Defending Earth-Searching for Death Feeders (30 page)

Swanson stared at Amelee and said, “I’ll take my chances with a review board.”

“Admiral Norden.”

“Yes Sir.”

“Send an attack craft to my location and arrest Colonel Swanson and hold him pending a board of inquiry.”

“Yes Sir.”

Amelee looked at Swanson and shook her head. How did this piece of crap get promoted to command one of her battalions? She listened to the transmissions of the battalion and smiled. The enemy was on the run. Swanson heard it as well and lowered his head. Amelee saw him and said softly, “Your fear would have gotten you and your command killed. Every one of the warriors that died standing in ranks is on your head.”

I
n less than four days, the Red Aliens were gone. That’s when the celebrations on the two hundred planets began and continued for more than a month. The Alliance Representatives arrived and began opening a dialogue with the planet’s leaders and began assisting them in reorganizing from their enslavement.

• • •

Amelee sat on her ship and called in Private Jennings with his Commanding Officer. She saw the Private was really nervous, “Relax, Private. The Alliance owes you more than you know, it was your suggestion that prevented the deaths of billions of innocent civilians.”

“Thank you, Sir. I’m just nervous about breaking in on your discussion.”

Amelee smiled, “That is a violation of our protocols but I am truly thankful you did. I am promoting you…”

“Sir, I do not want a promotion!”

Amelee stopped and stared at Jennings. “Why not?”

“Sir, I’m an Alliance Armored Warrior. I love the fight and don’t want to miss it.”

Amelee looked at Marsheem and smiled, “Colonel, weren’t you involved in the fighting?”

“Yes Sir.”

Amelee looked at Lee, “Are there any suggestions you might have that we’ve missed?”

“Uhhh, I did have one thought.”

“What was that?”

“I read up on the Fleet’s attack on the Feeder Fleet and learned that the Feeder Scout that came in was infected by some kind of telepathic fish.”

“That’s true.”

“I also saw that Fleet Intelligence believes the Feeders will go back to the planet the Feeders were initially attacking.”

“That is also true.”

Lee shrugged, “I don’t know if it’s possible, but if you could move some of those fish to that planet, it may persuade the Feeders to avoid this galaxy.” Amelee stared at Lee and shook her head. Lee saw her and quickly said, “I’m sorry, Sir. I know my leaders have probably already thought of this. I just thought it might be a real surprise.”

She looked at Col. Marsheem and saw him also shake his head. “Private, do you always read fleet reports?”

“When it involves a possible landing, I do.”

“Private, I am giving you a battlefield promotion to Colonel and you will attend any planning meeting of my General Staff. I expect you to get your Battalion trained to the standards you exhibited during this engagement and I’m recommending you to receive our highest award for valor.” She saw him shaking his head and said, “You will accept this promotion!”

“But, Sir. I’m just a private.”

“No, you’re much more than that. You’ve just proved it. The Alliance needs warriors like you that think outside the box.”

Lee looked at Col. Marsheem and saw him nodding. “Well, if you’re not giving me a choice…”

“I’m not.”

“Then, I guess I’m your huckleberry.”

Amelee burst out laughing, “Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer.” Lee smiled as Amelee said, “I think we’ll work well together, Colonel. Thank you.”

“Yes Sir.”

“I have a battalion where I just removed their commanding officer. You will be given that command and I have a recording you’ll want to see to learn what you’re getting. There are three of our warriors that I will be promoting, each to command companies.”

Lee nodded and left Amelee’s office. An hour later he contacted her. “What is it, Colonel?”

“Sir, I request that I be allowed to promote those three to command a company in my battalion. I’ll give you three experienced captains to use where you were planning to send them.”

“I wondered how long it was going to take you to make this call.”

Lee smiled, “Is that a yes?”

“Send the three captains to replace them to Admiral Kelly Connor as soon as possible.”

“Yes Sir.”

Amelee leaned back in her command chair. This battalion showed their mettle in the fight. It now had leaders it deserved and it bore watching. She sent her report to Kyley and sighed. It was a close thing that billions of civilians weren’t killed in the fighting. It was warriors like Lee, Dom, Wes, and Cassidy that would make the difference in the coming war with the Feeders. Her units had performed admirably. This warmup prepared them. There was still so much to do but she began to think they were going to only get better.

• • •

Dom looked at Cassidy and smiled. The brown haired warrior was really something. “I thought we lost you.”

“The concussion from the second artillery barrage knocked my systems off line and gave me a concussion. That’s why it’s taken several weeks to pay off this bet.”

“How is it that I’ve not seen you before the battle?”

“You’re in E Company, I’m in A. Too much distance between us.”

“How does your boyfriend feel about you being out with me?”

“He understands.” Cassidy saw Dom’s expression change and she smiled, “That was a good fishhook you threw out. I don’t have a boyfriend, Dom.”

Dom’s smile was instant, “You don’t?”

“No, I don’t. And I gather from your remarks that you aren’t attached either.”

“No, I’m not, except for Wes.”

Cassidy laughed, “How does he feel about your being out with me?”

“He really doesn’t want to like it but he has a huge respect for what you did during the battle. He told me that if I had to go out with anyone, he’d approve of you.”

Cassidy stared at Dom and said, “Ok, here’s how it goes. We are three. I’m not going to be jealous of your friendship with Wes and I’ll support it. However, if you’re suggesting you’re interested in me, then you will not spend time with any other female but me. You need to determine if I’m right for you and I also need to determine that as well. If it doesn’t work out, we part ways as friends.” Dom shook his head and Cassidy said, “What?”

“Five minutes after meeting you I was struggling with how I could get you interested in me. This is beyond what I expected.”

“Dom, our lives could end in an instant and we never know when it might happen, or if, it will happen. Wasting time by playing games is stupid. I don’t have a boyfriend because I’ve not found anyone to hold my interest. You do.”

Dom smiled, “Does this mean I can kiss you now?” Cassidy burst out laughing and reached for him.

• • •

Kyle sat on the stool and Bart tilted his head, “You’re behind schedule.”

“I think one’s enough.”

“What’s happened?”

“What do you mean?”

“You would have emptied a full bottle by now. Something’s happened.”

Kyle sighed, “I don’t know.”

“Is Nicole seeing that handsome Kerit Human bothering you?”

“What?”

“She arrived a few days ago and they’ve spent a lot of time together.”

“If it really bothered me don’t you think I’d be drinking more?”

Bart stared at him and tilted his head, “Then what is it? I’m your bartender, you know you can tell me.”

“I don’t really know, Bart. I’m the one that insisted she meet him. He’s her species and they were intended to mate before they moved to Earth.”

“Uhhh…”

“What?”

“I may be wrong but I believe she’s human. She’s the same species you are.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Not really. You’re defining her by what she was not what she is.”

“Bart!”

“I’m just saying that the Kerits here are not going back to their previous planet…even if they could.”

“Why not?”

“They’ve seen the big city and going back to be farmers is not something they want. She’s human and that’s what she’ll stay.”

Kyle sighed, “Pour me another one.”

“Now you’re talking.”

“I’m drinking another one before I leave.”

“Where are you going?”

“I need to find Feeder Central. We’ve mapped the area they live in but I’ve not nailed down where the Feeder Leaders are located.”

Bart poured the glass full and filled one for himself, “Well, bottoms up.” Kyle turned the glass up and drained it. Bart took a sip and his mouth fell open.

Bart wiped his mouth with his sleeve and saw Bart’s expression, “Nicole was right. All at once gives a bigger kick.”

Bart smiled and stuck out his hand, “I wish you happiness, Kyle. You deserve it.”

Kyle nodded and headed toward the beach where his Light Ship was hovering just off the sand. He walked through the patio, past the pool, and stepped out on the sand. He looked up at the blue sky with distant thunderheads growing in the distance and took a deep breath. He slowly blew it out and loved the planet he was on. This was home. He walked slowly out to the ship and saw several women stare at him as he passed. He smiled at them and walked at a leisurely pace to the water line where his ship was waiting. He smiled and felt…different. Life had so much beauty and he just never took the time to appreciate it. He arrived at the port and turned around for one last look and saw Nicole standing behind him. He jerked backward against the port and nearly fell down. Nicole chuckled and Kyle said, “How about some warning!?”

“I had to hurry to catch you before you left. Willow said you’re leaving straight from here.”

“I didn’t think you were going.”

“Why would you ever think that?”

“I just thought you would stay here with…what’s his name?”

“Barrett.”

“Yeah, him.”

“You think too much. Are we leaving or are we going to stand here and get sunburned?”

Kyle stepped aside, “After you.” Kyle took her bag and followed her on the ship. He arrived on the bridge and heard, “Welcome aboard. It’s good to have everyone back.”

“Both Kyle and Nicole said, “Thanks Willow,” at the same time. Kyle looked at her, “Are you ready to leave?”

Nicole looked at him and pursed her lips, “If you’re asking about Barrett again, that’s none of your business.”

“Why not?”

“Stay out of this, Willow!”

“But why isn’t it?”

“You’re asking about a man that leaves saying I need to tell someone how I feel because he didn’t. He’s not exactly open about his life, either.”

“You’re right. I’ll stay out of it.”

“That would be greatly appreciated, Willow.”

“I loved her deeply and never told her.” Nicole turned and saw Kyle staring at her. “I was her Commanding Officer and I just didn’t feel it was appropriate. My day began and ended with the time we spent together on our ship. She brought so much happiness every time I saw her smile.” Kyle took a deep breath and lowered his head, “I intended to tell her after I returned from my leave. She died while I was gone.”

“I’m sorry, Kyle.”

“So am I.”

“Why are you telling me now?”

“Because it’s become clear that we are being forced together by the Nudges. You need to understand what that means.”

“I’m not sure what you’re saying?”

“Willow, why don’t you tell her?”

“Oh hell no. I’m not going to open that can of worms and see them wiggling all over the floor.”

“Then you see it?”

“I saw it the moment she came back the first time.”

“For God’s sake will the two of you tell me what’s going on!?”

“Willow?”

“Forget it!”

Nicole looked at Kyle, “What are you talking about?”

Kyle sighed and looked at Nicole with the saddest expression she had ever seen on his face. “If the Nudges have planned for the two of us to end up together, where would Callie have fit in their plans?”

Nicole stared at him for a very long moment and Kyle remained silent. Her eyes narrowed as she thought about it. Suddenly, her eyes flew wide open, “Callie would have to go!” Kyle nodded. “You believe they nudged Dawkins to send her.” Kyle nodded again. Nicole jumped up out of her chair and raised her head and screamed, “YOU WILL NEVER MAKE CONTACT WITH ME AGAIN!! NEVER!!”

“Nicole, what are you doing?”

“Willow, those Nudges are despicable for having Callie killed to further their plans. Kyle didn’t deserve this pain they caused him. They’re evil to do this.” She looked back up, “I HATE YOU!!!”

Kyle shook his head, “Nicole, they did this to me, not you.”

“Yes they did! But they also sucked me into this where I gave my heart to you with no possible way for you to ever accept it. How could you knowing Callie died to make a space for me. You should hate me!”

“I don’t hate you, Nicole…but I can’t force myself to give in to their plans.”

Nicole sat down and sighed. “I spent three days with Barrett and I knew the first day that he would never have my love. I honestly tried to make it happen but…I just couldn’t.”

Nicole sat in her chair and put her head in her hands. After a moment she yelled, “I’M NOT LISTENING TO YOU!!” She wept harder and yelled, “GET OUT OF MY MIND?!”

“What are they saying, Nicole?”

“They keep saying someone’s name.”

Kyle’s eyes narrowed, “What name?”

“I’m not listening to them!”

“WHAT NAME, NICOLE!”

Nicole raised her head and wiped her tears, “Captain Kendel Jenson.”

Kyle shook his head. He never heard of him. “Willow, is there someone by that name in your databanks?”

“I’m looking.”

“I found him.”

“Who is he, Amber?”

“He was a Captain in Fleet Intelligence. According to his personnel folder, he committed suicide.”

“When?”

“About a week after Callie died. He jumped off the top floor of Fleet Headquarters.”

“Kyle, why would the Nudges want Nicole to look at the former Captain?”

“He left a note, Willow”

Kyle said, “What did it say, Amber?”

“I don’t know if I should tell you.”

Kyle looked up, “Why not?”

“I just don’t know.”

“Read it, Willow.”