by Ken Lozito
Hicks pursed his lips and nodded. "You make a compelling argument."
"Unless she's just trying to fool us and this is all part of her diabolical plan to take over the universe," Zack said and smiled.
"Thank you, Athena, for sharing your thoughts on the matter," Kaylan said.
"You're welcome, Commander."
Chapter Nine
Garm Antis strode from the Confederation assembly meeting hall. The battle-steel-plated twin megaliths gleamed behind him, and elite soldiers from the Xiiginn Infiltrator Corps formed a security bubble around him—not that he had any fear of attack here in the heart of the Confederation. The Infiltrator Corps had spread throughout the Confederation, and its ability to control key members of the Confederation species was well known throughout the Xiiginn Empire.
He headed down the walkway to the transport vehicle waiting to take him away. A Xiiginn soldier opened the door as Garm Antis approached the vehicle and stepped inside, and the soldier closed the door behind him. Runa Tane was already waiting inside and regarded him with a bemused expression.
"Liberate these Humans from Boxan oppression. That was the argument you used to convince the Confederation assembly to support this armada?" Runa Tane said.
"Come now, you know better than that. Yes, there’s still a lot of hatred for the Boxans, thanks to us, but the real reason there’s so much keen interest in this armada is the hope of gaining a technological advantage. A shield that can encompass an entire star system would be a truly significant advantage to have. Besides the opportunity to study the technology and use it to protect our ships and this space station, there are plenty of applications for which this technology could be used," Garm Antis said and watched as Runa Tane considered it.
"I see what you mean, but we're not going to allow Confederation species access to any such technology, at least not at first," Runa Tane said.
"Of course not. It will be Confederation council species first and foremost. And if we're going to be honest, it's really going to be just us. We have an opportunity to change the Confederation," Garm Antis said.
The end of Runa Tane's tail coiled over his shoulder. "The Gresans will have a significant presence in the armada, and the Napox are notorious for their ability to acquire items that aren't theirs. We’ll need to keep them in line," Runa Tane said.
Garm Antis waved the comment away. "We'll have the Gloffians and Tananites, as well as the Venliyaris—any of which at a moment’s notice can join together to keep a species like the Gresans occupied."
The transport vehicle left the landing platform, and Garm Antis looked out the window. They were heading to the main Confederation tower, where his offices were.
"That might work, but the Infiltrator Corps has reported increased rebellious activity from some of the subspecies factions," Runa Tane said.
"Well, we were going to plan a quelling as part of the tasks for this armada. Perhaps we need to activate certain sleeper agents we have among those species," Garm Antis said.
Runa Tane nodded. "Yes, of course, but we may need to do more with our infiltrators who are in position."
"The propaganda machine has been proven to work, keeping the subspecies so busy and fearful that they argue among themselves. They're easier to control that way. We rally them behind a purpose and they do our bidding. Right now, the Confederation believes the liberation of the Humans is a righteous action in light of our history with the Boxans. When any species believes they’re in the right—morally outraged, if you will—they have the potential to do unspeakable things that they wouldn't have even considered before. This is why the armada will succeed despite a few ineffectual factions," Garm Antis replied.
"The Confederation shipyards have given us an estimate of how many Trident warships they can have ready for us, and I think you'll be pleased. The ships were already in production to replenish the losses from our fleet’s previous engagement," Runa Tane said, and Garm Antis wasn't immune to the soft reminder of his failure to conquer the Humans.
"Going back to your previous comment," Garm Antis said, deciding it was better to ignore Runa Tane's jab, "I want a task force in charge of keeping the armada in line as the species arrive here. There’s no room for error. Every ship will host a Xiiginn contingent to help with coordinating the armada as a fighting force," Garm Antis said.
Runa Tane looked at him sharply. "That request is beyond the available soldiers we have in the capital. I’ll draft the requirements and send them back to the homeworld."
"There’ll be no resistance for the same reasons the rest of the Confederation species are amiable to forming the armada," Garm Antis replied.
The transport ship landed on the upper platform near his office in the tower, and Garm Antis and Runa Tane left the vehicle and went inside. Setera sat on one of the couches outside his office and stood up as he approached. She was a fine feminine specimen of their race. Perhaps he would mate with her for a time.
Setera bowed her head respectfully. "Supreme Chancellor," she said.
Garm Antis stopped and met Setera's violet gaze. His tail slunk around her narrow waist and pulled her closer to him. "My favorite scientific advisor."
Setera didn’t resist his overtures in the slightest. Her eyes widened and blood rushed to her lips, making them fuller. He sensed her arousal almost as much as his own, but her arms remained at her sides, just as his were. She would wait for him to initiate the unleashing of their more primal instincts. There was a pregnant pause in the air as Garm Antis allowed the anticipation of the moment to build.
"You requested to see me, Chancellor," Setera said, breaking the silence.
Garm Antis pulled his tail back around his own waist and let her go. The buildup of anticipation made for the most delicious of moments. He intended to relish this conquest as much as what the armada would bring him. "Of course. Let’s go into my office. I have a proposal for you."
Garm Antis went into his office first and noticed Runa Tane watching Setera keenly.
"I am at your disposal, Chancellor. Given the support you've garnered for the armada, I trust that the estimations provided by my team to bring down the Star Shroud shield were met favorably?" Setera asked.
Garm Antis smiled at the small reminder of her contribution to his success. She was entitled to it, and she pushed just enough to make her presence known without overstepping her place. It was no accident that she’d risen so highly among the ranks of Xiiginns here at the Confederation capital.
"As you’re aware, there’s a strong suspicion that the Humans possess the Mardoxian potential. Once we get past the Star Shroud shield, I'll need a very specialized team that can find Humans with the Mardoxian trait and extract the genetic code. After that, they'll need to enhance Xiiginn subjects until the process is perfected," Garm Antis said and watched her reaction. If anything, she seemed more aroused by this opportunity than the chance to lie with him. She was ambitious, but would she succumb to those urges to rise beyond her station? "I see you understand the importance of such a task."
"I do. If we were able to enhance our own species with the Mardoxian potential, we would be unstoppable. The Boxans would finally be vanquished," Setera replied.
Garm Antis regarded her for a moment. "Is that all?"
"I’d like to serve on the team, Chancellor," Setera said.
"I'll see that you get your chance. You've earned enough that you’ll be highly considered for the team," Garm Antis said.
Setera's gaze narrowed. "With all due respect, Chancellor, I’ve earned the right to lead whatever science team you put in charge of this task."
Garm Antis glanced at Runa Tane, who smiled knowingly, and then turned back to Setera. "Indeed. I was curious to see if you’d raise that issue. Knowing one's place is important, but what is equally important is knowing when to push for what’s rightfully yours."
Setera frowned for a moment before smoothing her features. "A test? You were testing me again? Haven't I proven myself to you already?"
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Garm Antis didn't answer her, which he knew would increase her frustration. Instead, he opened a holoscreen over his desk and looked at the prominent report there. Garm Antis shook his head and gestured for Runa Tane to come over. "We need to assemble the ships faster. They can do better than this timeline."
Runa Tane studied the report for a moment. "We can apply pressure to them." Runa Tane glanced at Setera questioningly.
Garm Antis could tell she was still angry. "She can stay. If she's to lead the science team, she'll need to know what she's up against."
Garm Antis watched as Setera looked at Runa Tane.
"Mar Arden. You've heard of him?" Runa Tane asked.
"I have, but I'm not sure why he's important here. His actions led to the Nershal uprising," Setera said.
Garm Antis grimaced. "She has a point. With our preoccupation with the Humans, we've allowed the Nershals to believe they've ousted us from their star system. However, we cannot afford to be distracted from the task at hand."
"What do you propose to do about the Nershals then?" Runa Tane asked.
"I'd like to send a battalion of Trident warships to take out Nerva's infrastructure, as well as their fleet, but there's a good chance the Boxans will be there," Garm Antis said.
"Isn't that what you want? To engage the Boxans?" Setera asked.
Garm Antis's estimation of his scientific advisor went up another notch. She raised the question without presuming to know what it was he wanted, and she didn’t presume there was a "them." "Engaging the Boxans in the Nerva star system wouldn't lead us to their precious colony. I have no doubt the Boxans would commit a significant amount of their remaining fleets in defense of Nerva, but they would all die to prevent us from reaching their colony. Therefore, we gain nothing by fighting them there, at least for the moment. No, our war with the Boxans will be decided at the Human star system. The Nershals are insignificant and will be dealt with at a time of our choosing."
"The Nershals have gained nothing but the delay of the inevitable," Runa Tane said.
"I understand," Setera said and looked at Garm Antis. "Chancellor, will you authorize me to use my own team for this new assignment?"
"Does your team possess the necessary skills?" Garm Antis asked and then held up his hand. "Don't answer that. I want you to give me a team proposal. There will be some members that I’ll assign to you, so keep that in mind."
Setera frowned. "After what I've done for you, you still don't trust me. How can I earn your trust?"
Garm Antis gave her a long look. "If you successfully bring me the Mardoxian genetic code, you will have earned my trust," he said, but what he kept thinking was that if Setera did bring him the Mardoxian genetic code, there would be no way he could let her live.
"Understood, Chancellor. I will get to work right away," Setera said, and Garm Antis watched her leave.
"Do you think she knows?" Runa Tane asked.
"I'm not sure," Garm Antis answered honestly.
Runa Tane nodded. "Certainly makes things interesting."
"It does, doesn't it? I might almost regret what will happen to her," Garm Antis said.
Runa Tane pursed his lips, considering. "It's our way, but if she’s aware of the danger she'll be in if she succeeds, it will be quite telling to see what she does—meaning, will she throw herself against us or will she try to find a way to survive and still serve at your side? If she does that, she’ll be with you always, if that's what you want."
Garm Antis clasped his hands behind his back and allowed his thoughts to roam freely for a few moments. If Setera tried to kill him, he'd have no choice but to kill her. If she delivered the Mardoxian genetic code to him and remained loyal to him, he might let her live, but he knew the chances of that were slim at best. Runa Tane was right. This was how the Xiiginn Empire worked, and those who understood this tended to survive the longest.
Chapter Ten
Kaylan sat in the pilot's seat of the Athena's shuttle and looked out the window to a stunning view of the stars in the Nerva star system. Zack sat off to the side, his face a mask of concentration as he focused on his tablet. It was quiet in the shuttle with just the two of them. There was a clear view of a nebula that was close to the Nerva star system. The massive clouds of dust, plasma, and gas appeared as layers of rusty orange on a celestial painter’s palette that stretched far along the horizon. Bright stars shined from the dark and seemed to hop across the nebula as if a smooth stone had skipped across a calm lake.
"Hey," Kaylan said. "You should take a look at this view. This nebula is amazing. I’ve never taken the time to look at it before."
Zack nodded and grunted but didn't look up from the tablet. If anything, the furrows in his brow deepened as if she were intruding on his concentration. She reached across and gave his arm a gentle pat. Zack looked at her, his narrowed gaze making him seem slightly annoyed at the intrusion. He let his tablet settle onto his lap and looked out the shuttle's windows.
"Beautiful," Zack said.
"Come on. Stop being like this," Kaylan said.
"I told you I needed more time. The only thing my command sequence can do is break the Star Shroud devices forever. I know I can get this. I just need more time," Zack said and glanced at the tablet in his lap as if he could force it to give him the answers.
"We don't have time to wait. Every moment we delay gives the Confederation more time to assemble their armada," Kaylan said.
"I know. Believe me, I know. That's why it's so important that I get this right. This could be Earth's only defense from the Confederation," Zack replied.
She knew he blamed himself for them not being able to disable the shield. He was wrong, but she couldn't convince him of that. She hoped that deep down Zack would realize the truth. "Have you considered that maybe it was never meant to work the way you think it should? That the only way to undo what was done is to break it?"
Zack drew in a deep breath and leaned his head back against the top of the chair.
"I know you wanted to find a way to use what we found on the Drar space station to protect Earth, and you did. Now it's time for it to come down. We can't live behind a wall. That's not how we move forward," Kaylan said.
Zack swallowed and squeezed the bridge of his nose. "The shield is constricting, which means that power is an issue. I have no idea how long the shield can last. I don't even understand what's keeping it running in the first place."
"That's why the shield has to come down before the fact that it's constricting causes something we can't fix," Kaylan replied.
Zack looked at her. "How are we going to get a message to them? The shield blocks communications as well."
Kaylan arched an eyebrow and smiled. If he hadn't been so focused on the shield he would have figured it out. "The Boxans once sent a Mardoxian signal to Earth containing a message that held embedded systems of knowledge. I'm going to try to do the same thing."
Zack considered this for a moment and shook his head. "When Ma'jasalax sent the original message it was amplified through the monitoring stations. The one back home is inside the shield. How is the signal going to get through?"
"I don't know, but I have to try."
"When we went to the Drar space station, you couldn't use your ability to see beyond the shield there. What if the same thing happens?"
"I'm hoping it will be different this time. The shield at the Drar space station has to be different than the one created with the Star Shroud devices," Kaylan said.
"Yeah, but Kaylan, that's a heck of a lot of assumptions—"
"I know," Kaylan said, cutting him off. "I don't have all the answers. I just know that in order for us to survive, that shield needs to come down. If the Confederation Armada reaches Earth, it will already be too late. I need to send a message home, and it has to have your instructions for shutting down the Star Shroud shield." She'd raised her voice and Zack winced. "I'm sorry," Kaylan said and looked away. "I didn't mean to yell."
Zack waited
a few moments and she looked at him. He had a goofy smile on his face. "Wouldn't be the first time," he said and grinned.
Kaylan jabbed his arm. "Jerk," she said and snorted.
She didn't know how he did it. She was trying to make him feel better, and in the span of a few seconds he managed to return the favor.
"I guess we're doing a lot of things by taking a leap of faith," Zack said.
Kaylan nodded. Whenever she focused her mind on all the problems they were dealing with, she always came back to the Confederation and the Star Shroud shield.
"I don't know how the Mardoxian signal works. I know I felt you—or your presence—when I was a prisoner, but there was no message," Zack said.
"I couldn't speak to you. I just needed to find you, but when I saw you in danger, I think it heightened the signal somehow. Ma'jasalax says emotions can affect my abilities," Kaylan said.
Zack shrugged. "Let's hope this works. Their ship is just ahead."
Kaylan opened a comms channel to the Boxan heavy cruiser. It was the prototype cruiser that the Mardoxian Sect had secretly been building on Olloron. The ship was still under Kladomaor's command, but when Kaylan told Ma'jasalax what she intended to do, the Mardoxian priestess had advised her to come to their ship.
They were cleared to dock with the cruiser, and Kaylan flew the shuttle to one of the smaller docking areas of the ship. A docking tube extended to the shuttle while docking clamps held the shuttle in place and secured it to the Boxan heavy cruiser. They climbed out of their chairs and went to the rear airlock, where they waited until the indicator lights switched to green.
Zack tilted his head as if he'd just arrived at some sort of conclusion. He looked over at her. "We really need to ask the Boxans how their docking tubes can change configuration to accommodate different kinds of ships. I've been taking it for granted, but I remember Michael talking to me about how the different space agencies had to agree on a docking system design so they all could send supplies to the ISS."