Star Runners: Mission Wraith (#3)

by L. E. Thomas

  A bell sounded, and the lighting over the auditorium seating dimmed.

  “Here we go,” Nubern whispered.

  Admiral Gist stood at attention. “My fellow officers, I would like to welcome you to the awards ceremony and graduation of our most recent recruits,” he said, his deep voice reminding Austin of his orientation. “This is a time-honored tradition for the Legion Navy, a tradition dating back to the days of the Galactic War when our brave forefathers fought off the invaders despite overwhelming odds.

  “Today, we gather to honor the accomplishments of a new generation of Star Runners who will safeguard the future of our Galactic Legion. They will be charged with carrying on the tradition of the very first Star Runners, the brave souls who first charted and settled our space so many years ago when the goal of spaceflight was exploration and knowledge, not battle and war.”

  His face grew dim as he looked at his hands for a moment.

  “I wish I could say you new Star Runners will have the chance to study the stars, to explore the cosmos and protect our Legion worlds, both dark and core, from the great expanse beyond The Fringe. But a cloud has appeared on our horizon, the cloud of war. Tensions with the Zahl Empire are higher than they have ever been.” He shook his head. “I fear your training will be put to the test much sooner than we ever thought possible.”

  Gist stepped behind the podium. “Today is unique. This is the first class in my tenure to have seen combat before their graduation, so this makes an already special day even more so.” He pointed to the line of graduating Star Runners and stared back at the crowd. “This group helped defend Earth, a dark world and, as a result, perhaps saved the entirety of Quadrant Eight. For that, they deserve our respect and appreciation.”

  Gist clapped. The auditorium joined in, filling the room with a booming applause. Skylar turned back to look at Austin. He smiled at her, thinking of all the times she helped keep his sanity during the days in the academy back on Earth. Look where they were now, he thought.

  “There’s something else we are here to address,” Gist said, pulling a Tizona blue case out from beneath the podium. “Two Star Runners, especially, helped prevent Earth from falling to terrorists. They served without question or concern for their own wellbeing. They continued fighting against incredible odds, even when three of their comrades had fallen. This is a testament to not only the Tizona Squadron but to the Legion as a whole.”

  Austin felt his palms begin to sweat. He glanced at Nubern. “What’s going on?”

  “I have no idea,” he whispered.

  Austin looked back to the stage, watching as Gist touched the top of the case he had just retrieved from an aide. As the case was opened, it revealed a shiny metal object. Austin couldn’t see any details from where he was sitting. He felt his throat constrict and his pulse race.

  “Captain Jonathan Nubern, will you please stand?” Gist asked.

  Nubern did as instructed, standing uneasily at attention.

  “Lieutenant Austin Stone, will you please join your Captain?”

  Austin stood. His face red, sweat collecting at the back of his neck.

  “I want everyone to look at these two Star Runners,” Gist said, enunciating each word with precision. “This is what we all should strive to achieve. These two Star Runners defended the Atlantis Port with no hope of reinforcements or relief, and they held out long enough to allow allies to arrive. They showed uncommon valor under fire, and we should all be proud of them. Gentlemen, will you please come down to the stage?”

  Nubern turned and stepped into the aisle. Austin followed him, his legs feeling like rubber. He felt every eye in the room on them as they descended the stairs. A bright spotlight followed them as they walked to the stage and across the platform.

  “On behalf of the grateful citizens of the Galactic Legion, both dark and core, I am presenting both of you with the Distinguished Constellation of the Star Runner.” Gist stepped forward with the case in his hands. “You have my gratitude, the gratitude of all of the people of Earth and the respect of all of your fellow Star Runners. Please turn and face your comrades.”

  The auditorium burst into applause, cheers and whistling. Gist slipped the silver medal around Austin’s neck, held in place by a blue silk ribbon. As the Admiral moved to Nubern, Austin glanced down at the intricate medal. The shiny surface depicted a silver constellation in the shape of a sword.

  Despite the bright lights blinding his view of the room, Austin could see the first rows of the audience. The graduates filled the rows on his left, but he saw medical personnel to his right.

  His jaw dropped, uncertain if what he saw was real.

  Mom sat in the front row; her cheeks damp with tears.

  *****

  “So then this guy dumps Lieutenant Zyan into the cockpit with me,” Nubern laughed, pointing at Austin. “We all know how big the trainer Trident actually is, so we’re crammed in there like hardas. Somehow, he manages to pilot off that dust ball of a world, get us back to Legion space and avoid the Tyral Pirates while he’s doing it!”

  Austin smiled at Major Nubern, his mentor and friend telling the story of Flin Six. “Major” would be difficult to remember. Austin had always referred to his friend as “Captain.” The awards ceremony concluded with Nubern being promoted. Austin couldn’t think of anyone else that deserved it more.

  Star Runners nodded and raised their glass in Austin’s direction. He felt his face warm. Mom squeezed his shoulder.

  The mess hall was filled with food and decorations in celebration of the graduating class. A blue Tizona cake the size of a large round table was placed against the viewport in front of the familiar glow of the nebula. Champagne glasses sparkled as they were filled with bubbling liquid. Austin had saved Nubern and Lieutenant Ryker “Scorpion” Zyan. His mind wandered to the sight of the strange trees and powdery dirt on the alien world where he nearly lost his mentor and … Ryker.

  “Seriously,” Nubern said, staring at his glass for a long moment, “I wouldn’t be here if it weren't for this young man. Words are, ah, hollow whenever I think of how I can thank him.” He wiped at his mouth. “The bottom line is that it is something I cannot repay. To Rock, best wishes for a long, happy career.”

  “To Rock,” the room said in unison.

  The room dispersed, launching into their private stories of tours and events around the galaxy. Austin watched Skylar and Bear embrace. They laughed and reveled at the moment, joking with the other Star Runners. With his successes, Austin had transcended his class. By graduating early, he had lost the camaraderie with all of his classmates.

  He drained his glass and turned back to the viewport. The nebula Josh had described as the “dark cloud” washed the room in the familiar purple and pink tint. It had seemed so alien when he first arrived, so exotic and foreign like it symbolized all his new life had to offer. He stared for a long moment, the sounds of the room dissipating around him.

  “It is beautiful,” Mom said softly, stepping beside him. “You were right.”

  He pressed his lips together, his mind on the uncertain future.

  “I will be shipping out in a couple hours,” Mom said, placing her hand on his shoulder.

  Austin looked at her. She had cut her hair shorter to fit within Legion regulation for medical personnel. She wore a crisp white uniform with the silver shield patch on her shoulder signifying she was part of the Legion Medical Service. Mom would soon depart for her new adventure with the Legion. He exhaled slowly.

  His involvement with the Legion had nearly cost her life. When the mercenaries attacked them in the mountains of North Georgia, Austin had wondered if that would be the last day. Kadyn had collapsed into a bundle of nerves, burying herself out of sight. But Mom battled against the mercenaries despite the odds. She had fought at his side, never before firing a weapon until that day. Nubern and his rescue vessel also known as a Karda had arrived just in time. Otherwise, Austin would have lost more than his mother and friend that day.<
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  “I am so proud of you,” he said, grinning as she turned to face him. “Any idea where you’re going?”

  Mom beamed, leaning closer to him. “We are going to The Fringe. We will be out of communication for a long while.” She eyed him. “I hope that’s okay with you.”

  He nodded. “I can’t believe we are both leaving.”

  “This is all because of you and your hard work. You deserve this.” She glanced down at his uniform. “Other mothers at work back home had sons and daughters who served in the military to protect our country. They had swelled with pride but always seemed a little reserved. I never understood why until now. I’m proud of you—your father would have been proud of you. You are not only serving our country but our entire planet. But … I also want you to be safe.”

  “I will, Mom. Don’t worry.”

  She tilted her head to the side, a smirk on her face. “With what you do?” she asked sarcastically. “Yeah. I won’t worry a bit.”

  “So do you know what you will be doing?” he asked, trying to change the subject.

  Mom shook her head. “No specifics. Some of the outer planets have been dealing with an epidemic or so I’m told. I am going to be in training for at least another year. I’m told that means I will be shadowing another officer onboard the Benevolent. I have lots to learn.”

  “The Legion trains its officers well,” he said, a feeling of pride filling his body. He reached out and grabbed her hand still on his shoulder, thinking of all the time she supported him after Dad had passed. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.”

  “I can say the same about you,” she said, her eyes filling with tears.

  He embraced his Mom, the nebula shining beyond.

  “Eileen,” Nubern said softly, “would Austin care to join us?”

  Austin and Mom parted. Nubern stood a few feet away.

  Austin glanced at Mom. “Join you?”

  “Yes,” she said, wiping her eyes. “Jonathan—the Major—asked if I would care to join him for dinner before I ship out on the Benevolent.”

  Austin blinked. Dinner? Nubern and Mom?

  “It is the least I can do,” Nubern said with a slight bow. “After all, this is the mother of the Star Runner I recruited that ended up saving my life.”

  “Twice,” Austin interjected quickly. “I saved your life twice.”

  “Twice,” Nubern said with a slight grin. “I thought asking the mother of that particular Star Runner to one last quick dinner was called for before we both head off to our new positions.”

  “Where are you going?” Austin asked.

  “I’m heading up recruitment efforts for all of Eight, so I will be traveling the entire quadrant.” He gestured to Mom. “Would you like to join us?”

  Austin stared at Mom. She straightened her uniform and studied him. Mom having a meal with another man seemed strange. He looked back to Nubern.

  “I think that’s a great idea, but I really need to leave as well,” Austin said. He reached out and shook Nubern’s hand. “Take care of yourself, sir.”

  “And you,” he said, clasping Austin’s hand.

  Nubern offered his arm to Mom. “Shall we go?”

  Austin watched her take his arm. She raised her eyebrows as she looked at Austin.

  “I’ll see you soon, Mom.”

  Nubern escorted Mom from the mess hall. Austin lingered at the viewport for a long moment as the crowd in the room dispersed. Mom’s new life had begun. He smiled.

  “Well, there he is—the hero of Atlantis!”

  Austin laughed, turning to face David “Bear” Keller as he strutted toward him.

  “You had a part to play in that little event, Lieutenant,” Austin said.

  “Maybe.” He wrapped his bulging arms around Austin, squeezing hard enough to cause Austin to lose his breath. “They aren’t calling me a hero, though.”

  “Yeah,” Austin coughed trying to take in the air. “Who said that?”

  “Everyone,” Skylar said, walking toward Austin. She ran the last couple steps, throwing herself into his arms. “Hey you!”

  She pressed against him and held him close for a moment. Austin hugged her back and laughed. “I just saw you on Atlantis yesterday.”

  She parted, their eyes locking. “I missed you.”

  “Ah, yeah, so anyway,” Bear interrupted, his weight shifting from one foot to the other, “I keep hearing about how you saved the day, man, like we had nothing to do with it.”

  “When has the scuttlebutt ever been right?” Austin asked.

  “True ‘nough.” Bear smiled, placing his hands on his hips. “You did a hell of a thing back there, man, seriously. I know the Tyral Pirates fly like dumb animals, but they outnumbered you like what—forty to one?”

  Austin remembered the sky igniting in laser bolts over the Pacific Ocean, the pressing feeling of dread filling his conscious. The F-18s from the United States Navy had saved him, saved all of them. How many pilots had died that day saving Atlantis, saving a place they didn’t even know existed? How many families would receive vague notification of how their loved one had perished? A sick feeling twisted in his gut with the way Bear looked at him.

  He wasn’t a hero. He simply survived. And he didn’t think he did anything to earn the silver medal hanging around his neck.

  “I’d rather not think about it,” he whispered, his mouth suddenly dry. “I—I don’t know.”

  Bear stood in silence for a moment before placing his hand on Austin’s shoulder. “I understand, brother. I do. I’m, well, I’m proud to say you’re my friend.”

  “Thanks.” Austin smiled. “Congratulations on graduating flight school.”

  “Congratulations on earning that,” Bear said, pointing at the medal. “Come a long way, man.”

  “Yes,” Austin said, his eyes flickering to Skylar. “We have.”

  Bear held his gaze a moment longer. “Anyway, my freighter’s heading for home in a bit. Gotta enjoy my leave while I get it right? Hope mine’s a little less eventful than yours.” He looked at Skylar. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

  Skylar watched Bear leave. She turned back to Austin, her grin revealing her flawless teeth. She wore bright red lipstick and a touch of makeup. Her blond hair was pulled back tightly in a perfect ponytail slightly touching the top of her collar. She had pressed her dress Tizona blues to the point there was not a wrinkle in sight. She looked professional and impressive, but also beautiful.

  Austin sighed and avoided eye contact. “Congratulations to you, Sky.”

  “I can’t believe we’re done.” She peered out at the nebula. “We are Star Runners. I can’t even sit still. Do you know I woke up six times last night? I don’t think I slept longer than thirty minutes.”

  She took a step closer to the viewport, her hands clasped behind her back. Austin watched her, remembering the girl who ran faster than anyone else at the Tizona Academy. He swallowed, his stomach turning. His nerves rattled at her presence. He knew she waited for him to say something.

  “I know it’ll be dangerous,” she continued, “but I’m having trouble reminding myself of that. It’s all so exciting. I never thought this would happen when I was first recruited. We’ll get stationed on another planet or maybe a carrier. It’s all so crazy.”

  “It is.” He looked out at the nebula, watching as two patrolling Trident fighters passed by the viewport.

  “Austin?” she asked, stepping toward him.

  “Hmm.” He stared at the Tridents, the position lights twinkling as the fighters prepared to land on Tarton’s Junction.

  Skylar gently pulled his chin to face her, her fingertips feeling smooth on his skin. She looked at him, her eyes taking in his entire face.

  “Have you decided?” she asked.

  Austin’s pulse quickened. “Decided?” he asked, even though he knew what she meant. He felt like a coward.

  She sighed. “Where are you going? For leave. You can come with me. I promise we can do what
ever you want. After all we’ve been through, I thought you’d like to see my home. We could swim in the ocean, make each day last a lifetime. If I have learned anything since I arrived at Tizona, it is that life is too short.” She placed her hands on both sides of his face. “We might be transferred to other sides of the galaxy, so I thought this would be fun for both of us.”

  Austin softly pulled her hands off his face. He squeezed her hands. “You know you mean the world to me, right?”

  The expression drained from her face, the muscles falling flat. “Okay.”

  He swallowed. “I couldn’t have made it through the academy without you, without your friendship. I wouldn’t have made it through Tarton’s Junction without you.” He looked at her. “When I heard your voice in my earpiece during the Battle of Atlantis, I have never been happier.”

  She bit down on her lip. “Then why won’t you come with me?”

  “I just … I can’t. We have to follow the path in front of us, right?”

  Skylar looked at him, her eyes losing the sense of caring they had just a moment before. Her eyes now flared, her face scowling. “She’s very pretty, Austin. But she’s not one of us.”

  Austin blinked.

  “If that’s your choice, I can’t stop you. But she will never know you the way I do. She’ll never care the way I do. She’s a career officer—that’s all that matters to her.” She touched her face, covering her mouth with her hand for a moment.

  Austin’s stomach soured. “I think you’re wrong about her.”

  Skylar pressed her lips, shaking her head slightly. “I’m not.” She leaned forward and kissed Austin’s cheek. “I’ve loved you since I first saw you outside the window … arriving late to the academy. I love you still.”

  Austin swallowed. “I don’t know what to say, Sky.”

  She looked at him, her eyebrows raised. She backed away from him. “Then don’t say anything at all,” she whispered. She frowned, releasing his hands.

  She turned sharply and hurried toward the mess hall hatch. Just before she turned the corner, Austin saw Skylar place her hand over her face. She disappeared down the corridor to the sea of Star Runners and Legion staff.