Countdown

by John Walker

  He hadn’t felt particularly old until he’d stepped off of Dora’s ship and saw the devastation up close with his own eyes. The worst of it came after he spoke with Major Oliver Peck. When he heard about Felix… that was the last straw. He’d wandered through the debris-filled streets until he reached the command center.

  There, he sat, staring into space, unmoving. The situation killed him on the inside and made his heartache worse than any other incident. Felix had been so stalwart, so dedicated and serious and frankly… so young. Graff felt protective of many people, but when he’d met Felix, he’d felt as if he could trust the man to eventually take his mantel.

  I wanted him to mentor these people, Graff thought. All he needed was a better understanding of the way the modern world worked. Basic social concepts. He had everything else. Integrity, compassion… why the hell? He closed his eyes tightly. If I would’ve been here, I don’t think I could’ve saved him.

  And that hurt him worst of all. Knowing full well his presence wouldn’t have made a difference. In fact, I’d probably be dead too. Guilt gnawed at him, made him second-guess whether he’d known in his heart of hearts that this attack might happen. Is that why I insisted on going with Dora? I was afraid to die?

  Graff never thought of himself as a coward, but events from his past came back to haunt him as he sat there. All the times he’d run away from a fight. Hiding out on different worlds, pretending to be a lawman to protect his identity as someone who ran from everything. Did hopping on Dora’s ship equate to the same thing?

  I’d like to think I was helping her with the prisoner. The prisoner who didn’t do anything but cooperate. The alien who betrayed his own people to help them prevent a war. I probably wasn’t necessary. I could barely even use the damn turret! I’m a waste, and here I am faced with the real consequences of my ‘legacy.’

  While they were waiting around for something to happen, Graff had told Felix tall tales. The man had been gullible enough to believe most of them. Correcting him back then seemed cruel but they’d probably contributed to his death. If he’d tried to live up to those expectations, those wild examples… then he’d likely risked his life needlessly.

  I have to admit, he was a better warrior than I ever was. Even with my training. Felix took to it naturally. He had a survivor’s instinct but also that of a defender. Meaning he willingly put himself in harm’s way to keep others alive. That had been a learned behavior from his escape as a slave. And it served him well. That integrity was admirable.

  Oliver stepped up, sitting beside him. “I know you’re hurting right now, but we’re prepped to go.” He turned to Graff. “You ready to take off?”

  “I don’t know.” Graff didn’t feel compelled to move. He felt like two leaden weights had been attached to his feet, holding him fast. The moment he sat down, he wondered if he might ever stand again. “I guess we don’t have a lot of choice. There’s nothing here, right? And staying on Gallik.” He huffed. “What would be the point?”

  “We still need you, pal.”

  “For what?” Graff glared at him. “Seriously, tell me. What do you need? I failed Dora. I failed Felix. I failed this place. Christ, you guys trusted me! And I…” He turned away. “I left.”

  “And that pissed me off,” Oliver replied. “Listen, what happened to Felix wasn’t your fault. Not by a long shot. You went to help with an important operation… one that may have made it possible for us to win a fight with the ervas. Staying here for you would’ve just meant… I don’t mean to sound heartless, but you probably wouldn’t have survived.”

  I know that! Graff kept the shout to himself. Much as he wanted to belt it out, to let everyone hear just how profoundly he understood his own limitations. Never before have they been so clear… so obvious.

  “So what’s next then, Peck?” Graff looked at him. “What do we do?”

  “You get aboard the ship,” Oliver said. “We’ll take you back to Gold Empire space. You stay in their capital until we can return you home. Live out the rest of your life in safety. That’s what Felix would’ve wanted for you. Not whatever ill-advised ideas you’re having right now. Certainly not revenge.”

  “I feel like… I deserve to die in some glorious battle. Somehow.”

  “Survivor’s guilt makes you think a lot of stupid things,” Oliver replied. “But you don’t have to fulfill that prophecy. Come on.” He patted the man on the knee. “Let’s get to the shuttle. There are people aboard you can talk to… who can help you work through some of this. Staying down here won’t help anything.”

  “Yeah… okay.” Graff stood. “Can you… are they going to… provide him with some kind of ceremony?”

  “We lost a lot of people down here.” Oliver clapped him on the shoulder as they walked. “Everyone will receive recognition for this. I promise. It’ll work out.”

  “You seem awfully calm.” Graff frowned. “Considering what’s going on with your sister.”

  “I’m worried… but I have to be honest, Rita can take care of herself. She’s been living in that world for a long time. Hell, you know that. You know these people better than I do. They must’ve come across your path plenty of times.”

  “Never liked Loch.” Graff shook his head. “That guy’s a real piece of work. I mean, dedicated to the cause for sure but also a total asshole. The kind of man that twisted honor and integrity into something more like selfishness and cruelty. I don’t mean to make it scarier than it is…”

  “Doing a bad job then.” Oliver sighed. “Look, I have to trust that the right thing’s going to happen. She’ll figure it out. Or…” He stiffened. “Or she won’t. And worrying about it one way or another won’t do anything for me. I’ll just be a wreck. I’m going to err on the side of her keeping herself alive long enough for us to help.”

  “Do you think it’s possible? That she’s got it in her?”

  “Yeah. Not to mention Zem won’t give up on her. He wants to get Borden and his ship then find Loch. Get her back. No matter what it takes.”

  “They contemplating money?” Graff asked. “Because I can see them thinking they can buy him off. But if he’s gone to this trouble, threatened the Gold Empire commodore, he’s beyond all that. Hell, don’t you think he’s pretty much checked out? Where can he operate now that he won’t be pursued?”

  “You’re right about that,” Oliver said. “He’s pissed off both sides in a major way. We’ll have to think outside the box.”

  They arrived at one of the transport shuttles. A soldier waved them up the ramp. Oliver escorted Graff to the back. Other civilians lingered about, preparing themselves for the trip up. A couple strapped themselves in. Some stood, clinging to the safety handles on the ceiling of the cabin.

  “Here you go.” Oliver backed away. “Should be lifting off in less than thirty minutes.”

  “That’s an awful long time,” Graff said. “You could’ve let me sit out there.”

  “Yeah, but then you’d just be wallowing alone.” Oliver waved at the others. “Here you’ve got some company. And you’ll be ready to go when they are. I’d rather you be with other people right now. Just… something I need to have happen.”

  “You’re pretty damn kind to me.” Graff frowned. “I really appreciate it. I don’t know how I’d repay you for it either.”

  “Actually, you can thank Dora for the treatment. She asked me to find you and bring you to a ship. I guess she’s fond of you or something.” Oliver smirked. “Whatever the case, we’ll talk again soon.” He turned to leave, pausing to glance back over his shoulder. “And don’t think you were worthless. She told me she couldn’t have made that trip without you.”

  Yeah, right. Graff huffed as he took a seat. That’s bogus. Dora had proven to be a lovely lady. Kind, smart, brave… he knew for a fact he’d annoyed her during their situation out in the middle of nowhere yet she still had his back. I owe her a lot. I’ll never be able to make it up to her either.

  Chatter from the other people br
ought him back to the moment. He listened to them worry about the flight, about leaving the system again. They worried that the Gold Empire might not treat them very well. He knew better. The government had changed significantly with the Morrigan’s victory.

  With Parse gone, we can finally see what this government should have been like since the end of the rebellion. Despite his depression, Graff couldn’t wait to see what happened next. This part of space had been his home for so long, heading back to Confed space seemed odd. He wasn’t sure he was ready for it. Maybe I’ll find a place here.

  Graff didn’t know about the accommodations the former pirate nation had for older individuals. He hated the idea others might call him that, but it was accurate. He’d done his time in space. Helped Dora gather valuable intel. Trained countless individuals to defend themselves, to stand up to trouble no matter what.

  I suppose I do deserve to get some downtime after all that. Graff leaned his head back, closing his eyes. And if they’re willing to do that for me… so be it. I’ll accept. And walk away while I still have the means.

  ***

  Oliver walked away from the shuttle, staring at the ground. He hadn’t received word about whether Doctor Lyson made it to safety yet. Combined with the fact his sister left to divert the pirate’s attention, he was having a rough time. Collecting up the survivors to get them off the planet provided a nice diversion, but he knew it would be over soon.

  His comm buzzed. The computer on his wrist showed Elizabeth Erris was reaching out. He tapped it to acknowledge. “What’s going on?”

  “Hi Major,” Erris said, “the Morrigan’s here. They’re on their way to rendezvous with us. Their mission was a success against the enemy dreadnaught.”

  “Finally some good news,” Oliver replied. “When will they be here?”

  “A couple hours at most. How’re things going down there? Do you have most of the people collected who are coming up?”

  “Yeah, things are fine. The last of the ships should be ready to go in the next thirty minutes. As of right now, most of the people down here are search and rescue… just making sure everyone’s safe. Lots of security personnel too, of course. A lot of prisoners made their way up to Alden’s ship.”

  “Understood.” Erris fell silent. It lasted long enough for Oliver to wonder if she dropped off the line. When he glanced at his comm, she spoke again. “Is there anything you need from me?”

  The means to find my sister?

  Oliver didn’t say it. He had to admit, he was honestly proud of Rita. Much as he didn’t like what she did, nor the fact he worried she may not be alive, she made a selfless choice. Maybe not the right one… but it had potentially saved lives. He couldn’t fault her for it.

  Even if I want to slap her upside the head right now.

  “No, I think I’ll be fine… oh! Do you think I can reach Captain Markel from here or can you patch me through to him?”

  “You’ll want to bounce that through our comms,” Erris said. “He’s still a bit out of range for personals. If you give me a moment, I’ll take care of it personally.”

  “That would be great. Thank you.”

  Oliver didn’t look forward to a conversation with Noah. He knew he’d have to report on everything that happened, including Rita and a lot of lives lost. Part of him wondered if he shouldn’t wait for a face-to-face briefing, but in all seriousness, he wanted to hear the man’s voice… to know he was okay.

  At this point, he’s the only family I’ve got. Oliver stopped… closed his eyes. Rita’s not dead. I can’t think that way.

  “Ships are loaded,” Zem’s voice startled Oliver. The man moved like a cat through the rubble, hardly making any noise. “Final sweep has been complete with sensors. There aren’t any other people around here, and if there are, they don’t want to be found. Which means I say we stop looking.”

  Oliver nodded. “Understood.”

  “When do we go after her?” Zem asked. “I’m thinking the next half hour works for me.”

  “Do you know where they went?”

  “Only a few places a piece of filth like Loch could go,” Zem replied. “He’s probably still in hyperspace right now. First stop should be his big lair. We went there to get the money for our last job. I’m sure he’s got all his holdings there, every building, every space station and hole he might hide in.”

  “You think that’s the best plan?” Oliver asked. “And how many men do you want to bring on this adventure? Want a whole battleship for it?”

  “Give me Torrence, Nostros, and Dora with her ship. We’ll get it done. No need for anyone else to get involved.” Zem took his arm. “I’d have Borden do it but you guys sent him away. Kind of pisses me off.”

  “He had the fastest ship…” Oliver didn’t feel like arguing about it. “Look, that was a decision to save some lives and the data. You know it was important. Imperative even. That’s why it happened. Anyway, there are resources in place…” He stopped again. “I’m about to talk to Captain Markel. When I finish that, I’ll tell you what’s possible.”

  “I’ll be real honest.” Zem took a step closer, lowering his voice. “If you don’t come back with a plan that involves saving Rita, then I’ll need to stay here. There are ships at the other settlements. I’ll get the help I need. I’d rather get it from you people and, if your captain ain’t feeling charitable? Remind him that you people owe me.”

  Zem stormed off before Oliver could reply. Oliver’s comm buzzed to distract him from the moment. Noah was on the line. Well, this is the best time to have a conversation with him. He sympathized on one hand. The freedom to run off on his own would’ve been nice considering who was at stake.

  I have to think about the big picture. That training didn’t go away even with his sister in jeopardy.

  Oliver engaged the communicator. “Captain. Welcome back to Gallik. Sorry you found it in such a state.”

  “Never mind all that. Are you okay? Are you… are you injured?”

  “Negative,” Oliver replied. “We came out… better than one could expect given the nature of our opponents. We were facing a lot of people down here. Unfortunately, we lost some dedicated individuals. Felix… for one.” He struggled with the pain in his chest over the loss of that man. “I’m going to miss him.”

  “Me too,” Noah said. “I know about Rita. I’m sorry. We’ll figure something out ASAP.”

  “You should know that Zem is beyond dedicated to that cause. He’ll take off if we don’t commit to finding her. He has a request that I’ll bump up to you… but he’d like to go sooner than later. As you can imagine, the longer we wait, the better chance she’s going to be dead.” If she isn’t already.

  That last bit he couldn’t bring himself to say aloud. Both of them knew it was true without putting it to words. He wondered just how far Noah might go for Rita. Considering what he’d done for the Confederacy, he might well be willing to do anything for someone he thought of as a daughter.

  I guess I can only hope.

  “What’s he want?” Noah asked.

  “Some people, Dora and her ship… says he’ll get the rest done from there. He knows that life better than any of us. It’s possible he can genuinely find her and bring her out. He’s dedicated and dangerous. Enough so for me to believe in his ability to get the job done. What’re your thoughts?”

  Noah didn’t answer for some time. He also paused long enough for Oliver to wonder if he’d dropped off the line. This time he didn’t check. He simply continued toward his shuttle. A glance around the area showed that at least the dust was settling. Much of the smoke calmed as well.

  “I’m inclined to give him what he wants,” Noah said. “I’m going to offer the people he’s interested in a choice though. This is a strictly volunteer mission. If he asks and they agree, then I’m good with it.” He sighed. “I want Rita home. I’d like to go after her myself, to take that son of a bitch on, but… we’re on the verge of a major fight.”

  “Have you
heard something?”

  “Before I contacted you, I spoke briefly with Alden. When the Morrigan arrives in orbit, we’re getting a proper briefing. I want you to attend as well but the short of it is the outer territory of the Gold Empire has already been attacked. The ervas are on the move…which might be due to Dora’s mission into their territory.”

  “You think they stirred up the hornet’s nest?”

  “Yes and no. They might’ve escalated things, but honestly, it was worth it.” Noah huffed. “Without their information, the attack would’ve come, and we wouldn’t have known where to go. This way, at least we have a chance. Fortunately, this was a small skirmish. We have some time… albeit not much.”

  “What do their intelligence people think?”

  “A week,” Noah replied, “before we’re in serious trouble. I’m hoping for three days. That’ll be enough for Northam to get the Confed forces mustered, bring them out here, and we can make a heavy push into their territory. I don’t have all the details, but Harcourt claimed we have solid intelligence on the placement of their major planets.”

  “Excellent.” Noah arrived at the shuttle. “I’m here. Where’s this ship going?”

  “Erris’s vessel. Get cleaned up, relax for a few hours. When I arrive, we’ll get to the briefing together. Before that though, be sure to put Zem through to me. I want to give him the go-ahead to initiate his plan. I’m guessing I know who he wants on his little team. I’m fine with it. The next mission we’re going on may not require ground forces anyway.”

  “Great, I look forward to being useless.”

  “May is not the same as won’t. I’m not ready to throw out possibilities. Anyway…” Noah cleared his throat. “It’s good to hear your voice, Olly. I’m glad you’re okay.”

  “You too, sir.”

  “See you soon.”

  The comm went silent. Oliver looked around for Zem. The man wasn’t anywhere to be seen. He sent him a message letting him know what Captain Markel said. The acknowledgment came back a moment later.