Silhouette

by Arthur McMahon

  “Indeed,” said Ticker with a smile, pointing at Rivera. “In other news, eight of twelve human worlds have been officially unified under one common flag. This morning’s ceremony was broadcast across all of human space as leaders from various worlds gathered on Erde to celebrate the creation of modern humanity’s first official interplanetary government organization, the Cooperation.” The grand hall thundered with applause as dozens of diplomats sitting at tables with their families and friends cheered, having already eaten their celebratory dinner and now reveling in the commencement speeches which will mark the beginning of a new era for humanity.

  “Before today’s official unification, we had already been hard at work bringing security to human space. Nye is now free. Space travel between human worlds is much safer because we have fought off the Yarlian gang ships. Our allies, the Jjask, have agreed to introduce a representative of humanity to the Intergalactic Senate and stand at her side, nominating her as a representative of a unified people, and giving her a voice for all of the galaxy to hear. She will speak before the Burmin have had a chance to retaliate, giving the senate evidence of their atrocities, and halting their revenge attacks before they can begin in fear of political retaliation from the galactic community at large.”

  Ticker continued with his speech on stage, and backstage, waiting to take up the microphone, Leslie Folami stood with her shadow at her side.

  “How are your injuries, Sue?”

  “The lesions have mostly healed.”

  “Good, and your brother’s new arm?” asked Folami.

  “No issues, Presider,” said Silhouette.

  “Come now, Susan,” said Folami. “No one can hear us. We’re alone in this room. Pretend you don’t have the mask on for a few moments.”

  Silhouette sighed. When she was on duty she tried to lock out anything related to her as a person, but Leslie was her boss and adopted mother, and Susan had to obey her, at least most of the time. “Davi wanted me to tell you that his new arm is very ‘handy’ and to make sure that you got the joke. He also wanted to thank you for covering the expenses.”

  “Excellent,” said Folami. “It is top of the line, with a few modifications of course. How is his training progressing?”

  “He’s enjoying it. Davi spent his entire life doing hard, manual labor. The training exhausts him, but it makes him feel good. His body craves it, you know? He’s gained a lot of muscle weight and looks way different than he did when I found him in his cell.”

  “He is going to make a fine bodyguard, I’m sure,” said Folami.

  “I think so. You’ll need a few of them by your side if you’re traveling all the way to the Senate.”

  “That is true. I would have you along as well if you did not have other work that needed to be done.”

  Silhouette nodded. “Yes, Presider. When will we have a chance to go over the mission briefing?”

  “As soon as we are done here, my dear.” Folami opened the door to their room and the sound of Ticker’s voice came crashing in. “Come. He is about to call for me. Stay near, but hidden.”

  Ticker finished a joke which gave the audience a chuckle, and then he wrapped up his speech. “Ladies and gentlemen, please give a very warm welcome to your leader, the Archon of Erde, and humanity’s first Intergalactic Representative, Presider Leslie Folami!”

  The Presider walked up the stairs to her podium and was welcomed with gleeful admiration while her shadow disappeared into the darkness.

  About the Author

  Arthur McMahon is an independent author of fiction and non-fiction, publisher, and outdoor adventurer.

  Arthur’s passion for writing began as a child when he found that he preferred writing essays to taking exams. Having graduated from the University of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Arthur enjoys recording the world which surrounds him. His backpacking journeys and other escapades have been recorded in numerous articles and in his own published trail journal, Adventure and The Pacific Crest Trail.

  Fiction never loosens its hold on Arthur’s thoughts, especially the realms of science fiction and fantasy. Frostarc is Arthur’s debut novel, and his Silhouette novellas are set in the same space-pioneering universe. Reviews have praised Arthur for his suspenseful writing and exciting action.

  As a self-proclaimed nomad and traveler, Arthur will always have new stories to tell. His latest works can be found in print or as ebooks on Amazon. You can stay up to date on Arthur McMahon’s latest projects at ArthurMcMahon.com or follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

  Thank you for reading!