Frequency
Page 7
“Perhaps I didn’t make myself clear, sergeant.” He paused, letting the meaning sink in. “But, I believe I told you to do something. If you wanted to make your own decisions, maybe you shouldn’t have joined the military. I’ve gotten everything I need. You have a clone on the loose. Light it up like Unification Day.”
Before the lieutenant had a chance to say another word, Black Suit stalked through the bulkhead and entered the shuttle.
Day 381 - 14:17 - Epilogue
Keri Beck shifted in the cold hospital chair. It had been nearly three weeks since a medivac and a squadron of marines had taken the Frequency team from the Ceres facility. Lincoln had been in a coma for all of that time. Edward had found him unconscious and losing blood on the floor of the station’s infirmary. Emily had pulled through, but she was still recovering in another wing. Edward had stayed with her for a week or so, but was needed to coordinate communications for a new operation in the Pegasus System.
The past two weeks had been one step shy of torture for what remained of the Frequency team, as they were subjected to an endless supply of questions and cross-examinations. After the clone, Michael Vance, had left to find the doctor, Keri never heard from him again. Edward woke up shortly after the clone disappeared, and Keri sent him to figure out what in the worlds was happening in the rest of the station.
They had called for evacuation, and two hours later, help had arrived. A team had already been dispatched to investigate the unresponsive shuttle. Group fifteen. If only they’d arrived a day sooner. Hours sooner, even.
The marines had thoroughly searched every nook and cranny of the station, Michael Vance had not made an appearance. So, the team was grilled until it was clear their story wouldn’t be changing. Zachary Gibbs didn’t have any family remaining, so he was quietly cremated in the medical facility and his ashes were ejected into space. Damien’s parents came to pick up his body and take it back to Earth for the ceremony, shedding tears and cursing the war for taking their precious son.
The admiralty had ordered all data from the station to be transferred to military facilities for further study, including all logs, and had then unceremoniously torched the station. They would continue the research and implement the Frequency in the best way that they saw fit.
“At least we had a good time, right?” Lincoln’s hoarse voice came haltingly as he forced his eyes open.
“Yea, something like that.” Keri leaned closer to him, smiling. “You’re awake. You went through the ringer there.”
“You should see the other guy,” Lincoln chuckled and grimaced in pain from the effort. “What time is it?”
“It’s fourteen hundred or so. You’ve been out for two and a half weeks. They torched the station.”
“Did they now? What about our work?”
“Confiscated.” Keri thought for a moment. She wanted to say something else, but she kept it to herself.
“Did you try it?” Lincoln asked pointedly.
“Yes, but…” Keri trailed off.
“But what?”
“We lost power. I’m assuming after the pilot got the best of you. We were in the middle of the test when it happened. We don’t have any way to know if anything got through.”
“He survived, though?” Lincoln grimaced again as he tried to sit up.
Keri reached forward to help him. “He probably saved all our lives, Lincoln.”
“At least Damien didn’t die for nothing.” Lincoln waved his hand, dismissing the idea of sitting up. His whole body ached. Including his heart. His friend was gone, and nothing could change that now. He could only hope that his work had been enough.
“His work may have changed the tide of the war.” Keri rested a reassuring hand on Lincoln’s shoulder.
“I thought you weren’t sure if it worked?”
“I think he—the clone—was already conflicted. I think maybe the Frequency needs an open mind to work. And maybe it doesn’t reprogram the clones, but maybe it gives them a choice. Choice is a powerful thing.”
“So what happened to it?” Lincoln asked. “The clone you woke up? Where is he?”
Keri’s face fell. “That’s the thing: we don’t know. I wasn’t fully convinced he was on our side when he first woke up. I think he knew that. After the pilot, he went to look for you and Damien, and never came back.”
“Sounds like I missed a lot,” Lincoln admitted. “Did he get off the station before they torched it?”
“I don’t see how. There was a man there, he was… tenacious,” Keri said.
“I can probably guess. Well, at least we know a little more. We know there’s something we can do. Our time wasn’t wasted.” Lincoln’s voice cracked. He swallowed hard, trying not to blame himself. He should’ve never let Damien go through with his plan. But if he hadn’t they might not know what they do now. Someone had the data, anyway. “Damien’s life wasn’t wasted.”
“I imagine this is something he’ll be remembered for.” Keri smiled.
“And he would hate every minute of it,” Lincoln laughed. Keri laughed with him and the two commiserated in the memory of their friend. Finally, Lincoln turned to look at Keri with a serious expression. “Now let’s end this God-forsaken war.”
Acknowledgements
First, I would be remiss if I didn't thank my lovely wife, Hailee, for everything you do to support me and push me to do what I love. You are my first beta reader, and the first to tell me when something works or doesn't. You're my first springboard to bounce ideas around with. You believe in me and push me to be better and to keep my focus on what’s important. I certainly wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for your love, support, and constant encouragement. You don't care how successful I am, you just want me to love what I do, and that is so valuable to me.
Second, Bryan Todd is one of the best friends a guy could hope for, and an unbelievable creative partner. Without his creative mind and technical expertise, I wouldn’t be able to do half of what I do. The long calls, FaceTimes, and brainstorming sessions are invaluable to me. I look forward to brainstorming and creating more with you, dude. Also, would you hurry up and finish your book? The world needs it.
The online writing community is an absolute treasure to me. I’ve made so many incredible friendships that I value so much, and my reading list grows daily from new talented, incredible writers who are putting amazing stuff out there. I’ve never been a part of anything like it. You guys have always been so incredible and encouraging, and I most assuredly wouldn't have created what I have today without all the awesome support from you guys, especially the beloved #RedditWriters.
To those who helped me refine, refine, and refine this to get it where it needs to be, I cannot thank you enough. Brad McNaughton, your honest feedback was valuable, even crucial, to helping me hone this. Thank you so much for reading and giving incredible beta feedback. Jamie Mauchline, your insight into characters and pacing was invaluable to me. Thank you for reading the whole thing not only once, but twice, and providing incredible advice and insight. You've helped me grow as a writer!
Finally, Katie Powner, you're a rockstar. You've been so awesome throughout this whole process, and I seriously don't know how I would've been satisfied with the final product without your advice. You weren't shy about calling me out on silly mistakes and issues at every turn—just the kind of ruthlessness I needed. Seriously, thank you so much for all your time and energy and dedication to helping me finish strong with this piece. You've made me a better writer.
I'm sure I missed some of you wonderful people, so feel free to yell at me on Twitter if I did.
About the Author
C. Scott Frank is an author, blogger, designer, animator and all around nerd. He writes about parenting, faith, and fostering with his wife, Hailee at afrankvoice.com.
Other works by C. Scott Frank:
Echo
Frosthammer (With Bryan Todd)
You can connect with C. Scott Frank on Twitter (@C_ScottFrank), Facebook
(Facebook.com/CScottFrank) or his website
(www.cscottfrank.com).
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