by JN Chaney
The man swallowed, but said nothing.
“The people inside told me you’ve been infected by the gas. They said you’re crazy.”
“Vennisr,” muttered the soldier. “Onn vennisr.”
“Oh, yeah? Hey, Mickey, you hear that? He’s talking,” said John. He leaned forward, gripping the extremist’s collar. “You came in here and murdered a bunch of people today. You understand what I’m saying? Do you?”
“Nioqitheg er csoth,” he said, breathing heavily.
John looked at the wound in the man’s stomach. It was covered in thick blood. There was no way he’d make it, not without some immediate medical attention, and even then…
“Onn vennisr, caa,” said the dying man. “Posqil benn tniolri shij…” He coughed, and blood came out.
John let go of his shirt, staring into the stranger’s eyes as he released a final sigh of relief. He could only watch as the man grew still and empty, letting go of the pain.
“What do you think that was about?” asked Mickey, after a moment.
John shook his head. “Wish I knew, Mick. This whole planet’s nothing but a mess.”
******
Medical Quarter, Everlasting
February 27, 2351
Terry watched as an aircraft arrived, hovering over the area across the square. Several soldiers dismounted and ran into the smoke. “Quick, we have to go!” said Jinel. “Before they figure out there’s no one over there.”
Terry looked back at Lena. He couldn’t leave her here, not without finding out more about John and Mei. “Are you staying or coming?” he asked.
She stood there, darting her eyes back and forth between Terry and the aircraft. “Okay,” she finally said, catching up to him.
They headed out through the nearby square. Jinel led the way, taking them in the opposite direction of the aircraft. As they neared the back of one of the buildings, she dropped to a knee, then lifted a flap on her wrist, revealing a screen. “I’m pinned behind Medical Eight with the asset,” she said. “I need a diversion while we make our way out.”
A short pause.
“Got it,” she said.
“Who was that?” asked Terry.
Jinel got to her feet and readied her weapon. “Friends.”
“Who are you people?” asked Lena.
“Garden,” answered Jinel. “That’s all you need to know.”
Terry could sense Lena’s tension. She was rubbing her arm, breathing heavily through her mask. If she didn’t stop, she’d probably end up hyperventilating. He put his hand on her shoulder. “Relax.”
She nodded, still taking heavy breaths. “Sorry.”
“As soon as we’re clear, we have to move,” explained Jinel. She looked at Lena. “You’re staying here.”
“We can’t just drop her in the middle of a warzone,” explained Terry.
“She can’t be trusted,” said Jinel.
“You don’t even know me!” snapped Lena, who had had enough, it seemed.
Jinel lowered her gun and tapped the side of her mask. The dark material faded away, becoming transparent. Her entire face was now visible. “I do know you, Analyst.”
Lena blinked, staring at Jinel. “You’re—” Her mouth fell open. “You’re supposed to be dead!”
“Lies from the great and powerful Leadership, I can assure you,” she said. “In fact—”
A scatter of gunfire unloaded from nearby. “We have intruders! They’re coming from the east!” shouted one of the soldiers. “Take them down!”
“That’s our signal,” muttered Jinel.
Terry grabbed Lena’s hand. “Stick with me, okay?”
She nodded, a confused look on her face.
Jinel, with Terry and Lena behind her, burst into the street, dashing between the two buildings. Terry pulled Lena Sol along, slowing so she didn’t stumble. Jinel aimed her sights on a few who had taken notice of them, and fired, clipping one in the leg and the other in the chest. Before they could return the shots, she leapt into a small alleyway. “Through here!”
Terry came behind her, but he was trailing. Lena could hardly keep up. “Come on!”
“I can’t! You’re going too—”
Terry turned to help her, but spotted the injured soldiers on the ground, positioning themselves to fire. One was struggling with his weapon, cradling it in his arms. He took aim at them, trying to steady himself, and in a single, deafening moment, fired.
The bullet hit Lena, sending her off her feet. She screamed as it pierced through her forearm before continuing on and hitting the nearby wall. Terry caught her right as he entered the alleyway, and they both fell on the ground.
Jinel helped lift Lena off of him. “Did she get hit?”
“She’s bleeding!” said Terry.
“Get out of the way,” ordered Jinel. She felt on her side and took out a small canister. Popping the top of it, she shook it a few times, then sprayed the wound.
“What are you doing?”
“Sealing it so she doesn’t bleed out,” she explained. “It hit an artery.”
“We have to get her out of here!” said Terry.
Jinel took a piece of cloth and wrapped it around Lena’s shoulder. “We’ve done what we can, but she’s staying here.”
“What are you talking about? We can’t do that!”
“There’s no time to argue!” shouted Jinel. “We can’t—”
A bullet hit the side of the building, chipping part of the wall. Suddenly, one of the soldiers came running into the alleyway. He collided with Terry, knocking him over. The two rolled until they hit the wall. The soldier grabbed at Terry’s neck, but he snagged the man’s wrist and pulled it away.
The soldier reached for a knife, getting ready to attack. Terry watched his eyes, trying to anticipate the angle. The man jerked forward, swiping right and then left, missing each time.
A bullet hit the man directly in the forehead, and he fell to the ground, motionless. Terry looked behind him and saw Jinel standing, her rifle still aimed on the dead man.
Terry’s ears rang from the shock of the gun. “You just—”
“We don’t have time for this. Come on!” ordered Jinel.
“What about Lena?” he asked.
Jinel ran to the edge of the alley, staying behind the wall. She fired blindly in the direction of the enemy troops. “Leave her here!”
“You can’t be serious,” said Terry.
“She’s a potential security threat,” said Jinel.
“I’m bringing her with us and that’s all there is to it,” said Terry. He placed his arms beneath Lena. “It’s either that or you leave us both behind.”
Jinel glanced at the gathering forces in the square. “Fine, but we have to go right now.”
“Lead the way,” said Terry.
Jinel motioned for him to follow, then ran out the other end of the alleyway. She called her associates as they went, letting them know when they were clear from the area.
In that moment, a single, monumental blast exploded from behind them, shaking the ground in a heavy display. Terry nearly fell, but Jinel caught him by the side. He managed to keep Lena steady in his arms. “What the hell was that?!”
A swell of fresh smoke filled the sky above the area they’d just left. “That would be the second bomb,” said Jinel.
CHAPTER 18
Leadership Report 221885.021
Recorded 02.28.884
Subtitled: Aftermath
KAI: Half of the Medical Quarter is in ruins. Buildings Six, Seven, and Four are either destroyed or heavily damaged. Several Civil Protection personnel are dead. Oh, and the alien was taken right out from under us. How exactly do you propose we deal with this?
GEL: We’ll get him back, I can assure you.
KAI: How? We have no idea where these Garden individuals even are, let alone how to contact them. They’re a band of traitors and degenerates.
GEL: Surveillance caught a glimpse as they were fleeing. It seem
s they had some assistance from one of our analysts. A woman named Lena Sol.
KAI: Ah, yes. She was on the team that discovered the aliens in the first place. What was she doing in the Medical Quarter?
GEL: She was scheduled to depart for Argos a few hours later. It’s standard routine to have a medical checkup beforehand. We aren’t certain if she knew of the attack or simply encountered the rebels during their assault, but judging from what the video showed, it seems she has joined them.
KAI: If that’s true, the boy will likely learn that his friends are looking for him. What happens when he finds them? Everlasting has not been engaged in a war for centuries.
GEL: That’s not going to happen. We’ll stop this Garden before it has a chance to flourish. I already have a team of analysts scanning the city for evidence of their movement. Master Lao also has several of his squads patrolling the city.
KAI: The Master of Arms? He can’t be pleased with how this situation has unfolded.
GEL: Certainly not, but he understands. Don’t worry, sir. We will find the alien, whatever it takes.
KAI: Of that, I have little doubt, but I’m afraid you will not be involved in this any longer.
GEL: Sir?
KAI: You have mishandled this at every turn. I’m sure you can see the failure in your actions. You are the Master Analyst, after all. Please, analyze yourself.
GEL: I will be the first to admit there have been mistakes, sir, but—
KAI: No more excuses. I am tired of your words. Return to your floating tower and wait for my orders. Master Lao will handle this investigation, moving forward. You are fortunate I do not have you replaced.
GEL: Yes, sir. I…I’m sorry. Thank you, sir.
KAI: Save the apologies, Gel. Earn my respect by doing your job. Use the satellite to scan the city and the surrounding countryside. Locate the alien and report his location. Do not come to me with anything less.
GEL: Yes, sir.
End Audio File
Hall of the Leadership, Everlasting
February 28, 2351
The day after the assault on Everlasting, John stood before the assembled Leadership, along with his team. Mei had asked to come as soon as she heard news of the attack, but John insisted she remain at the portal. He couldn’t let anything happen to her, no matter how angry she might get.
“Johnathan Finn, Mason Hughes, Alicia Short, Peter Track, and Arthur Mackenzie, we thank you for your assistance and service,” said Master Trin, standing next to the other assembled leaders.
Short snickered. “Haven’t heard Mickey’s full name in a while.”
“You kept this building secure and were more than essential in safeguarding several lives, including mine. I thank each of you for the courage you displayed.”
“You’re welcome,” said John. He was never very good at these things.
Master Lao motioned for Trin to sit, then stood to be recognized. “I can assure you that the bulk of the invading forces have been extinguished. Thanks to our combined efforts, this battle was quick and decisive.”
John thought about the man he’d killed in the street and the look on his face as the life drained out of him. “I appreciate the gratitude, but it was nothing. I’d actually like to get back to my people. If you guys can provide us with a ride, it would mean a lot.”
“Of course, Sergeant Finn,” said Master Lao. “There will be a vessel waiting for you in the docking bay as soon as you’re prepared.”
The meeting concluded soon after, and John and his team made their way immediately to the Red Door. “What’s the hurry, boss?” asked Track, right as they were leaving the atrium.
“A lot is happening here. Better we stay out of it for now until we talk to Central,” said John.
“You think Command is gonna have us pull out?”
“Don’t know,” he answered. “But it sure does seem like something’s going on. Something more than what we’re seeing. You get me?”
“I get you, boss,” said Track.
“I just think we need more intel before we can get behind this mess.”
“Whatever you decide, you know we’ll back you,” said Short, who was following behind them.
“All of us,” said Hughes.
They entered the hangar where the Red Door was docked and waiting.
Despite leaving, John knew he’d be back. With so much on the line, Central would insist upon it. Still, he had to be with Mei for now. He had to take a breather. He’d felt uneasy ever since he arrived in this city, but never quite like when he was standing over that dying soldier. He didn’t pity the man, because he’d never been a fan of extremism, but there was something about him…something more than violent hate. He’d been driven by a deeper motivation, John knew. A righteous cause that could draw a man to kill or die.
It would have been a lie to say John didn’t suspect something was wrong in the great city of Everlasting. Something the Leadership didn’t want him to see, perhaps.
Whatever it was, he had to get away from it. At least for now. John had come to this planet with a single purpose in mind: to find his oldest friend and bring him home. The Leadership had promised to help, and he would continue to remind them about that commitment, but he also wouldn’t stop searching on the ground. He’d follow the clues Terry had left, however difficult the search might prove. If he had to visit every village on Kant, he’d do it without question. Ask them if they’d seen a scrawny kid with round ears and green eyes.
He’d find a trail and follow it. John had traveled universes to get here, and he wasn’t about to stop now.
The Red Door left the hangar bay, heading in the direction of the quarantine zone. It passed above the Tower of the Cartographer, and John gleamed a quick view of the floating island’s surface. He imagined Lena Sol inside, working diligently. Maybe she was trying to locate Terry right at this moment. John would do the same. He wouldn’t give up.
Not yet, he thought, leaning against the glass. Not now. Not ever.
******
Somewhere Underground
February 28, 2351
Lena awoke to a piercing light. She turned away from it as her eyes slowly adjusted.
“Easy,” said Jinel, sitting beside her. “You took a dive.”
They sat inside a small room, hardly any bigger than a closet. A pile of medical supplies had been crudely tossed into the corner, while her bed and Jinel’s chair took up the bulk of the room. Lena tried to move, but the sharp pain in her shoulder made her yelp.
“I wouldn’t move around too much,” said Jinel.
“Where…am I?” asked Lena.
“A Garden outpost. One of many.”
“A Garden…outpost?” asked Lena, still a bit disorientated. “I’m not in Everlasting?”
“You don’t need to worry about that,” said Jinel. “For now, you’re staying in this bed. You need to recover.”
“Where’s Terry?” she asked.
“He’s right outside.”
The door cracked open. “Here,” said a voice. Lena looked over and saw Terry’s face appear. “I heard my name.”
“I need to talk to you,” said Lena. “I need to—” A cough stopped her. It hurt to breathe.
Terry eased his way into the tiny room, then sat at the edge of the bed. “Hey, relax,” he told her. “You need to rest. We can talk later.”
“No,” she said. “Your friends are out there looking for you.”
“You said that before,” said Terry.
“Doctor Curie and Sergeant Finn. They told me—”
“You mean John and Mei?” asked Terry.
“Yes,” she answered. “You don’t know their full names?”
“We didn’t have last names when we were children. You don’t get them until you graduate and you choose them. I never got an official graduation.” His eyes fell on the bed, and he smiled. “It sounds like they found good names.”
She nodded. “Very good names.”
“I can’t b
elieve they’re here. This means I can see them.”
“Easy, now,” said Jinel. “No one’s going anywhere right now. None of us are. Civil Protection has the entire city locked down, which means we’re stuck where we are.”
“There has to be a way,” said Terry.
“Give it a few days. I promise, I’ll get you to your friends in time, but right now you need to stay put. You’re still wounded, remember?”
“I haven’t forgotten,” he said, glancing down at his arm.
A quick image of the fight at the border flashed across Lena’s mind. She recalled how Terry had disabled the sentry unit right before collapsing and passing out from his injuries. “I’ll help you find them, once you’re ready,” said Lena.
Terry looked surprised. “You’d do that for me?”
“Sergeant Finn and Doctor Curie were very kind to me. I owe it to them to help.” That was only partially true, she knew. The guilt of the border incident was still fresh in her mind.
“Sorry, Analyst, but you’ll have to stay in this room for now. I can’t have you looking around,” said Jinel.
“Are you afraid I’ll find a secret and share it with the Leadership?” asked Lena. “They were about to send me to Argos, halfway around the world, just to get rid of me. I’m not going back, especially now that they’ve seen me with you.”
“What do you mean?” asked Terry.
“Civil Protection has surveillance all over the city. We were in the open, so I can assure you they were watching. If they follow protocol, and I’m certain they will, I’ve already been marked for a full conversion.”
“A full what?” asked Terry.
“It’s when they wipe your memory clean,” said Jinel. “They erase your whole brain.”
“Seriously?”
“The Leadership does not take kindly to dissidents,” said Lena, glancing at Jinel.
Terry grimaced. “This planet is insane. Slavers, priests, giant robots, and now conversions. One nightmare after another.”