by John Walker
“Being parted from your planet is difficult.” Alma looked over the others in the area, quiet for a long moment. “Especially when we thought we would never see it again. Back at the research facility, I prepared to die. Then Anthar Ru’Xin pulled off a miracle with our escape…only for Fate to prove cruel and kind together.”
“I read about what happened.” Meagan’s brow furrowed. “I can’t even believe it.”
“Neither could I. We appeared and thought we might just go home but our crystal was cracked and another jump would’ve been potentially suicidal.” Alma shrugged. “So we had to go to that planet and once again, prepare ourselves for death. I honestly can say I’d like to finish this next mission without the impending, almost certain fatal ending.”
“I hope we can oblige.” Meagan stood up. “Come on, let’s go fly. There’s no reason for us to sit around here and be morose. If you’re anything like me, you’re in this for being a space craft pushing real speeds.”
“I am.” Alma rose, staring into Meagan’s eyes. Despite the unnatural color, there was a tenderness there, something she didn’t anticipate when the woman walked in looking severe. “Thank you for the conversation, Wing Commander. Much as I thought this would be a waste of our time, I feel like command might’ve known what they were doing.”
“Once in a while, they surprise us.” Meagan grinned. “But don’t let anyone know. That will go straight to their head.”
“The secret is safe with me.” Alma gestured. “This way. I know a faster way back to our ships.”
***
Clea stood in front of the captain’s cabin, forcing herself to take deep breaths. She hadn’t knocked yet, instead trying to steady herself for the conversation she had to have but dreaded. Her heart felt like someone held it very tight, threatening to crush it at any moment. Every breath made her feel like she might be ill and she needed to hold it together.
He’ll understand…but will you? This day had to come. You knew it since the moment you agreed to the assignment all those years ago. It’s time.
Excitement warred with disappointment, with regret but she was wasting time. Gray was busy and she’d put the request on his calendar for five minutes earlier. Clea forced herself to knock and stand up straight, unwilling to show her internal struggle. The last thing he needed to see was a woman in conflict.
“Come in, Clea. I’m surprised you’re late.”
Me too. Clea thought as she tapped the door to enter. “Sorry about that. I was…occupied.”
“No problem.” Gray motioned to the chair she occupied hundreds of times as they played chess and talked about Earth history. “Do you want something? I mean, we’re both off duty so I assumed this was a social call.”
“Just water.” Clea swallowed past her dry throat, chewing her lip as he poured them each a glass. “Thank you.”
“You’ve got something on your mind.” Gray suddenly looked worried. “What’s up? You look nervous.”
“All these years together, I consider you one of my closest friends.” Clea looked at the floor. “Not that I had many before coming to Earth. I’ve learned a lot from you, both professionally and personally. I owe you so much. Thank you…for everything. I wouldn’t be the officer I am today without your influence.”
Gray set the water down in front of her and sat down. “You’re welcome. Where’s this going, Clea? You’re making me nervous now.”
“Just that…well…with the actual war possibly coming to an end soon, things may change dramatically for us.” Clea sipped the water, closing her eyes as it cooled her throat. “I’ve…I’ve accepted Siva’s job offer. As the successor to the head of alliance intelligence, I have so much to learn. It’ll be years before I’m ready, perhaps more.”
“I have to say I’m surprised,” Gray said. “You really didn’t like the woman when we dealt with her before. What changed your mind?”
“Beneath her exterior of flippancy, I believe she genuinely cares about the alliance.” Clea shrugged. “She could certainly stow some of the ill manners but it’s just her style. I believe I can do it differently…better, even. In any event, it seems that I might be transferring to The Crystal Font when everything is over. Since you’ll be going home.”
Gray nodded. “With any luck, yes.” He sighed. “I can’t believe we’re talking about this. Way back when we first met, I knew we’d part ways eventually but the months stretched into years and we’ve done so much as a team…I’ll miss your expertise. Hell, I’ll miss you.”
Clea chewed her lip before responding. “Likewise, Gray. I didn’t know exactly what it would be like to take on the role I did. Liaising for your people sounded scary but most of you were quite welcoming. I appreciated everyone’s generosity and their help to acclimate to the culture. Then I met you and you didn’t hesitate for a second. You shook my hand and it was like we’d known each other for years.”
“I believed in what you were doing,” Gray replied. “And I still do. Look at this ship and how far it’s evolved. Talk about success.”
“Maybe we’ll see each other again…even in my new capacity.” Clea’s brows lifted as she felt a hopeful surge in her chest. She doubted her own words. The universe was a massive place and once they each returned to specific duties, the chances of encountering one another again would be relatively small. “I can dream, right?”
“Siva didn’t seem keen on letting us go easily,” Gray said. “I have a feeling we’ll be called upon again and if so, then I’m sure you’ll find a way to be involved. I don’t see anything wrong with these type of assignments. Our own people will likely have a few of them to come, you know? As we both know, there are other threats out there besides the Devarans.”
Clea nodded. “Truth.”
“Are you looking forward to your new assignment?”
“I have to admit, it’s exciting,” Clea said. “The challenge of it appeals to me and I know there’s plenty about it I haven’t even thought about yet. Technically, it’s another career entirely but somehow still uses all the skills I’ve cultivated in my professional life. Sounds kind of ideal when I put it that way, huh?”
Gray smiled. “It does. Well, are you sure you want to be drinking water as we celebrate your promotion?”
“Celebrate?” Clea tilted her head. “I…was here to talk to you about us parting ways.”
“And I choose to turn this into a moment where we relish your opportunity and enjoy it together.” Gray winked. “Call me sentimental like that but I think we deserve the positive moment while we can get it. Don’t you?”
“I suppose so.” Clea blinked. “But aren’t we leaving soon?”
“Two shifts,” Gray said. “And by then, the one drink we share will be long out of our systems, believe me.” He poured them something amber and slid her a glass. “To your promotion, long life and success.”
“To all you’ve done to help me and your own prosperity, Captain Atwell.”
“Gray…please.” He tapped her glass. “We don’t have to bother with formality behind closed doors. And heck, you’ll probably outrank me in less than six months.”
They sipped their drinks and Clea winced. “Oof, that’s…really strong!”
“Not even the strongest I’ve got,” Gray replied. “But I hope you like it?”
“I doubt like is the proper word.” She tried it again. “I…I suppose I see the appeal. After the first taste.”
“C’mon, I know you guys have booze.”
“Yes, but we make ours palatable.” Clea gave him a sheepish look. “Sorry…”
“No, I see how it is. Making fun of Earth liquor. I get it.” Gray laughed, unable to hold up even the feigned offense. “You’ve been a great officer and a better friend, Clea. Thanks for coming to see me about this.”
“I couldn’t think of anyone else I’d rather tell…or could tell for that matter.” Clea shook her head. “I think my appointment is classified, after all.”
“Ah, welcome to the world
of secrets.”
“Indeed…”
Chapter 4
Orion’s Light put their new recruits through far more than Trellan anticipated. He was taken to their medical wing and given a full body scan, checking for bugs and any ailments. Most operatives received an implant to keep track of them and he was grateful Siva thought twice about it. He’d have been outed in that moment.
Afterward, he went through a physical, including fitness. After passing quite easily, they allowed him to clean up and gave him a uniform, gray and black. Unlike the jumpsuit he wore on the ship, this was one of their higher ranking affairs, something that immediately set him apart from the rank and file, the conscripts.
A couple hours of rest later, one of the soldiers came to collect him under orders from Krilan. Their leader wanted to have a meal with him and Trellan started to feel nervous. They already spent too much time and money on him to simply kill him but the more conversation they had, the more lying he had to do.
Too many lies can lead to one being trapped. Just stick to the story of who you are and everything will be fine.
Trellan followed the man through the station to a well appointed room with gorgeous furniture and real plants decorating the space. Krilan sat at a small table laden with food. Trellan’s stomach growled when he saw it and he hoped the man didn’t plan to poison him. It would’ve been easy, especially since he couldn’t turn down the offer.
“Sit down,” Krilan said, gesturing to one of the chairs. “It’s not often that my men have the privilege of spending time with me but you’re someone I needed to get to know better. The more I thought about your success on our ship, the more curious I became. Now, I have the opportunity to get some information. I hope you’ve rested enough though?”
Trellan sat across from him and nodded. “I did. Orientation was taxing.”
“It’s meant to be but I heard you made short work of every test.” Krilan grinned. “I had no doubt. You’re one of those lean, tough types who knows how to work your body. A true soldier…if not a little more. I’m gathering that you were some type of specialist mercenary before joining us. Is that about right?”
“They kept calling me a gunman,” Trellan replied, looking over the spread of food. He wanted to dig in but refrained, waiting for Krilan to make the first move. “They found they got a lot more out of me. I guess I came as a real bargain.”
“I suppose that depends on how much you were selling your services for.” Krilan dug into his meal and gestured to the rest of the food. “Please, help yourself. I’m guessing you must be famished. We don’t typically have such fare but several of our collection runs have proven overly successful.”
“Collection runs?”
Krilan waved his hand dismissively. “Where we tax local colonies, taking our dues from them. They’ll learn about proper taxation and tithing when we’re truly in charge. Everyone will have plenty then. From the lowliest to the highest. I can make this universe a paradise, Trellan. And I shall. Believe me.”
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe in you…nor would you have admitted me, I suspect.” Trellan paused to dig in. He couldn’t really wait any longer. Or at least his stomach couldn’t. When he finished a few bites, he returned to the conversation. “I didn’t want to come here as a mere volunteer anyway. I needed to bring something to the cause.”
“Oh, you have. Though I must admit, it seems a bit lucky.”
Trellan grinned. “Not so. I was one of the people you had trying to steal it but I had no intention of going along with their initial plan.”
Krilan’s brows raised. “What was that?”
“They were going to ransom the plans for more money,” Trellan said. “And if you didn’t pay, they were going to sell them back to the Alliance. When they let that slip during the briefing, I made up my mind. I knew what I wanted. I merely needed to make it happen and this…this was my opportunity.”
“Criminals serve their purpose but occasionally, we do encounter such mercenary tactics.” Krilan sighed. “They do not cross us twice. And it seems, they didn’t have any idea what they were getting with you.”
“Your team showed up before they could cause the trouble and I was able to get things moving. Unfortunately, those Alliance bastards somehow bested us. Even with the special weapon in full effect. They figured out a way to protect key portions of their ship. Total chance on their part.”
Krilan scowled. “I’m afraid not. The Behemoth has been a thorn in my side on multiple occasions now. Their commander is wily…far better than I gave the humans credit for. One of my first orders will be to annihilate their people and take whatever resources their system has to offer. Simply for the slight of what their people have inflicted upon us.”
“I’m behind that,” Trellan said. “I’ve met a few humans who somehow joined various crews around the galaxy. They’re pompous and they deserve whatever they get.”
“You’ll go far here.” Krilan fell silent while they ate, staring off into space as he chewed. Trellan began to get nervous after several minutes. The quiet turned awkward and he felt like he was supposed to say something. He resisted the urge, focusing on the meal and how he finally felt more like himself.
This guy is such a psychopath, I can feel his energy across the table. I wonder how long he’s been cracked. Did it happen in prison? Or was he always like this? How did a man like him remain stable enough to rise through our military ranks? Is he truly clever enough to lie his way through psych profiles? Maybe so.
“May I ask a question?” Trellan finally broke the quiet.
“Of course.”
“When you were in the Alliance military…what was your opinion of our home world?”
Krilan smiled, looking down. “No one was more of a patriot than I. Every day, I thought of ways to forward the goals of our people, to show the universe our glory. Each action I took, all my missions, I focused on the prize and how best to show that kielans were the best race within our collective, the most useful and prominent.
“The overt statement of such a feeling was frowned upon. In private, I brought it up to my commander and was shown that my zeal outweighed those of the highest echelon. I had to maintain my opinions in silence and not risk scrutiny. Prison only enhanced my opinion though it left the government behind and focused on the species.”
“So after going to prison, you had an epiphany,” Trellan said. “You realized the governing body had lost its way.”
“Oh, the truth is they never had a way. Not even when we first began. A directionless child floundering out into space, welcoming in anyone they found. They never thought about how much these useless cultures would drain our coffers or lean heavily on our accomplishments.”
“I’ve seen it. Novalat is a fine example of useless.”
Krilan tilted his head. “Yes and no. They are cunning inventors. The weapon you brought us is genius.”
“Built upon the shoulders of genius, perhaps. They took some of the idea from our own inventors. And they didn’t figure out how to breach shields. Which makes it contingent on your ability to knock out the defenses of an enemy. And honestly, what’s the point of saving the crew if you’re going to execute them anyway?”
“Ah, think broader, my friend.” Krilan chuckled. “You’re definitely a soldier but imagine. If you can knock the crew down, you save the important resource: their ship. I don’t mean to sound like a marauder or pirate but our fleet is comprised of what we could take. And we have to continually build out what we have.”
“A good point I hadn’t considered.” Trellan frowned. “Sir, I find myself thinking about my family.”
“Oh?”
“I lost most of mine in a terrorist attack while I was serving my first tour. Do you have any left?”
“I…do.” Krilan nodded. “A sister.”
“How do you cope with the loss? After what I was taught, I occasionally find it quite difficult to get through the days.”
“It is a str
uggle at times, to be sure. Overcoming what we were taught can be tricky. But we have no choice, do we?” Krilan stood and went to a window, staring out. “My sister was devastated when I went to prison. My parents were already dead and I was grateful at the time. They wouldn’t have wanted to shoulder the shame.”
“Is she okay?”
Krilan shrugged. “I assume she moved on. The one thing I can say about our people is that they do not hold grudges against those who did nothing wrong. We are not held accountable for the sins of our relatives. So whatever she’s doing, I’m assuming it is okay. Of course, with no family at all, she might’ve had a hard time starting a new one.”
“Yes, the prestige…or lack thereof…regarding one’s living relatives was one of the reasons I left.”
“Indeed. Had I not risen to the level I had before they were gone, I might not have. They judge us on these things beyond our control but don’t outwardly penalize us. Well…I suppose you could get to Su-Anthar without a family but much beyond that…they don’t trust you.”
“When you lost your family, did you find yourself under scrutiny?” Trellan shook his head. “I certainly did.”
“I don’t recall.” Krilan turned to face Trellan. “But I think we’ve enjoyed enough of memory lane, don’t you? We have some business to attend to. Something I need to do in order for you to stay in the capacity I’m hoping you can fulfill. If you are ready to prove yourself, the time is now.”
Trellan lifted his brows. “Prove myself? What do you mean? I was under the impression that I already did so by bringing you the plans.”
“You did us a service, an act which I’m grateful for. But it doesn’t prove your loyalty. A cunning operative could’ve come up with the stories you’ve told me but I know alliance intelligence. They would happily give someone those schematics if it meant getting the job done. So we’ll need to give you a test.”
