The Kurtherian Endgame Boxed Set

by Michael Anderle

  Barnabas inclined his head a touch. “But you are ready for them.” It was a statement, not a question.

  Bethany Anne grinned. “Of course I’m ready. The time for licking wounds is over. I have all my pieces lined up on the board, and they’re playing kiddie checkers.”

  Barnabas chuckled. “When do you leave?”

  “Not long now,” she confirmed. “I’m expecting to hear that the fleet is fully operational when I speak to the Admiral late tomorrow. Alexis and Gabriel get out of the Vid-docs today, and not a day too soon. Even though I spent a lot of the time in there with them, the nine years was a long time for us to be apart as a family. As soon as they’ve recovered, we’re good to go.”

  Barnabas flexed his fingers while he considered the information. “So you want me to watch over this planet while you’re gone? What about Devon?”

  Bethany Anne waved unconcernedly. “Phase Three is complete. Devon has begun to settle of its own accord, the defenses there are all in place, and the Guardian is completed and is fully operational. That end of the Interdiction is complete, and all records of High Tortuga’s location are being scrubbed from existence and replaced with Devon’s coordinates instead.”

  Barnabas dropped his hands and leaned back in his chair. “An impressive feat.”

  “Yeah, of ADAM’s,” Bethany Anne clarified. “I’m not going to pretend to understand how or what he did. As long as it works, I’m happy.” The corner of her mouth curled in satisfaction. “By the time he’s done, not even the most insignificant independent captains will escape with their maps intact.” She got to her feet, impatient to leave. “I have to get to the Vid-doc suite, but I can give you until tomorrow to think on this. If you don’t want the duty, I can make other arrangements.”

  Barnabas shrugged. “You can have my answer now. I’m happy to remain behind. I’m enjoying my work here. It’s therapeutic.”

  Bethany Anne raised an eyebrow. “There are ways of relaxing that don’t involve killing, you know. You could play a bit more chess. I’ve heard it’s good for the mind.”

  Bethany Anne winked and stepped into the Etheric, leaving an annoyed Barnabas gasping at his desk.

  High Tortuga, Space Fleet Base, Michael’s Offices, Vid-doc suite

  Michael paced the room to work off his excess energy. The children would exit the Vid-docs soon, but it couldn’t be soon enough for him.

  Eve turned from the console where she was monitoring the Vid-docs to give him a stern look. “Such repetitive motion only causes the perception of time to be altered, so you experience more of it.”

  Michael paused and raised an eyebrow. “You mean that a watched pot never boils?”

  Eve bowed her head. “A rose by any other name.” She snorted softly and turned back to the console.

  Bethany Anne appeared in the transfer area. She strode out of the recess and over to the wallscreen, which showed Addix waiting patiently in the game version of the Vid-doc room. Bethany Anne had to look around, but she spotted Alexis and Gabriel sitting with their backs against the wall, talking quietly. “Am I late?”

  “You’re right on time,” Eve assured her. She instructed Addix, Alexis, and Gabriel to get into their Vid-docs. “It’s not technically necessary, but it will help to prevent you from feeling disjointed when you wake.”

  The Vid-docs on both sides lit up and the screen went dark as all three went into the rejuvenation cycle.

  Bethany Anne and Michael moved as one to stand by the twins’ Vid-docs.

  “One minute,” Eve told them.

  The lights on the Vid-docs went out and the opaque tint drained from the window in the lid, revealing the occupants.

  Michael’s brain tried to trick him. For a fraction of a second, he half expected to see Alexis and Gabriel as the five-year-olds they had been when they entered the Vid-doc.

  Of course, his children now had the bodies to match their minds—and the experience of the years lived in-game to go with their upgraded bodies. Of course, he had spent as much time with them while they were growing these last months as possible, and it had still been slightly jarring to witness the change each time. If not for his regular visits then it would have been difficult to recognize them.

  Bethany Anne drew a breath when the Vid-docs began their unlocking sequences. “My babies.”

  “You realize our son is taller than you now?” Michael pointed out. “While I’m well aware that you could still quite easily carry either of our children on your hip, I can't see Gabriel wanting to be cosseted. Alexis even less so.”

  Bethany Anne dismissed Michael's good sense with a wave. “I don't care how big they get. They are my babies. That's all there is to it.”

  Michael chuckled at his wife’s soft heart when it came to their children as the Vid-docs’ lids clicked open.

  Alexis was first to wake, followed by Gabriel, and lastly, Addix. Bethany Anne, Michael, and Eve helped them down.

  While Addix had the advantage of being quadrupedal to balance her, Alexis and Gabriel held onto their parents for the moment. Although their muscle tone was fine, their legs were wobbly, which was no wonder after aging nine years and growing several feet in height.

  Bethany Anne examined them closely while Eve took care of Addix. “How are you both feeling? Any pain or dizziness?”

  “No, I’m good,” Gabriel replied. “But I don’t think those are actually my legs.” He poked his thigh and gazed at Eve. “Why do they feel so weird?”

  “The Vid-doc was not intended for this. Consequently, the development of new neural pathways in your brains and the growth in your bodies were two separate processes,” Eve explained.

  “So why are we able to stand?” Alexis asked. “Without the movement to develop our muscular structure, we should be flopping around on the floor like fish.” She looked down at herself. “I feel fine. Weak, perhaps, but fine.”

  Eve waved her hands as she answered. “We used mild electrical impulses to sync your movement within the game with your bodies. The connections are somewhat weak at present, but you two are strong and your bodies semi-active. Plus, your nanocytes are now fully functional. I suspect you will return to peak health in no time.”

  Alexis turned to her parents. “When can we see Aunt Tabbie and the baby?” She paused for a beat. “Whose name I don’t know,” she finished in a dull monotone, her eyes shifting as she spoke.

  Gabriel laughed. “You’re the worst liar ever.” He sucked in a breath when her elbow met his ribs.

  Shhh!

  Bethany Anne and Michael exchanged an amused look.

  “I’m pretty sure you can lie better than that,” Michael teased.

  Bethany Anne rolled her eyes. “We're having dinner with Tabitha and Peter later,” she told the twins. “You can see Todd then if he’s awake. First we go home, where I have a surprise for you both.”

  The twins quickly regained full use of their legs.

  Bethany Anne called Alexis and Gabriel back from the door with her hands outstretched toward them. “It’s a lot louder than you’re used to out there. You get to ride in Mom’s taxi today.”

  The twins giggled at her lame joke. Bethany Anne took their hands and pulled them into the Etheric, Michael appearing beside them in the mists a moment later.

  I take it this will be a surprise to me also? Michael inquired as Bethany Anne led the way to their quarters.

  Of course, Bethany Anne replied in a tone of voice that implied she was a little offended he even had to ask. I had their room remodeled.

  Michael’s mouth was a straight line. I thought we were done with remodeling?

  Bethany Anne looked at her husband in disbelief. You haven't been in their room since they went into the Vid-doc, have you?

  Um, no? Michael replied. The children weren't using it, so there was no reason to go in.

  Alexis read the silent conversation passing between her parents and pointed it out to Gabriel.

  Gabriel snickered. “Uh-oh, Dad’s wearing the
look he gets when Mom’s been shopping.”

  “Yeah, but Mom has the one she gets when she's won.” Alexis giggled. “Hey, Mom. Now that I’m all grown up, does that mean you’ll share your shoes with me?”

  Bethany Anne narrowed her eyes at her daughter and held up a finger. “First of all, you will not be ‘all grown up’ for a long time.” She held up a second finger. “Secondly, I would give you my empire if I still had it, but if you touch my shoes without permission, we’re going to have some very serious words.” She raised an eyebrow, smiling at her daughter. “Besides, don’t you want to start building your own collection now you’re out of your atmosuit phase?”

  Alexis’ eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands. “Oh, Mom, you have no idea!”

  Michael groaned at the same time Gabriel did.

  “Oh, God, no.” Michael started.

  “It’s bad enough that Mom is obsessed. Not you, too!” Gabriel finished.

  Bethany Anne and Alexis flashed identical grins and walked off arm-in-arm to discuss the difficulties of finding a shoe designer who understood that “killer heels” should mean just that.

  Michael and Gabriel shared a look common to despairing males everywhere, of whatever species, in whatever system one found oneself.

  Except the Sardis system, but it was universally agreed the laws of relationships totally bypassed that group.

  “Where are they planning to put all these shoes?” Gabriel wondered aloud.

  Michael shrugged and patted Gabriel’s back as they walked. “I’ve no idea, son. But don’t be surprised if your mother decides she wants some extra storage and a part of the base vanishes behind a wall.”

  Gabriel nodded somberly. “I wouldn’t even blink. I know my mother.”

  Michael chuckled as Bethany Anne and Alexis stopped ahead of them. “Looks like our stop.”

  Gabriel sighed. “Lame, Dad.”

  Michael lifted his hands. “What? It was funny when your mother made a similar joke.”

  “Yes,” Gabriel replied slowly. “Because it’s Mom and she’s funny even when we don’t get what she’s talking about.”

  Michael raised an eyebrow as Gabriel walked off. “And it’s not funny when I make a joke?”

  Gabriel turned back, copying Michael’s shrug. “Well, if you’re comfortable admitting it…”

  Michael saw the flash of panic in Gabriel’s eyes when he realized what he’d just said. He laughed. “You have been spending entirely too much time with Tabitha.”

  Gabriel’s nervous grin dropped. His confusion at his father’s reaction was more than enough to satisfy Michael.

  I love watching you bond with the children, Bethany Anne told him, a hint of a chuckle lacing her mental voice.

  Of course, my love, Michael agreed. And what better way to open up to the children than to let them see my legendary sense of humor?

  You do mean legendary like Bigfoot is legendary, right? Bethany Anne teased.

  TOM says that there were aliens that looked like Bigfoot who would occasionally get stranded on planets. Their technology wasn’t great. It’s feasible that Bigfoot was merely a stranded alien, and not legendary as in “not seen.”

  I’ve been nothing but nice to you, Michael. Why would you shaft me like that? Have I ever suggested I wanted my words to be used in an argument between you and Bethany Anne?

  What are you doing, interrupting?

  The Etheric is causing you guys to flex your mental muscles differently. It’s like the walls between us are too thin when you are talking.

  Huh, was all Bethany Anne offered in reply.

  She took Alexis’ and Gabriel’s hands and the four exited the Etheric into the transfer room of their home.

  Bethany Anne was first to the door. “Okay, cover your eyes and follow my voice.”

  The twins did as they were asked. Bethany Anne backed down the corridor toward the twins’ room. “This way, keep going. Gabriel, step left before you hit the table.”

  Alexis opened her fingers to look at Bethany Anne. “Is the surprise in our room?”

  “Mmhmm,” Bethany Anne answered vaguely. She waved for Alexis to cover her eyes again. “I’m opening the door, no peeking!”

  She guided Alexis and Gabriel into their room. Which was now somewhat larger, suited for teenagers rather than small children, with their sleeping Pods separated from the main room by a Japanese-style partition wall boxing each one into its corner of the room. “Stop right there. You can open your eyes.”

  Alexis dropped her hands and ran over to her Pod, squealing. “It’s exactly the same as our room in the base scenario!”

  Gabriel wandered around checking things. “Mom, how did you get all the details right?” He closed the drawer he’d just opened and went to look in the closet.

  Bethany Anne tapped the side of her nose with a finger. “Secret Mom magic.”

  Michael suppressed his chuckle, knowing full well that Eve held the blueprint for every scenario. “We’ll leave you two to get ready for dinner.”

  QT2, QBBS Helena, Thomas Family Quarters

  “Did you just say your mother is coming to stay?” Admiral Thomas put his stylus down on the breakfast table next to his tablet. His schedule could wait a moment. “Is now really the best time, sweetheart? You have enough on your plate with the station filling up, and there will be a war on our doorstep at any moment. Isn’t that enough to deal with without getting worked up about Helena being here for an extended period of time?”

  Giselle looked up from her own preparation for the upcoming week, exasperation clear in her tone. “Was that the only thing you heard in everything I just said? That's exactly why I'm not getting worked up. Mother is coming to help me with the home side of things. It’s the perfect solution to our childcare issues.”

  The Admiral raised an eyebrow over the cup he’d just picked up. “We wouldn’t have childcare issues if you were willing to settle for anything less than Mary Poppins’ more competent colleague.” He waved off her argument. “I’m not saying that for any reason other than concern for your wellbeing. Helena has a way of getting under your skin, whether she means to or not.”

  Giselle’s smile tightened slightly. “Yes, well, that was before she had grandchildren to focus her attention on. This is the perfect time for us to work past all that.” She flourished a hand. “Look what can be accomplished in just a few months’ time.”

  Admiral Thomas wasn’t sure whether his wife was referring to the completed defenses or their newborn son in his bassinet on the other side of the room. “You’re right. I’ll anticipate her arrival.” He returned his wife’s smile—without adding that his anticipation was the kind people had the night before their execution—and finished the last few bites of his breakfast.

  There was a soft ping from the speaker, and CEREBRO spoke. “Admiral, your transport has arrived.”

  He sighed inwardly in relief and changed the subject quickly, standing to take his plate to the kitchen. “I was hoping the children would wake before I left.”

  Giselle got to her feet and began helping clear up the breakfast things. “They're perfect monsters in the morning. Consider it a lucky escape.”

  “Never,” he vowed.

  Giselle laughed. “See if you still say that when the baby is crying, the twins are arguing over who gets to eat the blue crayon, and you haven’t even had coffee yet. You’d better get going, Your Admiralness,” she teased, tiptoeing to drop a kiss on his cheek as she took the plate from his hand. “Good luck today.”

  “You could use my middle name.”

  She gave him a pointed look. “Or I could use your first name since it wasn’t the name of one of my monumental boyfriend screw-ups.”

  Admiral Thomas shrugged. “‘Your Admiralness’ it is.”

  Giselle snickered. “Whatever you say, Barty.”

  He turned his head at the last second to catch the kiss on his lips and surrendered his plate to Giselle in favor of quickly packing his tablet into his
briefcase, which was waiting on the sideboard by the elevator door.

  Admiral Thomas made his way down to the public concourse in the elevator, one of the perks of his wife's position as station manager, and climbed aboard the transport waiting for him. It was one of the automated roamers that had been built for getting around the station when it was still a shell.

  The roamer set off, its destination preprogrammed. The early morning bustle was encouraging.

  Admiral Thomas had never thought he’d be glad to be part of rush-hour traffic again, but here he was, in a line behind three other roamers waiting to use the diversion around Central Plaza.

  People were settling in.

  He allowed his gaze to linger on the barriers blocking off the very center of the plaza, where final preparations for the upcoming ceremony were going on.

  The ceremony was going to be a double-edged thing. He was grateful that Bethany Anne would be speaking.

  Since it was partly a celebration of construction being completed and partly a memorial to the souls lost in the first clashes of the war, he fully expected emotions would be running high.

  What they needed was an outlet for the tension, not the continued ratcheting up of pressure aboard the station to the point where morale was affected.

  That was the last thing he wanted.

  He resolved to speak to Giselle about arranging some entertainment as the roamer entered the transfer station.

  The roamer passed the turns for the public transport links and took the route to the lines reserved for military personnel. There were roamers waiting here too, but his rank came with clearance to pass them and use the express line.

  This was the Admiral’s favorite part. He sat back and waited for the roamer to seat itself on the mag-rail.

  It moved toward the circular door, picking up speed once the wheels had retracted.

  The circular door spiraled open and Admiral Thomas drew a deep breath, as he always did when the roamer shot down the rail into open space.

  Or at least it appeared that way. In reality, the chameleon tech they'd gained in the battle with the grub-like aliens had been used to create tunnels for the rail lines that reflected empty space where the rails ran while appearing completely transparent from within.