanched. “Now that I have your attention, let’s get down to business. Edward Feldt has been identified by the Terran Coalition’s internal security apparatus. They’ve sent the Lion of Judah to Gilead, with a cockamamie story about shore leave and a port visit.”
“I fail to see why this is my problem,” Seville said, his tone one of amusement. Let the weasel sweat a bit.
“Because our necks are tied together,” Borisov stated as he snapped his head down, focusing a piercing gaze at Seville's eyes. “Or do you not remember the terms of our agreement?”
Damn this man. I hate him almost as much as I hate the Cohens. One of Seville’s best skills was knowing when to cave. He’d made a career out of it. Now was one of those times. He softened his expression and tried to project what he hoped was an authentic smile. “Of course I do, Director. I’m unsure what the Navy can do to help you.” It took all of the self-control he had remaining to not add “push drugs” onto the end of his sentence.
“The EMP beam weapon the Navy’s been experimenting with, what is its status?”
“Unsuitable for League ships at large. Too finicky, and overtaxes our destroyers and cruisers power grids. We’re focused on implementing the improved plasma cannons fleetwide instead.”
Borisov nodded thoughtfully, his hand moving to stroke his chin. “Do you have any prototypes in good working order?”
“I’m sure we do. Why?”
“Send a couple to Mr. Feldt.”
Seville’s face turned red. “You want to send some of our newest technology to a drug dealer? Have you lost your ever-loving mind, Dimitry?”
“Not in the slightest,” Borisov replied as a nasty grin spread across his face. “Feldt has a destroyer-sized ship with an overcharged set of fusion reactors. I bet the Lion of Judah and her crew will flush him from his area of control on Gilead and he’ll flee into space.”
“A destroyer stands no chance against the Terran Coalition’s biggest battleship.”
“Perhaps. Perhaps not. Perhaps the point is solely to cause as long and destructive of a battle in Gilead’s skies as possible.”
Seville found himself once again impressed with the skulking spymaster. His attempts to manipulate the state of affairs and play all sides against each other is something to behold. Ah… the great game. “And sow discord between the neutral planets and the Terran Coalition?”
“You’re not as dense as you come across, Admiral,” Borisov said, his wide grin exposing a gleaming white set of teeth. “With any luck, an errant missile or magnet-cannon round will hit neutral shipping and cause an intergalactic incident.”
“Excellent.” Seville let the insult pass; engaging in petty tit for tat was beneath his status as an officer of the League. “If you’ll excuse me, Director. I have a staff briefing in fifteen minutes I need to prepare for.”
Borisov stood, his glowering form towering over the desk Seville sat behind. “Of course, Admiral.” He turned to leave, then paused. “One item of note. One Captain Yurchenko, you know him, yes?”
“He’s my chief of staff.”
“Was.”
The color drained from Seville’s face.
Borisov continued. “He was arrested last night on charges of treason, for writing a report suggesting peace with the Terrans is the best outcome we can hope for. Such anti-social agitprop will not be tolerated, you understand.”
Shock set it in as Seville processed what was said. Yurchenko was one of the most committed officers I’ve ever known. He’d never say such things. No, this is Borisov’s way of reminding me of who’s in charge. He forced his face to a neutral expression. “I see, Director. A shame, as he was a good officer.”
“Yes, it should be a reminder to us all how quick it is to fall from grace.”
Message received. Someday, I’ll kill you for it. Seville stared into his eyes, refusing to break eye contact. “Indeed, no one is above the committee in the League.”
“I must be going, Admiral,” Borisov suddenly said as he stood. “Be ready to make the weapon transfer when I direct it and ensure those who entrust with the task do so quietly.”
“Of course,” Seville replied, watching the Russian leave and close the door behind him. Leaning back into his chair, he pondered for a moment doing something to help his former chief of staff, before dismissing it as an unnecessary risk.
16
While Aibek was assigned to diplomatic duty with the Gileadeans, David was back at the Terran Coalition embassy, getting ready to move out. He’d gotten up at 0430 hours, normal “O-dark-thirty,” and exercised with a hike around the compound, falling in with a group of Marines. He suspected the sergeant running the PT had kicked the pace up a tad to see if he’d fall out, but fitness training was one of his few passions outside of the job of commanding the Lion of Judah.
After a small breakfast, David wandered down to the SCIF where CIS had its offices, looking for Eldred. Instead, he found Qadir waiting outside the security door, her bright purple hijab standing out in the otherwise drab corridor.
“Good morning, Director,” David said, a smile on his face.
Qadir turned and grinned. “Salaam alaikum, Colonel.”
“As much as can be had on this infidel planet.”
Unable to suppress a laugh, David shook his head. “Still don’t care for Gilead, eh?”
“I’m something of a conservative, Colonel Cohen. I feel this kind of decadence is disturbing. I also can’t get the disgusting images out of my mind from those cards they shoved in our hands on the way out of the spaceport.”
He shrugged. “So you’ve said. It’s their planet. I don’t care for it either, but I don’t live here.”
“I believe immoral living attracts people like Edward Feldt. I would think as an Orthodox Jew, you would be more disturbed by what we’ve seen so far on Gilead.”
I’ve got enough problems to deal with back in the Terran Coalition than worry about a neutral planet. “It boils down to it being none of our business because they’re not in the Coalition. The reason we care is they’re exporting Orbita. Aside from that, Gilead can do whatever it wants.”
The debate was cut short by the security hatch swinging open, and Eldred walking out. A far cry from the conservative attire from the day before, she now resembled a Gileadean native, with short jeans and a crop top, along with a pair of sunglasses. Met with abject stares from David and Qadir, she laughed. “We’re going undercover, you two. Gotta look the part.”
David glanced down at his civilian attire: a navy-blue shirt and light-colored pants. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, Colonel, but you looked like you just walked off a military base. You won’t fool anyone. I’ve got a change of clothes for both of you. I like to be prepared,” Eldred said as she held up a small black bag. “If you two will follow me.”
Qadir appeared a bit uncomfortable and fell in beside David as they trooped through the facility. It wasn’t long before they stopped directly in front of another set of security doors. Eldred punched a code into the security panel, and it scanned her palm. A moment later, they swung open, revealing an armory.
