“We need to prepare. The Link is on its way,” Mike said.
“Yes, we need to evacuate. We’ll give the AI on Tangent our new location with instructions not to tell anyone. You need to hurry to your home. Tell them to run. The Link is coming,” he said.
“You’re running away?” Mike asked.
“There’s no fighting the Link,” Tasorl said.
“Drake and Tamal fought the Link and won!”
Tasorl shook his head. “You don’t understand. The Link has a thousand ships working in perfect unison. You’ll be crushed.”
“What about your fellow people? They’re suffering under the Link. Will you desert them?”
“Anyone who wants to fight I’ll leave with you, but find a way to warn your people. They must run now.” He turned to Bachnon. “You heard. Tell your people they must be ready to leave. Have them here tomorrow. Everyone must be away from here. The Link is coming.”
Bachnon looked at me. “I let you down once, but not twice. I’ll fight the Link, and so will my people. They’ll have a choice, but I know the answer. They’ll fight at your people’s side, Drake.”
“Yes, but Drake isn’t staying. He’ll be leaving on the Armstrong,” Mike said.
“I’m staying with Sandra, besides we sent code C the Armstrong isn’t coming back” I said.
“I have received orders from fleet via warp communication all civilians are to be evacuated. We will meet up with the Armstrong as soon as possible. They are on their way back now.”
“Mike, you’re wise. I can see it also. Drake must leave if we’re to win. He has a task that is crucial,” Bachnon said.
Tasori nodded. “My gift is very limited, but even I can see.”
“Oh, come on. What the hell now? I’m, what, a saint?” I asked.
“Drake, don’t be an ass. You’re smart. We’ll give you samples of the Link. You go get into Rodriguez Academy and find a way to stop it. We’ll keep the Link held up, giving you the time you need,” Mike said.
I didn’t know what to say, then everything started happening. People were going off in all directions. I found myself standing alone with nothing to do.
“Officer’s training school can be a bitch if you aren’t prepared. We’ll introduce you to someone who’ll make it a cake walk,” Torance said, slapping me on my back. “I recorded all the Link traffic. Some interesting stuff. I’ll show you later, but first I was assigned to help you and Sandra move to the Tangent.”
It felt weird to move someone else’s stuff. I kept telling myself we were married and her stuff was mine, but that didn’t help too much. I loaded my large bag and her small one into the transport.
Torance laughed. “You and Sandra got this boy-girl thing reversed. The girl is supposed to have the large bag!”
Grumbling to myself, I climbed in. Maybe Torance was right. What the hell? Who was the man in my house? I started getting pissed. My sense of humor didn’t get any better as I unpacked her clothes and made our bed. What the hell? Should I take a shower and meet her at the door, wearing only a bathrobe? I stomped around in a huff and then grabbed my gym bag. I’d feel better after I killed a punching bag. Opening the door, I ran straight into Sandra’s arms. I should have taken that shower, I thought as she smothered me with a kiss.
* * * *
“You’re a civilian. Civilians are to be removed from war zones. That’s the rule,” Sandra said.
“There has to be a way. You don’t always have to follow the rules.”
“You’re following this one.” I tried to get out of bed. She grabbed me, pulling me back. “Where are you going?”
“I’m pissed off. Why are you sending me away? Do you want to get rid of me?” She pulled me over and landed on top, putting her nose against mine.
“No, we have a problem called the Link. When that’s taken care of, I’m going to find you and have those six kids I promised you. You do remember we have a thirty-year contract?” She gave me a kiss.
“We’ll be apart for a long time. That’s going to suck.”
“Ah, I’m the best girl you could ever find. I don’t mind if you find someone nice. Go ahead, I don’t want you to suffer. Besides, if you get that out of your system, I won’t have to worry later when we’re raising kids.”
“Sandra, I don’t know if I could even do that. I love you. Hell, I’d call your name in the middle and hurt the girl’s feelings.”
“Drake, I’m giving you permission, and I mean it. Let’s not say any more.”
I looked at the clock. It was about to wake us. I gave her a peck on the cheek, then slipped out of bed. Being in the captain’s suite was handy, as it had and area for cooking. Monisa tastes were like ours, but they had no coffee. Yesterday they’d gutted our camp stores. Diane had managed to get coffee sent to us. I thought about what Sandra had said. It wasn’t our fault we’d be separated for a long time. We were both bound to get lonely. The thought of her with someone else sent ice through my veins. I took several deep breaths. I couldn’t leave her with my unrealistic expectations. If she did have an affair, I truly didn’t want to know about it. I also didn’t want her to suffer from guilt. She was my friend as well.
I poured a large cup of coffee and then wandered back to bed. Sandra was awake. “That coffee smells wonderful,” she said, smiling.
“It is,” I said, taking a sip. She held out her hand. I shook my head. “My coffee.”
She shook her head. “Community property. Hand it over.” I handed her the cup and then slid into bed next to her. She had that sleepy warm feeling and felt good beside to me.
“Sandra, I’m jealous. I don’t want to hear about it, but I don’t want you to be alone.” I looked at her. God, she’s pretty, I thought. Her mouth hung open. “Don’t ever tell me if you did or didn’t. I just want you to know you have my leave to, and that I love you.”
She hugged me, crying. “It’s the worst thing that has ever happened to me, being torn away from you.”
Later that morning we left planet 9732. The most wonderful things in my life had happened there, and the worst. Three of our party had died on the planet, and one severely wounded. Seventeen had been linked and hadn’t yet recovered from the experience. We’d made wonderful friends, and had met a horrible enemy bent on destroying us. I watched quietly as the planet shrunk from view.
When Sandra was occupied doing her soldier stuff, I spent my time with Tamal. He’d impressed me with his skill at detection avoidance and was an expert at finding stealthy ships. I made him teach me how he did it, what to look for, including the theory and physics behind it. He was a good, hard teacher, and we practiced every day. He showed me recordings of ships and jamming techniques. We both poured over the recording of the signal from the Link. Jamming the signal appeared be very hard or impossible due to its random frequency jumps. He worked me so hard in the simulator Sandra got mad a few times when I came home late and tired.
Tamal found the Armstrong before anyone else. Four days away, we hailed her.
With the communication, I was faced with the reality of my situation. In a few days, I’d be separated from the woman I loved for years, at least three or four. Maybe I’d never see her again. I remembered our conversation about having a dream. She’d said those people who had a dream were the strongest. I thought about being a farmer on Mars with Sandra and six kids. It was a hard life. It’s always a struggle to keep everything running. I could buy out the Jacksons and we could live right next to Mom and Dad. Great, I thought. I’ll share this dream with her. We’ll make it a reality together.
Sandra and I spent the last four days talking about our dream of farming on Mars, even picking out the names for our children. We laughed together and talked about everything. It was a wonderful time.
A few hours before we docked with the Armstrong, Sandra pulled me into our cabin. “We might not have another chance to talk alone. If something happens, I hope you make our farm a reality. I just wanted you to know that, and I love you.” She gave me a hug.
“I have something for you.” She walked across the room. “Tasori gave this to me. He thinks that by studying it you’ll find a way to stop the Link.” She pulled out a ball. It was silver and dull black, and didn’t look marred, although I clearly remember hitting it with the rail gun. She set it in my hand. “This,” she said, holding up a fake tooth, “will attach to your back molar. It has a receiver that appears to be made from the same material as the core. You’ll be searched. We got you a new bag to hide the core. Put Margret in the bag also. I’ll attach this to your molar for you. Keep it safe. Now sit and open wide.” She scraped around and attached the fake tooth. “That molar has a memory chip in it. Also any IR device can access it, but you have to stick it into your mouth.” She laughed.
“Where did you learn this stuff?”
“I was a spy. I can’t tell you any more than that.”
“You’re a scary girl. I’ll miss you.” I pulled her to me. We held each other desperately, as if by doing so we could stop the inevitable, but the call came. We’d docked with the Armstrong and would begin the transfer of personnel.
She pulled away, wiping her eyes. “I have to go now.” She turned toward the door.
“Sandra, don’t.”
“I can’t go over it again. You’re leaving. That’s final,” she said over her shoulder as she continued walking toward the door. She stopped and leaned her head against the doorway. “Drake, I love you. I have to do this. I’ll make it right with you when we’ve won.” She left the room.
“What the hell can you do with one ship? At best it’ll be suicide,” I said to the closed door.
“Mike made Octella CO of Tangent. Maybe she knows,” Margret said.
“Where is she?”
“Main control.”
It was hard to make my way through the ship. Everyone was going someplace in a hurry. I placed my hand on the reader for the control room and was denied entrance. I requested an escort, and Tamal arrived, letting me inside.
“You should be on your way to the Armstrong,” he said as he led me into the control room.
Seeing me enter, Octella rose from her command post and waved me to follow her into a side conference room. “Surprising to see you. I thought you’d be spending these last seconds on your knees, begging Sandra to help you stay.”
I frowned. “Thanks, that was nice. No, I came here to give you Tangent’s code. I don’t know what Mike’s mission is. We should all run. I’m giving you Tangent’s code so you can prevent Mike from committing suicide and protect Sandra for me.”
She laughed. “You’re asking the woman who loves you to save another who you love?”
“Yes, I am. I love you too. Please take care of yourself.”
“Drake, you’re killing me. Give me the code. I’m so sick. I’ll do anything you ask of me.” I handed her Margret, who displayed the code.
After taking Margret back, I paused and touched her hand. “Thanks, Octella. Take care,” I said as I left.
I grabbed my bags and joined the other pilgrims filing off Tangent. Near the door Bachnon grabbed my arm. “Drake, I’ve been waiting for you. I have a present for you.” He pulled a necklace out of his bag and then placed it over my head. “It’s a custom of our women to make a charm when young men they love go on a trek. The women of my village have adopted you, and made this for you. The three jewels have meaning and are magic. The green one is for your protection, blue for strength and perseverance, red for success. We know you’ll find a way to defeat the Link. Our hopes and prayers go with you.” He gave me a quick hug and then disappeared.
Chapter 14: Journeyman
Walking off Tangent, I felt depression descend upon my shoulders. Everything was lost—my wife, my future. I looked around. We had no way to defeat the Link. It had a thousand ships. We should run.
I saw Jenny first. She stood by a nice-looking guy in a way that spoke volumes. She gave me a hug that my mom might. She acted awkward at first, then settled as we continued into the Armstrong.
“So aliens, battles, adventures and pretty natives. You’ll have to tell us everything,” Jenny said.
“Oh, you know me. I have my studies, no time for romance,” I said with a laugh. She scowled. Her boyfriend just grunted.
Jack stood next to Kathy. She had an arm around his waist. They looked happy together. She gave me a motherly hug. It was wonderful to be back.
Jack reached out his hand. “Glad you’re back. Looks and sounds as though you’ve had a rough trip.” I took his hand. He was one of my best friends, and I was glad for him that he had Kathy. “Let me get your bag,” he added.
Margret interrupted us. “Drake, the captain called. She wants to see you in her office now, honey.”
“Go ahead, Drake. I’ll get your stuff. Oh, you have a new cabin near engineering. Margret can give you directions. Margret, will you let me into Drake’s room with his bag?” Jack asked.
“Oh, course I will,” she said.
“Thanks, Jack. I’d better get going. Oh, how is Bob doing?”
Jack frowned. Kathy squeezed his waist, giving him a protective look. He looked down. “Ah, he’s having a tough time.” His eyes sparkled. “Vivian, of course, is at his side. He’ll be better. It’s just he snapped and isn’t himself. Doc says Bob may never recover, but, shit, that guy is a quack. What the hell does he know?” He turned his head to hide his tears. Bob and Jack were close. I resisted an urge to give him a hug. Better to leave that to Kathy.
“Shit. I’ll go see him after I’m done with the captain. Damn, I have to go. Thanks for the help with my bag, Jack. See you in the morning.” I glanced at Kathy. She looked at Jack with concern. “Thanks for meeting me, Kathy, Jenny, and nice meeting you, Richard,” I said.
Hurrying on my way to the captain’s office, it felt nice and familiar to be back on the Armstrong. I nodded to people I knew. A few tried to stop to welcome me back, but I fended them off, promising to meet up with them later.
As I entered the captain’s office, my brain did a complete reboot. Two stern-looking types were standing by the door in military uniforms. Captain Ramon, a good-looking woman, looked hot in her military uniform. I wondered if I should salute or something. She motioned for me to take a seat next to Diane.
“You’re on, captain. Ship wide,” a young uniformed woman said.
“Due to the threat of hostile alien beings I’m taking military command of this ship under provisions of the second new Parliament Universal Charter. I’m declaring a state of emergency. All private citizens are required to follow any lawful order given by any member of the military.
“An extraordinary event has occurred. Humans have met aliens, and they’re hostile. My orders are to destroy ourselves rather than lead a hostile enemy to our home, but we have valuable information the fleet needs, so we’re going there.
“At this time, inactive fleet personnel aboard ship are now activated. Please wear your uniforms and report to number three.” She waved to the young woman, closing the communication. Captain Ramon stared at me. Her eyes were steel. “The two of you set up a council of sorts and took command of the landing party. You have a lot to explain.”
“Yes.” I looked around the room. “And so do you, captain. You left us with no command structure. That’s a violation of union contract,” I said.
She looked around the room. “Okay, Drake, stay here.” She pointed at the young woman. “Sonny, make sure he’s comfortable.” The young woman nodded as the captain left with her entourage.
I was soon bored. To amuse myself I asked Sonny for water, then watched her get it. She was an attractive girl with a great walk, fun to watch.
She set it next to me, giving me a smile. “You wouldn’t be the first man to get in trouble with the captain by looking at her daughter that way,” she said.
Taking her hint and feeling embarrassed by getting caught looking at her, I pulled out Margret and started studying. I’d caught up to where I wanted to be on Tangent, and in a few weeks, I was sure
I’d pass my final test.
“Young man, I hope for your sake you aren’t watching porn in my office!” Captain Ramon said as she entered the room.
Surprised, I turned off the lecture on sting theory. “No… never.” I sputtered. Sonny giggled.
Marcel raised her hand to stop me. “Of course that’s what everyone says. You’re straight ridged and dull. You were studying so you can take your final exams in a week?”
Now I could feel my face flush. “Yes, captain. That’s right. I’ll pass them with honors in a week.”
“We’re alone. Call me Marcel. My daughter, Sonny,” she said.
“Ah, okay, Marcel.”
She smiled. “So you set up a command structure of your own with yourself in charge. You’re a gutsy young man.”
“No, nothing like that.”
She frowned. “What do you mean? The report from Professors Jackson and Hinton charge you with leading a mutiny.”
“That isn’t what happened.”
“Tell me, why should I not throw you into the brig, young man?”
I pulled out Margret and sent the captain the legal file. “Before you do, you should review this file. The professors might want to review parts. Also they’ll want to drop all charges against any action taken on the planet 9732.”
She looked at her assistant. “So you’re saying you acted within your union contractual rights then?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, Sonny, you’re excused. Wait outside.”
After the door shut, Marcel got up and went to the counter and then poured two drinks. She handed me one. She sat. “We have a problem. Can we work it out?”
“Hope so. I don’t want to go to the brig.”
“You and Sandra are you still together?”
“Yes, we are.”
“Good, she might be away for a time. Don’t get weird about what happens when you’re away from each other. Give her and yourself extra slack. Bit of advice. I’ve been married for twenty-five years, and have been away for years at a time. We love each other, but that doesn’t mean we’re dead. You must love her to have busted my chops over her. Seems every time you and I get together I lose and you win.”
The Apprentice Starship Engineer: Book One The Link Page 17