by Brian Dorsey
Coppertree laughed. “Yes, but ProConsul Varus is smart…and patient when it comes to her plans for conquest.”
“What do you mean?”
“The virus won’t begin to spread for a decade at the earliest. That is the beauty of the plan; when the children of those infected reach puberty, it will wash over the Xen planets like a tsunami.”
Stone sat back in his chair. He wasn’t sure which would be worse, a galaxy under control of the Xen or Astra. “And the Dark Zone?”
“Not yet,” said Coppertree. “If she were to use the virus in the Dark Zone first, she would run the risk of alerting her allies of its existence.”
Stone knew Astra wouldn’t wait too long. She would want the Akota and any Dark Zone resistance weakened soon after the Xen were weakened in order to allow her to focus on her former masters without fear of losing ground against the Akota. “How long until it is released in the Dark Zone?”
“I don’t know.”
Stone slammed his fist against the table and grabbed Coppertree’s shirt, pulling him out of the chair onto the table. “Don’t lie to me!”
“I don’t know!” pleaded Coppertree. “I don’t know.”
Stone released Coppertree and let him fall back into his chair.
“Astra Varus only told us what we needed to know to carry out her plans.”
“Has it started?”
“I don’t think so,” replied Coppertree. “I would guess you have nine standard months…maybe a year.”
“I am assuming she has an antivirus?”
“She does.”
“Where is it?”
“Dolus.”
Stone’s jaw tightened. “Who else has it?”
“I don’t know but she will no doubt be in the process of inoculating her troops.”
“What about the formula? Who knows how to make it?”
“Our scientists developed the virus and antivirus.”
Stone let out a heavy sigh. “Which is now under control of the Dorans.” He noticed a curl in Coppertree’s mouth. “Or is it?” Stone leaned closer. “Where are your scientists?”
“We have a station in the nebula beyond the Juliet system.”
“There’s nothing out there…no stars…nothing.”
“That’s why it was chosen.”
“What kind of security does it have?”
“Association forces…maybe 250 security forces with a small contingent of fighters.”
“Does Astra know its location?”
“I don’t think so. If she does…”
“It’s already destroyed,” said Stone. If it wasn’t, the station could hold the key to saving billions and stopping Astra Varus from galactic domination.
Stone rose from his chair and turned toward the door.
“Don’t you want to know more…our accounts, trade contacts, the—”
“I’ll leave that to the Akota,” interrupted Stone. He had to get to that station…and he had to do it soon.
As the door opened, Stone saw Martin standing in the passageway. Her face was tight and her mouth thin with frustration.
“What is it?”
“Thay’s dead.”
***
Stone stared at the group in front of him. The deaths of the Akota Ki’etsenkos, Magnus, and now Thay weighed heavy on his heart and as he looked at Martin, Shara, and Katalya. The three sat around the small table in his stateroom; all of them were emotionally exhausted.
He noticed the light on his panel and opened the door.
Orion walked into the room, followed by Rickover. As they took their seats, he could see they felt it too.
“So what’s the next plan?” asked Orion.
“Find that fucking bitch and kill her,” replied Katalya.
“Katalya’s right,” added Martin.
“We have another mission first,” replied Stone.
Katalya rose from the table. “We’re not going after them?”
He could see the group react in unison, their bodies shifting in surprise.
“Sir?” asked Martin. “Thay…” She glanced toward Katalya. “Magnus…she killed them. We need—”
Stone raised his hand to silence Martin. “I understand. And her day will come but we have to look toward the greater good.”
“What’s more important than making that bitch bleed?” snapped Katalya.
“Saving millions, maybe billions from death and enslavement by Astra Varus,” replied Stone. “She’s already released the virus on the Xen and will probably release it into the Dark Zone and against the Akota within the year.”
“It’s started?” asked Orion, sitting upright in her chair.
“It’s designed to take a long time to activate…to allow Astra’s army and fleet on Dolus to be completed. We probably have a standard decade.”
“Ten years?” asked Shara.
“It’s embedded in the slaves being sent to the Xen but their offspring will actually release the virus.”
“Brilliant,” mouthed Rickover. “So slow as to not be noticed initially, even if a few cases occur early, but once it gains momentum…it will cripple the Xen.”
“Astra Varus is no fool when it comes to conquest,” said Martin.
“How can it be stopped?” asked Shara.
“The Association has a science station beyond the Juliet system where the virus was developed. They have the antivirus.”
“And that’s where we’re going?” asked Orion.
“Yes,” said Stone. “If Astra hasn’t found out about it and destroyed the station already.”
“And if she has?” asked Martin.
“Then she might just win,” answered Stone flatly.
“When are we leaving?”
“I’ve sent an electron spin message to the Shirt-Wearers. We’ll transfer to the heavy cruiser Yellow Star and transit to the edge of the Juliet system. Two platoons of Scout Rangers will rendezvous with us. The cruiser will have enough firepower and fighter support to deal with their defenses while we board them.”
Chapter 12
“It’s good to see you again, Uncles,” said Mori as she stood before the Shirt-Wearers.
Her leg still ached but it wasn’t going to stop her from getting back to full duty.
“We are glad to see you, Ino’ka,” said Shirt-Wearer River.
“We have followed your recovery and have been impressed with your effort,” added Shirt-Wearer Wolf.
“I can’t sit by while the fate of my people is at stake,” replied Mori.
“And how can you best serve your people, Ino’ka?” asked River.
“Uncle?”
“What is your path?” added Wolf.
“My path is whatever my people need it to be.” She meant it, but a knot formed in her stomach.
“We have discussed your destiny amongst ourselves and with the wichasa wakhan,” said River.
The knot tightened. “And what is it the nation needs me to do?”
“Sit, Ino’ka,” said Wolf as he motioned toward a wooden chair with fur backing.
“At the table, Uncle?”
“Yes…sit,” repeated Wolf.
It was an honor to sit with the Shirt-Wearers…an honor well below her rank and status. Taking a deep breath, Mori lowered herself into the chair. The creak of the chair broke the silence like a gunshot.
She took another breath.
“We and the wichasa wakhan believe you will someday sit at this table permanently,” said Shirt-Wearer Shadow. “Is that what you want?”
“If it is for the good of our people,” she replied. She felt it was her destiny but showing too much ambition for such a position was a sure way to never achieve it. But they did ask her. “I have sensed it may be my destiny…but that is not for me to decide. I can only serve my people and let my fate be determined by my service.”
“Well said, Ino’ka,” said River. “That is why we have asked you here…to see if you are ready to serve your people instead of your ambitions.
”
“I am, Uncle.”
“What do all of the current and previous Shirt-Wearers have in common?” asked Wolf.
“They were men,” she said instinctively. But that wasn’t what they were asking and she knew it.
“What else?” asked Falling-rock, repositioning himself in his chair.
“They were generals, admirals, or spiritual leaders.”
“Yes,” said River. “And you are neither.”
“I…”
“It’s okay,” interrupted River, raising his hand. “We understand you are still young…as were we at one point.”
“Yes, Uncle?”
“So you must reach flag rank or be initiated into the wichasa wakhan,” answered Wolf.
Mori tilted her head. She would never be balanced enough to be a spiritual leader.
“So flag rank it is,” added Wolf.
“But the Rangers—”
“That is why you will be reassigned to the regular Akota army and given the rank of Ate second grade in the Akota records and Colonel in the unified Terillian structure,” said River.
Mori’s mind raced. It was clearly what they thought she needed to become a Shirt-Wearer, but she had always been a Ranger. “Thank you, Uncles,” she replied. “Can I ask—”
“You will still retain the rank of Ki’etsenko, but the people must come to know you as a leader instead of a fighter.”
“Yes, Uncle.” Mori’s anxiousness faded as she began to see the path to her destiny grow clearer.
“But you will have one more mission with the Rangers,” said River.
“I am ready,” replied Mori.
“Pick two platoons from 2nd Regiment. You will rendezvous with Marshal Stone and his team to attack an Association science station that may hold the antivirus formula.”
Mori’s excitement faded as she realized she would need to have yet another painful discussion with Stone.
“Is everything okay, Ino’ka?” asked Wolf.
“Uh…yes, Uncle.”
“Magakisca frustrates the clarity of your vision?” asked River.
“He does,” confessed Mori. “I have spoken with the wichasa wakhan on many occasions but it is all clouded. I feel like he is part of my destiny but it…it is very hard.” She exhaled heavily. “Sometimes I—”
“What will happen will happen,” interrupted River. “The relationship between Magakisca and you will be an important one for our people; that is clear to the wichasa wakhan. What is not clear is what that relationship will be.”
“But what must be certain is where your loyalty lies, Ino’ka,” said Wolf. “If you must choose, do you chose a seat on this council…or Magakisca?”
Mori froze. It was the question she’d fooled herself into thinking she wouldn’t have to answer.
“Ino’ka?” repeated Wolf.
“The council,” she exhaled, forcing the truth from her mouth.
“Good,” said Falling-rock. “Then we have specific orders for you when the station is taken.”
“What is it?”
“The antivirus may be on the station, or at least the formula,” said River. “If it is there, you need to secure it and return it here to us.”
“Of course, Uncle…but wouldn’t Maga—”
“Magakisca is a great war leader,” said River, “and his heart drives him to do what is right, but…”
“He may have Akota blood and may still become a full member of our nation but his sympathies are easily swayed toward the Hanmani or the Dark Zone populations,” said Wolf. “And we need to make sure we have control of the antivirus so our scientists can replicate and produce the antivirus…with our military being the first to be vaccinated.”
“Of course,” replied Mori.
“You must understand, Ino’ka,” said River, leaning toward Mori, “that is why you are being sent on this mission…Magakisca cannot distribute the vaccine to the Dark Zone before our troops are inoculated. It is both a matter of preparedness and strategy.”
“Strategy.”
“If disease spreads to the Dark Zone, the Humani will assume it has spread to us as well and will commit armies against a force they believe to be weakened, if not decimated,” said River.
“It will be a huge advantage for us,” added Falling-rock.
“And those in the Dark Zone?”
“Many may still survive,” said River. “It is unfortunate as they are Akota by blood…but we must ensure we survive in order to help them in the end.”
Mori closed her eyes. Her people had to come first, despite the cost. She opened her eyes and exhaled again…there was no way Stone would accept it.
“Do you understand your orders, Ino’ka?” asked Wolf.
“I do.”
“Will you carry them out…for the Akota people?” asked River.
“I will.”
***
Sierra grunted as she walked down the passageway of the Doran cruiser toward the captain’s stateroom. It had only been a week since she was wounded in the fight at Port Royal but her healing had progressed quickly. She wouldn’t be fully recovered for weeks but she could walk…as long as she could take the pain.
“Halt!” ordered a Doran guard standing outside the captain’s stateroom.
“Commander Skye, representing the ProConsul Astra Varus of Alpha Humana to see Captain Veri.”
The guard stepped to the side as the door opened.
Sierra stopped as she reached the door, turning toward the guard. “What is your rank?”
“I am a 3rd line shield warrior.”
“So you are not an officer?”
“I am not.”
“I am an officer and as an ally in the Xen Empire, you will afford me the same respect as one of your officers,” she said, stepping in close to the guard.
The tall guard turned his head downward toward her, his eyes covered by the bluish hue of his helmet visor.
Sierra stared into the blue glow, unwilling to yield.
After a long pause, the guard stepped back and brought his right hand to his chest.
“That’s better,” said Sierra as she turned and stepped into the stateroom.
“Commander Skye,” said Captain Veri from behind his desk.
“Captain,” replied Skye, rendering a Doran salute. “Request to enter.”
Captain Veri motioned for her to enter.
Sierra dropped her salute and stepped to the edge of the large metallic desk with purple cloth draped over the sides. “You wanted to speak to me?”
“Yes, Commander,” replied Veri. “As you can guess, our intelligence teams are going through the Association files.”
“Yes, sir,” replied Sierra. “What does that mean to me?”
“Prince Vali has directed that you be informed of any information related to scientific research…your ProConsul is concerned the Association was selling Humani technology to the Akota.”
Sierra knew that was not true; Astra Varus would have had the Council destroyed earlier if she felt they were betraying any real secrets. Why would Astra Varus ask the Dorans to share this information? “What is the intel, sir?”
“We found information about an Association research station in the nebula beyond the Juliet system.”
“Do you have any other information?”
“Just that it exists and the vector coordinates. There are also communications between the Council and the station but they have not been decrypted yet.”
“So there is a science station beyond the Juliet system…and that is all you have?”
“Yes…it was your ProConsul that requested the information, Commander.”
“I understand, captain,” replied Sierra. “Is there anything else?”
“That will be all, Commander Skye.”
“Aye, sir,” replied Sierra with another Doran salute. She turned to exit.
“Commander,” said Veri.
“Sir?” asked Sierra, turned back toward the captain.
�
�How long will you and your men remain here?”
“Until we are directed by the ProConsul to leave,” replied Sierra. “Which I’m guessing will be soon after I relay this message to her.”
***
Sierra activated the electron spin signal and anxiously awaited the response. She had prostrated herself, at least through message traffic, to the ProConsul in every communication she’d sent since Port Royal fell, but no angry backlash had come. Maybe this would be the time.
The light above the screen marked ‘incoming message’ flashed green.
Sierra took a deep breath and hit ‘receive’. She read the message.
Proceed to Association science station with your team. Take the station and destroy any material associated with the ‘Project Dominotra’. Do not forget your primary objective is to capture either of the Traitors, alive if possible, if they are present.
“At least I can kill one of them,” said Sierra to herself.
“Why does she want them alive?” asked Lieutenant Kawal.
“The only thing more important to the ProConsul than ensuring the Traitors are brought to justice is getting her son back.”
“Even if she finds out where he is, he will be most likely be deep in enemy territory.”
“I don’t think she will care, Lieutenant,” replied Sierra. “She’ll do whatever it takes to get him back.” She stood and turned toward Kawal. “And you shouldn’t get in the habit of questioning the ProConsul’s orders, Lieutenant.”
“I wasn’t…of course, Commander.”
“What is our current strength?”
“We have thirty ready for duty.”
“Then get them ready,” ordered Sierra as she turned away from Kawal. “We’ll sacrifice everything to capture one of them.”
***
The tunic of Stone’s dress uniform pressed against his neck as he awaited the Iroqua party. With Thay’s death, word had been sent to the clan matrons and they had sent a party to retrieve his body so that their customs may be carried out. The request by the clan matrons had delayed their jump to the rendezvous point to pick up the Scout Rangers that would join them on the attack on the science station, but no one would challenge a request by the matrons, given their political influence in the Terillian Confederation.
Stone and his team stood in the ceremonial reception room onboard Yellow Star. He turned back toward Martin and Shara, standing in formation behind him. Like him, they wore their full dress Humani uniforms modified with a red rope braid over the left shoulder to signify their rebellion against the First Families and the ProConsul.
