Lost heir, p.25
Lost Heir, page 25
Gail pursed her mouth, anger beginning to show. As a betting man, he would have laid long odds against any personal time after they finished the professional part of this meeting.
He watched quietly, forcing himself to become still inside, as she glared for a moment before speaking, “Female heirs are the responsibility of the Amazon proctors. As I’m the only one left that I know of and, especially since I am the only one on this ship, she is my responsibility. I’ll make my own decisions about giving her the oath, Sean Ward.” She growled as she finished, a deep, feline warning. Her using both his names reinforced his opinion as to how this meeting would end.
Muttering, he glared darkly. “You know what can happen when two heirs compete, only one can place the gems and the other dies. The last time was Theodore just 450 years ago, and that didn’t end well. I’ve watched Hugh for ten years, waiting in order to avoid this, and you want to put them both at risk this way.” Sitting back, he stared at her.
Then an alternative occurred to him, the potential option that could only occur when the heirs had romantic potential. Ward sat bolt upright. “You’re not suggesting we arrange the consort alternative?”
Looking at him as though he’d finally guessed the answer to a riddle, Gail sat back and relaxed. “It has happened, albeit only twice in the entire history of the empire, and both times were more than two hundred years ago, Ira and Clara, and then Christos and Keiko right after them.”
“The first pair did calm the family feuds, but the second almost started them again,” Ward answered belligerently.
Gail’s cheek dimpled as she laughed at him. “I think it would be romantic. Besides which, this entire venture is such a long shot, two arrows in our quiver gives us, what, a geometrically better chance of success?”
“No, no, no! I won’t agree to this! I won’t allow it!” Ward stormed at her, unsure of exactly how he had gotten to his feet but aware that he had, and that he felt a little woozy as a result. “I don’t want heirs competing on this ship, hurting each other’s chances, undermining each other. If the two of them don’t accept the consort alternative, I don’t know whether either would be willing to put their gems into the starburst and kill the other one. Then where are we? No heirs and no emperor.”
As he shouted, he knew Hugh couldn’t, wouldn’t, do anything to hurt Maeve, or anyone else, to get power. His desire to rule didn’t run gut deep, a major reason Ward wanted him on the throne. Hugh considered the throne a sacrifice, not his innermost desire. And that, more than anything, exemplified why the test existed: to find someone who would become the living embodiment of the test.
Gail’s face hardened in return, leaning forward, growling out her response, signaling a final warning, “You don’t have any say in what I do or don’t do as the Amazon proctor. I think we ought to let it play out, personally, so I’m just letting you know that whatever Hugh gets involved in, Maeve must be there too.”
Her intensity surprised him, as well as her commitment, knocking him back mentally. Ward dropped into his chair as he stared at Gail, a question forming behind his eyes. “You really think they could work it out? Because if both survive and don’t choose the alternative, things could get really messy.”
Gail eased back in response, not answering except with a small hint of a smile.
Ward dropped his head into his hands. “I knew having you along would be trouble,” he mumbled.
Gail had halfway left her chair to leave before he looked up with a half smile of his own, holding up a hand in a gesture of surrender. “You really think they have a chance?”
Gail shrugged. “If they both survive, if they both complete the test, if they find the template, then manufacture a new Galactic Starburst, if they get there together, and if they agree, yes. Then they make a second one. Pretty unlikely, but at least it’ll be interesting.”
Ward just stared at Gail, amazed at his luck in finding her. “Okay, we’ll try it. I’ll enter you into Guardian as proctor for Maeve officially, which will tune the nanites in your bag to her. After I do, you will be more in tune with her feelings so that when—if—she is ever ready to take the test, you’ll know. Something interesting I learned, surprising me really, is how much feedback I got directly from Hugh as his official proctor.”
Ward realized that he had not only promised to activate the nanites for Maeve, something Gail could actually do herself without his permission, but had shared more about his experience with Hugh than intended. Apparently his subconscious agreed with Gail. Maybe it would work out. As a great covert operator, Gail often had unique insights into people, as well as situations, and could really surprise him. Like now, for instance, as she began to smile very intimately at him.
She definitely could be full of surprises.
Beacon Astrographic Society
Circular 10-2658
Significant Systems
Based upon Admiralty Sailing Instructions
Main inhabited planet: Planet Alpine
System: Macanack 52 (local name Solidarity); G2V star type output 99.95 percent of Sol
Cluster: Macanack
Arm Crux: Scutum
Location (Galactic Standard Coordinates): 11,074, -3619, -225
Alpine is an inhabitable planet .98 of standard gravity. It’s orbit averages 1.1 AU. Alpine weather is approximately 5 percent cooler than standard as a result of orbit and solar output.
Government is a socialist combine. Deficits are made up through heavy export of systemic rare earths from Kuiper Belt to several surrounding manufacturing systems with healthy economies.
Despite its governmental system, it has built a significant space-based industry that is generally well-maintained. Most non-empire space industries have much higher accident rates than those within the empire. Alpine’s is only 15 percent above the empire’s average.
Fleet units are reminded that this is a watched planet under Imperial Council Order dated March 7, 2491. As a result, no interference except to maintain status quo is permitted.
All supplies are to be paid for out of funds banked on Belmira which are accepted on Alpine. No extradition treaty exists between Alpine and the empire. Alpine does not recognize the empire as a legitimate government because of the Jackson Monarchy. Ship’s companies are therefore subject to local laws and regulations when dealing with the local authorities.
18
* * *
Desolation
Macanak 52 or Solidarity System
0610 BBMT 8 November 3473
Ambrose B came stealthily in from Alpine’s solar north, unchallenged. System traffic control seemed dead, but as they could see no traffic, the approach appeared quite safe. Ambrose B’s sensors swept the system around the planet but detected no high-energy signatures anywhere. If they didn’t know better, they could have been entering the system of a pre-space culture, except for all the high-tech space junk.
Hugh sat in his usual jump seat on the bridge, nerves taut as he performed sensor tech duties. His eyes remained focused on the screens, but his mind kept trying to sort out his earlier discussion. He tried to focus on the tactical situation, but found nothing to concentrate on, nothing to do. No ships, no com traffic, no active orbital facilities nor extra-planetary energy signatures, just a few indications of life on the earthlike planet, Alpine, ahead of them. He ran scans for weapons systems. He ran scans for sensor arrays. Nothing. When he ran scans for remains of installations and ships, however, the sensors went crazy, picking up space junk and debris. About one hour out from the planet, he shook his head before setting up a net call. He pulled in Lieutenant Sheila Kirk from Engineering, Gail Felt the captain, Sergeant Major Sean Ward, and Maeve uch Robert.
“I am picking up lots of space junk but nothing else, no traffic or active extra-planetary facilities. The survey logs showed this to be a very prosperous system for this far out in the arm from the core. What do you think?”
No one answered for a moment. Finally, Gail stated the obvious, “Somebody apparently took them out.”
Ward agreed, before adding, “There’s not supposed to be anyone in the neighborhood big and nasty enough to do this. We left the TechMech more than a thousand parsecs behind us. Not good if there is another band of crazies roaming around out here.”
Hugh harrumphed grumpily in response, “That much I knew. Suggestions?”
Ward had decided, apparently, to ignore Hugh’s bad humor, letting it roll off him. He suggested evenly, “Take it slow and easy, all guns hot?”
Maeve added, hesitantly, “The main energy signatures are far from the former major population centers. Someone really stomped on them and didn’t leave much. No one’s broadcasting and the planet doesn’t seem to have an archeon array of any kind for communication anymore.”
“Okay.” There didn’t seem to be much more that could be said that would help, so Hugh put on his official persona and took charge. “Things are a mess down there, so bring us down at the largest remaining population center with an active energy signature, Captain.”
Gail nodded before cutting the conference call line. She and Lieutenant Sally Carr carefully wove a way through the space junk surrounding the planet, the remains of a once-huge space presence. Smoothly, they brought Ambrose B down on what remained of a minor spaceport. Ruins were a better description. Kinetic strikes had leveled much of the area, although a few facilities of what would have been a moderately large port on most other worlds, had survived. Somehow.
His mouth taking on a sour smile, Hugh hit the com switch. “Sergeant Major, I’ll need the team. There is no radio traffic, so any planetary communication must be taking place by landline. Ensign uch Robert may be able to hack into it for us. Add her if you think she can help and it won’t be too much of a risk. See you at the entry point in ten.”
Hopping up, he headed for his cabin to grab his gear. No nonsense today, simple military protection and the equipment to stay alive. Jacket to prevent projectile penetration, cap/helmet that did the same, chameleon camouflage uniform, sidearm, knife, personal long-range weapon, water, and rations, as well as odds and ends of additional equipment. It took several minutes just to dress and then another couple to saddle up the gear. As a result, Hugh reached the entry port last.
Sergeant Kevin Dunn looked him over and commented, “Perhaps you need a keeper, Your Highness. Last man here and you still look like Joe the Ragman.”
Everyone, both women and men who were there, laughed at the old Marine joke. Even Maeve, but her laugh sounded forced.
Chuckling, Hugh said, “Lead on, Sergeant Major, let’s go make contact.”
At which point, Ward threw the first monkey wrench of the day into the gears. Looking straight at Hugh, he pointed out, “Maeve should stay here, Your Highness, and perhaps you should, too. This could easily be a hot LZ and we need to lock it down first. Ambrose B’s armor is more protection than chameleon skin. After all, your job isn’t to be a bullet stopper.”
Hugh nodded, feeling mutinous. “I think you’re right about Maeve staying here if we can find what we need without her. But I’m going.”
Ward prompted, “What is the mission, sire?”
“Get fuel, get food, get intel, take the test, get out.” Hugh had reviewed the parameters a dozen times for this mission in the preceding two weeks.
Then, Ward threw the second monkey wrench. “The expected portion of the test for Alpine, Judgment and Justice, seems to have been blown away by whoever carried out this kinetic weapons strike, Your Highness. Equally, Nighthawk did not focus on Integrity in the way I expected, but to this point, events have definitely created the conditions for a complete test anyway. As a result, it might be an excellent idea, and safer, for you to stay here. As for Maeve, her expertise might come in handy if we need to get access to any local com channels, but Jebet could probably do it just as well. That means she should stay here, too.”
Hugh took a deep breath, trying to figure out why Ward wanted to change things at the last minute. As the heir, did he or did he not need to take the test here on Alpine and face all the obstacles? He had thought so when Ward initially explained things to him, and all the simulations were designed around him. That meant he must go, didn’t it? Just as Hugh started to speak, Gail came over the com, “I agree. If he stays, Maeve has to stay. If she goes, he has to go.”
Maeve stared at the com near the hatch. “I have to go! I’m really the only one who can tap into their systems. Jebet is okay, but not if he hits a surprise.”
Ward nodded. “So you go.” Turning to the camera, he asked, “You’re serious about both going? What happens if we lose them both?”
“You and I had this little talk already. Hugh has to go because he is the heir apparent. You know the rules and you’re being obtuse about it. He has to face the dangers as he finds them, no matter what form they take. You also know why she has to go.”
Hugh noticed that Maeve seemed equally as curious about this little byplay between Ward and Gail. She didn’t know, or at least didn’t seem to know, what they were talking about either, he realized.
Ward ignored them, his face seemingly chiseled from bedrock as he stared at the camera.
“You really are going to be difficult about this?”
“We both know what our duties are. By this time, you should know I will always do my duty to the best of my ability, just as you’ll do yours, so stop arguing. Either both go or both stay.”
Ward’s face didn’t soften at all. He just motioned out the door with his head. Dunn and Vincent Klostermann led off. Hugh noticed as they set off across the tarmac that, oddly enough, he didn’t stand alone in the center of the group. Maeve walked with him. Neither talked to the other despite being side by side. Hugh, in fact, took great pains to ignore Maeve, who seemed to be returning the favor with interest. Ward took right wing, closest to Hugh, while Pam West and Karen Hall walked to their left, weapons up and hot. Sally followed them, Tabi Fleisch and Jebet bringing up the rear. Hugh passed an uncomfortably silent fifteen minutes marching across the tarmac to the nearest intact buildings even though the day felt pleasant.
To no one in particular he commented, “Feels good to be breathing real air again after so much time cooped up.” A cool wind blew in off the far peaks, some of which looked taller than most mountains back on Jeffco. Much taller, Hugh judged with a practiced eye. It would be real work to get to the top of one of them.
As they neared the buildings, Hugh commented to Dunn, “Take a long time to climb one of those.”
Dunn agreed, “Maybe a week or more. Those are pretty rugged peaks. Need oxygen near the top.”
Hugh’s eyes were glued on them. “I bet you can see forever up there. Certainly be worth it.”
Maeve broke in dismissively, “Why not fly up there and save yourself the walk.”
Hugh stared at her incredulously for a moment. “That’s not the point. The effort is what gives it value.”
“Is it? Not to me. If I want to see the view from the top of a building, I can take a lift; I don’t feel the need to take the stairs.”
Hugh just shook his head.
As they reached the building, Maeve asked, all business, “What now?”
Hugh ordered, “Find a hardwire link. We’ll check the fuel pods.” Quickly scanning the area, he finished, “Over there. There even seem to be some water trucks with the fuel trucks.”
Spinning away before she could say another word, he set off toward the trucks. His four-man team stayed with him, while Ward remained behind with Maeve and the three Amazons. Hugh supposed Ward could replay whatever he did later for the test if he needed to from their suit cams. As they reached the first fuel pods, Dunn stepped in front of Hugh while Klostermann and Fleisch began to check them for booby traps. Hugh tried to step around, but Dunn stayed between him and the trucks.
“Move, Kevin. I can do that as well as they can and, with all four of us, it’ll be finished faster.”
Dunn shook his head. “You’re the heir and Sergeant Major threatened to skin me alive if I let you anywhere near unnecessary danger. Personally, I believe him, so you’re staying here.”
Hugh wanted to order him out of the way. He wanted to help and, more importantly, he didn’t want any more deaths like Tim Kennion’s on his conscience. He didn’t want anyone dying for him but knew he had to follow the rules and stay away if he wanted people to follow his orders. Following orders really could be described as a two-way street. He watched, helpless, as the others completed the check and set up a robot remote to drive a fuel truck. The water truck could wait because they could use recycled water if necessary; they often did. But they couldn’t lift without fuel. Hugh felt useless as he watched his men check for every type of bomb in either the pod itself or its pumping equipment. Behind them at the ship, Pete Peterson waited with Sheila to get the lines hooked up when the truck arrived.
Everything moved along normally, boring Hugh to death, until the crackling of the com startled him, “You better get over here, Your Highness.” It sounded like Sally Carr.
After the Marines left, Maeve walked into the operations building and found . . . nothing. No desks, no computer terminals, no fiber optics. Just trash. The building stood bare, completely stripped, not bombed but torn apart by vandals. Stepping back outside, she luxuriated in the breeze. It had been so long since she had felt wind ruffle her hair, she wanted to simply enjoy it. Combined with the sun peeking out from the occasional cloud, it felt like heaven. She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring it all. She could even hear insects buzzing around or chirping. She loved being on a planet again. Opening her eyes, she looked around for the next best option for com terminals. A ten-minute walk away stood what looked like a maintenance hangar. Heading off with Ward beside her, Pam and Karen sliding ahead, and Sally bringing up the rear, she blocked the others out mentally, enjoying a sense of solitude. With no one talking and open space extending in every direction, a peace she hadn’t felt in years soaked into her bones. Because she hadn’t really paid close attention as they walked, she accidentally piled into Pam and Karen, who had stopped and stood tensely just inside the hangar door. Curious as to what could possibly be the matter, her eyes began searching the shadows ahead. Suddenly, she took a half breath before involuntarily screaming.
