Seven
“This is going to work out fine.” Magnus sat in his chair, dropping the clicker on the table.
Jules and Dean stared at the screen, and Sarlun silently nodded. Suma’s snout wagged slowly as she watched the display, and Jules waited for her commentary.
“I think that we should move the tech center apart from the weapons region for a couple of reasons. The charging ports might draw too much power from the simulators, and you should really have a minimum of two hundred yards between any firing range and a structure.” Suma jotted her notes onto a tablet.
“That’s why we have you here, daughter,” Sarlun said proudly.
“This is impressive. Let me know what Alnod Industries can do to help,” Rivo told them.
Loweck cleared her throat, acting as an Alliance representative on Mary’s behalf. Leonard shifted in his seat, unable to stay calm. Jules almost laughed before speaking. “Rivo, we need credits. Lots of credits,” she said, confident in asking their old friend for her assistance.
“I’ve been waiting for that,” Rivo said. “You know I’ll do anything at all to support this project. You have my full blessing to fund your efforts. Once we move on to the spaceship manufacturing part of the equation, let’s have an Alliance board meeting to discuss the specifics. I have a feeling the partners will unanimously subsidize those efforts.”
She was implying that the wealthy partners like the Inlorians should front the cost of building a fleet of ships. Alnod Industries had a lot of money to spare, but even they couldn’t afford an entire space fleet.
Leonard seemed pleased with the outcome. “How generous. Thank you, Rivo. We’ll work on an estimate, but if you’re good with things, we’ll continue production and expect to be on schedule for a six-month start time.”
Sarlun pointed at Loweck. “This means we have to advise all of the Alliance worlds and open up for applications.” He grabbed the clicker, changing the image on the screens. “We’ve already begun the forms, translated into each language, and once we’ve finished proofing, we can start dispersing them.”
“An Alliance fleet. This is past due,” Rivo said.
“Indeed. Horizon and Light were the tip of the iceberg,” Sarlun said. “At completion, we’ll have two dozen just like them, with another one hundred cruisers, ready to battle anything that we face. It’ll be a force unmatched in the known universe.”
Karo had remained quiet for the duration of the meeting, and he raised a finger. “Be cautious, friends. Perhaps one of the reasons you’ve been able to survive this long is because, as individuals, your target is smaller. Once we finish this, we’ll be a formidable threat to those seeking power. We won’t be able to hide under our neutrality forever.”
Jules appreciated his candor. She wished her dad were there to talk this through, but they were doing as well as they could without him.
Magnus assessed Karo, staring at the Theos. “From what I’ve seen, it doesn’t matter the size of our allied group. There are enemies. Lots of them. I know you’ve managed to convince some otherwise, even the Bhlat, against all odds. Not to mention the Keppe and the Padlog.” He glanced to Hectal and then to Sergo. “I’m here to guarantee our training is up-to-date. To show our people how to fight, and to strike with efficiency and skill. I request your assistance during this time to ensure this happens, but I will succeed.”
“And that’s why Dean Parker chose you for the project, Magnus. We’re all glad to have you,” Sarlun told him.
Jules stared at Leslie, who was making her own notes. “What’s going on with Light?”
Leslie looked up. “Light is docked near Haven, undertaking upgrades and modifications. From what I understand, Slate was—” She looked over at Loweck, and averted her gaze. “Slate is scheduled to captain her on the next mission.”
Jules caught the misstep, and it was clear Loweck had as well. “Slate’s going to be fine. He and Dean are working on it as we speak. Do the mods on the ship, and the crew will be ready to leave when needed,”’ Uncle Zeke’s wife said.
“It’s been a long day. Let’s return to the shuttles. One is heading for the portals, and the other to our suite in the hotel in downtown Terran One,” Leonard said, and people started chatting amongst themselves as the lights flicked on.
“I’m excited,” Dean whispered to Jules, his lips close to her ears.
“Me too. Our rooms will be ready in a few weeks. I hope my dad lets me move out right away. It’ll be much easier to live on-site.” Jules paused as Sarlun came to join them.
“Dean, where’s your mother? I was hoping she’d be joining us tonight,” the Gatekeeper leader said.
“She meant to, but she and Patty wanted to spend some time together.”
Sarlun’s snout twitched, and Jules waited for the other shoe to drop. “We have a unique opportunity. One of the instructors has decided to let the most promising students start early to do extra prep work for her entry program, and Patty was selected upon my recommendation.”
“You mean Patty has to leave for Shimmal soon?” Jules asked.
“Yes. In two days,” Sarlun said.
Dean ran his hands through his hair, puffing out his cheeks. “Mom’s going to freak out.”
“I think Auntie Natalia will be fine.”
“Let her know I’m staying on New Spero until then, and I can escort Patty home as well as Suma, in two days’ time.” Sarlun sauntered off, being asked a question by his daughter.
“We’d better hurry. Are you staying here again?” Dean asked.
“Papa should be home. I want to hear about their mission for Uncle Zeke.”
Magnus marched over, holding two tablets. He handed one to each of them. “Hey, team. I have a few proposed ideas I’d like you to review tonight. Let me know what you think tomorrow.”
Jules clutched hers in her hand. She’d been hoping for the night off with Dean. She raised her eyebrows. “Want to read them at my place?”
____________
The sun had set by the time I made it home, and Maggie was the only one to greet me as I approached the rear entrance. I let her out and sat on the back porch, waiting for her to do her business. She’d acclimated well on Light, but my cocker spaniel much preferred the luxury of nature. I sat in the quiet darkness while Maggie walked the perimeter of the yard, sniffing at every edge and object she could.
Sometime later, she ambled up the steps and stared at me, trying to relay some need or another. “Are you hungry?” I asked, and her head tilted to the side, her ear flopping with it. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
We returned to the house, and I fed Maggie in the kitchen, refilling her water bowl. “Jules! Why didn’t you feed the dog?” I asked, but received no response.
Where is she? I asked myself as I washed my hands. I saw her light on down the hall and heard voices. The door was shut, and I was instantly concerned for her well-being. I moved for it, grabbing the pulse pistol still in my holster.
I paused, listening at the door as Jules giggled. Who was in there with her? I tested the handle and found it locked. “Jules, open up!” I banged on the slab with my palm, which prompted sounds of rustling. The door sprang wide, and a flustered Jules glared at me.
“Papa, what are you doing?” she asked, eyes darting to the gun in my hand. Dean stood behind her, hands in the air.
I glanced at the gun, almost forgetting I’d been holding it, and shoved it aside. “What’s happening here?” I couldn’t hide the anger from my voice.
“It’s not what it looks like, Mr. P,” Dean said.
Mr. P? “Then what is it?”
Jules stepped forward, all timidness gone from her face. “We were going over some details Magnus gave us to study.” She pointed to the bed, where tablets were open to blueprints.
“Then why is the door locked?” I asked defiantly.
“Because you always told me to be extra cautious when I’m alone. I can’t defend myself as well anymore, so I locked the door.”
Her answers were sound, and I sighed a breath of relief. If I was being a naïve father, so be it. I had to trust my own daughter.
“Keep it open from now on. Or stay at Dean’s, where his mother can keep an eye on you,” I suggested.
Jules tensed but lost her fight. “Yes, Papa.”
“And you. It’s late. Go home,” I told the young man standing much too close to my daughter.
“Yes, sir.” Dean returned to the bed, snatched up his tablet, and hovered near Jules. I turned away, sensing he was hoping for a kiss, and when I looked back, he was dashing past me and out of the house.
“Papa, did you have to be so harsh?” Jules asked.
With one last glance into her room, I motioned for her to follow me. She sat on the couch with a huff, and I moved beside her, unsure where to start. “Jules, I know this is difficult on you.”
“Papa, don’t make a big deal about it. I know I’m not a Deity, and I think in the long run, it’ll be for the best. It’s just a shock, that’s all. You don’t know what it’s like to be one thing your whole life, then have it torn away from you.” Jules seemed so much older suddenly.
“I think I do understand that. A little, at least.” I leaned into the soft cushions and Jules relaxed too as we both let our guards down. “You remember me recalling my life before the Event, right?”
Her nose crinkled up as she frowned. “A bit, I guess. I know you were an accountant.”
“That’s right. I had a whole life. I grew up, went to college away from home, made a start in Manhattan before deciding the big city was too busy for me.”
“Is that why we always seem to live in the middle of nowhere?” she asked, gawking around the room.
I laughed at the insightful comment. “I guess so. What about Haven? We have a condo…”
“Papa, that’s hardly in the middle of a metropolis.”
“As I was saying, I stayed there for years, in my quiet neighborhood, with Susan and Carey next door, and my best friend James across town. Life was predictable. I watched baseball every Sunday afternoon and went to the gym twice a week. Once Janine passed…”
“I still can’t believe you were married before Mom. That must be weird for you guys,” Jules said softly.
“Not anymore. We were both married, and as you know, it’s normal to make mistakes. Janine and Bob were there for sinister reasons, and we were pawns in the Kraskis’ demented games.”
“Sorry to cut you off. You were talking about…”
“Once Janine passed, I was lost. I poured myself into my work, growing my fledgling business, but it was like I was walking with someone else’s legs. I donated all her belongings, since I couldn’t stand the sight of them. I wanted to move from the house but couldn’t, knowing it was the only connection I had to her. I was heartbroken, but at the time, I couldn’t see the future that was planned for me.”
Jules laughed. “Imagine if you knew all of this was coming.”
“I probably would have freaked out,” I muttered.
“I doubt that, Papa.”
“I’m trying to tell you that even though you don’t feel like yourself, you’ll be stronger because of everything you’ve endured. And you don’t need to float in a power sphere and have these abilities to be an effective leader for our Alliance. You’re special just the way you are.”
“There it is. The generic dad line, finally released.” She laughed, and I noticed a tear in the corner of her eye. “Thank you.” She slid closer, hugging me tightly.
“You’re welcome.”
We separated, and Jules headed to the kitchen, returning with a glass of water. “How’s Uncle Zeke?”
“He’s scared.”
She sat, sipping from her glass. “Tell me what you’ve found.”
I told her everything: from the results confirming his DNA, to our trip to Carolyn’s old house. She almost spilled her water when I mentioned the abduction topic. By the time I got to Arthur Comax, she was on her feet, ready to fight someone.
“You should have waited for backup!”
“Jules, we know that now. That’s why we sent Paul’s people to gather the two on Earth.”
“There’s more on Earth? What does this all mean?”
I rose, my back straining at the movement. It was late, and I needed rest badly. I wished Mary was here. I hated sleeping in our big bed alone, especially after a day like this. “We’re working on that. Keep your focus with Magnus. We’re visiting Terran Thirty in the morning, so we can go together after breakfast, okay?”
“Okay.”
“We’ll be fine. I’ll make sure Slate never has to worry about anything.”
“I know you will, Papa.” She hugged me quickly and left, heading to the bathroom.
Maggie sauntered over, rubbing her nose against my leg, and I picked her up, bringing her to bed. She liked to sleep with Jules, but after what I’d seen, I could use the comfort.
Eight
“Boss, Paul sent word this morning.” Slate and Loweck were at my table eating with Jules when I finished my shower. I was happy to see a cooked meal, complete with bacon—which Mary rarely let me have anymore—and I sat in my spot, accepting the tablet.
“What did he find?”
Slate tapped the play button. “Check the vids.”
It was snowy in Canada, northern British Columbia, and the target was in a log cabin near a frozen lake. The transports lowered, the camera mounted to the lead soldier. He ran out as soon as the landing gear touched the white ground. His rifle barrel bobbed up and down with his steps, and he was flanked by two other soldiers in light gray uniforms.
No smoke rose from the cabin’s chimney, which set off alarm bells. They kicked the door open, and I cringed. If this target wasn’t activated yet, like Slate, there would be some serious explaining to be done.
I didn’t have to worry. The woman hung from a solid log beam. A colorful scarf was wrapped around her neck, and judging by the half-frozen decaying corpse, she’d been there for some time. The soldier crouched, picking up a note from the floor. He dusted it off, and I paused the video feed, reading it aloud.
I’m sorry for my sins. Forgive me.
That was it.
“Not the best breakfast material,” Loweck said. “Dean, get some food into you.”
Maggie stared at Slate until he relented and offered her a piece of crispy meat.
“So she was dead. What about the one in Russia?” I asked, returning the tablet to Slate.
“He’s in custody. He’s a mechanic. Works for the government in New Moscow. They don’t seem to think there’s anything odd about him at all.” Slate gave Maggie another piece, and she swallowed it with a single bite.
“Tell Paul to keep him detained and express our deepest apologies. If he’s not turned yet, there might be hope,” I said, quickly regretting it.
“Like me? There might be hope for me? Dean, you really think it’s that dangerous?” Slate barked.
“I think we should be cautious. Carolyn covered her tracks, which meant she was working on something devious. Arthur captured as many hybrids as he’d been able to, and chained them to a wall. This Canadian woman hung herself. We have to exercise extreme caution, Slate.”
“You want to lock me up and throw away the key?” Slate dropped his fork, the metal utensil clattering onto his empty plate.
Loweck set a hand on his arm and shook her head. “Dean’s not the enemy, Zeke.”
His eyes burned with anger. “Then who is?”
“That’s what we’re going to find out. Slate, we’re meeting with Dr. Swan today, unless you decline.” I ate some eggs, and judging by the quality, I assumed Loweck had cooked them. I scooped another spoonful and dropped it to my dish.
“Zeke would be happy to undergo hypnotherapy today, right?” Loweck asked.
Slate met her gaze, and his expression softened. “Sure. I didn’t mean to lash out. It’s just hard to live with this.”
“I don’t blame you,” Jules
said. “You’re taking it better than most would. Let me know if there’s anything we can do.”
I assumed Jules meant Dean and herself. They were joined at the hip these days, which I understood. They were kids in love.
“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. Patty’s leaving tomorrow.” Jules poured a coffee and refilled everyone’s cups at the table.
“She is? I thought she had a few more weeks.” I stirred some cream into my cup and heard the engines of a lander setting down in our yard.
“Sarlun said there’s a special program he’s enrolled her in. Should give her a head start.” Jules walked to the door and opened it as Magnus and Dean entered our house.
“Then we’d better have a dinner or something,” I suggested.
“Let’s see where we are, Boss. We might not want to commit to anything yet.” Slate started to clean up the kitchen, and I finished my food as the two newcomers came to the table.
“Anything left?” Dean asked, and I kicked out a chair.
“Help yourself,” I told him.
“You ate an hour ago,” Magnus said to Dean with a smirk on his face.
“That was just a warm-up.” Dean piled eggs and bacon on his plate, making Jules roll her eyes.
“I don’t know where it all goes,” my daughter sighed out.
“Magnus, remember the days when you could eat anything you wanted and not gain weight?” I asked him, and he released a gruff laugh.
“Barely.”
We finished up and headed to the lander, bringing Maggie over to Natalia’s before eventually flying to Terran Thirty. I sat with Magnus at the front bench, with the others chatting behind us.
“How was your session with Dr. Swan?” I asked him quietly.
“It was okay. Guy seems to know his stuff, but all he really did was listen.”
“That’s good. I’m sure he’s trying to get to know you.”
Magnus guided the shuttle toward our destination. “It’s hot as hell down there. Whoever chose this location is a bit of a sadist, I think.”
“Leonard said it will pass soon. We’ll send you on vacation next year at this time,” I joked.
The Survivors | Book 15 | New Beginning Page 8