Jason shrugged. “What can you do? I mean, is it our job to police the galaxy?”
The room went quiet as the admiral continued to stare intently at Jason.
Then realization set in. “Oh, come on … you can’t be serious?”
More silence. Ricket was looking down at the table. Granger was smiling.
“I’m policing the galaxy … a fucking policeman?”
The admiral, not doing a very good job hiding his own amusement, said, “Policing is your description, not mine. It needs to be done and it needs to be done now.”
Jason saw Dira in his peripheral vision and she too was amused. Why is this so funny to everyone else?
“Why go to the trouble of giving me a promotion if I’m just going to be an interstellar Barney Fife?”
Even his father laughed out loud at that. “Look, this actually is serious business. Probably the most important posting for any Allied officer. The Alliance’s wellbeing, as well as Earth’s, depends on how well you do your assignment. We’ll be providing you with tremendous resources to ensure that you have exactly what you need: ships, crew, security forces … you name it. You’ll also be captaining the Minian.”
That was unexpected. Jason began to grow more interested. “I still don’t understand my whole vice-admiral-promotion thing.”
“You’ll be gone for weeks, maybe even months at a time. I want you to have the authority to make big decisions. Decisions not only affecting the Alliance, as a whole, but also the wellbeing of individual alien worlds. You’ll have in-field responsibilities I wouldn’t particularly envy. No, Star Watch will have to operate as close to an autonomous force as possible for it to be truly effective.”
“Star Watch?”
“Yes, that’s what we’ve named the armada.”
“And how many ships are we talking about?”
“Twelve … plus the Minian. Three light Craing cruisers, and nine heavy Craing cruisers.”
“I’m just surprised you’re not keeping the Minian here for yourself.”
“I’ll be fine. I’ll now be stationed on the Drac-Vin vessel … the Assailant; she will become my command ship.”
Jason had forgotten about that ship. Almost as technologically advanced as the Minian, the vessel possessed two extra capabilities—both visual and sensors invisibility. She was also the same warship Ot-Mul, the deceased Drac-Vin leader, once captained.
“My suggestion to you, Vice-Admiral, is keep your rank on the down low. Maintain your former captaincy title for the crew.”
“And what about me, Admiral? Where will I be stationed?” Dira asked.
Jason turned toward Dira—he’d totally capitalized the conversation, leaving her out. “I’m sorry, Dira. I should have—”
“She’s a big girl, Captain … let her talk for herself,” the admiral said. “To answer your question, Dira, you too have been promoted. You’ve been elevated to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in charge of the Minian’s onboard medical hospital.”
“Thank you, Admiral. I won’t let you down.”
“I’m sure you won’t. My only worry is that your obvious close relationship with Vice-Admiral Reynolds will get in the way. Needless to say, you’ll need to be discreet. I’m not in a position to tell you to break off your relationship … just don’t flaunt it in front of the crew.”
“Yes, sir.”
Jason brought his attention to Ricket. “You’re coming with us?”
Ricket smiled. “I wouldn’t miss it. As I understand the parameters of Star Watch’s directives, not everything involves space policing. As your science officer, I hope to assist in the exploration of new worlds … and to reestablish what the Caldurians first began.”
Jason shook his head. “And what was that?”
“The habitats, what you refer to as the Zoo. I’d like to add portal access to other … still undiscovered … environments. I would find great pleasure in doing that.”
“Well, you’ve certainly earned any posting you desire, Ricket. That sounds like a terrific, admirable, quest.” Jason turned his attention back to his father. “Who will you have leading the security forces?”
“I can’t do everything for you, Captain. Other than Ricket, Dira and Granger, you’ll need to pick and choose your own leadership team. By the way … you have a day to accomplish exactly that. There’s a nasty bit of inter-planetary strife happening on Trom in the Alchieves system.”
“We’ll be ready,” Jason said.
“Good … now get out of here … we have other business to discuss.”
As Jason and Dira exited the ready room, it occurred to him he still hadn’t been told what Granger’s duties would entail.
Chapter 6
Sol System
The Perilous, Planet Earth – Nearing Boulder, CO
_________________
Jason, sitting next to Grimes in the cockpit of the Perilous, had a full day ahead of him and was ready to get an early start. They’d reached the North American continent on Earth, specifically Boulder, Colorado, just as the rising sun highlighted the ridged Rocky Mountain foothills.
While much of the United States had turned the corner in containing the zombie-like peovils, in this part of the country—Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico—the peovils were still causing havoc. Not only were they becoming more violent, they seemed to be getting smarter, and more resourceful, too. It all started when Ot-Mul, at that time a Craing fleet commander, dispatched a series of attack drones to hundreds of locations around Earth. The drones released large spider-like creatures called molt weevils that systematically hunted, captured, and eventually cocooned their prey … primarily humans. With billions, nearly half the world’s population, taken by the dreadful alien beings, the molt weevils finally began to die off. But that wasn’t the end of it—about half of those poor souls still living within the cocoons would become something else completely—something even worse than the molt weevil … half human half molt weevil, the zombie-like … peovils. Millions of them still wandered the Earth, alone and in packs; they never slept, and their hunger for human flesh was rarely satisfied.
Grimes brought the shuttle down in the parking lot of a shopping mall, directly in front of a Target store. Through the observation window, Jason noticed the lot was half-filled with pickup trucks and other four-wheel drive vehicles; all seemed covered in mud and grime.
“Stay with the shuttle. This shouldn’t take long.”
“Aye, Cap,” Grimes said, reaching for a paperback book lying atop the control panel.
* * *
Three good ol’ boys, dressed in faded camos and holding M16s, watched as Jason approached the store’s front entrance. The center one spat something brown toward Jason’s feet.
“Hold it right there,” the spitter said.
Jason did as he was told. “I’m here to see Billy Hernandez. The man I believe you work for.”
“He’s busy. ’Bout ready to kick off another hunt this morning.”
“That’s fine … I just need to see him for a minute,” Jason said.
The three men looked similar. All had full beards, matching Denver Broncos caps, and dressed alike in Army surplus duds, although each man, obviously, had never served a single day in any branch of the U.S. military.
Jason, thus far, had avoided using his NanoCom to contact Billy. He wanted their meet-up to be face-to-face. The man on the left pulled a walkie-talkie from a pocket, brought it to his mouth, and uttered something unintelligible. While waiting for a response, he too spat something brown, again, in the rough direction of Jason’s feet. The man to the far right brought out a small tin of Skoal and held it up … an offering. Jason shook his head. He watched the man place a good-sized pinch of the tobacco into his mouth.
The automatic doors behind the three bearded men slid open. Billy appeared, looking distracted, but became all smiles once he spotted Jason. Billy had been Jason’s best friend for the better part of ten years. Like Jason, he too had been a Navy
SEAL. Jason first recruited Billy, then numerous other SEALs, on to The Lilly; most had served under Jason’s command at some time or another.
“Captain!”
“Sorry to just drop in like this, Billy.”
Billy pulled Jason into a bear hug; the big Cuban-American smelled of both cigars and sweat. Pulling apart, Billy said, “You here to lend a hand? We could definitely use someone like you—” He then saw the Perilous and reassessed Jason, dressed in a spacer’s jumpsuit.
“Oh, no … tell me it isn’t so? Tell me you haven’t come out of retirement?”
Jason shrugged. “I’m back in space. Commanding the Minian. Seems there’s a big need for intergalactic law enforcement … something called Star Watch.”
“And you’re here to recruit me?”
“Something like that.”
Billy gestured toward the parking lot and they moved away from the three men. It began to drizzle but that didn’t stop Billy from lighting up a fresh cigar. “You know, I’d follow you anywhere, Cap … but I’m right in the middle of this nightmare. Fucking zombies coming down at night … right into the locals’ homes and what they’re doing isn’t pretty. Sometimes whole families are … anyway, I need to finish this.”
“Figured as much. Had to ask, though. They’re lucky to have you,” Jason said.
“With luck … we’ll get the upper hand on things around here within the next few weeks. I’ll catch up to you then.”
“And Gunny?” Jason asked.
“She’s here. Been at my side the whole time. We’re a good team. There’s no way she’d leave now—”
He stopped talking when he saw the tall muscular woman with dark skin exit the Target. She had a large duffle slung over one shoulder and was heading in their direction. Billy took a long drag on his stogie. “Crap.”
Jason opened his arms wide and gave Gunny Orion a hug. After several moments, she pulled away and, looking guilty, glanced over at Billy—her boyfriend now for close to two years.
“I’m sorry, Billy.”
“Come on … you love it here. We’re doing good work together. I thought this was what you wanted,” Billy said, shock registering on his face.
“No, Billy … you love it here. I can’t take another second in this place. It’s dirty and the zombies are disgusting. I’m going back with the captain. If he’ll have me?” She looked over at Jason, her eyebrows raised.
He studied her broad, attractive face. All of her skin actually held an intricate pattern of tattooed geometric symbols. She’d been his right hand on the bridge for as long as he’d been in space. She was a former Marine and not one who’d accepted gender-biased limitations. Although Orion looked Earth human-like, she was actually from a planet called Tarkin. She’d originally served on board The Lilly, with his father and, prior to that, she had been quite famous on Tarkin—some sort of sports figure, from what Jason had heard.
“It just so happens I’m in need of someone competent at tactical. But you sure you want to leave here, Gunny? I don’t want to get between things for you two.”
Both Orion and Jason looked at Billy. “You go … I can’t leave. People depend on me.”
Orion leaned in and gave Billy a long kiss on the lips. “I’m sorry, I really am. But you’ll know where to find me … right?”
Billy slowly nodded. He looked at Jason. “Take good care of her.”
“I will.” Jason shook his friend’s hand goodbye.
* * *
Back in the Perilous again, their next stop was on the other side of the planet. The last time Jason was there, he’d visited both Pyongyang, the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun—sometimes called Kim Jong Un Palace—as well as Ryongsong residence … where Jason and his team had stormed the young North Korean leader’s private residence.
But today, the Perilous was heading north, into the Paegam region in Ryanggang province. It was there, along a wide plateau, surrounded by northern Korea’s highest mountains, that hundreds of rhino-warrior beasts had made their home. The land, annexed at the end of the Craing War, was where Traveler … the de facto leader of his tribe, had chosen to reside with his species. Traveler, and some of his kin, had fought at Jason’s side many times in the past. The beast somewhat resembled an African rhinoceros, with his thick gray hide and two substantial horns protruding from his forehead. But all resemblance stopped there. Rhino-warriors, whose two home planets were destroyed in the Craing War, walked upright; they were typically seven feet tall, and weighed close to one thousand pounds. If their physiques weren’t intimidating enough, the rhino-warriors’ weapon of choice was a Thor-like heavy hammer that weighed hundreds of pounds and could easily flatten a man to the size of an Egg McMuffin with one blow. From everything Jason had heard, the rhinos were happy here—plenty of game to hunt, and, for the most part, the locals gave them a wide berth.
Grimes brought the Perilous down close to the treetops. Like a sea of green, the tall evergreens were thick and lush. He had yet to spot any roads, or even the ground, for that matter. Then, abruptly, the trees were gone, revealing a wide, hilly plateau crisscrossed with azure streams, which seemed to culminate into a distant lake. Then, off in the distance, familiar dome shapes appeared. Rhino-warriors hand built the mud structures as communal centers, as well as individual domiciles. Gray smoke billowed into the air from several small fires and from a larger fire at the center of the camp.
Grimes maneuvered the Perilous down within twenty feet of the ground and followed the winding path of a stream until they reached the encampment. She found an open area, just west of the big, blazing bonfire, and set the shuttle on the ground. Jason mentally prepared himself for making another sales pitch, but looking out at the beautiful landscape, he had little confidence he’d be taking Traveler, or any of the others, up into space today.
Grimes opened the back hatch, and Jason and Orion, both unarmed, descended the gangway. A semi-circle of male and female rhinos encircled the shuttle. Most were unarmed, though several gripped heavy hammers in their hands.
Traveler stood apart from the others. He held a heavy hammer and was clad in his typical battle attire—a short leather skirt with a thick leather breastplate.
Jason and Orion walked to Traveler and stopped six feet in front of him.
“It is good to see you again, my friend,” Jason said.
Traveler did not answer, at first. Over the years, Jason had learned to read the rhino’s subtle facial expressions, and at this moment, Traveler was not happy.
“You come now?”
Jason didn’t understand. Was now significant? Was today some kind of special rhino holiday they’d interrupted? “I’m sorry … is this a bad time?” Jason asked.
“Why have I been left here?”
“What do you mean? This is the land you personally selected for your people. From what I’ve heard they are happy here.”
“They are happy. I am not. I thought you understood that I was to return to my own home within HAB 17?”
“You don’t want to stay here … among your own kind … to lead your people?”
Traveler gazed in the direction of his tribe. “I relinquished my role as leader one week after arriving here. In the anticipation that you would come for me … take me back to my home on HAB 17.”
“I’m sorry, Traveler. I didn’t realize that’s what you wanted. You know that The Lilly’s been destroyed?”
Traveler’s shoulders visibly slumped.
“But hey … that’s okay … Habitat 17 still exists; we can access it from the Minian. On the Minian it’s called HAB 170.”
Jason recognized Traveler’s happiness with that news. “Listen, I will gladly relocate you to the habitat … but I’m here to ask if you will still … um—”
“Yes, Captain Reynolds, I will fight at your side. Together, warriors again!”
Chapter 7
Sol System
The Perilous, Planet Earth, Paegam region in Ryanggang province, North Korea
_____
____________
As it turned out, Traveler wasn’t the only one leaving. Two hundred and fifty or so other rhinos also wished to return to HAB 17. Traveler wanted to leave right then, with Jason; the others would be picked up, via numerous shuttles, sometime later in the day.
Jason had one more, the most important, stop to make. Grimes entered the restricted airspace above Washington, D.C., and got clearance to land on the White House’s east lawn. To say Washington was hit hard by the infestation would be a profound understatement. Millions of people along the Eastern Seaboard had succumbed to the molt weevils. The large, multi-legged creatures moved like lightning and had their victims in their clutches within seconds of any encounter. After that, it was mere minutes before a man, woman, or child was enshrouded in a cocoon of web-like material. Within a matter of days, Washington, D.C. was reduced to a ghost town. Even now, most streets and sidewalks were deserted of traffic. Government offices, for the most part, were still unoccupied. Earlier inhabitants of the White House, Capitol Building, and other federal buildings, had all been taken. With that in mind, it wasn’t far-fetched that Nan, Jason’s ex-wife, had risen from her entry-level cabinet position, secretary of inter-stellar relations, to become the acting president of the United States. The public, as it turned out, loved her … wanted no one else to lead the country, or even the world, out of its most desperate situation.
“Hang loose, I need an hour,” Jason said, getting to his feet.
“We’re fine … go … spend time with your family,” Grimes said.
Jason was met at the bottom of the gangway by an armed contingent of five U.S. Marines. In the distance, no less than fifty heavily armed Marines surrounded the outer perimeter of the presidential property. Jason fell in stride with the small escort team and was ushered toward the nearby white residence.
Star Watch Page 4