“My fellow cadets,” he said. “All of you are aware of the events that took place last week. Our home, Earth, is at a crossroads. You all know my father, Fleet Admiral ‘Flash’ Thompson.” Ryan paused as many in the audience hollered out and applauded at the mention of Ryan’s father. It was the first time Amanda had heard Ryan speak of his father in public, especially using his nickname.
“We all know that our fleet fought bravely. Unfortunately, the enemy has shields protecting their ships. Just before my father’s fleet surrendered, he found out that the Altarrans’ shields were briefly disrupted by the effects of a solar flare. Well, as luck would have it, Amanda Williamson, who is standing next to me, has developed a weapon that will replicate the effects of a solar flare. What this means is that we now have a weapon to disable their shields!”
The crowd began cheering loudly. Amanda glanced over at Ryan, who was beaming as he applauded her. He truly seemed proud, and had a look of sincere respect. That just confused her even more. If he respected her work, why didn’t he respect her opinion?
He turned the podium over to her, and she looked out at the audience. She was amazed by the camaraderie in the crowd. It was true what they say about people pulling together in times of great stress, even with practically impossible odds. She looked back at Ryan. She could see he was waiting for her to do something to rally everyone—though he did appear a bit nervous, as if he wasn’t quite sure what she would say.
Here goes, she thought. She grabbed Ryan’s hand and thrust hers and his together into the air, as the crowd screamed and yelled in response.
“United and together,” she said over the deafening noise, “we can save our planet and end the fighting. The only thing I want to know is: Are you all with us?!”
The audience jumped to their feet and roared their approval, their fists all pumping in the air. To her surprise, they were raring to get started and ready to go. While she was sure that word must have leaked about the engineers working on some special project, she wondered if they knew the full dangers of the mission. If not, they’d soon find out.
Ryan looked at her as the crowd noise continued. “Thanks,” he said, grinning. “This is exactly what we needed. Look at them all!” He seemed to be enjoying this a little too much.
“Yeah,” she said off-mic, “so why do I feel like I just signed everyone’s death warrants?” Then she got closer and whispered in his ear. “You can say and think what you want, but I’m telling you now, you may be captain, but you’re not the only one who can break the rules. I was left that amulet for a reason. If I get the chance to bring a peaceful solution to this nightmare, I’m going to take it. Trust me on that, King Ryan.”
She turned her attention back to the crowd and pumped her fist into the air as the audience continued to cheer and applaud.
Chapter 29
Final Preparations
Ryan and his crew had been on the go for eighteen hours a day for the last two days. They had a three-day trip ahead of them to get to Earth. That left them two more days to get all the ships armed and ready. Of the fifteen ships they had available, they still had six to finish. Everything would have to go perfect if they were going to make their deadline.
He knew Amanda was working with Paul in the engineering sections of the remaining ships, and Tanner and Jill were working with the weapons consoles. Meanwhile he had been spending most of his time going over strategy with the other ships’ captains. It was time to take a break and meet up with his crew for dinner.
Other than for work-related discussions, Amanda seemed to be keeping clear of him. He wished it were different, but he just couldn’t get through to her. He remembered reading that there are three occasions when you have no choice but to make a stand and use force: when your back’s against the wall with nowhere to run to; when you’re in life-threatening danger and you can’t trust what the enemy will do; and when the cost of defeat is so high that you can’t take a chance. And this situation involved all three. Who knew how they’d react if presented with the amulet? The fact is: If you’re cornered by an armed robber and you have a gun, you shoot him first. You don’t stop first to ask about his family upbringing and try to appeal to his good nature. He’ll shoot you in mid sentence. If only Amanda could understand that.
He was approaching the cafeteria now, and as he entered through the doors, he noticed Paul and Tanner at the far table. He took a seat next to them.
“How’s it coming, guys?”
“It’s coming along splendidly,” said Tanner. “That is, of course, if you don’t mind not sleeping. Or eating field rations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”
Paul was more serious and looked exhausted. “It’s gonna be close. Down to the wire, Ry. If we’re going to have any chance of getting there before the Altarran troop carriers, we’re gonna have to work just about straight through the next two days.”
Ryan was only partially listening. He found himself wanting to ask them if they’d seen or talked to Amanda. “That sucks,” he said mechanically. “I was hoping we’d get there long before the Altarrans.”
“Fat chance of that,” said Paul. “We’ll be lucky to get there before they actually start their attack on Earth.”
Ryan noticed that Tanner looked like he was deep in thought. “Tanner, what’s on your mind?”
“That’s always a loaded question,” said Paul.
“If we arrive before they start unloading their troops,” said Tanner, “maybe we should target the troop carriers first. If nothing else, it will stop their ground invasion. That certainly would show ET we mean business.”
“That’s actually an amazing idea,” said Ryan.
Tanner laughed. “Hey, just because I like to goof off and have a little fun does not an idiot make me.”
“Okay, Yoda,” said Paul.
“Laugh now,” said Tanner, “but they may be arriving with Storm Troopers. But not to worry, Amanda’s death star will get ‘em all.”
Ryan and Paul were still laughing when Amanda, Jill, and Nicole walked in. “Care to share the joke with the whole class?” said Jill.
Ryan cringed. Just what he needed was something to fuel Amanda’s fire.
“It was Tanner,” Paul said. “For once he actually made sense.”
Jill had a blank expression. “Now I know we’re doomed,” she said.
As the girls sat down, Ryan tapped Amanda on the shoulder. She clanked up at him, looking tired.
“Can we talk somewhere?” he said.
“I’m right here,” she said. “Let’s talk.”
“I meant alone, if that’s okay with you.”
“Come on, Tanner,” Paul said, standing. “I think they just put some steaks out.”
Tanner jumped up. “Steaks? Where?”
As Paul and Tanner left the table, Jill and Nicole tactfully disappeared too. Amanda was just looking at him as he fought with the right words.
“Listen, Amanda,” he finally said. “I know we’ve had our differences. But I want you to know that I do respect your opinion. I just don’t agree. I mean, we both know that the Altarrans are going to attack Earth. They say they’re looking for their lost envoys, but who knows how long ago that happened or if it even did?”
“It happened,” said Amanda. “And I have the proof it did. The amulet. Somehow, my great-great-grandfather either met up with them or was there when they landed. But our stupid leaders back then hid the truth from everyone or our government would know about it.”
“Okay,” he said. “Maybe you’re right. I believe you on that. I do. But that was over a hundred and fifty years ago. How are we supposed to fix that? They were either killed back then or died later, but there’s nothing we can do about it now.”
“Yes, we can. I have the amulet. I can explain to them that we don’t have any information from back then, but I can at least show them that we want to try and resolve this issue without anyone else dying.”
“But what if it inflames them even more? They
may not react how you think. The point is, if we have any chance of this mission working, we need to do this together. We’ll be leaving in the next day or two. I need to know that you won’t go rogue and go off on your own.”
“Can I expect the same from you?”
“Yes. I mean I’m okay making decisions together, but if I’m captain I may have to make some tough calls. I’m just saying it’ll be a hell of a lot easier if you’re with me.”
“Look, if we have to fight, I’ll fight. I’d just rather we try to end this without any more people dying.”
“So would I. I think we both want that. We just have different views on how to do that. So can we work together on this?”
Amanda shook her head. “Ryan, the problem is, you’ve already made up your mind. Once we get there, and the Altarran ships are in our sight, do you really think you’ll be listening to anything I say? Do you think you’d want to talk about how to reach out to them? Be honest.”
“Honestly, probably not. Not if lives are in danger.”
“But that’s the exact time when it’s important to communicate. Do you know how many wars could have been avoided if people would just talk? If they could just agree to work together on solving the problem they’re fighting about in the first place?”
“We’re talking now,” said Ryan. “Are we getting anywhere? No. I rest my case.”
“No, you made mine.” She pushed her food away, got up, and left the table.
Ryan didn’t say anything else. He sat there in silence and watched her walk away. Deep down, somewhere inside him, he wanted to go after her. And he hated himself for not doing that, but he just couldn’t. Maybe he was afraid he’d give in to her whims and let her contact the Altarrans. But that could prove to be the deadliest of decisions. He had to remind himself that Amanda was brilliant and passionate, but emotions could sometimes lead to bad decisions in times of war. Meanwhile, he had a mission to run.
If all went well, they would finish the last of the ships in time to make their departure cutoff. Then it was one final briefing with Admiral Williamson. After that, they’d be off to the great unknown. Ryan was beginning to wonder if they really could pull it off and win this thing, or if they were on a collision course with death, headed toward their final hours. In the end, he wasn’t sure if he was more afraid of what the Altarrans would do . . . or what Amanda would do.
Chapter 30
Earth Bound
Ryan heard the alarm and reached over to shut it off. It had been a grueling three days of twenty-hour shifts, and he could barely function. He shook the cobwebs out of his head. They were supposed to be ready to leave in the next eight hours, and, last he heard, they were still running way behind schedule. They only had three days until the cease-fire would end and the Altarran troop carriers would arrive at Earth. At full speed, they could just barely make it to Earth on time.
He crawled out of bed and jumped in the shower. He had a full plate scheduled for the day. The first matter at hand was a meeting with Admiral Williamson. The sophomores and the juniors, who would be staying on the planet, were busy getting the ships loaded and ready for departure.
Funny how things turn out, he thought, as the hot water hit his face. Not so long ago his only worry was whether or not he would win the Golden Cadet Award. Now, less than two weeks later, he was preparing for intergalactic war.
After drying off and getting dressed, it was off to the admiral’s office.
As he entered the admiral’s waiting area, he stopped to give his condolences to Lieutenant Rhimes. “I’m very sorry about your husband, Lieutenant.”
Her eyes were red and it looked like she hadn’t slept in days. “Thank you, Ryan. The admiral’s in there waiting for you. And, Ryan?”
“Yes, Lieutenant,” he said.
“You make damn sure to give those bastards hell.”
Ryan looked at her and nodded. “I’ll do my best, ma’am.”
He saluted her and entered Williamson’s office. Amanda was already there, waiting.
The admiral was sitting at his desk. He pointed to an empty chair next to Amanda. “Take a seat, Ryan. There are a few details before you leave.”
Ryan sat. He looked at over at Amanda. “Morning,” he said to her. He wasn’t quite sure how she’d react.
She looked at him, but didn’t answer. Her face seemed devoid of emotion and she appeared exhausted. Then again, everyone was.
The admiral stood up. “Your initial stop will be Pluto,” he said, getting right to business. “The underground base there is on total blackout. You’ll need a special code to get through to them, which I’ve sent to your Slider. Without it, you will be shot as if you were an alien with tentacles and three horns. Broadcast the code immediately upon your approach.”
Ryan nodded. “Thank you, sir.”
“The two transports you’ll have with you are to pick up the survivors at the base and bring them back here. We have a full hospital here, so don’t leave the wounded stranded there picking scabs off their butts. Make sure they get on those ships. And stay healthy yourselves or you’ll end up coming back with them, and I’m not ready to see your faces that soon. I’m pulling fifteen medical technicians from our facility to go along with you—one for each ship.”
“Thank you, Admiral,” said Ryan. “I was going to ask you about having medical personnel for the ships.”
“Hell, Ryan. Did you really think I’d send you off to battle without medical support? Next I assume you were going to ask about weapons.”
“Well—”
“Glad you asked. On the base, they have munitions, and lots of them. I’ve sent you encrypted orders from me, directing them to stock your ships with torpedoes and anything else you may need.”
“Thank you, Admiral,” said Ryan. “For everything. We won’t let you down, sir.”
“Don’t thank me, Ryan. Thank Amanda. Without that solar weapon, we’d all be sitting here playing checkers and singing Kumbayah while we counted down our last days. We may still do that, but at least now it’ll be more interesting.” The admiral looked at Amanda and added, “It’s just a shame she talks so damn much, I can’t get a word in.”
Ryan looked at Amanda sitting next to him. For the first time, she smiled, though she did look embarrassed. “Really, Dad,” she said. “I’m sure R&D could have figured it out if they knew sooner.”
“Regardless,” said Williamson, “you made it happen and I’m damn proud to say you did.”
The admiral walked toward Ryan. “Thompson, this is the most important thing I’m going to tell you. If you fire the weapon and it doesn’t work, you are to retreat immediately and hightail it to Pluto for further instructions. Do I make myself clear? No heroics.”
“Absolutely, Admiral. If the weapon fails, trust me, we’ll retreat. I may be impulsive, sir, but I’m not crazy.”
“Yes you are and I’m damn glad or you wouldn’t be leading this mission. And remember. Radio silence. Only use the codes I gave you to make contact.”
“Yes, sir. Will do, Admiral.”
Williamson was staring at him with a touch of sadness. Ryan couldn’t quite read his expression. “Everything okay, sir?”
Williamson nodded and held out his hand as Ryan stood up to shake it. “Good luck, son,” said the admiral.
Amanda jumped up and threw her arms around her father. “I love you, Dad,” she said. Ryan could see tears welling up in her eyes.
“I love you too, Mandy,” said Williamson. “Now get out of here and make an old man proud.”
Amanda kissed her father on the cheek and left the room. Ryan started out as well, but the admiral called him back. “Thompson.”
“Yes, sir, said Ryan. “Is there something else?”
Williamson moved closer to Ryan and stopped right in front of him. “Yes there is. Something vitally important, even more than the other thing I said was the most important. In fact you can consider this your number one priority.”
“What is it
, sir?”
“Bring my daughter back to me safe and sound. That’s an order, Thompson.” He paused, and then added, “Please.”
Ryan snapped to attention and saluted the admiral. “You have my word on that, sir.”
With that, he turned sharply and left the office. As he headed toward the hangars where all fifteen ships waited, he looked up into the sky and said a prayer. He prayed he could make good on his word.
Chapter 31
Searching For Answers
Admiral Thompson was at his wits’ end. The team at the Nevada base was still searching for answers and it didn’t look like they were going to find anything anytime soon. Sure, they’d uncovered a few secrets that had apparently been kept from the public through the centuries, but so far they hadn’t found anything that seemed remotely related to this case. At one point, Morgan had called him and said they’d found photographs and reports of verified UFOs, but no mention of an alien capture, and certainly nothing about an amulet or any kind of landing. Of course, they still had a lot of boxes to go through.
Meanwhile he’d just about exhausted all his searches concerning the cryptic note he’d found hidden in General Williamson’s desk. He looked at it again.
The Queen is with her loyal subjects
Inside the truth is sealed
Only the worthy who see the ten
Shall have the path revealed
“The Queen is with her loyal subjects,” he said to himself several times, as if repeating the phrase would somehow magically cause it to make sense. He’d searched all of the old military codes and couldn’t find anything that matched. He’d even researched cryptograms and ciphers—anything he could find involving queens and subjects. Most of it was nonsense. And the phrase “inside the truth is sealed” didn’t help at all. He’d thought perhaps it meant inside the general’s desk, but he’d left instructions to have it dismantled and they hadn’t found anything. As for “the worthy who see the ten,” that wasn’t much help either. There were some biblical references, but they were useless. His thoughts were beginning to blur and he was running out of patience.
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