Tempest Rising

by Eric Warren

  “Leave things like that up to the diplomats,” she said. “Let’s see if we can work out an agreement. Maybe they can help us meet this thing head-on.”

  “Do you think a hundred years ago, when the first war broke out, that either side ever thought there would be peace?” Cas asked, remembering what he’d learned in school about the Coalition’s disastrous attempts to come to an agreement.

  “I doubt it. But it’s because none of them had sacrificed for the Sil. They went in wanting something for nothing. But you put yourself on the line for them. It’s hard to ignore.” She peered out the window. “Is this it?”

  He nodded. It was the same small door on the side of the ship where they’d pulled him in the first time. Evie guided the shuttle inside, setting it down in the inky blackness. “They like it dark, huh?” she asked.

  He shuddered, thinking about walking through all those corridors with nothing to guide him, when he felt like he’d lost all tether on reality. “Too dark for my tastes.”

  The doors on the side of the shuttle opened, revealing the dark shapes of Zenfor and one other Sil Cas hadn’t seen before. He stood to greet them. “Are you sure you wouldn’t be more comfortable coming on your own ship?” he asked.

  “Considering what happened last time, no,” Zenfor said. “I’m not willing to risk another of our ships to you.”

  The comment stung, but Cas understood. He turned to Evie who had also stood. “This is Commander Diazal, second in command of the Tempest.”

  “Welcome,” Evie said.

  Zenfor ignored her, and her own companion. “Let’s get this over with,” she said.

  Evie paused, then returned to the controls. The ship lifted as the doors closed, returning to space. Cas noticed both Zenfor and her companion hunched slightly as they exited the Sil shuttlebay, as if they were in pain.

  “Are you alright?” he asked.

  “It takes considerable effort to voluntarily disconnect ourselves from the ship,” Zenfor said. “It’s a painful process.”

  “And you’re sure—?”

  “No,” Zenfor said. “Just proceed. It’ll subside soon.” Both she and her companion reached up to the gem suspended in their auras and plucked them away, their auras going dark. Concerned, Cas moved closer but Zenfor held out her hand for him to stay.

  There was a hiss and four clicks as both Sil reached up with their slender fingers and pulled their helmets from their heads. The helmets unlocked in the back with tiny hinges on the sides and completely unclasped from around their faces. They had faces.

  Their skin had a purplish-blue hue and they had two eyes, small noses and even mouths. Zenfor’s face was slimmer, with a chin that ended in a point while the other Sil, also a female, had rounder features. Both their eyes were a sharp gray, with pupils that sparkled. And from the sides of their eyes, running back along their head where they disappeared into their dark purple hairlines, were two identical ridges, almost like scales on top of one another, leading from the front to back. Of all the species he’d encountered, they were remarkably human-like.

  “This is what you really look like?” he asked. Evie turned in her seat and did a double-take at the Sil.

  “When we are in our ship, it regulates all our functions,” Zenfor said, setting her helmet beside her. Her voice had a less ethereal quality about it. “Now because we are no longer connected, we will need to resort to our natural biological processes.”

  Cas’ eyes narrowed. “Do you mean to tell me you evolved in another dimension, and yet you look more like my people than ninety percent of the species out there?”

  “I never said we evolved there. I said we were from there. Note the difference,” Zenfor said, taking her eyes off him and staring straight ahead. He couldn’t articulate what a relief it was they actually had faces. A face he could read. A blank mask he could not.

  “How long do you think this will take? Will we need to call other ships to come assist?” Cas asked.

  Zenfor turned her attention to him again. “Why would you need other ships? We’re returning to your territory with you.”

  38

  “Congratulations, Mr. Robeaux,” Admiral Sanghvi said.

  Cas stared at the admiral’s image on the screen in the conference room. No one else had arrived yet. “Thank you, but I can’t take all the credit,” he said.

  “Captain Greene tells me you took the initiative and went off on your own to try and convince them,” Sanghvi said, a smile plastered on his face. “It’s reminiscent of what you did back on Nullox when your fellow crewmates were in danger of burning up in the atmosphere. And it’s the kind of behavior I would expect from a dedicated officer. Whether you want to admit it or not, you are a valuable member of the Coalition.”

  Cas sighed. “Admiral, half the reason Zenfor even agreed to speak with me was because I’m not a member of the Coalition. And I would appreciate it if you quit trying to shoehorn me into someone I no longer am.”

  The admiral put up his hands, but the smile stayed. “Loud and clear. Though I just want you to know you deserve your commission back. Especially now. The offer still stands.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

  “Before everyone else arrives, give me a status update on the Sil. Greene tells me they won’t talk without you around.”

  “They’re prepared to return with us and Zenfor seems willing to at least help for the time being. What that entails I don’t know. But Greene is right. They won’t interact with the others, at least not without me being close. It’s like I’m—for lack of a better word—a security blanket.”

  “It’s because you are the only one who has proved themselves to them. And until the other members of the crew can find a way to do that, I think you are our best hope for garnering their help. Looks like you’ll be staying on board for a while longer.”

  “I expected as much,” Cas said.

  The doors to the conference room opened to reveal Evie, Greene, and Zenfor. Her Sil companion hadn’t accompanied them. “Everything okay?” Cas asked, standing.

  “Their quarters are all set up,” Greene replied. “We had to make some adjustments.”

  Cas glanced at Evie, then Zenfor, who was still in her suit, just without the helmet. “They are satisfactory,” she said.

  “Consul Zenfor, this is Admiral Sanghvi,” Cas said, indicating the admiral on the screen.

  “Pleasure to meet a Sil. I look forward to meeting you in person,” Sanghvi said, his smile growing even larger.

  “You don’t interest me. Will the one who invaded our space be at your Starbase?” Zenfor asked Cas.

  Cas flicked his eyes to Evie who subtly shook her head no. “Yes, he’s there. Under heavy guard.”

  “As another condition of my help I want to see him. In person,” she said.

  “I’m sure that can be arranged,” Sanghvi replied. “But you have a long journey ahead of you. Let’s start with what we would like to accomplish.”

  “We will work to improve your defensive and offensive weapon capabilities,” Zenfor said. “Using only your own technology. You won’t have any of ours. We won’t let this become a prelude to the destruction of the Sil. When this threat is over, we expect things to go back to the way they were, and for the Coalition to leave us alone.”

  “Consul, do you think there is a possibility—?” Greene began.

  “No. On this there can’t be a compromise. Those are our terms. If you find them unacceptable take us back to our ship.”

  “We appreciate all the help you can provide,” Sanghvi said. “Tempest will be our first line of defense against whatever is out there.”

  Greene’s head snapped up. “Admiral? I wasn’t aware—”

  “This came down the pipeline, Cordell. As soon as you get back to Eight and reset, we’re sending you out there. Tempest is the only ship we have that could possibly reach them before they hit our borders.”

  “But we’re still thirty days away from Eight, which means we�
�re at least another what, three and a half seasons from their projected position?” Greene said. “There must be someone closer.”

  “Let me rephrase that,” Sanghvi said. “Tempest is the only ship that could get out there and back before they arrive. You’re going to be our scout. According to our calculations on how fast they’re moving, you should meet up somewhere around Omicron Terminus.”

  “I hope you are aware weapons development takes time. It will take more than thirty of your own days to design and build anything substantial,” Zenfor said.

  “Would you consider making the trip with them? Continuing the work as you travel?” Sanghvi asked.

  Zenfor’s eyes scanned the room and she leaned back in the chair. “I will accept, but only if I can send information about them back to my own people. We also need to prepare.”

  “Captain?” Sanghvi asked.

  “I’m sure we can accommodate that. You can use our communications network and send back updates as we get closer.”

  “Acceptable,” Zenfor said.

  “Very good. Then I won’t keep you. Get back to Eight as soon as you can and we’ll be ready and waiting for you,” Sanghvi said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Sanghvi out.” The screen went blank.

  Greene turned to Zenfor. “Thank you for agreeing. I realize this might be longer than you were originally expecting.”

  “It doesn’t matter. My people have three times the lifespan of yours. I have the time to spare.”

  Greene stood. “Commander, tell the helm to set a course. Let’s get back as quick as we can.”

  “Aye, sir.” Evie nodded, though Cas noted a hint of worry behind her eyes. For some reason she seemed more anxious. Was it because the Sil would be coming with them?

  Cas turned to Zenfor. “If you don’t mind, I need a good night’s rest before we get started. And there’s something else I need to do first.”

  ***

  “Are you okay?” Cas asked as they made their way down the corridor.

  “I’m not thrilled about going out there to meet those…things, but yeah, other than that, why?” Evie asked.

  “You seem worried.”

  “I’m not.”

  “Is it the Sil? About them coming along with us?”

  “Nope. All good.”

  Cas knew she wasn’t telling him something. What was going on with her? He’d have to investigate later. Right now, he needed to do something he’d been putting off for much too long.

  The doors to sickbay slid open, revealing Xax standing at one of the terminals while a few nurses milled about. Most of the injuries from the dampener failure had already been discharged though Lieutenant Ronde lay on a bed in the corner. Standing over him was Box, performing an examination.

  He turned when Cas and Evie entered the room, his eyes blinking rapidly. “Holy shit, you’re not dead.”

  “Box,” Xax said, warning in her voice.

  “Sorry, I’m supposed to work on my manners,” Box said, coming over to them. He smacked Cas on the shoulder.

  “Ow! What was that for?”

  “For not telling me your plan. Or including me. There is no way you could have left without needing a pilot.”

  “Oh, he needed one alright.” Evie grinned. “Tore the paint right off the bulkheads.”

  “And almost put Crewman Zorres in a coma,” Box added. “Which I had to fix for you.”

  “Is she okay?” Cas asked. “I thought I barely clipped her.”

  “Yeah. With a shuttle. Thanks to me she’s just fine.”

  Cas sighed. “I didn’t want you to get into trouble because of me. And I wasn’t sure how the Sil would respond to an artificial life form. Though I really could have used your navigation skills while I was over there.”

  “What, you call almost getting ripped into a thousand parts not getting into trouble?” Box asked, placing his metal hands on his hips.

  “What?” Cas asked, turning to Evie. “What is this about?”

  “I was going to wait to tell you, but Lieutenant Page tried to kill him. A few different times while you were away. He’s safely in the brig now.”

  Cas clenched his fists. “That motherfucker. And he nearly got me killed when he deleted all that info I took with me.”

  “No,” Evie said. “That was Ensign Tyler. He thought he was stopping a criminal.”

  Cas hung his head. “Of course. Is Page—?”

  “Locked away until we get to Eight. Then Coalition Central will decide what to do with him. It’s nebulous since the Accords don’t specifically include artificial lifeforms. But Greene ordered him off the ship. Lieutenant Uuma took his post.”

  “And the captain offered me a personal apology,” Box said, his eyes blinking twice. His pride was showing. “So as long as I don’t break into the brig and strangle that asshole—”

  “Box!”

  “—that inconsiderate person I’m in good shape.”

  Cas glanced around the room. “So, this is where you are now. And this is what you want to do?”

  “It’s better than ferrying your butt around,” Box said. “And they treat me well here.”

  “Not to mention he’s a fair medic,” Xax said, approaching them. “The fastest study I’ve ever known. Other than myself, of course. He’s even managed to convince our helmsman he’s not so bad.” Xax glanced over at Ronde, sitting up on the table. “How is he?”

  “Mild concussion. No internal bleeding. He’ll be fine in a few hours,” Box replied.

  “See?” Xax said. “He’ll make a great doctor one day.” She returned to her station.

  Cas couldn’t help but grin. “Not bad. Beats sitting in the room all day watching net dramas, huh?” Box shrugged. “You could have told me. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

  “It wasn’t that,” he replied. “I wanted to be sure this was what I wanted before I made it official. I guess now that the mission is over you’ll have to find a new pilot. Maybe Commander Diazal would prefer to go off with you into deep space.” One of his yellow eyes blinked in a wink.

  Cas narrowed his eyes. “What is he talking about?” Evie asked.

  “Nothing. He’s being annoying.” He returned his attention to Box. “No, it looks like we’re both sticking around. They need me to stay to assist the Sil.”

  Box leaned forward. “And you’re okay with that?”

  Cas let a smile slip across his face. “Yeah. I am.”

  Thank you for reading TEMPEST RISING! If you enjoyed the book, please consider leaving a review on AMAZON. And look for future installments in the series! The easiest way to keep up is to sign up on my website, and you get access to all the INFINITY’S END short stories, absolutely free!

  The adventure continues in DARKEST REACH. Turn the page for a sneak preview!

  DARKEST REACH: INFINITY’S END BOOK 3 PREVIEW

  It was like staring into his past.

  Caspian Robeaux stood, facing the only occupied cell in the brig of the USCS Tempest, watching the tall man inside pace back and forth. His dark hair was unkempt, and his hard visage reflected a hatred Cas had come to expect over the past few weeks. Though he hadn’t been down here to visit Lieutenant Page since his arrest. Now that they were only a few hours from reaching Starbase Eight again, he’d figured he better take the opportunity while he still had it.

  Once he’d entered the room Page had stood, and with a palpable sneer on his unshaven face, had locked his eyes on Cas and hadn’t removed them. Page didn’t say anything, only watched Cas from the other side of the force barrier keeping them apart. He was still in his uniform, though it looked wrinkled and showed sweat stains on the chest and armpits. Cas was glad smells couldn’t penetrate the force barrier.

  He’d managed to avoid this confrontation for almost thirty days—their entire trip from Sil space back to Coalition territory. But as the moment of their arrival grew closer, he found himself drawn to the man who’d tried to betray him and his closest companion: B
ox, an Autonomous Mining Robot who had been with Cas ever since his exile from the Sovereign Coalition of Aligned Systems. Cas had been off the ship when Page had enlisted the help of some of the other crew that hadn’t been happy about Cas’s arrival and used them to get rid of him and Box, in the most inhumane way possible. It was a crime Cas wouldn’t be able to forgive.

  “I suppose you’ve come here to gloat,” Page finally said. His voice sounded raspy, as if he’d been shouting a lot.

  “I just wanted to—” What? What had he wanted?

  “You’re the one who should be in here, not me.” Page stopped pacing but kept his stare on Cas.

  “I’m not the one who tried to illegally disassemble a life form because of his own prejudices.”

  Page scoffed. “That thing’s not alive, I don’t care what anyone says. It’s a collection of parts built to imitate life. Disabling it would have done nothing but saved some energy.”

  Cas had known Box for over five years and to him the robot was as alive as any organic being. He had independence of thought, full autonomy and a sense of humor. “How many times do I have to tell you we’re not a threat? I didn’t want to be here anymore than you wanted me here, but like you I had a job to do. If you want to hate me for trying to help then go right ahead. It doesn’t matter to me what you think.”

  “I don’t hate you,” Page said with the same intensity. “You are a threat and you don’t even know it. A threat to this ship and you don’t deserve to be here. Anyone who violates their commanding officer’s orders and then runs away has no place on a Coalition ship. Especially not when it’s mine.”

  “It’s not yours anymore,” Cas replied, unable to keep the man from goading him.

  “We’ll see about that. Out of the two of us, I’m the one who still has his rank and his commission. Just check my record. It’s virtually spotless. What do you think will happen when I go in front of the review board? That they’ll just dismiss me?”