by John Walker
“If you’re still listening, Clea, you can call me now.” Siva’s com rang and she connected the line. “So what did you think?”
“You laid it on a bit thick,” Clea replied. “Also, you did say ‘welcome back’ right when they arrived.”
“Yes, I know,” Siva said. “But I like to let people think I’m forgetful sometimes. It helps them think they can get something by me if they ever decide to try. Anyway, any other assessments?”
“I think they’re tired and just wanted to be home for a while. But they recognize the necessity of the task you’re proposing and they fully intend to comply.”
“Very good.” Siva was impressed. “You did a good job of reading them.”
“I’ve been speaking to Deva…er…Vinthari Thi’Noch. She’s a brilliant technician. Her work really saved them, to be honest.”
“I’m intrigued he brought her with him,” Siva said. “I think he expected a debriefing. She would’ve been useful for that. I’m glad I could change it up for them. Anyway, the meeting went okay. I look forward to going over the plan of attack to finish Orion’s Light. And now that you know what’s going on, I assume you can inform your captain on my behalf?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll take care of it.”
“Please, call me Siva. Have you made up your mind about the offer? We really should talk about it if you have.”
“I…will soon. If that’s alright.”
“Of course, I expected an answer sooner but it’s a big deal.” Siva chuckled. “I remember being hesitant myself. Anyway, talk to me when you’re ready and watch for the meeting request. I’ll put it on your calendar later on today. Siva out.”
Siva leaned back in the chair, eyes narrowed in thought. Clea would’ve said no already if she planned to turn down the offer. What is making her hesitate though? Opportunities like this never come about. She must be worried about the harder decisions she’d have to make, making people do things against their own interests.
If that were the case, Clea needed to find a way to make it okay in her own head. Yes, her life would also change. The role she was taking on tended to be a fairly encompassing one but it definitely had its perks. Siva never wanted for a table at any restaurant she wished to attend and traveling tended to be fairly luxurious.
Except when I visit the military. Siva patted the chair was still parked in. One of her bodyguards peeked in and nodded, indicating she was getting close to her next appointment. Maybe she’s worried about how the work never stops. I suppose I couldn’t fault her on that front. Oh well. She’ll figure it out. One way or another.
***
Clea sat in her quarters for several long minutes before deciding to speak to Gray. She knew he wanted some downtime after their constant work and he likely wouldn’t be happy with the message she had for him. Departing, the hallway was bustling with activity as people moved about swiftly to get to their assignments. Shift just changed and they had taken to port.
People likely wanted to get off the ship for a while.
At least they’ll have some time before we leave again.
Clea made slow time to get to the Captain’s office and knocked twice when she finally arrived. He called for her to come in as the door opened and she stood at attention as it closed behind her. Gray Atwell smiled at her posture and waved a hand at her, but despite his welcoming expression, she saw a hint of suspicion in his eyes.
Siva’s interest in me has him wondering. He probably is thinking I’ve already gone over to her side or something.
“You don’t have to be at attention with me,” Gray said. “Certainly not here. What’s going on?”
“I just spoke with Siva. She had a meeting with Anthar Ru’Xin and I’ve got some good news and bad news.” Clea sighed. “Which would you prefer first?”
“The way you’re acting, neither is going to be particularly pleasant.” Gray gestured to a chair. “Sit down and just tell me what you need to say. I’ll take it in either order.”
“Alright.” Clea sat down, leaning forward. “We’ve found the main base for Orion’s Light. We know where their fleet has massed and the coordinates are ready for us to take them out.”
“That is good news.” Gray’s eyes narrowed. “I’m guessing I know the bad news.”
“Possibly. Siva wants The Crystal Font and The Behemoth to take them out…together and alone.” Clea shrugged. “She has intelligence that suggests we can do this.”
“I see.” Gray stood and went to the porthole, staring out into space. “I received word from high command that the main assault will take place in ten days, give or take. They’ve mustered forces from alliance people all over the galaxy and are prepared for a coordinated attack. We should be preparing for that, you know.”
“There’s a good reason to deal with Orion’s Light now though,” Clea countered. “If we don’t stop them before our attack, then they plan to hit the alliance home world. There won’t be anyone to stop them.”
“They’ll leave behind ships…but I suppose I understand.” Gray turned back to look at her. “If we hit them at their own home, the collateral damage won’t be on our own soil, is that it?”
Clea nodded. “More importantly, they’re held up in some derelict base that we left behind years ago. There are no civilians out there. And what if they flanked us during the main battle? There are dozens of reasons to finish this once and for all. I’d rather be the hand that kills Krilan’s dream and I’m sure you feel the same.”
“Revenge doesn’t have much place in what we do,” Gray replied, “but I don’t disagree with the sentiment, not entirely at least. Does she really think two ships are enough though? I’m sure if we told the military, they’d get behind a full scale assault. I could even sell it as a practice run.”
“I don’t think she’s even told them about the Orion’s Light. Besides, I’m sure her operative is how we got this information.” Clea leaned back in her chair finally and relaxed. “If so, he’s far wilier than I anticipated.”
“Yes, well…he’d have to be considering what he’s been up to.” Gray rubbed his eyes. “Alright, I assume a briefing will be coming soon?”
“It’ll be on our calendars later today. We need to resupply and let people get the downtime they can.”
“Agreed.” Gray leaned against the desk, peering into her eyes. “Clea, have you decided whether or not you’re going to take Siva up on her offer yet?”
“I…have not.” Clea shrugged. “I feel like I’ve got plenty of time though.”
“You don’t really. I’m not here to talk you into it or against it, but if that role is something you want, you’ll need to decide quickly. Siva, while she appears patient, is proving not to be. She’ll move on from you. Just think about that. There’s a time limit on that offer and if you’re not interested, you need to make it clear soon.”
“I’m just not sure I can do some of the things I’d have to do in her position,” Clea said. “I’m not…cold hearted like that. I spied on the meeting with Kale and she pretty much told him how it was. Those people, the crew of The Crystal Font, just want to go home. They’ve been gone for months! To send them back out on an assignment? It’s crazy.”
“Operational demands,” Gray replied. “They don’t really take a person’s feelings into consideration, just what they can do to get the job done. Siva’s work is tough. I may not particularly like the woman but she knows her business. Acting on intelligence while it’s still fresh is imperative. And for what it’s worth, I think you’ll find a way to do the same thing in your own style.”
“Do I even have a style?”
“Everyone does.” Gray patted her shoulder. “I’m going to rally the troops and make sure people get some rest. I’ll talk to you soon and don’t fret about what’s going on. I don’t hold you responsible for the message. We’re fine.”
“Thank you, sir. That’s a relief.”
“It would take more than Siva’s machinations to put you and I at odds,
Clea. Don’t forget that.” Gray chuckled. “Now get out of here. You’re busy.”
“Yes, sir.” Clea stood, offering him a brief, appreciative smile before departing for her quarters again.
Part of her wanted to contact her parents and ask for their advice but she didn’t think she could tell them what was going on. Not yet. When she took the job, maybe then but before, she would just complicate things. No, she needed to work it out on her own and mostly, she had. If Gray was right, and he seemed pretty wise, she’d find a way to do the work without being a terrible person.
I hope that’s true. I suppose I really made up my mind when I reported to Siva back in that remote part of space. It just took a few extra shifts to come to terms with the implications. I’ll have to contact her for a private meeting, perhaps planet side. I’d really like the opportunity to eat some food in regular gravity for a change. What a luxury.
***
Gray watched Clea leave, his heart heavy for the woman. He wondered if his advice had been entirely genuine about taking the position. She didn’t come off as particularly soft hearted but she wasn’t the cold machine Siva proved to be. Of course, the spy master may have been a very different woman at the start of her career.
I guess I don’t want to see Clea morph into that person.
He turned to the computer and contacted Ensign Agatha White, the com officer. He had her set up a direct link with Earth’s high command. Through the various buoys and enhancers stationed both at the kielan home world and back in Sol, they could have a mostly real time conversation for short bursts. He leaned back and waited as the connection established, hoping he’d get Daniel Burke.
I need some news.
Other council members would’ve worked but Daniel had always been easier to work with. He cared about the grand scheme of things and tended to see the big picture. His peers worried more about Earth’s interests, which maybe that was a better way. Gray couldn’t get behind the selfishness, especially after spending so much time away from his home planet.
Daniel’s face appeared on the screen though it would only be a still image. They couldn’t transmit video with the same speed as audio. “Daniel Burke speaking, is this really Gray?”
“Hi Daniel,” Gray said, “I’m glad to hear your voice. I wanted to check in with you since I’ve only been working with proxies out here.”
“Good idea and I’m glad you did. Things have been going well since you’ve left. We have another ship nearly completed. The fabrication facilities the kielans provided have sped things up in an astounding way. The other, your sister ship, was Christened recently. The Foundation. She’s taken over solar protection duties.”
“Fantastic,” Gray said. “I’m glad to hear that. What’s the word about the attack on the Devarans? Have you heard anything?”
“We’re looking at a coordinated assault in less than ten days.” Daniel sighed. “Our other ship will only just be finished by then…and certainly not ready for combat. Even The Foundation is in testing now. They’ve been taking her around to the various planets, clearing debris and ensuring all stations are running properly.”
“Understood. So we won’t have as much participation in the fight as we’d probably like.”
“We’ve dedicated you guys to it,” Daniel said. “Though I understand you’ve been requisitioned by Alliance Intelligence. Our ambassador said he agreed to it. What’s that all about?”
“Special operations,” Gray replied. “Glorious but clandestine in many ways. I’m sending you my logs from all of them so you can see what we’ve been up to. In fact, they have one more assignment for us before the big fight. We’re going to take care of a terrorist group called Orion’s Light.”
“I’ve seen the briefings about them,” Daniel said. “Not good. Apparently, they’re led by some rogue commander from the kielans?”
“A former prisoner escaped,” Gray corrected. “They had him locked up but he got away and now, he’s caused a lot of trouble. If we can do what they’re talking about, we’ll be protecting our flank while we go into battle. It’s an important assignment but it’s going to be rough on our crew.”
“We sent some replacement pilots out your way. They should’ve arrived by now. Have you taken them onboard yet?”
“No…but I’ll be sure to check in and get them soon. Thanks for that. Did the ambassador suggest it?”
“We saw your losses in his last report. You’ve done well with supplies and resources.”
“I only hope we come away from this next fight relatively unscathed.” Gray rubbed the back of his neck. “We won’t have much time for extensive repairs.”
“Their fabrication technology might surprise you,” Daniel said. “Don’t put it past them to get you up and running quick.”
A light flashed on the monitor, indicating the connection was weakening. “We’re out of time, Daniel but I’ll contact you again soon. Thanks for the time.”
“Good luck, Gray. Godspeed.”
Gray’s computer chimed, letting him know he had a new meeting request. It was from Siva, titled Orion’s Dusk. The name made him smirk. At least she has a sense of humor, I suppose. He set up a private meeting with Commander Adam Everly, his first officer, to fill him in on their next mission.
The younger man had been somewhat quieter as of late when they spoke. Gray suspected Adam didn’t entirely believe in what they were doing. He didn’t quite side with the isolationists but he didn’t have any particular love for the other cultures Earth had encountered. While he may have wanted the war to end, he wanted it to be on their terms.
They’d had a discussion about it before. Gray reminded him that they weren’t in a position to scoff at assistance. Having only two fully functional ships meant they were in the vast minority when it came to all the other cultures in the alliance. Perhaps someday they’d be capable of contributing in a more meaningful way to galactic politics but for now, they needed to follow the lead of those with experience.
Adam’s argument was that Earth had plenty of experience but they only lacked the technology to prove their worth. Whether that was true or not, Gray was unwilling to debate. Their personal feelings clashed rather strongly so they had to agree to disagree. It shook Gray’s opinion of the Commander. Where he had been willing to suggest him to take command of one of the new vessels, he found cause for hesitation.
They needed open minded individuals in leadership roles, people willing to work with their allies for the betterment of all species. The moment Earth fell under attack and the kielans stepped into help, selfishness became an impossible prospect. No one could think about only themselves.
Gray hoped when the war ended, they would all be able to band together to rebuild, to find a goal and cause outside of conflict. In the back of his mind, he worried about civil war. Without a common enemy, some faction or another might find good reason to start another fight. If they had the right people at the helm, they might avoid it.
But then again, we might not. People need a struggle to overcome and if we can’t fabricate one that stirs their hearts, they’ll make something up we won’t like. Sentient nature, it seems, has much in common across the galaxy. I know no one wants to think too far ahead with the battle looming ahead but I hope we figure it out fast after the last shot’s fired.
We won’t have long to get things squared away.
Chapter 2
Trellan transmitted the coordinates of the Orion’s Light base the moment he arrived in the system. He knew Siva would make quick use of it and he only had a little bit of time before some technician caught site of his vessel. He held the channel open as long as he dared, gathering intel as he drew closer.
Number of ships in the fleet, the size of the base and life forms all got out before he had to close the connection. He was hailed shortly after and talked his way into a landing bay, stating he had survived the attack on Novalat and was returning with the prize they had gone there for in the first place.
Men cam
e to collect him, escorting him to some quarters where he was secured while they found someone he could talk to. He sat on the bed, thinking back on everything that happened since he left the pirate base and arrived in the lair of his targets. The fact he made it at all shocked him.
When Trellan left behind the planet he’d stolen the ship from, he immediately jumped out of the system to perform some maintenance of his own. He dumped the bodies, disabled the location tracker and took stock of his supplies. The computer system had a variety of coordinates programmed in, including the site for the metal and where they were to deliver it.
He got some rest before moving on, parking the ship far enough away from any obstacles that nothing could hit it. After a shift of sleep and some food, he felt considerably better than he had in days, well enough to take the next step on his assignment. Manning the bridge, he set the course and headed out to what he hoped might be the main Orion’s Light base.
An hour passed while he sat in the room and he wondered how long they intended to leave him there. They confiscated his weapons but didn’t bother to search him, not thoroughly at least. For whatever reason, they trusted him. Maybe they were just that convinced that no one could find them out there.
Anyone could’ve stumbled on this place and reported what they found. The arrogance is insanity.
The door finally opened and a young man gestured for him to rise. “What’s your name?”
“Trellan En’Dal,” he replied. “You?”
“You can refer to me as Commander. Come on. There’s someone who wants to talk to you.”
“Okay…” Trellan followed the man out of the room and down the hall with two guards accompanying them.
Despite the fact that the station had been abandoned by any legitimate interests, it was in good shape. The Orion’s Light did nice work in keeping the place maintained. If he didn’t know any better, he would’ve said a real military force occupied the space.
