by Saxon Andrew
Lein glanced up at the Chancellor and saw him nod. “Yes, you will be inducted into the military.”
“In order for me get full access to your installations, I’m going to need a rank that your commanders can’t order around.”
The Chancellor entered the conversation, “What are you suggesting, Mr. Talent?”
“Chancellor, no one likes an outsider to come in and snoop around their domain. Commanders won’t like it and will resist working with me. I wouldn’t blame them, I was the same way when any outsider entered my lab to inspect my operation; it’s basic human nature. I don’t want to keep having to contact you, or General Lein, to make them comply with my requests.”
The Chancellor looked at General Lein, “General, is he right?”
Lein nodded, “I hate to agree but he is.”
‘What’s the highest-ranking officer commanding any of our units?”
“Two-Stars, Sir.”
“Make him a three.” Lein’s eyes widened slightly and the Chancellor lowered his eyebrows, “General, what he’s being charged to do is too important to tip-toe around political expedience! The Commanders can just stuff it, as far as I’m concerned.”
General Lein turned to Tal, “Well, you’re certainly getting a great pay-grade in your first rank, Tal.”
“That’s another thing, General. I will not be accepting any pay for what I’m doing; I can pay my own way. Give the money to a charity or add it to the defense fund.”
Sha suddenly spoke up, “General Tal.” Everyone in the room turned their attention to Sha, as Tal turned to her, “You’re going to need me as a partner to do this.”
Tal’s eyes narrowed, as Ka said forcefully, “YOU WILL NOT DO ANY SUCH THING!”
Sha looked at her mother and laughed, “Mom, you had no trouble walking out on me to join the Assassin’s Guild and you left me to pretty much fend for myself. I decide what I do with my life and that’s been the case for a very long time! I have no intention of sitting around a lab and watch a group of boring scientists working on computers and electrical devices.” She turned to Dr. Meier, “No offense, Doctor.”
“None taken.”
Tal quickly interrupted, “I work alone.”
“Then you’re being incredibly stupid, Tal,” Sha replied. Tal’s face instantly turned angry and he looked at the Chancellor, “May I have a moment?”
The Chancellor nodded, “Go ahead.”
Tal stepped away from the raised dais and Sha followed him. He used the communicator, “I will not allow you to follow me around! I’m not going to babysit you!”
Sha waved a hand at him and laughed, “You’re being ridiculous. I have no need of a baby sitter and you know it. Let’s do it this way, you tell me the reasons why it’s not a good idea and I’ll tell you why it is. We’ll allow logic to decide.”
Tal glared at her and began, “First, I may need to go undercover; I can change my appearance, you can’t!”
Sha nodded, “Go on.”
“I’ve worked alone and I’m not at all comfortable working with someone else where I have to constantly explain myself.”
Tal was silent, and Sha raised an eyebrow, “Any other reason.”
“This could be dangerous! I will not be responsible for you being harmed.”
• • •
Chris looked at Ka, “Are they telepathic?”
Ka shook her head, “No, they’re using a communication device I invented.”
“Are you serious?” Ka gave a quick nod keeping her eyes on Tal and Sha. She knew Tal and he was not going to do this. “I want one.” The Doctor pressed.
Ka nodded, “I’ll give you one. Give me a moment and let me watch what’s going on.”
“Can you hear them?”
“No, Doctor, but I can read their expressions and body language,” she answered impatiently.
“Call me, Chris.”
“Will you be quiet!” Ka sighed, “Please!” Chris nodded and turned to watch Tal and Sha.
• • •
Sha smiled and asked, “Is that all?”
“For the moment.”
“You know that every reason you gave, except for the first one isn’t true.” Tal’s eyes narrowed, and Sha raised a shoulder, “You’re right that I can’t change my shape or be invisible, but you could give me those talents, couldn’t you?” Tal was stubbornly silent as she made her case, “And you say you work alone but some of your best work came while you were working with Mom. You know you enjoyed it! So that’s just an excuse and not a reason. Your fear of me being harmed is also an excuse and you know it! Why don’t you say the real reason, Tal!”
• • •
Ka kept her eyes on Tal and said, “Oh crap!”
“What’s going on?” Chris asked.
Ka shook her head, “Sha has gotten to him. She can wear down a diamond in a day.”
• • •
Tal remembered that Sha could tell when someone wasn’t being honest, and she was right. He was only making excuses.”
“Before I do that, why don’t you tell me why I should allow you to go with me?”
“Because I will know if anyone isn’t telling the truth. Between the two of us, it’s going to be next to impossible for any infiltrator or informer to remain uncovered. You have to consider that not all spies are assassins mimicking another person.” Tal knew he was only making dead air trying to come up with excuses. He lowered his shoulders and sighed, as Sha asked softly, “Tell me the real reason.”
Tal lowered his eyes and quietly said, “You look just like your mother. Every day I’d be reminded of what I’ve lost and getting her out of my mind and heart would be impossible.”
Sha saw his sorrow and placed her hand on his shoulder, “Tal, you’re too focused on the big picture.” Tal raised his eyes and looked into Sha’s face. “First of all, my mother’s hair is brown, I’m a honey blonde. Her nose is slightly wider than mine and our ears are different. Her eyes are green and mine are blue. And for God’s sake Tal, her feet are two-sizes larger!” Tal instantly looked at Sha’s feet and saw Sha was right. He could hear Ka exhale sharply across from them. “You need to focus on the differences and you’ll be fine. After you’ve been away from her for a while you’ll start to wonder why you ever thought we looked alike.”
“But you do!”
“That’s because she’s standing there for you to make a comparison. If you haven’t noticed, I smile a lot more than my mother.”
Tal chuckled, “Why do you want to do this?”
“For the reason I gave, and you’ll have to figure out if there are any other reasons on your own. I can tell you I do not want to spend my time around a bunch of stuffed shirt scientists.”
“I’m a scientist.”
“But you live out in the real world and not in a lab. That makes a huge difference.”
Tal threw his hands in the air, “Will I ever win an argument with you?”
“If anyone can, it would be you, but you better have your facts straight. You know you need me to do this. Admit it and let’s get on with it!”
Tal shrugged and said, “Alpha-two. Duncan, how’s it going?”
“I think I’m going to be drawn and quartered and Natalie will be burned at a stake. The Colonel is being a real jerk.”
“Give me a moment, let me see if I can do something about that.” Tal chuckled and turned around, “Mr. Chancellor, she’s right; I do need her to assist me.”
Ka rolled her eyes and the Chancellor looked at General Lein, “I’ll make her a colonel, Sir.”
The Chancellor turned to Tal, “Just how were the two of you communicating, General Talent?”
“It’s a device Ka developed, Sir. She’ll share it with you first opportunity. However, I just contacted Major Montana and it appears the board of inquiry is going rather hard on him and his assistant. If it weren’t for him, we would not be here, Sir.”
The Chancellor’s expression turned angry. He turned to the man on his
left and ordered, “Connect me with the officer conducting the interview of Major Montana.”
• • •
Colonel Spicer glared at Duncan and Natalie and sneered, “The two of you will probably spend the next few years in prison?”
“On what charge, Sir?” Duncan asked.
“For treason. Aiding an enemy of Earth. If it were left up to me, I would have you executed. You drug your assistant into this.”
Natalie spoke up, “No he didn’t, Sir. I worked with him willingly!”
Spicer had a malevolent smile…and then the red phone on the table rung. Spicer was startled by the ring that brought a smile to Duncan’s face, “I believe you should take that call, Sir.”
Col. Spicer picked up the unit, “Yes, Sir.”
“It’s my understanding you are coming down rather hard on the Major and his assistant.”
“Uhhh…Sir, they gave aid and assistance to our enemies.”
“Colonel, you might be interested to know that later today I am promoting Major Montana to General in command of our intelligence services. I believe you are in the intelligence services, are you not?”
Spicer’s eyes grew wider, as he answered, “Yes, Sir!”
“I suspect General Montana will be writing up a fitness report on you from what he’s observing from you and your board of inquiry. I suspect you might want to convince him you aren’t as stupid as I’m thinking you are at this moment.”
Colonel Spicer glanced at Duncan and Duncan saw whatever Spicer heard wasn’t good. He hung up the communicator and announced, “This board of inquiry is over. We find Major Montana and Lt. Gleason not guilty of any infractions of the military code of conduct and they are free to go.”
Duncan and Natalie turned to each other and Duncan smiled, “It appears Tal has pulled another one out of the fire.”
Spicer spoke up quickly, “Major. I hope you understand I was just doing my job.”
Duncan wondered what caused Spicer’s attitude to change so quickly and was angered by Spicer’s comment, “Sir, if this is how you treat your subordinates, I am not impressed with the way you work. You made accusations and did not allow us to explain what we did or offer any defense.”
Spicer deflated and decided that he better go to personnel and retire before noon. He saw what awaited him if he didn’t.
• • •
The Chancellor handed the communicator to his assistant and smiled, “I think that situation has been resolved. I do look forward to your help. I’m highly impressed with what I’ve seen today.”
“Thank you, Sir.” Tal said as he bowed his head toward the Chancellor.
Ka rushed up and grabbed Tal’s arm, “I don’t want you to do this!”
Tal looked into Ka’s eyes, “Do you remember one of the first questions I asked you?” Ka’s eyes closed slightly as she tried to remember. “Will Sha be safer with you, or with me?”
Ka closed her eyes and lowered her head. After a moment she asked softly, “You will continue to protect her?”
“I promised I would, Ka.”
Ka nodded slightly and took Sha in her arms, “I love you, Sha. I’ve regretted my entire life that I had to leave you. I’m so sorry I did.”
“Mom, it’s a dangerous universe and all of us are forced to do things we hate in order to survive. I do not blame you and I know how much you love me. I love you more because of the sacrifices you endured to keep us safe.”
General Lein walked over and smiled, “What name do you want on your ID Colonel?”
Sha smiled, “Sharon Talent.” Ka and Tal jerked their heads around to her. Sha’s expression showed her exasperation, “Get real, you two. If I’m single, every soldier we run into is going to be hitting on me. At least if they think I’m married to a General, they’ll keep their distance. Do either of you see it differently?” Tal raised his shoulders and Ka dropped her shaking head into her hands. Sha turned to General Lein, “Sharon Talent, Sir.”
General Lein smiled, “I think you’re wise to do this, Colonel. You would be a distraction to most men and you would only generate jealousy among the female troops.”
“I can handle it, General but I do get weary of it.”
A woman stepped up, “Please allow me to show you to your quarters.”
Sha smiled, “Lead the way.”
“Just a moment, please!” A soldier held up a camera in front of Sha, “I need a photo for your ID.” He snapped the picture and went to Tal. He snapped another photo and the woman led the three of them out of the office. General Lein shouted to the woman, “Get them fitted for uniforms.”
The woman waved a hand at him, “I’ve got everything handled, General.”
Sha looked at her, “You and the General are…”
She turned to Sha, “Married. He sometimes forgets that, and I have to straighten him out.”
“Go easy on him,” Tal remarked.
“I’ll make him beg me to forgive him. Then we’ll make up and it will be worth the effort.”
Sha laughed, and Ka frowned. Tal was amazed at their different reactions. Sha was nothing like Ka. He didn’t know if that was good or bad.
• • •
Sha didn’t stop asking questions all the way to their quarters. They arrived at the giant building where the lab was located, and the woman said, “Here we are. We’ve assigned three-units for you.”
Sha immediately turned to her, “We only need two-quarters. Tal and I will be sharing quarters.”
“YOU WILL NOT!!” Ka interrupted practically jumping out of her seat.
Sha’s mouth pursed, as she asked the woman, “How may bedrooms are in a married couple’s, quarters?”
“Three.”
“Why that many?!” Ka asked the woman.
“There must be room for children,” she replied.
“We’ll use separate bedrooms, Mom. The only people that know we’re not married were in that meeting and it wouldn’t take the scientists and troops living here long to see if we had separate quarters. They would know we’re at the least not getting along. I don’t need the pressure. Further, when we visit other installations, the officers will call their counterparts here to get the lowdown on us and learn about it.”
Tal looked at her with a slow shake of his head, “Do you miss anything?”
Sha giggled, “This was easy. It’s not something you have to deal with, Tal, but Mom knows I’m right about this.” Sha turned to Ka, “You shared quarters with him for weeks. Did anything happen.”
“Well…no.”
“Ok, it’s settled.
Ka knew if Tal had wanted to…something would have happened, but he didn’t force himself on her. She wasn’t sure about Sha.
The woman looked at her pad, “The married rooms are on another floor. I won’t be able to keep you together.”
Tal quickly replied, “That’s fine.” Ka closed her eyes briefly and knew it was over. She had lost control over what was happening.
• • •
Their quarters were excellent, even better than their residences in the colonies. Some soldiers bought their bags to their room and all three of them couldn’t keep their eyes off Sha. She ignored them, and they walked out with a story to tell about the new General’s wife. Sha took a bedroom with a window and Tal stopped her, “Take the other one.”
“Why?”
“A window is the most dangerous thing in a residence. This building is armored, and no clear window can match it. I don’t care how much a window is designed to take, it isn’t good enough. If you want to look out the window, you can always come in here to do it.”
“Ok.” Sha picked up one of her bags and took it to the other room.
When she returned for the other one and Tal was surprised, “I expected you to argue about it.”
“You had your facts together; there can be no argument.”
“As soon as you get unpacked, meet me in the living room.”
“What’s going on?” she asked.
>
“I need to start training you.”
“Oh, goody. This should be cool.”
Tal shook his head, “Goody?! Cool?!” He rolled his eyes and sighed.
• • •
He went to his room and pulled a book out of his luggage. He went to the sofa where Sha was waiting for him and sat down beside Sha. “I want you to look at the images in this book and focus closely on each one of them. When you have them in your mind I want you to deliberately think, ‘CHANGE!’ Got it?” Sha nodded and began slowly turning the pages.
After a few minutes, she asked, “Where did you get this book?”
“FOCUS!!”
Sha winced and went back to turning pages. She reached the end of the book and shouted, “I’m done.”
“No, you’re not,” Tal yelled from his room. “Do it again!” Sha rolled her eyes and went back to the first page. Tal made her go through the book four-times and then came in the room with the injection gun. “I’m going to inject you with the solution that will allow you to use the mimicking process. There will be a moment where you’ll experience some heat, but it will pass quickly. Ready?” Sha nodded, and Tal pushed up her sleeve and pressed the trigger.
Sha flinched and then looked up at him, “The heat has passed.”
Tal handed her a grey stretch suit, “Go and put this on.”
“Why?”
“This will stretch to cover any image you choose. The clothes you have on now won’t fit on some of the images.”
Sha went to her bedroom and came out a few minutes later, “I notice Mom wears stretch suits most of the time.”
“You can’t be invisible without it.”
“What about the Uniforms we’re going to have to wear?”
“I’m going to modify them to match the material in the stretch suits. We’ll need to make sure they fit tight.”
“How are you going to pull that off?” Sha asked.
Tal rolled his eyes, “Sha, for the rest of the day, stop with the questions!” Sha rolled her eyes and reluctantly agreed.
“Now, I want you to start focusing on images in the book and only think change when you want to match the image.”
“Ok.” Sha stared at the first image and nothing happened. It was on the fifth-image that she changed.
“Sha, did you intend to change your form?”