by Ben Winston
“That and quite a bit more. Enough to convince me to make sure a special annex gets built to the facility so you may have a lab with research area,” Mark replied. “So please give some thought as to location, as well as a research team, and any special equipment you might like to have on hand. I'll arrange the Royal Grant for the facility.”
“Uh, thank you, but I would like to include a full enhancement facility as well. One of the things I wanted to talk to you about is that John needs a full control suite upgrade. Also, if I have that capability out here, you'll have a place for 'retired' soldiers like John to go for work,” Mary added.
Mark nodded and made a note. “Damn good idea. Now, before I get into the meat of this with John, what else did you need to talk to me about?”
“With John's permission, I'd like to see all the data on his decommissioning. After all this time, they should have figured out the cause, It baffles my mind to think they have neglected this,” Mary said letting a little of her mornings frustration bleed into the conversation.
“Uhm...” Mark said, glancing at John then back to Mary. “While I appreciate your enthusiasm, Mary, it's not necessary. They had the answers for that before John left the Center.”
“Huh? How can that be? Almost every Bio-Mol student I know of has been theorizing over this case. It's still listed as unresolved,” Mary replied.
“I know. It's because I ordered it to remain that way,” Mark said. “We're having enough problems trying to get our Soldiers' civil rights returned to them. If these findings were common knowledge, we would see a dramatic decline in enlistments, as well as more violent protests over the issue of civil rights.”
“What does my decommissioning have to do with the soldier’s rights issue?” John asked.
“Quite a bit, actually. You see, the entire kingdom knows each and every one of you in the Guard. There are some places that you are more popular than some of the holo-vid stars. If you need an example, take a walk through Memorial Park there in Johnstown. The whole planet is like that, and they're not alone.
“Do you remember Orpheus Nine? They have these huge twenty foot tall statues of each of you just outside of the main star port. It is against local law to pass by those monuments and not stop for a moment of prayer or remembrance. When your death was reported, the entire planet shut down for a week.
“The point I'm trying to make is that anything made public about you is instantly major news, because our people want to know. Explanations for your death were demanded by the people. We almost had riots on ten different worlds!
“We certainly couldn't tell them that your body had accepted the enhancements to the point that it couldn't function without them. The people would have started a rebellion over you! We've been seriously considering, to the point where we've even leaked a few hints, letting your survival become common knowledge, just to help quell angry citizens,” Mark said.
“Wow, I didn't realize we were that well known, or that people actually cared one way or the other. It makes the whole civil rights thing even more idiotic. I also didn't know it was one of the biggest issues in the empire at the moment,” John replied.
“It's not the most important, but it is one of the things you'll hear the court talking about. Even though that bunch is pretty useless, they do seem to know what's going on in the realm,” Mark said.
“So, you're telling me that they figured out why John couldn't be decommissioned, but you ordered the information withheld because of what the public would do if it became common knowledge?” Mary asked.
Mark nodded. “I wasn't the only one, but yes, that's pretty much the long and the short of it. I'll have MedComp release his records, including the classified records, to you. You should probably expect a call from Doctor Halverez too, he's kinda protective of the Guards.”
“Thanks, Mark. Maybe you should give him my records too, so he can see that I'm not just some young hotshot,” Mary suggested.
Mark grinned. “I will, but knowing him, he probably knows more about you than I do. He has this knack of keeping track of all the smart ones in the Bio-Mol field.”
“We'll figure out where to put the facility and let you know,” John said. “Now, what have you found out about the Lizards?”
“Right! Okay, first off... That scan you sent in this morning. You noted that you found nothing unusual. Not surprising, considering, however, our analysts did.
“Those large schools of fish you saw towards the lower west outcropping are what are called sparklerfish. They are the primary staple food for the Lizards, and are not native to Bethel's Anvil. However, since they are a non-intrusive species, they have little or no impact on the ecology. Besides, they've been in that lake for so long, that the local ecologists believe that they are in fact, native.
“We can only surmise they were schooling like that because their food source is nearby. That tells us that the lizards are farming their food.” Mark said. He would have continued, but Mary interrupted him.
“If they're farming their own food, then why would they need to have a human traitor working for them? They wouldn't need to come out of the lake.”
“Actually, they would still have to come out to get some supplies. Yes, they could survive on nothing but the fish, but they have other needs as well. Besides, we still haven't found any incoming transmission to the planet. So they have to be getting their information from some other source,” John explained.
“Which is a good lead-in for the other thing we've discovered. The burn off of the reserve did expose one of the hidden entrances. However, scans indicates a much longer and deeper tunnel. One that heads for the town. Incidentally, that tunnel would have to pass directly under the Saint residence on its way in.” Mark held up a hand to stop the outburst from Mary.
“That doesn't mean anything other than it passes under Gloria's house. We have seen indications that it continues on into town, so we do know it doesn't end there. That being said, the possibility still exists that there is another exit under the Saint's residence.” Mark sighed. “I don't like this anymore than either of you; Gloria seems like a wonderful young lady. But I'm afraid you're going to have to learn more about her family, so we can check for any inconsistencies.”
John nodded, and so did Mary, but she didn't look happy about it.
“Now, to the meat of the matter. Since we've learned all this, it brings up the question of what that Lizard was doing out in the middle of the preserve in the middle of the night? It couldn't have been a guard because the fight was too far away from the hidden entrance. So why was it there?”
John shook his head. “I have no idea, unless it was there to meet someone, in which case, my covers blown, and the Lizards know a Marine is on planet.”
“How would they know that?” Mary asked.
“If it was meeting someone, we have to assume that since it was still there, the meeting hadn't taken place yet. Which means whoever it was going to meet witnessed the fight and ran when I killed the Lizard. That person would have reported my presence by now,” John said.
Mark was nodding. “So, I want both of you to be armed, or at least, within arm’s reach of a weapon at all times. I'm reissuing orders for the rest of the Guards. Upon orbital insertion, they are to make a precision stealth drop. Where do you want them?”
“I have them as arriving at oh-two-hundred tomorrow morning. Is that still accurate?” John asked.
Mark nodded. “Yeah, they're already in comms range, and can be there sooner if needed, but they're making like a freighter at the moment.”
It was John's turn to nod. “I'll drop a beacon, most likely a few miles out on the lake so they won't be detected by the Lizards. I've got room for them back at the house.”
“Mary, I would like you to 'move in' with John for the time being at least. I know it's kinda soon for that in your relationship, But, and I'm certain John agrees, we don't want you endangered. So, take the rest of the day and do what you need to do to get moved into his home,” Mark said
, making it obvious it was a command.
“Sire,” Mary said stressing the word. “I've already let people know I'll be spending the next few days with John, so immediate action there isn't needed, however, I appreciate the thought.”
“Okay,” Mark grinned at her use of his title. “As long as you're covered. Now, we just need to figure out what to do about Gloria and her family.”
“You said you'd already let a few hints about me slip, why don't we just go kidnap Gloria, and I'll tell her everything and simply ask her. I know I can trust her, Mark, but there's a lot more at stake here than just me and Mary,” John suggested.
“What are you going to do if you don't like some of the answers she gives you?” Mark asked.
“Mark, I've known Gloria since we were little girls. We've been friends the entire time. I've never noticed or seen anything that would suggest anything strange was going on with her or her family. More importantly, I know her. She'll help us as best she can, I know she will,” Mary said, pleading for her friend.
Mark looked thoughtful for a moment. “Okay, I'll let you two handle it as you see fit. Because this is an investigation, it gives us a lot of operational leeway. I just hope, for your sake, and the sake of your friendship, that the Constable is clean.”
“I'm sure he is, Mark. We'll go get Gloria in a little bit, we'll try to do it before she leaves for Threshold, but we might already be too late for that. I know she leaves pretty early in the morning,” Mary said.
Mark nodded. “Okay, I'll issue the alert to the Flyer, just don't forget and leave your teammates out there bobbing around in the middle of the lake.”
“You know, since their using our ship, we might be able to use her sensors to get a better read on that tunnel you mentioned,” John added.
“I was thinking the same thing. But, I think you’re going to have your hands full with another problem,” Mark said grinning.
“Oh?” John asked, totally clueless. “Like what?”
“Introducing Mary to Major Chlodine Diamond,” Mark said chuckling. “I'll want to see the report on how that goes! Now, I need to run, I have to settle an argument between the Dahlmar Consortium and the Reanes Pact. They're both claiming rights to a newly discovered Tillium Belt.” before either of the lovers could say anything more, Mark was gone.
“What's he mean about Major Diamond?” Mary asked.
John looked a little chagrined. “Chloe was my lover when I was still active. I actually thought she'd come with me when I retired, but she didn't.”
“What did she say when you asked her?” Mary asked.
“Uhm...”
“You didn't ask her?” Mary said incredulously. “Don't you love her?”
“Of course I do. We've been together for a damn long time. You know, you seem to be taking this pretty well,” John replied.
“Quit trying to change the subject. Why didn't you ask her to come with you?”
John shrugged. “When I talked to her about retiring, she seemed like she thought it was a good idea, and we talked about all the stuff we'd do after we retired. Since we made all those plans I just assumed she'd be coming with me. When I found out she wasn't, I thought she either didn't want to be with me anymore, or she just couldn't bring herself to go through with it.”
“You didn't talk to her about it?”
He shrugged. “What's to talk about? When you're together as long as we were, there are something’s that don't need to be said.”
“John,” Mary said patiently. “No matter how long you're with someone, we still like to be asked from time to time. This was a pretty big decision for the both of you, and I bet you didn't even ask her if this was something she wanted to do.”
John looked confused. “Like I said, we made all these plans together, so I just assumed she wanted this too. When she told me that she wouldn't be going through decommissioning because she hadn't put in for it. I was crushed. That told me all I needed to know, nothing more needed to be said. Besides, it's too late now, you’re in my life now.”
“I’m irrelevant until this gets taken care of. John, you need to call and talk to her,” Mary said.
“Why? She'll be here tomorrow,” John said as though he wasn't looking forward to seeing her again.
“No, this needs to be done now, before she gets here,” Mary said.
“What do I need to talk to her about? I think she made her feelings pretty damn clear,” John replied.
Mary sighed. “Computer, please connect us with Major Chlodine Diamond, priority; personal.”
“Call accepted; on hold” the computer replied.
Chapter 08
“Our sspiess tell uss a sssoldier wasss ssent here,” the tall lizard said. “We are missssing one of our ssscoutss. Thessse two thingsss are connected. Who here is new to thisss area?”
“Only one man, Master. A simple farm boy from New Terra, I checked on him, and he is who he says he is.” the male slave answered.
The lizard took a small vial from a hidden pocket and handed it to the man. “A farm boy and no one elsssse? How old is thisss boy?”
“He is no older than twenty cycles, muscular, but no more so than a farm boy would be, Master. Too young and small to be a soldier,” the female slave answered.
“Sssssoldiers no age! Sssssoldier could be accuressssed guardian and look no more than twenty! Appearence isssss not to be trusted. All sssssoldiersss look like all other hoomansss! No differencessss! You be fool little one! No one trusssst! All ssssuspect!” the lizard said angrily. “Kill new Hooman boy! Kill and bring to me!”
The female sucked in her breath at the command, and the man looked uncomfortable. “He will be missed, Master. The Community has already accepted him. Are you sure a soldier would be able to blend in so well?”
“You are quesssstioning me?”
“No! Master! I... I was simply trying to gain information! We know so little about them! As you said we are fools, we seek knowledge, nothing more,” the male replied hurriedly.
“Bring thisss boy tonight, or female will take placssssse!” the lizard said, and dove back into the underground river.
“This is Chloe, what can I do for you Doctor?” Major Chlodine Diamond asked when the channel finally opened.
“Hello, Major. I'm calling because a shared acquaintance of ours has been an idiot, and can't figure out how,” Mary replied.
“Oh, is John there?” Chloe asked.
“How did you know she was talking about me?” John asked.
“Computer, please allow visual mode,” Mary commanded the computer. A hologram of Chloe took form in one of the lounge chairs.
“Wow, this place looks a lot better than the last time we were here!” Chloe said. “Because, John, you are the only idiot I know, and you are the only person the Doctor and I could possibly have in common.”
“Please call me Mary,” Mary asked.
“Only if you call me Chloe. I have a feeling we have more in common than just knowing him, am I right?” Chloe asked without malice.
“Yeah, I care about him too, but when we got to talking about you, I learned how the two of you parted. So, I'm trying to fix it,” Mary said.
“Are you a Marine, Doctor?” Chloe asked, her head canted to one side in question.
“No, I'm not enhanced, and no, we haven't gone past kissing. However, I have developed quite strong feelings for him.” Mary replied.
“I see. Forgive me for asking this, but if that's the case, why would you want to fix this between us?” Chloe asked.
“I'm a romantic I guess. I just can see the love that the two of you have shared for so long ending like this,” Mary asked.
“What happens if it doesn’t end?” Chloe asked. “How are we going to explain my presence there?”
“Oh, that's easy, as a girlfriend he left back on New Terra, you were so smitten you followed him here. We’ll have to figure out the whole relationship thing after you get here.” Mary said thinking on her feet.
Chloe smiled. “Beautiful and smart. I can see how John fell for you; he didn't stand a chance.” She turned to John. “So, you still don’t understand why I stayed here?”
John shook his head. “No, since we made all those plans together, I thought it was a forgone conclusion that you'd be coming with me. When you told me you hadn't requested downgrading, I thought you had changed your mind about us.”
Chloe chuckled and shook her own head. “John, we've been off and on again lovers for the better part of three thousand years – mostly on. In all that time, you never figure out why we kept splitting up did you?”
“Huh? No, like I said, I thought you had just gotten tired of me and needed a break for a few years or so,” John replied.
“John, do you remember the last time I broke up with you?” Chloe asked.
“Yeah, we'd just gotten the new ship,” John replied. “I thought you would be my co-pilot, but then you decided to move into your own quarters, so I picked Alice as co-pilot.”
“Did you ever ask me to be your co-pilot?” Chloe asked. “Did you ever ask me if I wanted to be your second in Command? Did you ever ask me if I would go with you when you retired? Do you ever ask me when it came to any of the major events in our lives?”
“Well, No, I just assumed...” John said as he looked at her frowning face. “... and that's where I screwed up, and why you broke up with me?”
Chloe looked down and could be seen to be typing on something. Very soon, Mark took form in one of the other recliners. Chloe knelt on one knee. “Majesty, I hope you are well.” Chloe said.
“I'm great, Major. What's up?” Mark asked.
“Highness, with your permission, I would like to retire at the end of this mission. I would like to remain with Major Aster,” Chloe said.
Mark laughed. “He finally figured out he needed to ask you, huh?”
“Yes Majesty, I believe the combination of Mary and I together managed to give him a clue,” Chloe said happily.
“Well, I looks like I should find something else for Carl and Alice then, since you can't really have a military unit with only two people in it,” Mark replied.
