Finish the Fight: Echoes of War Book Seven

by Gibbs, Daniel

  26

  The aroma of beef Cholant stew reached David’s nostrils as Angie opened the door to the cooking device that was set up in her kitchen. He’d come over to visit after signing off on the last series of repairs to the Lion. Tomorrow, they’d start provisioning the ship with food, munitions, and the final personnel rotations. Today, though, he’d enjoy his time with her. “That smells amazing.” A grin spread across his face. “I still can’t believe it’s kosher.”

  “Yes,” Angie replied with some amount of annoyance. Probably because it was the fifth time he’d commented on it. “I was just as surprised as you. Who thought someone would invent an automated food preparation robot specifically designed to conform to kosher laws?”

  “I bet they have a halal version too.” David let out a laugh. “I’m floored it was signed off by a chief rabbi, though.” He’d inspected the letter included with the machine and its included kosher certificate. Somehow, he suspected that his more ultra-orthodox brethren would be less than impressed with it. But it does allow me to share meals with the woman I love in her house… so that works for me.

  A large bowl of the piping hot stew later, both had their fill. With minimal cleanup thanks to the easy-to-use robotic implement, David and Angie ended up on her couch. She put her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around him. “I still have a hard believing it all turned out okay.”

  “You and me both.” He kissed the top of her hair. “If I had any idea you’d disobeyed my direct instructions and stayed behind—”

  “—you would’ve been pissed at me?”

  “Beyond pissed. I would’ve dispatched Demood to track you down and put you on a transport.” David broke into a smile. “I’m glad it all worked out too. How’d you end up at that rally anyway?”

  She shrugged. “I wanted to be around people, and then it seemed like news, you know? All those people together, setting aside their differences and praying together. I’ve never felt anything like it.”

  “It’s sad it took nearly the end of the world, so to speak, to get people to come together,” David replied darkly. “Still, better than it not happening at all.” He propped his feet up on the ottoman. “And I wonder how long it’ll take for the old pettiness to return.”

  “That’s kind of cynical.”

  David smirked. “Yeah. I suppose. Still not enamored with the Peace Union politicians. Even if they’re saying the right things.”

  “I think Spencer and Fuentes coming together is a great moment for the Terran Coalition. I hope it sticks,” Angie replied. She touched his arm. “Don’t you?”

  “Perhaps. The jury is still out for me—is Fuentes an opportunist trying to hold on to political power or a decent man? The truth is, if it weren’t for him, we’d be landing on Earth. That man is directly responsible for hundreds of thousands of needless deaths… of my brothers and sisters. It’s not something I’ll ever forget, nor easily forgive.”

  “Okay, enough about politics. Let's talk about us.”

  The way she said it, David knew what was coming next. The inevitable question she’d asked repeatedly the last six weeks. “When am I getting out?”

  “Yes.”

  David frowned and took her hand in his. “I’ve been giving it a lot of thought.”

  “You want to make a final trip around the local cluster with the Lion of Judah, I know.”

  “It’s more than that, Angie. I’m a soldier. It’s funny, because I never wanted to be one. Had I not been drafted, I would’ve never joined. But I was, and here I am. It’s what I know, and I’m good at it, for better or worse.”

  She bit her lip. “Are you telling me you’re not retiring?”

  “Not as soon as I suspect you want.”

  “David, I want you to put your paperwork in now. You’ve done your part, can’t you see that?” Her hand tightened within his.

  “There are still contributions I can make.”

  “What?”

  “It’s not over, Angie. The League is still out there, they’ll still act against us, and we have to be prepared. The Coalition Defense Force has a job… keep everyone else safe. At the end of the day, I’m a protector. It’s who I am, and it’s what I do. I can’t—I won’t walk away.”

  “So you’re giving up on becoming a rabbi?”

  “Mom wasn’t happy either.” David forced a smile.

  “It’s not funny.” She took her hand out of his and crossed her arms. “I’ve waited, David. I thought we could finally be together. I don’t want to go to bed every night wondering if you're alive.” Tears started to stream down her face.

  “Angie,” he began as he embraced her. “I’ve survived a lot of engagements. If I can handle everything Seville threw at us, I’ll be fine. Don’t you think? We can still build a great life together.”

  She pulled back, a scowl on her face, and stared at him. “You don’t know that, David. Any number of things could go wrong.”

  “We could get hit by lightning crossing the street during a thunderstorm. Life is unpredictable and uncertain.”

  “I need more certainty.”

  “Are you giving me an ultimatum?”

  Several seconds passed with nothing further spoken between the two of them. Angie closed her eyes for a moment before focusing back on him. “I think so. I can’t do this, David. I’ve tried… I’ve really tried. But I’m not cut out to be a soldier’s wife.”

  David realized as he listened to the words tumble out of her mouth that he’d known it was coming. For a while now. But hearing it verbalized still hurt, all the way to his core. He glanced down, then back at her. “Angie, I can’t abandon the Terran Coalition. I couldn’t two months ago. I can’t today.”

  “Not can’t. Won’t.”

  “Fine, won’t.”

  Her eyes pleaded, even as her voice did as well. “Don’t you want something besides the military more? Don’t you love me?”

  “Of course I love you. But when you demand that I choose between you and the Terran Coalition, using my God-given talents to keep us all safe?” David paused. I know what I have to do. She can’t accept me for who I am, and I can’t renounce my duty. What surprised him the most was it was an easy choice. The thought came to him that he’d already decided a long time ago. “A soldier is what I am. It’s what I’ll be until they tell me I’m too old to wear the uniform.” The words of General Pipes, spoken so many years ago, reminding him that a life spent in defense of his country was a life well spent, came to mind.

  “Then I guess that settles it.” Tears continued to stream down Angie’s face.

  “I’m sorry.” David tried to put his arms around her, but she pushed him away.

  “No, David. No. Just go.”

  “Angie, I—” Pain welled up inside of him as tears fell out of his eyes.

  “There’s nothing else to say.” Her tone spoke to finality.

  David stood. “For what it’s worth, I love you. I wish you all success and happiness in life.”

  She didn’t reply.

  It felt like a knife went through his heart. He found himself torn between wanting to comfort her and the realization it was no longer his duty to do so. David bit down on his lip. “Goodbye, Angie.” Without another word, he turned and walked as fast as he could out of the apartment. He’d never stayed the night, so there was nothing of his to collect. Most surprising to him was the sense of relief he felt. It’s better for her to be able to find someone who will make her happy, he pondered as his helicar wove its way back toward the space elevator. Maybe someday, I’ll find someone who completes me too.

  27

  After leaving Angie’s apartment, David briefly visited his condo on Canaan before returning to the Lion of Judah. His stateroom was arguably a nicer place to live than his spot on the planet, and it felt like home. Moreover, he didn’t want to be reminded of what had just happened. At least on the ship, he could busy himself with the mundane tasks of command. And so, he found himself in his office the next mo
rning, working through a list of transfer requests. The chime of the hatch buzzer interrupted him.

  “Come.”

  The hatch swung open, and Calvin strode in. “Colonel Calvin Demood, reports as ordered, sir.”

  “I don’t recall ordering you up here,” David replied with a grin.

  “Oh, well. It sounded good.” The older Marine’s tone was jovial.

  David gestured to the chairs in front of his desk. “Have a seat.”

  “Thanks.” Calvin slid into the chair nearest to the desk and put his hand on the inert hand grenade mounted to a wooden plaque. “I always got a kick out of this thing.”

  “It’s one of my prized possessions.” David reflected for a moment on the Master Chief that gave it to him many years before. “How are you doing, Cal?”

  “Not bad, you know? Wondering what I’m going to do next, but at least the killing has stopped.”

  “Hopefully, for good. I still don’t trust the Leaguers, though. I never will.”

  Calvin snorted loudly. “Same here, sir. I wanted to tell you before I pushed through the paperwork… I’ve put in for retirement. When I joined the Lion’s crew, I was six months away. Now, with the war over, it seems like the right time.” He held up a hand. “But, before you say anything, the date I put down for is three months from now. I figure I can start my terminal leave when we get back from our goodwill tour.”

  “Cal,” David began as he spread his hands out on the desk. “You don’t have to stay. My God, you’ve earned that retirement package more than almost anyone I know. Go, be with your wife. All we’re going to do is drive around the block, look spiffy, and fly the flag.”

  “I know. That’s why I want to go.” Calvin made eye contact. “It’s a victory lap, yeah? Show the flag and remind everyone the Terran Coalition is here to help now that the League was defeated. Well, I need to be there. If not for me, then for every Marine under my command that’s perished. To see it meant something.” Tears formed in his eyes. “It's important.”

  The tough Marine’s momentary display of emotion shocked David. He wasn’t used to seeing this side of Calvin and could count on one hand how many times he’d seen anything but stoicism out of the man. “I’m honored to have you.”

  “You know, sir, it's hard for me to sit in this room—in this chair. I’ll never forget you telling me I was behaving like a Leaguer. I wanted to kill you when you said that, you know?”

  David nodded. “I could see it in your eyes.”

  “Then I realized you were right. I’ve tried so hard to be different. Every day since.”

  “You know, on those lines… It wasn’t lost on me that Seville arrived at his cell without a scratch on his body.” David adjusted himself in his seat. Part of him wondered if he would’ve been able to have the same restraint after the battle. It was well and good to tell others to do the right thing from the bridge of the Lion of Judah, but could he have avoided taking out some of the pain and frustration on the man who arguably was responsible for the suffering of the Terran Coalition? He found himself glad he didn’t have to find out.

  “My first instinct was to draw my sidearm and put three rounds into him, sir,” Calvin replied quietly. He drew in a breath. “But I’d promised God earlier in the day I’d be a better man and asked Him to help me. So I didn’t. But yeah, I sorely wanted to enact some old school, eye for an eye justice on that prick.”

  “Vengeance is mine, says the Lord. I shall repay.” David pursed his lips together. “That’s what I told Captain Goldberg when she wanted to blow his shuttle out of space. If it makes you feel any better, the last I heard, Seville is in a mental institution on Canaan. Apparently, he’s ranting and raving uncontrollably. Supposedly, he’s even said that he fought God and lost.”

  Calvin laughed. “Is that your way of telling me God handled it, and everything works together?”

  “Maybe.” David flashed a smile. “My faith was tested like it’s never been, Cal. There was a time in the battle I wasn’t sure God even existed.” A tear crept into his eye. “Then that supply ship plowed into the side of the Leaguers’ flagship. I knew God fought for us.” He looked back up at Calvin. “Afterward, I’ve had time to think and find myself questioning everything again. Why does God let this happen? Why allow the mass suffering, pain, and death we’ve seen the last thirty years?”

  The question hung in the air as if neither man wanted to answer it or even attempt to. Calvin eventually spoke. “I don’t know, sir. I gave up on trying to figure that out a long time ago.”

  “We have to accept it’s all part of the plan and soldier on, I suppose.”

  “I’ll let you get back to it, sir. I just wanted to say thank you.”

  David stood from his chair and walked around the desk. When Calvin stood as well, instead of shaking hands, he embraced the older Marine. “You’re welcome. It’s been an honor to serve with you.”

  “You too, sir.” Calvin stepped back from the embrace and came to attention. “Godspeed, sir.”

  “Godspeed, Cal.”

  * * *

  The weeks since his meeting with President Spencer had been a blur for Kenneth. Eighteen hours a day, he’d toiled away to ensure SSI survived. Now, though, his efforts seemed to be paying off. They had several stable contracts and a growing workforce. All in all, things had begun to return to normal. As much as they could anyway. The panic that had gripped the financial markets was only now beginning to fade, replaced by wild optimism. It was a good time to be a citizen of the Terran Coalition.

  He glanced around the office he now occupied. Once the domain of Margaret Lee, it was now his. Compared to the usual abode he’d found himself in—namely a cramped closet on the Lion of Judah—this was a major improvement. Still, something about the space was off-putting. If nothing else, it felt ostentatious. The vidlink app on his tablet buzzed. Kenneth touched a button to pull it up. Joshua Carter appeared on the screen.

  “Hey, boss. Got a minute?”

  Kenneth grinned. “Always. What’cha need?” He’d promoted Carter to Executive Vice President almost immediately after taking control of SSI, along with Harold Billings to Vice President of Operations.

  “We need your signature on a modification to proceed on this cruiser refit.”

  “Send it over. I’ll get it knocked out before lunch.”

  “You got it, boss.”

  The screen blinked out, and it was odd how his life had settled into a groove. A groove that will turn into a rut before I know it. He’d often thought of Catherine Owens, the kindergarten teacher and special needs therapist who’d convinced him to involve the thousands of teenagers on Churchill’s shipyard. A few times, he’d almost sent an email or a vidlink, but with the demands of running SSI, there hadn’t been time. About to go back to his work, a voice inside him wouldn’t let it go. That’s not entirely true. You make time for what’s important. Do you want to be alone for the rest of your life?

  It was enough to make him stop and think. He felt they’d had a real connection. It doesn’t hurt she’s incredibly cute. “Oh, what the hell,” he said out loud before punching up her profile on his tablet and sending a vidlink request. When it wasn’t immediately answered, he went back to work.

  Some amount of time later—Kenneth tended to get lost in documents that needed review and approval—the vidlink icon buzzed. He glanced at it and saw it was from Owens. His cheeks turned red as he reached for and hesitated over the button to accept the call. Oh, come on. I shot a man who was about to destroy the Terran Coalition, stole billions of credits, and got two hundred and fifty ships to the fight. I can ask a woman out. He pressed the button.

  Owens’ face appeared on the vidlink, smiling widely. “This is Catherine…oh, hi.” She took on a surprised expression.

  “Hey. How’s it going?”

  “I’m fine, Kenneth.” She paused for a moment. “You know, that’s not exactly true. I can’t believe what happened, or how close we came to being overrun by the League.
It’s not the sort of thing one could fathom coming to pass. Being there, trying to get those ships working… it was a tiny taste to me of what being close to the war effort must be like.”

  He cocked his head to one side. “You didn’t serve? No way you’re old enough to have avoided the draft.”

  “Was that a backhanded compliment on my age?”

  Kenneth felt his face grow warm. “Um. Maybe. If you liked it.”

  “What woman doesn’t like a compliment?”

  He laughed. “You’d be surprised these days.”

  “Flattery will get you everywhere,” Owens replied, again flashing a smile.

  She was even more beautiful than he remembered. Then it hit Kenneth. Duh, she’s got makeup on and is made up, silly. “I’ll remember that.”

  “Because I was pregnant with Olivia, I was excused from military service.” She pursed her lips together. “Olivia’s father wasn’t so lucky. He was lost on a destroyer.” Pain came to her face.

  “I’m sorry.” Kenneth closed his eyes. “I didn’t mean to bring up that memory.”

  “No, it's okay. I made peace with it a long time ago. You have to when you’re a single parent. So what’s up? I’m not used to getting random social calls from business tycoons.”

  “Hey, now, I’m not a tycoon.” Kenneth rolled his eyes. “I honestly can’t tell you how I ended up where I am. I was just doing my job.”

  “I notice you didn’t answer my question.”

  His face turned redder than it already had been. Okay, don’t blow this. “Would you have dinner with me?”

  “You don’t even know what planet I’m on.” Owens broke into a wide grin. “What if I’m halfway across the galaxy?”

  Kenneth smiled back. “I’ve got a ship or two at my disposal.”

  “Ah.” She pursed her lips together again. “I don’t need saving, if that’s what you think. My life isn’t the best, but it works.”