Symphonies of Valor Read online

  The Zephyr maintained a stationary orbit over Olympus, the capital of Mars, and home to the headquarters of Destiny’s Edge. Everyone but Alyana boarded the shuttle to Olympus.

  Ori placed himself next to Meomi and immediately chatted about things she cared little for and only half-listened to. “It feels wrong to say this, but I kind of miss the old Reapers. They were at least somewhat easy to kill.”

  “OK,” Meomi gave her standard reply, hoping he would stop talking. Her attention was on the private conversation between Whisper, Nume, and Jonas in the front of the shuttle.

  “Hey!” Ori snapped his fingers. “Mars to Meomi! Why do you keep staring at Jonas? What does he have that I don’t?”

  Meomi sighed. Of course he would think it had something to do with dating. “What do you know about Jonas’ sister? Doesn’t it seem crazy to you that we’re trying to track her down while Earth is close to annihilation?”

  “You don’t think you’re being a little dramatic?” Ori grinned.

  She glared at him.

  “Kidding!” Ori held his hands up. “I don’t know, honestly. Jonas has family issues. I don’t get involved in my own family issues, let alone the issues of other people. Jonas’ family has been a thing since before I joined the team. All I know is that it’s important to them.” He shrugged. “Maybe you can give them a little slack. They’ve been fighting this war longer than any of us.”

  Apparently, he didn’t know Meomi was on Gosi Prime with Wolf Company when Mimics first stepped foot on human colonies. She considered telling him this fact. It required prolonging the conversation, so she stopped talking instead.

  Nume tapped Ori on the shoulder. “I believe Whisper has some mission directives for you.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He winked at Meomi before heading to the front.

  “Thank you,” Meomi whispered.

  “Between you and me, he’s more self-conscious than he lets on.” Nume smiled.

  “Isn’t that obvious? But you’re not here to talk about Ori.”

  “I can sense your concerns and hesitations,” Nume frowned. “Where would you like to start?”

  “Destiny’s Edge.” Meomi paused as she gathered her thoughts. “They have a long history of being on the wrong side of compassion and morality. How do we know they aren’t one of the sympathizers siding with the Mimics?”

  “I think sometimes you forget I am a telepath.”

  “I do, actually.” Meomi looked away. “But…”

  “But how can we trust them to help us?”

  Meomi nodded.

  “Destiny’s Edge is second to the Commonwealth in terms of military strength. Their intentions and actions are not always on the side of the common good, but they are not Mimic sympathizers. After all, the enemy of my enemy...”

  “I understand that, but...” Meomi wrinkled her brow. “How can…”

  “… the Commonwealth allow another military organization to exist within their space?”

  “You don’t need to finish my sentences for me.” She scoffed.

  “Force of habit.” Nume smiled. “Their goals are mostly aligned with the Commonwealth’s.”

  “I’m confused, which goals?”

  “Ordered and structure governance. Stating the obvious, the galaxy is vast. With the rise of faster than light travel, colonies expanded more rapidly than the civic infrastructure needed to govern them. That is where Destiny’s Edge comes in, helping to fill the gap. They provide order, security, and a system of laws in places where the Commonwealth cannot or do not care to. Even a pre-modern, feudalistic government is better than complete anarchy.”

  “I see.” Meomi nodded. “That makes sense.”

  “Understand, in some part of the galaxy, Destiny’s Edge has been the only form of government people know. They are too firmly rooted in place for that to change.”

  “And you think they have information that Fleet Intel does not?”

  “Through Whisper, we have full access to Fleet’s Intelligence systems. We know they are also looking for him and we know they have no leads.”

  Meomi placed a finger on her lips. “Perhaps I’m missing something, but why can’t you work with another Katok?”

  “Every Entrent genesis is unique. I did not learn this until recently, but Kovat specifically added Guardian genetic sequences during my development, making it possible for my genome to fuse with that of a Guardian. Kalick was the only other scientist present during this process.”

  “Then I guess our one hope remains with Destiny’s Edge.” Meomi’s eyes dropped to the floor.

  “Landing on Olympus in five,” Jonas announced over the ship’s speakers.

  By most accounts, Olympus was a utopian city, one of the wealthiest in the Commonwealth — a stark contrast to the slums of Nimbus on the other side of the planet. From high orbit, Olympus appeared as a giant patch of green surrounded by a ring of white light. The white ring was the city’s mass transit system. Affectionally called The Circle, this magnetic railway transported hundreds of thousands of people on its track daily. The green came from lush vegetation on the roofs of buildings and homes. The vegetation comprised of genetically modified plants that acted as solar batteries, capturing light and converting it into energy used to power the city.

  Jonas landed the shuttle on the private shipyard next to the Destiny’s Edge headquarters in the center of Olympus.

  Ori stayed behind to guard Roni while the rest of the team disembarked.

  Destiny’s Edge representatives waited for them. They were 12 soldiers with red and gray exo suits along with one civilian in business attire.

  “Greetings,” said the civilian. “I am Marion Joubert. Liaison to Admiral Gilbert. I understand you requested a private meeting.”

  “We have,” Whisper said. “I appreciate the Admiral taking the time out of his busy schedule to see us.”

  Marion nodded. “Follow us, please.”

  The soldiers waited for the team to pass before following.

  Nume pushed Meomi’s hand away from her weapon. “We are safe here. Do not provoke conflict.”

  They walked through a long, single-story building. Shops and restaurants lined the sides. In the center walkway, holographic kiosks scored the mall into ten-meter sections.

  Meomi observed people smiling and laughing, transitioning from food to shopping, showing no concern about the impending invasion. A commercial for a new Chantel fragrance caught Meomi’s attention as it featured a scantily clad man. The next kiosk showed a live holoball game, the Harrier Comets were leading the Syrrik Pulsars 3 to 1.

  “Do these people not know about the Mimic ships heading their way?” Meomi asked in a quiet voice only Nume heard.

  “It does not appear so,” Nume said.

  “How is that possible?”

  Nume closed her eyes while she panned her head. “The truth has been hidden from them.”

  “If the end is coming, then telling the masses will only cause incivility and unrest,” Marion said, intruding on the conversation. “If you were in their place, would you not rather spend the last few days of your life in ignorant bliss than with fear in your heart?”

  “People deserve to know,” Meomi said. “They are owed the truth.”

  “It is not your decision to make,” Marion said. “While you are here, it is expected that you comply with our wishes.”

  “Is that why we’re surrounded by guards?” Jonas asked in a gruff voice.

  “A simple matter of precaution,” Marion replied.

  “Focus on the mission,” Whisper said to the team. “The citizens of Olympus are not our priority at the moment.”

  They reached the base of the Destiny’s Edge headquarters and the tallest building in the city. An elevator capable of fitting a small spacecraft waited for them. The team entered the lift first, followed by Marion and her soldiers.

  Meomi felt an ache in her heart as she ascended above the city’s skyline. Her eyes fixed on a park across the street.
Lovers meeting at a cafe. Kids playing with their pets. Performers dancing in the park. “All these people…” she whispered to herself.

  The elevator doors opened into the penthouse room, 225 floors up. Every surface of the room was made entirely of a transparent material. Meomi looked down to see clouds and birds below her feet. A long red and gray carpet ran from the doors to a massive conference table for 50 people in the center of the room where Admiral Gilson was in a heated discussion with his officers.

  “Lael! My old friend.” Admiral Gilson gestured for his subordinates to leave and made his way to Whisper. He kissed her on both cheeks. “It’s been too long, my old friend.”

  “Admiral.” She bowed.

  Meomi raised her eyebrows. The interactions were reminiscent of a royal setting than a military one.

  “Come, sit,” Gilson said. “Refresh my memory, what was your favorite drink again?” He snapped his fingers. The interior of the room disappeared in a blink. Replacing the table was a set of sofas and formal chairs which materialized around Meomi and the team.

  “No drinks today, Admiral,” Whisper said. She gestured for everyone to sit. “We’re pressed on time.”

  “You’re always pressed on time.” Gilson sighed. “If I were fifty years younger, you would have different feelings about me.” He ran his hand up her thigh.

  Meomi clenched her fists.

  “I believe you know why we’re here,” Whisper said ignoring the fingers inching up her leg.

  “Some Katok. Kech. Kale? Why do their names all start with a ‘K’ anyway?” Gilson let out a hearty laugh.

  “Kalick,” Whisper corrected.

  “Yes, yes. We know where he is.” He poured an amber liquid into a glass cup.

  “Our agreed upon price then?” Whisper shifted in her seat.

  “Are you sure you can’t stay the night? I’ll make sure your friends are entertained while…” He squeezed her thigh, “We’ll find ways to entertain ourselves...”

  Whisper smirked. “Tempting. But as I said before…”

  “I know, I know.” Gilson gulped his drink. “Time is my worst enemy. Can you believe I’ll be 120 tomorrow?”

  “Happy early birthday, Admiral.” Whisper feigned a smile.

  “Something is wrong,” Nume discretely said to Meomi.

  “I’ll transfer two hundred billion credits to your account by tomorrow morning,” Whisper said.

  “What is it?” Meomi asked Nume.

  “Not this time, Lael.” Gilson finally removed his hand. “I don’t care for the money. My price...” He paused and looked into the face of Meomi and the rest of the team. “I want the Zephyr, the beautiful ship currently orbiting my city.”

  “That’s impossible.” Jonas stood.

  Gilson turned his head to Jonas. “Ahh, Mr. Barick. Jonas Barick. The Traitor of the Commonwealth. I remember your trial well. It amazes me to no end how you’re still alive.”

  “I…” Jonas’ nostrils flared.

  “Calm down, Mr. Barick,” Gilson interrupted and gestured for Jonas to sit. “It was an obvious sham of a trial. Not the first time the almighty Commonwealth has used that ploy. We’re proud to say Destiny’s Edge is only half as corrupt as the Commonwealth.” He laughed. “I’ll tell you what, I’ll throw in a little cherry on top.”

  “What could that be?” Whisper asked.

  Gilson looked into Jonas’ eyes. “I have reports that your brother is still alive. And I know where he is. Two crucial pieces of information. All for the price of one small ship. What do you say?”

  16

  From the time she became a space marine officer until now, Meomi was used to being the leader, the person making the final decision and the person responsible for the consequences. In this Destiny’s Edge meeting room with her teammates, her title, position, and experience meant nothing. She was the lowest ranking person.

  It took all of Meomi’s will to not shout, “NO!” The Zephyr, the fastest ship in the galaxy was crucial in saving Earth and the rest of humankind. There was no point in having Kalick if there was no way to reach the Guardians in time. Meomi genuinely feared the offer of Jonas’ brother would be a heavy enough weight to tip the scale into accepting Gilson’s proposal. The cloud of Jonas’ history had always been a concern for Meomi, no matter how often the team tried to sway her otherwise. Something was truly off about him. She just knew.

  “I don’t believe you!” Jonas raised his voice. “There is no way Nolan is alive!” he said to Gilson.

  The guards in the room drew their weapons as Jonas’ face flushed with anger.

  Gilson waved them off with a slight motion of his hand. “I should be offended by your accusation of my insincerity, Mr. Barick. It is Mr. now, isn’t it? Or are you still using fun little navy titles in your ragtag band?” He flashed a smile baring all his teeth.

  “Jonas…” Whisper gestured for him to sit down. “Admiral.” She paused and took a deep breath. “Jonas, like I, saw the video of Nolan on Ostia Station. It seems highly improbable that Nolan survived that encounter.” She softened her voice and placed her hand on his wrist. “You and I have known each other for a long time. I also know you always have something ready to show.” She smirked. “You enjoy seeing the surprise on the other party’s faces. For the sake of moving this along, why don’t you reveal what proof you have.”

  “Lael…” Gilson allowed her name to roll off his tongue. “I wish I could order a personalized clone of you. The things we would do, the ways in which we would do them…” He licked his lips.

  Meomi glanced at Nume for her reaction to the conversation. Her expression was unchanged, blank.

  “Be careful what you ask for Admiral, you just might get it,” Whisper winked.

  “One can only dream...” Gilson sighed then clapped his hands once.

  Marion typed into a datapad. A holo-projection appeared in the center of the sofas, showing a tall man with black hair, dark eyes, long face, and a square jaw. His uniform was embroidered with the Ostia Station insignia. Dozens of Mimic Reapers surrounded him.

  “Nolan,” Jonas and Whisper said together.

  Gilson’s eyes remained fixed on Whisper. “Why does it sometimes feel like you and Jonas have a history? Should I be jealous?”

  “Giving up the chase already?”

  “Not at all, my dear.” He turned to Marion. “Play the video.”

  Nolan continued firing until his gun emptied. After which, he threw his weapon at the closest Reaper and withdrew his blade. The Mimics stopped their advance three meters from him. No one moved for what seemed like minutes. Nolan was shouting something, but there was no audio playing. Then, Nolan somehow levitated as if gravity was turned off. However, the Reapers stayed attached to the floor. Nolan’s body appeared stiff like he was bound by an unseen force. After a few seconds of floating, he fell back to the ground. The video cut off after that.

  Meomi expected Jonas to be repulsed at the ghastly sight of his brother in a room full of Reapers, but he showed no reaction. It was as if he was numb to the horrors.

  “How did you get this?” Jonas asked.

  Gilson groaned. “I see that my reputation has yet to travel to every corner of the galaxy. How ever many members of Destiny’s Edge you think exists, you will always be incorrect by an order of magnitude. We have information on everything of value to someone. That is the currency in which we trade.”

  Meomi noticed the quick glances and slight nodding between Jonas and Whisper. Nume sat still as ever, barely blinking her large doe-eyes. There had to be another way to find Kalick. The price seemed too steep. “Perhaps we should…”

  “The terms of the deals are acceptable,” Whisper said.

  “What?” Meomi nearly jumped out of her seat.

  “Trust us,” said Nume’s voice inside Meomi’s head even though her lips never moved.

  “Excellent!” Gilson cackled. “Two hundred billion credits and the Zephyr. Lael, you always strike a hard bargain!”


  “Wait! The deal was for the location of Kalick and Jonas’ brother for the ship and only the ship,” Meomi said with a raised voice just below a shout.

  “Did I say that?” Gilson turned toward Whisper.

  “You did,” Whisper said.

  “Well, I guess I was mixed up.” Gilson laughed, slapping his knee. “You took too long to decide. Consider the credits as interest.”

  “Fraud!” Meomi jumped up and screamed.

  The guards circled the team with their weapons drawn.

  Nume grabbed Meomi’s hand. “Please, calm down, or I’ll have to make you.” Her eyes turned a glowing red.

  Meomi, having never seen an angry Entrent before, nodded her head and complied.

  Gilson poured a dark blue liquid into two glass cups. He gave one to Whisper. “A toast! For another wonderful deal where both sides get something useful.”

  They clinked their glasses and downed the drink in one gulp.

  “Lael, is there no way you could stay for a short while?”

  Whisper shook her head. “No, you know why I can’t.”

  “Alright then,” Gilson said. “Both payments are due immediately. Marion will handle the details. Good luck on your little adventure.” He hugged Whisper for longer than a normal hug should last. “I’ll be seeing you soon,” he said to her. “It was a pleasure meeting all of you.”

  The guards escorted Gilson to the elevator.

  Marion approached Whisper with a datapad. “Your thumbprint and authorization code, please.” The sound of a bell ringing came from the datapad, confirming the transaction. “And now the authentication codes to the ship.”

  When Whisper finished entering the codes, Marion handed her another datapad. “This is everything we need to find Kalick and Nolan Barick?”

  “It is.” Marion nodded his head. He opened the elevator doors. “And may I add, I sincerely hope you accomplish your mission.”

  Riding down the elevator, Meomi could no longer contain her rage. “Was there no other way? Please tell me we have a backup ship that’s just as fast as the Zephyr.” Her body was visibly shaking as she spoke.