Imperium: Coda: Book Three in the Imperium Trilogy

by Paul M Calvert

  Unbidden, the thought of what he would be taking on conjured up the now all too familiar self-doubt and the annoying sinking feeling in his bowels that always accompanied it. Vimes, sensing some of this, reminded him that his father wouldn’t have entrusted him either with this mission or the future of the Empire unless he had faith in Adam’s abilities.

  “But what if he’s wrong?” Adam asked his companion, “What if I’m not as good or as ready as he thinks I am?”

  Vimes responded instantly, his voice sounding reassuring in Adam’s mind, “No-one is ever truly ready for something new, Adam. On Karen’s Earth, there is a military saying which says “no plan ever survives contact with the enemy.” Flexibility and a mind open to new ideas and ways of doing things can be just as valuable to you as experience. Part of why your father is stepping down is because he realises the Empire needs your fresh ideas and a more flexible approach if it is to survive.”

  Adam’s inner dialogue with Vimes was interrupted by Joge, who gave him a five-minute warning they were about to come to a standstill relative to the Jump Station.

  “One final systems check, then we will be ready to Jump, Sir. Ships’ AI’s are coordinating with Britannia’s and the fleet is at Battle Stations.”

  “Thank you, Joge.” Adam checked with the AI to confirm the Admiral was on her way to the Bridge. Although he was now her superior in rank, both military and politically, Adam wasn’t going to give the order to Jump into a war zone without Frith by his side.

  Thirty seconds later, the AI announced, “Admiral on the Bridge,” and she entered, nodding in greeting and acknowledging the salutes from the Officers and Marines stationed all around, before taking her place on Adam’s right. Frith, checking data via her own personal link to Britannia’s AI and through it, the entire fleet, hesitated a few moments before turning to Adam, her eye’s searching his face for any sign of weakness or doubt. Finding nothing visible, but understanding what he must be feeling behind his façade, she gave him a slight nod and smiled encouragingly.

  “Any last-minute suggestions or changes of plan, your Highness?” she asked, looking up at him.

  Adam didn’t respond for a few seconds, his mind going for a brief instant to that far away part of the universe that held Karen, wondering how she was doing and when he would see her again. He shook off the feeling something bad was going to happen and answered Frith’s question.

  “No, Admiral, no last-minute ideas. Unless you have any objection, you may have the honour of giving the order to begin.”

  Frith nodded, then turned to face the tank display now filling the Bridge, showing how the fleet was set out in readiness for the assault. Currently fanned out across the entire width of the Jump Point, the ships making up the fleet were tightly packed, their multiple shields overlapping to provide additional protection against burn-through by the enemy’s formidable weaponry. The lightly armoured and shielded auxiliary ships would Jump through immediately afterwards and accelerate rapidly away from the Station, using the main fleet’s bulk to protect them from attack.

  Frith gave a mental command, and across the fleet shields began to increase in strength, firming up to peak efficiency. Weapons were readied, with huge clouds of drones and smart missiles launching, quickly moving away from the ships and taking up positions behind the overlapping shields in readiness to fly forward and attack the Jump Station. Inside the ships, Officers and Marines waited nervously at their designated stations, linked by their implants into their respective AI’s for information. Everybody knew that attacking such a powerful and old Jump Station was a major undertaking and no-one was taking it lightly, least of all Adam, who nervously made one final check of what the hidden surveillance drone in the enemy system was transmitting.

  The drone’s sensors were showing the Jump Point unexpectedly clear of mines or other debris, with just a few ships Jumping back and forth as normal. However, the Station’s shields were at maximum strength, something they would only do if expecting imminent trouble. Instructing the drone to report on what was happening deeper in the system, Adam could see the habitable fourth planet was heavily fortified. A sizeable Rebel fleet was currently decelerating as it neared the planet, now only a few hours away. He checked further, noting the fleet was a mix of traditional and more modern designs. On the planet, it was obvious, even at this distance, that the main cities and population centres were being emptied of people who were being moved away to less vulnerable locations.

  Not being able to give Admiral Frith any of this intelligence bothered Adam, and for a moment he seriously considered telling her, knowing it would probably save lives in the coming battle, but he hesitated, unsure what to do.

  “QA signature matched and verified,” Britannia’s AI suddenly confirmed, bringing Adam back and derailing his train of thought, “Awaiting your command.”

  Frith and Adam exchanged glances, the Admiral noting his slight nod of agreement. She activated a fleet-wide channel, her voice sounding in everyone’s head, “Ten-second countdown to Jump given. I will see you on the other side. For the Empire and the Empress!”

  Britannia’s voice echoed in everyone’s mind, “…three, two, one…

  Discontinuity

  Empty space exploded into life, and all around, the universe blazed a brilliant, eye-searing violet.

  SCENE 12, ALASTAIR AND FLORA’S HOUSE, STRUAN, ISLE OF SKYE

  The five of them, four humans and one avatar, continued talking and asking questions long into the night. At some point, Flora had excused herself and heated up a frozen chilli she had made the previous week, returning to the room with some rice and nachos, making everyone realise how hungry they were.

  Sir John felt a small twinge of embarrassment at how pleasant Karen’s aunt and uncle had been to him, considering how only hours earlier they had effectively been his prisoners. Flora insisted everyone stop talking and take the time to enjoy her food, something Sir John was more than happy to do. A good cook himself, in no small part due to his time in the Army and many late nights at the Ministry, he recognised that Flora’s chilli was better than anything he had prepared in the past. On many occasions, by the time he arrived home to a darkened and cooling house, his wife asleep in bed and the grandchildren home with their parents, he’d no option but to cook something as his mind was racing with too much information to let him sleep. The simple act of cooking helped him relax a little, although sleep, when it did come, was all too often light and fitful.

  Between mouthfuls, he let his mind go over what he and Vimes had just been discussing. The avatar (he found it almost impossible to accept the person sitting opposite him wasn’t real) had declined Flora’s offer of food with a smile, causing Karen to laugh when her aunt began arguing with Vimes that he needed to eat something. Flora looked a little embarrassed when told that Vimes didn’t need to eat or drink, pointing out that she wasn’t used to all this modern technology. Sir John had watched the byplay with interest, noting how Vimes had caught Flora’s eye immediately after the incident and winked at her, bringing a small smile and putting her at ease again.

  “There’s more to that avatar than meets the eye,” he told himself again for the hundredth time that day, looking at him carefully.

  As if reading his mind, Vimes looked directly towards him, and Sir John wondered again just what were the limits, if any, to this avatar’s powers. Vimes held his gaze then smiled at him, gesturing towards the bowl of chilli and rice on his lap, “It’ll get cold if you think too much, Sir John.”

  Shaking his head, Sir John turned his attention back to the chilli, making a mental note never to try and bluff Vimes.

  “This is all so surreal,” said Sir John, mopping up the last of the chilli with a slice of bread, looking hopefully at the mixing bowl on the table to see if there was any left, only to be disappointed when he saw it was empty.

  Flora caught where his eyes were looking. “I can make you a sandwich if you are still hungry?” she offered.

  He
shook his head, “No, thank you, Flora, but it was kind of you to offer.” He turned to Vimes, “What are you going to do next, now that we have agreed to leave everyone here alone?”

  Vimes looked across to Karen, who was sitting on the sofa in between her aunt and uncle, “It depends on what Karen wants to do next. Events back home in the Empire are moving on apace, but we still have some time before she needs to return and discuss things with Adam.”

  Hearing her name, Karen looked back at Vimes, then at Sir John. She hadn’t given much thought to what she would do next, her attention having been focused on what would happen to her family. She thought for a few moments, then made a decision.

  “There are one or two things I want to do before I go home, “she replied, only to be interrupted by Flora.

  “But isn’t home now here with us, Karen?” her aunt asked, “with all that has happened with Adam and this nasty business just now, don’t you want to stay awhile with us?”

  Alastair had been quiet but spoke up for the first time in almost half an hour. “No, Flora, nice as it would be to have the lass stay with us for a time, she needs to talk to Adam about the baby, and with all that’s happened here, despite all of Sir John’s assurances, I can’t see her wanting to stay around.” He looked at Karen, “Do you, Karen?”

  Karen shook her head, taking Flora’s hand in hers. “No, Aunt Flora, I can’t stay now. I’d hoped to find some calm here to sort out what to do, but everything’s changed now. There’s something I need to do first, then I’ll be leaving for a while. But I will come back, I promise.”

  “When will you go?” asked Flora.

  “Just as soon as we are done here and Sir John over there has everything he needs to leave you two alone again,” replied Karen, causing them to all look in his direction. Unabashed, he smiled at them all, collected his thoughts and spoke.

  “I know there is a lot more you haven’t told me about what is happening here and out there,” he answered, waving his hands up in the air in the vague direction of the window, “but secrets are things I understand and approve of, so I will just have to be patient. The people I represent obviously want to know more, but for now, we can wait. There is no reason for you to stay.”

  He looked at Karen. “Any chance of a lift home when you go?” he asked, “I doubt if I will ever get the opportunity to ride in a spaceship again.”

  Karen nodded, “I think that can be arranged, Sir John. I have something to do in London and will drop you off. Call your wife and tell her you will be home in the next few hours.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate that,” he replied, picking up his phone from the table and dialling home.

  While Sir John was talking to his wife, Karen spoke quietly to her aunt and uncle. “I will go shortly and take him with me. I’ll drop him off then catch some sleep on the ship. Once gone I’ll be in contact with you whenever I can, but now that you know everything, instead of letters I can send proper video messages.”

  “When are you going to tell Adam about the pregnancy?” Alastair asked, “He has a right to know, Karen.”

  She nodded. “As soon as we can meet in person. I don’t want him distracted right now as he’s currently got far too much on his plate. I’ll finish up here on Earth then go back to Capital and wait for the right moment to tell him.”

  Flora leant across and gently kissed Karen on the cheek. “I don’t suppose you want to tell me what exactly it is you need to finish up here?” she asked.

  Karen smiled softly. “It’s no big secret, Flora. I need to go and see a place for myself. I think it might help me connect with someone. I promise to tell you about it one day.”

  Karen waited for Sir John to finish his telephone call, smiling when he ended it with several “love you” and “I love you too,” at the conclusion. She caught his eye, and he returned the smile, saying simply, “We’ve been married over thirty years, and even now she worries about me when I’m not at home.”

  “We’d better be going then, “said Karen, “I’ll drop you off at home, then vanish.”

  She looked at Sir John, who watched as the young woman showed the steel he had always suspected was under the surface, even her posture changing subtly as she continued speaking.

  “Human nature being what it is, I don’t expect all of the promises made today on behalf of the government to be kept, but one word of advice; leave my family alone. If you don’t, the next time you see me I will not be as forgiving. Vimes tells me he will be keeping an eye on what you do here. Do I make myself clear, Sir John?”

  Sir John nodded. “Yes, Karen. Crystal clear. From what you and Vimes have told me about life out there, it would be better for us to keep on your good side.” He looked suddenly wistful and a little sad. “I find it frustrating to think that I’ll never get to see even a fraction of what I now know exists.” He sighed, and for a moment Karen almost felt sorry for him, before dismissing the thought as overly sentimental, “After all, he had me taken prisoner and tied up.” Unconsciously, she lifted her hand and rubbed her now healed nose, a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by Sir John.

  Karen stood up, signalling to everyone it was time for her to go. Sir John walked over to the door and turned away to give the others a little privacy as they said their goodbyes to each other. Behind him, Karen was enveloped in a tight embrace by her tall uncle, with Flora trying to get her own arms around them both. They held the embrace for several seconds and for a moment Karen questioned her decision to leave, even though she knew it was for the best. Eventually, they disengaged and with a last kiss on both their cheeks, Karen took her leave, walking over to the door where Sir John waited patiently. He opened the door and stepped out, the cold night air shocking away the tiredness that had been slowly creeping up on him in the warm room.

  Karen followed behind and took his arm, pulling him towards the low white wall surrounding the property. She pointed straight ahead.

  Sir John did as he was instructed, finally seeing the slight shimmering he recalled from back at Porton Down. As he watched, a doorway appeared about thirty-five feet above the ground, followed by a ramp which descended in front of them. Karen ran up it and he followed quickly, glad to get out of the cold. At the entrance, Karen turned and waved goodbye to her family until the ramp had retracted. Turning away, the opening closed behind her and she paused for a moment, as if listening to something, then headed off towards the flight-deck.

  Sir John followed and took the other seat, allowing the restraints to form around him. Karen had said something to him which he didn’t catch, being too busy watching as the restraints came seemingly out of nowhere. “Sorry, Karen, could you repeat that?”

  “I asked if you were in any rush to get home. If not, there’s something I’d like to show you.”

  “No, no rush. What do you have in mind?” he asked, intrigued and hopeful in equal measure, “A little trip, perhaps?”

  She smiled at him by way of an answer, then nodded towards the wall in front of them which suddenly became transparent along with the entire flight deck. Karen allowed the ship to merge with her, any anxieties she currently felt washed away with the sense of well-being that permeated her mind as she became one with the ship. Activating the sensors, she felt the presence of every vehicle or electrically run piece of equipment within ten miles of the ship, then extended their range out to fifty miles, collating information and identifying all of the military presences which had been pulled back on Sir John’s orders.

  Satisfied that no-one was observing, Karen gently moved the ship away from the house, catching a glimpse through the hull of her aunt and uncle looking through the window at where she had vanished. Rising into the dark sky, the ship swiftly rose into the low cloud cover, moments later breaking through into the clearer sky above, accelerating rapidly. Next to Karen, Sir John looked around and beneath, picking out below the bright patch of lights indicating Inverness and Fort William. Entranced, he watched them rapidly grow smaller as the ship rose higher until
it broke through the last vestiges of thin atmosphere and into space.

  A few minutes later, Karen switched off the artificial gravity and heard her companion give out an involuntary “Woah” as he felt the weightlessness take over. She looked across to see his reaction.

  “We are now at the height of the International Space Station. About two-hundred and forty miles. I thought you might like to experience this before I take you home.”

  “It feels like I’m falling,” replied Sir John, his excitement tangible, “is it alright if I float around?”

  With a thought, Karen released his restraint, allowing him to float gently upwards and out of his seat. Twisting and turning, Sir John manoeuvred himself around the room, gaining in confidence remarkably quickly. Pushing himself off from a far wall, he twisted and turned for several minutes before gliding back to his seat and pulling himself into it. Karen triggered the restraints again and gradually returned gravity.

  “Happy now?” she asked

  Sir John nodded but said nothing, the satisfied grin on his face saying everything. He looked around, catching a glimpse of the moon.

  “Have you ever been there?” he asked.

  Karen shook her head. “No. It’s strange, but for all my time away I’ve only been on one alien planet, and that was remarkably like here. A few colour differences in flora and fauna, but basically it could have been anywhere on Earth. It smelt nice.” She looked down at the planet below, watching the pattern of lights marking out the major urban areas and the darker patches showing areas where few people lived.

  Sir John watched as a wistful expression crossed her face, and he almost felt as if he could sense her discomfort. Torn between two worlds, holding a secret so profound it would change humanity forever, she reminded him for a second of his eldest daughter, Jessica, trying hard to make her way in the world. “If I may be so bold as to give you some fatherly advice, Karen; simply follow your heart and do what your conscience tells you is the right thing to do. I think you can be a child of two worlds, just embrace whatever comes your way but never forget your roots.”