Mindspace - Complete Series

by A. K. DuBoff

  “Why not the truth?” Kira asked.

  “Maybe. But we don’t want mass hysteria with people accusing each other of being subverted just because someone is acting a little off or having a bad day. We’ll need to be clear about the extent of the telepathic control.”

  Kira frowned. “But we don’t know that yet.”

  “My concerns exactly.” Sandren sighed. “Like I said, we’ll think of something.”

  They waited in relative silence for another five minutes until a shudder ran through the ship.

  Sandren’s heart leaped as he saw the interior of a cargo bay envelop the Lisbeth II, complete with the Guard emblem printed on the wall.

  “Thank the stars!” Kira relaxed.

  “All in a day’s work,” Sandren said with a grin. He was drawn back to the deck as the artificial gravity of the larger ship took over.

  Kira didn’t seem to share his enthusiasm. “There’s still the concern about the aliens—or whatever they are—coming for him.” She glanced at Kaen.

  “Orion Station is one of the most defensible locations we have at our disposal. Until we understand the situation, I think it’s the best place we can be,” Sandren replied.

  She nodded.

  Sandren took a deep breath as he regained his footing. “All right, Captain. Let’s go have a chat with this Nox.”

  CHAPTER 12

  “Any word back from the Guard?” President Joris asked Ellen as soon as she stepped into his office.

  “No.” Ellen closed the door. She wished she had information to bring him, but after her brief conversation with Leon, she’d been unable to raise any of her contacts.

  “Shite.” Joris sank into his chair. “If Colonel Kaen is subverted, do you think there are others?”

  “Maybe. Who’s to know?” Ellen walked over to sit across from the president in one of the visitor chairs.

  “It’s times like this when I wished Elusia had a bigger military presence.”

  “We’re in the Empire now. They have that muscle to bear on our behalf.”

  “And what good does that do when they won’t return our calls?” Joris grumbled.

  “I know, sir,” Ellen said in a calm, even tone that belied her private concerns. “We could reach out to the High Dynasty council instead.”

  “No time to jump through those administrative hoops—Mysar could attack us at any moment. If the Guard isn’t responding to this matter, who’s to say anyone else in the Empire would come to our aid in time?”

  Ellen wished she had an answer. “We have an agreement with them. We need to trust in our new alliance.”

  The president eyed her. “Do you really believe that?”

  She was about to give a vague deflection but stopped herself. “The recent changes in Taran government were made to give individual worlds more autonomy. We can’t go running to the authorities on Tararia with every problem.”

  “Especially if the Guard has subverted members of its own leadership.”

  “Yes, sir. My concerns, as well.”

  “So, we need to take matters into our own hands,” Joris mused, steepling his fingers.

  “We don’t have military might, but there is one thing more valuable.”

  “Information,” Joris completed for her.

  “Precisely.”

  “But to gather information of sufficient value, one would need access to places no Elusian in their right mind would dare enter, given the current political environment.”

  Ellen tilted her head. “Not all of us are Elusian.”

  Joris dropped his hands to the desktop. “I wasn’t suggesting—”

  “No, sir, I know you weren’t. But I am.”

  He focused on her. “What are you thinking?”

  Ellen leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. “Well, I was initially sent to Elusia through an organization secretly working on behalf of the Mysaran government. The position afforded me a number of government contacts. One, in particular, remained a… I wouldn’t call him quite a friend, but more than a casual work acquaintance.”

  Joris raised an eyebrow. “A romantic entanglement?”

  “No, nothing like that. He was something of a mentor to me.” She paused. “We’ve spoken since I took this new job with you. He expressed an interest in working together again, should the circumstances align.”

  “That would be impossible so long as Mysar remains outside the Empire.”

  Ellen nodded. “But perhaps that offers a reason for a visit. The topic of Elusian and Mysaran relations remains a critical subject regardless of the outside political pressures.”

  “They still want the Elvar Trinary to remain independent. I doubt they’d be receptive to discussion of unification.”

  “No,” Ellen agreed, “but I can tell them what they do want to hear.”

  “Paint yourself as a traitor to me?”

  “It would fit with my original mission objective. For all they know, this promotion within the Elusian government was all a ruse to get close while I remained loyal to my origins.”

  Joris paled. “That’s just the scheming talking, right?”

  She gave him a reassuring smile. “Sir, when I pledged myself to you, I meant every word. Elusia is my future. I promise.”

  He didn’t look entirely convinced, but he nodded.

  “The cover story would make for an ideal entry back into the Mysaran ranks. It would grant me access.”

  “That it would,” Joris mused. He looked her over. “This would be dangerous for you.”

  “It will, sir, but I owe it to you and Elusia to take the risk.”

  “I can’t ask you to do this.”

  “I’m volunteering.”

  He considered her offer. “What would be your strategy?”

  “Get in, gather some information, and provide assistance for the Guard to get inside.”

  “Would they truly infiltrate a foreign nation’s capital building?”

  Ellen shrugged. “It’s an easier sell than infiltrating, say, this building on Elusia. Outsiders are enemies, allies must be treated as friends. You wouldn’t walk into a friend’s house uninvited.”

  “But with an enemy, you do whatever is necessary to protect your own interests.” Joris nodded, tapping his fingertips together. “So you go in, pave the way, and then…?”

  “I get the Guard access to Chancellor Hale.”

  Joris frowned. “I know that’s the end game, but if the plan fails…”

  “We’ll have the Guard fully engaged by that point. They’d be obligated to come to our aid.”

  “I hate making plans contingent on so many hypotheticals.”

  “Isn’t that the root of politics, anticipating potential moves and countering future actions three steps ahead?”

  Joris smiled. “Three steps would be child’s play.”

  “You’re in agreement, then,” Ellen replied with a slight smile of her own.

  “You’re confident in your contact? What would you tell him?”

  “That I have a close working relationship with you, which provides access. There are either possibilities to improve diplomatic relations through the official channels, or I can work through backchannels to get the Mysarans what they really want.”

  “The independence of the entire Elvar Trinary.”

  “Precisely. And my bet is that they’ll use any means necessary to accomplish that goal.”

  “Agreed.” Joris sighed. “But what if the Guard refuses to move in after you’ve laid the groundwork?”

  “That’s the beauty of the plan,” Ellen replied with a smile. “If the Mysarans try anything underhanded with me, that would mean that I, an Elusian citizen—a citizen of the Taran Empire—am in danger. The Guard will be obligated to intervene.”

  “Forcing their hand to act won’t win us any favor.”

  “Easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.”

  Joris chuckled. “That adage is always irksome on the receiving end.”


  “At least by the time we have to beg, we’ll have something to show for it,” Ellen pointed out.

  “If all goes well, yes.”

  Ellen looked the president square in his eyes. “Let me do this, sir. I think it’s our best chance to spur action before the Mysarans can mount an offensive against us.”

  “Make the arrangements,” he consented. “But I expect you back here unharmed. I’ve grown rather fond of your speechwriting.”

  “Yes, sir. I have many more yet to write.” She rose from her chair.

  “Good luck.” Joris paused. “And if this is meant to be disguised as an official diplomatic engagement, you should take Nico,” he suggested.

  “I can’t in good conscience bring someone else into that level of danger.”

  “Not into the facility,” Joris clarified, “just a ship docked at the main station. Someone through whom to relay information. He can be trusted.”

  She nodded. “Good idea, sir. I’ll speak with him.”

  “Be careful. I’ll see you soon.”

  Ellen departed with a deferential nod. She stopped by Nico’s post at the reception desk on her way out. He was surprised by the request, but in the style of any good assistant, he asked only enough questions to ensure he had the correct information to complete the travel arrangements. After receiving assurance that her transportation would be arranged, Ellen return to her office to have the more difficult conversations.

  Her first call was to Leon, her best chance of getting through to anyone with the Guard. She set up an encrypted channel and entered the direct line he gave her, but she got no answer. She tried again.

  Finally, the video feed activated. “Ellen, what is it?” he demanded by way of greeting.

  “Hello to you, too.”

  “This isn’t a great time.” Leon’s violet eyes had a hint of red.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “There’s a… situation here,” her brother replied.

  “What—”

  “I can’t talk about it, Ellen. Tell me why you called so I can get back to my work.”

  For a moment, she had second thoughts about telling him her plan. She hated to see her younger brother so distressed, and what she was about to say would only make matters worse. But, for the sake of Elusia—and Valta, by extension—she knew what she had to do.

  “Leon, I’m going to Mysar,” she stated.

  He processed the words for a full ten seconds. “You’re… What for?”

  “If the Guard won’t take action, then we have to.”

  Leon groaned. “The Guard will take care of Hale, Ellen. We’re dealing with a more urgent issue right now, but it’s next on the list, I promise.”

  “Good, then I’ll be in place when they’re ready to move in.”

  “Ellen, don’t be stupid.”

  “I’m not. You think the Guard—however good they are—can just walk into a secure government facility and take the chancellor without bringing all manner of grief down on themselves?”

  He stared back at her. “Yes, that is exactly what they do all the time. It is literally their specialty.”

  “I don’t believe it.”

  “That’s not my problem. Stay on Elusia. We’ll take care of this.”

  “Well, I’ve talked with President Joris. This is how we want to proceed.”

  “Ellen, don’t,” Leon cautioned. “The subverted members of the government may have telepathic abilities. They’ll know you’re lying to them.”

  “Good thing Kira taught us about mental guards when we were kids then, huh?”

  “Maybe those can stand up to a casual gleaning, but if someone really wants information—”

  “If it comes to that, then it’s already too late.”

  “Precisely why you shouldn’t do this!”

  She shook her head. “It’s easy for you to be dismissive from your place, removed from the day-to-day life of people over here. Mysar could attack us and we’d be defenseless!”

  Leon massaged the bridge of his nose. “Ellen, you’re being reactionary and rash. There’s more going on here than you know. Let us deal with this the right way.”

  “I’m going to Mysar,” she insisted. “I’ll be in touch once I’m in position.”

  “No, don’t—”

  “Pass on my message to whoever it is that makes decisions. We’ll fix the system together.” She ended the call before he could protest further.

  The call could have gone better, but at least she got the message out. She had every confidence Leon would tell the right people to light a fire within the Guard. Hopefully, her next communication would be more productive. With her heart pounding in her ears, she dialed her contact on Mysar.

  “Hi, Dominic,” she greeted. “Would you still like to work together?”

  CHAPTER 13

  Kira had never been so relieved to return to Orion Station. While she’d been on her share of dangerous missions over the years, an impromptu spacewalk was at the bottom of her list of ways for how to have a good time.

  Soldiers on the rescue ship, the Vortex, had detained the colonel on Major Sandren’s orders. They’d raised eyebrows when they saw the prisoner in question, but they said nothing and did as they were told just like they were trained to do.

  Now back inside the base and heading toward an interview room, Kira could begin reflecting on the day’s experiences. Her own transformation. Kaen’s alien parasite. Violation of her home. She wished she could take the afternoon to unwind, but duty demanded she remain focused.

  Guards escorted the colonel two paces ahead of her, with Major Sandren walking to her left.

  The major also seemed shaken by the day’s events, though he gave little external indication. Kira had worked with him enough, though, to notice a slight flush to his cheeks and elevated pulse.

  Oh, shite. I shouldn’t be able to hear his pulse, she realized.

  Her own heart pounded in her ears. She still felt so much like herself that it was easy to forget the changes she was undergoing, yet it was too much for her to ignore.

  “Sir,” she said tentatively, “I don’t know if I should stay out here. Maybe I should go back into quarantine. Knowing that Kaen was part of my change—that this was planned—it makes me even more dangerous.”

  “I understand your concerns, and I share them,” Sandren replied. “But you’re the only person who’s been able to communicate with whatever it is inside Colonel Kaen.”

  “Isn’t that all the more reason to be suspicious of me? Maybe me being able to communicate with it is a form of influence itself.”

  “You overpowered it on the ship,” Sandren pointed out.

  “Unless that’s what it wanted.”

  Sandren frowned. “Maybe we can’t trust what’s happening to you, but we won’t get anywhere without more information.”

  “What if it lies and I can’t tell the difference?”

  “You did fine work today, Captain,” Sandren replied after a slight pause. “Trust your gifts and your instincts.”

  Kira’s stomach twisted. “I’m a liability.”

  “You’re also our best shot at getting through this, risks or not.”

  She nodded. “Yes, sir.”

  As much as she wanted to protest further, Kira knew he was right. They needed a telepath to get through to the real Kaen within, and she was the only person on base with the skills and clearance to get the job done.

  They reached the room that had been set aside for the interview. Filled with a combination of typical interrogation utilities and the necessary setup for a medical evaluation, the room reminded Kira of the places she’d encountered while undercover in the MTech lab on Valta—circumstances she’d rather forget.

  Sandren leaned toward her when they entered the room. “Are you okay?” he asked.

  She took a deep breath to clear her mind. “Yes, sir.”

  He gave her one more appraising look. “All right.”

  The guards stood Kaen with his
back against a pole at the center of the room, cuffing his hands behind.

  Doctor Elric stepped forward from a monitoring station along the back wall. “Colonel, we’re going to run some scans,” he stated.

  Kaen—or, rather, Nox inside him—sneered at the doctor. “Your tests won’t tell you anything. You’ll never understand what I am.”

  “Our science is more advanced than you seem to think,” Elric stated, unruffled. He began attaching sensors to the colonel’s head and neck.

  “We need to find out how he got… possessed, or whatever it is,” Sandren said.

  “We will, but first I need to see if we can detect whatever is inside him. If there are others, we need a way to identify those cases,” Elric replied.

  “What will these sensors reveal?”

  “Hopefully, some indication of a physical manifestation of the presence.” Elric finished adhering the sensors, and then he grabbed a long wand with a sensor array along one edge. He ran the wand from the colonel’s head to toes across his front and then repeated the motion along his back.

  Kira crossed her arms as she watched from near the entry door. Kaen’s smug expression was so unlike his normal self, especially under the circumstances. She couldn’t imagine what it must be like for him to be trapped inside his own body while something masqueraded as him.

  Elric returned to the monitoring station and activated the sensors. A representation of a colonel’s body appeared on the monitor behind him. “Hmm.”

  Sandren examined the monitor from next to Elric. “Do you see anything?”

  “His heartrate and neural activity are elevated, but there isn’t any obvious foreign growth in him,” the doctor replied.

  “I can’t believe I was actually hoping there’d be a worm attached to his spinal column,” Sandren muttered.

  “That would have suggested a more obvious course for treatment,” Elric agreed. “As it stands, though, we’ll need to run bloodwork to look for microscopic elements.”

  The major frowned. “How long will that take?”

  “At least half an hour to get preliminary results, but I have no idea how deeply we may need to dive. This is clearly something our standard tests don’t look for.”