Earthman Jack vs. The Secret Army (Earthman Jack Space Saga Book 2)

by Matthew Kadish

  “So if you want ice cold water, it tastes like ice-cold water,” said Mourdock. “If you want fruit juice, it tastes like fruit juice. Go on. Give it a try.”

  Jack took a sip from the can and swallowed. It tasted like a nice, cold glass of milk – exactly the thing he wanted. He began chugging the drink, and sure enough, he began to feel better. “You guys probably think I’m the biggest idiot in the world, huh?” Jack asked.

  “Hey, we’ve seen worse,” said Wilvelm.

  “Actually, I do believe we’ve done worse,” mused Fredreek. “You can’t truly consider yourself a member of the elite unless you’ve run afoul of the law at least once. Welcome to the club, Earthman.”

  Fredreek gave Jack a slap on the back that was meant to be encouraging, but only served to aggravate Jack’s hangover. Jack looked at Mourdock. “You ever been thrown in jail?” Jack asked.

  “Me? No,” replied Mourdock. “I’ve never had any desire to be among the elite.”

  Of course you haven’t, Mr. Perfect, Jack thought.

  “So… how long do I have to be in here for?” Jack asked.

  “Well, considering you’re a Hero of the Empire and are personal friends with both the Princess and the Emperor Ascendant,” said Wilvelm, “the Chief Peacekeeper has agreed to let this incident slide with time served, a small fine, and a promise that you won’t go near any bars anytime soon.”

  “Does that mean… I’m free to go?” asked Jack.

  Mourdock got up and smiled at Jack. “Yep. C’mon, we’ll take you back to your quarters.”

  Jack got to his feet, his head protesting the entire time, and followed the others out of his cell and into the hallway. Two security-bots were awaiting them there and began to escort them down the hall. Jack glanced at some of the cells as he passed. A good many of them were empty, but a few had prisoners inside. Jack heard a noise and turned to look down the hall where a maintenance android had opened a panel. It placed a bag of garbage on a small platform, and the refuse was instantly teleported away before the panel closed once more and the android moved on to clean another cell.

  Once they got into the main area, Jack approached a window to a control room that contained all manner of video monitors. Two Regal guards were in the room, keeping a close eye on the prisoners in the cells. One of them approached the window and processed Jack’s release by having him sign some things on a datapad. “I really need to stay away from bars,” Jack muttered. “They seem to get me into trouble.”

  “Well, look on the bright side,” said Mourdock. “At least there was no press around to report on this.”

  “And no Kimlee Evenstar to take advantage of you either,” joked Fredreek. “Though some might not consider that a bright side!”

  At the mention of her name, something clicked in Jack’s head. “Oh, crap!” he said. “Sixteen hours… Kimlee’s party is today!” Jack frowned. He really didn’t feel up to going out, but he didn’t want to screw up his opportunity to find out if the Evenstars had anything to do with the attempt on Mourdock’s life.

  “You’re going to that?” asked Wilvelm.

  “Yeah, Amadeus invited me,” replied Jack.

  Jack noticed the three men exchange a look that told him something was up. “Hey, why don’t you skip the party and hang out with us instead?” asked Fredreek.

  “Yeah, compatriot,” said Wilvelm. “We can find way better parties to go to than Kimlee’s.”

  “Is there something you guys aren’t telling me?” Jack asked suspiciously.

  “I think what the boys are trying to politely suggest is we don’t want you hanging around the Evenstars,” Mourdock said.

  Jack sighed. “Look, I know you think they tried to have you killed,” said Jack. “So I totally get you not wanting me to hang out with them. But I already promised I’d be there, and it wouldn’t be right for me just not to show up.”

  “Jack, we know you’re new around here, so take it from those of us who’ve been to Kimlee’s parties before,” said Wilvelm. “Nothing good comes of them.”

  “Yeah, it’s all staged for her reality show,” said Fredreek. “If you go, they’re just going to exploit your presence to try and show the universe they’re innocent of attempting to kill Mourdock.”

  “But what if they are innocent?” Jack asked. “You’ve known the Evenstars for a long time. Do you really think they’d do something like this?”

  “Definitely,” said Wilvelm.

  “Obviously,” said Fredreek.

  Jack frowned. He looked at Mourdock who smiled at him sadly. “Is there anything we can do to convince you not to go?” Mourdock asked.

  “I’m sorry,” said Jack. “But I kinda have to be there.”

  Mourdock nodded. “Just be careful,” he said. “You never know what will happen when it comes to the Evenstars. Especially when Kimlee is involved.”

  Chapter 32

  It had already been a long day for Phineas Alabaster, and it wasn’t even noon yet. As Chief of Imperial Intelligence, his days were extremely busy. Not only was he responsible for overseeing the Empire’s intelligence gathering network throughout the universe, but he also had to keep up with all intrigue that might be occurring locally.

  He liked to get his briefings out of the way as early as possible, in case he needed time to deal with any crises that might emerge later in the day. Already he’d been briefed by his station Chiefs in four star systems to give him status reports on important issues of which they felt he needed to be aware. He’d hand-picked most of the station Chiefs himself, so he trusted them to run things as he would and only alert him to vitally important issues requiring his attention. However, he did make it a point to rotate briefings so he could touch base with all of them at least once a month.

  Then, there was his latest status update from Agent Boone. It was taking him far longer than Alabaster would have liked to find the robot Heckubus Moriarty. Alabaster could tell Boone was getting frustrated with the assignment, as well. His cocky smile didn’t appear quite as frequently when Alabaster requested updates on the progress of his search. He’d been following every lead that he could, but the robot was elusive. The only thing Boone was somewhat sure about was that he thought Heckubus was still somewhere in the city. However, in a city as large as the capitol, it was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

  Finally, it was time for his daily briefing with Bob. Though Bob was often regarded as “people” due to his multiple incarnations, he was actually one of the best intelligence assets at the Empire’s disposal because he was anything but. Whether he was functioning as a diplomat, an emissary, an ambassador, a Peacekeeper, a barrister, a simple traveler, or any number of other professions throughout the Empire, he was still just one being. Everything each of his incarnations saw or heard was recognized by all of them. In that sense, Bob was, quite literally, everywhere at once. Long before Alabaster had come into office, his predecessors had been using Bob as their eyes and ears throughout the vast Empire they were charged with keeping watch over. The Chief of Intelligence would meet with Bob daily for a briefing on everything and anything Bob deemed important enough to bring to his attention. And if certain tasks or activities were necessary to be executed, chances were there was a Bob somewhere close by that could get that mission handled.

  Bob had an incarnation specifically dedicated to the office of the Chief. He wore the typical grey uniform of an Intelligence Agent, though the pink, gelatinous ooze of which he was comprised looked like that of a fairly generic Regal. Alabaster sat behind his desk as Bob stood before him, giving his briefing. “There’s been an outbreak of plague on Eionmeer, near the Great Border,” Bob said.

  “Plague?” Alabaster inquired. “What kind of plague?”

  “Unknown as of yet,” Bob responded. “The settlement on Eionmeer has called in specialists to try and determine what could be causing it. Overseer Tammaryn has instituted quarantine until such time as they can figure out what is affecting them.”

 
Alabaster frowned. The last thing the Empire needed was a plague running rampant through it. “I’ll be sure to put up notices that all hyperspace traffic to Eionmeer is to be suspended until the cause of this sickness can be determined. Are the Visini aware of this?”

  “I do not know as of yet, Chief,” Bob replied.

  Alabaster frowned. Eionmeer was right on the border of Visini space, and it had been a planet they’d fought hard for during the Border War. If there were indeed a plague brewing, the Visini should be alerted so as to protect themselves and to help enforce the quarantine from their end. However, telling them of the plague might signal yet another sign that the Empire was weak, and Eionmeer could be ripe for the taking. Alabaster decided he’d have to think about that decision longer before he took action.

  “Very well,” Alabaster said. “Continue.”

  “There is a revolution brewing on the Daenamir outpost,” said Bob. “Peacekeeping forces there have been having a hard time with protestors demanding independence from Imperial control. I’m afraid violence appears imminent.”

  “Do we know who is behind the protests?” Alabaster asked.

  “Not as of yet,” replied Bob. “Overseer Feernayd is particularly concerned. He’s petitioned both Legacy Snowshield and Starkeeper Bennett for a stronger military presence to try and suppress the discord. Investigative Services are trying to track down the ringleaders now, but they are having little success.”

  Of course they are, thought Alabaster bitterly. He knew both Legacy Snowshield and Starkeeper Bennett wouldn’t see Daenamir as a priority since it was so small, and they likely had larger issues that required their resources. But Alabaster knew from experience that small problems quickly become bigger ones. More and more it seemed separatists were popping up everywhere, causing the Legacies to spread their resources far thinner than anyone would have liked in order to maintain control. Alabaster made a note to send one of his men to assist in the investigation. If they could find the organizers of these movements and neutralize them, the Peacekeepers should be able to maintain control at the outpost before things got out of hand.

  “Anything else?” Alabaster asked.

  “Lord Rhynherd of Legacy Twinspirit is having another affair,” said Bob.

  Alabaster rolled his eyes. “What, pray tell, is Rhynherd in love with now?”

  “He seems rather enamored with a Seraphym robet dancer,” Bob replied. “From what I’ve seen of her, she’s quite talented.”

  “I’m sure she has many talents,” grumbled Alabaster. “Is his wife aware of it?”

  “Not as of yet.”

  “Good,” replied Alabaster. “Make this dancer our usual monetary offer and spirit her away from the Sapphire Sector quickly. The last thing we need is the Twinspirits descending into a civil war because Lady Ashling is the jealous type and Lord Rhynherd is an idiot.”

  “I will do so right now, Chief,” Bob replied.

  “Tell me, anything to report regarding those new targets I assigned you?” Alabaster asked.

  “Nothing of real interest as of yet,” Bob answered. “It is business as usual at the Maguffyn Corporation. I have not noticed any suspicious activity from the employees there. Starkeeper Cohaagen and his men are performing their duties as required. And the Council Representatives on both the Intelligence Committee and Ancient Technology Oversight Committee are operating as they always have.”

  Alabaster nodded. “Continue monitoring as many of them as you can,” he said.

  “It would help if I had a little more information on what I’m looking for, sir,” Bob said. “’Suspicious Activity’ could mean so many things.”

  “For now, just report on anyone who’s acting out of the ordinary,” said Alabaster. “If I had something more specific, I’d give it to you.”

  Bob nodded. “Very well,” he said. “I shall see you again for tomorrow’s daily briefing, Chief.”

  “Thank you, Agent Bob,” Alabaster said. “Excellent work, as always.”

  After Bob left, Alabaster took a moment to massage his temples. He briefly considered taking some time to meditate and utilize some of his Paragon training to help focus his mind. Sometimes, so many problems fell in his lap, they felt overwhelming – particularly when the problems had no clear solution. But as much as he would have liked to have taken a break, there were more pressing matters he had to attend to. Not the least of which was the mole.

  He knew there was a mole within the government, but until he had a clearer idea of whom it might be, he couldn’t afford to trust anyone. Though Bob was a valuable asset, Alabaster wasn’t under any delusion that his intelligence gathering skills were a one-way street. Bob was in so many places, it was very likely he let things slip to others he had alliances with, and this matter was far too delicate to read him in on completely. However, the investigation was much too complex for Alabaster to perform alone. He’d had to bring someone in on it, despite his judgment to the contrary. So he’d brought in the one Agent he knew could investigate without arousing the suspicion of others.

  Alabaster opened a drawer in his desk and took out a small crystal. He then opened a panel on his desktop and a small cylinder raised up, on top of which he placed the crystal. He pressed a button, and instantly a blue light shot into the crystal from the cylinder below it. “Greetings, Chief,” #00B2EEn said, the crystal glowing brightly each time the color spoke.

  “Agent Blue,” Alabaster replied. “I take it you heard that Agent Bob has not noticed any suspicious activity from our latest targets.”

  “Yes, sir,” #00B2EEn said. “I have been keeping watch over them, as well, and so far, I must concur with Agent Bob’s assessment. I have not noticed anything out of the ordinary. Are we certain these targets are the ones we should be focusing on?”

  “They’re the only ones that make any sense,” grumbled Alabaster. “Each one had personnel who knew of the Princess’s expedition. And each one also had access to intel on how our subspace technology works. The leak has to be in one of those groups.”

  “I’ve been talking to all my brethren as much as possible,” #00B2EEn offered. “The only problems I’m having are at the Maguffyn Corporation. Mr. Virtuoso keeps things well guarded there. There are no shades of blue in any of the secure areas, and Virtuoso himself never wears any. Even his glasses are tinted yellow so as to keep the blue in his eyes from speaking.”

  “Yes, I’m aware,” said Alabaster. “I doubt he’s our mole, but he does have motivation to see someone other than Princess Glorianna on the throne. She’s kept him from a great deal of the Empire’s Ancient Relics, so he’d no doubt prefer to have someone more friendly to his scientific endeavors in a position of power. However, his precautions are quite standard anti-espionage measures, so it would be hard to tell if he were indeed trying to cover up something.”

  “I have made contact with a few blue lights here and there within the Maguffyn offices,” said #00B2EEn. “I asked them to keep an eye open for anything that might be of interest, but you know how flighty lights can be.”

  “And what of the members of the Directory?” asked Alabaster. “Have you been able to keep any tabs on them?”

  “No more than usual,” replied #00B2EEn. “As you know none of them keeps anything blue in their offices or personal quarters. Director Casgor, in particular, seems careful not to speak openly when he’s around my kind.”

  That was no surprise. Casgor had always been the type to be diligent about keeping things close to his chest. But it did strike Alabaster as odd that Casgor was so disciplined about counter-surveillance tactics. He’d never seen a Director who didn’t let his guard down occasionally.

  “Sir,” said #00B2EEn, “do you really believe a member of the Directory could be the mole?”

  Alabaster sighed. “Right now, I have to entertain all possibilities,” he replied.

  “But what would any of them stand to gain from working with the Deathlords?” #00B2EEn asked. “They are the rulers of the Empire.
The Deathlords wish to destroy everything the Directors control. Why would any of them want to work toward that type of a goal?”

  “That is the question, isn’t it?” replied Alabaster. “And I’m afraid I do not have an answer, which is part of what makes this puzzle so vexing. There is always a motive involved when one has a traitor in his midst. Money, power, idealism – something. But the Deathlords want only destruction. There is nothing to be gained by helping them, at least not in the long term.”

  “And you’re sure there is a mole? Could it be the Deathlords are just so much more advanced than us that they were able to independently track the Princess and anticipate our technology?”

  “If they were that omniscient, they’d have won this war a long time ago,” replied Alabaster. “They have some type of link to our government, I just don’t know what it is yet. And without any solid proof that it exists, I will not be able to get anyone to take action to sever that link. Which is why I need you focused on this assignment. You’re the only one who can cover everything I need you to unnoticed, Agent Blue. I’m counting on you.”

  “I understand, sir,” said #00B2EEn. “Rest assured, this matter has my full attention.”

  “Good,” said Alabaster. “Keep at it. Let me know if you find anything.”

  The blue light disappeared as #00B2EEn left the office, and Alabaster put the crystal back in his desk. He stood up and looked at the different display monitors on his wall, each one playing a different news channel or displaying data feeds from the various Intelligence stations around the Empire. Alabaster’s eyes narrowed. I know you’re out there somewhere, he thought. One mistake. That’s all I ask. Just make one mistake and let me find you. Then, Alabaster’s intercom rang. He moved to his desk and answered it. “Yes?”

  “Pardon the interruption, sir,” his assistant said. “But Princess Glorianna has summoned you to the Royal Tower.”

  Alabaster raised an eyebrow. “Did she say why she wishes to see me?”