“This is Jules.” Mary looked so proud of our little girl.
“Jules? As in Verne?” Denise asked.
I glanced at Mary to see her reaction. We talked about how many times she’d hear that, but honestly, it was a strong name, and she would be proud to carry her grandmother’s name. She’d been a pilot and the main reason Mary joined the Air Force.
I took charge. “Jules Verne did write some of the best exploration stories of the nineteenth century. Plus, Mary’s amazing grandmother had that name, and it only makes sense to honor those we’ve lost and love.”
“I think it’s the sweetest name for the sweetest girl,” Denise said, her index finger wrapped by Jules’ little fingers. She was pulling Denise’s hand toward her slobbering mouth.
“Denise, is it good to have Slate back?” I asked, and I saw the woman’s smile break across her face.
“You have no idea. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. Thanks for taking care of him,” Denise said, her hand reaching and squeezing mine.
I laughed. “If you think I take care of him, you’re kidding yourself. He’s saved me more times than I can count.”
Slate puffed up a little bit, unconsciously. He wasn’t that proud, though. “Don’t tell her about dragging my body away from the monsters.”
“Monsters?” Denise gave Slate a look that demanded answers once they were alone.
“Anyway, it’s good to be home. Can we get out of here and get home?” Slate asked.
Everyone agreed, and we piled in to the landers, heading back to Terran One.
____________
Leonard was in the kitchen making coffee when Maggie arrived with Natalia. I felt so bad for leaving the dog again, but she ran over to me, and instead of acting hurt at how long I’d been gone, broke my heart and whimpered sweetly. I couldn’t help but scoop her up close to my chest and get a series of dog licks as a prize.
“Maggie, I’m so glad to see you,” I said, setting her down. She rubbed her face into my leg before lying down with her chin on my sock.
“What’s been going on around here, Leonard?” I asked the young man who’d stayed at our house, watching over it while we’d been away. He’d been so happy to see us home safe and sound, and he took an immediate liking to Jules.
“I put the comics on hold,” Leonard said, and Natalia came inside, sitting around the table with us. We poured coffees, but the simple gesture felt so out of place.
“How come?” Mary asked.
“I’ve been working with the government. I had a little notoriety, since the comics gained so much popularity. It doesn’t hurt that I’ve been on missions with Dean. My efforts in the Bhlat conflict haven’t gone unnoticed, and I’m on the Terran One council now.” Leonard took a sip of his coffee, as if this wasn’t a big deal.
“Leonard, that’s great, buddy,” I said. “I heard rumblings of other Terran sites being erected.”
“There are twelve Terran sites, and most of the originals have expanded quickly. We basically have Terran 1.1 all the way to 1.9 now. With three billion people, we didn’t have room, and the temporary structures built after we moved from Earth were becoming slums. With a little hard work, and efforts from each Terran site, we’ve created homes for everyone.
“Sure, some families still share a house or apartment, but hardly anyone is on the street or living outdoors anymore,” Leonard said, and I loved how he used the word we in his discussion of it. He really was a part of it now, and we needed more minds like his involved.
“I can’t believe there are twelve Terrans. Mary, we should do a tour in a while, see what’s going on out there,” I said.
“We will, Dean, but we’ve only been home for a day. Can we relax and enjoy it first?” Mary smiled at me and picked up Maggie, who settled in for a sleep on her warm lap.
“Can you tell me about the sites?” I was curious about them individually.
“Terran One is our capital, as you know. We house the main military force here, and the government house, Dalhousie Tower, is here. While most of the manufacturing is still done in Terran Three, that’s starting to spread to other cities, since logistics aren’t great here. We have automobile manufacturing in three cities,” Leonard said.
“The Keppe have a hover train we’re trading for,” I said, and Leonard looked excited by the prospect.
“Do we have anyone in negotiations with them?” he asked.
“Not yet, not that I know of,” I said. “Magnus was leading the charge at the time. I’m sure we can get you involved. Are we still against a single leader for the colony?” I knew some people wanted it, while others hated the idea of our whole world under a single ruler. I was on the fence.
“We’re using the term ‘mayor’ for each site, though our populations are larger than most countries. It works, though. Twelve mayors now, each with a group of ten to twenty councilors, depending on population. We’re getting things done and moved,” he said.
Natalia was staying silent, and I wasn’t sure where she stood on the way things were progressing. I’d ask her later. “And we’re full-blown capitalists again, aren’t we?” I asked him.
“It’s split down the line. A lot of people still need social assistance. Do you know how hard it’s been for a village from Namibia to acclimate while being thrust into a city of Irish, Israeli, and Canadians? It was pandemonium for the first year, but things are getting better,” Leonard said.
“And have these cultures tried to forge their own way? Start a village or a town for themselves?” I asked.
“A few have, but the government basically says they have no control over you, and you’ll get no assistance from them. They really want to keep everyone safe and integrated among each other. By merging and mixing all our cultures, they’re trying to prevent the old conflicts from Earth, but I’m not sure it was the best solution.”
“And how’s that going?” Mary asked. “I’m sure thousand-year-old grudges don’t end overnight, even after the Event.”
Leonard nodded along. “You’re right. They’ve had to deal with a few skirmishes, but nothing like they’d expected at first. And yes, we’re using a national credit system for money.”
“A lot of jobs to be had out there during a rebuild,” I suggested.
“There are. Far more than we have able bodies, it seems at times. If you know anyone looking for work,” Leonard joked.
Part of me longed for that life again. Maybe they needed an accountant, but there was no way it was going to happen. I could feel it.
Natalia finally broke her silence. “I don’t think Dean Parker will be seen driving a forklift at the docks any time soon.”
Leonard set his cup down on the wooden table. “Dean, the mayor asked to speak with you when you were able.”
“Do you know what it’s about?” I asked.
“He didn’t tell me. He looked serious, though. As soon as he heard you two were okay and coming home, he called me in right away,” Leonard answered.
“I’ll see him this week. I don’t believe we’ve met before,” I said, looking to Natalia. “Nat, what’s with the Bhlat? Have you heard anything else from them?”
“Da. The Empress did make contact again. I had the other end of the communicator they used to speak with you. Magnus didn’t want to bring it, in case something happened to him. He thought they might take a lack of response as a sign of war. She’s adamant she talks with you.”
One day. I’d had one sleep in my own bed, and already I was supposed to meet with the mayor of New Spero’s capital and try to communicate with the Empress of the most powerful and dangerous race out there. Good thing she was on our side. For now.
As much as I was trying to complain about it to myself, I actually found I was thriving on it. This whole time, I’d wanted to get home to relax and recharge, and give Mary time to heal after the traumatic ordeal. But I needed more, and I knew she did too.
“We’re leaving in a month,” Nat said, and I broke her gaz
e and looked into my cup.
“I’m sorry. We didn’t mean to have your family turned into bargaining chips,” Mary told her friend.
“I think it might be good for us. Magnus is always under so much stress here. Out there, maybe he can lead the vessel like he’s always wanted to. Less red tape to wade through each time he tries to implement a military process. I think he’s secretly looking forward to it,” Natalia said.
“And the kids?” Mary asked.
“The kids are young. Patty’s a baby, and Dean will be fine. He’s not even in school yet,” Natalia said.
“How about you?” I asked her.
“I love adventure. This is another one I get to go on. While all of you have been chasing the stars, I’ve been stuck at home, for the most part. Don’t get me wrong, I love that we had a family, but I need more.” Nat’s thoughts mirrored my own.
I sat up straight, realizing that I’d forgotten someone important in the whirlwind of getting home. It had only been a day ago that I’d had my talk with Lord Crul about standing beside him in a war with the renegade Kraski.
“What is it, Dean?” Mary asked, sensing my mood change.
“Karo! Where is he?” I asked.
“Don’t worry about Karo. He’s still with us.” Nat waved a dismissive hand in the air. “He’s been a godsend. He cooks for me every night.”
I let out a laugh, imagining the tall ash-colored being with long white hair fussing over boiling pots in Natalia’s kitchen.
“He did like pizza,” I said with a smile.
“He makes it twice a week.” Nat threw a hand over her mouth, and we all laughed about this.
“Can I see him?” I asked.
“He’s all yours when we leave. You can see him anytime,” Natalia said.
I hadn’t thought about that. Karo would need a place to stay. I glanced at Mary, who knew what I was thinking. “Of course he can stay with us. I like pizza too.”
EIGHTEEN
“Dean Parker. I was beginning to think you were ignoring me.” The Empress spoke in clear English. I pictured her swirling red eyes boring into mine, her thick black braids hanging down her back.
“I wouldn’t do that, Empress. I was… incapacitated,” I said.
“I heard all about it. Bravo. Saved the universe from the Unwinding, and protected your wife and child at the same time. What a sacrifice you made. You didn’t expect to return from that, did you?” she asked, and I wondered how she’d gotten this detailed intel. She always seemed to be a step ahead of the competition.
“I didn’t, Empress. I thought I was a goner.” I wasn’t sure what else to say.
“Thank you for the ice world’s location. We have already begun our trek there. Your contract is completed for now.” I didn’t like the way she paused before the last two words.
“What can I do for you?” I asked.
“Are you alone?” she asked.
I was on my back porch steps. Maggie sat beside me, tired from her morning walk. It was cooling off outside, the sun’s red light casting a strange ominous glow over my yard today. “I’m alone.”
“Good. I’ve heard some rumors,” she started and stopped.
“What kind of rumors?” I asked.
“Lom of Pleva is angry.”
“What’s new?” I asked, trying to make it not sound like a big deal. The truth was, I didn’t want anything to do with the guy. He was bad news. As much as I didn’t think the monotony of colony life was suited to me, I’d rather do that than fight anymore.
“What do you know of him?” the Empress asked. I listed the very few facts I had on him, then delved into the hearsay, which was a much longer list. She listened, saying nothing.
“Your turn,” I said when I was done.
“The Kraski are a nuisance. I honestly thought we’d had all of them when we took their world over. We knew some escaped, and those were the ones you met back in what you call the Event, but we didn’t care. Now we learn there’s a planet of them. Multiplying and vengeful,” the Empress said.
“Vengeful against whom?” I asked.
“You and I, Dean Parker.”
“You mean the Bhlat and humans?”
“No. I mean you and I, personally.”
“Why?” Not that I didn’t know the answer already.
“My Admiral Blel attacked their home, killing billions of them. They wouldn’t surrender, and we took what they wouldn’t give. You killed the rest of them. Later, we learned they had a plan in place to take Earth with the use of the hybrids, bought from Lom of Pleva.”
“Did he use these hybrids often?” I asked.
“No. It was a new technology, tested for years before he perfected it with the human DNA. At least, that’s another rumor. We have spies, but not all information is accurate. I fear Lom of Pleva has become sympathetic to the Kraski cause,” she said.
“Why? Why now?”
“Because of you. You stopped his hybrids. You gave them a home.” As the Empress spoke, I realized it was so much more than that. I’d sided with Lom’s nemesis, Garo Alnod. I’d stopped the Unwinding, which could have been profitable for a man like Lom, and I’d taken the Shifter device Lom of Pleva wanted more than anything, and used it. He had every right to be very upset with me, and he likely was. But what did that mean for me? I was beginning to worry for my family and for New Spero. With the wealth he possessed, he could bring a fleet unlike anything we’d ever encountered.
“What do we do?” I asked her, hoping she had some guidance. I wasn’t sure if I could trust the Bhlat, but since that day on board Admiral Blel’s vessel, I’d had no reason not to trust the Empress. She’d been nothing but true to her word.
“We’ll protect you if you need it. Bring your friends to Earth,” the Empress said.
“Earth?” I was shocked. “Why Earth?”
“That’s where I am.”
“What are you doing there? I thought you were using it for resources.” I stroked Maggie’s head, scratching her behind the ear.
“We changed our mind. Earth will be another outpost world for us. We have nothing close to this system, and it will act nicely as a colony planet.”
I seethed at her words. After all that, the Bhlat decided to kick us off and take the planet for themselves. I took a deep breath and tried to push out the anger. Truth was, I’d handed it over. What business of mine was it what they did with it? “You want me to come there? It would take a couple of months.”
Mary and I had seen to that. We’d blasted the corridor under Giza so no one could access the portal room. Now I was regretting it.
“Come. We’ll discuss what to do with Lom of Pleva. Bring your friend with you,” she said softly.
“What friend…” I started to ask, but it all came clear. They’d heard about Karo. How? Did they know that he was a Theos?
“Come, Dean. Come back home.” She was trying to lure me back using emotions, and it was working. What I wouldn’t give to be back on Earth again, to walk the streets of my neighborhood one last time. Only, it wouldn’t be the same any more. They’d all seen to that.
“I can’t,” I said, my shoulders slumped as the words spilled from my mouth. “We’ve had enough. We’re safe here.”
“For how long?” the Empress asked.
“I don’t know. Thank you for your concern.” I left out the fact that I knew it was for selfish reasons. These leaders knew I was special. Lord Crul had even named me a Recaster, and that didn’t sit well with me. The Empress probably knew there was something different about me too. Where I went, strange things happened, and she saw value in my being at her side.
“Consider it. I’ll still be here for a few of your months. We’re rebuilding.”
“Where are you?” I wondered what area they’d settle.
“Your people call it Egypt.”
Why would they go to Egypt, of all places? The answer came to me quickly: the pyramids. The portals were there beneath, and that whole area had an immense ene
rgy to it.
Something about what she said struck me that moment. “My people? Have you talked to humans there?” I asked, knowing we hadn’t been able to transport everyone that fateful day.
“Of course we have. They’re everywhere,” she said.
Everywhere. Humans were everywhere. The air was breathable. The ones we left behind hadn’t died after all. Relief flooded my mind and body. I picked up Maggie and held her close. She licked me and wiggled around excitedly when I set her back down.
Maybe I should go to Earth, then. Give them the option of coming to New Spero. “I’ll discuss a visit with Mary and the others. I’ll be in touch.”
The Empress’ voice was soft now. “You know how to reach me.”
“Thanks for the concern for my friends and family,” I said.
“We’re allies, Dean.” The call ended, and I sat there in the afternoon sun for a few more minutes before venturing inside. Mary was at Natalia’s, helping them prepare for their trip back to Keppe. Karo would be coming back with her, and I’d finished setting up his room. It felt odd to be making a bed for the last of the Theos. He was ancient, yet we were treating him like a normal house guest.
When I saw him for the first time since Haven, he’d embraced me like family, stating how much he’d missed my company. Leonard had moved out to an apartment in the city, near Dalhousie Tower, so he could be close to work.
“Well, Maggie. It’s time I visit the mayor and get this over with.”
____________
I walked downtown Terran One and gawked at the advancements like a tourist from the country. High-rises stretched upwards toward the heavens. So many projects were on the go, with construction noises constantly bombarding the streets.
I was a stranger in my own world, my home city that had changed so much lately, and even more so in the past few months. Things were progressing quickly. With the added knowledge shared through our Gatekeeper network, we now possessed technology unlike anything we’d ever seen before. Drones and robots created structures at all hours of the day, never stopping for bathroom breaks or to talk about the weather over coffee.
The Survivors: Books 1-6 Page 119
