The Wrong Side of Space (TCOTU, Book 3) (This Corner of the Universe)

by Britt Ringel

  After several moments, Phoenix’s sensor officer spoke. “Incoming comm request from Kite, Komandor.”

  Lombardi accepted the squadron leadership channel request and Heskan’s roguish image appeared on her chair arm console. “Komandor, did I miss an order? Why is Vaettir moving?” He shot a look to his side and asked, “Stacy, how does this affect our defense?”

  While Heskan waited, Lombardi activated the fleet’s general communications frequency. Despite Heskan’s usage of the relatively private, command channel, she decided to respond in the very public, fleet-wide channel. The non-stop clenching of the muscles in her jaw betrayed her casual demeanor. “My compliments to Brevic gunnery. Your marksmanship has apparently struck a fatal blow upon Hollaran discipline. Where is Vaettir heading?” She shrugged. “The universe wonders.”

  Chapter 10

  “This was the last exercise we have time for in Iocaste. We will dive as anticipated,” Lombardi announced to the collection of ship captains populating Heskan’s wall screen. Heskan saw the Hollaran komandor look pointedly at Christova. “I trust, Komandor, you will be able to carry out this simple order.”

  “You know why I moved Vaettir, Komandor,” Christova growled.

  “Oh yeah,” Heskan answered for his commander. “Your demonstration of a light cruiser becoming overwhelmed by alien cutters was most instructive.”

  Lombardi smiled at Heskan’s portrait on the screen and added further rebuke. “Indeed, our entire fleet had a most abject lesson on what happens when a ship captain disobeys orders. I hope you understand that the only reason you have not been relieved of command is because I assume you are at least intelligent enough to learn from your self-inflicted wounds and not to get anyone else killed through your annoying propensity to fail to hear orders with which you disagree.”

  Much to Heskan’s horror during the exercise, Vaettir had initially performed quite capably in her new position. However, as the strongest portion of the virtual attack broke over the fleet, it became apparent that the light cruiser had yielded too much valuable distance from the main wave of cutters and became overwhelmed. During the attack’s climax, the light cruiser was unable to protect herself fully and took several hits. Although Vaettir’s inevitable deceleration was not simulated, it was clear that the cruiser would have fallen completely out of formation with catastrophic results.

  Christova crossed his arms and grumbled, “Hollarans do not let others fight their battles.”

  “No,” Lombardi replied, “but they do let others do their job.” She softened her severe expression slightly before predicting, “Stephan, Vaettir’s time will come and when it does, I have little doubt that you will fight your ship admirably.”

  The olive branch extended, Christova merely glared at his commander and remained silent. Seizing upon the pause, Lieutenant Arnold asked, “What direction will we sail in the next system?” He was looking at Heskan, who intentionally did not answer, deferring to Lombardi.

  “That will depend on where the tunnel points are and what else is located inside the next system. It is my intention to have the fleet make way for the nearest tunnel point that will take us the most spinward—” she stopped and corrected herself to Brevic customary directions, “—east or west… closer to our homes.”

  Arnold nodded but cast a sideways glance toward Heskan.

  Komandor Lombardi looked down at her datapad briefly before continuing, “We dive in approximately thirty-three minutes.” She looked at each ship captain pointedly. “Each of you knows the formation; stay in it. Each of you understands the importance of your position inside the fleet. I will send out sailing orders as soon as we emerge in the next system. Buona Fortuna.”

  Lombardi’s image disappeared from Heskan’s wall screen. Christova and Vitale followed quickly after, leaving Heskan alone with Lieutenant Arnold. Heskan was about to sign off the secure comm net when Arnold began to speak. “Commander, I have to admit that I’m surprised at how well we all worked together in Iocaste.” His eyes looked guiltily downward. “I had my doubts about this alliance but I can see now that I was wrong about the Hollies, sir.”

  Heskan’s eyebrows arched up in mild surprise. “I’m glad to hear you say that, Alan. Judging by some of Lombardi’s comments, I know the Hollarans feel the same way. She told me that Kapitan Vitale said, ‘We knew the ‘Vics were militaristic, but who knew they were also so professional?’ I think we’ve impressed them with how well our two ships have performed in fleet defense.”

  Arnold nodded. “I can’t say I was thrilled defending them at first but once we saw how well the Hollies were accomplishing point defense with just standard cruisers, I wanted Curator to really show them how it’s done.”

  “I think you’ve done that, Alan,” Heskan replied. “And I know we’re going to do our best when we have to do it for real.” Heskan reached for his disconnect button but stopped short when Arnold persisted.

  “So, um, Commander. With everything we just said, I’m hesitant to broach this next subject,” Arnold said uncomfortably. His eyes began to look anywhere but at Heskan. “Sir, will we really follow them to Hollaran space?”

  Heskan’s heart lurched at the subject. In truth, he was extremely uncomfortable with the thought of sailing the latest escort destroyer design into the enemy’s territory. After a brief pause, he said, “If that’s what the layout of the next few star systems dictate, then that’s exactly what we’ll do.”

  Arnold frowned. “But, sir, we’d be handing over our ships to the enemy. I know Phoenix and the rest aren’t exactly our enemy right now but do you really think the Hollaran Commonwealth cares about that?”

  I can’t show any doubt, Heskan thought. A crack in the bridge of friendship now will lead to complete collapse later. “Isabella has promised to do everything in her power to grant us safe passage back to Brevic space. I have total confidence in her.”

  “But, sir…” Arnold said skeptically.

  “Alan,” Heskan countered, “name one time Komandor Lombardi has lied to us. Even when we’ve been exchanging fire, has she ever deceived us? Even when she needed our help in Kale, did she distort the truth? Did she promise us anything she didn’t do?”

  “No,” Arnold admitted.

  Although Heskan felt he made his point, he continued speaking, realizing he was on the verge of an epiphany. “We were wrong about Lombardi. In fact, has any Hollaran in Lombardi’s fleet ever been anything but completely truthful with us? Even Christova… he’s said exactly what’s been on his mind, even when it would have been wiser to be deceptive.” Heskan’s thoughts turned toward his own government. If our positions had been reversed, would Brevic leadership have lied to gain Hollaran support? His mind echoed with the words of Assistant Secretary Brewer and Heskan finally admitted the truth. They lied to me. Why wouldn’t they lie to the Hollarans? Heskan felt as if he were tumbling down the rabbit hole.

  “Maybe we’ve been wrong about a lot of things, Alan.” Heskan wanted to say more but could not. We’re the good guys, dammit! His heart sank as his mind refused to stop. I know we are because my government tells me so…

  Oblivious to Heskan’s internal conflict, Arnold responded, “It’s possible, Commander; however, I wanted to voice my concerns about following the Hollarans to their space. It is, technically, a violation of Brevic Naval Regulations to surrender a ship to the enemy. I’m a loyal sailor, sir. Those are standing orders.” Arnold’s expression clearly expressed his own conflict. “I don’t know if I can ignore my duty, sir.” He shrugged lightly.

  * * *

  “Another unit?”

  “No, give her time. Why do you ‘Vics always rush?”

  She was still on her stomach but the weight was gone. Diane Selvaggio opened her eyes expecting agony. Instead, the lighting in the room was much dimmer than before. She opened her mouth to ask how long she’d been there, but only a low moan came out.

  “See?” Timoleon said. “She’s coming out of it, Doctor. No need for ano
ther unit.”

  Crouching into Selvaggio’s view, Doctor Carter’s smiling face appeared. “Lieutenant? Can you understand me?”

  “Uh-huh,” Selvaggio mumbled weakly. She tried to lift her head but did not have the strength. At least the itching had stopped. “Strangest nightmare… tortured by Hollies.”

  A different person responded this time. Lombardi’s amused voice stated, “I was told that Brevic officers do not think like that, mia alleata.”

  Upon hearing that unmistakable voice, Selvaggio pushed herself up with a surge of adrenaline and cried out in alarm, “Cavolo!”

  Lombardi laughed melodically and teasingly covered her ears. “To use such language on my ship, and from a fellow New Roman.”

  Selvaggio looked bewilderedly toward Doctor Carter but it was Lombardi who explained. “Tenente Selvaggio, you are in the medical bay of HCS Phoenix. Do not worry; Kite is fine. However, when your condition worsened after the Parasite attack in Perdita, Commander Heskan agreed to transfer you to our care because we offered you the best chance of survival. How you survived, I will leave that explanation to your doctors.” She waved toward Carter and Timoleon.

  Doctor Carter began, “Diane, the Parasite venom in your body was destroying your nervous system. We tried everything to counteract the toxin but there was nothing we could do to stop it on Kite. It became clear that it was only a matter of time before you…” Carter shrugged and then turned to Timoleon. “It was Doctor Timoleon who saved your life.”

  Timoleon shook his head graciously. “It was nothing, really. My staff just attacked the problem differently than your Brevic doctors.” He walked over to a table and began to lift a putrid, grey mass from a tray. “You see, your doctors were so busy trying to stop the poison when it was obviously just much better to let the toxin do its work.” He brandished the stinking, pale lump in front of Selvaggio. “The toxin focuses directly upon nerve cells. As a result, we just grew and grafted this neuronic surrogate onto you to act as a snare for the toxin and let the venom burn itself out inside it.” He placed the mass back onto the tray. “I cannot wait to examine this. It will advance our understanding of neurotoxins and their effects by years, I bet.” He looked at Doctor Carter and laughed. “Of course the medical community may need defibrillation when they see the co-author of the report.” A mischievous smile formed. “I hope it takes that fool, Simon Neapolis, first.” He let loose another hearty laugh.

  Selvaggio swallowed. Her mouth tasted like dry paste. “So, what next?” she asked.

  Lombardi answered, “You are still weak, Tenente. You must rest for a few more days—”

  “I want to return to Kite immediately,” Selvaggio insisted.

  “That is not possible,” Lombardi replied while shaking her head. “The fleet is in tunnel space. We have been tunneling for two days with no idea how much longer we have to go. The system we are headed to is unexplored.”

  Selvaggio tried to turn onto her back. She felt a strip of sim-skin on it, presumably binding the location where the graft had been. A doctor’s aide assisted her turn. “Then as soon as we dive out,” Selvaggio persisted. She made it onto her back with great effort.

  Lombardi smirked, “You would abandon Phoenix as quickly as your people did New Roma.” Her smirk turned into a harsh frown but after a moment’s consideration, she softened her expression. “I am sorry,” she said contritely as she looked into Selvaggio’s brown eyes. They were nearly identical to her own. “It is not easy, is it?” Lombardi looked away for a moment and then shook herself lightly. “You will be returned to your ship as soon as possible, Lieutenant. Until then, please understand you are our guest, not a prisoner. If anything will make your stay more comfortable, do not hesitate to ask. I do have one request though.”

  Selvaggio eyed her with naked suspicion as Lombardi continued, “My acting chief navigator would like to speak with you when you are feeling more like yourself.”

  * * *

  Two days later, Selvaggio wanted to get the impending encounter over as soon as possible. She was not feeling completely back to normal, far from it, but she could sit up easily now. Although her back ached, Doctor Carter had told her she was recovering nicely. Almost alarmingly quick, he had confided.

  Doctor Carter had given her a lot to think about as he raved about their surroundings. The quality of the medical facility on Phoenix bespoke of a society that placed a great deal of emphasis on patient care—a complete contradiction of everything the doctor knew to be true of the Commonwealth. He could find no detail, however trivial, that had been overlooked. Carter had accepted Hollaran medical superiority by rationalizing that advances came more rapidly when the doctors making those advances were allowed to use the sick and injured as test subjects. While Brevic society would never allow such savagery, Brevic intelligence reports leaked to the public revealed numerous Hollaran examples of the use of human test subjects. Carter told Selvaggio one of the worst cases he heard occurred seven years ago, when a deep cover spy had infiltrated a Hollaran bio-weapons lab and recorded prototype R3A2 viruses being used on infirmed Hollaran “volunteers.” The chilling video still gave him nightmares. Carter had begrudgingly admitted to Selvaggio that, while the ends did not justify the means, the ends in this case were certainly impressive.

  Reflecting on her conversation with Carter, she reached for her water. After taking a long drink, Selvaggio set her glass down on the mobile side table placed next to her med-bed. A Hollaran officer bearing the rank of porucznik marynarki sat near it, staring wide-eyed at her. He was young and his eager expression made him appear even younger.

  “Miss Selvaggio, thank you for agreeing to speak with me,” he began excitedly. While his English was excellent, his words gushed from his mouth, making them difficult to understand. “I still cannot believe I am sitting across from a ‘Vi— a Brevic officer. They call you ‘lieutenant,’ correct? Komandor Lombardi says you are the chief navigator on Kite. What an opportunity! I am the acting bridge navigator but that is only because of the hits we took in Sponde. Fire is still a ship’s worst enemy, even here in space. Some things never change, I guess.”

  Selvaggio raised her hand to try to stem the verbal tide. Judging by the twin small stripes beneath the curled stripe on his shoulder, he was actually the same rank as she. “My rank is lieutenant, junior grade. I’d point out how you could tell if I was wearing my uniform.” She was garbed in a medical gown that, while physically comfortable, made her feel entirely too vulnerable. “I’m not sure how to address you. Do they call your rank ‘Porucznik’ or ‘Marynarki’ or use them both together?”

  “They call me ‘Alexzander,’” he replied simply. He extended his hand toward her. “Alexzander Karalis and I am very pleased to meet you.”

  Selvaggio exhaled loudly and stared at the hand. Her eyes cast downward at her own hand and the I-V running into her lower arm, still slightly purple from the near fatal stings of the Parasites. She listened as the silence between them filled with the quiet, steady beeping of her heart rate monitor. Selvaggio’s eyes looked past the Hollaran to the myriad medical charts affixed to several machines, tracking her recovery. After several moments of deliberation, she reached out to shake his hand. “I’m Diane Selvaggio.”

  The handshake with the enemy was troubling, but Selvaggio could not help but smile as she saw the young man’s expression light up. “I have so many questions!” he blurted out. He leaned in close to her as his hands shot up in almost an appeal. “Why, for the love of all that is good, do your ships react to every little adjustment we make?” He looked upward and shook his hands dramatically for further emphasis. “Nuno performs a thruster purge and before she can readjust her position, the Brevic ships instantly move to compensate the change in distance... then we have to move to readjust for that and the cycle keeps going!” He smiled unabashedly. “It is driving all of us a little crazy!”

  Selvaggio explained Brevic station-keeping protocols to him, a slight smile on her lips as the youn
g navigator hung on her every word. Afterwards, Karalis expanded the discussion to other mundane topics, such as course corrections and chains of command, always careful to keep his questions from approaching any area that might make her feel like he was interrogating her. Mostly, Selvaggio could tell the young officer was just excited to be talking to a “‘Vic.” The Hollaran’s curiosity was endless and his non-stop questions somewhat exhausting. However, when the conversation ended an hour later and the sociable Hollaran left, she was surprised to feel a tinge of disappointment, and even a little isolation.

  Her medical suite did not stay secluded for long. After Karalis spread word on Phoenix that the ship’s most infamous passenger was not only awake, but also friendly—“for a ‘Vic”—other members of the heavy cruiser’s complement began to trickle in to meet the strange and exotic foreign officer. The trickle of visitors turned into a stream that became nearly a flood. By the end of the fourth day in t-space, Doctor Timoleon finally had his fill of the constant disruptions and forbade any future visitors. On the morning of the fifth day, Lombardi, recognizing the usefulness of further humanizing their Brevic allies, countermanded Timoleon’s edict and the flow resumed. Against Timoleon’s effusive protests, Lombardi also ordered Karalis to escort Selvaggio on a tour of Phoenix’s bridge as soon as she was ambulatory.

  The warmth of the reception Selvaggio received with each visit surpassed her wildest expectations. At first, she had expected to be shunned at best and derided at worst. Brevic military regulations made it clear that a prisoner of war’s first duty was to attempt escape. At her military academy, her instructors had explained the simple directive was for her own protection since the treatment Brevic POWs received was abysmal and even death in an escape attempt was generally preferred to the torture, experimentations and brain-washing techniques the Hollarans performed on their prisoners. Her academy training had included a holo-vid of a former POW whose mind had been so severely warped that he had actually wanted to stay in Hollaran custody. The recording was heartbreaking for Selvaggio to watch, a Brevic officer’s mind so twisted he could no longer tell right from wrong.