“To you, Rachel, my love. Congratulations!” Mason said. Rachel looked into his eyes, and watched him step into the tub. He meant so much to her, from the first day they met on the Hesperia, thirteen years ago, to today. He meant everything to her now.
“John, I know I would not be here today without you. You saved my life many times on the Hesperia. You have always protected me, and you continue to protect me now. Your very blood now flows in my veins. Before you came back into my life, I was living a good life, yes; but I was bored and complacent. You brought out all the hidden potential in me, and made me excited about life again. I learned how to pilot my own shuttle and even a speedster, and not be afraid.” She took his hand.
“I waited for you to become an officer, even though you achieved the top of your enlisted rank, so we could be open and honest with our relationship, and my career not be affected. I know you became an officer for me, John, and you’ve proven yourself a great officer. You took me to paradise in Costa Rica, and I lost my inhibitions, if only for a time, and freely and openly loved you.” She smiled and paused, and took a long drink of her cognac.
“You proposed to me, after I’d put you through hell for a day from my jealous rage, which was unfounded; you forgave me, giving our love another chance. Then, we were married on the beach in the open air, in front of God and everybody, after our one day engagement.” She sipped her drink again, moved closer to him and put her arm around him, and stroked his neck.
She looked intently at him. “Even when I later told you to get out, and you left me, you forgave my irrational behavior, my insane jealousy, and came back to me; thankfully, you forgave me once again.” She lowered her head, and said, “You did not deserve such pain as I caused you.” She sipped again, reflecting, and then continued.
“I became more emboldened with you sexually, John, because you are so confident and controlled, the master of your body. You never felt threatened, or tried to contain my desires.” She stroked his neck. “You encourage me at every step, to grow, to be all I can become, all I want to be. You have helped me so much, John, to try new dances, new foods, and new ways to make love.”
Rachel paused to take a last sip of her drink, looking at him. “I’m still afraid of violence and war, and probably always will be. But the woman I was two years ago would never have been offered the High Council position, I know. Thank you, John. Thank you for coming to me, to comfort me, to rescue me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for my new life!” She gave him a tender, long kiss, and laid her head on his shoulder.
“My Rachel. My love,” Mason said, holding her tight, thinking of their entwined destinies. They stayed in the spa tub until their fingertips wrinkled, dried each other gently, and went to bed, comfortable and secure.
XXXIV
Mason awoke early, as he usually did, and got up. His first morning in their Swiss chateau was chilly, so he lit a fire in their fireplace, as quietly as he could. After his yoga, he shaved, and dressed. He checked on the boys, and both were fast asleep; so was their Mother. Daylight was just breaking. Mason went to Rachel and whispered, “I’m going to work now,” and she gave him a little kiss. He covered her warmly, and left to find where he was supposed to be.
His bionic nose detected hot food. He followed the scent towards the center of the chateau. Mason discovered four other Prime Marines having breakfast in the dining room. He introduced himself, and was welcomed to join the young officers. High Councilman Arepas entered the room, and introduced Mason as their Chief Prime Marine, and commander. He discussed the meeting agenda. They were awaiting another team’s assessment of the tragedy at Mars Penal Colony.
Mr. St. Clair met with Admiral Mason in her suite after she was fitted for her new uniforms, both daily and formal. Since the chateau was the most remote and the most secure home in the High Council system, the Masons would stay there for several weeks, and longer, if they chose. The High Councilwoman Admiral Mason could move them anywhere she wished, or travel from safe house to safe house. She received a schedule of meetings in various locations assigned to her for the next few weeks.
Mr. St. Clair informed Mason they would endeavor to keep the family together, but he should be prepared for special assignments, some with short notice. “The High Council must accept the responsibility for the successful escape of Sukesh, and the danger that now faces your family. We intend to keep you safe from harm, but you must be prepared to flee at a moment’s notice. We are at war, although we prefer not to formally declare war with the ONE.”
He threw his hands in the air. “The fools! We think we are God’s greatest creations! We are merely children, brash and arrogant. We have created this devastation and have no idea how to stop it, and restore things as they previously were. Mon Dieu!” He sat back, shaking his head.
“In any case, Admiral Mason: You may retain your commission, although there will be few times your military uniform will be appropriate in the future. Your household, sans furniture, has been packed up and will be shipped here shortly. Your mail has been forwarded to our address in Houston, and will be delivered to you weekly, wherever you are. If you wish to sell your home, as most new High Councilmen do, it will be handled for you.”
She looked at Mason, who slowly nodded. “Then sell it. My family is my home. Wherever we are will be our home, until this war is over. As long as we are together,” she said.
“Certainment, Admiral Mason. You and your family will want for nothing. This is your new wrist comm link, and a new one for your son. They are secure channels. Your husband already wears one, as of this morning.” He opened a leather portfolio and handed it to her. “This is your new personal account, and your expense accounts. Arepas will go over them with you.” Her eyes opened wide.
“We will officially welcome you tonight at our High Council formal dinner, Admiral Mason. Until then, relax with your children and husband. Your time is your own until 7 p.m. tonight, according to your schedule. Major Mason has until 4 p.m. with you,” he said with a gracious smile. “Until then,” he said, and left the suite.
Mason walked into the living room where Victor played. He picked up John David and sat on the floor with him. Rachel showed him her private account and expense accounts. The freedom dollar amounts were staggering.
She looked at the list of cities and regions where their safe houses were. “We can live practically anywhere, John. I can elect up to four of these locations for us. This chateau is listed as the top most secure location, though.”
“Of course it is, Rachel. It is built into a mountain, accessible from only the front entrance. There is no road leading here. Either you climb up over 3000 meters or fly in. It’s just us and the eagles here,” he said, and smiled.
“Well, they have provided us with everything we need here,” she admitted. She took off her Admiral’s uniform black jacket, and laid it on the arm of the couch.
Mason snickered, “Everything except our freedom, Rachel.”
“Yes, John, it’s true. I doubt I’ll ever be able to meander through a shopping mall again. Or hop in the shuttle with you for a Sunday flight to the beach,” she said. “At least not until this war is over.” She sat on the couch while Victor played his electronic games, the holographic fighters buzzing in the air around him. Mason moved next to her, and sat with his back against the couch with JD, the speed runner. Rachel ran her fingers through his hair. He loved her touch.
A knock on their door produced Mr. Arepas with their new tutor for Victor and Swiss nurse for John David. “May I present Mr. Klein, your tutor, Victor?”
“I am very pleased to meet you, Mr. Klein,” Victor said, extending his hand. Mr. Klein smiled and shook his hand.
“And may I also present Nurse Anna Strasse, High Councilwoman Admiral Mason and Major Mason,” Mr. Arepas said.
“Nurse Anna, please,” the young nurse said. “He’s so cute! His name is John, no?” She looked at the toddler in Mason’s arm.
“John David,” his Mother corrected. “We’re very ple
ased to meet you both,” she said, offering her hand. Mason also shook their hands.
“Victor, what is the game you are playing?” Mr. Klein asked.
“It is a holographic game about space fighters saving the universe, see? I am a war bird pilot, Mr. Klein,” Victor explained.
“Oh, I see! By your score, I’d say you were an excellent pilot, Victor,” his new tutor said.
“My Dad lets me co-pilot for him when he flies his real war birds, Mr. Klein,” Victor explained, smiling at Mason. It was the first time he called him “Dad.”
“Thank you, Victor,” Mason said, tearing up.
“Very nice, Victor,” Rachel told him approvingly.
Mr. Klein told them he’d be back the next morning, and left. It was nearly 4 p.m., so Mason put his uniform jacket on.
Rachel walked Mason down the hall, holding his hand. At the door to their wing, she gave him a little kiss. “See you at dinner, John.” She straightened his tie and kissed him lightly again, smiling tenderly.
Mason stood his post in the big den as the Chief High Councilman finished his day’s work, teleconferencing with Regional leaders, speaking several languages with them. His last call was to Commandant Richardson. They exchanged pleasantries, then the Commandant asked, “May I give your Prime Marine a message, Chief High Councilman?”
“Of course. Major Mason, please step forward to hear your Commandant.” Mason did so.
“Mason, Admiral Hanson asked me to tell you thank you for your 4 a.m. call,” Richardson relayed to him.
“Thank you, Commandant,” Mason said.
The Commandant asked, “Are you and Admiral Mason comfortable?”
“Yes, Commandant, we are. Thank you for asking, sir,” Mason replied.
“Please give her my regards. I’m sorry you were forced to leave Houston because of that bloody mess with Sukesh. But it’s for the best, Mason. Please extend my apologies to her, Major, and my congratulations on becoming our newest High Councilwoman. And, Mason,” the Commandant leaned into the vid screen. “Sorry about the mix-up with you. I told them no way you resigned, but they refused to listen.” The Commandant shook his head.
“Thank you, Commandant Richardson. It was a very long week, sir,” Mason responded.
“I’m sure it was. I cannot imagine. Best of luck to you, Mason. Semper Fi!”
“Semper Fi, Commandant,” Mason replied.
At their formal dinner, Mason stood his post with the other Prime Marines, dressed in their mess dress, while the High Councilmen ate in their white gloves and discussed their schedules. Admiral Mason, also in her mess dress, was formally welcomed into the High Council, and introduced by Mason to the other High Councilmen seated at their table: Mr. Adams, Mr. Arepas, Mr. Vladnokov, and, of course, Mr. St. Clair. She would be under Mr. Arepas’ wing for three months. Although she would be assigned to other experienced High Councilmen for a year or more, she possessed full voting rights, and was a full High Councilwoman, with all their rights and privileges, which were considerable, as well as all their responsibilities, even more so.
Mason felt so much better after his brief exchange with the Commandant. Whoever forged his resignation and subsequently blocked his incoming requests for orders was not yet known. How could Admiral Worthington think he resigned? It did not matter any longer; he was a sworn Prime Marine again.
Inside their living room, he sat with Rachel while Victor played. John David was sound asleep in the nursery. Mason prepared a message for Omar to set the highest level of security available for their accounts immediately: no withdrawals could be made from their accounts, or any changes made, without speaking to both Rachel and him directly, live. He showed the message to her and she agreed. He sent it immediately, and it was confirmed.
Rachel called her parents on her secure comm link. They were incredibly proud of their daughter, but did not understand why they were sworn to secrecy, and ordered to tell no one about it. Rachel explained to them the situation as best she could, how all the High Councilmen’s families were sworn to secrecy for their own protection. She made certain to communicate their need for absolute secrecy without frightening them, and promised they would get together soon.
She called the Baines next, and they were anxious to see them again. It was good to have regular family conversations, talking about important matters to them, and not discussing aliens, rebels, or the war. Both Rachel and Mason felt better after those two comm link calls. They also sent a “get well” text to Admirals Hanson and Worthington, and told them they would call in a week or so.
XXXV
High Councilwoman Admiral Mason sat in her office, watching the fifty vid screens from all over Earth, and switched to the screen from Mars X. All appeared quiet, so she switched to Mars Colony III. Busy commuters were hustling home via trams, speedsters, air boards, and on foot, and a few shuttles flew in the air. She loved looking at the beautiful colored glass and steel city, with its high rise, architecturally stunning buildings making such a delightful skyline in the artificial light. This morning’s briefing would show the Mars Penal Colony devastation. She knew it would be horrific. She meditated earlier to prepare best as she could for the briefing.
The knock on her door startled her; an aide was delivering her first High Council uniforms to her for a fitting, her daily uniforms. She let the tailor make adjustments after she put on her full-length dress with its long, wide sleeves, and then her suit; its trousers, jacket and blouse, in the Mandarin suit style she chose. The uniform’s fabrics were very rich, deep black, and had woven into them nano fibers to protect her from laser fire and small blades’ penetration, the same fibers used to construct her husband’s Prime Marine uniforms. She became aware of her new, vulnerable position. Even in a peaceful environment, there were factions who hated the High Councilmen, and resented their privilege, power and authority.
Mason asked her to order a mesh nano fabric body suit from the tailor for her, Victor, and John David. He wore one every day on duty underneath his uniform, and credited it for saving his life at the Battles of Titan One and SS4.
The long dress fit her quite well, so she wore it for the morning meeting. She looked at her new uniform in the full length mirror. The realization of her new position and authority came over her when the aide put her black robe on her. She looked somber and powerful, as the other High Councilmen looked. The long robe was long sleeved, with wide pleated panels on either side running the full length of the front and back of the garment, trimmed in black silk. Admiral Mason began to feel the responsibility of a High Councilwoman. She was actualizing her lifetime commitment to the 4 billion people of the United Republics of Earth.
When High Councilwoman Admiral Mason opened her door, a new Prime Marine guard was waiting to escort her, First Lieutenant Bawanda. She was saluted by the tall black female Prime Marine, and returned her salute very crisply. She quickly walked down the marble hall to the den for her morning meeting. When all five High Councilmen were present, the doors were closed and locked by the Chief Prime Marine, Major Mason, who took his post directly behind Chief High Councilman St. Clair fully armed, the only guard allowed inside their meeting.
Mr. St. Clair began their meeting, “Good morning, my friends. Be seated, s’il vous plait. We welcome High Councilwoman Admiral Rachel Mason to this council. Now, let us attend to the business at hand.” Each council member had at their place a large com tablet, which came alive at Mr. St. Clair’s touch upon his own com tablet. The vid screens all changed to one large picture. “Our business this morning will not be pleasant, but it is imperative we see and understand what is to be presented in all clarity. We will now hear the Damage Assessment Report on the Raid of Mars Penal Colony. Mr. Adams, if you would, please.”
The report was lengthy and highly detailed, complete with eye witness testimonies. The timeline began at the hour and minute the shuttles containing the VIPs touched down on the Mars Penal Colony landing site: Chief High Councilwoman Li Yun; the Joint Chiefs Ad
miral Worthington, Commandant Richardson, and Admiral Langford; Admiral Hanson; Colonel Tyrone; the Joint Chiefs’ aides, and two Prime Marines. The report was presented in written form without any vid recordings. Mason was glad the tedious written report was presented first. He was a survivor of many battles, and knew the actual vid recordings would be horrific for Admiral Mason.
More than two hours of reading and discussing the written damage report preceded viewing the primary recordings. The cameras accompanied the VIP’s entrance into the Penal Colony from their landing, being escorted through the entrance at the main gate, and through the interior of the Administration Building to its top floor, where the actual interview of Sukesh was to take place. While the VIPs were seated at a large conference table awaiting Sukesh to be brought up from the depths of “the pit,” the attack took place.
The recording switched to the Penal Colony security vid cams. Six war birds bombed the Penal Colony with lightning speed, blasting its thick stone walls to dust and rubble in seconds. The war birds hovered over the Penal Colony, firing at anyone who moved in the main yard, killing hundreds of panicking, running prisoners randomly. The security towers with their laser cannons were obliterated in the initial wave of bombing, but the Administration Building was not touched, allowing a full vid recording.
The six fighters landed and the teams they carried stormed the Administration Building, hurling stun gas canisters ahead of them. They were fired upon by the prison security guards, and the laser firefight began in earnest. The laser blasts killed most of the guards, and the attackers rushed the building successfully, with few casualties among their ranks.
The recording switched back inside the conference room where the VIPs were waiting, discussing the interview protocol. When the explosions began to rock the room, Admiral Hanson yelled, “Get down! Take cover! Protect the Chief High Councilwoman!” Most of the VIPs ducked underneath the big steel conference table, as Admiral Hanson ordered the aides to accompany her, and quickly ran to get weapons. They returned in seconds with two laser rifles each, and took up positions at the door to the room. The two Prime Marines were guarding the Chief High Councilwoman Li Yun. When the explosions ceased, they began to crawl out from under the table and take their seats. Admiral Hanson implored them to stay under the table, but they ignored her advice. It was the worst thing they could have done, for the battle was not over.
Vengeance of Sukesh: John Mason (Legend of John Mason) Page 45