by John Walker
And they do, technically. Krilan certainly thinks so at least. He’s definitely got these kids working like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. I can’t wait to take him down and give them a second chance at a normal life.
Of course, Trellan knew he was fooling himself. Most of the people around him would likely die long before seeing the inside of a jail cell or hearing. Once he told Siva where they were, she’d find a way to assault the place and that would be it. Soldiers didn’t care about who was shooting at them, just that a target had been identified.
They boarded an elevator and took it up seven floors before disembarking. No one spoke the whole time, as if they were afraid to be heard. Trellan tried to maintain a calm demeanor but inside, he was adrenalized. He’d been through a lot of wild situations but this one found itself firmly planted at the top of the list.
Help may be on the way, but even when it arrived, he’d likely still be on his own. Taking this assignment required him to put down in writing his own acknowledgement that he might die. There had been several moments throughout his undercover work where he thought it might happen but now, so close to the end, the reality of never going home hit him hard.
I’ve studied these people for too long to think I’m safe. They’re psychotic and act without provocation, without considering the consequences of their actions. Reactionary terrorists, willing to clean up a mess and hope for the best. Relax, Trellan…this may not be a situation you can control but it’ll work out. One way or another.
The commander knocked on a door and a voice called for them to enter. Trellan followed along, fighting hard not to gasp when he found himself face to face with Krilan Ar’Vax. My target. Right here, in close proximity. If I had any weapon, I could finish this right now. Take a slow breath and relax.
“I understand you’ve brought something we want,” Krilan said. “Something we were desperately trying to get but lost.”
Trellan nodded. “Yes. May I ask who you are?”
Krilan smirked. “Krilan Ar’Vax. I lead the Orion’s Light. The man who brought me those schematics was one I had to meet. Trellan En’Dal, is it? I’m not familiar with your family.”
“They took to farming,” Trellan replied. “I didn’t want to be in the dirt all day. I enlisted but that didn’t work out so well.”
“Obviously not if you’re standing here.” Krilan peered at him through narrow eyes, clasping his hands behind his back. “And you’ve come to join us?”
“I had joined you back in Novalat,” Trellan said. “But when the ship went down, I was given the schematics and told to get them back to these coordinates. It took some doing. I had to steal two starships in order to make it happen.”
“Industrious.” Krilan sat down. “They told you to bring them here? Why did they not escape and do it?”
“The engineer who gave me the drive was missing his legs.” Trellan shrugged. “As he was dying, he grabbed my leg. I was trying to prevent the core from melting down and killing us all. He let me know I was wasting my time and gave me the instructions. So I used the escape pod and did as I was asked.”
“You’re good soldier then, is that it?” Krilan asked. “Ready to do your part and listen to your superior officers?”
Trellan hesitated, considering his answer. He wondered if Krilan might be trying to talk him into a corner, finding a way to make him incriminate himself or say something offensive. He finally shrugged. “Partially true. My real objective is to be part of something that matters. I found out the alliance military didn’t care about us so I left. When I learned about Orion’s Light, I had to know more.”
“Volunteers are preferred over the conscripts.” Krilan tapped his chair. “Give us the drive.”
Trellan suddenly wished he’d planted some explosives in it. It would’ve made short work of everyone in the room when they went to examine it. Of course, he couldn’t guarantee Krilan’s death that way. He reached into his inside pocket and pulled out the parcel, setting it on the desk.
The commander snatched it up. “I’ll verify this right away, sir.” He left the room abruptly so that only two guards and Krilan remained.
I can do this. Even unarmed, I can get a gun off the guy to my left and execute Ar’Vax in an instant. Trellan felt his muscles tense in anticipation but he forced himself to calm down. Patience. He’s here and you need a way off this place. Plus, there’s more to do than just kill him. The assault force will need help and if you attack now, you might not be here for it.
“If that proves to be what you say,” Krilan said, “then I’ll be glad to extend you an offer to join us. I need men who are willing to do whatever it takes to finish a job. Right now, you’re one of the best potential assets we’ve seen. At least, if this is any indication. Where’d you steal the ships from?”
“The first one came from Novalat,” Trellan explained. “Civilian transport. I dumped it for the larger vessel you see out there. Might make a good addition to your fleet, actually. Good bones, well maintained, armed and a lot of cargo space.”
“You’re giving me your ship?”
“If I’m staying, I don’t have any need for it. If you’re going to ask me to leave though, I wouldn’t mind a way out of here.”
Krilan chuckled. “You know full well that if I don’t ask you to stay, you’re going to die here.”
Trellan looked up at the ceiling for a moment before meeting Krilan’s eyes. “Yes, I suppose so.”
“As long as we’re going to stay realistic about this…but honestly, you’re pretty stoic. I’m surprised you can keep yourself at ease in light of what’s at stake.”
“I’ve survived a lot,” Trellan said. “I recognize I’m on borrowed time. Besides, there’s no reason to be afraid of what might happen. Best to let it come and see what you can do about it.”
“Interesting philosophy. How do you feel about us attacking the home world?”
“As in trying to occupy it or destroy it?”
“Let’s try both.”
Trellan pursed his lips. “The former seems impossible. There’s too much space and I saw how many ships you had when I flew in. Even with double that number, there aren’t enough men here to quell any potential rebellion. Better to destroy population centers and military outposts, reduce the number of people who might try to stop you.”
“Us, Trellan,” Krillan corrected. “After all, you’re inches away from joining us.”
“As you say.”
“I agree with you. Those fools are about to fight the Devarans. When they leave their space to do so, even with all the alliance armies at their command, I will sweep in behind them and take their homes. You see, I know something they do not.”
Trellan’s brows went up. “Yes?”
“Their enemy may not know that they are about to attack their base but they are prepared nevertheless. They have weaponized things that would astound you. The good news for us is that when the alliance attacks and fails to win, it won’t matter. They’ll do sufficient damage for us to take out the Devarans…and essentially be heroes to the other cultures.
“Yes, we’ll have to take down the kielan home world but as that’s the heart of the alliance, it will make it easier for us to control them all. As I become instated as the new high commander of the galaxy, we will finally bring some order and guidance this universe so desperately needs.”
You are a megalomaniac scum, Trellan let the thought drift in his head but he allowed it to form as a smile. I can’t believe you are so callous about your plan. Rather than come clean and tell the alliance what you know, you’d rather see them all fail. Just to fulfill your own dreams of conquest.
“Sounds like the kind of plan I’d like to make happen,” Trellan said. “How soon do you think this will all happen?”
“The alliance plans to attack the Devarans in ten days,” Krilan replied. “So my spies tell me.”
The commander entered the room again and nodded to Krilan. “My Lord, the drive has t
he schematics as promised. It also contains the data of their initial use and how our star cruiser was destroyed for tactical analysis. I’ve sent it on to the tech crews so they can begin work on it and let them know it’s a high priority.”
“Very good.” Krilan stood up and offered his hand to Trellan. “It’s not often that I shake the hand of one of my men but welcome aboard, Trellan En’Dal. You’ve more than earned yourself a place with us. I’ll have someone show you to a place you can rest. You look exhausted. Later, we’ll give you the orientation, perform a skill assessment and explain your duties.”
“Thanks. I can probably get started right away.”
“Zealous.” Krilan seemed pleased. “I like it. But we’re in a good place for a man to be at the top of his game right now. Take the opportunity to sleep when you get it. Believe me, this is a lesson you learn when you’ve been at this as long as I have. I look forward to speaking to you again, Trellan. Perhaps we can share a meal when you’re settled in.”
Krilan nodded at the commander who nudged Trellan and motioned for the door. The audience was over but at least there was the promise of a future meeting. One which might happen in a shift or two. Providing it came true, that would be another opportunity to finish the assignment. It also gave Trellan a chance to ensure he had an escape route.
***
The mission briefing with Siva went much quicker than expected. She provided all the intelligence at her disposal and gave them each transcript from Trellan En’Dal she’d received. Kale and Gray asked several questions but they didn’t get answers. In fact, they were directed to take the information they had and return to their ships to discuss it with their officers.
Clea didn’t have much to contribute to the conversation and instead really put herself to thinking about her own situation. She’d been dwelling on it since leaving Gray’s quarters, unable to sleep or properly eat until she made up her mind. So much about the future made her feel torn. The lies and deceit she had to look forward to made her hesitate while her adventurous side challenged her to dive in head first.
I can’t pass up this opportunity. That single statement was the truth. She’d wanted to serve with distinction, to do something different than her family. If she took on the assignment from Siva, then she’d have two marks for her. The liaison position already brought her honor and prestige but running intelligence?
None of her family had even worked for them before.
Eventually, she’d even be able to tell them. At least in the beginning, she’d be able to say she’d taken the job with them. Though the specifics of her day to day tasks might be off limits, the transfer wouldn’t be. So there was that much. After a great deal of back and forth over the course of nearly twenty-four hours, Clea waited for the end of the briefing and asked to speak with Siva in private.
“Of course.” Siva nodded to Gray and Kale. “Please let me know if you come up with anything I can help with. Right now, I believe you have all the information I can provide however. Thank you for your help.”
The commanders left and Siva turned a smile to Clea. “So, what is it that I can do for you then?”
“I’ve put a lot of thought into your offer,” Clea said, sitting up straight. “First, I want to thank you for even considering me. That alone has been quite an honor.”
“It wasn’t a hard call. You’ve done a great job.”
“Thank you.” Clea chewed her lip. “I have made a decision which I’d like to present to you now.”
“Please, you don’t have to be so formal.” Siva waved a hand in the air dismissively. “Just come out with it, dear. We don’t have time for games most of the time and protocol is just a social convention for the polite. I can take whatever you’re going to say. Believe me, I’ve had some pretty tough conversations in my lifetime.”
“I’m sure.” Clea looked down for a moment, embarrassed at the thought of some of the things that Siva probably said. “I’ve decided to take you up on your offer and accept the position. Officially, I mean.”
“Officially?” Siva’s brows raised. “What do you mean by that?”
“In all honesty, I’ve felt like I’ve been working for you since we left to help The Crystal Font. Part of that was a test, I have a feeling.”
“Everything is, right?” Siva leaned forward and patted Clea on the knee. “I’m very glad to hear it. I’ve taken the liberty of preparing everything in advance.” She offered her tablet. “If you’ll just provide your digital signature, I’ll have your records and command transferred here. As we discussed, you will continue to serve on the Behemoth for the time being until such time as we decide otherwise.”
“Thank you.” Clea read through the contract and her eyes bulged at the pay increase. She hadn’t expected it nor even considered it. Clearing her throat, she entered her digital ID and sealed the deal. She now worked for intelligence…for better or worse. If it worked out at all as she anticipated, then she’d be involved in some important events.
“I would like to discourage you from joining them in the final battle,” Siva said. “Considering how badly that could go, you and I will be serving far better here than out there but I’m guessing you’re not overly interested in sitting it out. Correct?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ve been in this war since I joined the service. I’d rather not be safe when all of my friends are not.”
“Understood but if you change your mind, I will support you one hundred percent.” Siva stood up. “I’ve also arranged for your clearance to increase substantially. You now have access to records you didn’t even know existed. Do use them responsibly, dear. I don’t want them falling into the human’s hands…or anyone else’s for that matter.”
“I’ll be cautious, ma’am…Siva.”
“Better.” Siva waved a finger at her. “We’ll get you there eventually. Formality is a tool, not a requirement. Remember that. And good luck with this assignment. I have a feeling it isn’t going to be such a big deal. The Orion’s Light are dangerous but they don’t seem to be particularly disciplined, even with Krilan at their command.”
“Even in numbers, zealots can’t compete with true soldiers,” Clea said. “And I’ve already noted how many conscripts they have under their command. That’s not going to do them very well when they go against professionals who volunteered.”
“Don’t rely too heavily on that,” Siva replied. “At their home base, they are likely to have the largest concentration of actual volunteers. Trellan made that clear. The people didn’t seem as incompetent. I fear for his safety at this point…but if he does his job, then yours will be much easier. Let’s hope for all our sakes, you manage this task quickly.”
“Captain Atwell and Anthar Ru’Xin are exceptional tacticians. I have faith that they’ll make short work of this.”
“Good.” Siva opened the door. “Keep in touch, Clea. We’ll talk again when you get back…before the main event, of course. Now, I have to run. I’ve got a lot of people to tell that you’re my second and it’s going to take me the better part of two days to get through them all. Good bye.”
Clea watched her go and slumped in her seat, feeling the full weight of her decision. On one hand, she felt thrilled and excited. The prospects of her new job were unknown and wondrous. On the other, she’d made a difficult life decision and she had no idea if it would go well.
I didn’t make this choice spontaneously. This was one thing I put a lot of thought into. Whatever happens going forward, I’ll make the best of it. Siva wants me here or she wouldn’t have pushed so hard. I’ve got this. Don’t worry. Get back to the ship, do your best and start thinking like an intelligence officer.
Oh, Fates…I hope there’s a manual…or something to give me a little direction.
***
Gray gathered Adam and Kale, who brought another man to the meeting, for a discussion about how they’d proceed. There were semantics to work out, mostly surrounding the approach to the station and who would be in operational com
mand of each piece of the action. With multiple fronts requiring attention, they needed serious coordination.
“I’ve brought my gunner,” Kale said, “Vinthari Athan Du’Zhantha. He’s been on board fro quite a while and doubles as our pilot.”
They all shook hands before diving into the business at hand. With the intelligence Siva gave them, they knew a lot about the area they were visiting. Archives from the alliance colonization department provided a layout of the base as well as a history of maintenance. They abandoned it over five years ago when the minerals in the asteroid field ran out.
Kale spoke up, “we have to assume the place is in a state of disrepair. Soldiers attacking the place should wear environmental armor. I have my doubts that these terrorists, regardless of how disciplined, will have kept it up…or even repaired it at all. More likely, they have sealed sections off that were too badly damaged and live in those parts that are not.”
Gray frowned. “It’s better to be cautious but I have a feeling it’s in better condition than you imagine. Something about Krilan suggests to me that he wouldn’t live in squalor if he didn’t have to. And they have engineers…good ones who can mount and even develop special weapons. I’m not willing to put anything past the man at this point.”
“A good point.” Kale nodded. “My next concern is about the pilots.”
Durant’s team retrofitted a dozen of The Crystal Font’s fighters with the enhanced inertial dampeners. Already, the pilots were testing it out, seeing how far they could push their new toys. Gray read a report that suggested well more than half the fleet had been updated as well. When they attacked the Devarans, they would do so with a few distinct advantages.
“What about them?” Gray asked.
Kale tapped the tablet and brought up a map of the system they’d be engaging in. “They are going to be forced to engage not only other single man vessels but larger ones as well. The terrorists have access to weaponized freighters, all the way up to military grade scout ships. I hate to say it, but our bombers are going to have to be involved as well.”
