Deep Dive: Legacy War Book 5 Read online

  “We’ll be referencing data from the Orb when we return to Earth. It might have some ideas for speeding up the healing and even helping the joint damage but right now, we’re looking at a minimum of six weeks.”

  “Jesus. That’s a long time. So you’d think we should move him back to Earth to recover then?”

  “Yes, undoubtedly. He’d just be taking up space here and considering what we’ve been dealing with, I’d say we need the room.” Jason frowned. “I’m sure that sounded morbid, and I didn’t mean it to but really, he doesn’t need the stress of additional injuries coming in.”

  “I understand.” Darren leaned forward. “What about Heathrow? How’s that leg?”

  “He’s going to be fine,” Jason said. “The wound could’ve been a lot worse. We got to him fast enough to ensure a quick recovery. He won’t be out in the field for a bit, but I could return him to light duty soon. Maybe he can operate as base support? I don’t know how you guys handle that kind of thing.”

  “That’s a good call.” Darren stood. “I’m going to give them the news. I appreciate everything you’ve done, Doctor. Fielding in particular owes you his life, I’m sure. Thank you.”

  “Of course.” Jason shook his hand. “I’ll get the lieutenant’s records down to Gamma Alpha right away. They’ll be able to pick up his treatment and hopefully figure something out with that arm.”

  Darren headed out, considering the two men. If Heat was in light duty in the next day or so, he’d be able to help with the security detail. Fielding would need to be transported as soon as they achieved orbit. That meant getting a new lieutenant until he could return or promoting from within.

  Considering the roster, Heat was the closest in rank. They’d have to go back to the pool and perform more interviews. Having lost two lieutenants, they might have a hard time finding volunteers that were worth a damn. Better to give Fielding a chance to recover and move on from there.

  Chapter 2

  Dulain contacted Cassie the moment her shuttle landed. He asked her to come to his makeshift office right away. Christina Dawson would also attend their gathering. After revealing her affiliation to Admiral Reach, she opened them up to a partnership that the AIA wasn’t really interested in but had to adhere to.

  Luckily, she managed to gather actionable intel, which helped everyone enough to forgive the breach. Saving Reach’s life gave him good cause to keep their involvement in his retinue a secret, but he demanded some more interaction. Dulain had a meeting scheduled with him in a few hours.

  Christina arrived first, dressed in civilian clothes. Black tee shirt, blue jeans and a pair of black boots didn’t exactly make her look casual but since he hadn’t seen her out of her military uniform in months, it was quite the contrast. She approached his desk, hands on her hips as she gave him a disapproving glare.

  “Was there something?” Dulain asked. “If so, you should get it over with quickly. Agent Alexander will be here soon.”

  “You’re sending me with the Gnosis,” Christina said. “Why?”

  “Because I need some security on the ship I can trust.” Dulain shrugged. “Why do you think I’m sending you? We’re putting our most valuable objects up there and between here and there, God knows what could happen. Your little rescue of the ambassador and admiral gave me all the clout I needed to get you in.”

  “Dulain, my assignment is the admiral.”

  “Actually, I give you the jobs,” Dulain replied. “So that means whatever I say you need to do, you do. Besides, Reach knows about us now so he’s not going to reveal any secrets in your presence anymore. You saved his life but he’s a shrewd politician and the whole military thing of ‘owing’ people for saving them won’t apply here.”

  “I was working that asset.”

  “You did. And we got a lot of actionable info but the ship’s sailed now.” Dulain shook his head and looked down at his computer. “I need your skills on that ship.”

  “And what about Alexander? What the hell is she going to be doing?”

  “Making contact with the Orb is my hope. She did it before and that means there’s some kind of compatibility there. I’d say she’s definitely one of our best chances to get this done. Also, you’re going to have a variety of other scientists with you and I need them all vetted so get our top people on it.”

  “Oh, thanks.” Christina rolled her eyes. “We don’t have time to do all of this properly.”

  “You have to do the best you can.” Dulain gestured to one of the chairs. “Have a seat so that she doesn’t think we’re arguing when she arrives.”

  “Appearances are everything, huh?” Christina flopped down, still glaring. “Have you ever thought for a moment about being … I don’t know … real? Do you even know what it’s like to not put on a show?”

  Dulain considered the question for a moment. He couldn’t help but smile. She really was hot. “First off, I think your questions are out of line. I’m still your superior here. But just to entertain you, put on a show as you say, I think that everyone does it. Every day, each interaction, it’s a game. The rules change based on who we’re dealing with.”

  “Do you honestly believe that?”

  “You’ve seen it yourself,” Dulain said. “Think about how you act with the admiral. It’s different than when you speak to Agent Alexander or even me. You used to be a lot more polite about how we talked but I’m chalking this up to frustration … and the stress of your previous job.” He snapped his fingers. "Are you worried about efficiency after being captured?”

  Christina tilted her head down. She made a fist. “Are you suggesting that I’m … what … stressed? Experiencing some kind of PTSD?”

  Dulain lifted his shoulder. “I’m wondering if I should be concerned, that’s all.”

  “No, I’m fine.” Christina started to say something else but a knock at the door interrupted her. “I guess we can continue this conversation later.”

  “If we have to,” Dulain said. “Maybe you’ll change your mind after this meeting. I’m hopeful at least.” He tapped a button on his desk to connect to the intercom. “Come on in. It’s unlocked.”

  Cassie stepped into the room, offering a curt nod to Dulain and another to Christina. “You wanted to see me.”

  “It’s not that formal.” Dulain gestured to a chair. “Please, join us. We’ve got a lot to talk about and probably not as much time as we’d like to do it. Maybe we can do lunch when we’re done. I know I’m famished. Do they feed you on the shuttle trip down from the Gnosis?”

  Cassie lifted a brow and shook her head slowly. “No … It’s not quite forty minutes between departure and landing.”

  “Oh, that fast?” Dulain felt impressed. “Interesting. Okay, Christina’s glaring at me so I think we need to jump into this. If you remember our earlier conversation, we need to get the Orbs up to the Gnosis to try our theory about hyperspace and connectivity. This time, we’re sending a cadre of scientists to help.”

  “I received a briefing on the ship,” Cassie said. “Everyone’s worried about security from Gamma Alpha to the ship. And after we leave as well.”

  “Yes, I know, I’ve raised several of these concerns as well.” Dulain smiled. “Fortunately, Christina has already started vetting the new personnel that will make their way up to the ship. She should have them ready to go in the next couple of days, right?”

  Christina looked like she might lash out across the table and punch him in the face, but she just nodded instead.

  “Excellent.” Dulain turned back to Cassie. “So as I’m sure you realize, I want you to attempt to do whatever you did before. You’ll want to recreate the experiment as accurately as possible. I’ve sent you the report you gave me before to refresh your memory. Let me know if you need anything else before you leave.”

  “Have we considered how dangerous this might be?” Cassie asked.

  “What do you mean?” Dulain shrugged. “How so?”

  “Whoever this ends up working on
is going to be intentionally interfacing with an alien artifact that we only barely understand the operation of.” Cassie pursed her lips before continuing, clearly fighting to master her concerns. “What if this goes badly? What happens then? Are we prepared for the ramifications?”

  “Anyone this might have an impact on understands the risk.” Dulain tilted his head. “Unless you’re saying otherwise. I mean, you do know that we’re embarking into the unknown, right? This is serious science. The kind where discoveries are made. Society-altering finds. Yeah, it’s risky but ultimately, who cares? We’re pushing the envelope here.”

  “So we’re okay with someone getting hurt?” Christina asked. “Even dying?”

  “Considering the alternative?” Dulain sighed. “Okay, I didn’t want to get grave on you both, but let’s talk about why we’re doing this. The Tol’An are trying to acquire the rest of the Orbs. We have to find them first. If we don’t, they will likely destroy the Pahxin people. From there, who do you think they’re coming for?”

  The woman remained quiet.

  “Exactly. And think about this: they don’t seem to be interested in killing us all. They’ve got doctrines they’re intending to force on other sentient life. There are groups out there that should be our allies and they aren’t because of profit margins and payouts. The mercenaries, this Kalrawv Group … God knows who else … They don’t care, even if they should.”

  Cassie nodded. “Understood.”

  “Thank you.” Dulain adjusted his collar before continuing. “Anyway, I would like you to work together on the security details. Cassie can coordinate with the Gnosis this way. She’s got the direct relationship with Captain Bradford. Don’t forget to look at the layout of the vessel and plan for necessary lockdowns.”

  Cassie added, “We’ve already cleared the deck where the Orbs will be. All labs are moved and so only authorized personnel will be allowed to visit. We need to make sure everyone who will be involved gets marked somehow. A badge, or better yet, sub-dermal chipping. That would be ideal.”

  “I like it.” Dulain gestured to Christina. “Don’t we have those biodegradable ones? They dissolve in like … three days or something?”

  “It’s more like a week,” Christina said, “and when they do, they exit through the urine. It’s not exactly pleasant because not all the parts break down but in this case, I’m sure we don’t have to worry about that. This is a little more important than a couple bathroom visits that cause the victim to writhe.”

  “Gross,” Dulain replied, “but totally agree. Okay. Take these great ideas together, go get some food and work it out. I’m sure you’ll bring back a report of greatness. Email me. I’ve got to go see Admiral Reach and the Pahxin folks again. They’ll want to know we’re all over this situation and know how we’re going to go about the whole task.”

  “Do we have the coordinates for the hyperspace jump?” Cassie asked.

  “Yes,” Dulain said. “But I’m afraid it’s not being revealed until the last possible minute. You know how it is. We have to be careful with that kind of thing. The Stalwart and a couple other ships will be meeting you out there so it won’t be entirely dangerous but we don’t need them to have a brawl while they wait for you.”

  “When are they leaving?” Christina asked.

  “Just before you guys.” Dulain stood. “Okay, shoo. Go make your plans. I’ve got places to be. Thank you both for your service and everything you do. I have the utmost confidence in this mission. Good luck!” He watched them go, wondering how much they would complain about him if there was someone who would listen.

  They’re efficient and will get the job done. They don’t have to like me. Dulain steeled himself for the meeting with Reach and the rest of the afternoon. So many small details remained to go through, he figured they’d be talking for the rest of the day. Mostly, they’d talk about what their various team were doing to ensure the success of the mission.

  The military will take the public point, the Pahxin will be the advisors and we will do the real work. That sounds about normal to me. Dulain looked at himself in the mirror and straightened his hair before heading out. I hope there’s food at this thing. A bite to eat will make the high-level pontification all that much easier to swallow. So to speak.

  ***

  Desmond and Vincent oversaw the efforts to secure the Gnosis. Darren’s marines kept firm control of the engineering deck. They elevated the credentials required for access through the elevators, and guards were prepared to be present for transitioning the Orbs to their temporary home.

  Heat recovered enough to help with coordination though it was clear he wished he could’ve been up and about. He had the skill but not the temperament. Desmond hoped for his sake his leg would heal up soon so he could go about his normal tasks. If the man wasn’t being shot at, he didn’t seem happy.

  Cassie brought Christina Dawson aboard with two AIA representatives the next day. They had a private meeting discussing their plan for all vetted staff to receive the scanning chips which would allow them to use the elevators to get to the Orbs. Desmond figured they were holding things back, but he didn’t push.

  The AIA liked their secrets too much to give them up and pressing just led to lies. They claimed they were going through all the people who would gain access to the ship and there would be dossiers delivered before they left the planet. Furthermore, the shuttles were already chosen and the Orbs prepared to move.

  Desmond attended a meeting where some of the council suggested having the Gnosis land near Gamma Alpha but that was vetoed as too conspicuous. There were factions on Earth which were still a threat to peace, groups that would love to cause trouble. Especially after the announcement of the Pahxin arrangement.

  The reaction of humanity to the announcement had been mixed but leaned toward optimism. Government officials and the AIA worked hard to paint it in a positive light and they hit a home run in that regard. Desmond colored himself shocked by the news. Sure, there were plenty of conspiracy theorists trying to cause trouble but they were in the vast minority.

  Many were hopeful. In fact, several groups cited the positive relationship with the Pahxin as what they were hoping would happen when humanity took to the stars. And as they began to collaborate, it felt like people were evolving with their new position in a wider, far more expansive universe than they thought possible before.

  Repairs happened quickly with assistance. The hull was secure and all internal systems were returned to full health. They still didn’t have the coordinates for where they were going but Cassie promised they’d receive them with plenty of time to do a quick check for safety protocols.

  Less than a week after they returned to Earth, Desmond found himself standing with Darren in the hangar bay waiting for the shuttle to depart. Tension filled the ship so thick it could be cut with little more than a finger. Marines stood in position, ready in their roles as they occupied the path from docking to the Orb housing arrangement.

  “Here we go,” Darren said. “They’re going to be loading them up soon and then we can wait just about an hour before they arrive.”

  “I think everyone’s ready,” Desmond replied. “Even if they weren’t, we don’t have a lot of choice, huh? We’ll need to get them settled and establish our course.”

  “How many AIA can we expect on this cruise?”

  “Just two that I’m aware of.” Desmond checked his tablet to see if things were underway at Gamma Alpha yet, but the Orbs hadn’t left the building. “And we’re used to one of them. The other traveled with us on that ambassadorial mission.”

  “I know Dawson,” Darren said. “I tried to look into her before she came on board. Her record was a bit wonky. I had a feeling she might’ve been a plant, but I couldn’t prove it.”

  “What pushed you in that direction?”

  Darren smirked. “Some of the accolades were a bit farfetched. Mostly because they tried to keep them innocuous. But it didn’t work. I knew about the actions she was
supposedly involved with. Hell, I was involved in some of them and I can’t remember seeing her there. Considering what she looks like, I figured I would’ve.”

  “People change,” Desmond teased. “But no, I understand. The papers have to pass a moderate amount of scrutiny. They don’t worry about eye witnesses usually because the chances of encountering them are probably slim. Especially with the duty she was fulfilling. Following around the admiral didn’t require ground combat.”

  “True enough. I’m just surprised his people didn’t figure it out.”

  “They probably didn’t even know what to look for.” Desmond looked around the room. “You sure you vetted all the new marines coming on board?”

  “Yes, and I worked with my former CO to ensure he only sent people we both trusted. So we’re good there.” Darren scratched the back of his head. “Or at least as good as we can be. Let’s not forget that nothing is completely foolproof.”

  “We only have to worry about saboteurs, spies, zealots and insane people,” Desmond said. “What could possibly go wrong? And how does that challenge our security techniques?” He chuckled at Darren’s severe expression. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to make light of our situation but honestly, if we freak out too much, we’ll go crazy with paranoia.”

  “Yeah, and that’s what we pay the AIA for,” Darren said. “To be paranoid for us.”

  “Amen to that.” Desmond checked his tablet again. “They’re moving the Orbs now. I hope we’re ready, Darren. It’s go time.”

  ***

  Cassie had visited Gamma Alpha more times than she could count during her career with the AIA. She’d never seen so many soldiers and guns at the ready. Marines manned the turrets and fighters flew air coverage. Everyone wore body armor, including her, and they were required to carry submachine guns.

  Christina stepped out, pausing beside Cassie. “They’re on the move now.”