by CJ Williams
“Marian, have Battle Groups Three and Four establish a barrier combat patrol at point Bravo. We’ll take Groups One and Two to Point Alpha and do the same.”
“Acknowledged, Sire. ETA is sixty minutes.”
“And send additional reconnaissance drones throughout the system. We can’t discount the possibility that the Greys may come at us from any direction.”
“Launching at this time...all drones deployed.”
At first, I was too keyed up to check on Annie and Rosa. After we reached the orbit point, I paced around the bridge for another hour. Finally, I got a cup of coffee from the galley. Technically, my android body didn’t need food or drink, but sipping on a hot beverage was still relaxing. During the pre-combat-wait it gave me an opportunity to gather my thoughts.
After my break, I took a moment to check on Annie in our stateroom. She was still sitting on the bed stroking Rosa with that same glassy-eyed expression. I felt bad for her situation and a little ashamed of myself. I should have left her on Freddi, instead of getting frustrated with the AI. It couldn’t be comfortable just sitting around with our child, waiting for combat.
The only solace was that if the battle didn’t go well, and we wound up in the middle of a nuclear explosion, our atoms would mix together in space until the end of the universe. Not exactly a happy-ever-after ending, especially since my own selfishness put us in this situation. I crept out of the room without disturbing their solitude.
Another hour of waiting brought the first report from our reconnaissance probes.
“Contact with the Grey force, Sire,” Marian said. “It is on the tactical display.”
A single large yellow diamond icon appeared well beyond the edge of the solar system. Their depicted location didn’t tell me anything about what direction they might attack.
“Can you show their track?” I asked.
“Coming up.”
A line appeared on the display. The origination point started deep in Grey territory and terminated at the current position of the yellow icon. It still didn’t give me any understanding of their possible approach.
“Give me a projected route. And show me their most likely trajectory toward our position.”
The screen updated with the projected track. It barely traversed the furthest edge of our local solar system and then kept going on out into deep space.
“They are not stopping in this system, Sire,” Marian said tentatively.
“No kidding. Zoom out and show me this entire region in a God’s eye view. I wonder if they're headed toward Haiyanas?”
Marian also overlaid the family boundaries with their homeworlds.
“Their Greys’ destination appears to be Saja,” Marian concluded. “That is the homeworld of King Tetsu.”
I shook my head at the revelation. “I didn’t see that coming.”
What should I do now, I wondered? At least Mauga was safe for the time being. If nothing else, Tanner would be relieved. I certainly felt a load lift from my shoulders.
“Take us home,” I said. “Put us down at the spaceport and until further notice, have the rest of our forces go back to standard system patrols.”
“Acknowledged,” Marian replied. “ETA sixty minutes.”
“And let Tanner know what’s going on.”
“Understood.”
I walked back to our stateroom again. Annie was holding Rosa, still looking a bit shell-shocked. I made up my mind right then that I would not make the same mistake twice; I would not put my wife and daughter in danger again. Even though it meant being separated, it would only be for a brief period.
I sat down on the bed and gave Annie a quick hug. “False alarm. It turns out that the Greys are headed toward Saja. They’re not even slowing down. It’s good news for Tanner. The question now is what should I do? If I ignore them, it gives me a chance to keep building up my force. Nothing wrong with that.”
Annie didn’t even look up. She just said, “You are the king. I will care for Rosa. You should do what you must.”
That bald-faced statement brought me up short. She was right. I was the king; sovereign ruler of all of Nobility space. In that regard, I had duties that, if I wanted to be honest about it, I had been shirking. For too long I had just been thinking about Annie and myself.
I had to get over feeling guilty about being an android and start doing my job as the leader of humanity. My future social status would take care of itself. People would eventually recognize my title.
In fact, having Princess Carrie show up had been a good thing. It proved that, even if it took a while, other people would accept me as I was.
Annie had accepted me from the first day, and now even though we argued, my little sister did too. If the two most important people in my life accepted me as king, I should start acting like one.
With that in mind, my next step was clear. I had to chase after the Greys and assist King Tetsu.
“Pack your things,” I told Annie. “We’re only going to touch down for a few seconds so you can join up with Carrie, and then I’ll be off to Saja. I need to help King Tetsu.”
“You are the king. I will care for Rosa. You should do what you must.”
“Well, yeah. That’s what you said. And the right thing for me to do is to stop the Greys. I can manage with the Reapers that I’ve got on hand.”
“You are the king. I will care for Rosa. You should do what you must.”
That’s when it registered.
Her shell-shocked expression, the same repeated phrase. I looked at her closely. She stared back without blinking and did not resist when I took her hand in mine. I rubbed my thumb over the synthetic material they used for her skin. It had a realistic feel, the same smooth texture. But her eyes told the truth.
My wife was an android.
She wasn’t nearly as sophisticated as me; more like a mannequin. Those glassy-eyes masked an empty skull. If love is blind…and all that mush…I was the biggest sucker in the galaxy.
I replayed the kidnapping in my mind. Strangely enough, I didn’t explode in a fury. I had been suckered, true; hook, line and sinker. But I had to give credit. Carrie had planned it so masterfully that I didn’t even notice. Her timing was perfect. She waited until just before I had to leave for combat. The attempt itself got me all worked up, so that I didn’t take a moment to notice that she swapped Annie out in the process.
I examined the lifeless robot in front of me. Only the dull expression gave it away. I wondered if I looked that way. I hoped not. I went into the bathroom and examined my face. It was me. I smiled at my reflection and my eyes sparkled with humor and intelligence. At least, I thought they did. Maybe I was kidding myself.
“Do I look okay?” I asked aloud.
“You look magnificent, Sire,” Marian responded admirably. That was one question I would never get an honest answer to. More programming.
On the bright side, at least Carrie would keep Annie out of harm’s way. And it was the same conclusion that I had come to, albeit belatedly. I wondered if Tanner knew about the switch. If he did, it would be hard not to kill him. But frankly, this wasn’t his style. He had a pretty open and honest soul. I would still talk to him though and find out.
*.*.*.*
When Marian touched down on the tarmac, Carrie was standing next to Tanner. I walked down the boarding ramp to find out if Annie was still on the planet. I had a lot to say to my little sister, not that it would help.
Carrie was looking a little glassy-eyed herself; another android. That was frustrating. It meant unloading on her would be as satisfying as yelling at a toaster. Not from her perspective though. She opened her mouth with an angry expression.
I cut her off. “Don’t start on me. I know what you are. Here come your compatriots now.” Annie and Rosa came down the boarding ramp. I turned my back on the androids and faced Tanner. “The Greys are headed toward Saja so I’m going to chase after them.”
“I understand, Sire,” he said, a bit fearfully. �
��I’ll take care of your family.”
I shrugged. “You can recycle the three of them for all I care. I’m leaving them with you because I don’t want them on my ship.”
“Of course.”
I gave him a stern look. “Did you know about this?”
He returned my gaze steadily. “Not until after you left. It became quite obvious when I tried to discuss the situation with Carrie. Or who I thought was Carrie. I apologize, Sire.”
“Fair enough,” I said. It was what I suspected. Both of us had been played for fools. “I have no doubt that it was really Carrie we spent the week with. She was just sizing us up, getting ready in case I wouldn’t let Annie go. Is she still on planet?”
“I don’t believe so, Your Majesty. I had guards search the park where her stealth ship landed but we found nothing. I’d guess they are on the way back to Haiyanas now. Is that where you’re going next?”
“No. The one thing that android kept repeating to me was that I was the king. Probably a not-so-subtle reminder from Carrie. Whatever the intent, it worked. I’m going after the Greys and help out King Tetsu. Once I get that sorted out, I’ll go on to Haiyanas. I expect both of them will be waiting for me. I’ll get her back; my real Annie I mean.”
“Good luck, Sire,” Tanner said.
I gave him a quick salute and re-boarded Marian. “Take us up. Destination is Saja, best possible speed. And bring the fleet with us.”
“Course set, Your Majesty. ETA is thirty hours.”
*.*.*.*
“Entering the Saja system,” Marian announced.
“Are the Greys here?” I asked.
“They are, Sire. I detect a large number of their spacecraft in orbit around King Tetsu’s home planet.”
“Explain large number. Do you mean all of them?”
“Negative, Sire. I estimate several hundred. I will give you an accurate number as we get closer.
I had studied what information we had on the Saja system. Tetsu’s home was the system’s fourth planet and very earthlike. It had several continents and three oceans. But Saja boasted a very different population from most other royal homeworlds.
King Tetsu and the old King Peyha, my adoptive father, were distantly related and had been close friends. Tetsu was a modern thinker. He didn’t crave the fawning adulation of his subjects.
As a result, Saja was a beacon of culture and learning. Replicator use permeated the society. I had tried to install this exact kind of civilization on the planets I visited. It was reassuring to see it implemented successfully over a long term. I looked forward to meeting the progressive-thinking monarch.
“I have located the Grey fleet,” Marian said. “They are on the surface of the largest moon around the eighth planet.”
“That seems a little strange. It makes them sitting ducks. Got an explanation for that?”
“I do not, Sire. But we are being hailed. On screen.”
The tactical display showed a bright yellow icon approaching our position. On the communication screen, an official looking man that could only be a government officer, spoke. “Unidentified fleet entering the Saja system, I am Fleet Captain Segwan. You are ordered to hold your position so that we may ascertain your status.”
I told Marian, “Slow down a little, but do not stop.”
“Acknowledged. The communication line is open. He is close enough for real-time conversation.”
“I am Lucas, sovereign of the First Family. I am here to speak to my father’s good friend, King Tetsu. You may escort us to my uncle’s location.”
The man’s eyes widened slightly but he didn’t miss a beat.
“As you command, Your Majesty. Welcome to Saja.”
The screen went blank and Marian spoke up. “He is broadcasting a stay clear message to everyone in the system. He also announced your identity to back it up.”
The officer acted professionally and in accordance with royal protocols, but it made me a bit suspicious. The man had offered no comment to my android nature and that was a surprise. I certainly expected the subject to come up. Had he been briefed? Carrie might have sent out a message to all Nobility families.
It didn’t matter; I wasn’t in the mood to consider hypotheticals. I had clearance to proceed to the planet. And the Sajan officer had not said a word about my fleet. Perhaps the presence of all the Greys was making Tetsu so hospitable.
“What’s our ETA?” I asked Marian.
“Two hours,” she replied.
*.*.*.*
“Approach Control cleared us to land on Royal Landing Pad One,” Marian announced. “It is in the middle of the city. The tall structure ahead is the home of King Tetsu.”
I stood at the viewing window gaping at the spectacular sight below. The sun had just set and it was like looking at a nighttime cityscape of Singapore, London and New York all rolled into one. Dazzling lights illuminated towering structures of all shapes and sizes.
Reflected vehicle lamps diagramed airborne traffic lanes that wove intricate patterns throughout the immense metropolitan area. Aircars raced this way and that at dizzying speeds and different levels.
Huge flat landing pads sprouted sideways from taller structures. The tops of most buildings had markings for airborne vehicles to make vertical landings. The elevated parking lots were filled with a variety of vehicles, some as big as Phantoms, and others small as single occupant flitters.
In the very center of the skyline a much taller obelisk-like building soared above all the other structures.
“That is the palace,” Marian said. “We are instructed to land on the VIP pad halfway up on the left side.”
As we approached for touchdown, a young man strode onto the brilliantly lit landing zone. He was accompanied by fifty soldiers dressed in gaudy royal uniforms. They marched toward a painted square and formed up in two rows. They were armed but held their weapons in a parade ground manner.
“How many Barbicans do we have on board?”
“One hundred and fifty,” Marian replied.
“Have them disembark before I do and set up supporting lines on either side. Match the presentation of Tetsu’s troops.”
“Acknowledged.”
“I guess I should put on some fancy robes myself. Annie used to remind me of those details.”
Marian said, “I will have a uniform prepared by the time you reach your stateroom.”
I hastily changed into the extravagant outfit. It was purple and gold with plenty of medals on my chest and colorful braid draping from my shoulders; very Hollywood.
When I walked down the boarding ramp, my Barbicans were already in formation on the tarmac. They stood at attention and when I appeared, they jerked into a present-arms stance. Tetsu’s soldiers did the same in an almost mirror-like fashion.
The officer kept a neutral expression. If he was surprised by a greeting from android royalty, escorted by mechanized guards, he didn’t show it. The nametag on his uniform said CHASEOM.
“Hello, Captain Chaseom,” I said evenly. “You may take me to my uncle, King Tetsu.”
The man saluted smartly. “Of course, Highness. This way please.”
Marian, have two of the Barbicans follow me. Keep the rest on standby.
Acknowledged, Sire.
We trooped inside, through a passageway and then down an elevator to an opulent foyer. Dozens of elegantly dressed men and women filled the high-ceilinged room. I couldn’t tell if they were ministers, employees or just hangers-on.
On the far side of the chamber, huge, three-story high doors served as an entrance to the throne room. I thought that was where we were headed. Instead, the captain escorted me to one side where we passed into a rather ordinary hallway. After several twists and turns that took us deep into the building, he opened a door and stepped back to announce in a loud voice, “His Royal Majesty, Lucas the First.”
“Come in, come in,” an elderly voice called.
I walked into a comfortable living room. It was furnished with
leather covered sofas and deeply upholstered chairs. At the far end, a dining table big enough for eight was covered with books and various memorabilia. Beyond that a sumptuously appointed kitchen featured a well-stocked bar. The glass decanters were filled with deep amber colored liquid.
An old man was pouring two drinks into exquisitely cut crystal glasses.
“I’m your uncle Tetsu,” the ancient king said in introduction. “I knew your father very well. He told me he was going to father another child or two. I couldn’t tell if he was serious, but I guess he really was.” He looked me up and down. “And a metallic one at that.” The twinkle in his eyes told me there was no malice in his words. He was frankly curious.
“It’s a long story, Sire,” I said.
He handed me one of the drinks. “Then give me the short version.” As an afterthought he added, “Do you drink? “
I couldn’t help smiling. He really did seem like a favorite uncle.
“Yes, Sire. I can handle drink very well.”
“Why don’t we drop this Sire and Majesty baloney, son. Call me Tet; Uncle Tet if it makes you feel better.”
I chuckled out loud. “Thank you, Uncle Tet. My name is Luke.”
We settled into two facing chairs and he gave me an expectant look. He didn’t seem in a particular hurry and was obviously very interested in my tale. As he had asked, I gave him a quick version of how I came to be in his study, starting with my buildup of the Alliance on Earth, all the way through my battle on the Grey planet and rescue of Annie. I was open about how I came to be in my present android form.
“Very well,” he said when I finished. “Everything you’ve told me matches the rumors I’ve heard. I was a little worried after I heard that King Haejeog died. You might be surprised to hear that I’ve received this story from your sister, Carrie. I started getting updates from her a few months ago. She didn’t mention your current condition. I gather she’s aware of your change?”
“That’s correct, she is. I spoke with her just a few days ago. I believe she is on her way to Haiyanas with my wife. As I mentioned, we had quite a shouting match before I left. I’ll sort that out later, but my priority for the moment is dealing with the Greys. Once I realized their destination was Saja, I came straight here. I have to say, however, that you don’t seem to be having a problem with them.”