And as quickly as it arrived, it was gone.
Despite the emptiness he felt, Ven had never been happier.
____________
Legacy arrived at the confluence of ships gathered near Nolix. Two of the replicas were damaged, but all five remained. The others hadn’t been so lucky. From what Tom could tell, they’d lost well over one hundred of their fleet, likely meaning thousands of deaths. He tried to remember the last time any of them had slept, a real slumber without the crushing burden of their future weighing on them, but couldn’t.
“Where is the Prime? And Benitor?” Tom asked, and Tarlen set to work, trying to determine which craft they were on.
Tarlen smiled when he found the Prime safely on board one of the archaic Concord fleet crafts, but the thrill was lost when they learned that Admiral Jalin Benitor hadn’t been so lucky.
“Damn it,” Tom muttered, hanging his head low.
“They could still attack,” Keen said, indicating the Protectors and enemy Ugna ships lingering nearby.
“On screen.” Tom shifted his stance, running a hand through his messy hair. “Cease fire. Your High Elder is gone, and Ridele stands. To the Invaders, your President Gordon Basher was mistaken to send you after us. We will not rescind our offer to grant you access to the Concord if you concede at this moment. Let us prevent any more deaths today.” Tom glanced at Shu, which moved slowly through space close by. Rene was all right, and so was his unborn child.
No one moved. None responded. “To the Ugna, I will let High Elder Fayle decide the charges against you. Driun F49 rests in her control, to do with as she feels necessary.” Tom was speaking above his pay grade, but with the Prime relinquishing authority for the last two weeks, he didn’t care. Someone needed to end this damned internal strife.
“Admiral, they’re sending in communications,” Tarlen said. “The Protectors have assured us they will agree to our terms. The Ugna are doing the same.”
Lark Keen pumped a fist in the air, and Reeve rose on unsteady legs, pulling Tom into a hug. “You did it, sir.”
“We did it. And we need to find out what happened to Wylen.” Tom noticed a tiny shuttle boarding Elder Fayle’s Ugna vessel, and he grinned, thinking he’d found the answer he’d been seeking.
Twenty-One
“It’s over!” Conner jumped from his seat, rushing to greet Treena with a hug.
“Well done, everyone.” Treena was so proud of her crew. They’d worked tirelessly over the last week to help fend off Wylen’s lackeys, and now they’d helped save countless lives.
“It will take some time to discover who’s been deceiving us,” Brax said, coming to stand with her and Conner.
“I’ll put my name in for the inquisition board,” Teller said. “Give me a purpose. I don’t think I have the energy to do this again.” He pointed at the viewscreen, where over a hundred vessels gathered in peace.
“Commander Pol Teller, it’s been an honor to have you aboard Constantine.” The old man’s eyes welled up at the comment. Her ship’s AI projection of Baldwin’s grandfather flickered, nodding his head.
“The board would be lucky to have you on their side,” Con told the man, and Teller used the chair’s arm to assist him in standing.
They watched in silence as Legacy flew over to Fayle’s ship.
Treena received a communication a few minutes later, ordering her to the surface for a meeting in a couple of hours. “Brax, would you escort the commander to the surface? Conner, I’d like you to stay here with my ship while I visit with Cleo.”
Brax and Pol were already moving, and Constantine’s AI disappeared. When she and Conner were alone, he stepped closer. “I’d like to come.”
“Someone needs to stay with—”
“Constantine can handle himself. Tell me, Treena.”
She sighed. “We’re all tired.”
“Treena, talk to me.”
“Fine. You seem to think you have feelings for me, Conner, but you don’t. You have feelings for a captain of a starship, one who uses an android body to move around in. This could never work.”
“Let me decide how I feel. You think I care about that? Stop using this robot, and I’ll prove it to you,” he said, daring her with his words.
“Just stay on the bridge as I’ve ordered you, Executive Lieutenant Douglas.” Treena turned on a heel and marched away, not wanting to hear his response.
____________
The boardroom at the Concord’s main office held fewer people in it than Tom expected. It turned out two of the admirals had been Ugna in disguise, but to his surprise, Admiral Anthony West wasn’t one of them. The smarmy man was active, inching up to Prime Xune’s seat at the head of the table across from Tom’s position.
“We’re receiving word from across the Concord about strange occurrences. What exactly happened, High Elder Fayle?” Prime Xune asked.
Admiral Benitor’s seat remained empty, and a wash of sadness poured over Tom as he stared at it. Rene slid her hand over his beneath the table, comforting him.
“Please. I am no longer the High Elder. That title belongs to Ven Ittix,” the Ugna woman said.
All eyes settled on Tom’s former crew member. He seemed different, but Tom supposed each of them were, after everything they’d been through.
“I went to the Vast stone and met an entity. It stopped the flow. We were never meant to experience it as we did. Since we manipulated the mutation to our advantage, they removed the contact. Even if Ugna spies remain, I expect they have no motivation to continue, since Wylen no longer lives.” Ven spoke eloquently, and Tom was confident the man would be a great leader to his now lost people.
The Ugna were in a time of flux, unsure of what the future held. Without the Vastness and their telekinetic powers, they were people just like everyone else. That didn’t make them any less valuable or worthy, even if it took them a while to understand that.
Rene asked the question everyone was thinking. “What of the Invaders?”
“They will be placed in their own region of Driun F49. They do not have sufficient Nek to return home, and that leaves Earth waiting for the Concord’s return. We will escort them. Without the power of their dictators, the humans will be able to take control of their own government once again,” Fayle said.
“Good. I was hoping that was the case,” Tom said.
“I’d like to captain that mission.” Treena’s voice carried from the door as she entered, with Conner Douglas at her side. She was in her real body, and Tom loved to see a genuine smile on her face. She looked so much like her old self, her hair longer than the model from R-Emergence. She was thinner but gaining strength every day.
Prime Xune nodded, and Tom noticed he was unable to hold back a smile too. “Captain Treena Starling. We couldn’t think of anyone better to oversee the Sol mission. Take some time to recover from this endeavor and bring the Earth crew home.”
There were numerous loose ends to tie up with these meetings, but so far, Tom was feeling optimistic about the future. They had Shu and Constantine, as well as Legacy and the two unnamed replicas, and a facility on Obilina that would double their efforts at building a real fleet, one not made of modified freighters and retired relics from the Statu War.
Treena sat on the other side of Tom, Conner sticking close. Rene gave Tom a knowing glance and lifted her eyebrows. It was none of Tom’s business, but he was glad for her.
“We also have the issue of the admirals to address sooner rather than later,” Xune said. “With Benitor being lost to us, we have some big shoes to fill. I would like to offer the position to you, Admiral Baldwin.”
Tom expected West to object, but he only nodded along, as if it was his idea in the first place.
“I don’t know what to say,” Tom told them. He glanced at Rene and back to Xune. “Can I think about it?”
“We’re going to need others to join the ranks as well, so I’d like to extend an open offer to Rene Bouchard and Elder Fayle to come on b
oard.” Xune smiled as he said this, and Tom heard Rene inhale sharply.
“With all due respect,” Rene started, but Xune lifted a hand, silencing her.
“Just think about it. Take your time, but not too long. With the rumors circulating around outside the Border, there will be those who view our restructuring as an opportunity for chaos. I’d prefer to carry us into a new cycle. One built on peace, relationships, and mending the great Concord once and for all. We have to move past the Statu, the Assembly, and Wylen.”
“Freedom is not to be taken for granted. Sometimes one must fight to have peace.” Fayle set her hands on the table, staring at them as she continued. “We have fought for this peace. Let us see it through. Since Ven will be leading the Ugna at Driun F49, I humbly accept your offer to take the title of Admiral, Prime Xune. You are most gracious to extend such a role to one such as myself. I only hope I can make my people, as well as you, proud.”
Tom saw the inner turmoil on her face. She had worked with Wylen for years, performing unspeakable acts, but in the end, she’d determined right from wrong, and without her, the Concord wouldn’t have won the day against such a formidable foe.
“It was an easy decision.” The topic changed, and they began to devise a plan to take the next steps into a new era, but it was difficult to concentrate with the blood of their losses so fresh.
____________
“What will you do?” Reeve asked her brother. The others were in meetings, so Brax had suggested they gather for dinner. It turned out it was morning on the surface, so they’d opted for a walk on the beach instead.
The sun was just beginning to rise over Ridele in the distance, casting dancing reflections on the lake’s surface. Brax picked up a flat stone and skipped it across the water.
“I don’t know. I think we’ll have some opportunities with the new regime. Baldwin named you Commander, did he?” Brax bumped his shoulder into hers, teasing her. “Maybe he’s grooming you to take the ship?”
“Legacy. I wouldn’t hate that. You didn’t answer me, though. Are you going to—”
“I have to stay with Treena and see the mission to Sol through. Constantine feels like home to me. For the first time since we were kids growing up as poor Tekol, I have a place somewhere, with family. It won’t be the same without you, but I spoke to Doctor Nee, and he’s going to return after Bouchard has her baby. Ven’s gone, and someone will have to take Lieutenant Darl’s post.”
Reeve cringed, saddened by the news of Darl’s passing. Too many had lost their lives since they’d stepped foot on Constantine, but she hated to think how many more would have if they’d never made the ship in the first place.
“It feels like yesterday that we first left on Baldwin’s ship. But also like a lifetime ago,” she added.
“You’re right.” Brax stared at the water and rubbed his palms together. They were still in uniform, and Reeve decided they were owed some time off.
“How about we get changed and go home for breakfast?” she asked.
“Home? Do you think they still have Cronski served at Daal’s?”
“Not at this time of day,” Reeve told him, smiling at her brother. She loved working with him on Constantine, but their paths were only meant to cross within the Concord ranks. Plus, they were twins, and that would connect them forever.
“I’m going to miss this.”
“I’ll miss you too,” she told him, heading for the shuttle. She was going to enjoy every moment of this victory.
____________
“Daddy!”
The voice was so pure, so crystal-clear that Lark Keen was unable to keep the tears from flowing. With the danger gone, the Prime had allowed his family to be brought from hiding, and he knelt on the damp ground with his arms outstretched. Luci barreled into him as she darted off the shuttle’s ramp, knocking him onto his back.
He hugged her tight as Seda came closer, a frown on her face. Her dark hair was long and curly, hanging over her shoulders as she leaned forward. “Lark, is it true?”
He got to his feet, keeping Luci in his grip. He never wanted to let his perfect little girl go. “It’s true. I’m a free man.”
“Daddy, you should have seen the house we stayed in. There were guards, and robots…” Luci prattled on, and Lark nodded, but his attention was affixed on his wife.
Her big brown eyes brimmed with unspent tears as she set her hands on her hips. “And what now? Are we free as well?”
“They didn’t tell you?” Lark asked.
“Who? The guards told us to pack our possessions, which aren’t much more than what you see, and ushered us into a shuttle.” She glanced past him to the cabin in the woods. “Where are we?”
“Earon. A remote spot, but it’s ours.” He took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh rain and wood scent all around him. This was truly paradise now that his family had arrived.
“I don’t understand.” Seda retreated a step, as if touching him might cause the illusion to shatter.
He set Luci on the ground, and she grabbed her mother’s hand, dragging her closer. “This is ours?” Luci asked, releasing her grip and running for the house.
Seda turned away as Lark moved to touch her. “I did some terrible things,” he said, “and I admit that.”
“We both did,” she added. “If it wasn’t for my father, you’d have been a hero like your friend.”
“I made my choices, but I’m trying to atone for them. I’ll never make amends for everything, but the Concord has given me the ultimate gift. My family.” Lark touched her hands, and Seda rushed in, circling her arms around his back.
“This isn’t a trick? You aren’t messing with me?” Finally, the dam of tears broke, and she sobbed into his shoulder.
“Would you believe I was on the bridge of a flagship with the great Thomas Baldwin?” He laughed.
“You were?”
“They offered me a job.”
She pressed away from him, keeping her hands on his chest. “The Concord did?”
“On Legacy, but I turned them down.”
“You have a lot of explaining to do. But first, why Earon?” she asked.
“Didn’t you always say you wanted the remote life with us? No more hiding. No more deceit. Just you, me, and Luci together in the woods.”
Seda smiled as she dabbed her tears with her sleeve. “I did say that.”
“Now we have it.” He started for the cabin, where Luci had already scouted and returned to the front door, waving at them.
“Good choice.”
Lark headed for the cabin with his wife, ready for the next chapter in his story. A much quieter one.
Epilogue
Eight months later
“I wish we’d stayed at that lake. It was so perfect. Serene and beautiful,” Jun said with a laugh.
“There are a lot of wonderful places on Earth too,” Brandon reminded her. “Not that you’ll have time to visit any of them.”
“If you think I’m going to try to take on any kind of government role, you have another think coming. We were with the Concord, and…” Jun stopped speaking as the captain walked into the courtyard.
Treena Starling looked like a different woman, and Brandon had been surprised to learn she was an android. These people had advanced technology and claimed they’d share the information with Earth, as long as they agreed to join the Concord.
“I know you’ve been through a lot.” Treena sat at the table with them, taking the empty chair between Kristen and Val. She seemed at ease there and could have passed for one of them if not for the pressed uniform and red collar denoting her rank. “We’re going to need your group to select someone as the Concord’s representative.”
“There have to be more qualified people on Earth for that, Captain,” Brandon said.
Treena shook her head, dismissing his words. “We’re making this deal because of the spirit we saw in you and your people.” She glanced down the table, making eye contact with them all. “I thi
nk I know who your leader is and suspect they’ll do a wonderful job.”
Brandon felt their stares before he saw them, and he nodded his head slowly and sighed. “I’d be happy to be the representative.”
Carl elbowed him. “Who said she was talking about you?”
Treena ignored the joking. “We’ll communicate through you, and I’m sure Earth will be in some disarray since the Protectors and President Basher won’t be returning.”
Brandon was glad the man was dead, especially after he’d promised the Concord his assistance to keep peace and had broken it in an effort to win the war for the Ugna. But she was right; Earth would have been through hell and back since they’d departed. Brandon still didn’t understand much about what had gone on since they’d abandoned it for Mars a decade earlier.
“I think I can handle that,” Brandon told her. He was excited for his return home and to advise the rest of the world of what lay beyond the horizon. That the Invaders had lied about everything. Some of them would remain on the planet, but with this mysterious Vastness turned off, they’d be on a level playing field. They could leave Earth for somewhere else, or the Concord was going to offer the peaceful ones a home on Driun F49. Brandon hadn’t seen the Ugna planet, but he heard it was doing well in this time after their internal crisis.
Captain Starling stood up, drawing his attention. “We’re going to be approaching Mars soon, so feel free to join us on the bridge. If anyone wants to drop into your Mars colony, let me know.”
Brandon glanced at Kristen and grinned.
____________
Her office overlooked the expansive city, and Fayle gawked at the hundreds of giant cloud-piercing structures. This was such a far difference from the village on Leria, but she was getting used to it.
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