Speaker Barrera was a long-time acquaintance and political ally. They had met for dinner two nights earlier; it was a timely reaffirmation of their alliance and a subtle reminder to the Speaker of favors Marcus had granted him in the past. It could be argued the Speaker owed Marcus for his position, but he never spoke of it aloud. He didn’t need to. Such was the way of the political game. Besides, the debt would come due soon enough.
The Armed Forces Chairman was a sharp one. Retired military, he had earned several medals of valor for his service during the First Crux War. He held his current position for those accomplishments, not on account of any political skills. So though he deserved keeping an eye on, realistically he should be out of his league in the coming maneuvers.
Defense Minister Mori spoke quietly with the Chief of Staff across the table. Mori was weak, a bureaucrat when he had been in the military and even more of one in the government. Any military influence he had was far overshadowed by EASC. But he was an unabashed Senecan opponent; as such, his intense dislike of the enemy may prove useful. The Chief of Staff, on the other hand, was shrewd and highly intelligent, and loyal to Brennon to a fault. She had been at the man’s side for over twenty years, since his early political campaigns.
He glanced up as the Foreign Minister walked in, followed by—
Well this was a complication.
Mori slid his chair back and rose to salute. “Admiral Solovy, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I take it General Alamatto is otherwise engaged today?”
Miriam Solovy nodded politely. “Yes, he spent the afternoon on the Orbital meeting with the Regional Commanders. He’s returning now, but would be unable to arrive here in time. He sends his regrets.”
Alamatto was supposed to be here, and thus out of danger. He could control Alamatto. Solovy was supposed to be in Vancouver, sitting in her office at EASC Headquarters like a good girl.
His face maintained a perfect mask while he tamped down his annoyance and considered his options. It didn’t take long, because for the moment he had none. He couldn’t call off the operation now if he wanted to—and he didn’t want to, as to do so would cause far more complications than it solved. He considered trying to waylay Alamatto and delay his arrival in Vancouver…but he personally didn’t have a viable way to make it happen, and those who might were not currently available.
It would be a setback, but a minor one. The primary objective and several secondary ones would still be achieved. And Solovy would soon find herself facing her own difficulties in any event. He did need to factor her continued presence into matters and formulate countermeasures, but it would have to wait.
Brennon signaled for the meeting to begin with a glance around the table. “Thank you for coming, everyone. The purpose of this meeting is to review the state of affairs one week into hostilities and discuss our strategy going forward.”
His smile beamed across the table as though the room were populated by constituents. “First, the good news. Admiral Solovy?”
Solovy spared a small nod for Brennon. “Thank you, Prime Minister. As you are all likely aware, four days ago we destroyed fifteen major Senecan hyperspectral scanners, significantly crippling their ability to track our military movements and buildups. With heightened defense measures now in place we don’t expect them to be able to replace the lost surveillance capabilities in the foreseeable future.
“Also, I’m pleased to report Admiral Rychen’s forces engaged the Senecan detachment responsible for the attack on Arcadia and achieved a decisive victory near Desna. It was the first head-to-head battle of this conflict and represents a clear win for the Alliance.”
“Excellent news, Admiral. Minister Mori?”
The Defense Minister frowned; it was an unpleasant expression on his thin lips and pinched chin. “Unfortunately, it isn’t all good news. Five hours ago a Senecan strike force destroyed the production facilities of Surno Materials on Aquila. Surno was our largest supplier of the metamaterials used in the construction of Alliance starships.
“Now while this isn’t an immediate emergency, it is inevitable we will suffer losses in the war and will need to replace ships. I’ve recommended that we invoke Regulation ERS 26608.577.2034g and appropriate fifty percent of the production output from the five next largest manufacturers of the relevant metamaterials.”
Marcus cleared his throat. “I’ve advised the Prime Minister he does have the authority to do so under said Regulation. There is, however, public perception to consider as well. We don’t want the government to appear too heavy-handed this early into the conflict.”
Mori shrugged. “What are our other options?”
Solovy shifted her posture in an indefinable way which somehow increased her presence at the table. “We can approach the suppliers as customers and negotiate new contracts.”
“Ha!” Mori snorted. “Wartime is not the place for capitalism. We require the materials. That should be the end of discussion. Surely you recognize this, Admiral?”
“Surely.”
“Yes, well.” Brennon nodded. “I will make a decision later today. Admiral, do our military forces have any further pressing requirements?”
“Many, sir, but we are addressing them.”
Brennon smiled a little. “Of course you are. Now we should probably move—”
“Sir, if I may, there is one additional matter we should discuss.”
If Brennon was taken aback by the interruption, he gave no sign of it. “Certainly, Admiral.”
Solovy looked around at the others. “Forgive me if I’m stating the obvious, as I don’t often have the opportunity to attend these meetings, but the information I’m about to share cannot leave this room.”
Marcus had a deep suspicion as to the nature of the information and swiftly made an effort to deflect it. “Admiral, if this information is so sensitive perhaps it would be better if it were handled offline, with a smaller group?”
Her gaze snapped to him, and he felt a faint shiver run up his spine. “Mr. Attorney General, is this not the Select Military Advisory Council? Is this not the most secure location in Alliance space? I was under the impression there was no ‘smaller group’ with which to consult.”
“It is all of those things. Nevertheless, it might be more—”
Brennon’s hand extended out on the table. “She’s correct, Marcus. We are all trustworthy here. Let her speak.”
Son of a bitch.
“Thank you, sir. The visuals I’m going to show you were taken inside the Metis Nebula just over one week ago.”
58
SENECA
CAVARE
* * *
“WE HAVE A COUPLE OF HOURS before Volosk will be able to pull off a meeting.” Caleb grabbed Alex’s hand and tugged her into the parking lot. “You impressed me right and proper on Earth. Give me a chance to impress you.”
Her eyes slid away with a grin. “Okay. Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
She followed him to the bike, giggling under her breath as she draped the wrap on her neck and activated the helmet, threw a leg over the bike and grasped him tightly around the waist. It was every teenage girl’s wild, rebellious fantasy: speeding off on a sleek, sexy bike holding onto her sexy renegade. She would never admit to it being one of her fantasies, but…it didn’t suck.
The air carried quite a chill whipping past as they sped through a rather impressive downtown area. She snuggled closer against him.
Everything looked as though it had been built in the last two years; it all still carried the gleam of newness. And the city was large, far larger than she had been led to believe. The streets bustled with foot, vehicle and air traffic and all the hallmarks of a vibrant, lively culture. It didn’t come close to comparing to the Atlantic Met, nor half a dozen other metropolitan areas on Earth. But it did have a freshness and vivacity to it she hadn’t expected.
It was a few short minutes before he slowed and veered into another parking lot, to her mi
ld disappointment. Then she saw the reflection of Seneca’s enormous moon in the river across the street and grinned yet again. She climbed off the bike and wandered to the water’s edge while he secured it.
He sidled up behind her, his arms encircling her waist as his chin rested on her shoulder. “Pretty, isn’t it?”
She drew in a deep breath and savored the feel of him pressed against her, of his arms wrapped around her. She could get used to this, and quickly. “Very.”
“Come on.” He grasped her hand and again tugged her along.
“This wasn’t what you brought me to see?”
“Uh, no.”
They entered an outdoor market and entertainment area. Mellow synth strains, the hum of the crowd and pleasant aromas from several restaurants and grill stands filled the air, but he continued to lead her on past all the tempting diversions.
The crowd began to thin and they veered back toward the river. In the distance she saw several tall, glittering arches. Beneath the arches the water gained a faint glimmer.
They approached a simple kiosk. He manipulated the display a moment and gestured toward the water.
A small personal craft had appeared out of nowhere alongside the ledge. It had a very minimal structure, flat save for sides which bowed up maybe a meter high and containing only two cushioned couch-like seats.
“After you.”
She raised an eyebrow at him but stepped in and sat down. He joined her, and the craft glided forward.
“Are you driving?”
“I could, but no, it’s automated for the moment.”
“Where does it go?”
“The lake.”
She waited, but no more information was forthcoming, so she shifted to check out the view of downtown. The lights from the many skyscrapers reflected in warping patterns along the river, though the reflection of the moon continued to dominate. “It really is a beautiful city, Caleb.”
“It is. You should probably turn around now.”
“Hmm?” She twisted again in the seat. They were now passing under the first arch. It was a mammoth sculpture of bronze, copper and brushed graphite, wound through by golden optic fibers. It towered nearly a quarter kilometer above them at its peak. Already the next arch was in sight, and beyond three more arches a brilliantly lit structure rose out of the water.
She realized the river was now widening rapidly, and also had begun to…glow. Faintly at first, yet brighter with every meter. She looked over at Caleb curiously. “Bioluminescence?”
He had kicked back in his seat, his legs stretched out along the floor and ankles crossed leisurely. His hands were clasped behind his head. “Of a sort. You ready?”
She laughed incredulously. “For what?”
His eyes twinkled in amusement, revealing an infinite recursion of facets cut into their sapphire hue. She only tore away from them when a field shimmered into existence, extending up from the edges of the craft high enough so they were able to stand within it.
Then the craft began to submerge.
“What…?” Her voice drifted off, stunned into silence.
Fully submerged beneath the surface and still moving forward, they became enveloped by an incredible white-blue luminescence. The closest comparison was phosphorescent algae, but she discerned no trace of even miniscule particles. The water simply glowed, more intensely than any nebula.
The material composing the craft turned out to be a transparent glass material. She stood, and was surrounded in every direction by the radiant splendor. The field was all but invisible, giving the impression she could reach out and immerse fingertips in the water. Colorful fish sporting metallic scales and tiny eyes periodically swam past them. One tried to swim into the craft and collided with the field, causing a slight ripple across it as the fish jerked back in surprise.
“Caleb….” She turned to find him watching her, a delighted smile on his face and a look in his eyes that sent a wicked flutter through her chest.
She plopped in his lap and wound her arms around his neck. “Okay. Congratulations, you’ve impressed me.”
“Good,” he whispered against her lips. “And we’re not even done yet.”
“No?”
“Nope.” He motioned in the direction ahead of them and she somewhat reluctantly pulled away to see.
What she presumed was the large structure she had seen from the surface extended deep beneath the lake as well. As they approached, it became obvious it continued down at least thirty levels. Hundreds if not thousands of people milled about on the other side of the glass. Restaurants, several dance clubs and numerous shops could be made out as their craft circled and docked.
The field surrounding the craft vanished, and they were inside. She stepped out behind him.
This was clearly a high-class entertainment hub. The patrons tended to be well-dressed in expensive attire, though there was the occasional throng of slacker teens among the crowd. The noise level was considerable due to the enclosed environment, but not so loud she was unable to hear him beside her. As they strolled along the curving path, the floor-to-ceiling glass revealed the luminescent waters unmarred. It was actually so bright there was almost no lighting inside.
“Do you want to get some dinner?”
Her eyes cut over to him. “Why, yes I do.”
He laughed and guided her toward the outside of the wide walkway. A moment later they stepped on a lift cut into the glass wall. It sped upward, swooshing past water rushing in the opposite direction. The lift broke through the surface and continued up another forty levels or so.
Then they were in the open air. A cool breeze from the lake far below drifted over them, yet the space felt warmed in some artificial manner.
The roof consisted entirely of a restaurant, complete with white tablecloths and optic candles. Though it seemed full to capacity, they were nevertheless shown to a table bordering the outer edge. Nothing blocked their view of the glowing lake below or the cityscape in the distance. The moon above them appeared close enough to reach up and touch.
She spent a good thirty seconds looking at the sights, peering down the sheer cliff of glass and twisting about in her seat, so much so she was surprised when a bottle of wine arrived at the table.
She settled back in the chair and eyed him suspiciously but playfully as he poured her a glass. “Okay, how did you get this table?”
His lips curled up in a sly smirk. “It’s possible I went to primary with the restaurant manager.”
“Well.” She regarded him over the rim of her glass. When she spoke, her voice came out uncharacteristically soft. “I’m sorry we tried to destroy this place.”
“Alex, that isn’t what this is about—I mean, yes, I hoped you might realize we’re not the enemy, but—”
“I know. And I’m…I’m sorry I wanted us to destroy this place.”
His smile was exceptionally gentle. “Apology accepted.”
She glanced around again briefly before returning to his gaze, to find it had never left her. “So what is this about then? I feel like I’m being wooed, but I think we’re a little beyond that stage.”
“Are you complaining?”
“Nooo.”
“I’m glad.” He reached across the table and took her hand in his. “I know you’re out of your comfort zone. I recognize it isn’t easy for you to follow someone else’s lead. And I just want you to know I appreciate it, and maybe convince you it doesn’t always have to be so bad.”
She squeezed his hand. “There’s certainly nothing bad about all this…in fact, I’d say it’s pretty damn wonderful.”
59
EARTH
VANCOUVER, EASC HEADQUARTERS
* * *
RICHARD STRODE BRUSQUELY TOWARD the Archives building. The late afternoon sun at his back almost hinted at warmth in the moments before it would drop below the horizon.
Much as Miriam had expressed the previous day, he found himself ruing the…extensiveness…of Alliance regulations
. The assassination investigation having been closed on account of the war and the obvious-to-everyone perpetrator, all the files pertaining to it—thankfully except for the medical files due to a few test results still outstanding—had been moved to Archives and personal copies ordered scrubbed. Because that was how things were done.
Thus his trek across the EASC campus over to the Archives to review the files there. He would not be allowed to check them out and take them to his office. Because that was how things were done.
Alex’s insistence that the assassination, the entire war, was a setup had troubled him even prior to his lunch with Will. Seeing as he’d now arguably committed treason against the Alliance on a bet she might be correct, it seemed a good idea to look deeper into the matter on his end as well. If he—
The blast of heat hit his back before the sky brightened, which was odd—nearly as odd as his brain insisting on noticing such details above far more dramatic ones.
Maybe he was simply too close for the difference in speed to be noticeable.
Yes, that must be it.
He spun around at the same instant as he was thrown tumbling through the air by an invisible force.
He caught the briefest glimpse of the towering, white-hot ball of flame pluming into the sky just as the sun began to set beneath the water and he—
When he regained consciousness—slowly, groggily—the flames clawed at the heavens, but they were increasingly obscured by the thick smoke which now roiled across the broad courtyard toward him.
He scrambled backward on his hands and heels to escape the approaching smoke, which was of course a ludicrous thing to do. The smoke surged over him in a massive wave, choking his lungs and stealing the breath from them.
Shouts and screams cut through the haze in the air and in his mind, closer than the roar of the flames and screeching metal reverberating from everywhere and nowhere.
Starshine: Aurora Rising Book One Page 40