She graciously accepted the proffered greeting. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He gestured to the table and they took up seats opposite him. Caleb clasped his hands on the table and leaned forward. “I’m sending you a file I think you will find most useful.”
Volosk raised an eyebrow, but his expression transformed once he received the file. His eyes unfocused for a solid ten seconds before his attention returned to them. He smiled in what looked like relief but was definitely appreciation.
“You have my sincere gratitude—both of you. As soon as we’re done here I’ll start analyzing this information. Perhaps…well, let’s not get our hopes up too high, but perhaps we can do something about the current state of affairs. For now, though, we should talk about Metis.”
Alex caught Caleb’s gaze briefly, then reached in her pocket and removed a small crystal disk. The pause was almost imperceptible before she slid the disk across the table. “A hard copy of all the raw data we collected.”
He accepted it with the deference it deserved. “Thank you.” His head tilted in contemplation. “Alliance leadership also has this information, I take it?”
“They do.”
“If I may ask, is there anything you’re comfortable telling me in regard to their response?”
“Chush’ sobach’ya….” She cleared her throat. “Pardon me. They said they will monitor the situation.”
He smiled, though it came off a bit cold. “They’re hoping the aliens will attack us first so they can take advantage of the opportunity.”
This pause was noticeable. “Something to that effect.”
“And how do you feel about their response, Ms. Solovy?”
She met his stare evenly, without flinching. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
He dipped his chin to concede the point. “Fair enough. I meant no offense.”
Caleb squeezed her hand under the table. “What’s the word from the GOI platoon we sent to investigate? Did they find the alien ships?”
Volosk’s lips pursed. “We’ve had no word from them since they entered Metis four days ago. As communications are not possible inside the Nebula, it’s too early to draw any conclusions. They may simply still be investigating.”
“I imagine they had instructions to deploy drones back out with updates?”
The man’s expression was admirably neutral. “They did.”
Shit. He told them it was too risky to send an entire platoon in, he didn’t care if they were stealth special forces. “I see. Hopefully you’ll hear from them soon.”
“I hope so as well.” The uneasy silence lingered only a breath longer than what was comfortable. “So I’ve reviewed your report, but if you don’t mind I’d like to go over a few details.” His eyes roved over each of them; they each shrugged in acceptance.
“Your spectral analysis of the ships’ composition—it returned no matches, correct?”
“Correct.” She nodded, intrinsically slipping into expert mode. “Chemically, the closest equivalent is lonsdaleite diamond, but this metal is far darker in color than lonsdaleite and isn’t appreciably close to a match. Whatever the metal is, it appeared quite dense and strong. Unfortunately, the sole other fact we’ve determined with any certainty is that the ring is constructed of a similar but not identical material.”
“Okay. So we’re looking at previously undiscovered elements then. And regarding the electromagnetic waves, you suggested the terahertz signals might be a form of communication. Can I ask what your thinking is?”
“Again, it’s merely speculation, but a couple of things. For one, the signal was hyper-precise—focused and compressed, with no detectable bleed. This means it wasn’t an emission byproduct of their technology and was clearly being used for some purpose. Also, Metis doesn’t have significant background terahertz radiation—but in the portal region the terahertz waves were pervasive. And lastly, because we don’t use it for communications. It might not occur to us to eavesdrop on the band.”
“Hmm.” He nodded deliberately. “Not bad as reasons go.” He was quiet a moment before shifting his attention to Caleb. “Where do you think the portal originates?”
It would be the question for him. There were no hard, objective facts or data to rely upon—pretty much no information whatsoever in fact. Nothing but instinct and observation skills born of experience, and a dash of inborn talent.
“Another dimension.”
“Are you serious?” The eyebrow transformed from appreciation to skepticism.
“It may very well lead to the other side of the Milky Way or just as likely to another galaxy. But here’s the thing—and I’d never have thought of it if Alex hadn’t raised the idea of a dimensional portal as a conceivable possibility—the portal had to be built. And as impressive as those superdreadnoughts are, they are miniscule compared to the portal. Building it must have been a tremendous undertaking for even highly advanced aliens.”
He straightened his posture, caught up in the argument. “So why send the workers and machinery and materials to build the portal across the galaxy or universe via conventional means—why spend all the time and effort—to build a shortcut? How much more time would it have taken to simply send the ships instead?”
He sensed Alex regarding him curiously. He hadn’t actually had the opportunity to share his theory with her. There had been escapes to execute and sex and planning and organization and sex and meals to cook and…well. He grinned at her with a corner of his mouth.
Volosk, however, was frowning. “I can imagine plenty of explanations. The personnel and fuel involved, to name one.”
“Absolutely. I concede the point. But I think it’s safe to assume these aliens possess the capability to travel at least as rapidly as we can. So say they’re from the other side of the galaxy. At most it’s forty or so Galactic days’ travel, in no way a trip worthy of building an expensive magic portal instead. If on the other hand we’re talking another galaxy, the trip is nearly half a year at a minimum and in all likelihood far longer, in which case why expend the time and manpower to send the builders but not the fighters?”
He leaned in and dropped his elbows on the table. “And what fighters? Granted, there could be soldiers, organic beings of some sort, inside the dreadnoughts or the tentacle ships—hell, there probably are. But we saw zero evidence of them.” He lifted a hand in preemptive protest. “Before you say it, I agree you wouldn’t see us from the outside of our fleet either. Still, there was a feeling, an impression the ships evoked…like nothing was present that lived and breathed.”
He shrugged, consciously dialing down the fervor. “Either they travel very slow and thus need the portal, which contradicts their otherwise obviously advanced technology, or they travel very fast, which obviates the need for the portal at all. Unless it was the only way.”
Volosk was silent for a long time. Finally he nodded. “Decent assertions—except for one point. If the portal is the only way, how did its builders get here?”
Caleb bit his lower lip. “I’m no expert on hidden dimensions, but…I’m not certain they would need to.”
A ponderous silence again lingered for a moment, until Volosk chuckled wryly. “Well, for now we should focus on how to defend against them. More esoteric musings can wait for the victory party.”
He straightened up in his chair, as if he had convinced himself of the rightness of his conclusion. “I’m trying to arrange a meeting with Delavasi and the Defense Director for later tonight, though their schedules are unsurprisingly rather full. If the two of you can remain available for the next several hours, I’d appreciate it. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything definitive.”
He stood and leveled a keen gaze at Caleb. “Until then I must get back to the details of managing an…” he managed not to glance at Alex “…unfortunate war. Agent Marano, until further notice your sole mission is the investigation of these aliens and matters related thereto.”
“Of course. Any special instru
ctions?”
“In the brief time I’ve worked with you, I have come to realize one thing. Of all our agents, you are the last person who needs micromanaging. Act as you see fit—but do try to avoid blowing up any more Division starships if at all possible.”
“I’ll do my best, sir. Though in fairness, the last one was her fault.”
57
EARTH
WASHINGTON, EARTH ALLIANCE HEADQUARTERS
* * *
THE BASEMENT COMMAND CENTER of Earth Alliance Headquarters remained a flurry of activity on this, the sixth day of the Second Crux War.
Aides ensured the secure files were loaded and all necessary information available, the refreshment table was fully stocked and the EM shielding field was in place and active. The noise amplified off the reinforced walls to create a din above which it was difficult to carry on a normal conversation.
The Chief of Staff’s arrival in the bunker served as the aides’ cue to depart the immediate area surrounding the situation room. They filed past the woman and dispersed—some upstairs to their offices, others to stations elsewhere in the command center to monitor war developments.
Marcus Aguirre exited the lift alongside Prime Minister Brennon. They continued their conversation as they walked down the long hallway. “Yes, sir, I believe under the regulations you definitely have the authority to appropriate the necessary—” Upon reaching the situation room he cut himself off. “But we can discuss it in the meeting.” He stepped to the side and allowed Brennon to enter the room ahead of him.
The Assembly Speaker and Chairman of the Armed Forces Committee had already arrived, along with the Defense Minister. Marcus went over to the hutch in the rear of the room and poured himself a glass of water before taking his seat a third of the way down the conference table. He presented himself as reviewing materials for the meeting while he discreetly observed the others through the translucent screen.
Speaker Barrera was a long-time acquaintance and political ally. They had met for dinner two nights earlier; it was a timely reaffirmation of their alliance and a subtle reminder to the Speaker of favors Marcus had granted him in the past. It could be argued the Speaker owed Marcus for his position, but he never spoke of it aloud. He didn’t need to. Such was the way of the political game. Besides, the debt would come due soon enough.
The Armed Forces Chairman was a sharp one. Retired military, he had earned several medals of valor for his service during the First Crux War. He held his current position for those accomplishments, not on account of any political skills. So though he deserved keeping an eye on, realistically he should be out of his league in the coming maneuvers.
Defense Minister Mori spoke quietly with the Chief of Staff across the table. Mori was weak, a bureaucrat when he had been in the military and even more of one in the government. Any military influence he had was far overshadowed by EASC. But he was an unabashed Senecan opponent; as such, his intense dislike of the enemy may prove useful. The Chief of Staff, on the other hand, was shrewd and highly intelligent, and loyal to Brennon to a fault. She had been at the man’s side for over twenty years, since his early political campaigns.
He glanced up as the Foreign Minister walked in, followed by—
Well this was a complication.
Mori slid his chair back and rose to salute. “Admiral Solovy, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I take it General Alamatto is otherwise engaged today?”
Miriam Solovy nodded politely. “Yes, he spent the afternoon on the Orbital meeting with the Regional Commanders. He’s returning now, but would be unable to arrive here in time. He sends his regrets.”
Alamatto was supposed to be here, and thus out of danger. He could control Alamatto. Solovy was supposed to be in Vancouver, sitting in her office at EASC Headquarters like a good girl.
His face maintained a perfect mask while he tamped down his annoyance and considered his options. It didn’t take long, because for the moment he had none. He couldn’t call off the operation now if he wanted to—and he didn’t want to, as to do so would cause far more complications than it solved. He considered trying to waylay Alamatto and delay his arrival in Vancouver…but he personally didn’t have a viable way to make it happen, and those who might were not currently available.
It would be a setback, but a minor one. The primary objective and several secondary ones would still be achieved. And Solovy would soon find herself facing her own difficulties in any event. He did need to factor her continued presence into matters and formulate countermeasures, but it would have to wait.
Brennon signaled for the meeting to begin with a glance around the table. “Thank you for coming, everyone. The purpose of this meeting is to review the state of affairs one week into hostilities and discuss our strategy going forward.”
His smile beamed across the table as though the room were populated by constituents. “First, the good news. Admiral Solovy?”
Solovy spared a small nod for Brennon. “Thank you, Prime Minister. As you are all likely aware, four days ago we destroyed fifteen major Senecan hyperspectral scanners, significantly crippling their ability to track our military movements and buildups. With heightened defense measures now in place we don’t expect them to be able to replace the lost surveillance capabilities in the foreseeable future.
“Also, I’m pleased to report Admiral Rychen’s forces engaged the Senecan detachment responsible for the attack on Arcadia and achieved a decisive victory near Desna. It was the first head-to-head battle of this conflict and represents a clear win for the Alliance.”
“Excellent news, Admiral. Minister Mori?”
The Defense Minister frowned; it was an unpleasant expression on his thin lips and pinched chin. “Unfortunately, it isn’t all good news. Five hours ago a Senecan strike force destroyed the production facilities of Surno Materials on Aquila. Surno was our largest supplier of the metamaterials used in the construction of Alliance starships.
“Now while this isn’t an immediate emergency, it is inevitable we will suffer losses in the war and will need to replace ships. I’ve recommended that we invoke Regulation ERS 26608.577.2034g and appropriate fifty percent of the production output from the five next largest manufacturers of the relevant metamaterials.”
Marcus cleared his throat. “I’ve advised the Prime Minister he does have the authority to do so under said Regulation. There is, however, public perception to consider as well. We don’t want the government to appear too heavy-handed this early into the conflict.”
Mori shrugged. “What are our other options?”
Solovy shifted her posture in an indefinable way which somehow increased her presence at the table. “We can approach the suppliers as customers and negotiate new contracts.”
“Ha!” Mori snorted. “Wartime is not the place for capitalism. We require the materials. That should be the end of discussion. Surely you recognize this, Admiral?”
“Surely.”
“Yes, well.” Brennon nodded. “I will make a decision later today. Admiral, do our military forces have any further pressing requirements?”
“Many, sir, but we are addressing them.”
Brennon smiled a little. “Of course you are. Now we should probably move—”
“Sir, if I may, there is one additional matter we should discuss.”
If Brennon was taken aback by the interruption, he gave no sign of it. “Certainly, Admiral.”
Solovy looked around at the others. “Forgive me if I’m stating the obvious, as I don’t often have the opportunity to attend these meetings, but the information I’m about to share cannot leave this room.”
Marcus had a deep suspicion as to the nature of the information and swiftly made an effort to deflect it. “Admiral, if this information is so sensitive perhaps it would be better if it were handled offline, with a smaller group?”
Her gaze snapped to him, and he felt a faint shiver run up his spine. “Mr. Attorney General, is this not the Select Military Advisory Council? Is this
not the most secure location in Alliance space? I was under the impression there was no ‘smaller group’ with which to consult.”
“It is all of those things. Nevertheless, it might be more—”
Brennon’s hand extended out on the table. “She’s correct, Marcus. We are all trustworthy here. Let her speak.”
Son of a bitch.
“Thank you, sir. The visuals I’m going to show you were taken inside the Metis Nebula just over one week ago.”
58
SENECA
CAVARE
* * *
“WE HAVE A COUPLE OF HOURS before Volosk will be able to pull off a meeting.” Caleb grabbed Alex’s hand and tugged her into the parking lot. “You impressed me right and proper on Earth. Give me a chance to impress you.”
Her eyes slid away with a grin. “Okay. Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
She followed him to the bike, giggling under her breath as she draped the wrap on her neck and activated the helmet, threw a leg over the bike and grasped him tightly around the waist. It was every teenage girl’s wild, rebellious fantasy: speeding off on a sleek, sexy bike holding onto her sexy renegade. She would never admit to it being one of her fantasies, but…it didn’t suck.
The air carried quite a chill whipping past as they sped through a rather impressive downtown area. She snuggled closer against him.
Everything looked as though it had been built in the last two years; it all still carried the gleam of newness. And the city was large, far larger than she had been led to believe. The streets bustled with foot, vehicle and air traffic and all the hallmarks of a vibrant, lively culture. It didn’t come close to comparing to the Atlantic Met, nor half a dozen other metropolitan areas on Earth. But it did have a freshness and vivacity to it she hadn’t expected.
It was a few short minutes before he slowed and veered into another parking lot, to her mild disappointment. Then she saw the reflection of Seneca’s enormous moon in the river across the street and grinned yet again. She climbed off the bike and wandered to the water’s edge while he secured it.
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