by Dennis Young
“Just… thinking. Damn, Talice, if you and Ollie hadn’t been there to drag me out…”
Talice laid a hand softly on Mac’s meaty arm. “Someone else would have done it. Not your time, lady. Besides, who would I come here to drink with? Who could stand these sticky floors?” They drank, and Talice called Bud to bring another round.
* * *
Northland Marine Base…
Talice and Mac had gotten two names from Scarbach and left his office in the late afternoon. The local sun, Laberos, was a bit cooler and dimmer than Olde Earth’s Sol, and with early autumn in full swing, evenings could become crisp.
Mac headed home, saying she’d send a commtext the next day about their conversation with Scarbach. Talice knew Mac was worried, but said nothing. They shared a bond of physicality issues; Mac’s useless legs and Talice’s bugs. Both had been the result of the seriously botched mission to Crius. That mission had been a cluster from the moment it was conceived.
And Fawkes, our Battalion Major, went to bat for us. Got me into Colonel Vicker’s office for a meeting so I could air my grievances. Saved lives over the next missions. Good officer. Good man.
She thought to drop in unannounced, but now that Fawkes was a Colonel, she asked for an appointment, which was granted quickly. Hopping a metrolink and offering her ID at the gate, she was in his office within an hour after leaving The Olde Place.
She dithered at the bulletin board as she waited for the orderly to confirm the colonel was available. She stared out the window, seeing a column of recruits on PT jogging by, and the drill instructor’s bullhorn voice leading them in step.
Damn, I miss the Corps. Miss the discipline, the smells, the camaraderie, the expectations from above and below. She glanced away, holding back a tear with a ragged breath. The creditmarks we make are a poor substitute for losing a dream… All I ever wanted to be was a Marine…
“The colonel will see you now, Ms. Wyloh.” The orderly stood at the hallway door and motioned Talice through.
Talice forced a smile. Though she and Fawkes were well-acquainted, their relationship had gone through many changes over the years. Commanding officer. Mentor. Professional advocate. Social escort. Potential romantic partner. Then it all nearly fell apart and took a year of rebuilding to the point where they could face each other again. She entered the office and stood waiting as the colonel set away his commlink and offered her a chair.
“Hello Talice. Good to see you.”
His voice plucked ever so gently at her heartstrings. She nodded and sat, focusing on business. “I have some names I’m hoping you can check out for me. We’re looking for work and have an opportunity.”
Fawkes nodded. He looked good to Talice. Damn good. Nearly forty-five, tall and trim, dark hair greying at the temples. Hard eyes, but a ready smile. Fucking hormones! Stop it!
“Glad you mentioned work. I’ve got a couple of things as well.” He drank from the ever-present coffee cup on his desk. “Nemesis is making noise again. I didn’t think they’d be rearing their head so soon after the ass-kicking we gave them.”
Talice smiled at the “we” in his words. “How soon? Another trip to Crius? The intel we have on our potential work is closer.”
“Background?” asked Fawkes.
“For now, I’d like to know who these people are, without prejudice. I’m hoping the Marines can give me a better picture.”
“Blind trust?” Fawkes chuckled. “Okay, I deserve that one. Next mission, I’ll be more forthcoming where possible.”
Talice withdrew her notebook and copied the names given by Scarbach to a blank page, then handed it to Fawkes. “Can you let us know within a couple of days? My team is getting rusty and needs work. And we’d like to offer our services at the old training facility as security and maintenance. In exchange, we get to use it.”
Fawkes nodded as he thought. “Possible. That you’re all former Marines would certainly be a plus. You’d have to follow regs, however. It’s still official Corps property.”
Talice nodded. “No alcohol, no dalliances, no gambling, and so forth. We can do that, sure.”
Fawkes showed that ready smile. “How about you? And Mac? Shouldn’t her new legs be ready soon?”
Talice paused before her answer. “Should be. But Mac says there might be a delay. She’s worried, and I’m worried for her.”
“Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”
Talice nodded curtly. “Babs is on top of it. But thanks.”
“She decided to remain in the Corps, at the Base infirmary, you know, instead of going into private practice.”
Talice nearly grimaced. “And told me you convinced her. Four more years in the Corps. Wish I could change places with her.”
Fawkes grinned. “Her bedside manner is better than yours.”
You have no idea what my bedside manner is, Talice thought wickedly.
The air filled with quiet as they took in each other’s gaze.
“Can I take you to dinner soon? I’d really like to catch up.” Fawkes shrugged and smiled again. “The Running Foxxe probably misses us. And my dancing is getting rusty again.”
Talice rose and nodded to the slip of paper in his hand. “Get me some info, and I’ll see if I can work it into my social schedule.” She tossed a look over her shoulder as she left.
* * *
Doctor Barbra Cromwell, an Olde Earth name if there ever was one, was with a patient when Talice stopped by the base infirmary. The doctor, being a woman of good Theian upbringing and excellent humor, preferred friends to call her “Babs.” Talice knew the nickname fit much better, for such a free spirit.
Talice had been her patient since the day on Crius, when she dug out the worm-like thing from Talice’s arm, and subsequently started treatment.
Babs had been there every day. Stood by her when Fawkes and the Company Captain, Adams, gave Talice the bad news about taking her off the line. Found new formulas of antibiotics to keep whatever the Crius-worm had left in Talice’s system under control. Been her doctor, her confidant, her shoulder to cry on, her cheerleader, even after Talice resigned her commission and became a merc-for-hire. Talice knew, in the end, Babs would deliver her eulogy, if it came to that. If they couldn’t find a cure. If the bugs finally got her.
She found it comforting.
The infirmary had expanded over the years, but there were still patients in the halls and more doctors and nurses scuttling around tending them.
Must have been some action somewhere. The newsnet doesn’t carry much about Marines anymore. Fucking celebrities and sports and politics. Who the hell do they think gives them the ability to report on unimportant stuff? Damn, I’m starting to sound like Dad. Maybe that’s a good thing.
Talice was shown to an exam niche, and moments later, Babs entered, pulled the curtain closed and faced Talice with a salacious grin. “Take off your pants.”
Talice raised an eyebrow. “Haven’t we had this conversation?”
“Yeah, and I’m still not gonna buy you a drink first.”
Talice did as she was told. Babs snapped on fresh gloves and peeled back the C-12Plus patch from Talice’s inner thigh.
“Clean. That’s good. Dosage appears to be about right, and you should be drinking no more than two bottles of S-H a day.”
“I’m down to one most days, actually.”
“Then make sure you drink plenty of water and other clear fluids. And watch your alcohol intake. It only dries you out.”
“Yes, Doctor.” Talice’s humor faded. “I’ve hit the five-year mark, Babs. Give me the straight story.”
Babs applied a fresh patch to Talice’s opposite leg. “You’re alive. Your energy level is up, your color is better, but you’ve lost a kilo since your last visit. Are you not eating enough?”
Talice shrugged. “I eat, but yeah, sometimes I get busy. Wake up starving in the middle of the night.”
“Get a good breakfast. Good lunch. Light in the evening.” She lo
oked Talice in the eye. “We’re going to whip this thing. You do your part, we’ll do ours.”
Talice dropped her eyes away for a moment, then found Babs’s gaze again. “I can’t tell you what this means to me. You’ve given me back a good chunk of my dream. Thanks.”
“Your life is what’s important, lady. Now get your pants back on and get out of here. I’ve got sick people to see, and you’re not one of ’em.” Babs smiled. Warmly.
Talice gave her a quick hug. Then a harder one.
“Stay in touch, stay hydrated, keep your attitude straight. That’s an order.”
“Hey, I’m not a Marine anymore.”
Babs gave her a hard look. “You’re more Marine than just about anyone I know, Talice. Don’t ever stop being who you are. Remember that.”
Talice nodded. “Yes, Doctor.” She thought for a minute. “Want to get together for dinner sometime soon? I know a great place.”
“Sure, but it may be a bit. We’re working double shifts. I’ll send you a commtext.”
Talice slid back into her camis. “Do that. My treat. The least I can do is ply you with food and drink.”
“Oh, and then you want me to take my pants off, is that it?”
They laughed.
* * *
The insistent buzz of Talice’s wristcom woke her. She rolled to the opposite side of the bed, retrieved her wristcom, and read the message, bleary-eyed.
Lunch today? I have some interesting jazz info for you. Fawkes.
She rolled out of bed quickly. “Jazz” was a trigger word between her and Fawkes for “this is really important and secret.”
Crap! He’s got intel on the names!
She typed a quick reply. Sure. How about Ginny Sue’s? I’m starving for their brunch buffet. See you at 1300. Talice.
Tea was waiting in the brewer, and Talice sat for a bit, waking slowly. She’d not been a morning person since her discharge. Besides, Babs had advised her to let her body wake slowly due to the bugs. Less stress, more rest. Anything for those damned bugs.
She showered and dressed quickly, making sure she had a fresh patch, then downed a bottle of S-H, grabbed her jacket, and headed out the door. The metrolink was crowded with lunch traffic and Talice found a quiet corner seat, perused her messages, then looked up.
What the fuck?
She’d felt eyes upon her, but now they were gone. She shrugged and went back to her wristcom, then looked up again, seeing no one watching.
The train slowed, and she exited quickly, unnerved a bit. Fawkes was just entering Ginny Sue’s as she arrived, and they hugged lightly.
He stepped back, seeing worry on her face. “You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.”
“Just…” Talice shrugged. “I guess my paranoia was showing this morning. On the metrolink, I could have sworn someone was watching me.”
“But you didn’t see anyone? No idea who it might be?”
Talice shook her head. “Let’s eat. Probably just hunger pangs.” They laughed, found a table quickly, then queued up in the buffet line.
“We should take a walk after this. Fresh air, maybe along the waterfront, watch the boats for a bit,” he said.
Talice was certain Fawkes had things to discuss and was suggesting a public area where it was unlikely they’d be tracked or overheard.
“I haven’t been to the waterfront since I almost got into a fight.”
Fawkes stared. “You’re joking? No, you’re not, are you?”
Talice shook her head. “It will make interesting conversation when we get there. I can even show you the spot.”
They went for seconds, and at the last, sat with tea and coffee. The patio was bustling and the weather fair. Talice shed her jacket, only for Fawkes to point to the Crius scar on her left shoulder. “How’s that doing?”
“It’s good. The other situation is under control.”
“You saw Babs during your visit to the Base, right?”
Talice nearly grimaced. Can’t keep a secret around this man. “You know the answer to that question… Colonel.” She nearly whispered his rank, then smiled knowingly.
Fawkes sighed. “Are we ever going to get past the situation on Crius? It all worked out pretty well in the end.”
Talice glanced at her shoulder. “Really? You should have seen it from my perspective.” Her face hardened. “My team did the job. We were paid and thanked. But there were enough untruths told to fill an assault ship and I don’t like it when that happens. On top of that, I found out one of my former teammates is about as bad a bad guy as it gets.”
“Speaking of which…”
Talice stopped. “Maybe we should take that walk now. I’m beginning to feel bad news coming on, and I’m not gonna chance making a scene right after brunch.”
She rose and headed for the patio gate. Fawkes paid the bill quickly and followed, double-time.
* * *
Talice slowed her pace as Fawkes caught up. The walk to the harbor was a good thirty-minute trek, and they said little on the way. Finally, as they arrived and Talice leaned against the rail to watch the boats arriving and departing, Fawkes offered a conciliation.
“Look… there were official reasons for a ‘need to know’ situation, and I’m sure you’re aware of how this works. As for Evans, you won’t have to see him again.”
Talice shook her head. “Actually, he and I were okay afterward. He put his life on the line for me. Guarded my back. I hope he recovered, and you gave him a bonus.” She turned to look at him squarely. “I’m more concerned about Mikal. I hope to hell he’s not back on the street, so to say.”
Fawkes held his reply as two couples walked by and boarded a yacht at the end of the pier. They watched as the boat prepared to cast off from the moorings. “That situation is taken care of. Again, ‘need to know’… and you don’t need details. Official Marine business.”
Talice turned her eyes to the water again. “You had something else to tell me. Want to do that now?”
Fawkes showed hesitation, then finally spoke. “Jance Sukano was spotted in Anchor Prime a few days ago.”
I knew it! Those were her eyes I felt burning into me on the metrolink! Talice drew a long breath. “Confirmed? I would have thought she’d keep away from Theia.”
“Confirmed. I knew you’d want to know.”
So you waited days to tell me? Hell, I could have walked into my apartment and gotten blown away as I opened the door. Thanks, Colonel. Talice nodded. “I appreciate the warning. Does Mac know? I would think she’d be a target as well.”
“I trust you’ll provide that information to her and your other team members.”
“And if I get the chance to… confront her about past disagreements?”
Fawkes gave her a stern look. “You’d better make sure it’s in the line of duty, Talice. And that’s all I’ll say.”
She shrugged. “Okay. I’ve been advised. Thanks. Now you also had some other information, regarding some names?”
Fawkes looked away. “Why don’t you come to my office tomorrow. You and Mac. We can go over this together in a more formal setting.”
Talice was silent for a few moments. “Sure. About 1400 Hours? And does this mean the Marines are going to be involved?”
“We’ll talk tomorrow.”
“Okay, Colonel. Anything else?”
“That’s all I have. Hope it’s useful.”
Talice gazed out into the water again, but all she could see were endings.
CHAPTER TWO
Back to the Grind (Part Two)
Bad News Travels Fast
“Even the finest sword plunged into salt water
will eventually rust.”
Sun Tzu, “The Art of War”
Anchor Prime…
Talice tossed her jacket aside as she entered her apartment. She’d walked the city streets all afternoon, deep in thought and worry. “Low lights, darken the windows.”
The world outside faded beyond the shades as light
s came up. Talice slumped in a corner chair, unhappy.
Need work. Hell, need training first. Mac needs her legs. This whole wait is really getting her down. Niky and Bělinka put their contract… their wedding on hold. They need to “think things over.” They need a lifestyle change is what they need, if they’re gonna do this.
Now Fawkes… Damn. The man practically proposed to me half a year ago, and I blew him off. Joked about it. Now…
And Jance. Fuck.
Jance Sukano had been a teammate of Talice’s in the Marines. Tough, smart, good with small arms, and, when Talice last saw her, training in martial arts. Assassin stuff. Hardcore. And she damn near killed me as I lay there bleeding on Eos, and didn’t do it. Wants more of a challenge, I guess… And now she’s back in town.
Talice looked up. “Why didn’t Fawkes order her arrest? He knows what she did on Eos. He knows she’s gone rogue.”
No proof. My word against hers. And any warrant would come from Eos’s government, and there’s damn little of that. Besides… how do I know he didn’t try? Damn…
She curled into the chair and closed her eyes, but her mind wouldn’t let her sleep. She rose, checked her patch, and opened a bottle of S-H. She drank it at the table as her thoughts churned.
I need Dad’s wisdom. This is the first real downtime we’ve had in three years and it’s gnawing at us like an open wound. I don’t like it. Mac doesn’t like it, and I know the team is getting bored.
She typed out a message on her wristcom. Hi Dad. Coming up for a bit of advice tomorrow. I’ll be in late, so let’s go for dinner. My treat. Talice.
She attended her bedtime duties, tossed back the covers, and fluffed the pillows. Her wristcom buzzed. Come on up. Your mom says no dice, she’s cooking. Love, Dad.
Talice smiled. “A home-cooked meal. Yeah, that’s what I need.” She snuggled beneath the covers, voiced out the lights, and closed her eyes. She was asleep in less than a minute.
* * *
The buzzing of her wristcom woke Talice. She rolled left and mumbled “time.”