by Dennis Young
Talice nodded. “Hua, Sergeant. I’ll do that.” She nodded to Mac’s legs. “We need to get you standing a bit more, too. I’d love to see you take a couple of steps in the next ten days or so.”
“Fine by me. Let’s do this.” Mac scooted closer. “You get everyone focused on sweating, and I’ll focus on standing and getting ready for that first step. Let’s see who yells first.”
Talice gave her a hard look. “I’m serious. You need to be walking in thirty days. A little bird told me.”
“Yeah, I know. So let’s do it, lady. You and me.” Mac reached over and gave Talice a hug.
They drew slowly apart, and Talice sighed. “Sure hope we remember how to do this. It’s just been so damn long.”
“Clean slate. You said so.”
“Good advice?” Talice laughed. “That’s probably a first.”
* * *
Three days and a bit more were spent in the gym. Mac posted Briggs’s routines for everyone each day. Tempers cooled. Reps were completed. Sets were done. Muscles tensed and relaxed, then again. And again. And again. Spotters spotted. Encouragements were shouted. “Hua’s” were heard.
This is more like it. Almost like Boot, thought Talice. Maybe that’s how far we’ve fallen. Well, if so, we’ll just climb back up.
That afternoon, two Marine turbocopters landed at the training site. Fawkes, Babs, and a staff of medtechs exited from one, a rifle platoon from the other. Talice and Mac stood at the tarmac edge and passed worried glances to each other.
“Was your breakup with Fawkes that bad?” Mac shook her head as Talice only grimaced.
But the smile on Fawkes’s face, and the casual manner he and Babs approached with, gave no indication of trouble.
Talice stood straighter. “Welcome back to the Hell-Hole, Colonel, Doctor.”
Fawkes motioned to the Marines, now arrayed in neat rows beside the turbocopter. “Brought you some more security personnel. We’ll talk about that later. In the meantime, let’s get the doctor and her staff settled in for a couple of days. Then I’d like to see you and Mac at HQ. And I brought some interesting jazz for you to hear.”
Talice looked at Mac and then herself, both dressed in sweat-stained workout clothes. “We can be there in an hour. Give us a bit of time for showers and proper presentation.”
Babs eyed Talice and Mac. “We have work to do while I’m here. Goals for both of you were due some time ago. Let’s see how it’s worked out.”
Three MPs joined Fawkes as he made his way to the HQ building. Babs and her staff headed for the infirmary. Talice watched them carefully. “Something’s up, and I have no idea what. You know ‘jazz’ is a code, right?”
Mac nodded, saying nothing. She turned toward the barracks and Talice fell in beside her. “For a Lieutenant Colonel to drop in unannounced says the comm system is at risk again.”
“Jance?”
Mac shook her head. “No idea, Princess, but I know one thing for sure. We’re not gonna like it.”
* * *
Talice and Mac entered the HQ office common room. A no-nonsense MP sat at the desk. Two others, armed, with weapons slung, stood to either side of him.
“ID’s please.” The MP extended his hand without looking up.
Talice sighed and dropped her “no longer a Marine” ID card into his meaty fingers. Mac did the same. The MP made notes on his SLATE and handed them back without looking at them. “Down the hall, third door on the left.” He still hadn’t looked either of the women in the eye.
Talice spoke. “When addressing an officer and a senior enlisted rank, even retired, it’s protocol to face them. I’d ask the courtesy we’re extending you to be returned.” She paused for effect. “Let’s see your eyes, Marine.”
The MP rose. The others tensed, just a bit. His voice was low, the tone unmistakable. “You’re former Marines, that’s true. You’re also mercenaries. That is, you do what you do for money. While I have no problem with people making an honest living, I’m not sure yours is exactly that. Captain.” His eyes locked with Talice’s for a long, dreadful moment.
“I see. Then maybe you’d like to resign and join our little team. Learn what it’s like to not have the support and backup of the Corps. Learn what it’s like to face superior odds without the Battalion coming over the hill to rescue you. Learn what it’s like to rely on no one but yourself and your teammates. Learn what it’s like…” She paused for effect. “To be a former Marine, who wanted nothing more than to remain in the Corps. And still faces things you can’t possibly understand. Corporal.”
Mac gave the MP a withering look as they headed down the corridor. “Never seen that before,” she muttered, as Talice knocked on the door.
Talice didn’t wait for an invitation to enter. Mac glided in behind her as Talice shut the door with a bit too much force.
Fawkes looked up, startled.
“Sorry.” Talice’s hands dug into the back of the chair before the desk. She focused on controlling… everything. Her breathing, her teeth gritting, her growing anger, her need to tear the chair to shreds.
Fawkes looked to Mac, who gave a palms-down “not now” gesture. Fawkes nodded slightly. “Tea? Coffee? Maybe a few nails to chew on?” He grinned a bit.
Talice shook her head, then relaxed. His clumsy humor helped. She wasn’t sure why. She met his questioning eyes. “Overreaction on my part. Obviously.”
“You have intel for us, Colonel?” Mac motioned Talice to the chair.
Fawkes drank from his coffee cup. “Yes, and I’m actually surprised it’s taken this long for developments. The wheels of politics move slowly.”
Talice looked up. “If they move at all. Usually the direction is retrograde.”
Fawkes shook his head. “Not always, but your point is taken. Let’s move on.” He passed his SLATE to Mac. “Parliament is starting to ask questions as to why civilian para-military organizations are being allowed the facilities here. The Brass has put them off about as long as they can. Hearings are being scheduled as we speak.”
“Para-military, as in us, right?” Talice chuckled. “Yeah, I thought about that after we moved in.”
Fawkes continued. “Command has issued a report which is the subject of the first hearing. That will likely take thirty days or so for the committee to digest. In the meantime, I’ve ordered additional Marine personnel to the Base here, to at least give the impression we’re reactivating the base for official use. ‘Future considerations’ is how it’s worded.”
“Which puts you directly in their crosshairs, Colonel.” Mac shook her head. “Sure you want to be there?”
“No choice. I’m the one who authorized your using of the Base in the first place.” He sighed. “That’s the bad news. The good news is… well, other bad news. But it does involve a mission.”
Talice held a hand. “Wait. What can we do to help you out of this mess? We can leave without a problem. If that would give you some leeway, we’ll do it today.”
Fawkes was silent for a moment. “Thanks, but it would only look like you’d been tipped off. No, we’ll ride this out. It’s officially Marine property, and technically we can do as we see fit with it. You know politicians sometimes think they’re in charge. And besides, elections are coming up at the end of the year.”
“What’s the old word?” Mac looked aside, thinking. “Great-standing? Is that it?”
“Close enough,” muttered Talice. “Dammit…”
“Let’s talk about other things.” Fawkes motioned to the SLATE in Mac’s hands. “Remember those names you gave me a while back? The councilmembers who have financial interests in the Fourth Sector?”
Talice glanced at the running script on the SLATE. She and Mac read together.
“They’re asking for our… for your involvement.” Fawkes drank again as they continued reading.
Talice looked up. “Blackmail?”
Fawkes nodded. “There are elements of Nemesis that apparently escaped from our Crius operation
. They’ve obtained these names and are threatening to turn them over to the authorities.”
“You said these are legal operations. Massage, escort, even sex.” Mac shook her head. “All licensed and covered under old laws. While I don’t agree with it, at least it’s legal under the law, and the… participants aren’t being abused.”
“Correct, but as I said, elections are coming up. Those particular names are on the ballots.”
Talice waved a hand. “Wait a minute. These men are councilmembers. Their business licenses are legal. The locals have to know about it. The other councilmembers know about it. Hell, the Prime Minister probably frequents the places!”
Fawkes shrugged. “Again, no argument. But the councilmen are nervous. And they have others who are just as nervous. They want… they want these Nemesis elements eliminated.”
Talice nearly stood. Only Mac’s hand on her arm stopped her. “Murder for fucking hire? That’s what they’re asking?”
“Nemesis is still the bad guy, Talice,” Mac muttered.
“No! Not… not for the sake of politics!”
Fawkes nodded to the SLATE. “I wanted to bring this up, so you could discuss it —”
“No discussion necessary.” Talice fumed, looking away.
“So you could discuss it,” Fawkes repeated. “I don’t expect an answer for a couple of days. There’s more for us to talk about later. Take a break. Go see Babs, I’m sure she wants to talk, too. To both of you.”
Mac looked at Talice. Talice held her gaze, then turned to Fawkes. “Not for politics. Not for fucking politicians so they can get reelected. If Nemesis is doing bad shit, fine, but not… not for this. Let your names find a fucking hit man.”
Mac’s hand hadn’t left Talice’s arm. “What we’re saying is… Colonel, find us another reason. Please. Otherwise, it’s a line that, if we cross, we can’t go back. You know this as well as we do.”
Fawkes considered, then nodded. “Let me see what I can find out. I’ll dig a bit deeper while I’m here, away from prying eyes. Give me twenty-four hours.”
“Fair enough.” Mac looked to Talice, rigid in her chair.
Talice stood. She nearly did an about-face and stalked out, but waited until Mac moved ahead of her. She paused in the corridor, sure she could almost feel Fawkes’s eyes on the door before she turned and walked away.
CHAPTER THREE
Do We Have the Time? (Part Three)
Dirty Business
“Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing.”
Sun Tzu, “The Art of War”
Nighttime at the Training Center…
Lights Out had passed an hour before, and still Talice couldn’t sleep. She tossed on her camis and jacket, headed out the door quietly, and exited the barracks. The sentries picked her up immediately, checked her ID, and let her go her way.
She stalked the tarmac, avoiding the turbocopters and ground craft parked by the hangars, and walked down the five-kilometer runway, thinking.
Fucking politicians. Can’t keep their noses out of anything. Can’t do the jobs they were elected to do, so they meddle in everyone else’s business. Geez, I hope the colonel doesn’t get in trouble over this. The top brass had to know about the team coming to the training center, didn’t they? Fuck…
Movement away caught her attention. A figure approached in the darkness, walking casually toward her. “Nice night for a walk.”
Talice relaxed. “Colonel. I certainly didn’t expect to see you tonight.”
Fawkes fell in beside her as they continued down the runway. “Just making the rounds. Honestly, I was having a bit of trouble sleeping, and thought maybe you might be out here, too, after our discussion.”
“Yeah. I’m just… I guess I shouldn’t be surprised this has happened. I sure don’t want to see you get in any trouble.”
Fawkes shook his head. “That won’t happen, Talice. The Commanding General is aware of the situation, and he’s forgotten more about politics than most of Parliament knows, collectively. This will pass, once elections are over.”
They walked on for a few silent moments.
“I’ve missed you,” he said.
“The Running Foxxe has probably cancelled our membership, right?” Talice chuckled, then sighed. “Colonel… Hal…” She paused to face him. “I don’t know what to do. Right now, I’m struggling just to get back to where I was a year ago, healthwise. The team…”
Fawkes was quiet as she talked, nodding slowly. “I understand. Talice, I can’t ask you to do any more than you’ve done. Regardless, you’re still the best in the business, and Command trusts you. If you can pull the team together for this mission, I promise it will be the last.”
Talice looked away, into the moon-lit distance. “We’re back in the gym. Another six or seven days, then into the field again. We needed to refocus. It’s helped.”
Fawkes nodded. “There’s something else you need to know. Colonel Vicker is retiring next year. He’s recommended me for his position in Command.”
Talice grinned. “Congratulations, Colonel. Honestly, he couldn’t have chosen a better successor.”
Fawkes shrugged. “Thank you.” He chuckled. “It’s not finalized, of course, but I’ll tell him I have your approval.”
They laughed quietly together, then resumed walking.
Fawkes paused again and turned to Talice, who slowed and faced him. “What about us? We haven’t really talked about it for a while.” He held a hand before she could reply. “I’m not asking for answers or promises, just that you think about it. I know your calendar is pretty full right now, still… we both have feelings we need to consider.”
She stepped closer and put her hand gently on his chest. “My feelings are about as crazy as ever. But you’re right. I shouldn’t string you along… or vice versa.”
“I would never do that to you, Talice.”
She sighed. “I know. We’re in the old ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ phase. Hal… I still don’t know how long I’m gonna live. And I gave you my confessional about not having kids.”
“As far as I’m concerned, that’s a non-issue. This is between you and me.” He touched her cheek gently.
Talice looked away. “Let me get through this mission. Hell, let me get through tomorrow first. Stay close. Stay safe. And then we’ll see what happens.”
“That stay safe part is pretty important for you, too. I’m sitting at a desk. You’re in the field with HE and AP rounds whizzing over your head.”
She nodded. “Yeah. For a Grunt like me, it’s the best place in the world. And the worst.” Talice looked back toward the barracks. “Look, I’ve got to get some sleep. Promise me you won’t wander off out here in the dark, and I’ll see you at breakfast in the morning.”
He drew her close and kissed her warmly. She curled her arm around his shoulder, responding. Then drew back slowly.
She looked at him with a twinkle in her eye. “Okay… that wasn’t fair.”
They held each other’s gaze with moonlight on their shoulders.
* * *
Back to the Grind…
Three days went by as a whirlwind. The team stayed in the gym; Talice wasn’t about to change their schedule, even with Fawkes and Babs watching their every move. The colonel gave a presentation regarding the “future considerations” for the training center. He didn’t mention politics or politicians, for which Talice gave thanks. He played it up. More Marines meant less work around the Base for the team. More camaraderie. They could focus on getting ready for the mission. And while he gave few details, he hinted they could all retire after this, if they wished. With creditmarks in their accounts, and letters of recommendation, should they decide to pursue other ventures. The Marines were always looking for civilian subcontractors for various jobs.
Babs monitored their health; physical, mental, and emotional. Her team included a coup
le of psych-analysts, three counselors, and the ever-present medtechs. She worked with every team member on specifics of diet, workout, and recovery. She paid special attention to Niky and Bělinka. Kept an eye on little Tanja, then pronounced them heathy and fit. Finally, she called Talice to the infirmary for a private exam.
Babs pulled back the curtain as she entered the exam area. “Take off your…”
Talice sat, her camis already removed and folded neatly aside, just waiting. “Thought I’d save you the trouble of asking me to take my pants off.”
“Yeah, well, I’m still not gonna buy you a drink.” Babs grinned and peeled back the C-12Ultra patch from Talice’s inner thigh. “Looks good. How long ago did you apply this?”
“Before bed last night, about 2200 Hours. I’ve made it a ritual before going to sleep.”
Babs studied the patch under a mag-glass. “This is pretty dry. We may have to up the dosage a bit.” She glanced at the chrono on the wall. “Eighteen hours. Yeah, you need just a bit more juice.”
“I’m still drinking four bottles a day of S-H. Plus water. I cut out the energy drinks, they just seem to make me even more thirsty.”
Babs nodded. “They have a lot of sodium, and yes, that will cause additional thirst in your case. Good idea.” She tossed the used patch in the recycler. “I’ll have one of the medtechs work up a new batch of patches. In the meantime, change these twice a day. I’ll have the new ones sent to you by courier.” She applied a new patch to Talice’s left inner thigh, then made notes on her SLATE.
“Okay, what else? You know my job is taking care of sick people, and you’re not sick.” Babs grinned.
“You doing okay? I think about you every day.”
Babs looked away for a moment, then shrugged. “One of the psych-analysts is my personal guru. And the counselors I’ve been seeing for almost a year is here. They insisted in coming along. They’re helping. Keeping me going, day to day. Kinda like I do with you.”
“We all need someone to lean on, once in a while. Mac taught me that.”
“Talice, you’re the toughest person I know. And yes, watching you fight this thing has helped me, too. Now we can lean on each other a bit.”