Showdown: Rise Of Mankind Book 10
Page 18
“Certainly it is.” Clea gripped his good shoulder and met his eyes. “I will say goodbye before I leave.”
“I’ll hold you to it.” Gray watched her go and returned his attention to the tablet. He would report back to Earth soon, telling the military council of their victory. Until then, he had administrative work to accomplish and repairs to oversee. And rest from this injury. Doctor Brand isn’t going to let me off easily.
The next few days would be a nightmare but they bought humanity safety and peace. It would all be worth it in the end and every person they lost would be honored for their sacrifices, remembered for years to come. As the history books were written, they would document the conflict humanity entered late in the game but saw through to the end.
Our place in the galaxy is assured now. Time to fill it with honor.
***
Trellan and Clea sat in the back of a kielan shuttle, bound for The Crystal Font. The secret agent wore bandages on various parts of his body, his loose fitting civilian clothes rubbing uncomfortably against his injuries. His companion seemed somber, staring off into space as they traveled along.
The shuttle pilot called back to let them know they had an incoming FTL message from the home world. Trellan exchanged a knowing look with Clea before they put it on the screen beside them. Siva’s image appeared. She wore a smile that actually managed to reach her eyes and she seemed genuinely pleased to see them.
“I’m glad you made it out, Trellan. Good work.”
“We lost a lot of people,” Trellan replied. “The soldiers in particular made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“Their loss…I’m sorry for that.” Siva’s brows furrowed and she looked away. “All those deaths…they’re regrettable. No one can say any of this was worth it, not without understanding what that means to those who we lost. I would like you to plan for a report a few days after you arrive but give yourselves time to recover, understand?”
“Thanks,” Clea muttered. “I appreciate it.”
“You especially, An’Tufal. You’re leaving a major part of your life behind…that transition will require time.”
“Yes…it will.”
“We’re about to dock,” Trellan said. “Let us know if you need anything, Siva. I’m pretty sure you’re going to be busy with this newfound peace.”
Siva scoffed. “Yes, the diplomacy alone has a lot of people nervous. I’ve got operatives en route to help Mei’Gora. It’s going to be quite something if we pull this off. And I believe we will. Rest up. I’ll need both of you back at peak condition if we’re to make headway in the coming days. Siva out.”
The screen went dark and Clea turned her attention to Trellan. “You…I thought you were planning on retiring.”
Trellan shrugged, making himself wince at the effort. “What can I say? I’m not ready to throw in the towel but I’m definitely not going back into the field. I’ve got other things to offer, I think. Might as well keep working, you know?”
“I suppose.” Clea turned to stare out the window again. “This has been quite the challenge, hasn’t it?”
“More than you know,” Trellan replied. “Personally, I’m looking forward to back alley chats and meals with important people…which I’m sure I’ll complain about in a few months but right now? It sounds like paradise.”
The shuttle set down in the hangar and they were ushered out. At the bottom of the ramp, they met Anthar Kale Ru’Xin who offered them a cordial nod. “Welcome aboard,” he said. “I’d be honored if I could personally show you to your quarters.”
“Thank you for letting us tag along,” Trellan replied as they fell into step beside him. “We appreciate.”
“Think nothing of it. I’m glad to have you both. You’re heroes and who doesn’t want the opportunity to brush elbows with such distinguished people?”
“We’re in good company,” Clea said. “Your actions have distinguished you and your ship. We may have a hard time keeping you in the intelligence roster.”
“I hope not. I believe we’ve worked well together so far.” Kale hit the elevator button and allowed them to enter first. They were joined by Vinthari Alma Il’Var who offered Kale a crisp salute. “Please, at ease, Vinthari.”
“Thank you, sir.” Alma turned to stare at the door.
“How is Rahan?” Kale asked.
“He’s doing well. I’m surprised he made it back, to be honest. That was one lengthy flight.”
Kale nodded. “Indeed. I’m sorry to hear about your friend, Wing Commander Pointer.”
Alma stiffened. “She was a brave pilot. One of the best I’ve known and certainly an incredible ally. She will be sorely missed…by me…and especially her people.”
“Rudy Hale was quite upset,” Clea said. “They were quite close and he took the news poorly. She…she flew a mission for me. The one where we found Durant and the coded information leading to this system. I liked her.”
“Where is Durant?” Trellan asked. “Surely, he’s not sticking with The Behemoth?”
“No,” Kale said. “He’s taken up with our engineering department. Their chief engineer has been cleared for duty and will be taking his post back when they return to Earth.”
“I’d like to visit that planet someday,” Trellan replied. “See the place that bred such brave men and women.”
“As would I,” Alma added. “And honor a friend.”
“I’m sure we will all be back there someday,” Clea said. “When the time is right and the need presents itself. Until then, we try to pick up our lives in the aftermath of constant war. We’ll have to learn what peace looks like…and how best to embrace it.”
“We’ll figure it out.” Kale patted her shoulder. “Believe me.”
As they disembarked the elevator, Kale showed them to their rooms and went about his duties. They would head back to their home before the end of shift, back to a new world where war was history and not the dreaded present. Trellan smiled at Clea before they disappeared into their rooms. He flopped on the bed and closed his eyes, ready for the rest they all deserved.