by JN Chaney
Jinel examined Lena with a look of reservation. It was clear she didn’t trust her, even now, but she couldn’t deny what Lena had done. “I need to talk with the analysts privately. Please, excuse us.”
“I was only trying to help,” said Lena before turning to leave.
As she reached the door, however, Jinel spoke again. “Analyst Sol.”
Lena froze near the door. Terry could feel her heart racing.
“Thank you for the work,” Jinel said, clearing her throat.
Lena smiled at the words, opening her mouth to say something in return.
“But if you do it again, I’ll have you confined. Is that understood?”
Lena stiffened. “Of course,” she answered, quickly.
“Good. Now, enjoy the rest of your day.”
******
Bravo Gate Point
March 24, 2351
“I need a favor,” said Mei. She stood before John in the woods, having tracked him down in the middle of the afternoon, not bothering to call ahead.
He wasn’t surprised, knowing firsthand how determined she could be once an idea crawled its way inside her head. She’d stop everything to see it done. No food, no sleep. Nothing until the job was finished and she found the answer she needed. By the look on her face, John could tell this was one of those moments. “Just give me the word.”
“I need the DNA of a native. Someone born on this planet who can breathe Variant,” she explained.
“Does this have something to do with the inoculations?” he asked.
She nodded. “I’m trying to make the effects permanent. We’ve been examining native animal DNA, but there’s something missing. It’s too foreign, but I think if we can find a humanoid, it could bring us over the line. We might solve it.”
“Are you asking me to kidnap one of them?”
“Of course not,” she said, appalled. “You don’t have to do anything. Master Gel has some native blood on file in the Citadel. I just need you to help me get it.”
“You could’ve led with that,” he said, half-grinning.
She gave him a gentle pat on the arm. “Let’s not dwell on the past.”
He winked at her, then tapped his ear to radio the team. “Alright boys, let’s pack it up and head home. Double time it to my position. Over.”
“Thanks,” said Mei. “What are you doing out here anyway?”
“I told you back in the lab before I left. You didn’t hear me?”
“I don’t remember that. Maybe I was distracted.”
“You’d make a terrible soldier. Your situational awareness is awful.” He laughed. “We’re out here because someone reported movement, but it seems like it was only an animal. Brooks found a nest a little while ago.”
“Anything we’ve seen before?” she asked.
“Another one of those bulletproof rhinos,” he said, tapping his chin. “Something like that. Want me to bring it in?”
She considered this for a second, but shook her head. “We have other priorities for now.”
“Right, your new mission,” he said, wrapping his arm around her. “When do we leave?”
******
Garden Headquarters
March 24, 2351
Terry was alone in his room, sitting with his back against the wall, completely still. He sat in the position he used to meditate, the optimal form for clearing one’s mind of all outside thoughts and stimuli, the very same he’d used to explore the world inside his head. It also allowed him to focus his energy and his mind, heightening his senses and magnifying his reach. That was precisely what he was doing right now.
In a room on the other side of Garden, far removed from where he sat, two voices spoke of plans and war.
“I suggest you let the analyst continue,” said one, which Terry recognized as Vivia June.
“Lena Sol is too close to the Leadership,” said the other, who could only be Jinel Din.
“She’s provided us with unparalleled access to the Master at Arms’ files. Our people are good, but this would have taken weeks without her.”
“We have no idea if she can be trusted yet,” said Jinel.
“How else would you test her, then? She’s no warrior. She has no aptitude for combat. By giving us this information, she’s effectively betrayed the Leadership.”
“It could be a ruse,” suggested Jinel.
“I’m not suggesting we lose our caution, but allowing her to assist the other analysts would certainly be useful. Besides, you know how close she is with Terry. I’m sure he would appreciate it.”
“Maybe, but—”
Several loud thuds, like knocks, echoed through the room. Terry nearly flinched at the sound.
“What is it?” said Jinel.
The door opened. “I’m sorry to interrupt,” came a man’s voice. It sounded like Hob.
“Go ahead. We’re listening,” said Vivia.
“We’ve intercepted a message from Master Lao. There’s to be a special ceremony in the Hall of the Leadership. Several key members will be in attendance. I have the time and names right here.”
“Is this verified?” asked Jinel.
“It seems so. The transmission has the Master at Arms’ signature.”
“What should we do?” asked Vivia. “The meeting is happening tomorrow. That’s too short notice to organize an assault.”
“I’ll take care of it,” said Jinel.
“How?”
“Precision,” she answered. “We’ll keep the team small…take out who we can.”
“Wait a moment. What other information do we have?” asked Vivia.
“Not much,” admitted Hob. “We still don’t have access to the other departments, which has kept our reach somewhat limited.”
“It’s good enough,” said Jinel.
“But the cost could be significant if something goes wrong,” explained Vivia.
“Don’t speak to me of cost. If we believe there is a chance to cripple them, we have no choice but to take it. Hob, keep your analysts on this and let me know of further developments. Vivia and I will begin preparations.”
“Understood,” said Hob.
Terry felt pressure on him. Something on his shoulder. It tugged him away from the conversation, pulling him back to his room.
Terry opened his eyes. There was a woman before him, lurking over his bed. “I apologize for interrupting, but you weren’t moving.”
He blinked several times before he realized it was Lena. “Sorry,” he mumbled.
“Were you…were you at your farm again?” she asked, some uncertainty in her voice. This wasn’t the first time Lena had walked in on him like this. That was when he’d explained meditation to her. She didn’t fully understand, which had surprised him since she was from Kant, but she’d done her best and shown respect. He wondered if this was how Ludo felt in the beginning, introducing someone to a new way of thinking. A new way of living.
“Not this time,” he told her, getting to his feet. “I was listening to something on the other side of the base.”
“What did you hear?” she asked.
“Jinel and Vivia. They’re planning an assault on the Leadership.”
“When?”
“Sometime tomorrow. They got news of a meeting. Some kind of ceremony. Hob told them about it.”
“I-I see. He must have gotten it with the access I gave them.” Her voice drifted, and her eyes fell to the floor. Was this guilt he was seeing? Did she think she was responsible?
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“It’s nothing,” she said, simply.
“Whatever they do, it’s their choice. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Maybe, but…but if they die, it’s because…”
He put his hand on her arm, then hugged her. To his surprise, he could feel her trembling. “You can’t dwell on that. You were trying to help, but it’s up to them how they choose to use it. That’s how it is with people.”
The floor shook as several troops mar
ched through the hall outside his door. He only squeezed her closer. “They make their own lives. You have to make yours, too.”
******
Mei was in the process of packing her bag. Just a few clothes and supplies to last the next few days in Everlasting. She had only meant to stay an afternoon, but Gel had asked for an extension. Apparently, he wanted to introduce her to the genetics team that would be assisting with all future research. There would also be some sort of ceremony.
She didn’t care much for any of that. The sooner she returned to work, the better. “You’re responsible while I’m away. Don’t let the team slack off,” she told her assistant, who stood near the door.
“You don’t need to worry, ma’am,” said Sophie. “I’ll continue working until you return.”
“I know you will,” said Mei, and it was true. If anyone could be as obsessive about their work as Mei, it was Sophie. In all the time she’d known her, the girl had yet to disappoint.
As Mei finished, the CHU flat opened and Zoe stuck her head inside. “Ma’am, are you still here? Oh, there you are.”
“Get out of the way,” demanded Bart, who was apparently behind her.
The two stepped into the CHU, rushing to Mei’s side. “We thought we missed you,” said Zoe.
“Still here,” said Mei. “Are you two going to be okay?”
“We’re not kids,” said Bart.
“You act like it sometimes,” returned Zoe. Before he could answer, she continued. “Are you sure you have to go yourself, ma’am? Short told me about what happened the last time they were there. It might be safer if you stayed behind and let Sergeant Finn handle it.”
“I appreciate your concern, Zoe, but I’m fine. I’m actually not as fragile as I look,” said Mei.
“See? I told you she wouldn’t listen,” said Bart.
Zoe frowned. “I’m just worried, that’s all.”
“Don’t be,” said Mei, letting her arms out, embracing the girl. “I’ll be back in two days. You can always call if you need me.”
“Or if we don’t,” added Zoe.
“Keep your head down,” said Bart.
The Red Door waited in the field near the camp. When Mei arrived, John and his team were already strapped and ready to go. “Sorry to keep you,” she said, climbing inside.
“Better late than never,” joked Mickey.
John beamed a smile at Mei as she took a seat next to him. The cabin was completely full of personnel, mostly John’s team. Mickey, Track, John, Hughes, and Short, each one fully armed and loaded, made for a powerful escort. Brooks’ squad would stay behind to protect the rest of Mei’s team as they continued their research during the next few days.
Mei was certain the trip would prove invaluable to her research. The native blood sample she went to retrieve almost certainly held the key to unlocking a permanent solution to prolonging the Lanrix drug.
But that didn’t mean she wanted to take the trip. No, Everlasting was in a state of disarray right now. The terrorist organization Garden continued its weekly assaults on the city without reservation. Master Gel had assured her during their latest correspondence that the situation was under control, at least for now, and that their building would be protected.
Still, she remained cautious.
John nudged her arm. “Hey, you alright?”
She nudged him back. “Don’t you worry about me.”
“Wouldn’t think of it,” he said, grinning.
The engine suddenly whirled to life, vibrating the floor beneath Mei’s feet. It lasted for a few short seconds before the stabilizers kicked in. “Looks like it’s go time!” shouted Short.
“Great,” moaned Track.
Mei stared out the window towards the camp. Sophie stood near the CHU that housed their lab, along with Zoe and Bart, and together they waved farewell. The ship began to lift off from the field, rising high into the clear sky. Mei kept watching the camp until it was gone.
CHAPTER 4
Ortego Outpost File Logs
Play Audio File 1387
Recorded: March 25, 2351
MITCHELL: As is often the case, I have lost myself to my work. It has been days since I had a proper night’s rest, though not for lack of opportunity. I’ve chosen repeatedly to stay in the lab to work, to sequence strand after strand in search of a solution. The experience is simultaneously exhilarating and maddening, putting me in conflict with myself. Is this what Doctor Archer felt like when he was on the edge of his great answer? Did he ever falter…or did the addiction set in and drive him to the end?
Passion is a powerful drug, I have found. When such a feeling overcomes someone, they may go without food or sleep, perhaps growing ill in the process. The basic requirements become chores, slight hindrances to the goal. They eat and sleep to live, but they live to find the answer.
With Doctor Curie in Everlasting during the next few days, the bulk of the work must fall to me. I’m not complaining, of course, but without Curie here to ground me, I worry the obsession could be problematic.
End Audio File
Garden Headquarters
March 25, 2351
Terry and Lena stood in the conference room before both Jinel Din and Vivia June. The two had summoned them here to discuss a proposition. “Thanks to you, Analyst Sol, we were able to uncover essential strategic information,” began Jinel. “It is for this reason that we offer you the chance to continue your work with us.”
Lena looked at Terry, almost surprised. “You’re offering me a position?”
“To retrieve further information from the network, the same as you have already,” explained Vivia. “Your credentials provided us with access to Master Lao’s department, but the others remain impenetrable. We would like you to break them.”
“I see,” said Lena, growing quiet as she contemplated the proposal.
“You must decide quickly,” said Jinel.
“What’s the rush?” asked Terry.
“I’m leaving soon and I would like to get this finished before I do.”
“Another mission?” he asked.
“That’s right. In fact, it’s because of Analyst Sol’s work that this is happening.”
Terry was surprised to hear her speak so candidly about it. He already knew the details of her plan, but she didn’t know that. The fact she felt comfortable talking about it, however broadly, felt like a step forward. “Good luck.”
She nodded. “We are about to strike a serious blow to the Leadership. Previously, I’ve made my reservations on allowing you to stay well known, but after these recent events, I believe you can be trusted. Prove me wrong, however, and there won’t be another chance.”
Lena paused to answer, and at first it seemed like simple contemplation, though Terry knew this was not the case. He could hear her heartbeat racing, feel her pulse as it quickened. She was truly nervous now, but her face didn’t show it. “If I do this, I ask only one thing of you.”
Jinel raised her brow. “Oh?”
“You’ve said before that you plan on helping Terry return to his people. Were you sincere in that promise?”
“I was and continue to be,” said the commander, glancing at the boy from Earth.
“Then on the day you fulfill that agreement, I would like to join him,” she said, looking quickly at Terry. “Is that okay?”
He smiled. “Of course it is.”
“It may take some time, but we’ll see it done. Do we have an agreement, Analyst Sol?” asked Jinel.
“We do,” answered Lena.
******
Terry watched as Lena received her own workstation in the analytics section. Jinel explained a few things about how Garden’s security took precedence, so she should avoid any unnecessary risks when it came to snooping around the network. Lena responded with a series of nods and smiles.
Once ready, Lena took her seat and began acclimating herself with the equipment.
As Jinel began to leave, Terry raised a hand to get her at
tention. “If all of this was for her, why did you want me here?”
“Wasn’t it obvious?” asked the commander.
He shook his head.
“She’s your friend and I knew you wanted it.”
“Oh,” he said.
“That’s not the only reason. I also wanted you to see how we reward people. If you stick around and keep helping us, you could go far in Garden.”
“I can’t do much if you don’t offer anything.”
“I know, and I’ll have something for you when I return.”
“From your mission.”
“Yes. I won’t be gone long.”
She left him there alone, and moments later he could hear her yelling orders in the distance.
The assault on the Leadership was about to begin.
******
Hall of the Leadership
March 25, 2351
Mei sat with her people, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Today, the city would pay tribute to the people they lost on the day that Garden attacked. Gel had insisted she attend. Once it was over, he’d assist her in obtaining the genetic sample she needed. Mei didn’t mind attending this sort of thing, but she couldn’t help but feel delayed. She had a great deal of work to accomplish, after all, meaning every minute spent sitting here was another minute lost.
Master Trin raised his arm to signal he was about to speak. “Today we gather in remembrance of that fateful day. The day in which our lives were forever changed. The day when—”
John groaned next to her.
“Buck up,” she whispered.
He frowned. “It’s so boring, though.”
She leaned on his arm and felt him relax. Together, they watched Trin continue his speech.
“The Leadership has ensured our city’s future once again. I am thankful for the efforts of my fellow Masters, particularly our Master at Arms for staying vigilant in his vow to keep our streets secured.”
Mei wasn’t surprised that the Leadership had taken all of the credit, but it would have been nice to hear them comment on John and his team, especially since they were sitting right here and listening to all of this. She wondered if John cared, though. He’d never been big on recognition or personal validation. Besides, the Leadership had thanked them all in a private meeting a few weeks ago. Maybe that was enough for him.
