“Godspeed, sir.”
As the gruff General departed, Kenneth was left to ponder what came next. His mind whizzed away at a thousand kilometers an hour, detailing tasks he’d have to accomplish. The first two that came to mind were contacting Billings and Carter. He’d need their help to succeed. With a grin on his face, he strode out of the conference room humming a happy tune.
24
Over the next six weeks, life slowly began to return to normal within the Terran Coalition. Displaced civilians returned to their homes, companies reopened, and life returned to normal. It went without saying that the stock markets had crashed, many banks failed, and thousands of small corporate concerns went out of business. But the core of the nation remained intact. The government stepped in where needed to prop up the markets and financial sectors while providing relief to the populace.
Massive parades and celebrations on every planet in the Terran Coalition, Saurian Empire, and Neutral Systems Alliance were a daily occurrence as a population that had endured sustained war for over thirty years, finally saw a real peace. The citizenry recognized it as a true end to the conflict—not a period of phony war, as the last so-called truce had been. Behind the scenes, negotiators from both sides labored to craft an agreement that would stand the test of time.
And so, on the morning of August 28th, 2463, dignitaries from both sides, led by President Spencer and General MacIntosh from the Terran Coalition, and Admiral Hartford from the League, gathered for a formal ceremony. David had gotten the word the night before that it would be held on the hangar deck of the Lion of Judah. He found it fitting that the longest war in their recorded history would end on his ship.
The day began as most did for him, with his alarm blaring at 0430—O Dark Thirty—followed by exercise, a quick space shower, and a hearty breakfast. Today, though, instead of the usual khaki duty uniform with an accompanying black sweater, he put on his dress whites. It took him a good thirty minutes to arrange the gleaming rows of campaign ribbons, along with the medals he’d received throughout his career. Each one was a memory, mostly painful, of loss and heroism. As he snapped the Silver Star he was awarded after the second battle of Canaan in its place, the death of Sheila was foremost in his mind. How she would’ve loved to see this day. Once his rank insignia and command-in-space pins were in order, he did a final uniform check to ensure he passed muster and made his way to the hangar bay.
Gone was the regular order of operations—the deck was clear of fighters and bombers, while hundreds of soldiers in neatly pressed white “crackerjack” uniforms milled about. At the far end of the bay, two tables and a podium were erected. Dozens of Terran Coalition flags lined the walls of the expansive area, along with the area around the podium. One such flag, burned and scarred, hung directly behind the place where the Coalition Defense Force delegation was to sit. David recognized it as the same one rescued from the zero-G fire that almost cost them the ship seven months prior. It felt fitting to see it displayed in victory.
Calvin jogged up to him in a TCMC dress blue uniform. “General,” he began as he brought his hand up in salute. “Good to see you, sir.”
“Likewise,” David replied, and quickly returned the salute. “There’s a part of me that wonders if I’ve slid through a crack in the space-time continuum and ended up in an alternate reality.”
“Yeah. Not having Leaguers to put down is gonna make life less interesting.” Calvin grinned. “But my wife’s happy.”
David slapped the older Marine on the shoulder. “Well, in Jewish households, if Momma isn’t happy… no one's happy.”
“Touché.”
“Personnel alert. Fifteen minutes to the arrival of VIPs. Take your places.” The voice of Master Chief Tinetariro boomed over the intercom system.
“Guess we better not mess with the Master Chief,” Calvin said, again cracking a grin.
David shook his head and smiled before he headed off to the receiving line. A few minutes later, the Terran Coalition delegation, led by President Spencer and a small army of protective service officers, entered the flight deck. “Attention on deck!” David called out, and the soldiers present went rigid, while the civilians stood.
“As you were, General,” Spencer called out and extended his arm. “A most fortuitous day.”
“Yes, sir,” David replied, and shook the outstretched hand warmly.
The rest of the entourage went by, followed by the Leaguers. Admiral Hartford was at the fore. It was the first time David had seen the man in the flesh. He was average height for a human male and seemed subdued, even melancholy. I suppose I would be in his situation too. There was no small talk or introductions from the soon-to-be former enemies. As the groups found their seats, David took his place in the first row with the rest of the senior officers from the Lion of Judah.
The hangar gradually quieted down before General MacIntosh stood. He made his way to the podium and stared out at the crowd. “We are gathered here to mark the solemn occasion of the end of the war between the League of Sol and the Terran Coalition. It is a conflict that has raged for thirty years, cost millions of lives, and altered the course of the galaxy. And today, it’s finally over. Rabbi Kravitz, please lead us in an invocation.” He stood to the side.
Kravitz stood from his chair on the first row, a few seats down from David, and strode to the lectern. “Let us bow our heads.” He paused for a moment. “Eternal Father, strong to save, bless us this day. Let us go to the mountain of the Lord, our God, HaShem. May we beat our swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks. Give us Your blessing, so that nations shall no longer rise against nation, nor shall we fight each other again. Adonai, give us strength and help us all to learn there is nothing more sacred than peace. May the Lord bless you and guard you, may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up His face to you and place upon you peace. Shalom.”
“Thank you, Rabbi,” MacIntosh announced as he returned to the microphone. “We will now proceed with the signing of the treaty.”
For the next fifteen minutes, large leather-bound ceremonial binders were passed down the row of dignitaries, signed by each. They then were carried to the other table and signed in turn by the rest. Once the task was completed, Spencer took one of them with him to the podium and set it down on the table beside him.
“Members of the Coalition Defense Force, honored guests, citizens of the Terran Coalition, today will be celebrated throughout the history of our nation as the day we achieved victory,” Spencer began, casting his eyes toward Hartford. “The greatest threat we have ever faced is now laid to rest. A conflict lasting thirty years that has tested every man, woman, and child in our civilization is finally over. Our first praise must be to almighty God, who has seen to our needs and wants, sustaining our soldiers and the will of our citizens to carry on.”
David found his mind wandering as Spencer spoke. He pondered if the war was indeed over—or was it just paused for a time? The only conclusion he could reach was even if it was temporary, it was a much-needed respite.
“We will never forget the actions of the League of Sol. Its treachery in the sneak attack on Canaan, all those years ago. Followed by the attempted orbital bombardment of our capital during the second battle of Canaan, and thousands of verified atrocities throughout the conflict. The success of this treaty hinges on the League’s follow-through in releasing the POWs it’s captured over the years, along with any Terran Coalition civilians sent back to the Orion arm of the galaxy. Without these actions, there will be no lasting peace.”
The reminder of the League’s methods of fighting the war brought anger in David to the surface. He again thought of all those killed, his friends and family over the years. All lost to a bitter conflict over what exactly? It wasn’t like space didn’t have hundreds of thousands of planets. They didn’t need the resources. No, the League is an excellent example of what happens every time one group of people thinks they’re better than ev
eryone else and seeks to impose its will by force.
“Now we have a new task before us. A task that will require just as much strength, hard work, and goodwill as winning the war. We will bind up our wounds, heal the damage to our people and the planets they live on. Be a friend to those in need in the neutral worlds, while we also stand strong for freedom and liberty. Victory comes with challenges, but they are challenges the Terran Coalition will embrace and overcome. In closing, never forget that God’s guidance and assistance are why we’re here today. Worship Him as hard today and tomorrow, as you did last week, and pray He may help us to achieve a lasting peace. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless the Terran Coalition.”
Thunderous applause swept the hangar deck as Spencer stepped forward to shake hands with the dignitaries from both sides. Conspicuously absent was Chief Minister Obe and the Saurians. David assumed, but did not know for sure, that diplomatic relations were still rocky. There were a few other comments and speeches, repeating the same general theme as the President had laid out. Then, it was over.
Just like that. Thirty years of war, and it comes down to a small piece of paper signed by twenty people. There was a part of David that felt empty—as if, somehow, he’d failed. He pushed it down and ensured he projected the attitude needed: the calm, confident, and happy warrior. A tap on the shoulder as he was walking toward the exit got his attention.
“General Cohen,” a voice behind him said.
Startled, David turned to see Karl Jenner—the League ambassador who spearheaded the fake peace talks three years prior. “Minister… I’m surprised to see you here.”
Jenner flashed a smile. “It was my honor to assist our government in the recent treaty negotiations.”
“I was under the impression you were done working for the League, after our last conversation,” David replied as he narrowed his eyes.
“General, I became a naturalized citizen of the Terran Coalition a year ago. The government asked me to assist in getting into the head of the League diplomatic team, and that’s precisely what I did. “
David felt his cheeks turn warm. “I apologize. I assumed… you know what they say about assumptions.”
“Quite.” Jenner laughed. “It’s good to see you again. I was afraid all would be lost, but as usual, the CDF pulled it out. Perhaps right truly does make might.”
“I hope.” David stared out toward the sea of people. “I pray this isn’t a peace to prepare for the next war.”
“Vigilance is the way to prevent the next war, General. Though I suspect we’ll eventually come back into conflict with the League. Unless, of course, there’s a revolution back on Earth. That’s a possibility too. Especially if the planets liberated by the TCMC vote to join the Terran Coalition.”
“That’s in the treaty?” David asked, his tone one of surprise. “I can’t believe the League would go for it.”
“While my former government tried to spin this as anything but a defeat, everyone knows it was. The only reason Terran Coalition’s finest aren’t landing on Earth is we don’t have the ships to get them there right now. Better to work out a reasonable treaty and avoid total annihilation of the communist model.” Jenner made a face. “A pity we can’t remove that abomination from the face of the galaxy.”
Hearing the former ambassador utter those words was a shock. David stared at him, dumbfounded. “Since when did you become a card-carrying member of Spencer’s speechwriting team?”
Jenner laughed again. “I took your advice, General Cohen. I examined this society you—now we—have built. Oh, I think Terran Coalition businesses focus a bit too much on how much profit they can make, and I’d rather see more social spending programs, but your system works. The League’s does not.”
“Well, perhaps someday the League’s citizens will have the ability to choose, as you did.”
“That would be a great day. I hope I live to see it.” Jenner glanced toward a group of departing dignitaries. “I’m afraid I need to go, General. Good to see you. Maybe we could do lunch sometime?”
Despite his former ill feelings toward the man, David didn’t sense deception. If anything, he found his outlook refreshing. “I’d like that.”
“Good. In that case, I wish you farewell.” Jenner walked away, leaving David to his thoughts.
* * *
Later that day, David strode into the Lion of Judah’s shul. It was in between afternoon and evening prayers, and he’d hoped to find Rabbi Kravitz alone in his office. As it happened, David was in luck. The cramped space directly behind the Aron Kodesh—the ornamental closet that housed the Lion’s Torah scroll set—had its hatch open. He stuck his head in. “Good afternoon. Do you have a moment, Rabbi?”
“I always have time for a fellow Jew,” Kravitz replied. “Please, come in. Make yourself at home.” He chuckled. “As much as you can with the mess I have in here.” He had a point. There were dozens of actual paperbound books scattered across the room—almost all with Hebrew titles.
David slid into one of the two chairs in front of the rabbi’s desk. “Studying something, I take it?”
“Torah commentaries.” Kravitz shrugged. “I get a wild hair about something like how Jacob wrestled with God, and spend the next six months consuming every document I can on it.” He flashed a smile. “Now I think I’ll have more time to indulge my whims.”
“We all will.” David stared wistfully at a photo frame on the desk. It displayed a rotating selection of pictures of Kravitz and his rather large family. He had six children, many of whom had children of their own.
“But not you.” Kravitz set his hands on the desk. “You’re still troubled. By what? The desire to finish off the League?”
“Surprisingly enough, Rabbi, I’ve made peace with not dropping Marines down to Earth and liberating them from the League of Sol.” He pursed his lips together. “The truth is, I still question why.”
“Even after the near-miraculous nature of the battle?”
He’d yet to speak of the vision experienced at the height of the battle. David shifted in his seat, unsure of how much to share, or if he should reveal anything at all. Opening his mouth, he chose his words carefully. “I fully acknowledge God intervened in the events. That ship hit Seville’s at just the right time.” He smiled. “There is no other explanation in my mind. Still… why’d it have to get to that point?”
“I want to make sure I understand what you’re saying,” Kravitz said, his tone one of amusement. “You believe God saved your life, the lives of everyone on Canaan, and defeated the worst enemy we’ve ever had. And then you want to complain He didn’t do it on your timeline?”
The way the old rabbi put it, David couldn’t deny to himself how preposterous his complaint sounded. He pressed on. “I want to complain, as you put it, that He didn’t show up decades ago. Or perhaps when our ancestors were run off Earth to begin with.” Pain came to his face. “Too many people have died in this war—too many friends. I don’t know how we’ll ever be the same.”
“We won’t be. We change every day, David. Change is life. Without it, we’re all dead inside. I cannot explain why God waited so long to so obviously and directly intervene.” Kravitz steepled his hands together. “But I have a different perspective. I would challenge you and say that God works in every life; in ways we cannot see. I know if you thought back through your career, you could identify numerous times when you should’ve died. When we should’ve lost… and didn’t. Did you ever stop to consider that in those times, God was there?”
“Perhaps.” David frowned. “It doesn’t change the causality lists, though.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry, Rabbi. I should be thankful. I know that. But there’s a part of me I can’t ignore that remains angry.”
“It will get easier.”
“You say this as if you’re sure of it.”
Kravitz grinned. “As I welcome more grandchildren into our family, I’m constantly reminded of the joys of life.”
“We�
��ll see.” David forced himself to smile. “I have some big decisions coming up. Stay in the service… what I do if I stay in, or get out.”
“Reached any decisions?”
“Still pondering.”
“Make sure to include God in those ponderings, then.” Kravitz again smiled warmly.
“I’ll try, Rabbi. I’ll try.”
* * *
Like a well-worn glove, the officers’ mess nearest the bridge remained one of David’s favorite haunts on the Lion of Judah, when he wasn’t in his office, touring the ship or asleep in his stateroom. He slipped in the front around 1830 hours after the rush had cleared.
The mess steward smiled as he walked up. “Greetings, sir. Glad to have you back.”
“Glad to be here, Corporal,” David replied with a grin. “What’s on the kosher menu today?” Since they were docked, there was no shortage of food to meet his religious requirements.
“I’ve got roasted chicken or brisket, along with latkes, and some fresh matzo ball soup. There’s gefilte fish if you want too.”
David quirked his nose. He detested gefilte fish with a passion. “I’ll take the brisket, latkes, and a bowl of soup.”
“Coming right up, General!”
As the steward went back to the kitchen area, David found his way to an empty table and sat. The view of Canaan was breathtaking in its beauty. The blueish-green ball of rock gleamed in the light from its sun. He could stare at it all day—an example of God’s handiwork. A voice behind him jolted his mind out of its thoughts.
“Sir, may we join you?” Amir asked. Dr. Tural flanked him to the left side.
“Please.” David gestured to the empty chairs at the four-top table. “I hate eating alone.”
Tural sat next to David, while Amir took a seat on the other side. The doctor steepled his hands together. “An amazing day. I never thought I would be at the forefront of a historical moment. Perhaps we will finally have a lasting peace.”
Finish the Fight: Echoes of War Book Seven Page 29