Alliance: Legacy War Book 3

by John Walker

  “Admiral’s ship is finally taking off,” Vincent said. “They gathered intel from the facility and the bombers are about to take care of the rest.”

  “Sounds good.” Desmond rubbed his eyes. “Salina, coordinate with the Pahxin to get some repair crews over here. I’d like us to be hyperspace ready by the end of this shift if at all possible. The longer we linger here, the better chance we’ll meet up with more Tol’An, especially since one of them escaped. I think you all have something to do so let’s move out.”

  Epilogue

  Christina sat in the shuttle, willing her muscles to relax as they lumbered back to the Gnosis. Admiral Reach seemed to be asleep, leaning his head against the metal panel of the wall. She needed to speak with him, not only about what they encountered but her allegiance to the AIA.

  ETA to the ship showed twenty more minutes so if she wanted relative privacy, she needed to talk right away. The marines were busy talking amongst themselves and they were far enough away that if Christina kept her voice down, they wouldn’t hear. Might as well get this over with before we have an audience.

  She nudged him with her elbow and he started awake, glaring at her. “Are we almost there?”

  “Yeah,” Christina replied, “about twenty minutes out. I’d like to talk to you about events on the station … and who I work for.”

  Reach lifted his brows. “Yes? You want to talk about the fact the AIA planted an agent with my staff?”

  Christina nodded. “I’m hoping we can keep this on the down-low. It won’t do anyone any good to bring it to light. I can retire from the position … make it a clean but discreet break.”

  Reach sighed, turning away. “I’m not sure that suits me. If Dulain owes me a favor for example …” He paused. “However, there is the matter that you risked your life for us … multiple times. You could’ve played the role of an aide to the end. There’s something to be said about that.”

  “What’re you thinking then?”

  “Maybe there’s a good reason for you to stick close.”

  Christina narrowed her eyes. “I won’t be able to tell you anything about AIA activities.”

  Reach shrugged. “No … but I think we could reveal what happened here to Dulain and maybe work together instead of … whatever this was about. I suggest we talk to him and see what we can do.”

  Christina looked out the window and sighed. Dulain would not be particularly pleased but considering the situation, she didn’t have much of a choice. Maybe she shouldn’t have told him who she was, it simply proved the fastest way to get him to listen to her back on the station.

  I’m paying for it now. “Okay,” Christina agreed. “We’ll talk to him. But please … don’t tell Captain Bradford. We’ll keep this to ourselves, deal?”

  “Indeed, Major.” Reach smirked. “And you can tell me more about how you got this rank … and who you really are … later.”

  “Yes, sir.” Christina sat back in her seat, her muscles just as tense as when she tried to calm down minutes before. “Thank you for your discretion.”

  “And thank you for everything you did.” Reach gripped her arm tightly, meeting her gaze as she turned to him. “You very likely saved my life. I won’t forget it … believe me.”

  Christina finally smiled. In the end, despite the factions playing against one another and everything that happened, they were two human beings who managed to survive the worst possible conditions. While her infiltration of his inner circle may have been discovered, she would have rather had to deal with that than the chance he could’ve died on the station.

  ***

  Desmond wanted to meet Admiral Reach in the hangar as soon as he returned but duty kept him busy. They weren’t able to hook up until two hours later, after the Pahxin repair crews were in place to help Webber prep the Gnosis for the return trip home. He had Cassie meet with them ahead of time to look over the intel they got from the station.

  He figured putting an AIA agent on the task would be the best bet and she got Thayne involved right away. Her report was interesting enough that he planned to bring some of it up in his quick conversation. While the Tol’An base they found was not a large one, it did provide them with the coordinates to several military targets.

  Desmond went to the admiral’s quarters and knocked, entering when summoned. The older man sat on the bed, dressed in loose fitting trousers and a white shirt.

  “Forgive my appearance,” Reach said. “The doctors assigned me to some bed rest for the trip home. It was an order I didn’t feel up to arguing about.”

  “I understand.” Desmond nodded. “I’m glad to see you alive and unscathed.”

  “Thanks for coming for me.” Reach leaned forward. “I had no doubts … but thank you. That madman … He would’ve murdered us. If not in that base, then wherever he planned to take us.”

  “Good Lord.” Desmond clenched his fist. “I’m glad we got here in time. The intel you brought back paid off. We located several other bolt holes the Tol’An set up shop. We’ve even got the coordinates for a manufacturing plant where they’ve been producing their weapons.”

  “Do we know where they’re keeping the Orbs?”

  Desmond frowned. “I’m afraid not. We’re guessing that’s their main base. It’s unlikely any of these smaller bases will lead there. And unfortunately, we weren’t able to take any prisoners. One ship escaped … The one they took you out on from the station.”

  “Then the man who was interrogating us must’ve survived.” Reach cursed. “I had some hope…maybe his own people will take care of him for failing.”

  “It’s possible,” Desmond said. “They’re a special kind of crazy.”

  “Ship looked pretty damaged on our approach.” Reach stood up and stretched. “Will we be able to get home?”

  “Yes, the Pahxin helped with the repairs and they’ve certified the hyperdrive. You’ll have plenty of time to rest before we get back too.”

  “Good. Before that, I have to speak with their ambassador.” Reach turned to the desk and clicked on his tablet. “Is there anything else you’d like to talk about?”

  “No, sir. I’m good. Just wanted to check in and let you know how we’re doing.”

  Reach clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m glad to be back and believe me, if anyone doubts what you guys are doing out here … If the council decides to be critical, I’ll be there for you. I’ve got your back, Desmond. Thank you. For everything you’ve done on this mission … thank you.”

  “Of course.” Desmond smiled. “I’m just glad you’re okay. We’ll talk again before we get back. Until then, good luck with the ambassador though after what you guys went through together, I doubt you’ll need it.”

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