by Sam Schall
“And that is exactly what we’re going to do. General Okafor has personally promised those responsible for leaving Taskforce Liberator exposed will pay. She, as well as President Harper and Secretary Klingsbury, have promised that the Callusians will pay for each and every life lost and injury inflicted. I promise you here and now that I will do everything I can to make sure you are there when that vengeance is exacted.
“So, here’s the first toast of the night, to my friend, my sister and the best damned Marine I’ve ever had the honor of serving with. To Lucinda Ortega. May we each carry her memory into battle and may we shout her name as the last of those responsible for her death and the deaths of the rest of our people fall to our vengeance.”
She lifted her mug and waited as, one by one, each of the other fallen were named.
“To the fallen!”
She slammed back her beer and then pounded the mug down on the nearest table. For a few moments, silence held the barroom. Then conversations started back up. A slight smile touched Ashlyn’s lips as the stories began. It wouldn’t be long before humor replaced the sorrow and the healing would begin.
“Mr. Yasui, I’m going to slip out now. Comm me if things start getting out of hand and I’ll come deal with it,” she said softly as she took one last glance around the barroom.
“They’ll be fine, Colonel.” He looked at her, his expression concerned. “But will you?”
“I will,” she hedged. “Close it down at midnight, please.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Satisfied she had done all she could do for the Marines, Ashlyn left the barroom. Now if she only knew what to do for herself, not to mention for Lucinda’s parents. This was one price of command she’d happily never have to pay again.
TALBOT WATCHED as his colonel had one last word with Yasui before she slipped out of the bar. She had done their dead proud. More than that, she said what the Marines needed to hear. But he’d seen the pain in her eyes and his heart ached for her. He knew, probably better than anyone present, how much Ortega meant to Ashlyn and how deeply she felt the woman’s loss. Worse, he had no doubt the last mission had resurrected her own demons and memories of the Arterus mission.
He prayed those memories did not send her back to the mental hell she’d been in when she first returned to Fuercon from the Tarsus penal colony.
But she wasn’t who interested him just then. He glanced around the bar, finally spotting the Marine he’d been looking for. Standing near the doorway, Connery watched as Ashlyn left. Before she could slip out after the colonel, Talbot caught her eye. He gave a quick shake of his head. Then, before she could protest, he crossed to where she stood. Without a word, he led her to a table where they could talk with at least a modicum of privacy.
“No rank tonight, Faith,” he said as Yasui brought them another round of drinks.
“All right.”
From her expression, he knew she didn’t understand why he’d stopped her. More than that, she didn’t appreciate it. She had a duty to perform, one he’d given her before they shipped out the last time, and he wasn’t letting her do it.
“I need you to be honest, kid. How is she?”
He didn’t have to explain who “she” was.
“God, Loco, it was bad, so fucking bad.” She stared at her mug as she moved it around the tabletop. “When we reached the system, we went immediately to General Quarters. Sensors had picked up signs of battle and we were about to fly right into the middle of it.” She went on to describe what happened leading up to transferring to the Campbell with Ashlyn and the rest of the company. “When we finally docked, it was clear things were worse than we expected. A lieutenant commander was in command of the taskforce. An LC who had never been in a major battle before and there wasn’t a senior NCO, naval or Marine, with as much battle experience as me onboard the Campbell.” She fell silent and he gave her the time she needed to gather her thoughts and get her emotions under control.
“Admiral O’Malley was seriously injured. Colonel Ortega was dead. She died as we were transferring to the Campbell onboard a battle shuttle and Admiral Tremayne was still moving the rest of the taskforce into place to protect what was left of Liberator. Making matters worse, the medics weren’t sure if Master Sergeant Adamson was going to make it or not.” Connery lifted her mug and took a long drink. “I’ve never seen Angel like she was those first few days. It was as if she’d shut down emotionally. She functioned but it was as if she were an AI in a very human body.”
Talbot nodded. He’d seen Ashlyn like that before and had hoped never to do so again.
“And now?”
“To say she’s pissed is putting it mildly.” Connery shook her head. “We all expected to find evidence those who can’t be named–” She all but ground it out. – “Had a hand in what happened. But, unless there is something in the data Colonel Ortega managed to get from the enemy databanks, there’s nothing to confirm the taskforce was betrayed, at least not in that manner. Now, that doesn’t mean the Callusians didn’t benefit from better equipment and training they’ve from those bastards. Hell, we know that’s what had a hand in what happened. But that’s not something we can lay directly at their feet – yet.”
Talbot leaned back and frowned. “There’s something you aren’t telling me.”
Connery didn’t answer right away. Instead, she pushed her mug to one side and leaned forward, forearms resting on the table. As she leaned in, he saw the anger smoldering in her eyes. Worried, he matched her, leaning in so their heads were close together and the chance of being overheard lessened.
“Angel’s hurting for more reasons than you know.” She glanced over her shoulder, as if making sure Ashlyn nor anyone else was near. “The real reason the taskforce was hurt as bad as it was? Both Admiral O’Malley and Colonel Ortega had requested reinforcements. Worse, they’d done so more than once. None were sent. Not a single ship, not a single living body and not one bit of supplies. By the time we were dispatched, it was too late. All we could do was pray enemy reinforcements didn’t arrive until we could transfer the critically wounded to our ships and then escort the surviving ships out of the system. Once the admiral put some distance between us and the system, we finished transferring the survivors of two of the remaining Liberator ships to our own. Then we scrubbed their databanks and scuttled those ships. Once that was done, we escorted the remaining ships home. That took time and that time did nothing to help Angel’s temper.”
Talbot closed his eyes and swore softly. No wonder Ashlyn looked like death warmed over. No, that wasn’t right. She didn’t look like death warmed over. She looked like Death come to render judgment on those who harmed or betrayed those she cared for. She was ready to fully embrace the call sign he and Anisimova had given her so long ago – the Angel of Death. What would the Gunny think now if she could see the young second lieutenant fresh out of the Academy they both knew held so much promise?
She’d tell him to get off his ass and make sure that now colonel didn’t do anything foolish. Then she’d tell him to make those responsible for what happened pay. No one, abso-fucking-no one got away with betraying their beloved Corps.
“What did Okafor have to say?” he wanted to know.
Connery shook her head. “I can’t give you the details, Loco, you know that.”
He didn’t like it, but she was right. In fact, he had drilled into her that there would be times she’d be forced to keep things from him and from the rest of the Devil Dogs simply because not everything Ashlyn knew could be shared immediately.
“But I will say that other than a briefing in the morning, we are all on leave until our dead have been buried.”
That made sense. They needed time to grieve and they needed to be able to be with the families of the fallen.
“And you?”
“Angel’s told me I’m not to worry about her and to take time for myself.”
“But?” He had a feeling there was more.
“Let’s just sa
y her mother overruled her. Whether the general’s told her that or not, I’ll find out in the morning.” A rueful smile touched Connery’s lips.
“I’ll deal with Angel, Faith.”
She shook her head before he could continue. “Negative, Kevin. You trained me for this and, to be honest, she needs you right where you are. I don’t think she can take much more right now and knowing you are looking out for the battalion helps.”
He didn’t like it, not one bit. But he understood. Laboe was still learning the ropes as the battalion’s XO but he wasn’t there yet. The best he could do for the Devil Dogs, and most especially for Ashlyn just then, was continue helping the major settle in.
“All right.” He leaned back, relieved she seemed to have settled into her role as Ashlyn’s aide and protector as quickly and easily as she had. “Faith, I know I don’t have to say it, but you have one duty right now and that is to take care of Angel. If you need me, comm.”
“Understood.” She finished her beer and stood. “I’d best find my rack and get some sleep. The next few days are going to be long and hard.”
He nodded and watched as she made her way out of the barroom. A slight smile touched his lips as he did. Connery stopped along the way, talking with one group of Marines or simply having a hand or fist bump for another. Whether she realized what she was doing or not, he did. She was gauging the mental state of those she might one day have to command. She was learning, from him and from Ashlyn. Hopefully, she’d learned enough already to help keep their colonel from going off the deep end.
11
ASHLYN STOOD on the balcony outside her bedroom and stared out into the night. She’d made it home again from yet another mission but too many hadn’t. Pain tore at her at the thought of never again being able to talk with Lucinda. They had been through so much together since they first met at the Academy. She’d known she could always count on her friend, no matter what. That’s why, when she learned Okafor’s plans for Lucinda, she’d been tempted to try to block her friend’s promotion and transfer out of the Devil Dogs. Now she wished she’d given in to that temptation. If she had, her dearest friend might still be alive.
And, in all likelihood, many more Marines would have died.
Their deaths would have been on Ashlyn’s head. Knowing that didn’t make Lucinda’s death any easier, however.
A gentle breeze came in from the ocean beyond the capital. The night seemed so peaceful and yet she couldn’t enjoy it. She doubted she would know peace again until those responsible for her friend’s death, as well as the deaths of all the others in the taskforce, paid. The Callusians who attacked Taskforce Liberator already paid with their lives. But there were others, including General Hale and Admiral Wu, who still needed to. Whatever it took, Ash swore to make sure they never again left another member of the Navy or Marines looking death in the face because they failed to send the necessary reinforcements.
At least they’d managed to bring almost all their people home so they could be laid to rest with the honors they deserved. Not that it helped ease the pain the Ortegas or any of the other families felt.
She reached up and pulled her dog tags out from under her shirt. Her fingers closed around the third tag, the one Lucinda’s parents had given her several days ago. It was her reminder of not only what could go wrong but what she fought for. Now it was time to get back to the fight, assuming she could convince General Okafor, not to mention her own mother, of it.
No more sitting on the sidelines. No more waiting because not all of those accused of conspiring against her and her people had gone to trial. Fuercon was at war and she commanded the system’s best Marines. Somehow, she had to convince the powers that be to turn them loose against the enemy once and for all.
“You need to get some rest, Ash.”
She turned. It didn’t surprise her to see Elizabeth standing in the doorway. Unlike her, the woman had changed out of her uniform after the day’s last memorial service. Now she wore loosely woven pants and a silky top. Even though her face was in the shadows, Ash knew her mother frowned in concern.
“I’m not sure I remember how, Mom.”
She tried to smile but failed. Then she shrugged. Her mother would understand. One thing they had done over the last few days was talk. For the first time, Ash learned her mother had lost one of her best friends early into her Marine career. The circumstances might have been different but there was an understanding for much of what Ashlyn felt. More than that, knowing her mother had suffered as she did now let Ash talk more openly about her feelings and that, in turn, helped her deal with her own pain at losing Lucinda.
“You’re being too hard on yourself, Ash.” Elizabeth moved silently across the balcony to stand next to her. “You did all you could. You made sure Okafor knew what was happening. You pushed your Marines to be ready to depart as quickly as possible. Then you helped Miranda push the taskforce, probably more than either of you should, in an attempt to get to the Tenasic System on time. No one could have done any more than you did. Lucinda wouldn’t thank you for beating yourself up like you have been and you know it.”
Even though she wanted to deny what her mother said, she couldn’t. Elizabeth was right. She could almost hear Lucinda telling her to quit feeling sorry for herself and to make that bastard Hale pay for not sending reinforcements. Then she was to make sure Lucinda’s Marines were all right. Most of all, she was to take the fight back to the Callusians and finally beat them, once and for all.
“Perhaps.” She wasn’t quite ready to let herself off the hook. “Mom, I’ve got to know. What is the commandant going to do about Hale?”
For a moment, Elizabeth said nothing. Then she slid an arm around Ashlyn’s waist and gave her a quick hug. “All I know for sure is she wants to meet with us tomorrow. We aren’t the only ones either. Hale is to be there as are several others, including Admiral O’Malley if he’s physically able. You’re to bring Connery.”
Ashlyn nodded. Maybe, just maybe, there would be at least a little justice for the fallen.
“She also told me she spoke with the Medical Center and they approved setting up a video feed of the meeting so MJ can take part.”
Ash inhaled sharply at that. Adamson was still confined to the medical center and would be for some time yet. Even after her discharge, it would be months – or even longer – before she could return to full duty. The fact Okafor wanted her to take part in the meeting the next day could mean much or nothing at all beyond keeping the Warlords’ senior NCO in the loop.
“Have her doctors cleared it?” she asked.
“They have. They weren’t happy, but they understand how important this is, not just for Okafor to get her input but for MJ to see action is being taken.”
Ash nodded slightly. “Mom, when she’s released from the medical center, she’s going to need to stay close.”
“Her family’s still on Novo Crimea, aren’t they?” Elizabeth asked in return.
“They are. They’re part of a farming consortium there.”
“Why don’t you suggest she stay here?” She smiled at Ashlyn in understanding. “We have more than enough room and that way, whenever you’re home, you can keep an eye on her. When you aren’t, we’ll take good care of her for you.”
“Thanks.” She rested her head on her mother’s shoulder and stared into the night. “I’m going to miss Luce so much, Mom.”
“I know, love. We all are.” Her lips brushed the top of Ash’s head. “But we will keep her alive in our memories.”
It wasn’t enough. It would never be enough, but it was the best she could do – at least for now.
“Why don’t you try to get some sleep? You promised Jake you’d take him to school in the morning before reporting to duty.”
At the mention of her son, Ash smiled, some of her sadness lifting. “What time does Okafor want us to report?”
“Nine.” She began leading Ash inside. “I’d appreciate it if you stopped by my office first.”
“Will do.” Ash closed the door behind them. “Uniform?”
“MARPATs.”
Good. She’d be perfectly happy if she didn’t have to wear her dress uniform or mess dress uniform for the next decade or two.
“Mom, you can quit worrying about me. I’m all right.”
She switched on a light and glanced around her room. As she did, she winced slightly. It showed just how depressed and angry she’d been since returning home. Clothes tossed over furniture, empty beer bottles – most from that day – and more. The fact Mrs. Dumont had not been in to clean spoke volumes. She knew Ash needed her space and understood. But now Ash needed to figure out a way to carry on, not just for herself but for those who cared for her as well as for those who relied upon her.
“You’re on your way to being all right,” Elizabeth corrected. Then she reached for Ash’s hands and looked her daughter in the eye. “Ashlyn, I know how much Lucinda meant to you. She was more than your friend and fellow Marine. She was your sister in all but blood. In some ways, you were closer to her than you are to Kate. Let yourself mourn, but don’t let it paralyze you.”
“I won’t.” As long as there was justice for Lucinda and soon. If not, well, she’d damn well see to it herself.
“Get some rest. I’ll check on Jake on my way to bed.”
Ashlyn smiled and lightly kissed her mother’s cheek. “Thanks. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Hopefully, it would be a better day than the last month or so had been.
AT PRECISELY FIVE ‘til nine the next morning, Ashlyn followed one of Okafor’s aides into a conference room down the corridor from the commandant’s office. Connery followed close behind. As they entered, the aide told them to help themselves to coffee and then find seats. The commandant would be with them shortly. Ashlyn thanked the young woman and then made her way to the table, carefully choosing her seat so her back was to the wall and she had a clear view of the rest of the room.
