by John Walker
But deep down, Trellan wondered. The freedom of operating outside the confines of the law meant he received instant results whenever he needed them. He was in charge of everything and didn’t need authorization to put a plan in motion. Looking at the situation clinically, he figured he would need help getting over the loss of such latitude as well.
Kielan medical practices were solid and they helped a lot of people. While he didn’t necessarily have faith in much else, he knew that if there was any chance he could get better, they’d be able to do it. The process might take a while but what did he have to lose? Why not dedicate himself to it?
After all, he deserved to return to some semblance of his normal self.
Don’t I?
The last part of his mission came back to haunt him. Krilan forced him to shoot a man, to murder him. Trellan fought and killed many people during his assignment but that one carried the most gravity. Rationalization was easy enough. If he hadn’t shot the man, he would’ve blown his cover and died. The mission, months of intelligence work, would’ve been over.
Not having a choice doesn’t make it easier. I did what I had to and even in the moment, I figured I’d have to live with it somehow. I’m sure he’d done plenty to deserve his fate. He worked with Krilan and failed him somehow. This is just one more thing for the therapist to focus on, one more problem to solve.
Trellan rose and went into the bedroom, throwing back the covers. He went about cleaning up to rest then flopped on the mattress, staring at the ceiling. Drinking sounded like a good idea but he shut the notion out of his head. Developing a dependency on the verge of mental health work would not make things better.
Besides, whenever I drank on assignment, the bad things I did always seemed to become more prominent in my head, not less.
Closing his eyes, Trellan tried to think about the upcoming mission and what he needed to do. Luckily, sleep overtook him before his mind got too active. The next six hours of downtime were definitely needed, especially since the shifts afterward involved military action, guns and a suicide mission he volunteered for.
***
Kale finished going over the intelligence concerning the operation one more time. It appeared they considered every contingency, every potential problem but even with his limited command experience, he knew to question such a thorough document. Perhaps they felt speculation about dilemmas fell on the shoulders of the Anthars.
He turned the terminal off and poured himself some water, taking it down in a couple gulps. Backing up the humans seemed to be the right play, the proper choice given what they were being asked to do. Deep down, Kale knew that if an Anthar had to pick between helping The Behemoth and one of their own, they would not hesitate in their decision.
It will be best if Captain Atwell has me at his back for this.
Kielans were accepting people. They’d been allowing other races to join their alliance for generations. This didn’t mean some of them adopted snobbish attitudes behind closed doors. Some of the families with serious prestige even looked down on lesser races. He’d seen it plenty of times when he attended the academy.
Instructors frowned upon it, to the point of disciplinary action but punishments for such infractions were minor. Everyone knew where the notions came from and no one wanted to put themselves in the firing line of an important family unit. Though it fell just short of flat out racism, Kale considered it reprehensible all the same.
They might as well own their behavior rather than hide it behind false kindness.
Kale witnessed an insensitive conversation while in the presence of Anthar Mei’Gora, the man who brought him to Earth before the research facility mission. The older commander noted indignation in Kale’s expression and took him aside, providing him with some council in regards to how he might deal with such behavior.
“You can always talk to them,” Mei’Gora said. “Or you can report their behavior to the ship’s medical people for mental assistance. They have been taught that what they’re doing is okay and can learn otherwise, eventually. As they are currently our problem, we have the opportunity to make a difference…or let them carry on.”
Kale took the notion to heart and reported the conversation. Because it was deemed a mental issue, his comments remained confidential. Still, he didn’t have a lot of faith that the doctors would solve the problem. Mei’Gora may be correct but if he was not, then the men would simply be bitter at the call out.
A knock on his door pulled his attention back to the present. He tapped a button on the desk to open it up and Vinthari Deva Thi’Noch snapped to attention and offered him a salute. Kale chuckled and waved a hand at her. “We’re off duty, Vinthari. Come in.”
She stepped across the threshold and the door closed behind her.
Kale tilted his head before asking, “what’re you doing here? I was under the impression everyone would be spending time on the planet with their families.”
“Mine are all on assignment,” Deva replied. “My parents have been working as geologists on a mining facility. My brother is stationed on The Dreaming Soul, which is defending one of the outer systems. My sister and cousins moved, it turns out, to a colony pretty much on the other side of the galaxy. I’m the only Thi’Noch entering this battle.”
“The Ru’Xin’s are also scattered at present.” Kale shrugged. “I guess we’re in the same boat. Sit down.”
“Thank you.” Deva took a seat near the desk. “Are you afraid?”
Kale shook his head. “No. Thoughtful, yes…concerned…triple guessing tactical lessons I learned in school but not afraid. You?”
Deva nodded, her eyes wide. “Yes…I have to say, this next operation terrifies me. I’ve gone over the data we received and studied everything. This will be a monumental battle, one I’m not sure any of us has even imagined. I know we’ve been at a hot and cold war with these monsters for a long time…I half expected the end to come long after I left the military.”
“It’s hard to be part of a conclusion,” Kale said. “But we’ll get through it, Deva. I know this with all my heart. I intend to get us home. One last combat mission in this war for us. The alliance will be safe again and we can rebuild all that we’ve lost. Believe me, this next fight? Not the worst thing we will do in the next six months to a year.”
“I…suppose you’re right.” Deva smiled. “At least it will be shorter than all the other work, huh?”
“That’s for certain.” Kale poured them both a glass of water. “Here. Try to relax. We’ve got a while before we have to prepare for duty. Do you want to play a game? Distract yourself?”
Deva nodded, averting her eyes. “Yes, I would love that.”
“Very well. I’ll get something and maybe by the end, we’ll take care of your anxiety. Fates know we could both use a little less thinking about the future.”
Chapter 3
Gray stepped onto the bridge and paused beside the door, taking in the crew working through the prelaunch checklists. He’d just finished an inspection of the ship and came to be there as they departed for the mission. Adam sat at his station going over the requirements for departure with Lieutenant Oliver Darnell.
Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Redding sat beside Ensign Leonard Marcus, the pilot and navigator respectively. They went through their own list, checking and rechecking the coordinates they planned to jump to. Ensign Agatha White on the communications station, worked with traffic control for a departure window.
Clea had yet to arrive and he wasn’t shocked. She probably had a last minute meeting with Siva who likely employed a final plea to get her to stay behind. Gray would not have blamed her. Part of him wanted to encourage her to remain as well. Much as he wanted her there for the final mission, she had a choice.
I’ve been through a lot with that woman on this bridge. I can’t imagine how empty that seat will feel without her presence. When she left and The Behemoth returned to a duty conveyed by Earth, he’d miss her greatly. I wonder who I’ll be able
to pick to replace her…if anyone.
“We have clearance,” Stephanie said. “Permission to break seals and engage thrusters.”
“Granted,” Adam said. “Nice and easy. There’s a lot of ships around here still.”
Most of the fleets departed earlier, heading for their jumping points. They were going much further than The Behemoth and Crystal Font, heading nearly out of the system entirely, to avoid shockwave damage. The two lone ships would go in the opposite direction, a subtle trip comparatively speaking.
I hope Clea’s aboard or she will be sitting this one out.
Gray read through the reports from the various other departments as the ship rumbled. They disconnected from the space station and drifted a few meters before the thrusters kicked in. Stephanie masterfully guided the massive cruiser away from dock then began the slow turn to get them aimed in the proper direction.
“Advancing to jump coordinates,” Stephanie said. “Full speed in…twenty-five minutes.”
They needed to keep their velocity low as they left the station. Once they were away from the planet and into mostly open space, they could put some real distance between them and the populated areas. Their jump was less than two hours away. It would give them plenty of time to acclimate to their duties before diving into a massive fight.
This will be instantaneous action. The hot second we appear, we’ll be in a brawl.
Thirty minutes before they jumped, pilots would be in their ships with engines idling. Soldiers would board their shuttles, prepared for the most dangerous mission of their lives. Gray planned for weapons to be hot. Durant Vi’Puren, the kielan engineer, stayed aboard their ship and promised he could keep their shields up through the jump.
That’s going to be a huge advantage.
The doors opened and Clea stepped in, taking her seat. “I’m sorry I’m late. I was showing Trellan around and gave him a place to stow his stuff…somewhere he could get ready for the mission.”
“It’s alright,” Gray replied. “How’s he doing? Is he ready for this?”
Clea shrugged. “I supposed he’s as ready as any of us can be, given the circumstances. I’m not sure how anyone can prepare for an invasion. Especially considering how long we’ve played a mostly defensive game.”
Gray nodded. “I don’t disagree. Has he been introduced to the marines yet?”
“When he’s settled and we’re under way, I’ll introduce him to Captain Hoffner.”
Adam leaned forward. “Marshall isn’t letting him go, is he? I thought the man was still hurt.”
Clea nodded. “He’s not going but he intends to see the men off. Let me tell you, I spoke to him earlier and I’ve never seen a saltier person. The fact he can’t make this mission has him spitting mad. The doctor said he shouldn’t be moving around but they’ve cleared him to see off the troops because they were afraid he’d go anyway.”
Gray chuckled. “I’m not surprised. The man’s been involved in a lot of action for us. It does seem a shame he can’t make it. Who’s going in his place to run things?”
“Lieutenant Sander Vincent,” Clea replied. “The one who helped take back that cruiser from the pirates.”
“Oh, he’ll be a good choice,” Gray said. “A bit green but definitely able. I assume he’s got the veterans with him.”
“Yes, apparently we’ve had some promotions as well.” Clea tilted her head. “Were you aware?”
“If they were within the marine enlisted, no. I’m sure they’re in a report but Lieutenant Colonel Dupont takes care of that stuff. They’re his men, after all. I don’t have to approve anything. Who got promoted?”
“Bobby Jenks received a promotion to Staff Sergeant. I believe his friend Dylan Walsh will receive the same when he comes back if he hasn’t already.”
“Those men have proven to be quite the soldiers,” Adam said. “I’ve read their reports. They’ve seen a lot of action. Some might even suggest too much considering.”
“Lifers, too,” Gray said. “It won’t be the last promotions they receive. So, anything you can share from intelligence, Clea?”
Clea shook her head. “No, not that I haven’t already.”
Gray grinned. “Is that because it’s classified or have you already imparted it all?”
“Um…the former?”
Adam chuckled, returning to his own reports.
“I was giving you a hard time.” Gray patted her arm. “Olly, I believe we’ve got a couple of dilemmas to work out in regards to our enemy’s communications and shields. Have you gotten anywhere with it?”
Olly bobbed his head. “I have, sir. Paul and I came up with some sound theories about what we can do with Protocol Seven. Durant helped us with some of the scripting and we may have modified it sufficiently to have an impact. This will give us options when we arrive, tactical advantages.”
“Explain,” Adam said.
“We may be able to temporarily jam their transmissions. I’d say we’d have a good minute before they were able to compensate but it would be a one time deal if they’re any good…and we know they are if they already got past the Protocol. So maybe right when the fleet arrives? It could send the enemy into disarray long enough to gain a foothold.”
Gray nodded. “Especially if they’re expecting us. I like it. What else? What about the shields?”
“Durant worked with Paul on that one but essentially, they came up with a scrambler they’ve mounted to the shuttles. When they get close, they’ll engage them and it will allow them to enter.” Olly shrugged. “It should work too. They both have become quite the experts on that particular technology.”
“Good.” Gray turned to Adam. “I’m feeling good about all this, how about you?”
Adam sighed. “With the enhanced inertial dampeners, this shield scrambler and our own recharge rates improved, we have a good chance. Far better than we started out. These upgrades may make all the difference.”
“And our people have a lot more experience with space combat,” Gray pointed out. “The Crystal Font having our back will definitely help too.”
“I’m glad they were able to give us that,” Adam replied. “Because going in alone would’ve been crazy.”
“I agree.” Gray brought up a report filed by Marshall. “So I’ve read the briefing about the attack on the transmission station. Adam, Clea, what’re your thoughts? Our intelligence shows the transmission station is enormous. Are the explosives they’re proposing going to be enough?”
“The reactor will do the majority of the work for us,” Clea said. “I’ve looked at the blueprints and Trellan agrees. When those bombs go off, the entire station will melt down. It’ll probably be pretty spectacular…and a total loss for the enemy. Our shuttles should remain ready when they need to escape.”
“I concur,” Adam said. “When I read through the details, the place operates much the same as an old style nuclear reactor. They have coolant and regulators which, when those are taken out, the entire core will superheat within minutes. If anything, Marshall’s going overkill with the amount of explosives he intends for them to plant but better too much than too little.”
“Especially in this situation,” Gray replied. “Good. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I believe I should address the crew before our departure. Considering all the hard work they’ve put in to get us ready and exactly what we’re about to do…well, I’d be a little jittery if I hadn’t heard from command in a while.”
“I’m sitting right in front of you,” Leonard said, “and I’m still a little jittery.”
Gray smirked. “I understand, Ensign. You’ve got this. I have total faith in you.” He turned to Agatha. “Please patch me through to the entire ship.”
“You’re live, sir.”
Gray took a moment to collect his thoughts. He had faith in the crew, in their ability to get the job done and return home safely. The goal of talking to them was to sell that confidence, to impart some of it to those who might be nervous. Fear would cause mista
kes, it would rob his people of the ability to perform their tasks successfully.
“This is the captain speaking,” Gray leaned close to the microphone and heard his voice echo up the shaft of the elevator. “We will arrive at our jump point very soon and from there, we will embark on what should be our final wartime mission. The enemy who attacked Earth not once, has been revealed and it’s time we take the fight to them.
“I was there the first time we were attacked aboard this very ship. They took care of us without a second thought back then, dashing our hopes of exploration beyond our solar system. But we were given a second chance, not only for survival but to press on and indulge our pioneering spirit.
“The cost involves participation in stopping the universe’s bullies and we have delivered in dividends. Orion’s Light, pirates, and Devarans, they’ve all lost conflicts with us. Each of you has learned so much and our ship has improved with you. We have the best shields, the best pilots, improved weaponry and incredible technical minds aboard.
“We have been asked to destroy the enemy’s ability to effectively communicate, to remove the technology which allows them to act seemingly in unison. This is the kind of mission we’ve been training ourselves for. Every mission has led to this point. Today, we distinguish ourselves, Earth and the Alliance. Today, we end a war.
“Thank you for your service. That is all.”
Gray’s heart pounded in his chest as Adam patted his shoulder. “Very well said, sir.”
“Thanks,” Gray replied. “I hope it helped.”
“I’m sure it did,” Clea replied, gesturing to the screen on her tablet. Cameras around the ship caught crew members cheering before returning to their work. “They certainly felt your remarks were worthy.”
“Now to prove how much we mean them.” Gray leaned back in his chair. “Steady yourselves, folks. Once we leave this system, we’ll be committed until the job’s done.”
