“I vow to do everything I can to make the rest of us understand,” Amoz said. “And I would like to share some information with you.”
Frank looked over his shoulder and said, “Drop half the load.” As the boxes landed, he turned back to Amoz and said, “In case you were concerned about us skipping out, here's half.” His expression grew serious.
“I can assure you that wasn't our concern. We are lucky to be alive.” Amoz paused and took a deep breath. “We sold some of our technology to the Li.”
“Oh, yeah?” Frank asked. “Which technology?”
“Electrocurrent manipulation.”
“Huh?” Frank asked. He looked back toward Jard.
“They can pinpoint the frequencies of different species and knock them out,” Jard said.
Frank nodded and turned back toward Amoz Nudek. “Those silly little devices. You gave one to Fev too.”
“Yes,” Amoz replied. “But it seems you aren't even really human. But to elaborate, the Li set up their domes on Mertia as part of an agreement with Korick, and all power is shut down with our devices. They don't know how to disrupt beings.”
“Why don't you just shut down your devices?” Frank asked.
“The Li found a way to shield their equipment from our device. We would have to be there to shut them down but the defenses are too strong. The only thing we can do is send a pulse to deactivate the grid for a short time. But their defenses are unyielding.”
“How do you send a pulse?” Frank asked. He noticed a remote uncloaking next to him. “My dear,” he said in a low tone.
“I had a feeling you would ask,” Amoz replied. “I put the codes on this data card. You must direct a signal from a vertical alignment into the main device. The grid will drop for a short time.”
“How much time?”
Amoz looked uneasy. “Long enough to land and gather.”
Frank took note of the silence of the orb. “Amoz, I feel like you're leaving something out.”
“There are two Gote warships stationed there.”
“There may very well be three now,” Jard interjected.
Frank accepted the data card. “Connie, drop the rest please.” The other boxes landed. “Amoz, hold off on trying to buy that planet until after we speak to King Ondex.”
“Amoz Nudek is dead after today,” he said with a flourish.
“So, what's your real name?” Frank asked.
“Jack.”
20.
“I wish I knew what everyone was saying,” Nera said.
Gladys was sitting quietly. “You're not missing much.”
A remote lifted from a nearby tray. “You're going to have to talk to him about Mertia.” Constanthos spoke in Sessiki.
“I don't know how I'm going to explain it. That was so long ago. I'm not like that now.”
“Don't forget to check the message service while you're trying to figure it out.”
“Your tone is light, Connie,” Gladys said. “You know how I feel about this.”
“You worry too much, sister. And I think you are underestimating your husband.”
Gladys allowed herself to smile as she punched up the service. “You're not claiming him as a husband?”
“There will be plenty of time to figure that out later.” The remote returned to its resting place.
“I should be mad about that,” Nera said in English.
“I'm sorry, Nera,” Gladys replied. “There are some things about my past that are about to come out. Connie was only giving me a chance to confide in her.” She turned in her chair. “I don't want you to ever feel left out. Would you like me to install a comm chip?”
Nera paused. “I've been thinking about that. This Wold has visited Nuun before, but I doubt he knows my language. My English isn't very good without this.” She gestured to her translator necklace. “I'll have a better chance of killing him if he can't tell me commands.”
Gladys nodded as she thought it over. She turned back to the console and began the process of checking messages.
* * *
Frank took a pull off of a cigar and looked over to the orb. It was still hanging there, completely silent. The Gurdiks made quick work of loading the boxes and were coming back to say their farewells.
“I can't thank you enough,” Jack said.
“Are you taking the money back to your queen?” Frank asked.
“Yes. It should be safe there.”
“Maybe I can arrange a faster trip for you. Connie?”
Her voice came from the sword. “I'd be more than happy to open a rift.”
“Thank you.” Frank looked Jack in the eye. “I don't think I ever want to see you again.”
“I understand,” Jack replied. He looked as remorseful as a Gurdik possibly could.
“We'll somehow get word to you about that planet. But now, I want you out of my sight.”
Jack gave a slight bow, turned, and walked up the ramp of the freighter. The ramp raised behind him and after a few moments, the vessel lifted and flew away.
“I know that took a great deal of self-control,” Jard said in the Sungaran language.
“You have no idea,” Frank replied. “But I get it. He was trying to look out for his people. His methods were pretty fucked up though.”
Jard shrugged and smiled. “Having no people, I just see an asshole.”
“You have people now, buddy.” Frank took another tug from his cigar and looked back at the remote. “Why so quiet, babe?”
“I was just checking my messages,” Gladys said in a flat tone.
Frank thought she was joking. “Oh? Anything interesting?”
“We've been asked to attend a gathering at Rhoshe One. The Prime of Sungara and a representative from Lioven are meeting to discuss the recent events.”
“I totally thought you were joking. When is it?”
“In a few days,” Gladys replied.
“That's not going to work for me,” Frank replied.
“I had a feeling you would say that,” Gladys said. “Frank, I cannot go to Mertia.”
“Why is that?” Frank asked. He glanced over as he noticed Jard had pulled out a data pad and was working away at something.
“I am not welcome there,” Gladys said.
“You've been really cryptic about Mertia since I've heard of the place. What's the deal?”
The orb hovered silently for a few moments before Gladys replied. “The final battle of the Great War took place on Mertia. When it was over, Gelan asked that I never return.”
“Who is Gelan?” Frank asked. “And...who is Gelan?”
“Mertia is the only human world that was already inhabited by an intelligent species. Gelan is an amphibious, hive-minded species that is exclusive to Mertia.”
“Oh.” Frank pulled his cigar to his lips but didn't inhale. “What?”
“Gelan welcomed our assistance, as the Li were intent on their extermination. After the war, they invited the humans to stay.”
Frank blinked twice before asking, “So what's the big deal? Why can't you go back?”
“I did some things that I'm not proud of, my love. Our armies were nearly beaten. Their resolve was shattered. I made an appearance.”
“No shit?” Frank asked.
“I used my Reverence to propel them to victory. I am responsible for the deaths of countless thousands of humans.”
Frank only nodded. “Okay, now I get it. It's that whole 'Winner of Wars' thing. Shit happens. I mean, you saved the galaxy, right?”
Gladys was shocked by his acceptance. “We did.”
“That right there,” Frank said. “You said 'we'. I totally get it, babe. And that was a long time ago. So why doesn't this Gelan want you coming back?”
“The Reverence is uncomfortable for them, and they didn't like the idea of humans being exterminated.”
“Is that all?” Frank asked. “Aren't I human enough to go, I don't know, liberate the planet again?”
“You must u
nderstand they are telepathically linked with one another. For every other species, they are empathic.” Gladys paused. “They can sense you in orbit. And they know if you're lying.”
“I can't not go,” Frank replied.
“I would be more than happy to take him,” Jard interjected. “It's only two jumps away.”
“I cannot ask you to do that, Jard,” Gladys replied.
“Frank is my friend,” Jard replied. “He has shown me more kindness in the short time I have known him than every other being combined. I swear I will do everything to look after him.”
Frank looked at Jard. “It could be dangerous.”
“I would expect nothing less,” Jard answered with a smile.
Frank nodded again. “Babe, you can honor your agreement and I can, you know, do my thing. Everyone wins. Well, except whoever I have to kill.”
“You must ask Gelan's permission before you intervene,” Gladys said.
Frank and Jard looked at each other and shrugged. They both figured they'd work it out.
“Frank,” Gladys started, “I hope you're not upset with me.”
“You've given me no reason, my dear.”
She felt as if a great weight had been lifted from her. “You are the most wonderful being in all the galaxy.”
“I could say the same for you, my dear.” Frank looked over at Jard. “How are you on supplies?”
“I am well stocked. But if I may, I have a few questions before we go.” Jard's smile seemed to fade.
Frank could see the change in his friend. “What is it, buddy?”
Jard took a deep breath and turned toward the orb. “Did you create me?”
* * *
“And there it is,” Berthantine said.
“I'm afraid I do not understand,” Filn replied.
“Jard has laid in a course for Mertia.”
“Why would your construct go to Mertia?” Filn asked.
“He is going because Gladosanthos cannot. He is in league with the Monster.” She pressed a few places on her console. “This will give us the opportunity to kill the Monster and she will be none the wiser.”
“What does it matter if she knows?” Filn asked.
“She is Sessik,” Berthantine replied. “I intend to give her a chance to join with me.”
* * *
“I did not,” Gladys replied. “What ever gave you that idea?”
“I do not remember much,” Jard admitted. “There was a lot of fighting and killing in the beginning. But I kept going. I never had the chance to lay eyes on my creators, but they always communicated through remotes that look exactly like yours.”
“But you don't know Sessiki?” Frank asked.
“I do not,” Jard replied.
“If a Sessik created you, they made a sloppy effort to hide the fact.” Gladys positioned the remote closer to Jard. “You have a compatible comm chip.”
“I am sorry if I came across as rude,” Jard stated in a sorrowful tone.
“You are a friend of my husband, Jard. That makes you a friend to me. If there is anything I can do to help you with this mystery, feel free to ask.”
Jard looked thoughtful. “If my chip is compatible, I would very much like to know the language of my friend.”
“I will send the data right away. And I will give you Sessiki as well. Hold still, please. Frank, I'm assuming you'll want to leave right away.”
“Yeah. How far is Mertia from Rhoshe?”
“The trip could be made in two jumps,” Constanthos interjected.
“Cool,” Frank replied. “My goal is to make it to the gathering.”
“I will take Cindy home first and then deliver the Solution to Gotoreo,” Gladys replied. “What all do you need for your journey?”
Frank took stock of himself. He had his sword and pocketknives. The shuriken pouches were hidden up under his hoodie. “I'm good.”
* * *
“Mr. President, your call is waiting.”
“Thank you, Terri.” Earl Bankston cleared his throat and picked up the phone. “Richard, how are you, sir?”
“That depends. Have you signed the order?”
“Yes. Frank Ford is officially expelled from the United States. I expect our allies to follow suit.”
“Excellent. I will have the rest of the world thinking it's a good idea in a short time. Is there any news regarding your predecessor?”
“Nothing. I think maybe the aliens took him.”
“You may be right, Earl. I've had my people searching for him too. Neither he nor his agent are traceable at this point.”
“We'll keep trying on our end.”
“Very well. My people are working up the right spin to put on Ford's expulsion. I think the ex-wife angle is favorable.”
“Let me know what you need me to do, Richard.”
“I think we are good on this end. There will be a couple of pieces of legislation hitting your desk this week. I would like you to sign them.”
“Of course.”
* * *
“This is one seriously nice ship, Jard.”
“I'm glad you like it. You are the first person I've ever allowed aboard.” Jard pressed a spot to raise the ramp. “This is the cargo hold.” The space was empty.
“It's deceptively large,” Frank complimented.
“Yes,” Jard agreed. “I've thought about seeking out some expedited freight work, seeing as how I'm out of the assassination business.”
Frank paused. “It just occurred to me that you're speaking English.”
Jard smiled. “How am I doing?”
“Perfect. You have the same Midwestern accent as me.” Frank followed Jard through a hatch. “I know a galley when I see one.”
“I don't know your diet, but you are more than welcome to any of my stores.”
“Thanks. Wow. This is downright elegant.”
“They told me this ship was built for me and that is one of a kind.”
“Oh, yeah? Who said that?”
“My creators. I didn't want to say in front of the lady that I had to kill the other constructs. My freedom, and this ship, was the prize.”
Frank didn't want to say that the ladies could hear him via the remote attached to his sword. “So it was another tournament. I don't know much about Sessiks, really, but it doesn't seem like something they would do. Please don't think I'm doubting you.”
“You've actually spent time in the presence of a Sessik. That is exceptionally rare from what I hear. I find your insight to be invaluable.”
“I've met a few in person, actually. Gladys is rare for her species. The others were total assholes. Hold up, her brother was cool.”
“I had no idea you were with others. Amazing.”
“Jard, there was nothing amazing about it. They tried to kill me. That reminds me.” Frank pulled the sword off his back and held it handle-up in front of him. “Connie?”
“I've gone through the books, Frank,” she answered. “It was Wold who put out the open contract for your life.”
“Thank you.” He turned back to Jard. “It was a Sessik that hired Fev.”
Jard gestured for Frank to follow him through another hatch. “Is their power just a myth? Or did you find some way to counter it?”
“Their power is very real,” Frank replied. “For whatever reason, I am able to resist it.”
“I totally believe that,” Jard said with a smile as he gestured toward a seat. “This control room was built for two and it pleases me greatly to have you joining me.”
“I'm pleased that you're pleased,” Frank said as he took a seat and looked around. “I'm just going to sit here and not touch anything. This is amazing.”
“Sometimes I think this ship is just an extension of me. I've always thought of myself as being an elegant killing machine. That is exactly what this ship is.”
“You're much more than that. Yeah, your ship is badass, but at the end of the day, it's just a way to get around. You just get to do it in s
tyle. It kinda reminds me of my T-bird.”
“What is a T-bird?” Jard asked.
Frank was about to answer as the windshield became opaque. “Oh, nice.”
“Stay on your present course and I will open a rift,” Constanthos said.
“Please elaborate,” Jard replied.
“She's getting us there in one jump,” Frank said.
“Oh.” Jard's mind was reeling at the notion.
“Thanks, Connie. I'll see you soon.” Frank glanced over to Jard. “Just go with it, that's what I do.” He looked back in time to see the stars change.
“You're going to have to tell me about your T-bird later,” Jard said.
“Why's that?” Frank asked.
“There are incoming torpedoes.”
* * *
“I don't like this,” Gladys said.
“I think we should attack that cloaked ship,” Nera replied.
“We have no idea who that even is,” Gladys replied.
“Have you tried trying to talk to them?”
“We don't have time for that. It would probably turn into a gossip session.” Gladys scanned her screens. “The boat will be docking shortly.”
Nera sat for a moment, staring at the view-screen. Her instincts were telling her to fight. “I'll be in the garden,” she said as she stood up and stormed out.
Gladys sat for a moment, trying to figure it all out.
“She is hurting, sister.” The voice of Constanthos was everywhere as it used to be.
“I am hurting too.” Gladys thought about it. “We are all hurting.” She reached up to wipe the tears away as they were forming.
“Maybe getting Cindy home will help.”
21.
“Well, at least I can see this space battle,” Frank said as he looked for the torpedoes.
“Let me help,” Jard said as he spun the ship around. “There they are. Two Gote warships.”
“I think I can make out the torpedoes,” Frank replied. “They're pretty far away. Are you sure they're shooting them at us?”
“We're the only ones out here.” Jard was casually working some math on his data pad. “These guys are really stupid. There was enough time to identify my ship but they fired. No thought. No strategy.”
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