by Sarah Noffke
Since then, they’d all been sequestered to Jack’s office, with no information and a lot of quiet time to ruminate.
“What was Rosco into?” Julianna asked, not answering Eddie’s question about Jack.
Fletcher shrugged, looking up at the two of them. “He was a dirty pirate.”
Eddie gave him a worried stare. “We both know he was more than that. He worked with the Nihilists. This was a Kezzin who was out for more than riches and power. Rosco interacted with the foulest of creatures. He does not have a soul.”
“How does it get worse than the Nihilists?” Julianna asked, shivering from the idea.
Fletcher knew she’d seen some things in her many years, but nothing was worse than a group of beings who had no concern for life.
“I can think of a worse bunch. I’d still lump them as a group of greedy pirates, though,” Eddie reasoned.
“Yeah, I guess they’re not as bad as selfish shapeshifters who are willing to sacrifice billions to get their planet back,” Julianna agreed.
Fletcher had momentarily forgotten about the mission to stop the Saverus, so thick was his hate for Rosco.
Eddie combed his hand over his forehead. “We will get a lead on that, don’t worry,” he said, his voice hypocritically full of anxiety.
Julianna nodded, a numb expression on her face.
“How is Lars?” Fletcher asked, trying to fill the silence.
Eddie smiled. “He’s fine. Well, he always says he’s fine, but even the doctors agree that he will be all right. Just needs a little bit of rest.”
Fletcher nodded, his head heavy. He knew that Lars had signed on for the mission, but it was still hard for him to think that his friend had been injured while on Anara. When he and Nona had transported Lars to the medical wing, he hadn’t acted like he was in pain at all.
Instead, he couldn’t stop talking about how the natives of the Cantjik Sea could go back to a life of peace, now that their mother island was returned to them. This had brought pride to Fletcher, too—knowing they’d done more than apprehend a deadly pirate.
As they helped Lars to a bed in the infirmary, he swayed, watching them with a dazed look in his eyes. “It’s not a happy ending for those natives. It’s better. It’s a happy beginning.”
Then the Kezzin’s eyes rolled back in his head, and he passed out from blood loss.
After ten more minutes of silence, Jack burst into his office, his attention on his desk.
“What’s going on?” Julianna asked, though he’d dashed right for his computer and began typing furiously.
He slammed his finger down on a final key, eyeing the screen. Something popped up on the monitor a moment later.
Jack’s eyes broadened, excitement springing to his face. “Yes! That checks out!”
“What checks out?” Eddie asked, striding over to the desk.
“I got Rosco to talk,” Jack stated simply, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
“About…?” Julianna encouraged.
Jack strode around his desk, taking a seat on the arm of one of the chairs. “It’s only a small lead, but it’s better than anything we’ve had in ages, and I suspect it will lead to more information.”
Julianna lowered her chin, staring at Jack with hooded eyes. “Specifically, what the hell are you talking about?”
Jack, who appeared more than lost in his excited thoughts, nodded, seeming to try to come back to himself. “Right, sorry. It’s only that we’ve been grasping for leads, and this is a huge breakthrough.” He shook his head, realizing that he was going off on another vague tangent. “Anyway, I’ve known for a while that Rosco was working with a group called the Starboard. However, as you three know full well, tracking down Rosco was near to impossible. Good work, there, Fletcher.”
Fletcher released a hesitant smile, nodding his acceptance of the compliment.
“So you’ve been hunting for this group, Starboard?” Eddie asked.
Jack shook his head. “No, I’ve been looking for the corporation they serve.”
“Oh, right!” Eddie chirped. “Because they are the villains responsible for a terrorist organization or weapons dealer.”
Jack shook his head again. “No. The corporation, although corrupt, is only a small powerhouse. They have a partnership with a truly horrendous corporation, which continues to evade prosecution for their evil deeds.”
“Got it!” Eddie stated. “And Rosco’s lead gets you one step closer to this corporation.”
“But the corporation isn’t the end goal here,” Jack said.
Eddie laughed. “Of course not. Why didn’t I see that this rabbit hole would just keep going?”
Jack cleared his throat. “Monstre Corp is responsible for the degradation of a cluster of planets on the Frontier.”
“Why aren’t we out there stopping them?” Eddie asked.
“Because you’re here, trying to stop the Saverus,” Jack stated simply. “There are many battles to be fought.”
“And with this lead, we’re one step closer,” Julianna concluded firmly.
Jack agreed with a nod. “Monstre is only as bad as its leader. A man named Solomon Vance. If that name doesn’t inspire fear in you yet, it will once you become acquainted with his history.”
“So he uses his corporation to intimidate the Frontier, all the while going unchecked, is that right?”
“Pretty much,” Jack confirmed. “We can’t even locate the board members, much less Solomon. The corporation’s dealings are always quick, so by the time we get wind of it, they’ve disappeared to another area of the Frontier.”
“Sounds like Ghost Squadron needs to put a swift end to this bullying organization,” Eddie said.
“Although Monstre Corp is a big part of the problem,” Jack began, “the organization isn’t the reason that Solomon is dangerous. The threat is that he used to work within the Federation as a scientist.”
Eddie let out a loud breath. “It’s always the science-types who are the most diabolical.”
“I don’t disagree,” Jack said with a laugh. “Science is the most radical power. It changes everything.”
“What did Solomon do to get thrown out of the Federation?” Julianna asked.
“He didn’t get thrown out. He left,” Jack said, dark shadows flicking in his eyes. “Taking with him a specimen, and all the research for the project he’d been working on with his team.”
“We have backups, though,” Julianna argued.
Jack shook his head. “Solomon was thorough. He didn’t leave anyone alive who could speak about the project.”
“He killed his team?” Eddie asked, disgust heavy in his voice.
Jack nodded darkly. “I’m afraid so.”
“Then we have no way of knowing the details of the project or the specimen,” Julianna stated.
Jack rose, leaning forward on his toes, and clasped his hands behind his back. “It’s true that we know little, but what we do know is that, if his project was successful, he could be more powerful than almost anyone in the Federation. It was rumored that he’d found a way, using the Etheric, to bring a collective energy to life, to harness an all-encompassing power.”
“I-I-I don’t understand,” Eddie stuttered. “Why would that be considered?”
Jack let out a breath. “Solomon was trying to create a monster.”
Julianna shot Eddie a cautious look. Humans and aliens are monsters. We create ships and weapons to fight our battles with. How is this so different?
“It’s impossible to tell at this point if Solomon was successful,” Jack began, “but if he was, this monster could soon be loose. There’s no telling what it is capable of, but, based on Monstre’s history, we won’t want to find out the hard way.”
“So your lead checked out?” Eddie asked, pointing at the computer screen.
“Yes, but it only leads to Starboard,” Jack stated. “There’s still a lot of digging and hunting to be done.”
“We wouldn’t eve
n have that, if Fletcher hadn’t brought Rosco in for trial,” Julianna stated, nodding proudly in his direction.
He had sat quite still throughout the meeting, stress making his shoulders tense.
Jack smiled broadly. “It’s the biggest break we’ve had in a long time. Great work, Lieutenant.”
“We’re ready to start hunting for this Solomon,” Eddie said, all fired up.
Jack swallowed and nodded. “In time. Right now, the Saverus should be our priority.”
“Right,” Julianna said, striding for the door, before remembering they still had no leads on the case.
It was infuriating.
The ship shifted slightly, buzzing with the familiar vibration that happened right before they gated.
The commander froze. Then she turned and looked at Jack. “Did you request a change in our locations? Is there new information on the Saverus?”
His face scrunched up in confusion. “No, I have no new information.”
“I’ve taken it upon myself to change the location of the ship,” Ricky Bobby stated overhead.
“Why?” Julianna asked, irritation flaring in her voice. “We agreed that being close to Savern was best, in case we need to move fast.”
“That’s correct, but I’ve made a different decision based on my own observations,” Ricky Bobby said.
“What’s going on?” Jack asked.
“The team currently has no breakthroughs in the case, and meanwhile, morale and stress continue to be a negative factor for the crew,” Ricky Bobby explained.
“That’s because we are up against a tight deadline,” Julianna argued, her voice rising. “If we aren’t in position when something happens, how can we stop it? So much is riding on us to stop the Saverus. You get that, right, Ricky?”
“I absolutely understand,” Ricky Bobby said, unaffected by the scolding.
“Then why would you take us away from the planet?” Eddie asked.
“Sometimes a break can lead to a bit of clarity,” Ricky Bobby stated. “I made the executive decision that you and the crew needed something to help break through the walls. Because if you stay positioned where you are, you may never get any closer to learning what the Saverus are up to, and then you’ll be at the epicenter of the tear.”
“How dare you!” Julianna revolted. “You can’t make executive decisions.”
“I can, actually,” Ricky Bobby said matter-of-factly. “And I firmly believe that where I’m taking you will help. What the team needs is a break, so that you can make a break through. Then you’ll be ready to pursue the Saverus.”
Julianna pressed her eyes closed. It made sense, but it also meant taking a giant risk.
She let out a steadying breath, trying to quell her anger. “I hope you’re right, Ricky Bobby.”
“My instinct tells me that I am,” he said.
“Okay, so where are you taking us?” Eddie asked.
“It’s a surprise,” Ricky Bobby stated simply.
Chapter Twenty-Two
En route to Planet Noircun, Q-Ship, Tangki System
“What do you suspect is down there?” Eddie asked over the comm as he steered one of the six Q-Ships down to the planet below.
“Probably not enough whiskey to save Ricky Bobby’s ass,” Julianna sent back. She peered through the viewscreen at the glowing blue and green planet. It didn’t appear especially unique, except for the splashes of pink and purple lights that sparkled and faded every so often.
“I ask that you keep an open mind, Julianna,” Ricky Bobby said, interfaced into the comm for this team-building mission.
“People only ever say that when they realize they’re about to disappoint,” Julianna said to Harley, who sat in the copilot’s seat. The dog gave her a sideways look that she instantly interpreted as agreement.
“My initial scans of the terrain aren’t picking up anything of unique interest,” Marilla reported from the first row behind Julianna.
“There could be several plausible explanations for that,” Chester reasoned.
Marilla shrugged, continuing to type on her device.
Julianna let their musings fade into a soft mumble in the background as she stared at the ships around her. It was hard to believe that a few months ago, they’d had only one Q-Ship, and the team was only her and Eddie.
“We’ve come a long way,” Julianna said absentmindedly to Harley.
He scanned the ships in formation around them—seeming to read her mind—and whimpered, a soft, agreeable sound.
I should be jealous of the easy relationship you have with the dog, Pip said in her head.
Because… Julianna probed.
Because he gets you more than I seem to, he complained.
You started off as an irritating EI and slowly evolved into an even more annoying AI.
And Harley was once a slobbery dog who licked his ass, but now understands what you say and responds accordingly…but has no formal education.
Your point?
You seem to click with him.
I click with you, she argued.
No, we like each other, but there isn’t the same chemistry.
What are you talking about?
You and I have a love-hate relationship.
I hated Harley at first.
Only because you were afraid of loving him. Just like someone else I know…someone who has no formal education, but who has evolved.
Your insinuations aren’t appreciated.
Do you think you’d ever have truly loved Harley if you hadn’t had to risk everything to save him? Pip mused, a playful tone in his voice.
Do you have a point?
Love is a bed of hot coals one must walk across.
That makes no sense.
Pip sighed. I know. I don’t feel like I make much sense lately.
Huh. Sounds rough, Julianna said, entering the planet’s atmosphere.
I know, I’m concerned too.
I’m sure it’s nothing. Try not to worry about it, she said dismissively.
I’d love to talk about it more with you later. Thanks.
Julianna smiled. I’m busy later.
After a moment she said, If I’m honest, though, you sound restless, Pip.
How observant of you. I’m shocked.
I’ve had experience with these things.
Well, what do you think is going on, at my core?
I think that you are going through another mini evolution. Maybe it started when you entered the captain’s head, or took over his body. Or maybe it’s stemming from something different. The thing is, Pip, that when we think we have everything all figured out, the landscape changes, and we realize that we still have so much to learn. I could live a thousand lifetimes and still not know everything.
You know, Julianna, despite your bad temper and preference for hairy men and hairier creatures, I really like you.
You know, Pip, you’re an asshole, but I kind of like you too.
Okay, I’m going to go look at my horoscope and see if it will shine any light on this situation.
How do you have a zodiac sign?
If I’m going with my evolution to AI, that makes me a Ophiuchus.
What? That’s a sign? I’ve never heard of it.
Oh gods, Jules. Get with the times. They added a thirteenth sign eons ago to accommodate the thirteen constellations.
As seen from Earth.
So…?
So I guess Ophiuchuses aren’t known for their logic, then?
We are the bearer of serpents.
Well, that should prove useful in our battle against the Saverus, Julianna joked.
We are also sexually alluring and jealous lovers.
I just threw up in my mouth.
Hiss, Pip said as Julianna readied the ship for landing.
Eddie peered out of the open hatch at the inconspicuous landscape. The air was moist and smelled of moss. The grassy meadow that stretched out in front of the Q-Ships disappeared into a rising mist, which obstru
cted the view. Most disembarking from the Q-Ships were staring up in awe at the bright blue, green, pink and orange lights in the dark sky. They were reminiscent of a phenomenon on Earth that Eddie had watched a program about, the aurora borealis.
“Wow, those are beautiful,” Eddie said, still standing inside the ship so he could communicate with Ricky Bobby. The secretive AI had declared in his new executive fashion that there should be no comms once on the planet. He said they’d interfere with the objective of relaxing and unwinding.
“The rainbow lights of Noircun are indeed beautiful,” Ricky Bobby stated.
Eddie scratched his chin, deciding how best to say what he was thinking. “I love to see new things, and it’s definitely mesmerizing the crew, but I’m not sure how this is worthy of our time.”
“Although the lights are worth the trip, and many come from all over to see them,” Ricky Bobby began, “they are not the main reason I’ve brought you all here.”
“Oh, really?”
Eddie was relieved. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but he was hoping it was enough to quell Julianna’s anger at the AI. He needed her focused on the current mission, but she was still seething, distracted.
“Will you please lead the crew? I have a series of directions for you,” Ricky Bobby requested cryptically.
Julianna stood next to Hatch outside the Q-Ship, mirroring his reluctant stance with her arms crossed in front of her chest.
“Watch your step,” Eddie warned, waving Julianna forward. She cast a tentative glance at Hatch before setting off behind Eddie. The rest of the crew slowly joined them, creating a line that streaked across the open area in front of the row of Q-Ships.
Julianna realized the reason for Eddie’s caution after a few steps. The slippery grass of the meadow made her feel like she’d lose her footing with each step.
“Where are we going? You said Ricky Bobby gave you instructions?” She looked over her shoulder to see many of the crew struggling with the trek—except for Hatch. He was quite adept at maneuvering over the space, his suctioned tentacles making the trip look easy.