The Regional Governor gave his speech, which sounded like a campaign speech to Mason. The masters’ degree recipients filed through to receive their diplomas. At long last, the PhD candidates received their sheepskins, and each gave a speech ranging from ten to twenty-five minutes. The audience was hot and growing restless. Mason was last to receive his PhD, in Criminal Forensics. He accepted his diploma, approached the podium, and began:
“My words today will be brief. I will tell you about me, about you, and about time. First of all, thank you to the Space Marines for giving me the opportunity to study and achieve this degree. Our education is one of the four cornerstones in the foundation of our life. Now, this is where my fellow graduates roll their eyes. I look around at all of your fresh young faces, and I know I’m the ‘old guy’ here.” A few chuckles from the crowd were heard. “So, as the old guy, I will do what we do best, and give unsolicited advice to this captive audience.” More laughter.
“First, you are today, right now, fully engaged in your learning cycle. I ask that you never, ever stop learning, for the rest of your lives. It will add to your life’s foundation immensely, and make you far more interesting to talk with at cocktail parties.” The crowd laughed again.
“Secondly, learn to fight for your rights, and for what you believe in. This doesn’t necessarily mean physical fighting, although it can. You must stand up for what you believe in; stand up for the weak among you who cannot stand for themselves; and stand up for your family and children. Failure to stand up leads to defeat. It does not matter how many times you get knocked down, as long as you stand up afterwards.” A few hands applauded.
“Third: Live! Live today! Most of today’s speakers talked about tomorrow. Tomorrow will come for most of us, but there is absolutely no guarantee you will have tomorrow. If you have a family, it is your responsibility and obligation to plan for tomorrow. But today is what really counts. What will you do today?”
Mason continued, “I see you in the third row; you’re thinking, ‘I’ve got the rest of my life. I can take it easy today.’ I advise you to consider the time you are wasting. Think a few hours don’t matter? Try spending a few hours in the surgical waiting room of a hospital, waiting to find out if the love of your life will live, or die. Think a few seconds don’t count? Then I challenge you to propose to the woman of your dreams, and wait out those eternal few seconds while she considers your proposal, before she says ‘Yes!’” More scattered applause, and a smile from Admiral Mason.
“Think a few milliseconds don’t really matter? Talk to the guy who won the silver medal at the regional swimming championships, who touched the bar a split second slower than his gold medal-winning opponent.”
“We are human. Although my colleagues receiving their degrees in astrophysics can tell you all about time, its spherical and fifth dimensional properties and characteristics, each one of us internalizes time. And time is all we really have. How much time do we have? We are not permitted to know. And time brings me to the fourth cornerstone, our keystone.”
Mason looked at the entire audience. “Love! Love your life! Have the ‘joie de vivre’- the love of life. Try new experiences. Listen to new music. Meet new people. Go places you never dreamed of seeing. Eat new foods. How boring life would be if all we had was porridge to eat.
Love is the key to living your life to the fullest. Love your parents, and thank them for helping you be here today. Love the woman who holds your heart; if she will be yours, rejoice! If she cannot, or will not be yours, love her anyway, and be her best friend. Life may someday give both of you a second chance.” He looked at his wife and smiled.
“And if love gives you a second chance, seize it. Take it, hold onto it, and cherish it, as if your very life and happiness depends upon it, because it does. Now, go live and love for today!” The audience erupted in applause, and gave Mason a standing ovation.
The remainder of the graduation ceremony was very brief, thankfully, and they all got out of the hot June sun. The young grads all crowded around Mason and shook his hand, congratulated him and wished him well. Admiral Worthington came up to him and said, “Not at all what I expected to hear from you, Major Mason. They loved your speech!”
Finally, Admiral Mason made it through the crowd, red eyes and all, and hugged him tightly. Victor broke free of Eric Baines’ hand and jumped into Mason’s arms. Caitlin and David came up to him, red eyed as well, and gave him John David to hold. With his boys in his arms and his Admiral’s arm around his waist, they all walked to their shuttles.
“Not a bad first speech, Mason,” Admiral Hanson said smiling, coming up to meet them.
“The celebration’s at the Triple Bar S Roadhouse. Dinner’s on me!” Mason exclaimed, as he took off his cap and gown, and tossed them in the back of the shuttle. The two shuttles lifted off and they went to celebrate at the Roadhouse.
Admiral Hanson was enjoying herself, lost in her friend’s family. She flew the Baines’ to Mason’s home after their dinner, and came inside with everyone. She told Eric and Amanda Baines, “I served with your son several years ago on a destroyer. I just discovered yesterday who Victor’s Father was. He was a brilliant officer, and a true gentleman.” They talked at length, with Victor sitting on his Grandpa’s lap, next to his Mommy. They all enjoyed hearing about the late Admiral Victor Baines.
“I’d best be getting back to my hotel. My meeting is early tomorrow, as usual. Thank you all for including me in your family celebration. Major Mason, Dr. Mason, that is, many congratulations to you!” Admiral Hanson said. She turned to the Baines. “Need a lift?”
They left and the evening began to wind down. Rachel fed John David and put him to bed, and Victor took his bath and dressed for bed. Victor wanted to hear the story about his Father and Mason running the gauntlet with Captain Kouras, and how they saved the Hesperia from over two hundred attacking miners. Mason obliged. Rachel quietly motioned for her parents to come listen, and they stood in the doorway to Victor’s room.
Mason told the story, “…So I tore off the access hatch cover, to use as a shield. I prayed that God would take care of your Mommy. Just before the first bad miners came at me, Captain Baines crawled out of the access panel opening with his laser rifle, side-arm, helmet, and his Captain’s sword. He said, “Two Captains and one Master Sergeant can handle a couple hundred traitorous miners!” We activated our shields and took our positions to fire, and waited.”
Mason continued, now in firing position, “The first wave of them came at us, shooting their rifles. We took them out instantly. Then, they started coming by the dozens; man after man, stepping all over each other, and we fired our rifles and took them down. They came at us in droves, firing their lasers at us, and your Father and I kept firing at them. There were so many, and the laser bursts were everywhere! Wave after wave of men came at us, and we fired our laser rifles, killing them one by one. Our shields were giving out, and we were down to our last pack of ammo chargers. Your Father was hit in the leg, but he continued firing from the floor.” Mason showed Victor how his Father changed positions to fire, after being hit. “Then suddenly, the miners ran out screaming, still firing, but running like mad men. Captain Kouras was right behind them, firing both of his laser rifles at them, driving them into our gauntlet. We fired with everything we had, until every man fell. Then, one downed man fired his last shot and hit Captain Kouras. The Captain piloted his little ship into the hibernation room, and fired a shot into his ammo charger, making everything in the room explode. BOOM! The last attacking miners were dead. And that’s how two Captains and one Master Sergeant saved the Hesperia.”
Victor clapped his hands and hugged Mason. “My Father got a medal for his bravery, didn’t he, John Mason? And so did you!”
“Yes, he did, Victor. He was the best man I ever knew. Now, it’s time you got under the covers and went to sleep. Dream about your Father and your Mommy, how much they love you, and how proud they are of you.” Mason hugged him, and tucked him
in. “Good night, Victor. Sleep in peace.” As he turned to leave, he saw his audience, standing in the doorway of the boy’s room. Rachel hugged him, and they all left the room.
“Was that a true story, John?” Caitlin asked, looking intently at him.
“Yes, it was, Caitlin. I was in the hospital for more than three weeks, and Captain Baines for over five weeks. But we had the best nurse in the Space Forces healing us.” He put his arm around Rachel, and she smiled at him. They all said their goodnights and headed off to bed.
XXVII
The day after his graduation, Mason received an urgent call from the Joint Chiefs to attend a meeting at thirteen-thirty. Mason rode his speedster to the meeting. He arrived twenty minutes early, bought a mocha latte, and people watched for a while. How many admirals did the Space Forces have? They were running around like over-dressed errand boys. He laughed out loud; so what did that make him, a mere major? Most of the admirals scurrying about never took notice of him, except one tall, very charming, good-looking one. He stood and saluted.
“You’re early, Mason. Mind if I join you?” Admiral Hanson asked.
“Please, have a seat, Admiral,” he offered. “What’s this meeting about, Admiral Hanson? I was busy working on my tan,” he confessed, with a smile.
“You look better tanned,” she commented. “I’ll let them handle the meeting details, Mason. Not my show. But I think your moustache is just too goddamn sexy for Mars X. Better grow your goatee back, or shave it all off, Major.” She smiled at him.
They went upstairs to the meeting. Mason was sure one or more of them was observing him with Admiral Hanson. The Joint Chiefs welcomed him, and asked him to sit at their big conference table. At least we’re not in their hall of inquisition, Mason thought.
“We have a few questions about your virtual attack scenario you submitted prior to the attack, Major Mason. It would appear the attackers followed it like a blueprint,” Admiral Wilson stated. “What is your opinion?” He looked at Mason suspiciously.
“It is no surprise to me, sir. I considered all the variables, and developed a plan to attack Mars X and the Great Vault based upon readily-available resources and an assumed number of defensive personnel. Sukesh was a full Lieutenant, Admiral Wilson. He would have far more tactical knowledge than I about utilizing Space Forces equipment to attack a medium-defense base, like Mars X. He spent a few years at tactical on previous ship assignments. I just formulated the most effective and expedient plan for a surprise attack on the base, as a Space Marine, sir,” Mason answered honestly. “But I had no attack plan inclusive of the north corridor, Admiral Wilson,” he added.
“He was working off old intel to attack the north corridor, Admiral Wilson. It was cleared of all sensitive collateral prior to Mason’s assignment to Mars X, sir,” Admiral Hanson explained.
“Do you know what was in the north corridor, Mason?” Admiral Worthington asked him.
“No, sir. It was empty when I arrived. It’s empty now, Admiral,” Mason answered.
“You would have made an excellent tactical officer, Mason. It is rather unsettling, however, to have your plan match up so perfectly to the actual attack,” Worthington opined.
“With all due respect, sir. This situation begs asking the obvious question: Was there any way Sukesh could have seen my virtual attack plan? Could someone have intercepted the plan, copied it, and used it, Admiral?” Mason asked carefully.
“That’s one of the questions we’re here to find answers to, Mason, and the refueling exercise communications you received en route to Moon Base,” the Commandant revealed.
“He’s managed to not only monitor, but intercept and manipulate communications, Commandant. The Yellow Man did it to the Hesperia’s communications computer via the URE mining computer system, a purported closed system not linked to our Space Forces ships’ computers,” Mason reminded them.
“One of the hypotheses we are considering, Major Mason. One of several,” a gruff Admiral Wilson stated.
“When was the last inspection on SS4, Admiral Wilson? From SS4, he could affect communications to and from Earth, Moon Base, all the Mars bases, and all in-flight traffic within the central solar system. Sir.” Mason’s question rippled down the conference table visibly, each command officer looking at the next, silently acknowledging an unspoken concern.
“Ten months ago,” he answered flatly.
Mason looked at Admiral Hanson. She said, “I already told them you were putting your bet on SS4, Mason.” Mason sat back and waited. Time to shut up, and let the big guns speak, if they chose to do so. He knew they would send him to SS4.
“Would you excuse us for a brief while, Major Mason, Admiral Hanson? We’ll call you back in a few minutes,” Admiral Worthington said.
They left the conference room, waiting in the foyer while the deliberations took place. “Looks like I’ll be off base for a while, soon, Admiral Hanson,” Mason said.
“I need you on Mars X, Mason. I’ve gone round and round with them all morning about this. That’s all I’ll say,” she concluded quietly. They waited nearly one hour.
“We’re ready for you now,” the Commandant announced to Mason and Admiral Hanson, and they rejoined the meeting.
“The Joint Chiefs have decided to conduct a surprise general inspection of SS4 with a special emphasis on their communications capabilities. As Special Liaison to the Joint Chiefs, you are on stand-by alert to SS4, in the event you are needed, Mason,” Wilson announced.
“May I be permitted to offer my opinion, sirs?” Mason boldly asked.
“Go ahead, Major,” the Commandant said.
“I recommend your team of inspectors be escorted by a fighter squadron. They might be better served to realize they could be ill-treated. Sukesh does not ask for volunteers, like the Yellow Man does. He genetically alters the DNA of whomever he pleases. Admiral Hanson and I both can attest to that, sir,” Mason quietly offered.
“Are you saying he would have the audacity to capture a general inspection team sent by this body?” Admiral Wilson bellowed.
Mason answered evenly, “Without any doubt, Admiral. We are merely subjects to be altered. Who would have thought he would have been so bold as to capture the flagship Esmeralda? We don’t know what powers the ONE have given Sukesh, sir. Your team should be prepared, with all due respect, Admiral Wilson.”
“Thank you for your opinion, Major Mason. We will take it under consideration. Dismissed,” Admiral Wilson said abruptly. Mason left quickly.
They’re not going to listen to me, Mason realized. He wondered why the Space Forces Joint Chief Admiral Kensington wasn’t making the decisions, instead of Navy Admiral Wilson. They’ll send in some tight-ass Admiral with his white gloved team, and whoever’s in charge of SS4 will play patty cake with them. If they discover anything, they’re in for a real surprise.
Mason left on his speedster to meet his family at the shopping mall. Grandpa David and Mason decided to take seats at a bar inside one of the restaurants and avoid the shopping, and let the ladies handle it. Grandpa Eric joined them ten minutes later, wisely.
“I’d like to have Victor tested, John. He is exhibiting signs of above-average levels of comprehension of several subject areas most children his age barely grasp,” Eric said.
“I figured he’d eventually blossom, once he’d found his niche. He takes everything apart now. I’m just glad I don’t have my speedster on Mars with us,” Mason said, and all three men laughed. “Could he be tested on Mars Colony III?”
Eric answered, “I’m certain of it. David, since you and Caitlin will be there for a visit, perhaps you could help Rachel set him up for the intelligence tests?” David agreed, and they discussed the test in some detail. They ordered another round of drinks and talked about Victor for quite a while, and his affinity for piloting.
Rachel, the Grandmothers, Victor and John David soon joined them at a table. The boys received enough clothes for an entire new wardrobe. Mason looked at all their
packages and laughed. “You’re spoiling my boys, now. They’ll think every time they see their Grandmas it’s time for new clothes,” he said.
“And toys!” Rachel added. She was carrying John David, because his anti-gravity carriage was full of packages. Everyone ordered appetizers and their favorite drinks. They told Rachel about their discussion to have Victor tested on Mars Colony III, and she agreed. They soon went home, and the Baines went back to their hotel.
Everyone was tired from shopping, so they all took naps, except for Mason. He went out to the patio with his com tablet to study the technical specifications for SS4. It was half the size of Titan One, but utilized a similar spoke-wheel design. He was still in uniform, and his wrist comm link startled him.
“Admiral Hanson to Major Mason.”
“Mason here, Admiral. Any news?”
“Yes, and I’ve been authorized to share it with you. The Joint Chiefs sent their team to SS4 an hour ago, with two fighters as escorts. They’ll be arriving unannounced in five days, Mason. They still don’t believe Sukesh has control of SS4. They also don’t think anyone there will touch the Joint Chiefs’ Inspectors General.”
“I hope they’re right and I’m wrong,” Mason said, disappointed.
She frowned. “We’ll see. Any chance I can hitch a ride back with you day after tomorrow? We completed our meetings today. Do you think Admiral Mason would mind?”
“I’ll ask her, Admiral Hanson. We’ll also have her parents with us. More people to keep Victor busy, you know,” Mason laughed.
“Yes, he is a remarkable child. I know Admiral Mason is very proud of him, as she should be. I wish more men were as polite and well behaved as Victor,” Admiral Hanson said. “Such a gentleman, already.”
Vengeance of Sukesh: John Mason (Legend of John Mason) Page 35
