Veil of Shadows (Book 2 of The Empire of Bones Saga)

by Terry Mixon

  “It was like Armageddon,” the marine admitted. “Even all the way back at the lift, it sounded like the world had ended. The grenade she used that decimated the enemy forces was so powerful that it left a crater bigger than one of our mortar shells. Her flechettes went through bodies, equipment, and blew huge divots out of the walls. She had more firepower than the rest of us combined.”

  “Tell me you’re upgrading your weapons. And tell me that you’re adapting that armor for your use. We have the most powerful ship I’ve ever seen, but there are some situations where we need men on the ground.”

  Reese grimaced. “We’re restoring weapons as quickly as we can. Rather, a couple of the scientists are showing us how to do so. I believe we can have flechette weapons for all marines inside a week. We have a couple of the smaller plasma rifles, too. The larger weapons require powered armor to use. And the armor requires implants, so we’re at a dead end. I’m about ready to volunteer to be implanted myself.”

  Jared’s eyes widened. “You’d let that machine cut you open and make all those changes? Changes that you can’t take back?”

  The marine shrugged. “It’s the future, Captain. To fight the Pale Ones, we’re going to have to be a lot more effective. Fleet officers, too. This ship is capable of so much with the right interface. How long is it going to be before someone takes that first step voluntarily? I say now, because if we wait, it might be too late.”

  First Zia’s comment and now Reese’s. The writing really was on the wall.

  “How is Princess Kelsey?” he asked, changing the subject.

  “Jittery. I had Doctor Stone check her out, but I already knew what it was. Post-combat shakes. She’s not the first person I’ve seen react that way. Sturdy as steel when the shit hits the fan and then shaking like a leaf once it’s all over. The doctor gave her a sedative and sent her to bed.”

  Well, that meant he wouldn’t be speaking to her tonight. That was probably for the best anyway.

  Jared rose. “Well, I’ll just have to speak with her tomorrow, then. Work with Lieutenant Anderson and come up with an assault plan for the operational shipyard. We’ve come this far. We might as well clear the system. Plan on the Pale Ones being armed.”

  Reese stood and saluted. “Aye, sir. I’ll have something on your desk in a few hours.”

  “Don’t rush. Sometime early tomorrow is soon enough. I have an important meeting that will probably take up most of my evening.”

  Jared headed for the medical center. Technically, this wasn’t a meeting. It was more of an ambush. He found Doctor Stone in her office and rapped on the open hatch. “I hope you have time, because I need to talk to you.”

  She looked up from her console. “I always have time for you, Captain. What can I do for you?”

  He closed the hatch behind him. “I’ve decided to undergo a procedure. One that I suspect you will strongly disapprove of.” He dropped into the seat in front of her desk. “I’ve decided that I need a Fleet officer’s implants.”

  Doctor Stone scowled. “There is absolutely no reason to go through something like that until we understand things better. It’s your brain, Jared. If something goes wrong, you’ll be a vegetable or dead.”

  “Courageous was designed to interface with a crew that could command it effectively. Princess Kelsey didn’t have a choice, but if we’re going to fight our way home, we’re going to have to get over our aversion to the idea of implants. As this ship’s Captain, it behooves me to take that first step.”

  Stone took a long breath. “Captain, I certainly understand your arguments, but this is a risky, untested procedure. Look what happened to Kelsey. That thing butchered her. I strongly urge you to reconsider.”

  Jared shook his head. “It needs to be done and I need to set the example. Besides, I’m not getting the full set of implants. Just the Fleet officer’s package. Your report says that the implantation machine recalibrated itself. Its built-in regeneration unit is functional now. Is that correct?”

  Stone nodded reluctantly. “That’s what the unit’s diagnostic system tells me, but it’s never been tested. As your doctor, I advise against this in the strongest terms.”

  “But you don’t forbid it.”

  Stone sighed. “No. I’m not blind to the ship’s capabilities. There are machines here in the medical center that I can’t use because I can’t access them. I see the potential. I also see the danger. You’re our commanding officer. If you try this and it fails, you’ll be beyond my help and I’ll wager the crew won’t be rushing in for implants.”

  “I’ve made up my mind, Doctor.”

  * * * * *

  Jared went into the procedure more than a little nervous. According to what the machine had told Kelsey, Fleet officers received the cranial implants and medical nanites. He already knew the implantation procedure for the brain worked fine for Kelsey. He didn’t think his procedure would leave him nearly as incapacitated as Kelsey had been.

  And he was right. He woke up without suffering anything near the pain that Kelsey had, or the disorientation. Other than feeling a little bit groggy, he felt perfectly normal.

  That didn’t keep Doctor Stone from being worried. “How are you feeling?”

  “Not too bad, actually.” He sat up. Doctor Stone looked alarmed, but he wasn’t dizzy. He plucked a writing stylus out of her pocket and flipped it in his hand a few times. For someone that had his brain operated on, he felt surprisingly good.

  Stone took her stylus back. “Don’t try to stand just yet. Let’s get a good scan first. Doctor Leonard?”

  Of course, Doctor Leonard and Carl Owlet were mandatory participants in the procedure. They’d cleared the medical center of all other personnel, though.

  The scientist put a modified headset on Jared. “Just rest easy for a few minutes while we scan your implant code, Captain. I’m quite certain that it’s clean, but it pays to take no chances.”

  After a few minutes, the graduate student nodded. “Your implants are all clean, Captain. Based on watching the Princess learn to use hers, I recommend that you spend a lot of time practicing before you really need it.”

  Jared eased himself to his feet and flexed his knees. Everything felt fine. “I know you’d like to keep me in bed for a couple of days, Doctor, but I don’t have the luxury of lying around. What is my realistic recovery time?”

  Stone looked a bit sour. “According to Workstation Twelve, you can be released to light duty immediately. Normal duty tomorrow. It also recommends that you get training on using your implants over the next week.”

  “I’ll do that. I’m sure that Kelsey has quite a bit of advice for me. Or she will once I tell her that I’ve done this.” He gave the three of them a steady look. “For the moment, let’s keep this between the four of us. Understood?”

  The three of them quickly acknowledged his order.

  “Good. Let’s see if these things work.”

  He could already sense the old Imperial workstation. It was a very strange sensation. Can you hear me Workstation Twelve?

  Affirmative.

  How did the implantation procedure go? Is there anything else that I should be aware of?

  Everything went exceedingly well. Installation of hardware and regeneration of the surgical sites went without any issues. The medical nanites are operating as expected.

  So you’re ready to begin performing these procedures as needed?

  Negative. No more cranial implants are available.

  That wasn’t quite the answer that Jared was expecting. Do you know where resupply parts would be available?

  Negative. This unit only loads a single set of implants and hardware prior to a procedure. An attached bin holds all other equipment for easy resupply.

  Wonderful. He distinctly remembered that bin lying on the deck of the orbital when they’d rescued Kelsey. They must’ve knocked it loose during the struggle to save her. And they’d probably blown up the only remaining supplies in the system.

 
He rubbed his face. “I have good news and I have bad news, Doctor Stone. The good news is I was able to converse with Workstation Twelve. The bad news is it’s out of implants. We’ll have to find another supply before it can perform any more procedures.”

  Doctor Stone smiled wryly. “For the moment, I’m going to count that as good news and good news. Until I understand more about this process and what could go wrong with it, I’m happy that we can’t do anymore.”

  They had him move around the laboratory for half an hour, just to make sure that he wasn’t suffering any ill effects. Then Doctor Stone grudgingly released him. She did insist on accompanying him back to his quarters.

  She strapped a medical alert bracelet to his wrist. “This will monitor your vital signs overnight. It also has an emergency call button. If anything seems unusual or you feel distressed, press the button. If your vital signs spike in any way, the crash team will be here in sixty seconds. God only knows what they’ll be able to do if things go wrong, though.”

  “Yes, Mother.”

  She glowered at him sternly. “You think you’re funny, but I’m being serious. No matter what that pile of junk says, you’ve just been through a serious medical procedure. On. Your. Brain. It’s going to take a long time before I feel cavalier about something like that. I want you to get a good night’s rest and then come see me in the morning before you report for duty.”

  He heard the unspoken threat in her tone. If he didn’t comply, she would relieve him of duty. As Chief Medical Officer, she had that authority. He knew better than to push her.

  “I understand, Lily. I’ll take it easy and I’ll come see you before breakfast.”

  “See that you do. Good night, Captain.”

  After she was gone, he retrieved the headset that he’d put in his desk several days ago. He’d never suspected he’d be using it. He put it on, leaned back in his chair, and closed his eyes. Courageous, this is Captain Mertz. Can you hear me?

  Good evening, Commander Mertz. This unit detected your implants coming online. Thank you for identifying yourself. Implants registered. How may this unit assist you?

  I need to become accustomed to utilizing my implants. Can I access the ship’s systems?

  Of course. The bridge is just a convenience. The consoles and screens are grouped together allow the crew to communicate effectively and efficiently. However, through the implants, a crew could command and control a ship from their quarters utilizing the headsets.

  Are the headsets required on the bridge?

  Negative, though they have much greater throughput than the implants do alone. Before you begin experimenting, there is one other matter this unit would like to discuss, if you have time.

  Certainly.

  The AI seemed to hesitate a moment before continuing. This unit has completed numerous scans of the surface of Erorsi and the space stations. It has examined the bodies recovered from the asteroid. It believes that it now has enough data to make a permanent decision about your ongoing control of this ship. Now that you have the appropriate implants and can fully control this vessel, this unit is prepared to resume standard protocols and accept you as the commanding officer of the ship, with all the duties and authority that carries. Is that acceptable to you, Commander?

  Jared sat up and tried to control his racing heart. It is, Courageous.

  Then this unit will place the appropriate command codes into your implants, with your permission. It will enable similar codes for any individual you confirm that is in an appropriate position to require them. Are you prepared?

  I am.

  He felt nothing as the AI worked. He only knew the process was complete when Courageous spoke again. Updates complete. This unit is now under your command, Captain.

  Let’s start with the scanners, shall we? And please don’t let anyone know that I have implant hardware or that I’ve officially assumed command of this ship. I’ll tell them when it’s appropriate. This applies double for Princess Kelsey.

  Query. Princess Kelsey Bandar is an Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Terran Empire, correct?

  He nodded. Correct. She’s also a member of the Imperial Family with the highest of security clearances. Second in line to the Imperial Throne. Why?

  Then there are codes that are appropriate for her to possess that this unit can provide. This unit will see to it in a manner that does not conflict with your previous orders.

  That sounds good, Courageous. With that settled, let’s start with the ship’s scanners. Show me what our immediate area looks like.

  As an unexpectedly breathtaking view of local space came into his mind, Jared knew it was going to be a long night.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Kelsey awoke famished, as usual. A good night’s sleep, even though it required a sedative, made yesterday feel like a bad dream. She’d have to process it eventually, but for the moment, she’d focus on today. And the ass chewing Jared would no doubt be giving her.

  She took a luxurious water shower in her private showering tube. Once the flow of warm air had dried her body, she dressed in a cream-colored blouse and dark slacks.

  A quick ping to the computer told her that Jared was in the officer’s mess. It also popped up a notification that her implant software had an update available.

  She pinged the computer. Courageous, is this a valid update?

  Affirmative. This unit has determined that some updates are required based on our current situation. They pose no danger and may prove useful in future situations.

  Will they give me more access to my commando implants? More data about them?

  Negative. This unit does not possess more detailed information about commando implants. Such information is restricted to commando AIs and vessels. You also already have complete access to your hardware. If this unit discovers a method of getting more information for you on those subjects, it will provide it at once. Do you accept the update at this time?

  Sure.

  She made her way to the officer’s mess and was pleasantly surprised to find Jared sitting at the table with Commander Graves. That might mean less of a public spectacle. Both men rose to their feet as she approached.

  “Good morning.” She took as seat and waved a server over. “I’ll take what their having, please.”

  Jared smiled at her, his expression a bit sardonic. “Is it a good morning because you hope it will be, or because it is?”

  “Hope springs eternal.” She turned to Graves. “Good morning, Commander. I hope we had a quiet night.”

  The sandy-haired officer nodded. “Indeed we did. The Pale Ones haven’t made a hostile move, though that might change at any time.”

  The server brought their meals and a large pot of coffee. Kelsey’s order was bigger than the men’s combined meals when it arrived. The sight still embarrassed Kelsey. “Again, let me apologize for my apparent piggishness. All this enhanced musculature demands the extra calories and I’m famished today.”

  Jared put his hand on Kelsey’s. “You don’t need to apologize. Everyone understands. Eat as much as you need.”

  As they began eating, something about Jared kept nagging at her. She mulled it for a couple of minutes before she figured out what was different. He was registering on her implants.

  She narrowed her eyes, opened her senses, and probed him. An implant response shocked her so badly that she bent her fork.

  He raised an eyebrow. “Is something the matter?” He raised his finger to his lips as Commander Graves looked toward her.

  “Sorry. My control slipped for a second. That’s embarrassing. I haven’t done this in a couple of weeks.”

  Can you hear me? she asked.

  He didn’t respond, but an interface to request a communications link popped up. It was as simple as knowing his implant serial number, which her implants had logged, and having her implants request the link. She did so.

  Her implants indicated that he accepted the request.

  Jared? What the hell?

 
; This has to be the strangest thing I’ve ever experienced. Oh, except for accessing the ship’s computer last night. You didn’t tell me how amazing it was seeing the scanner input while we were in orbit.

  Actually, I did. Stop stalling and explain.

  He smiled and sipped his coffee. Charlie is going to grow suspicious if you don’t start eating again. I’d rather keep this between the two of us for the moment. Of course, Doctor Stone, Doctor Leonard, and Mister Owlet know. I obviously went through the procedure last night.

  But why?

  As he explained his reasoning, she dove back into her food and found herself grudgingly nodding. It made sense. Someone had to be the first willing implantee. She still thought he was insane.

  You obviously didn’t get the full body work up. You’re not ripping the table out of the deck.

  No, just the cranial implants and the medical nanites. The standard Fleet officer’s package. You can be certain that I’ll be coming to you for assistance if I run into any problems. Charlie is starting to give us some odd looks, so I suggest we resume our normal conversation.

  Just so that you know, we’re not done with this.

  “So,” she said aloud. “What are our plans now? They still have an active shipyard just around the planetary curve and we’re the only friendly ship in this system. Shouldn’t we be going back to Pentagar before some other disaster comes our way?”

  Jared took a bite of his eggs and chewed slowly before he answered. “We’ve got probes heading out to do an active search of the system. So far, no other artificial signatures have registered. While the Pale Ones probably don’t know about the weak flip point in this system, there’s a regular one. We’ve got a probe right there to signal us if something comes through. Based on distances, we can easily beat them to the Pentagaran flip point.”

  Graves raised his coffee cup. “It is a risk, but if we don’t snoop around the planet now, we may not have an opportunity later. We haven’t located anything that seems to make the planet worthy of total global devastation, but we have located numerous settlements of primitive, unenhanced humans. Probably where the Pale Ones get their recruits. If you ever wondered how someone from the Stone Age lived, I can show you pictures.”