War in the Fringe - Chris J Pike

by M. D. Cooper

  “A few weeks longer without rejuv should be enough to encourage her.” Samuel rocked his chair backward.

  Grayson said with growing dread.

  “Now, what I’m about to say is still being held in strictest confidence,” Samuel said, looking at each of the others in turn. “Several ships have been spotted dropping out of FTL just beyond Silstrand’s heliopause. They ignored the STC beacon’s ident requests, and then disappeared from scan.”

  Stealth technology? “Orion?” Grayson asked.

  Samuel shook his head. “Nothing like the specs for Orion ships we got from the ISF, and they weren’t like any other profiles we had on record…however, they resemble ships seen at the conflict of Dessen.”

  Grayson took a breath. “You think they’re Revolution Fleet?”

  “I do. What, with Paul Rhoads being in our custody, it makes sense for the remaining zealots to make a move to rescue him. This will be a chance to destroy what remains of their movement.”

  “Have we mobilized?” Fallon asked.

  “Fleet patrols are searching, but so far we haven’t been able to pick anything up. Their stealth might even be as good as the ISF’s. We’re mobilizing the seventh fleet out at Dessen in case they move to attack.”

  “Unlikely, sir,” Grayson said.

  Samuel conceded with a nod. “Yes, Intel agrees that an all-out attack is unlikely. Unless we missed a lot of their ships dropping out of FTL, they just don’t have the numbers.”

  “They could be moving insystem, sir,” Commander Maureen suggested.

  The general nodded. “Yes, that’s a concern. However, we’re also trying to keep this out of the public eye. There’s enough going on right now, and we don’t need the circus surrounding Paul Rhoads’ trial getting any crazier than it already is.” Samuel paused, and met Grayson’s gaze. “I bring this up, Colonel, because I’d like to be certain that you keep this to yourself for the time being. I’m sure Captain Rhoads and her family are under enough pressure as it is.”

  Grayson thought about the night before and how he’d promised not to keep secrets, but this…this could really throw her. He also knew that the general was putting this out there so that Kylie knowing about an attack became Grayson’s problem, either way.

  Despite all that, when he said his next words, he wasn’t completely decided.

  “Yes, sir.”

  Samuel nodded, the look in his eyes showing that he wasn’t taking Grayson’s response at face value. “We’ll know more in a few days. Thank you for your discretion.”

  “General, if we can get to the complaints I lodged,” Fallon spoke in the moment of silence that followed. “If there is nothing more on that matter, I believe I have waited long enough for my complaints to be heard. We returned from Battia weeks ago.”

  The general nodded, his expression unreadable. “You have, I apologize, Commander. Thank you for your patience.”

  Fallon sat up straighter. “I have enough evidence to suggest that, while Colonel Grayson gets results, he doesn’t always keep in line with SSF principals. He was reckless in Gedri, and if Battia had possessed better weaponry, shields….”

  “I knew what weaponry and shields they had when going into the situation, Commander Fallon,” Grayson said calmly. “I responded to a threat against an officer of the Silstrand Space Force and did what was necessary to gain control of the situation.”

  “While that might be true, you have a history of insubordination,” Fallon pressed. “How can anyone under you trust the decisions you make? Everyone knows what you did.”

  Alice said to him privately.

  Grayson tamped down on the hot rage that came with humiliation.

  Fallon opened her mouth to speak further, but General Samuel held up his hand. “I’ve read your complaints and reports and have sent them up the chain of command to Admiral Barker. She’ll review them and deem if any hearings or disciplinary action will be required.”

  Grayson slowly released a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding until that moment, feeling worse than before. He thought about responding, but instead gripped the arms of his chair and held his tongue.

  Maureen glanced at him.

 

  Fallon nodded toward the general, though her eyes were locked on Grayson, her nose held high. “Thank you, General Samuel. I’ll be kept in the loop on the admiral’s decision?”

  “Same as we all will.” Despite his words, the general’s voice held no promise and gave no indication of his thoughts on the matter. “Dismissed. I have some paperwork to look over, so if you’ll excuse me….”

  Samuel glanced at Maureen and then Fallon before his eyes held steady on Grayson a few seconds longer than necessary.

  Grayson knew when he was being asked to stay after class. He stood to attention as Maureen and Fallon made their way out.

  Samuel clasped his hands behind his back as he came around the table, and Grayson felt the sudden urge to explain himself.

  “While on paper, my decisions may seem rash, I can assure you—”

  “Please, Colonel, don’t embarrass yourself. I’ve taken Fallon’s reports and yours into consideration. There’ll be no hearing or inquisition into your actions.”

  “Oh.” Grayson’s brow furrowed. “But, the admiral—”

  “Barker? An old golf buddy of mine. We used to play in low gravity; makes for a fast game and leaves more time for beer.” Samuel laughed. “She owes me a few favors, and I called one in. After she took a look at your report, she agreed. The fact that the Scipio Alliance’s field marshal took a liking to you helps as well.”

  Grayson hadn’t known that Tanis Richards had spoken of him to the brass, but he breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, sir.”

  “I owe you. You saved my daughter, and you helped her through her first few missions. Being appointed to Empress Ranstock’s cabinet in a consulate role…it’s clear you were a good influence on Lana. Means a lot to an old father like me.”

  “She’s a fine officer and an asset.”

  “You always knew the right thing to say.”

  “Erm, I try?” Grayson wasn’t sure if that was the right thing to admit to, but it seemed they were putting their cards on the table. “I do mean every word of it.”

  “I know. You’re a sincere fellow. Always liked that about you. After last night, anything I need to know? Kylie Rhoads…. Is she managing well?”

  “Fine, sir. We both came out unharmed.”

  “At the Rosetto’s Stellar Palace. Fancy mission brief, Colonel. Even for you.”

  Grayson wasn’t sure what he was implying. “Sir? I’m allowed to socialize outside of work. I was off duty.”

  “Of course,” Samuels said without missing a beat. “But if you and Captain Rhoads are…if you’ve gotten reacquainted, you may want to consider what happens after Paul Rhoads’ trial. The Polis Fury will receive new orders, and since Fallon’s complaints aren’t going anywhere, she’s still your ship.”

  “Kylie understands the life of service as well as you and I.”

  “So well she ran from it and you. Grayson, the people we associate with reflect who we are, even if it’s unfair. Even if we don’t agree. They are a reflection of us. Think about what you really want out of the space force and how you want to be regarded.”

  Grayson didn’t think that was fair. “Kylie’s not the same as she was then. She did her duty—a hard one at that, given to her by the field marshal herself.”

  “Don’t get too enamored with the field marshal, Grayson. Even though, for all intents and purposes, we work for her now, you still work for the SSF, and Silstrand is where your allegiances should lie. The Scipio Alliance may not always have Silstrand’s best intentions in mind.”

  “For the peace they
’re trying to bring, it seems like a small price to pay. We have more support than we’ve ever had in the past. You know how thin the space force was spread.”

  Samuel drew in a slow breath and nodded. “You’re right about that. You’ll have to forgive me if I’m still bitter, Colonel. Getting dressed down by Admiral Richards in front of the president isn’t something I can let go of easily, but I’m trying.”

  A silence stretched between them, and Grayson asked, “Am I dismissed?”

  Samuel’s jaw tightened and he gave a shallow nod. “I suppose you are. Keep what I said in confidence.”

  “The strictest. What will you tell Commander Fallon?”

  “Exactly the truth. Admiral Barker read over both your reports and decided an inquiry is unwarranted. Out of consideration for her, I’ll offer Fallon the chance for reassignment—and I’ll ensure that she takes it. It’ll make both our lives easier.”

  “Yes, sir.” Grayson nodded before he rose and saluted the general. The old man gave him a nod, and the colonel exited the room, breathing a sigh of relief once out in the corridor.

  It seemed that Samuel’s attitude toward Kylie hadn’t softened or changed, but given their history, it wasn’t too big of a shock. Everything else he’d said, though…Grayson couldn’t help but feel that something was the matter with Samuel, or that he was dealing with something bigger behind the scenes.

  As was often the case.

 

  the AI replied cheerfully.

 

  * * * * *

  Samuel watched Grayson go with a sense of dread. Did the colonel realize where they were headed? Did he suspect?

  his assistant pinged,

 

 

  Samuel leant forward, elbows on the table. His head hung low as he tamped down on the regret over his actions, the decisions he made for what he thought was the good of Silstrand. He’d do it all again, over and over.

  But he did regret how it affected others.

  “Stars,” Samuel muttered. “Forgive me.”

  FAMILY COMPLICATIONS

  STELLAR DATE: 02.19.8948 (Adjusted Years)

  LOCATION: Federal Safe House, Silstrand City, Silstrand

  REGION: Silstrand System, Silstrand Alliance

  “Kylie!” Katie’s eyes widened with joy as her daughter stepped inside the small home. “Oh, my baby girl!”

  Kylie grimaced as she was crushed in a hug by her mother and then her brother, David. She tried to sound happy as she returned the embrace, keeping everything from the prior day at the back of her mind.

  Though, it was difficult to forget assassination attempts and one’s own brother going on trial for genocide.

  “You look good, Mom. How’ve you been?”

  “All right, considering where I’ve been cooped up. When do I get to see Paul?”

  “Soon,” Kylie promised.

  Her brother’s lawyer had already contacted Kylie to let her know that Paul had been assaulted in prison. Motions had been filed and he had been moved to a more secure wing. The fact that a federal guard had been relieved of duty didn’t make her feel any better.

  And under no circumstances did Kylie want her mom to see Paul like that. Kylie didn’t even want to see Paul like that—but soon enough, she’d be there while he was put to death for his crimes.

  If only I could have saved him. If only…

  David led her down the hall and into the living room. Sparsely decorated, it didn’t feel like a home. The sofas were neutral colors, the wooden end tables were basic, and a bay window looked out into the residential street. There was nothing remarkable about the place.

  It reeked of a federally provided temporary abode. Nothing like the rustic farmhouse Kylie knew that Katie would’ve preferred.

  “You won’t be here forever,” Kylie promised.

  “It’s not that bad,” Katie admitted. “The kitchen is state of the art. You should see what I can do with a simple cut of roast!”

  “Why don’t you fetch those cookies you made?” David asked.

  Katie nodded with a bit too much vigor. “Sounds like a splendid idea! Excuse me, kids.”

  She hurried into the kitchen and out of sight. Kylie thought she might be trying to keep distance between the two of them—though her welcoming hug had seemed genuine enough.

  “Is she all right?”

  “On edge and stressed out. But it’s not like it’s your fault. You didn’t wish for any of this.”

  It was true, but she felt the exact opposite.

  David put a hand on her head, messing with her hair like he did when she was little, causing her to glare at him.

  “Really, David?”

  “I missed my sister. Is that such a bad thing?”

  Kylie smiled. “I missed you too. How’s that baby boy of yours?”

  “Getting big! Bouncing, crazy thing. My wife sends her regrets. She wanted to come…. Well…guess that’s not completely true. It’s been hard for her. It’s been hard for all of us.”

  “Me too,” Kylie whispered. “I hope I can visit with her. See my nephew.”

  David grinned. “Tomorrow.”

  “Well,” Katie said in a loud voice upon returning with a platter of chocolate chip cookies. She slid them onto the coffee table. “Sit, kids, and take a cookie.”

  “Or two, right, Ma?” David sat on the sofa and Kylie settled beside him.

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  Kylie picked up a cookie and took a dainty bite. It was as good as she remembered. Warm and sweet, with hints of brown sugar and cinnamon.

  Katie smiled and slapped her hands together. “Who would like some coffee? Tea? Kylie, you always liked milk with cookies. I remember from when you were a little girl.”

  She had, but Kylie didn’t think she could bring herself to drink anything. “I’m OK, Mom. Really.”

  “Oh,” Katie said, and her face dropped. “OK. Well if you change your mind….”

  Marge said.

  Kylie thought her AI might be right. She turned her attention back to David. “Have they been treating you well?”

  “Sure thing, probably nicer than we deserve.”

  Katie’s eyes widened. “David!”

  “Sorry, Ma. Three square meals, nice houses, and weekly stipends. We’ll be allowed to go wherever we want once the trial’s over. Though I’m not sure where we’ll go.”

  Kylie put her arm around his shoulder. “Take your wife and your precious son, find somewhere to start over. Build a life.”

  “Wipe the slate clean?” Katie asked. “Pretend your father and Paul never existed? What about me? Do you lump me together with them?”

  “That’s not what I meant.” Kylie put her cookie down on the end table.

  “I didn’t raise you in a barn.” Katie handed Kylie a napkin. “Pick the cookie up off the table, and for goodness sakes, sit up straight!”

  Kylie felt herself blushing as Katie stormed to the other side of the room to fluff the pillows. David gave Kylie a wink to let her know it was OK.

  “No one’s asked me to sit up straight in a really long time,” she admitted to him. “Usually it’s more like ‘don’t shoot, don’t shoot’.” She grimaced. “Sorry, bad joke.”

  David shook his head. “Dad wasn’t Dad anymore. Just wish I had been able to stop him earlier. Once he put that damn chip in my head, I couldn’t say no. Even when I wanted to.”

  “That must’ve been horrible.” Kylie hadn’t stopped to think about what it had been like for David, or anyone who had been chipped.

  “The thing of nightmares—still is, every night,” he admitted,
his eyes darker than Kylie had ever seen. “But you didn’t come here for me to bring you down.”

  Katie fluffed a pillow hard, her hand smacking against the fabric. Kylie looked over to see her mother’s cheeks reddening.

  “Mom?” She stood and approached Katie. “You OK?”

  “I’m fine.” Katie fluffed a pillow before returning it to the chair. “I’m…I want to see Paul. I want to see my son, Kylie.”

  “I know, but if we give it a—”

  “I want to see him!” Katie screamed. “He’s my son! He’s alone, and I won’t stay here a moment longer than I need to. Do you understand?”

  Kylie swallowed hard at the sound of her mother’s rising voice.

  “Tomorrow, OK?” she promised. “I’ll talk to his lawyer, and—”

  “I’ll call his lawyer. I don’t see why you get to be in charge of his visitors. You’re the one that brought him here. You’re the one that put him behind bars.”

  Kylie felt like she had been sucker punched. She wondered how long her mom had wanted to say that to her.

  Marge said gently.
 

  David stepped forward. “Ma, please. We talked about this. You know Kylie was trying to save Paul’s life.”

  “She should’ve let him go.” Katie’s eyes condemned Kylie. “You should’ve let him go!”

  “I couldn’t,” Kylie tried to control her growing anger at being accused. “You know what he did—”

  “It’s not his fault! It was your father’s fault! What happened to Paul, the things he did aren’t his fault!” Kate slapped her chest. “It’s my fault! I let your father talk us into everything. I didn’t defend my boys. I should be the one locked in a cage. Not Paul!”

  The tears flew, and Katie stormed out as soon as her cheeks became wet. Kylie stood there, feeling helpless, as the bedroom door slid quietly shut behind her.

  “I bet she’d feel better if the door actually slammed,” David murmured.

  “Making jokes? Really?”

  Kylie rubbed her arms, trying to warm up. Inside, she shook and felt like crying.