Twisting, she brought the fist’s owner to his knees crying in pain.
The redhead regained his balance to lunge for her. Trent repulsed the charge with an open palm to the chest, forcing the air from his lungs, collapsing him to the ground, gasping.
The last two wide-eyed bullies tossed their drinks aside and ran for all they were worth. Trent watched, amused, as they pushed their way through a crowd of grinning bystanders.
The defiant redhead and Asian quickly followed, sending the crowd into applause. The dynamic duo took a bow.
Amanda kissed him on the cheek. “Trouble seems to have a way of finding you.”
“It’s not too late to run away.”
She violently shook her head once. “Never. I’ll follow you to the end of the galaxy and back.”
***
Indulging in the delightful treat of inactivity, the lazy warriors lingered in the resort pool atop foam planks, drifting from side to side. Cold tropical drinks hung from limp hands as interlocked fingers tied the pleasure barges together. Sunlight washed over them.
Peace.
A flock of birds hurried overhead, the natural alarm catching their attention. The source of their fright soon showed itself as a Fleet shuttle above the resort, coming in to land in the courtyard.
They knew the shuttle had arrived to collect them, but for the moment, they chose to pretend not to notice.
Too soon, a black-clad female sergeant came to the pool’s edge. Other patrons abandoned the water as she approached.
She stood at full attention. “Colonel, I have orders to escort you to the Pentagon.”
He took a deep, lazy breath, slowly turning his head. “What do you say, hon? Ready to take a little trip?”
“Say good-bye to paradise.”
Chapter Five
The Decision
The shuttle didn’t go to the Pentagon. Instead, it zipped past the white-marbled city of Washington on its way to UES’ headquarters in Manhattan.
Approaching the city at a low altitude, Trent examined the historic skyline that had seen so much change. Despite the ever-evolving nature of the “city that never sleeps,” enough of its legacy buildings remained to look familiar to a New Yorker from centuries past.
The Chrysler Building, Empire State Building and Freedom Tower still stood as mighty as ever. They no longer dominated the skyline, however. Two-hundred story buildings encased in thick layers of carbon fiber loomed overhead, swallowing the ancient steel structures in enormous shadows.
The shuttle set down on top of the old United Nations building, which now served as office space for lower-level UES bureaucrats. Trent and Amanda, dressed in Legion blacks, followed their escort through the administrative building enroute to the center of power.
The two-hundred-twenty story Victory Tower was the tallest building ever constructed by man and served as the heart of the UES government. The Council, the supreme governing body of humanity, regulated relations between the nations of Earth, the colonies, and acted as mankind’s representative to the stars. Each body under UES’ jurisdiction appointed representatives to the Council. The size of each one’s representation was determined by population and ability to support Council decisions.
Approaching a security checkpoint, the sergeant who interrupted their vacation stopped. “This is as far as I go, sir. You must continue alone.” She looked at Amanda pointedly. “We will wait for you here.”
Amanda obeyed without a word or unprofessional show of affection.
He nodded at her. Hope we don’t get chewed out for vacationing together.
He submitted to the security screening, after which a guard activated an elevator door. “Please, sir, step in. This will take you to your meeting.”
“Thank you.”
Floor numbers flashed by so fast he could barely read them. The elevator slowed to a gentle stop on the top floor.
A young and attractive civilian greeted him with a warm smile. “Hello, Colonel. Please follow me.”
Nodding his reply, the woman led the way. He couldn’t help but appreciate her shapely rear.
People in power always seem to have good-looking aides. Wonder how that happens?
They came to a set of tall, dark, wood doors. Opening the right side, she stepped aside for him to enter.
Granite floors and a large skylight were only a few of the luxuries offered by the opulent office.
Supreme Commander Jane Walker maintained a grim expression, standing stiffly with her arms behind her back. Next to her stood the Chairman of the UES Council, Robert Dalton, the most powerful man in human space. Short and stocky, his frame failed to match his title. A Canadian by birth, he’d led a classic political life, as far as Trent’s research showed. He wasn’t known as a man who took chances.
Politicians. Ugh! Why must all of the most important decisions land on a politician’s desk? God help us.
The Chairman extended his hand. “Welcome, Colonel. I trust you had an easy journey, eh?”
“Yes, Mr. Chairman. Wish my R&R could’ve lasted longer, but the issue at hand is too critical for any delay.”
“Yes, indeed. I believe you know the Supreme Commander. Let’s have a seat.” He moved to a large rosewood conference table, taking the head position.
Trent and Walker took the seats next to him
“You’ve uncovered some very interesting and scary intel for us to consider, Colonel.”
“Yes, sir.” He burned to advocate for the adoption of his plan. Suppressing the urge, he stayed mindful of his place.
“I must admit, I doubted the word of your prisoner.” Dalton tapped a fat index finger on the table. “But the information gained from your interrogation of the ambassador is beyond question.”
Thank God.
Dalton leaned back. “We know shockingly little about the Kitrights. If we stop the war with the Bearcats, the Kitright will eventually figure it out. I don’t have to remind you that they know where Earth is. Some on the Council’s War Board think we should continue to fight the war we’re in. Use it as a diversion while military intelligence work to gather information on the Kitright. In fact, the War Board is evenly divided. The decision is in my hands. That’s why I’ve brought you here.”
He glanced up at Walker, praying she’d intervene on his behalf. She sat, stone-faced.
“Sir,” he almost pledged. “The Bearcats have had contact with them for generations. I believe that an alliance with them will yield a treasure trove of valuable information.”
“If they believe you, that is.”
God help us!
“They will. We have the evidence. I can assure you that the nature of this lie will deeply offend their sense of honor. Showing them the truth will ignite a storm.”
Dalton pressed his lips tight. “You realize you’re not asking an easy thing from our men and woman in the armed forces.” He opened his right palm. “One day they’re fighting the Bearcats.” The left palm unfolded. “The next, they’re allied with them. It will be difficult to digest.”
“I don’t discount that, sir. With all due respect, though, can you really ask the Fleet and Legion to continue to shed blood for a lie? Can you ask them to fight a people that are just as much victims as we are?”
Dalton’s eyes narrowed.
Trent sensed that his argument had made a dent. Make it about him. Show him it’s in his best interest.
“Mr. Chairman, you must consider what the public, what the historians, will think when this truth is revealed. As a student of history, I can tell you that whether it’s one year or two hundred, the truth has a way of coming out. What will they say about the three of us sitting at this table?”
Dalton chewed his upper lip.
He continued, “You have it in your power today, sir, to pull humanity out of an unholy war. You can put our species, both of our species, onto a path of righteousness. Take the opportunity, sir. Moments like this don’t occur twice in a lifetime.”
Straightenin
g, Dalton’s eyes gazed forward.
He’s imagining his own incarnation as one of the great leaders in history. I’ve got him. Trent and Walker locked eyes for only a fraction of a second. She’s with me!
Seconds dripped by until Dalton spoke, “Supreme Commander, Colonel – you are right. We need to start fighting the real enemy. You’ve got what you want, Colonel. We will immediately halt our offensive actions. You and the prisoner will depart as soon as possible for the gate.”
“Thank you, sir,” he replied, only allowing a trickle of his joy to soak through his face.
Walker cracked a small smile. She looked like a modern version of the Mona Lisa.
Dalton placed his elbows on the table. “I do want to make one minor modification to your plan, Colonel.”
“Oh?”
“A lot is riding on this mission. I would feel more comfortable if you had backup. Pick someone to accompany you, your choice.”
“Yes, sir, absolutely. I will inform your office of my choice shortly. We will leave now to get the details in order. We will be on our way in less than twenty-four hours.”
A hearty handshake and salute later, he was in the elevator. He didn’t even notice the aide’s ass as she led him out.
***
Trent’s face glowed as he walked toward Amanda.
“So when do we leave?” she asked.
He smiled. “We?”
She cocked her head and squinted. “Did you really think I was going to let you go without me?”
Chapter Six
Get Going
Two weeks after interrogating the Kitright Ambassador, Nina Jones sipped a pint of Guinness in a drab pub she came across in London during an aimless walk. Shutting her eyes, she savored every drop. The signature creamy flavor was a welcome reminder that some things don’t change.
Glancing from side to side, she took stock of the half-empty pub. A few couples scattered around made her feel lonely.
Loneliness was a common feeling for her. Growing up to become a two-meter-tall, comparatively masculine woman didn’t endear her to the popular crowd in school. It didn’t attract many suitors, either. Eighty years of separation from the current world intensified her sense of alienation.
What am I doing here? There’s only ever been one place I felt normal. Felt at home. I could hop on a shuttle and be back in uniform in a matter of hours. R&R is never as good as it sounds.
A tall, dark-haired man took the seat next to her, snapping her out of her introspective thought.
She again scanned the abundant empty seats. Why did he sit next to me?
The man ordered a Lagavulin, a fine single malt scotch known for its strongly peaty, smoky flavor. Jones admired his taste in whiskey. Shrugging to herself, she decided she had nothing to lose. Gesturing toward his glass, she said, “That’s a good choice.”
“Thanks, it’s one of my favorites,” he replied with an American accent.
“You a Yank?”
He laughed. “That bad, huh?”
“Yes, but I don’t mind. Some of my best friends are Yanks.” She gazed off into space for a second. “Actually ... pretty much all of my friends these days are Americans.”
“How’d that happen?”
“It’s a long story. Long, long story, in fact. I’m Nina, by the way.”
“Roger, Roger Frost.” They shook hands. “Pleased to meet you.”
“Likewise. What brings you to London?”
He took a sip. “Work. I’m about finished, so I thought I’d check out the local scene. Seems kinda dead.”
“Yeah, but as long as the drinks are wet, who cares.”
“Few truer words have ever been spoken.” He raised his glass. “Are you from the area?”
“Yes.” She drifted off again for a moment. “Well, I was. I’m not sure where I’m really from, any more.”
“Let me guess. Another long story.”
She winked. “You got it.”
“You seem to have a lot of those.”
“Sorry.” She giggled, running a hand through her short hair.
Why do I keep it so short? Men like longer hair, right? He’s cute in an ‘I haven’t been shagged in a century’ kind of way. I hope he’s flirting with me. I’m not sure I know how to flirt anymore. Who am I kidding? I never knew how to flirt.
“Oh, don’t apologize, Ms. Jones. In my experience those are the only ones worth listening to.”
The smile on her face evaporated. “I didn’t tell you my last name.”
He kicked back the last of his drink. “No, no, you didn’t. You’d be surprised how many people don’t catch on to that.”
She stood, towering over him. “Who are you and what is your game?”
Casually setting a credit chip down for the drink he said, “Major Jones, who I am is not important. What is important is who I work for.”
Her eyes narrowed. “And who would that be?”
“You will find out soon enough. But not here and not now.” He stood, taking a piece of paper from a coat pocket. “Here are your orders. Be at the address at the time specified. Don’t be late.”
She unfolded the official-looking document. The paper’s texture felt odd.
Bloody hell.
“These orders are written on paper. Real, old fashioned paper – with ink. Who uses paper and ink anymore?”
“In my line of work I’ve found that sometimes older methods of communication can help keep a secret. You can run the doc number through proper channels if you like. It’ll check out. The system won’t have any more details.”
He went to leave. She opened her mouth but he waved her off. “Please, no questions. You’ll get the answers you seek at the assigned time and place. I really must get going. Have a good day, Nina.” He smiled.
She couldn’t help but return it.
***
Eight months, Earth time, after Trent’s meeting with the UES Chairman, he, Amanda, and Hido eased into orbit around Alpha Base. The ferry vessel designed to transport troops and material to and from the Alpha Gate cut months off the trip. The odd-looking craft was basically a cargo hold with an overpowered engine.
The ship lowered to meet a docking clamp protruding from the base’s smooth black surface. The giant ball measured twenty-nine kilometers at the equator. Twenty thousand men and women called the small man-made moon home. Six laser cannons, a dozen squadrons of fighters and drones plus a formidable array of anti-missile and fighter batteries made the base a modern-day Gibraltar, guarding the interstellar access point to Earth.
On the trip, the three travelers had enjoyed an entire section of the ship to themselves. The super-secret nature of their mission demanded tight security, so the crew and other passengers were ordered to remain in their quarters while they exited. Only one person greeted them at the deserted loading bay, otherwise populated simply by an endless stack of pallets.
“Nice to see you again, sir.” Trent snapped a sharp salute.
Fleet Admiral Chen, Forward Deployed Supreme Commander, returned it. “The pleasure is all mine, General. I was starting to think I’d seen it all. Then these orders came in.”
Hido and Amanda came up behind him. Hido took full advantage of the tall ceiling to stretch out. A translation chip Trent had installed in Hido’s head after he was captured allowed him to follow the conversation.
Trent began, “Let me introduce you to –” His head tilted. “Wait. Did you call me General?”
“Yes. I guess the brass back home didn’t think a mere colonel should make contact with the enemy high command.” His eyes shifted to examine the tower of fur and teeth hanging over Trent.
Trent shook his head. “He’s not the enemy, sir.”
He pointed at Trent. “Until they stop shooting at my ships, I’m sticking with the enemy designation.”
“They don’t know any better yet. Let me introduce you to one that does. Hido, this is Fleet Admiral Chen. Admiral, this is High Commander Hido Kenti—my friend.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, High Commander,” Chen said. He returned a salute from Amanda. “Follow me. We have this section cleared out. I have a room for Hido to stay in while you and Sergeant Roth make a quick stop at medical before heading out.”
“What’s the stop at medical for?” Trent asked.
“You’ve only received a neural nano upgrade. Those are completely different from the rest. We’d like to upgrade the rest of your systems before sending you off to God knows where.”
“Understood, sir.”
***
Wearing only a pair of black boxer briefs, Trent ran a hand along the smooth metallic surface of the injection table. The table of needles brought back a flood of memories of the Legion’s earliest days. In fact, he had been the first legionnaire to undergo the injections.
The tech hurried into the room. “Please lie down on the table, General,” she said, not bothering to look up.
He obeyed, goosebumps tickled his skin as it came into contact with the cold surface.
“I was just remembering the first time I did this. Seems like only a couple of years ago.” She typed away on a screen. He plowed forward despite her disinterest. “Actually, I was the first to receive military-grade nanos. Successfully, at least.”
She turned toward him, raising an eyebrow. “Really?”
I thought that might get your attention.
“Yeah. Hell of a change. Got an upgrade about twelve years later when I got back from Big Red.”
“Big Red!”
. “That’s right.”
“A real live Red Baron.” She slapped a tube full of nanos behind a needle. “Get ready, ‘cause here it comes. You’re so out of date we almost have to do this like you’re normal.”
“Great. What kind of increase in ability should I expect?”
“Forty-five percent in strength, thirty-two in agility. As well as increased healing and an expanded range of environments you can survive in. Not to mention that it triples the normal lifespan.”
The Last Revenge (The Last Hero Trilogy Book 2) Page 4