by Ben Hale
A day and time appeared above the cat in shining letters.
"The details of these proceedings are being sent to your private school folder. Pending the outcome of your hearing, your movements have been restricted to the school grounds. Summons issued by High Magistrate Mallian. Good day."
The golden cat turned and departed, leaving Tess staring into the night. "What was that all about?" she asked Iris. She flinched when Iris spoke from beside her. She hadn't realized the girl had moved.
"You're being summoned to a trial," Iris said, and the worry in her voice was evident. "Apparently the Magtherian didn't like what you did."
Tess turned to her. "What can they do to me?"
"They could strip you of your magic and banish you—but I doubt that will happen." She turned away and spoke to the wall. "Jason, I need everything you have on High Magistrate Mallian. Yes, I know he works with your mother, why do you think I asked you?"
Tess swallowed. "Should I be worried?"
Iris shook her head. "Nah, we'll make sure you've got a solid defense."
Tess nodded, but couldn't dismiss the worry in Iris's eyes so easily. Her thoughts lingered on the summons until long after she'd gone to bed. Rubbing her sore arm, she struggled to fall asleep.
What was she going up against?
Chapter 7: Face to Face
Jack Oliver resisted the urge to smooth his suit as he waited outside the Oval Office. He'd been in the CIA for years but had never met the president in an official capacity—and never with so much at stake. Tom Richardson, deputy director of the CIA, had told him just a few hours ago that the president wanted a face to face.
Last night Tess had visited the White House, and he suspected that was the reason for this meeting. By midday today the news about the assassination attempt had leaked through the agencies. To Jack's intense relief, his daughter had not been harmed.
The secretary caught his eye. "The president will see you now."
Jack rose to his feet and nodded in gratitude. Then he walked through the door that was opened for him. To his surprise the only person in the room was the president.
"Jack," he said. "Have a seat."
"I didn't realize this was going to be a private meeting."
The president was on his feet and moving around his desk. Motioning to the sofa, he took a seat opposite him.
"To be honest I've wanted to speak with you in private since your daughter paid me a visit. This was the earliest I was able to squeeze you in."
"It's almost midnight, sir," Jack said shrewdly.
The president released a humorless laugh. "Forgive me for the hour, but in recent days I haven't had much time for sleep."
"In that regard I believe we are in the same position."
The president leaned back and rubbed his eyes, revealing a glimpse of the fatigue he felt. The pressure from the American people, foreign governments, and Congress was crushing, but somehow the president seemed to be enduring.
"You know, I never would have believed any of this unless I saw it with my own eyes," the president said.
"I found out when Harbingers assaulted my home," Jack said. "My daughter sparked an inferno in my house, controlled it with a thought, and then flew my wife and me through the roof."
The president released a long breath. "The world is not what I thought it to be when I ran for office—nor are the threats to this nation. I have been preparing for the last decade to sit here, and halfway through my term I found out that fantasy is reality."
He blew out his breath. "I have to admit when I was read in on your office I thought it was a joke. A CIA branch dedicated to researching magic and the paranormal? It could have been a screenplay. I never dreamed that it would become the most valued asset to my administration."
"I'm sure you weren't the only one,” Jack responded wryly. “Shortly after I requested the transfer there, they offered me the lead position. Apparently it wasn't the most sought after job at the time."
"It is now," the president said. "In the last twenty-four hours alone I have had seven requests to take your job. I turned them down."
"Why?"
Jack had known that others were seeking to take his place. Overnight his position had gone from dismissed as worthless to the most prestigious job short of being the CIA director. He hadn't known that the president himself had ordered he remain where he was.
"Your office was responsible for identifying that an assassin was within the White House. Without your intervention it’s likely he would have succeeded."
"I'm sorry he came so close."
The president waved it aside. "It turns out that I have undercover mages as secret service. A certain High Chancellor Gerik appeared in my office yesterday to apologize for their failure in preventing the attempt."
"You met Gerik?" Jack was surprised. The fact that the high chancellor himself had sought a private meeting with the president indicated that the Magtherian was seeking to ease tensions quickly.
"He looks like a good man," the president said, "but I hope he doesn't arrive the same way he did before." He shuddered, and didn't elaborate.
"So why meet with me?" Jack asked. "You've done an admirable job of softening the blow to the American people. The majority of the public still don't believe, but the evidence will eventually prove it. Even the media is praising you for your quick response to this."
The president was shaking his head. "I may be controlling the symptoms, but the disease is growing. The reports I've read indicate that this cloud that Alice released continues to expand, and that the casualty rate is climbing. I'm sure you are aware of what happened to SEAL Team 3."
"I am. Their report and the video from Mt. Elbrus have given us the only hard intel on the Dark. So far we have been unable to get an asset in place with the right instruments to obtain a read on its makeup. Drones lose their electronics in seconds, and personnel do not reemerge. The local relief groups around the mountain have been ordered to withdraw for fear of losing more to the cloud."
The president leaned forward. "Tomorrow I'm ordering a tactical withdrawal of all assets in the region. Bases, operatives, even embassies, all of it."
Jack blinked in surprise. "That could cause a panic. If we pull out like that others will elevate their opinion of the threat."
"They need to," the president said. "The SEALs’ report makes it clear that the cloud's psychological effects alone are catastrophic. We can't afford to lose entire bases to the cloud. The casualty rate is climbing, Jack. You've seen the numbers. Three million reported missing in a week, and by all accounts it's going to get worse. There are five million people in and around the country of Georgia, and the cloud has passed a hundred miles from the epicenter. If it keeps expanding it will kill them all. How long until the entire Middle East is overrun?"
"The UN and NATO are downplaying concerns," Jack said, "and you want to heighten them?"
"Can we stop the Dark?"
The blunt question caused Jack to hesitate. Then he answered honestly. "No. Not yet."
"Then Europe, Asia, and Africa need to start thinking large-scale evacuations, or they will see the number of dead exceed any war in Earth's history. You've seen the polls. Over eighty percent still think the video was faked. Their disbelief will keep them from evacuating in time. By withdrawing our troops it will cause the national leaders over there to take this threat seriously."
"And keep our armed forces out of harm’s way."
The president gave an approving nod. "But as I said, this only treats the symptoms. I need to know what you're going to do about the source."
Jack understood the question for what it was, the true reason he'd been invited to come here. The president wanted to get a read on who Jack was, and what he intended on doing.
"May I be candid, sir?"
"I would prefer it."
Jack hesitated, and then said, "What I am about to tell you could be construed as a violation of CIA protocol, but it is the reason behind my foresig
ht and knowledge. Since I came to understand that magic existed I have been working with several of Hawk's people to fortify my office against mage intrusion. With their aid I gained a working knowledge of the mage community, their strengths, and their capabilities."
"This occurred before Mt. Elbrus."
Jack nodded, and then cocked his head to the side. "You knew?"
"Your daughter said as much."
Jack grunted. "I have been aware of the Harbingers for some time now, but did not include the information in my briefings because it could potentially burn my sources."
"And you would have been laughed at," the president pointed out.
"That too."
The president flashed a rueful smile. "You don't need to worry about official punishment for withholding the intel, Jack. It's placed you far ahead of your peers, and right now this country needs that."
"Thank you, sir."
"So what now?" The president leaned back.
Jack had been expecting this question. "I have sent a collection of specialized equipment to rendezvous with one of the CIA's best assets. He will set it up ahead of the cloud and connect with my office via sat feed. Before the electronics are fried we hope to get a solid reading on what it's made of. I have also taken the task force that my predecessor put together and have been training them specifically to take down mages. So far the Harbingers we've targeted have died in the attempt to take them.
"We have, however, been able to identify a number of key Harbingers within the city. One in particular, nicknamed Leaf, we hope to apprehend and interrogate. He appears to be one of the senior Harbingers in the United States. As soon as we have solid intel on his location, we will make a move to take him alive."
"Your wife is on that task force, correct?"
"She earned the slot on her own," Jack said, "despite my objections."
"I'm not surprised you objected. I understand several have not survived past engagements with Harbingers."
"Every one of us is in danger. My wife is one who would rather fight than hide."
The president sighed and nodded. "As would I." He rose to his feet and returned to his desk. Then he said, "I'm doubling the size of your office and giving you the highest pay grade this administration can give. Your file suggests you don't care about the money, but I want you to have access to everything. From this point forward I want you to focus on gathering intel on Alice, the Harbingers, and the cloud. Other divisions are being re-tasked to plot alternative scenarios, and make preparations in case the Dark continues to grow."
"I'll do my best, sir."
The president turned back. "I know. In the service I learned that the best soldiers were those that fought for their family. You have proven that to me again."
Jack stood. "At this stage I can't promise a victory."
"I am aware of what we are up against, so just promise me you will keep fighting even if your daughter doesn't make it."
Jack felt a chill at the statement. "I promise, sir."
The president smiled wearily. "Then keep me posted. Right now I have to call the Speaker of the House."
"Isn't it late for him as well?"
"We aren't the only ones losing sleep," the president said. "And if we are going to declare war, I need Congress to act quickly."
Jack nodded. "Have a good night, sir."
The president's expression indicated he doubted that he would, but he reached out and shook Jack's hand. "Keep us safe, Jack, and help your daughter as best you can."
"You can be certain of that," Jack responded.
The understanding that passed between them was brief, but lingered with Jack as he left. Both of them were men of conflict and decision, but was it enough? Alice and the Dark were unlike any adversary the nations of Earth had ever faced. Defeat would be the end of freedom.
And the death of billions.
Chapter 8: Withdrawal
The stealth sub slipped underwater as Wolf led the rest of SEAL Team 3 onto the northern shore of Turkey. The small inlet had been used for covert operations before, but Wolf kept his men ready for combat as Duck and his team deflated the Zodiacs. Once the gear was stowed they hiked up onto the cliff and to the dirt road.
Wolf's gaze was drawn to the cloud in the distance. It could have been a storm cloud, and yet it stretched across the eastern horizon. His skin crawled at the idea of being caught within its grasp again. The rattle of an engine drew his attention to an old army truck bouncing up the road. Five minutes later it slid to a stop amidst a cloud of dust.
"You boys need a lift?" the soldier drawled.
"Load it up," Wolf said. Duck nodded and ensured the others were quick to stow their gear. Then they reverently loaded their dead.
The driver caught sight of the five bodies and blanched. "I dinnit know you had lost some. What was it, insurgents?"
"No," Wolf said as he climbed into the cab, "it wasn't."
The driver pushed up his cap and grunted. Then he jammed the stick into gear and the truck surged into motion. "Dinnit mean nothin," he mumbled.
Lost in thought, Wolf didn't respond. The hour passed quickly until they reached Erzurum Air Base in eastern Turkey. As a joint NATO-US complex, the facility represented one of the most eastern bases in Turkey, and doubled as a commercial airport. Hangers lined the runway, while mechanics worked on the jets inside. Soldiers played cards in the barracks and used fans to fight the oppressive heat. Others lined up for lunch at the mess hall.
Inside, Wolf felt numb as he watched the soldiers going about their routine. The cloud was only thirty miles away, and they acted like this? Did they not understand what they faced? But he knew they didn't. His own report had been sent via the sub the moment they had gotten aboard. He doubted it had disseminated to the overall military yet.
"Drop me at the Base Command Center," he said to the driver.
"Sure thing," he said, and veered toward a squat building.
Wolf stepped out of the vehicle and walked to the back. "Take care of our dead, but maintain combat readiness," he said to Duck. "That cloud is going to reach here soon." Then he strode into the base command center.
Dressed in fatigues, face paint, and festooned with weapons, he drew the immediate attention of the secretaries.
"Can I help you, Captain?" one of them asked.
"I have a priority-one message for the base commander," Wolf said.
"This way," she said, and led him to a neat office at the corner of the building. The nameplate on the door said Colonel Allen.
"Sir." Wolf saluted.
The colonel rose to his feet. "At ease. Thank you, Linda. I'll take it from here. Captain Thompson I presume? I was informed that you would be returning from your mission, but you look ready to leave on one. Didn't you get cleaned up on the sub?"
I'm ready for the cloud to get here. "We need to speak immediately, sir," Wolf said. "If you haven't already received new orders then I need to brief you on what's coming."
The colonel frowned at his tone. "We can talk after you've stowed your gear and changed, Captain. You're getting dirt on my floor."
"No sir, this cannot wait. There is a priority-one threat to this installation."
The colonel sank into his chair and made a motion for him to continue. "Does this have to do with the ash cloud from the volcano? You should know I don't take stock in fairy tales or magic. The video was hogwash and we all know it."
"Sir," Wolf said, a trace of anger seeping into his tone. "Whether or not the video is accurate, the cloud is a real and viable threat. It has a tangible psychological impact on the human mind."
"I'm not afraid of a little ash," the colonel said. "Perhaps I need to recommend that you and your men be placed on leave until your mental status can be determined."
Wolf lost it, and stabbed a finger northeast. "When that thing hits this facility, every soldier on this base is going to die. If an evacuation order isn't given right now everyone under your command will be dead by tomorrow."
The colonel was on his feet. "I'll have you in the brig for talking to me like that. I have enough to deal with already. My eastern teams aren't reporting in, and communications have gone down across the northeastern part of the country. I'm trying to dispatch teams to aid with the ash cloud. There are millions of people missing inside that cloud, and my rescue teams cannot be reached. I don't have time for this."
"They are all dead," Wolf snapped. "Everyone in the cloud is gone. If you send any more in then you are a blind fool."
"Linda!" Colonel Allen roared. "Get the MPs in here."
A pair of military police appeared in the doorway, their guns drawn. Like a well-oiled spring, Wolf drew his weapon and spun. "I wouldn't," he said.
"Captain!" the colonel shouted. "Have you lost your mind? Holster your weapon."
"I can't do that, sir," Wolf said. "Unless you give that order my team will not leave this base. I will not let them die like that."
"Put down your weapon!" the colonel exploded. "Or I will order them to open fire!"
Wolf stared the MPs down, and saw the reluctance in their eyes. They obviously had no desire to engage a SEAL.
"Colonel Allen!" Linda shouted.
"Not now!" he bellowed.
Linda continued as if she hadn't heard him. "You have a priority-one message coming in. I think you should read it."
"It can wait!"
"No it can't," Linda answered. She appeared in the doorway between the two MPs. Unperturbed by the standoff, she entered the office and handed the colonel a sheet of paper. He snatched it from her hands and read it. His eyes bulged, and a vein on his neck began to tic.
"Linda," he said. "Send out the order for a complete evacuation of this base. All personnel need to be on a truck or plane by nineteen hundred hours." He turned to Wolf. "Get out of my office before I bring you up on charges of insubordination."
"Yes, sir," Wolf said. He saluted, and left with Linda. The MPs made a gap for him. Both appeared relieved.
