by Trent Falls
Agrev gave Shin’s words some thought. Location Delta was HD209458, the suspected Norn outpost planet. Agrev felt at a loss as the mission demanded the location of the planet not be transmitted through space, even on a secure channel. Agrev didn’t know the location of the Norn planet – which bothered him. Shin knew the location, as did his Terran accomplice Scott Euler.
Agrev looked ahead to the Ao Shun floating ahead in space. He could see its four massive engines glowing far to the left of the bridge. Two SV-4 Xen starfighters raced past the Nanjing’s bridge. They were part of the patrol squadron kept around the Xen carrier. The Ao Shun was an impressive vessel even from the distance Agrev was seeing it. The ship was over three kilometers away and still it looked massive. The massive guns atop the ship were set directly ahead, yet could be turned like those on a battleship to tear apart another ship of similar size.
“Captain Sands. Captain Shin. Might I have a word with both of you in private?” Agrev asked.
“Certainly sir.” Shin replied obediently. “Would you like me to shuttle over there?”
“No we can use a secure channel as long as you’re in an isolated and secure location on your ship.” Agrev noted.
“I’m in my stateroom now, sir.” Shin replied.
Sands was already walking over to the High Councilor, anticipating his next request. “This way sir.” Sands led Agrev towards a door at the back of the bridge. “My office is this way.”
Agrev followed Sands through the sliding door, leaving the bridge crew behind. Sand’s office was smaller than Shin’s on the Ao Shun. Sand’s room was a 10’ x 15’ stateroom with a wide bunk on one side set into the bulkhead. A small couch and a chair was set at the opposite end next to a duty station style desk. Sands walked over to the small computer console on the desk and input a series of commands.
The flat screen at the end of the room flickered. Captain Shin’s Asiatic face, framed in deep black hair, appeared on the flat screen.
“Is this secure?” Agrev asked Sands, who was still standing behind his desk.
Sands glanced down at his computer consol then looked back up at Agrev. He gave the High Councilor a nod of certainty. “Go ahead, sir.” Sands noted to his superior.
“Can you see me?” Agrev looked to the screen and Shin’s image.
“Yes sir.” Shin’s face replied on the screen. “I can see you both.”
“Very well. I’m going to make this short.” Agrev continued, looking at Shin on the screen, then at Sands. “The objective of this mission is top secret. Only the commanders on this mission, namely you, and our allied forces with Euler understand what we are after. Your crews will go about their normal duties. They will have no information on what the ultimate mission is. Is that clear?”
“Yes, of course, Councilor Agrev.” Shin answered obediently. “We’ve already been operating in this manner.”
“I am not kidding, Captain Shin! That assault force you used on Kappa Cetti Five was far too large. Enlisted men talk.”
“With all due respect, Councilor, Max Dekker was trying to establish a grassroots colony on Kappa Ceti Five. He had a small army there already. We had no choice but to use overwhelming force.”
Agrev took a deep breath. “That’s understood. Fine. We can contest that Dekker was in a disputed part of space or that his colonial group was suspected of making incursions into Xen space. Whatever the case, this is much different. If we find what I suspect we will find on this secret planet, then it will be critical of us to control this information. If word got out about… what we were doing then every damned explorer and government will swarm to this planet to try and gain any information or advanced technology that might be gleaned.”
“Yes sir.” Shin replied, restraining a sigh. “Of course, I understand.”
Shin tried not expressing his frustration at Agrev’s transparent patronage. Certainly Agrev had been in the navy, he was a High Councilor for the Xen government – but Shin was a captain of a Xen command carrier. Certainly, he was no idiot.
“Is Euler with you now?” Agrev asked Shin.
“No sir. He’s prepping his men for the ground search phase.”
“Keep your eye on him Shin. Terrans are not to be trusted.”
Shin took another breath. Certainly Shin always kept a bit of healthy suspicion of Euler, but it was Euler and his discovery of the tablet on Denebola Five that started the entire quest. If it weren’t for Euler, the Xen would remain ignorant to the Norn’s possible whereabouts.
“I have my best Special Ops guy attached to his group. Lieutenant David Zao.” Shin explained.
“Euler and his men have been unprofessional and sloppy. To think one man could infiltrate his camp and kill almost half of his mercenaries, EXPENSIVE mercenaries I might add! It’s sickening. And to allow Dekker to be tortured to death.” Agrev shook his head.
“Dekker was killed due to an error in judgment made by his assistant, Rochette. Rochette was killed by Carn when he liberated his niece.” Shin explained.
“So, not only was security at his compound poor, his error has cost us any potential guide we might have on the planet. Who knows what lies on that world? Dekker knew what was there. He could have led us through any danger...like…”
“Creatures made of rock.” Shin smirked.
“Easy, Shin. That’s sensitive information.”
“Honestly, sir, we don’t know if Dekker’s memory engrams are one hundred percent real. The… creatures could very well be a figment of his imagination.” Shin replied.
Agrev remained silent for a moment in thought. Obviously, he was a bit upset about how sloppy the operation had become. “What of the other survivor of the Ramirez expedition?” Agrev demanded.
“He was the one that killed half of Euler’s mercs.” Shin offered.
“Yes, yes! I know that! I saw Dekker’s memory engram. I read the report.” Agrev continued in a demanding tone. “From what I saw, this John Carn was the only other man from Dekker’s rescue team that’s still alive.”
“Yes sir. That is correct” Shin straightened himself slightly. “We have assets in play trying to reacquire him. Euler was stupid to think kidnapping his niece would motivate him. If anything, it inspired him to kill a significant number of our people.”
“Carn’s violation of the interstellar treaty and body count might be the only things that prevent the shit storm that will come when the EEF puts this all together.” Agrev argued. “We need the treaty to be maintained!”
“The contract we have out is for top notch regional resources. Whoever brings him in will be a genuine pro.” Shin explained.
“Contract?” Agrev’s voice rose a bit. “You put a bounty out on this man?!?”
“In a manner of speaking, yes.” Shin answered.
“You’ve put a bounty on Carn?!?” Agrev asked again in disbelief.
“Yes. I’ve ran it through regional contacts. They know not to hire just any old yahoo. Only the best talent is invited.” Shin replied.
Agrev sighed and shook his head.
“It was the best I could do on short-notice, sir.” Shin explained.
“We’ve burned through enough local resources on this. Earth, Mars, and now this.” Agrev exhaled.
“Sir, my reservations on this are clearly documented.” Shin grew a bit aggravated. He tried to mask his displeasure with Argev with a professionally calm demeanor. “I didn’t see the need to pursue Carn any longer. Whatever is on that planet my men can deal with it. We don’t need Carn.”
Agrev kept a straight face even though Shin was borderline insubordinate. Agrev was the one who pushed for them to get Carn back.
“I’m not willing to take those risks, captain.” Agrev’s image stared back at Shin as he sat in his stateroom. “Do what you have to do. We’ll give your operatives the agreed upon window to produce Carn. After that, we’ll forget about him and go in on our own. We’ll see how well your men and Euler will handle the situation.” Agrev noted finally.
“Agrev out.”
The screen in Shin’s stateroom returned to its default screen displaying the flag and Mandarin characters of the Xen government.
Shin remained sitting behind his desk. He checked the computer console set into his desk to be sure the line from the Nanjing was closed.
“Asshole.” Shin exhaled as he shook his head slightly.
The nighttime air was humid enough to cast a faint glow around the fluorescent white light rods in the park. The park itself consisted of broad green lawns; a few soccer fields bordered by short hills which were themselves framed by a few tall trees. There was a concrete sidewalk that wound throughout the perimeter of the park. A number of New Australia residents jogged or walked around the park wearing shorts or very airy lightweight garments. Some walked or jogged alone, others did so in pairs or larger groups. Four basketball courts were lit by powerful white lights from above. Each court was full with players actively jostling, shooting, and talking smack.
As healthy and active as those in the park seemed there was a retail element, as there always was on the colony world. A number of food kiosks were set at the far end of the park. All were mobile foot carts or stands. Some sold Chinese noodles, others sold pizza and soda. There was a taco stand, serving up ground beef, chicken, and fish tacos. Another cart sold shawarma while the cart next to it dealt in mac and cheese sandwiches.
John stood at the perimeter of the food cart area with Alex and Julie. He looked over at Julie to check on her. John was determined to not let anything happen to her again. They had secured lodging thanks to Carlos. Even after all the time that had passed, owed favors were still repaid.
John also finally felt civilized after weeks in the same clothes. He had been able to take a proper shower and wore a new set of clothes. John kept to dark colors just in case. A black t-shirt covered his upper body. He had acquired a pair of black cotton field pants from a local outdoor supply shop, the same supplier that allegedly sold fatigues to the Proxima Five Marshall Service. The shop also had a nice pair of hiking boots as well. While black wasn’t the best color for Proxi Five in the summer it was still the most practical overall in the universe.
Alex and Julie had opted for something more mainstream and less covert. Alex wore a bluish grey concert t-shirt from a band named Skyline and a new pair of jeans. Julie wore a loose blue and green patterned top and light brown cotton pants as well. She had desperately wanted to get a sundress but her uncle said no. John wanted her dressed for the outdoors just in case they needed to run again.
John looked out on the basketball courts. It was an odd sight to see in New Australia. The park seemed like something John would see on Earth rather than on a colony world. Everyone looked to be relaxed; casual. A middle aged woman and her friend walked past John having completed their walk around the park. A black man in shorts and a t-shirt stretched at the edge of the sidewalk, reading himself for a jog. The rim of a nearby basketball hoop rang out with the metallic thud of a slam dunk. The dunker flashed a satisfied grin at his opponents as he ran back through their ranks.
There was security all around the park. John could see several heavy hitters positioned strategically around the park. At first John though it might be thugs tied up with George Grimson or another local crime boss. After a while, though, John realized that they were purposefully visible. The plain clothes security wanted to be seen. They also looked too confident in their stance; like cops on the watch that belonged there. They didn’t try to keep a low profile like a criminal would.
John caught sight of the New Australia Marshals as they entered. There were three men in the new standard blue black field uniforms; padded flash armor at the torso over standard field dress. They were cops; of that there was no doubt. Neither of the flanking officers appeared familiar but the one in the middle was recognizable after a few moments.
“There they are.” John leaned over to speak to Alex. “Keep an eye on Jules. I’m going over to talk with them.”
“Okay, I’ll keep a look out.” Alex confirmed.
John took a breath and walked out through the crowd. He felt really alone and exposed for a moment. The New Australia cops could very well arrest him on sight. This was certain. He was also walking out into a crowd of unknown people. After all that occurred John was wary of anyone around him. He trusted no one at this point but Julie and Alex.
The smell of a nearby cheese steak cart caught John’s attention briefly. He hadn’t eaten a decent meal in days.
Ignoring the cheese steak cart, John pushed on through the crowd. In a few seconds time the New Australia Marshals caught sight of John. None of the three moved. The man in the middle and the officer to his left looked at John curiously. They were visibly trying to recognize him.
“Good evening, Chief.” the man in the middle, Adam Rhodes, said with the hint of a New York accent.
John smiled back at Rhodes. “That’s your title now, Adam, not mine.”
“Good to see you, sir.” The older officer at Rhodes’ right said, also staring at John in a familiar manner.
“Forrester?” John grinned back at the officer. “Is that you?”
“Yessir.” Forrester grinned back. “It’s been a damn long time.”
“Yes, it has.” Rhodes added, keeping a more serious gaze on John. “You called us out here, sir?”
“Yeah, for obvious reasons.” John responded.
“I’m going to have to have a nice word with my detail at the spaceport.” Rhodes smirked. “How one dirty merc, resembling our old Chief Marshal, a dirty teenage blonde who’s on the ESF security alert, and a six foot black guy with dreadlocks walks by them without being apprehended is beyond me.”
“Yeah, that surprised me too, honestly.” John noted.
“So, if you’re interested in turning yourself in why not come by the station?” Rhodes asked. “Why the meet and greet in the park?”
“I wanted to have a word with you. Alone if I could.” John responded.
Rhodes looked around, scanning the area leisurely with his eyes. He then turned to look over at the marshals standing beside him.
“I don’t see why not.” Rhodes said aloud. “You guys wait here. Give us a minute.”
“Sure thing, Chief.” Forrester replied for both officers.
John and Adam Rhodes walked out away from the cops. The crowd had given the police a wide berth already, thinning out the crowd in the area where they were standing. John and Adam walked out towards a nearby pond. The giant towers of New Australia loomed in the background beyond the park. The white and amber lights of the offices within the towers glowed brightly in the contrast of night.
“This park...” John began talking. “… it’s something else.”
“This whole area is a Green Zone.” Adam explained. “It stretches from twenty second down to Calhoun Park.”
“Nice.” John noted. “It’s a lot different than the city I knew.”
“The big companies needed to find a way to entice more skilled workers out to the colonies. No one wanted to come and work here when I took over. Well, you know how it was. The city council was put together before you left, I think. The big interstellar companies had a big meeting with the council and demanded better security. They wanted to bring workers out here. Workers with families.” Adam looked around at the towers around them. “They gave us a bit of latitude in how we got about getting the job done. I was hoping to God I didn’t have to use the Baghdad Green Zone model, but it turned out okay.”
“Oh, come on, Adam!” John looked sideways at Rhodes with a smirk. “I didn’t leave the city in that bad of shape.”
“No, you didn’t. Well, not considering the circumstances.” Rhodes added. “It definitely wasn’t the trailer park you started with, that’s for sure.” Adam pointed down the street. “No, we used invisible security perimeters. Cameras with facial recognition are set in three defensive rings. Anyone who doesn’t belong gets swept out immediately by units running the perimeter.”
&
nbsp; “Sounds expensive and time consuming.” John noted.
“Well, it’s better than throwing up a concrete wall perimeter and setting up the razor wire.” Adam replied. “So…. we were kind of surprised to find you out here?” Adam pushed the question in a lighthearted tone.
“Yeah.” John exhaled. He looked out over the small pond then briefly around to all the people in the park. “I was surprised too.”
“I read the ESF report. They took your niece and brought her out here?” Adam asked.
“She was out in Xen space on Isis.” John clarified.
“Jesus!” Adam was truly impressed.
“Come on, Adam! You know better than I do. The ESF wouldn’t have been able to do squat!”
“I know, I know.” Adam replied. “It’s just… I don’t know. Complicated. Fuck! I mean, if they took MY kid, I mean if I had a kid and they took her… I don’t know what I’d do.”
“There was no way I was going to let her rot in some cell while the bureaucrats took their time freeing her.” John became more emotional.
“I know, but still… you did break the law.” Adam noted. “As much as it sucks I’m going to have to bring you in.”
“I know.” John noted plainly. “I just don’t want to be dragged in cuffs in front of Jules. You can take care of that, can’t you?”
“Consider it done.” Rhodes said without hesitation. “You, Scoffield, and your niece will follow my men and I back to the station. We still have the Motel Six out back you can stay at.”
John couldn’t help but laugh aloud. “Jesus! You didn’t tear down those shacks?”
“Actually the station hasn’t changed much. You’d be surprised.” Adam added. “You’ll probably need to stay there a while anyway until they can process you and ship you back to Earth. The local ESF guy is likely to crawl up your ass and live there. The debrief is going to be a marathon.”
“I know.” John agreed.
“Tell me something, though.” Adam ventured. “They took your kid from Earth and took her out to Isis. That’s a gutsy play to say the least. Why?”