March of War

by Bennett R. Coles

  He had experienced the primal thrill that came from combat, the struggle to keep one’s own life and take another’s. It had been years since he’d been conscious of it, but he knew the sense of almost orgasmic triumph when he emerged victorious in battle, when he still lived as his foe fell. He knew the deep urge to fight that rested within humanity’s soul, and this war was an outlet for all of Terra’s citizens, whether they fought in person or just cheered from the home front.

  This mission was Terra’s jaws closing on the jugular of its greatest rival, Centauria, and from this would come domination of the pack once again. No other colony had the resources to fight humanity’s home system, and the natural order would be restored. But first, seven hundred million innocent people had to die.

  Chandler reached out to clasp hands with his old subbies.

  “Stay strong in the next few hours, my friends. History will be the judge of our triumph here today.”

  * * *

  Thomas looked at the three young officers who stood before him. It wasn’t quite like the old days in Victoria, but then, his career had taken a radically different path from that of his mentor. Just as Chandler had earned the unswerving loyalty of two young subbies all those years ago, Thomas could only hope that he was worthy of even greater loyalty now.

  John, Chen, and Hayley stared back at him, their expressions displaying mixtures of confusion and horror. Thomas had just revealed to them the purpose of the mission.

  “There’s no way anything will survive on the surface,” John said. “No matter what happens, that planet is going to be shredded.”

  “Correct,” Thomas said, watching them all closely, “and this is why I’ve called the three of you here. I need to ask you each to do something for me, which may go against your personal beliefs. But I need your help.”

  Chen was pale, and speechless. Hayley’s face was locked in a frown. John dropped his gaze momentarily, but managed to keep himself composed.

  “What do you require of us, sir?” he asked.

  Thomas glanced at the door to his cabin, reassuring himself that it was closed. He’d sent his steward down to the galley. There were no witnesses.

  “I require you to assist me… in preventing this mission from succeeding.”

  All three stared at him in new shock.

  “I remain loyal to Terra,” Thomas said, “but this mission goes beyond nations. This mission is about the future of humanity. I cannot, as an officer of good conscience, allow it to succeed.”

  “You’re talking mutiny, Captain.”

  “That risk is mine alone,” he admitted. “I will go to my grave saying that none of you were complicit, and that you were merely pawns in my… evil plan.” He offered a wry smile. “But the truth is you’re all too smart to fool, and when the time comes I’ll need you to act without hesitation.”

  “So you’re asking us to choose between our loyalty to the Fleet, and to you personally?” Hayley snapped.

  “In this one instance, yes I am.”

  “Well, then, fuck the Fleet,” she growled. “I always wanted to be a pirate queen.”

  “I’m not suggesting we go buccaneer, Hayley… just stop this single mission from succeeding. Then we go home and report the failure like loyal Fleet officers.”

  “So the rest of the ship won’t know?” John asked.

  “Correct. I think I know how we can do this, but it’ll take the four of us to pull it off.”

  John nodded thoughtfully, glancing at the subbies before looking back to his captain.

  “Sir, I’m in.”

  Thomas fixed his stare on Chen, who’d been silent since he’d learned the mission’s true purpose.

  “Chen, what are your thoughts?”

  The young man was still pale, but he finally looked up with certainty.

  “I signed up to defend Terra, sir, but now it looks like the rebels aren’t the real enemy. I won’t join the rebels, but I’m happy to help stop this madness. I’m in.”

  Thomas took a deep breath, looking around at his three loyal colleagues. He was asking them to commit the ultimate military crime and, despite his assurances, he had no guarantee that he could truly protect them if it came to a Fleet Marshall Investigation. By agreeing to help him, they might be signing their own death warrants.

  Looking into their eyes, he saw reflected back what he knew was in his own. If this mission was allowed to succeed, he’d never be able to live with himself. It would be better to die knowing that he’d tried, than to live with seven hundred million murders on his conscience.

  “Thank you, my friends.”

  “What’s the plan, sir?” John asked.

  If he was honest with himself, Thomas had to admit that he’d been devising the idea since the moment his true orders had been revealed.

  “We’ll never be able to launch one of our own weapons against another Terran warship—not without some record making it back to Fleet. But it just so happens we have a Centauri weapon on board, and I think we can make use of it…”

  32

  Korolev picked his people well. Initially Katja had wondered at his choice of Jack Mallory for Special Forces, but she saw now that the kid was far more than just really smart. He was strong, in ways she’d never imagined him to be. In ways she’d never been herself. He deserved a future, and she would do everything in her power to give him one.

  Her gear was packed and rested by the front door. Small weapons were distributed over her body beneath her loose-fitting clothing. Everything was coming together as usual for another mission, but over the thunderous beating of her heart she knew it was all just a cover for her real purpose.

  Jack crossed the living room toward her, hefting his own backpack. He glanced at her, but offered none of his usual smiles or good humor. His young face was surprisingly devoid of any emotion—almost as if he had slipped on his war face early. He set the pack down next to hers and cast his eyes around the apartment.

  “I have everything of mine,” he said. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes.”

  Her heart ached to see him so withdrawn. Her seduction attempt had backfired in ways she truly hadn’t expected. She’d been ready for awkwardness between them the next morning, no matter how it had played out, but Jack’s cold distance was unsettling.

  Not that she didn’t deserve it. Her actions had been a cold-blooded attempt to distract him—and herself, honestly—from the powerful truth about their mission. A truth they both knew in their hearts, but which only he had the courage to face. His surprising strength hadn’t just deflected her manipulation. It had also, finally, made her face reality.

  Looking up at him now, as he diligently avoided her gaze to check the straps on his pack and confirm the contents of his pockets, she wept within at the trap they found themselves in as operatives. She wanted to tell him—wanted him to understand that she saw the truth of his words. He was right, about everything, and she had decided to act for what was right.

  She couldn’t tell him—couldn’t even hint at it. Because he had to go back to Terra and report to Korolev on what happened. He had to believe, for his own safety.

  He finally noticed her hesitation and looked down at her.

  “What is it?”

  “Slight change of plan, for me anyway.”

  “Oh?” He froze in place, tensing as his eyes searched hers.

  “I’ve been thinking about our disruptor pods in the Pierce Building. Given the ruckus that occurred there, we don’t even know if they’re still in place, and even if they are, we don’t know how long they’ll be effective before Centauri cyberguards find them and shut them down.” She crossed her arms, giving him her fiercest stare. “Disrupting the enemy security network is much too important for the mission to leave in the hands of remote machines. I’m going to go there in person and make sure it happens. Thomas and everyone else in orbit is counting on it.”

  Jack couldn’t hold her angry gaze. He looked away, taking a deep, thoughtful breath
. Then he turned back.

  “How are you going to get to the escape point?” he asked. “It’s more than a hundred kilometers outside the city. I might be able to fly in and pick you up somewhere close, but—”

  “That’s too risky,” she said. “You stick to the original plan, and get yourself off-planet. Don’t worry about me.”

  “But, Katja…” he said slowly, “if this attack succeeds, there won’t be any second escape route.”

  “I know.” Her heartbeat was pounding in her skull, but she kept her face stern. “I’m a servant of the State, and I will do my duty.”

  It was exactly what she’d be expected to say. By Jack’s expression she knew he wasn’t surprised, nor would Korolev be when Jack reported back. It was bullshit, but she had to make Jack believe it just one more time.

  “This mission,” she added, “is too important to leave with such a variable still in play.”

  He made to speak, but stopped himself, mind clearly racing through possibilities. Then he glanced over their gear, as if some new solution would suddenly present itself.

  “You can’t throw your life away,” he said finally.

  “I’m already dead, Jack.” At another time her statement might have been a joke, but as she spoke she realized that truer words had never passed her lips. “I’ve been dead for a long time.”

  “Katja…” His face melted into compassion. After a moment’s hesitation he dared to reach out and grip her arms. “Don’t do this.”

  She knew she should shrug off his touch with a show of anger, but his strong hands felt too good against her, and she couldn’t find the will.

  “The mission,” she said, “is too important. It’s my duty to ensure that it succeeds.”

  His eyes shut tight as he fought back emotion. Finally he nodded in understanding.

  “Then I guess,” he said, “I’m coming with you.”

  Oh shit, shit, shit. No, that wasn’t part of the plan. Her mind raced. “Not a chance, Jack,” she snapped. “You’d just slow me down, and there’s no need for both of us to be sacrificed.”

  “How could I abandon you to this?” he asked, eyes opening to reveal glistening moisture. “After everything…” His voice trailed off as he grasped for words. “You know, everything.”

  He really wasn’t making this easy. She fought down the emotion welling up within her, forcing herself to become the operative once again. “You’re still valuable,” she said coldly. “Terra will need you in the future that’s coming. You have to survive.”

  “And what about you?”

  “I will do my duty… to Terra. I need you to honor that, and make sure my actions aren’t in vain.”

  His hands dropped away from her. He stared at her in sad disbelief.

  “I can’t help but admire you,” he said, “but I’ll never understand you.”

  And you will never, she prayed to herself, become like me.

  “You know I’m right,” she said.

  “Yeah, and now I just hate this mission even more.”

  “Get yourself to safety, and make sure that bastard Kane gets to safety, as well.”

  He tried to laugh, but it died in his throat and he looked away sharply, wiping his eyes. Without another word he grabbed his backpack, and opened the apartment door. Katja took up her gear and followed him out.

  They’d already selected a vehicle for their actions today. The big car was owned by an elderly couple in the building who used it only once a week, regular as clockwork, and certainly wouldn’t miss it for the next few hours. Jack reached into the Cloud, opened the locks, hijacked the ID system, and disabled the navigation even before he’d placed his pack in the car’s storage compartment. He moved with such casual efficiency—both physically and in the Cloud—that she could only shake her head.

  “So am I giving you a lift to the Pierce Building?” he asked as they climbed in.

  “If you could drop me a couple of blocks away, that’d be great. I’ll walk from there.” The banality of their exchange belied the simmering tension she felt, but at least Jack wasn’t arguing anymore. He pulled out onto the street without further comment. She welcomed the silence, even if she hated what he must think of her. His feelings might very well save his life.

  A short time later he pulled over on a quiet side street, exactly two blocks from her target. A scattering of pedestrians moved past on the walkway, but no one seemed to notice a car parking alongside the others. She unstrapped and turned to him.

  After a moment he turned to her.

  “It’s ninety-five minutes to H-hour,” he said. “I’ll be airborne by twenty. If things are going well here, and you want a pickup, you just let me know.”

  It was a noble gesture, and just like him to offer. She half climbed out of her seat, leaning into him and wrapping her arms around him tightly. He didn’t hesitate in returning the hug, squeezing her close. She let herself bask in the embrace for longer than she’d intended, suddenly not wanting to let go.

  The first time she’d said goodbye to her life had been easy. This time, not so much. She pressed her cheek against his and gave him a long, slow kiss on the jawline.

  “Goodbye, Jack.”

  He didn’t answer, other than to hold her tight for another long moment. Then, reluctantly, she pulled herself free and exited the car, not looking back.

  * * *

  Thomas sat in his command chair, listening to the professional murmur around him on the bridge as he watched the red symbols drift near the visible disk of Abeona, low on the bow. The blue symbol of Singapore was high to port, slowly drawing left as Moore overtook her.

  The two ships moved on slightly different courses and at different speeds. No doubt they both were being tracked by Abeona Traffic Control, although they were still too far out to have been challenged. Orbital contact density increased up ahead, which would be very helpful in the coming hour. Thomas glanced at the clock.

  Seventy minutes to H-hour.

  Next to him the officer of the watch, Lieutenant Overvelde, completed his checklist to bring the ship to battle stations. Thomas heard the voice of the XO through the local speaker, reporting the disposition of the damage control system. Overvelde acknowledged, then glanced up.

  “Captain, sir, officer of the watch,” he declared. “Ship is at battle stations.”

  “Very good,” Thomas replied. The bridge was fully manned around him, all personnel in their emergency spacesuits with helmets strapped to their belts. Each warfare area was ready for the action to come.

  Abeona grew larger up ahead, and Thomas remembered only too well the last time he’d done battle here. He cast his eyes over the bridge crew, wondering how good the AAW and AVW directors really were. He needed them to keep his ship in one piece long enough for the final maneuver, but he also needed them to be distracted enough to not see what was really going on.

  Over in ASW, John Micah paced as he watched his displays.

  Chen and Hayley were secured to the deck in front of him. Hayley was second officer of the watch, but Thomas had designated Chen as “officer at large” for this battle. He had explained to the XO that he wanted a trusted set of eyes and ears at his disposal, but since all the lieutenants already maintained official positions, it would have to be a subbie. The XO had not argued.

  “Sublieutenant Wi,” he said. Chen unhooked from Hayley’s station and floated over, gripping the command chair armrest and leaning close.

  “Check in with Shades,” he murmured, too quiet for Overvelde to hear on his other side. “Confirm which tube he wants to designate, and then get down there to load up.”

  “Yes, sir.” Moisture beaded on Chen’s young face. “Do you want me to come back to the bridge afterward?”

  “No. Stay there in person and guard it.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Good luck, Chen. I’m counting on you.”

  The subbie pushed away carefully and moved across the bridge to John’s position. Thomas watched them exchan
ge quiet words before Chen maneuvered back to the command chair.

  “Captain, sir,” he said to Thomas across Overvelde. “ASW reports a possible malfunction in the port-side forward countermeasures battery. Shall I get a maintenance crew down there?”

  “No,” Thomas replied. “This close to combat I want them to stay at their stations. Get down there yourself, Sublieutenant Wi, and have a look—see if it just needs a reboot. If not then report to the XO and then we can detach techs.”

  Overvelde nodded in acknowledgement as Chen accepted the order and moved off. As officer of the watch, Overvelde was responsible for the overall running of the ship and was the person most likely to notice what Chen was really up to. He’d proven himself far too competent for Thomas to think he’d miss the impending changes to the port-side forward countermeasures battery.

  Chen used his anchor line to glide aft to the bridge doors. Thomas watched him go, then glanced over at John. The ASW director met his gaze, nodding once.

  Thomas sat back in his command chair, scanning his display and then gazing out at the view projected all around him. The lights of other craft were becoming visible, moving against the starry backdrop, and Abeona loomed ahead.

  * * *

  Katja crawled along the ventilation duct, moving slowly enough to minimize the potential for the metal to shift under her weight, but knowing that she worked against the most important deadline in human history.

  It had taken longer than she hoped to get past the security systems, and a quick glance at her watch reported less than thirty minutes to H-hour. She’d had to tackle the quantum-flux field by herself, but a clever manipulation had left the sensors on bare minimum power—not actually disabled, since that would have tripped the status alarms. They were too weak, however, to detect her movements amid all the airflow of the ventilation.

  A careful observer would probably still spot her, but she doubted there were any humans involved in this sort of security. Sometimes the Centauris trusted their machines too much.