Endgame

by A. K. DuBoff

  “I know better than to ignore a girlfriend’s call. You’re good,” Jack said with a slight smile, glancing up from the monitor at his own immaculate workstation.

  “Latest model finished running a couple minutes ago,” Tess reported.

  Leon came to attention. “Did you review it yet?”

  “Nope, waiting for you.”

  “All right, let’s take a look.”

  Leon had been analyzing material samples from the Gaelon System for the past month, scouring fragments from the dwarf planet for any genetic or biological remnants. They’d also looked at samples from the gas giant to gain a better understanding of how the bioamplifier functioned.

  All of their research had made it painfully clear how little they knew. With each dead-end analysis, new questions had led down increasingly convoluted lines of reasoning. Whenever Leon was ready to admit how much they didn’t know and leave things be, they’d make a discovery that would encourage them to keep pressing forward.

  Right now, he needed one of those wins.

  “Well, shite.” Leon whistled through his teeth.

  Tess shook her head with wonder. “When did finding nothing become so exciting?”

  The most recent round of assessment had been a shot in the dark: running a comprehensive comparison of the materials they’d already catalogued in Gaelon against the list of minerals and biological samples from worlds in the Empire’s database, including the Priesthood’s formerly sealed archives. Getting access to that database alone had required Kaen pulling some strings, but the permission had been granted earlier that week.

  In the time since, they’d been running batches of data, trying to locate the sources of the materials found in the artificial world, since the minerals mined from Mysar and Valta could only account for a fraction of the dwarf planet’s composition. They figured that tracing back those materials to other sources may offer some insight into where the Trols had originally come from or what kind of places others of their kind might target in the future, if there were more.

  What the analysis revealed, however, was that none of the samples could be traced to any known world.

  “They’re from outside Empire space,” Leon murmured.

  “Or maybe even outside this galaxy,” Tess emphasized.

  “How do they travel?” Leon mused aloud. “We have yet to see any evidence of a propulsion system.”

  “Maybe they have a different way of initiating a subspace jump,” Jack chimed in from across the lab. “I mean, they communicate telepathically through some kind of subspace connection.”

  “There’s still the issue of how they move through normal space once in-system. If they don’t use a conventional propulsion system, then that leaves… what, teleporting?” Leon shook his head. “That’s crazy, right?”

  Jack raised an eyebrow. “More crazy than body-snatching telepathic nano-aliens that live in kilometer-deep pits?”

  Leon sighed. “I keep revising my definition of ‘out there’ and then promptly forget that reality and insanity are now one in the same.”

  “It’s our burden.” Tess smiled. “I would like to note, however, that we got an almost-hit on one of the organisms in the mix on that gas giant.”

  “Really? That’s new.” Leon tilted his head.

  “I don’t think it’s an origin match but rather an indicator of type. The microorganisms from Gaelon were definitely genetically engineered, but I think they were modeled after the sort that have thrived on Rylon II and Salwell IV,” she continued. “As far as we know, the life of those gas giants came about through natural means—which suggests that there could be other systems in the outskirts of the galaxy where similar life has emerged.”

  “That doesn’t help explain how the Trols learned to manipulate those genetic codes to modify the microorganisms for their own needs,” Leon said.

  “But it does support our working hypothesis that the Trols only adapt technology and biology they come across, rather than generating anything truly original of their own,” Tess replied.

  Which doesn’t bode well for them having gotten their hands on our external processor. Leon wouldn’t dare say that aloud to anyone, especially Kira. It was that field mistake that had precipitated her lack of faith in her command decisions. Even her successful takedown of the dwarf planet in Gaelon using only her telepathic powers hadn’t been enough to reaffirm her abilities as a Guard officer in her mind.

  Everyone had hoped that the external processor had been destroyed in Gaelon along with the planet, closing the issue. But, if Jack’s hunch was correct and the Trols maintained a subspace link that extended beyond remote mind control, then they could have communicated the details of the computer operations at the core of the Empire’s technology. Any groups of Trols that existed elsewhere might now have that information.

  Leon suppressed the thought, knowing that following the hypothetical would only generate as yet unfounded fears about his civilization being conquered by new, invisible alien overlords.

  “Well,” he pushed back from his computer terminal, “I guess we can definitively say now that we know the Trols come from somewhere remote and unexplored.”

  “New life, unlike anything discovered elsewhere.” Tess was almost radiant from the revelation.

  Leon had learned over the past month that she specialized in xenobiology, which in retrospect seemed obvious, given the comments she’d made in their previous collaborations. It was also no wonder she’d accepted him as a team leader, given he came from Valta—regarded as one of the most biologically diverse and unique worlds within the grasp of the Taran Empire.

  “Exciting stuff,” Leon agreed. “I wish we had answers to offer, but at least now we know to look outward to learn more, rather than inward.”

  “Yes, there is that.” Tess was silent for a moment. “Do you think they’ll come back?”

  Jack snorted. “Would you come back if someone blew up your planet-sized base?”

  That could have been the equivalent of a tiny outpost, for all we know. Leon decided to keep that thought to himself, too.

  “If they come back, at least we know more about them now. Between the sound frequency and the chemical mixture to dissolve valteron, that’s a decent defensive strategy.”

  “I hope so.” Tess’ tone lacked its normal enthusiasm.

  “Did you find something else?” Leon asked her, wondering where the change in mood was stemming from.

  “Just thinking back to that weirdness with the lights earlier. Last time something went wonky in the station, Kaen was possessed by Nox.”

  “We’ve checked him, he’s clean,” Leon assured her. “And we’ve checked everyone else.”

  Tess opened her mouth like she was about to make a counterpoint, but she nodded instead.

  “Let’s not worry about that right now,” he continued. “I have a couple of things to finish up, but then let’s call it an early night.”

  “Works for me,” Jack replied.

  Tess smiled. “You owe me a drink! I told you the Trols were from outside Empire territory.”

  “Yes, you did,” Leon conceded. “A bet’s a bet.”

  — — —

  After a month on Mysar, Ellen had acclimated to the warmer environment. She still hated it—and would complain about the heat every chance she got—but at least it no longer wiped her out the second she left a dome.

  Her temporary office space inside the Mysaran government building in the city was beginning to feel more like her own than the desk waiting for her back on Elusia. Based on the quizzical look President Joris gave her each time they checked in, she was sure he suspected as much, too.

  The twice-weekly video calls provided a chance for her to update him on her progress in rebuilding the Mysaran government, after it was gutted following the revelation that the Trol alien Reya had been in control of the Mysaran chancellor. Ellen had thought it would take a week, maybe two, to identify appropriate individuals to fill the power vacuum left by th
e removal of the planet’s leaders; in her prior experience, someone was always eager for a chance to advance.

  This time, though, no one was rising to the occasion.

  The only people who’d demonstrated genuine interest in her efforts were Trisha, Fiona, and Edgar, but the latter two had made it very clear they had no interest in being chancellor. While Trisha hadn’t outright rejected the idea, she didn’t have the résumé to support an appointment on that level.

  After a month of interviews and searching for other candidates, Ellen was beginning to wonder if she’d need to look offworld to find someone.

  As she met President Joris’ gaze over the video call for their latest check-in, she pondered whether it was finally time to share that concern.

  “Was there something else?” Joris prompted. He raised a fair eyebrow above his blue eyes.

  “Well,” Ellen began, “we’ve spent most of our time talking about infrastructure and getting trade between Elusia and Mysar back on track. While those operations have resumed, and seem to be going well, there’s still the issue of restoring the government leadership.”

  “I thought you were conducting interviews with potential candidates?”

  “Yeah…” she hedged. “I mean, I have been, yes. But I’m pretty much out of people to talk to.”

  Joris folded his hands on his desktop. “Are you being too picky?”

  She laughed. “Oh, I wish that was the case! No, sir, I set bare minimum qualifications to get an initial list going—there are some baseline credentials we can’t compromise. But everyone I’ve talked to who meets those basic requirements isn’t interested.”

  “I find that difficult to believe. Every time I run for re-election, there’s always some new contender, however unqualified, eager to unseat me.”

  “That’s just it, sir—I can’t find someone qualified who wants it. A handful of disgruntled miners have come forward with vocal opposition to the current system, demanding we launch a military assault on Elusia or relocate to Valta.”

  The presidents’ eyes widened. “Really? I haven’t seen anything about that.”

  Ellen cracked a smile. “Well, I am the press secretary, remember? I know how to contain an unfavorable story.”

  “I agree that we couldn’t have someone with that level of bias in command, but I’m concerned that there’s still a vocal separatist movement on Mysar. I thought that most people on the world had begun advocating for unity in the Elvar Trinary as soon as Hale’s influence was removed.”

  She nodded. “Publicly, yes. But there are going to be those that disagree, no matter what topic, or where it is. It’s the voice of hundreds versus tens of thousands.”

  Joris leaned back in his chair. “What do you propose?”

  “I…” Ellen faded out. This is as good of an opening as I’ll get.

  She took a deep breath. “I believe we need to think bigger than Mysar, sir. If no one on this world wants to step up as a leader, then perhaps it’s time we consider a unified government for the Elvar Trinary.”

  “Hmm.”

  I expected more of a reaction than that… Ellen eyed him. “Sir?”

  “I’ve been wondering when you’d make that suggestion.”

  She smiled. “Was it that obvious that’s where things were headed?”

  “Inevitable progress,” he replied. “I’ve given it some thought. The Elvar Trinary would have greater negotiating power and presence with the Empire if we were three united worlds rather than just Elusia as a single planet. One political face of the system, with leaders on each planet for domestic issues—perhaps with a ‘governor’ title.”

  “ ‘Governor’ might be an easier sell to potential candidates than ‘chancellor’,” Ellen acknowledged.

  “Moreover, the restructure would simplify the trade agreements. You mentioned that the lingering hang-ups are all related to tariffs.”

  She nodded. “And with a unified government, there’d be no reason to try to make money off of each other.”

  “Precisely.”

  “Hmm.” Okay, so maybe there’s more depth to that reaction than I thought.

  “See if you can subtly present the idea and gauge the response. If it’s favorable, we can discuss a more formal political strategy to gain public buy-in.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I’ll speak to you next week.” Joris ended the call.

  Ellen slumped back in her office chair, pivoting around to gaze out the window.

  I think he already has someone in mind for the Mysaran governor, she mused while watching the people go about their lives on the streets below. And I think it may be me.

  She wasn’t sure how she felt about that idea. While her qualifications did exceed the minimums she’d established for her interview purposes, she hardly considered herself a qualified candidate. She wasn’t born on Mysar, and she didn’t embody the culture of the world.

  Plus, she’d already sworn her allegiance to Elusia.

  Joris knows that. He wouldn’t consider me for governor. Her initial thought seemed ridiculous the more she thought about it.

  However, the change in title offered new flexibility in the job qualifications. Ellen ran through the candidates she’d previously dismissed. The governor should be a native of Mysar—someone with a vested interest in the world. She had yet to come across anyone who cared as much as Trisha Mercer.

  Stars! Though Trisha wasn’t quite ready for chancellor, she would be great as a governor, if I could convince her.

  She had the makings of a leader who could be embraced by the people—born to an average middle-class family, volunteered with charities, and had earned her present position in the government through hard work and dedication. Moreover, she had a good heart. While she could use some toughening, the right foundation was there.

  All Ellen had to do was persuade her to take the job.

  — — —

  Repairing trust after an op that didn’t go well was a tricky endeavor, but it was a critical component of making sure her team was ready for anything. Having had time to reflect on the Protheon mission and the decisions she’d made in the field, Kira was confident she’d made the right calls, given the information at her disposal.

  The matter was worth a follow-up discussion with Major Sandren, though she’d have to be careful to keep the conversation from devolving into an ‘I told you so’ exchange. Her unique abilities didn’t change her position in the chain of command.

  As soon as she had showered, Kira decided that she should talk with the major before her dinner with Leon. The longer she delayed the conversation, the more awkward it would be.

  She checked one of the monitors along the hall walls and saw that Sandren was in his office, right where Kira had hoped he’d be.

  She traversed the station along the familiar path, organizing her thoughts.

  When she arrived, the door was open, and Sandren was working at his desk.

  He glanced up. “Captain, what brings you by?”

  “Sir, I wanted to discuss the last op. We didn’t end our previous exchange on the best of terms.”

  He nodded. “Come in and have a seat.”

  Kira stepped into the office and closed the door behind her. “I apologize for dropping in unannounced.”

  “Not at all. I’m glad you came by.”

  She looked down at her hands, then brought her gaze up to meet Sandren’s. “Sir, I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier. I acted rashly without regard for the consequences.”

  The major softened. “After going through the mission recording Jasmine provided from her observations, I’ve reevaluated my stance. With more people converging on your location, it was unlikely you would have been able to retreat without needing to shoot others.”

  Kira’s heart leaped. “Sir?”

  “You have good instincts, Captain. I shouldn’t have doubted you.”

  Jasmine said in Kira’s mind.

  “Thank you, sir. Having y
our trust means a great deal to me. I hated to think that I’d let you down.”

  “I’ve always been hard on you, Kira, but that’s because I know you can take it. Even before the changes from these nanites, you were capable of more than you gave yourself credit for. What you lacked in physical prowess, you more than made up for in spirit. You would never have had this command if it wasn’t for your quick thinking. I shouldn’t have passed judgment without understanding the scenario.”

  “All the same, this was an important reminder that our actions aren’t isolated,” she replied. “I acted in the interest of my team in that moment without concern for the ripple effects.”

  “It did complicate other matters, I won’t lie,” Sandren admitted. “However, the information you retrieved will allow us to set it right. No long-term harm done.”

  “I’m relieved to hear it, sir.”

  “I’ve said before that you should trust your instincts. It would do me good to remember my own words.”

  She smiled. “Yes, sir.”

  He smiled back. “Thank you for stopping by. I’ve always appreciated your strength of character to approach conflict head-on.”

  “Gladly, sir. I’ll be standing by for our next assignment.”

  “It might be a few days. We’re having the Raven checked out. Apparently, the issues we experienced weren’t isolated.”

  Kira frowned. “Leon mentioned that there was an incident here at base.”

  “Reports from other ships, too,” Sandren revealed. “The technical team is looking into it. Nothing we can do for now but wait for their report.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Have a good night, Kira.”

  Kira bid him farewell. As she opened the door, the lights cut out for a second, then re-illuminated brighter than their typical output.

  Sandren’s desktop screen flickered between its normal data display and bit of gibberish code.

  Kira’s gaze met Sandren’s. “Shite, what now?”

  CHAPTER 4

  Kaen exited the administrative wing of Guard headquarters on his way to the officer’s mess. Another day down, another crisis averted.