The Soldier: Escape Vector

by Vaughn Heppner

  “Closer,” Cade said.

  “We might get caught in it so we can’t escape,” Halifax warned.

  “A risk we have to take to make this work,” Cade said.

  Halifax gulped and brought the scout closer yet. The slipstream grew stronger as the vortex caught the ship, dragging it in toward the seething center.

  “Now!” Cade shouted, as his fingers manipulated his panel.

  Two conventional bombs left the ship, ejected behind them. Seconds passed. Each bomb detonated. Halifax used the explosions as if they were smoke screens. The scout swerved sharply as the doctor applied thrust away from the vortex center.

  Cade tapped his board once more. A decoy-emitter ejected from the Descartes, following the same backward path as the two bombs. The emitter burst into electronic life, broadcasting the scout’s dimensions, projecting itself as the Descartes. The scout shook harder as Halifax applied even more thrust as the ship attempted to leave the vortex’s grip. Behind them, the decoy-emitter was caught in the slipstream, dragged deeper toward the swirling center.

  The shaking in the piloting chamber worsened. Halifax dared to give the ship maximum thrust. Cade’s body shook horribly. Then, the scout jumped away as the vortex shifted in a different direction.

  Cade looked through the scope and saw the wavering again. The lines thickened, and then an oval ship appeared. “I see it!” he shouted. “It’s entering the vortex, following the decoy-emitter.”

  The oval disappeared from view, leaving the non-Einsteinian gray realm and heading through the vortex to a space-time continuum, one different from what the Descartes had originally left.

  Halifax swiveled around. “You saw it? You actually saw Uldin’s stealth ship?”

  “Yes,” Cade said, smiling so widely that his cheeks hurt. “It had to be Uldin’s ship. Now, he’s gone, and I doubt he’s ever coming back to use the right vortex. But to make sure, let’s head into ours and get the hell out of here as fast as we can.”

  “Hurrah!” Velia shouted, unbuckling from her seat.

  Cade swiveled toward her. She jumped onto his lap, grabbed his face with both hands and kissed him fiercely on the lips. She made a smack, took a breath and tried to lunge in for a second one.

  “No,” Cade said gently, holding her back. Raina, I love you, but this is difficult.

  Velia stared into his eyes. “I can make you love me,” she said in a husky voice. “Just give in once, and you’ll never regret it.”

  The soldier took a deep breath, very aware of her sitting in his lap, and used his strength to help her stand. Then, he unbuckled and stood, too.

  I will regret it, maybe for the rest of my life. This is the moment to end everything.

  He stared at Velia, and he turned to Halifax. “Let’s do this,” he said hoarsely. “Let’s do it in case Uldin is able to return here.”

  ***

  The Rhune stealth ship ejected from the vortex into a vast dark rift in a space-time continuum. The vortex swirled, shifted direction and faded away, leaving the tiny craft in the new universe.

  Magister Uldin lay on the couch. He lay unmoving with his eyes closed.

  Did the soldier trick me? Why don’t I see his scout?

  With the headband around his cranium, Uldin searched for the Descartes with the ship’s sensors. He did not find it. He did not find anything else, either. Before he panicked, he went over the stealth ship’s logs, the last seconds before entering the vortex. He slowed the video and watched each moment with deliberation. Ah. Those were bombs. And that’s an emitter. The soldier employed deception. The soldier had tricked him.

  Uldin meditated upon that without seething or panicking. How would emotions help him? They would not. He must use clear reason instead. He had reached a space-time continuum. According to his instruments, this one was different from the universe his ancestors had fled. How it was different in every particular? He did not know all the ramifications yet. The question was: what was the correct course of action?

  He lay there thinking for nearly an hour. At the end of the time, he decided to engage the Intersplit engine and explore nearby space. Maybe he could make this work…the test would be in trying.

  The soldier—

  Uldin put Marcus Cade out of his mind. If he could, he had a universe to conquer. First, he needed to find a planet to take the first step.

  Chapter Forty

  Two days after exiting the vortex, the Descartes sped out of the Vellani Rift, leaving the dark nebula behind.

  The Nion XT Navigator made new calculations now that the ship’s sensors could see the stars again. In moments, the nav instructed Halifax to make a course correction.

  The doctor’s finger flew over the helm controls, and the scout adjusted.

  Cade entered, as Halifax had summoned him to the command chamber. The soldier noticed the stars moving—it was the scout moving, with the green Intersplit Field surrounding the vessel.

  “You told me before, once we left the rift, to head to the nearest inhabited Concord planet,” Halifax said. “Do you still want that?”

  Cade nodded.

  “We’re heading for Amklana in the Rosil System.”

  “How far is it from Earth?”

  “Let me see,” Halifax said. “Ah. Six hundred and ninety-five light-years.”

  The soldier let that sink in. “What a waste. What a damn waste. That’s almost the same distance as from the Sestos System. We’ve been twiddling our thumbs all this time.”

  “The Nion hijacked us,” Halifax said. “That’s the best way to think about it.”

  Cade scowled. “We can’t allow something like that to happen again, not ever.”

  “Sure, but that could be easier said than done.”

  Cade put his hands behind his back, counting to ten as he studied the star field. It doesn’t matter, not anymore. We’re out of it. We’re on our way again. That’s what counts. He nodded. It was a blessed relief seeing normal space, their space, the stars. The idea of leaving their space-time continuum—he shuddered. They were unbelievably lucky to have made it back. What a nightmare. He brought his hands forward and thrust his right hand straight ahead of him.

  “What are you doing?” Halifax asked.

  “Straight to the target,” Cade answered. “A straight shot to Earth—that’s the goal from now on.”

  “Right,” Halifax said. “You gonna dump Velia on Amklana? Is that why we’re going there?”

  “Not dump.”

  “Does leaving her all alone sound nicer to you?”

  Cade frowned at Halifax. “What would you have me do? She can’t stay on the ship.”

  “Isn’t it cruel to just dump her on a planet she doesn’t know? She’s never been in this space-time continuum.”

  “It isn’t as if she can’t speak the language,” Cade said. “She was a spy most of her life. She’ll fit in.”

  “She might be terrified about the prospect. How are you going to break it to her, anyway?”

  “Let me take of care of that.”

  “I am. I’m just curious.”

  Cade turned around, heading for the exit. He felt bad about his plan. But what else could he do? If Velia stayed— “No,” he whispered. She was not staying. It was time to make his life easier.

  ***

  Two days after exiting the Vellani Rift, the Descartes dropped out of FTL travel. They were in the Rosil System’s Kuiper Belt, heading toward the third terrestrial planet, Amklana.

  Cade was in his quarters, pacing, his palms sweaty. Velia surely knew that she had to leave the ship for good. But he hadn’t spelled it out to her yet. He didn’t want to see her cry. Even worse, he didn’t want to have to resist her throwing herself at him. Why did he feel so bad then?

  Damnit, I have to do this. I know it’s the right thing. Raina, give me strength, darling.

  Had he become attached to Velia? Was that the problem? She had helped save the ship.

  “We’re docking,” the doctor said o
ver the intercom.

  Cade nodded and his gut seethed. There was a right way to do this and a wrong way. What if Velia refused to leave the ship? Was he going to pick her up and throw her out of the hatch?

  I don’t want a scene.

  Cade stopped pacing and made a face. What kind of soldier was he that he was finding this so difficult? “Bah,” he said. He opened a drawer and grabbed the wad of credit notes, stuffing them in his jacket. “Just do it, man. Get it over with.”

  The floor shook and there was an outer clang.

  “We’re docked,” Halifax said over the intercom.

  Cade inhaled, steeled himself and exited his quarters. He felt like a heel. His face actually felt hot. He knocked on Velia’s hatch.

  “Enter,” she said.

  The hatch slid open and Cade regarded her. She sat cross-legged on her bed, playing solitaire.

  “Do you want to shop for some new clothes?” he asked.

  Velia cocked her head while looking at him. “Are you serious?”

  He nodded.

  She cocked her head the other way. “What’s wrong? What is this about?”

  “This is the main Amklana space station,” he said. “They’ll have a lobby here with stores.”

  “Really?” Velia asked, sounding excited.

  Cade nodded again, his gut tightening into a knot.

  Velia frowned, studying him, and finally shrugged. “Let me put something better on.”

  “Maybe pack a case,” Cade said. “We can stay in a hotel; get a break from the ship.”

  “Now you have me worried. Are you trying to get rid of me?”

  “No,” he lied, surprised his voice was so steady.

  “Okay. You can wait in here while I change.”

  “I’ll wait outside.”

  She began unbuttoning her blouse.

  Cade hurried out, tugging at his collar as the hatch shut behind him. This was why he was doing it this way. She would never stop tempting him. This was a lousy way to do it, but sometimes getting it done, no matter how, was more important than doing it right.

  Soon, the two of them exited the ship, walking silently through the docking area. Soon, they entered the space station’s outer main corridors.

  “Say, where’s your case?” Velia asked.

  Cade didn’t answer, but pointed ahead.

  They walked together, and after several turns, she put an arm through one of his. He allowed it, because it seemed as if he’d lost all his strength. As they walked, he opened his mouth several times to tell her the truth. He just couldn’t do it.

  Finally, they reached the spacious general lobby, a huge area with over thirty storefronts visible. Hundreds of people milled around, some entering shops, others leaving. There were another thirty kiosks in the middle area.

  “This is fabulous,” Velia said, her eyes wide. “Look at the clothes shops. Let’s go there first.”

  Cade halted, and he removed his arm from hers. His mouth was dry, and he hated the feeling. This was wrong…in one way, and completely correct in another.

  “Velia,” he said hoarsely.

  She turned to him, smiling, and as she stared at him, the smile faded. She set the case at her feet and her shoulders slumped.

  “This is it,” he managed to say.

  Her eyes became moist. “You mean you’re just kicking me off your ship?”

  “No…”

  Her eyebrows arched.

  “Yes,” he said. “That’s what I’m doing.”

  “But…Cade, what am I supposed to do here all alone?”

  “L-Look,” he stammered. He pulled the wad of Concord Universal Credit Notes from a jacket pocket. He peeled several notes off, stuffing them in a pants pocket. He handed the rest to her.

  Velia stared at the notes, finally looking up at him. “I don’t want to stay here. I want to come with you.”

  “I know, I know, but you can’t.”

  “Don’t you see?” she whispered. “I’m all alone. I don’t want to be alone, Marcus. I want to be with you. Your wife is dead—”

  “No!” he said, his voice hardening. “She’s alive. But, look, this is a new start. You’ll obviously go far, Velia. I know you will.”

  “Marcus,” she said in earnest. “Listen to me—”

  He grabbed her shoulders and stared into her eyes. “I love my wife. I have to find her. That’s never going to change. You—it will be okay. There are no Rhunes or cyborgs here. You have plenty of cash, and you’re sharp and smart. You can start over. Believe me, if anyone can do it, it’s you.”

  A tear spilled from an eye and slid down her face.

  Cade couldn’t take any more, so he released her and spun around, hurrying away. She called to him. He put his head down and ran. He felt awful, like a heel, a turncoat—

  No! This is the right thing.

  He reached the docking part of the station, and to his amazement, the knot in his gut had disappeared. He had done the right thing, if not in the correct manner. Raina, darling, I’m coming for you, I promise. Nothing is going to keep me from you.

  Fifteen minutes later, he reentered the Descartes, going to the piloting chamber.

  Halifax looked up from the piloting board. “Back so soon? I’m just about to head to the concourse and—”

  “No,” Cade said, flatly. “We’re pulling out, leaving the space station.”

  “What? Are you kidding me? We just got here.”

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  “Sure it does. Wait a minute. Did you just dump Velia?”

  “We’re going,” Cade said stubbornly.

  “Well, no we’re not. We still need to refuel.”

  “We’ll do that next stop. We’re leaving the station. Now.”

  “Why the sudden rush?” Halifax asked. “Is Velia’s gone.”

  “Yes!”

  “Damn, you did it. I can’t believe it. What did she do when—?”

  “Doctor,” Cade warned.

  Halifax threw up his hands. “Sure, sure, whatever you say. Let’s go. Let’s rush. Don’t listen to me. What do I know?” He made a call to the docking authorities and began preparing. “By the way, Cade, how much money do we have left?”

  “After the docking fees, a few hundred credits,” Cade muttered.

  Halifax’s head snapped up. “What the hell? What happened to our money?”

  Cade hesitated to say, embarrassed by what he’d done.

  “Don’t tell me you gave all our money to Velia.”

  “No, of course not,” Cade said.

  “That’s a relief. What then?”

  Cade looked away, and he managed to say, “I gave most of our money to Velia, but not all.”

  The doctor said nothing.

  Cade finally turned to him.

  The doctor stared at him in disbelief.

  “Listen,” Cade said.

  “Don’t bother. I get it. You’re a soft touch. Who would have known? Not me, clearly.” Halifax heaved a sigh. “Well, at least now I know why we’re not refueling. This is great, Cade, just great. Where do we get more money, huh? Do you have any ideas?”

  “I do.”

  “That’s good,” Halifax said. “Let’s hear it.”

  “My idea is to put you in charge of getting us more finances.”

  Halifax glared at him before finally nodding and smiling. “Remember you said that.”

  “Why?” Cade asked suspiciously.

  “You’re going to find out soon enough. When you do, don’t balk. That’s all I ask. Don’t balk.”

  “Don’t worry about me,” Cade said, eyeing the doctor. What’s he up to now?

  “Good,” Halifax said. “Just remember you said I’m in charge of finding revenue sources.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll remember.”

  “I’m not worried, because I’m going to remind you if and when you forget.”

  Chapter Forty-One

  Nine days later, the Descartes slid into orbit aroun
d Trinor in the Norvin System. It wasn’t a Concord-affiliated planet or system even though Trinor had a breathable atmosphere. Well, that was more or less true, as long as one remembered not to freeze his lungs by breathing the air directly. Trinor was an Arctic nightmare world with freezing nights at minus one hundred degrees at the equator in summer. Howling winds piled snowdrifts thirty meters, more in some places.

  Big-game hunters from Tomb—a nearby Concord planet from a different star system—often landed on safaris at the equator in summer. They hunted the Trinor larl, a four-meter-long feline beast with rich fur, sabertooth-like fangs, razor-sharp claws and a savage temperament.

  Gretel Mining Incorporated from Grudd—another Concord planet from a different star system—had established seven excavation sites around Trinor, mining the rare earth minerals bastnasite, monazite and loparite.

  Despite the bleak environment, a small outpost town had developed on the equator near two Gretel Mines and the touchdown point for most big-game hunters. The town—Minden—had an outlaw atmosphere and was the larl-pelt emporium for the few desperado hunters and trappers that had chosen to live on Trinor year-round. Some of those hunters doubled as guides for the Tomb hunting parties.

  The Descartes had come to Trinor because the Concord Patrol posted a wanted list every year. Dr. Halifax happened to have acquired one as they left the Amklana space station. He’d circled several promising names, among them a notorious starmenter named Handsome Dan. Some back-channel research on the doctor’s part had uncovered the interesting fact that the starmenter was said to have fled to the industrial planet Grudd.

  Starmenter was the Concord name for space pirate. The wanted list said that Handsome Dan had hijacked three starliners, robbing the passengers, torturing the richest for special bank or stock codes and kidnapping the prettiest women, taking them with him as he and his men fled in the liner pinnaces or lifeboats. Many of the kidnapped lovelies returned home after Dan received high ransoms for them. Some of the un-ransomed women found themselves in the space sex trade, and some, unfortunately, were never heard from again.

  As could be expected, shame, rage, grief and other fierce emotions gripped many families that had lost daughters, wives and sisters to Handsome Dan and his crew. Collectively, they put up a hefty sum for the starmenter’s capture.