by S. H. Jucha
“The one in which human colonies, Earth, and possibly federacy worlds have domes, and the alliance has starships,” Killian offered.
“It’s a good goal,” Alex said, shrugging his shoulders, as if to indicate that was all that need be said about the subject.
“Is the mapping of the alliance our primary mission?” Ophelia asked.
“It’s a critical task, but it’s not the only one,” Alex replied.
“I see,” Deirdre said suddenly. “We’ll have the star coordinates of the alliance, which will include the Crocian system. We’ll also have the vector on which the battleship fleet left Crocia. The scouts can attempt to intercept the federacy fleet’s journey.”
“Close,” Alex replied. “You’ll disperse your command, Deirdre. Every ship will be employed in the search. Set a time and a star at which you’ll rendezvous. No one is to engage the battleship fleet.”
“This won’t work for the freighters,” Deirdre said. “They’ll have to remain behind.”
“Agreed on that too,” Alex replied. “Sweep the stars along the federacy fleet’s vector, widening the search cone as you go.”
“For how long?” Olawale asked.
“Maximum of sixty days,” Alex said. “Then sail for Pimbor.”
“Your ships will investigate alliance and non-alliance systems alike,” Julien said. “The Tsargit communicated by cubes to the alliance races. They’ve been instructed to send a cube to the Tsargit if the federacy fleet enters their system.”
Alex eyed Deirdre, who said, “Right. I’ll position a ship at Hyronzy Station in the event that the Tsargit receives a location.”
“Have the Hyronzy-based captain send word to me, at the same time, Deirdre,” Alex instructed. “If and when you receive a location message, direct your command toward that system. I’ll send Darius’s command to meet you.”
“And our fleet admiral?” Deirdre inquired.
“If the Freedom isn’t free to sail with Darius’s command, Tatia will be aboard the Prosecutor,” Alex replied.
After a few more details were discussed, Alex sent the Rêveur and Deirdre’s command on their way.
* * * * *
Alex popped awake. It would soon be the start of the day. However, he knew Cordelia wouldn’t have woken him unless she believed it was important. He selected the link, and when he heard Renée’s voice, he blew Cordelia a kiss. In response, he heard the tinkling of silver bells.
“Everyone is well here, my love,” Alex heard Renée say.
“You can stop worrying. I presume Deirdre’s command and the Rêveur have sailed. Our trip has been disappointing up until about a quarter hour ago,” Renée continued. “The grays refused to cooperate with Z and Luther. We might have some simple commands of the adults that we can imitate. It’ll be up to Captain Cinders to choose whether to employ them.”
Alex heard heavy physical exertion and contact in the background, and he wondered what was happening near Renée. He wasn’t worried. Z would be close, but he was curious.
“Right now, I’m looking at a field of one thousand Sylian troopers with energy weapons. The monarch, Talsoma, wants us to transport them to Pimbor.”
“Uh, oh. A royal gift attached to an explosive package,” Alex whispered, thinking of Jess.
“There’s consensus, Alex, that these troops could be a major asset to Pimbor,” Renée said. “The monarch makes the case that alliance races need to get into the fight. Darius heartily agrees. You’re probably thinking of Captain Cinders about now. Talsoma states her troopers will fight under Jess’s command or under their own, if he refuses to lead them.”
Alex smiled. It seemed as if his partner was reading his mind.
“Here’s my advice, my love,” Renée said. “Talk to Jess. Whether the captain consents to lead them or not, I suggest we transport Talsoma’s gift to the fight. Please, sail soon.”
I will, my love, Alex thought.
Alex connected via Cordelia. Then he sent,
When Sharon landed the traveler aboard the Freedom, Jess exited the ship. Then she removed her helmet and relaxed in her pilot seat to get more sleep.
At the door to Alex’s suite, Jess thanked his escort and entered to find Alex and Julien waiting for him.
“Sorry to wake you early, Captain, but I’ve received an important message from Renée that requires my immediate attention,” Alex said, as he gestured Jess to a seat. “I’ll get to her information in a moment, but first, we want to tell you a story.”
Jess struggled to anticipate what had created the unusual circumstances that necessitated the urgency.
“Alex and I met at a time when I resided in a box aboard the Rêveur, and he was the captain of the Outward Bound, an explorer-tug vessel,” Julien began. “For annuals after that, we led Méridiens and New Terrans against the foes who had devastated my liner.”
“It became apparent that we needed a command structure,” Alex said, “and I reluctantly adopted the role of admiral. We had fighters then ... Daggers ... but I never flew one.”
“Over the next decades, both of us have played many roles,” Julien continued. “Increasingly, we led more and more individuals and our responsibilities grew. Most important, our roles, as leaders, required we let others manage our lesser duties.”
“That’s your story,” Jess said, in a mix of confusion and exasperation. “I was woken early and flew up here for that?” He stared at Alex and Julien, who said nothing but waited.
“What am I expected to make of your story?” Jess asked. “Are you asking me to reverse my decision and accept your security personnel in the fight on Pimbor?”
“No,” Alex replied. “I’m expecting you to accept command of the one thousand Sylian troops, who are armed with energy weapons.”
“A thousand?” Jess asked dubiously.
“That’s the SADEs’ count,” Julien said, as if an argument could even exist to counter the number.
“So, your story is meant to tell me that I should leave the field and command from the rear? Let others do the dying,” Jess inquired, with some heat in his voice.
“None of us can tell you when to step back from leading the field,” Alex said. “That’s your decision. However, a smart commander makes use of every asset.”
“These assets that you speak of are individuals whose lives would be my responsibility,” Jess replied sharply. “Their deaths would be on my conscience.”
Alex locked eyes with Jess. “Captain, I’ve lost humans, SADEs, Dischnya, and other alien allies in numbers too great to count,” he said. “The only salve you can have for the pain is a belief that you’re striving to achieve something more important. Let me ask you a question. What’s your greater purpose?”
“To defeat the Colony,” Jess replied swiftly.
Alex leaned toward Jess, placing his forearms on his knees. “Then which is more important, Captain, the protection of your conscience by refusing to accept the help of additional troops or the end to the Colony’s domination?”
Jess stared at Alex. He wanted to be angry at him for boxing him into a corner, which he’d fought to evade. Two thoughts occurred to him. Progress on Pimbor was abominable. He wasn’t going to stem the tide of the insectoids’ increasing numbers without additional troops. Additionally, he’d sensed Alex’s resignation when he spoke about the tremendous losses that he’d endured. It appeared to Jess that leaders with consciences paid this price to achieve critical goals.
Jess never visualized himself as a leader. He’d tried to ignore it when individuals addressed him as assault commander. He preferred captain or Jess.
Lucia made the decision for Jess. As a commodore, Lucia believed in Alex’s great scheme, and she was willing to lead others in the fight to achieve those goal
s. If he was to deserve her, he could do no less.
“I’ll do my best to keep the Sylian troops alive,” Jess finally said, and Alex nodded at him.
The smile Jess saw on Alex’s face was a sad one, and he could commiserate. He’d just agreed to cross a critical threshold in his life.
“One question,” Jess added. “If the Freedom sails to Sylia, what about the expedition’s Tridents?”
“Admiral Tachenko will insist they accompany this ship,” Alex replied. “When it comes to the security of key humans and SADEs in this fleet, we’re not entirely in control of our lives.”
Jess watched Alex shrug in resignation, and his view of leadership shifted again.
“Captain, we’ll ensure your forces have travelers, pilots, and material to supply you while we’re gone,” Alex said.
“Juliette and Esteban have chosen to remain with you,” Julien added.
“What about Commodore Bellardo?” Jess asked.
“Admiral Tachenko and the commodore will discuss the circumstances,” Alex said. “They’ll resolve the situation between them.”
“Lucia will command the Tridents,” Jess replied. “She’ll go because she accepts that as her duty.”
“Duty beckons us all, Captain,” Julien said. “The only choice we have is whether we heed its call.”
“Concerns or questions, Captain?” Alex inquired.
Jess sat thinking. He was imagining the arrival of a thousand troops. “The Sylians won’t be any good to me aboard this ship,” he said.
“That was anticipated,” Alex said. “Mickey and Miriam are transferring to a freighter. The area outside your Pim compound will be enlarged and more temporary quarters will be erected.”
“What about food?” Jess asked.
“This ship was built to hold a quarter million Méridiens for decades,” Alex explained. “Our food stock tanks are full. We’ll have no problem keeping the travelers supplied. Anything else?”
“Safe journey,” Jess said. He stood and offered Alex his hand.
Alex shook Jess’s hand. He held it, as he said, “You be safe too, Captain. I don’t need an irate commodore on my hands.”
16: Pyre
Ophelia did make one request of Admiral Canaan, which Deirdre granted.
At this moment, a traveler dropped through Pyre’s atmosphere, enabling Ophelia and Aputi to make a report to President Leslie Finian. When the pair exited the ship, they walked into the Hall of Delegates.
“How does it feel to be back?” Ophelia asked Aputi.
“Strange. Unreal,” Aputi said. “It’s quiet and peaceful here, but we’ve witnessed an ugly storm brewing across the alliance.”
“And you’d rather be out there where you could do something about it,” Ophelia suggested.
“Yes, ma’am,” Aputi replied, as they entered the hall’s foyer and selected an express lift to the top floor.
“Me too,” Ophelia admitted quietly.
The president’s assistant smiled and waved the duo toward Leslie’s office.
Leslie hugged Ophelia, when she came through the door, and accepted Aputi’s handshake.
To Aputi, Leslie said, “You can wait for the commandant in the foyer or the meal room, Lieutenant.”
“The two of us are here to report, Madam President,” Ophelia stated firmly.
Leslie stepped behind her desk and regarded her visitors’ faces. Their expressions, especially their eyes, told of the toll their experiences had taken on them.
“Sit down,” Leslie requested. “We can talk now and continue over a late evening. My afternoon schedule is completely filled.”
“We won’t be staying,” Ophelia said.
Leslie blinked and reordered her thoughts, while she connected to her assistant. “Cancel my appointments for the next two hours,” she told the young woman.
“Where are Olawale, Patrice, and the others? Are they okay?” Leslie asked.
For the next hour, Leslie heard what had transpired at Hyronzy Station, Norsitchia, and Pimbor.
“We were close to abandoning Pimbor for resupply, when the Omnian fleet arrived,” Aputi said.
“I received the report about the number of ships waiting far above us,” Leslie said. “Alex’s fleet is impressive, if not intimidating. Except for the Rêveur, they’re all warships.”
Aputi managed to curtail his chuckle. Then he said, “That collection of warships is called a command, Madam President. Alex brought two of them, a group of large freighters, and an enormous city-ship, which has to be seen to be believed.”
Ophelia said, “From my discussions with Julien, a SADE, I’ve learned Alex has another city-ship and two more commands.”
“Does the number of Alex’s warships have anything to do with the worlds in the other direction from the colonies?” Leslie asked.
“It has everything to do with it,” Ophelia replied.
“So, you’re rushing off. To where and why?” Leslie inquired.
“We’re taking care of some minor items that Alex needs,” Ophelia said offhand, like she was ordering food delivery.
Aputi laughed at the characterization. “Alex wants the SADEs to meet with the Tsargit’s archivist so they can map the alliance worlds with star coordinates.”
“They can do this?” Leslie asked. She was dumbfounded.
“It’s how we were able to sail to Norsitchia from Hyronzy and then on to Pimbor,” Aputi replied.
“In Alex’s grand scheme of things, he sees Earth, the other human colonies, and federacy systems connected by domes,” Ophelia explained, “and he foresees a time when the alliance will have starships.”
“He expects to build domes and couple Q-gates, like the Messinants,” Leslie repeated. “That’s preposterous.” She laughed, but when Ophelia and Aputi didn’t join her, it was quickly curtailed. “Why isn’t it funny?” she asked.
“Alex and the Omnians don’t seem to approach things the way we do,” Aputi said. “They see a hurdle, and they believe that there will be a way to get over it, around it, or under it. To them, the domes are just another technological item to understand and duplicate. The SADEs accept their replication as inevitable.”
Leslie’s mouth momentarily hung open, and she leaned back in her chair.
“The man isn’t small, and he doesn’t think that way,” Aputi stated definitively, and he laughed at the private joke.
“Will Omnia’s governing body approve of Alex’s plans?” Leslie asked.
“Sorry, we forgot to mention that those ships that we’ve listed in Alex’s fleets are privately held,” Ophelia said. “Alex and his partner, Renée de Guirnon, are the majority shareholders of Omnia Ships.”
“What about crew and supplies?” Leslie asked.
“Alex pays the crew stipends and purchases the supplies,” Aputi said. “Apparently, it’s taken decades to build up these fleets, and the colonies contributed ships and personnel to defeat the controlling entity of the federacy.”
“Julien said the Omnians suffered significant losses along the way,” Ophelia said. “You only have to stand in the midst of Alex’s admirals to understand that you’re talking to a group of experienced, battle-hardened veterans.”
“What do you think about Alex and Renée?” Leslie asked. “What you describe is a tremendous amount of power to be wielded by two people.”
“If I was to give that power to anyone to help us be rid of the Colony and who would invest in the future of sentient worlds, it would be those two,” Ophelia said.
“You have to be among them to understand,” Aputi added. “I think it has a great deal to do with their implants. They share their thoughts. They don’t hide them. It lessens, if not prevents, the polarization and criminality that we see on Pyre.”
“Well, you’re off to the Tsargit to map our stars. Then what?” Leslie asked.
“Then we have to hunt the rogue federacy fleet,” Aputi replied.
“We received a cube message about the battleships that were
at Crocia,” Leslie said. “You’re not intending to go into battle with the command, are you?”
Ophelia and Aputi laughed politely.
“We might have a front-row seat,” Ophelia replied, “but I’m sure Alex won’t let the Rêveur near the action. His two commands will do the fighting.”
“From what Lucia ... sorry, Commodore Bellardo tells me, Alex and Renée are kept out of harm’s way by his admirals,” Aputi said.
“The same is true for the SADEs,” Ophelia added. “I’ve mentioned Julien. He’s a close companion of Alex. There are also two protectors, Miranda and Z. None of them will be aboard the warships that engage the federacy fleet.”
“You sure it’s not the other way around?” Leslie asked. “It could easily be that Alex and Renée chose to be protected.”
“There’s always that possibility,” Aputi allowed, offering his hands in surrender. “Then again, to make that true, the commandant and I would have to be idiots, and every Omnian would have to be spouting rehearsed lies. Now, the commandant might be that gullible, but I don’t think I am.”
Leslie was taken aback by Aputi’s disrespect for his senior commander, but she was even more surprised when Ophelia broke out in laughter and swatted Aputi’s arm. It was clear that their experiences had transformed them and their relationship.
The comm unit on Ophelia’s sleeve discreetly chimed. She regarded Leslie, and said, “Time to fly.”
“One moment,” Leslie said. “I’d like to know what you think your efforts are expected to accomplish.”
“The lieutenant and I have discussed that very thing,” Ophelia said. “I thought that the more we help the Omnians the more willing Alex and Renée would be to see that Pyre got Omnian tech. The lieutenant believes ... no, actually, he told me I was wrong.” She paused and flashed a grin at Aputi. “After some thought, I think the lieutenant’s right. We have to prove that we deserve the immense power of Omnian advanced technology.”
“How do we do that?” Leslie asked.
“It’s already in progress,” Aputi replied. “The veterans are doing it.”
In response to Leslie’s puzzled expression, Ophelia added, “Omnians, Earthers, and Norsitchians have been dying to save peaceful sentient races. Jess, Kasie, Tacnock, and the Crocians are still with us, as we said earlier, and except for Kasie, they’re in the forefront of the fighting. Alex, Renée, and Julien see and admire that.”
