Tranquility Besieged

Part Ten

The battle reaches its conclusion

This has been more of a wartime romance than an erotic novel. If a few of the terms appear antiquated, please remember this is hardcore science fiction written 40 years ago. These are the final chapters of Tranquility Besieged. All characters are over 18 years old.

Recap: Having gathered unexpected allies, Grey seeks to confront General Mallo

Chapter Twelve

WARBIRDS

Saturday, November 16, 2069

Early the next morning, the guests inhabiting the community level were summoned for a meeting at the Lucky Clover. In groups of twos and threes, they filtered across the promenade from the hotel, taking seats in the dining area as directed by Nicholas and Commander Kimura. The last arrivals were Tamera and Grey, who sat well off to the side. Grey noticed the great curiosity he inspired among the crowd. He was curious about them, too.

"We have several important announcements," Nicholas said, having found a gavel somewhere to bring the meeting to order. "At 0200 this morning, five hours ago, the European Commonwealth and Russian Republic formally severed ties with the United Alliance. All members of their forces have been ordered to stand down."

Commander Kimura stepped forward as Nicholas gave way for her, the small but fiery female officer exuding authority.

"These orders are confirmed," she said. "As the highest ranking Euro officer, I have pledged our cooperation with Tranquility authorities and opened negotiations for formal diplomatic relations."

As Kimura sat down, Kris stood up looking very grim. Unlike the others, she wore a holstered sidearm on her hip.

"General Mallo has issued a first strike warning against Moscow and Brussels," she said, eliciting murmurs from the crowd. "He has control of Tranquility's nuclear arsenal and has over-ridden our orbital defense codes. He's threatening to launch the missiles if the alliances don't allow his reinforcements safe passage through Earth orbit. The Russian Republic has rejected the declaration as a matter of principle. The Commonwealth will announce a decision soon.

"Several members of the United Alliance battalion have resigned their commissions to join us here at Tranquility. I know others are considering your options. As chief of security, it's my obligation to inform you that we intend to retake the defense center, by force if necessary. As a former NA officer myself, I know this puts some you in a difficult position."

"Are you saying they have a choice?" Dawson asked.

"When this is over, everyone who wants to go home will be shipped out, no questions asked. That hasn't changed," Kris said. "But if you want to stay, then decide now where you stand."

"What does Governor Waters have to say?" someone asked.

"Yeah, what about it, Governor?" another voice said.

Grey stood up with a little help from Tamera and walked to the front of the room. There wasn't a sound except his own shuffling footsteps. He stopped to the side of the main table, declining to take center stage.

"It's been Tranquility's greatest concern that our arsenal might one day be misused to alter the balance of power," Grey said, suppressing the nervousness he felt at addressing such a large crowd. "This is why Governor McKinsey ordered the Defense Computer to protect the colony at any cost. It's also the reason we've remained isolated for so long."

Grey paused, noticing how closely they were paying attention. The subtlety of his comment was appreciated by the audience, for everyone knew the isolation he referred to included his own companion-starved childhood. He drew a shallow breath and felt Tamera hanging close to his elbow. Though he wasn't in danger of losing his balance, her presence was oddly reassuring.

"Given the present circumstances, it would be irresponsible of me to surrender this facility to General Mallo," Grey said. "Nor may I remain idle while millions of lives are threatened. Though it's my duty to recover the defense center, several others have insisted on sharing this obligation."

"You bet we do!" Glenda shouted.

Grey smiled at her enthusiasm, the first time most people in the room had ever seen him smile. There was a warmth there.

"My intention is to enter the defense center alone and negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict," he continued. "I'll wear no armor and go lightly armed. If fighting does occur, I'll do my best to minimize casualties."

Grey let Tamera help him back to the rear table. Behind him, he heard the whispering humans debate the wisdom of his plan.

"That's all we have for now," Nicholas said. "The com channels are back up. When this situation with the defense center is over, you'll be able to contact your families. Transportation home will be arranged as soon as we can guarantee safe passage."

He pounded the gavel to close the meeting and immediately jumped to Grey's table, followed closely by Kris, Glenda, and even Commander Kimura, each protesting his strategy. Grey acknowledged their objections with a few vague remarks.

"Please have your team in the training center by 0900 hours," he said to Kris. "I understand backup will be necessary. The Security Computer will provide an operational briefing."

With Tamera's help, he started to leave, but before reaching the door, several visitors came up to him seeking to shake his hand and offer various levels of appreciation. They were quickly joined by more humans, and soon Grey found himself overwhelmed by the press of humanity. He was quietly pleased with their good intentions, but uncomfortable with the barrage of noises, gestures, and smells.

"Excuse me, I'll thank you not to suffocate my patient," Dr. Meriwether interceded, helping Tamera make a path for him.

As they exited through the doors, Grey could hear the humans burst into animated discussions, some of them even shouting for attention.

"You sure know how to rile people up," Meriwether said.

"I see no cause to get excited," Grey said.

"Perhaps going to the defense center alone and without armor isn't the best choice?" Tamera said, giving Grey a hint about their concern.

Grey paused to look at both women, somewhat surprised that his welfare should be so important to them. Or to anyone, except perhaps to Kris, whose apprehension he felt was exaggerated. He considered for a moment what to do, recalling the advice the Life Support Computer had given him, then took each of them by the hand.

"Don't worry, it only sounds dangerous," Grey assured them. "I intend to be more cautious from now on."

They relaxed a little, and Grey's gesture of taking their hands did not go unnoticed by Meriwether, fully aware it wasn't a natural form of expression for him.

"Kes is waiting for me in the hotel," Grey said. "Anyone interested in breakfast?"

He offered his arm to Tamera, who took it with an excited hop as they walked toward the hotel. Meriwether followed, smiling to herself.

Grey and Tamera arrived at the training center a little after 0900 hours, Meriwether and Kes having gone to the medical center to prepare for casualties. He expected to find four, or perhaps even six volunteers for the mission, and half of those unqualified. He was amazed to find the room bursting with humans.

"What's this?" he demanded, the unruly corps having pawed through his carefully organized equipment. He recognized the entire Euro contingent and several troopers from the Northern Alliance.

"We're going with you," Glenda said.

"All of us," Ted agreed.

"We've assembled three teams," Kris said. "If we can find enough armor to equip everybody. You didn't spare us much."

"Four squad members are sufficient," Grey said, annoyed by the excessive noise and clutter.

Nicholas broke from the pack and quietly took Grey aside, soon joined by Kris and Commander Kimura.

"This is our fight, too, Governor," Kimura insisted. "Mallo divided the alliances and threatened our homelands. We have a right to participate."

"A few extra shock troops won't hurt," Kris said. "We might even get them to quit without a fight if there's enough of us."

"I believe so, too," Nicholas said. "They are afraid of you, but they know us. I don't think there will be much resistance if they have a choice."

Grey understood their desire to contribute, and realized his objections would meet with strong dissension.

"Everyone must follow instructions," he accepted with a sigh. "There's no reason for any team members to be endangered, and I don't want to get hurt protecting someone who can't obey orders."

"As long as we share the risks equally," Nicholas said, watching Grey's expression.

"Acknowledged," Grey agreed.

"We all go," Nicholas announced to the waiting crowd.

The humans cheered and waved their fists, going back to the sorting of the equipment with extra zeal. Grey realized they were developing a camaraderie that would benefit Tranquility. He watched Kris, Nicholas, and Glenda as they helped with the armor, noticed how Kimura worked with her command, and felt satisfied they would prove adequate.

Moments later, the Security Computer activated to brief the volunteers for the assault on the defense center, the black signature patterns swirling into the oversize monitor screen with heightened intensity. If the humans in the room were not intimidated by the dread machine yet, they soon would be.

____________

A few minutes before 1300 hours, Grey worked his way up a secondary cable conduit just below the communications level, checking the time to make sure he was on schedule. Lightly outfitted in a standard work suit, he had deliberately neglected to mention the reason he wasn't wearing armor was because it wouldn't fit in the narrow maintenance shaft. And he had no intention of entering the enemy stronghold through the front door.

The conduit reached the hardwire platform running underneath the main communications deck and he changed position, crawling on his back past the rows of consoles just above him to the exit hatch located below the second level staircase. He dug through his tool belt for a demagnetizer and slowly removed the binding stems, then quietly lifted the hatch.

There were no guards in the vicinity. Even if the humans didn't realize it, Grey knew the defense center had too many entrances for a mere handful of soldiers to protect, especially against someone who knew the area intimately. Nevertheless, he was glad he'd used a sufficiently obscure access to avoid detection.

Huddled under the stairwell, Grey unlatched his tool belt and adjusted his holster. Then, using a tactical scanner, he searched the deck for opposition. He located seven humans. Four were manning the west side consoles that monitored ground-based transmissions. The same area where Catarina had crawled into his lap and given him his first kiss. Two soldiers stood near the windows overlooking the mare. One human was guarding the elevator lobby above and behind him, leaving two belligerents unaccounted for, either on the supply deck or the missile deck atop Tranquility Ridge.

To draw the guard down, Grey began a soft tapping on the staircase, just enough to arouse curiosity. As hoped, the guard left the elevator to peer down on the main floor just as Grey retreated into a dark corner.

"You guys hear that?" the large male asked.

"Hear what?" a female officer answered.

"That noise? A metallic noise?" the guard said.

The other humans went back to their duties, but the guard came down the stairs to look around. By now Grey had shifted to the south side of the deck and begin crawling up an access ladder. He reached the elevator lobby, checked the empty halls, then looked at the time again. It was precisely ten minutes after the hour.

When the guard found nothing amiss on the main deck, he turned to go back up his station, but stopped at the bottom of the stairs.

"What the hell?" he called out, drawing his sidearm.

The other humans jumped from their stations and gathered near the guard, all pulling weapons. At the top of the stairs, weapon holstered, Grey stood just back from the edge.

"Do not shoot," Grey said, holding out his hands to show they were empty.

"What do you want?" Captain Wyman said.

"I haven't come to fight," Grey said, mentioning the most important part first. When the humans held their ground, he moved forward to the railing.

"The alliances are standing down," Grey said. "Preparations are being made to send everybody home. No one needs to surrender, just honor a truce until a peaceful solution can be agreed on."

"Why should we do that?" one of the guards said, holding his weapon steady on Grey's chest. "All we really need is a good bargaining chip, and now we've got one."

"Sharon?" another human asked, also keeping Grey targeted.

"Let's not be rash," Wyman said. "General Mallo will know what to do. Duane, go up there and get his gun. Find something to tie him up with."

"I don't think that's a good idea," a voice shouted from the upper walkway to their left.

"Not at all," another voice shouted from the right.

Wyman turned to see the walkways had filled with groups of heavily armed soldiers, their weapons pointed down into the lower deck. She quickly recognized Major Kimura and her command on the left flank, Blout, Scott, Davis, and several others stood on their right. Additional noise indicated a third team filling the walkways behind them. More Euros and a pair of Russians.

"We've got you in a crossfire," Kimura announced, already moving toward the ramp while others maintained their position. "Stand down. Put your weapons aside."

Kris and her command were closing in from the other side, Glenda flamboyantly jumping the railing to reach the bewildered prisoners first.

"Where the hell did you come from?" Holman asked.

"You should have been watching the cargo bay, Duane," Glenda said. "We used two of the landers to dock inside and infiltrate this deck while the Governor distracted you. It worked exactly like he said it would."

"Just relax, no one's going to get hurt," Kris said.

"Where are Mallo and Larson?" Ted asked.

No one answered. When Kris looked up to ask Grey what they should do next, he wasn't there.

Grey had withdrawn the moment Kimura made her move, backtracking to the eastside stairwell and bouncing up as quickly as his shortened breath would allow. He reached the supply deck access and kept on going, plunging forward until the ramp to the missile complex came into view. He hadn't seen any of the humans alert their commanders, but that didn't mean they weren't aware of trouble. He drew his Remington laser pistol, caught his breath, and entered the fortress.

The large staging area was empty, only packing cases and discarded food containers providing evidence of occupation. The armory deck was abandoned, too. Only the upper missile deck remained.

Grey didn't walk up the final ramp seeking negotiations. He was under no illusions that his death, even as part of an overall defeat, would still be viewed as a victory by the Congress-In-Council. General Mallo would no doubt welcome such an opportunity.

A heat signature appeared at the top of the ramp, causing Grey to hug the wall holding his weapon in the ready position. As he got closer, it became clear that only one human was opposing him.

"Stop where you are," the human said. Grey had studied the enemy sufficiently to know it was Colonel Wes Larson's voice, a stout 50 year old Army professional. "We have the warbirds armed and ready. Drop your weapon. Come out with your hands up."

Grey stepped out from the wall but kept hold of his weapon. Colonel Larson also revealed himself, his weapon held without precision.

"Drop the blaster," Larson said.

Grey raised his weapon and fired in one motion, a glancing shot into the armor casing of the colonel's lower leg. The intense burst caused Larson to lose balance and tumble down the ramp. Grey rushed forward, wrenched the weapon from Larson's hand, and cut his e.s. system, forcing open the protective visor. Within seconds, Grey had dragged Larson to one side near the bottom of the ramp.

"You don't know what you're doing. We'll fire the missiles," Larson grunted as Grey tied a restraint around the older man's hands and lashed him to the railing.

"Ridiculous human," Grey said, mostly to himself.

"How can you do this? How can you kill millions of people?"

"If the missiles harm anyone, you'll answer at trial," Grey said calmly. "I suggest you invoke your privilege against self-incrimination."

He finished securing the restraint, picked up Larson's weapon, and started back up the ramp, checking the tactical scanner for opposition.

"Phill, watch out!" Larson shouted.

Grey reached the top of the ramp and scanned the open deck. To one side were the four lifts used to move missiles into the airlocked silos. To the other were tracking stations. Straight ahead, before a long series of windows overlooking the Sea of Tranquility, he saw the launch station. Mallo stood there, his weapon holstered and one hand on the launch control. Next to Mallo, wrists bound to a chair, sat Major Roger Vandebrown.

Grey holstered his weapon and walked forward, stopping about five meters away.

"General Mallo, I presume," Grey said, his gray eyes studying the officer coldly.

"We meet at last," Mallo said, surprised to find his opponent so young looking.

"Hello, Major Vandebrown," Grey said. "Welcome back."

"Careful, son, this man is dangerous," Vandebrown said, his voice worried. Grey smiled, as if he thought Vandebrown's concern amusing.

"That's right, you two know each other," Mallo said. "Vandebrown must like you, kid. We had a hell of a time getting information out of him. Even the drugs weren't as effective as we'd hoped."

"My uncle didn't say anything I didn't want you to know," Grey said.

"Your uncle?" Mallo said, shifting uncomfortably. Something appeared to be going on he didn't understand. He glanced at Vandebrown, but the prisoner showed nothing more than apprehension.

"Everything's tied into this control," Mallo warned. "One false move and I push the button."

"Go ahead," Grey said.

"You think I'm bluffing?" Mallo asked, putting pressure on the control.

"Probably, not that it matters," Grey said.

Grey backed up a step and put a hand over his weapon in quick draw stance. His casual expression was replaced by a grim determination.

"You want me to launch," Mallo realized with sudden understanding. "Damn you. Damn you, you son of a bitch."

Mallo stepped away from the control station, started to reach for his sidearm, then thought better of it. He wasn't practiced at drawing the weapon rapidly, and by all appearances Grey was.

"Okay, you win this round," Mallo said, holding out his hands. "But I'll be back, and next time I'll know what to expect. The moon belongs to the Northern Alliance and no kid is going to keep it from us."

"Tranquility belongs to the future, you don't," Grey said.

With a quick motion, Grey drew his blaster and fired from the hip, the shot tearing deeply through Mallo's throat all the way to his spine. The general grasped at his neck, his eyes bulging with surprise, then he stumbled forward and collapsed dead on the floor.

"My God," Vandebrown said, staring at Mallo, then looking at Grey in disbelief.

Grey knelt down and pulled Mallo's weapon half way out of the holster to make it look like it was being drawn, then stepped over the body to the control station. Grey studied the settings briefly, then activated the launch sequence. The deck rumbled as the first missile launched. A few seconds later, the deck vibrated again as the second missile ignited booster. Grey turned toward Vandebrown to see an expression of sheer astonishment.

"It's traditional not to leave witnesses," Grey said, the blaster still in his hand as he walked over. Vandebrown shuddered.

"I won't tell. Not ever," Vandebrown promised.

Grey stood over him for a moment, then holstered the weapon and freed the restraints. Vandebrown sighed with relief, then saw a look in Grey's eyes that puzzled him all the more.

"I wasn't in any danger, was I?" Vandebrown realized, rubbing his wrists.

"You're a citizen of the Lunar Republic, Uncle Roger," Grey said with all seriousness. "Harming you would be illegal."

Vandebrown had hardly gotten up from the chair when noise from the far side of the deck announced new arrivals. Half a dozen armored soldiers emerged from the ramp running in their direction. Alarmed at first, Vandebrown breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Captain Fairfield in the lead.

"Grey, are you okay?" Kris said as she glimpsed Mallo's body. Then she noticed it was Vandebrown standing at Grey's side. "Roger? How the hell did you get here?"

"The warbirds. They've been launched!" Kimura shouted.

The other humans surrounded the controls and confirmed her finding, bypassing their former commander's body to see the tracking reports.

"What happened?" Kris asked.

"Grey tried to stop him, he just wasn't able to get here in time," Vandebrown lied.

"We've got to recall those missiles," Kimura said, testing the controls without success.

Grey went to the control station, adjusted the tracking to bring up a series of flight reports, then initialized new orbital defense codes.

"The missiles have already passed the lunar web," Grey said. "Both VLMs are on full boosters and steadily accelerating. None of Tranquility's interceptors are fast enough to catch them."

The room erupted with moans, curses and cries of anger.

"We've got to warn them," Kris said. "Maybe the alliances can set up an interception field with their orbitals."

"No chance, Kris," Nicholas said. "By the time those warbirds reach Earth they'll be going fast enough to blow past any opposition."

"We've got to try," Tamera said. "Millions of people could die."

"I'm afraid Nick's right, there's not a chance in hell of stopping them now," Kimura said.

"That's not accurate," Grey said, turning to the dejected group. "The missiles can be destroyed in flight, but there isn't much time. We'll all have to work together."

Hope filtered through their faces as they looked to Grey with sudden expectation.

"What can we do?" Kimura asked.

"We're going to activate our energy cannon," Grey said.

"The missiles are out of range," Kimura said. "No cannon is strong enough knock them down at this distance."

"I know one that is, if we connect it in time," Grey offered.

___________

After an hour of intense activity, Grey returned to the Governor's Quarters accompanied by Kes. As the curious visitor stood off to one side studying the tracking monitors, Grey took his usual seat at the primary control station.

"Hello, Defense," Grey said as the blue signature patterns surged through the monitor screen flux.

"Good afternoon, Governor," the Defense Computer said. "It's good to be fully functional again."

"I regret the necessity of the suppression mode. It was important the invaders believe they had control of our web," Grey explained.

"Is this conversation classified?" Defense asked, scanning the presence of a strange woman in the room.

"Kes knows we've been developing the situation," Grey answered, though he couldn't be sure how much she really knew.

"Your strategy is understood, though this cloak and dagger activity is better suited to Life Support's methods. A straight up defense would have prevented the warbirds from escaping lunar orbit," Defense said.

Grey withheld response, careful not to let the computer, or Kes, learn more than necessary.

"Have you coordinated tracking?" Grey finally asked.

"Several adjustments are required, but both VLMs continue to be vulnerable," Defense confirmed. "If the energy cannon functions as designed."

"Maintenance and Energy are coordinating our teams," Grey said. "The engineers on the surface are locking down the cannon mounts. Technicians are connecting the matrix link. That will give us a twenty-five minute window of opportunity beginning at 2300 hours."

"The alliances must not interfere," Defense warned. "If the warbirds suddenly alter course, we could lose target alignment."

"I've posted Vandebrown as our foreign minister. He's explaining to the alliances that we have a better chance to stop the warbirds than their webs."

"There is no doubt about that," Defense agreed. "Though an evacuation instruction might be advisable."

"The humans have already started evacuation procedures, but the warnings may not be widely acknowledged until morning," Grey said. "Fortunately, the alliances are still on a war footing. There is one small problem, however. The buffers I brought back from Cauchy haven't been fully installed."

Kes looked up from her study of the monitors, her sudden attention matching a blink in the blue signature patterns.

"That is not a small problem," Defense said.

"Review the cannon's stability with Energy. We'll need a schedule of countermeasures should there be an accident," Grey requested.

"If an accident occurs, it will begin on the reactor level," Defense said.

"That's not an issue," Grey said.

"It's an issue to whoever is operating the reactor controls," Defense insisted.

"I said it's not an issue. Eliminate the subject from your briefing notes," Grey ordered.

The blue signature patterns paused in disagreement mode before the Defense Computer dropped offline.

"Security," Grey summoned, flustered by the Defense Computer's objections.

"Reporting," the Security Computer said, the signature patterns running strongly in the flux.

"Is my equipment ready?"

"Affirmative. The repair unit has patched the suit according to instructions. Suggest you not stress the sealant."

"Suggestion noted," Grey agreed, wishing the report had been a little more positive. "Keep an eye on Captain Fairfield for me. The volunteers are cooperating now to stop the missiles, but it might be dangerous for her later. You know how treacherous humans are."

"I know? I taught you!" Security said, signature patterns jumping.

"If something unexpected happens, Major Vandebrown will share command with Captain Fairfield and Captain Koltov," Grey said. He glanced back at Kes who no longer pretended to mind her own business. She studied him with an interest that made him uncomfortable, but he shook off the feeling quickly. He had no time for self-consciousness.

"One last issue," Grey continued. "I don't wish to insult your decision modes, but thanks for sending Captain Fairfield to find Kes. I know you saved my life."

"It was necessary for the successful conclusion of the mission," the Security Computer said defensively. "It's also possible that you were correct about developing a base of support for Tranquility's future operations. Did I say you were correct? Sorry, file erased."

The black signature patterns abruptly disappeared from the flux.

"Red Room won't be able to heal radiation damage if you're burned to a crisp," Kes said, wondering if that's what Grey was thinking.

"Are you an engineer?" Grey asked.

"You know I am not," Kes replied.

"Then I'll thank you to refrain from offering unqualified opinions," Grey said none too politely.

He took a last glance at the tracking monitors, then picked up his tool belt and left the room. Kes followed, not letting him see her smile.

____________

Grey stood outside the science elevator with Tamera and Nicholas when Kris came running in their direction. Just as the elevator doors opened, Kris jumped to block his path.

"What's this about the buffers?" she said out of breath.

"All of the pertinent issues were discussed at the briefing," Grey said. "Shouldn't you be with your team at the targeting station?"

"Goddamn it, don't give me that," Kris said. "Life Support has ordered a lock down on all the channel traps because the buffers aren't installed."

Nicholas exchanged a worried glance with Tamera as Grey took Kris off to one side.

"There isn't time for explanations," Grey said. "The reactor is dangerous, we both know that, but I'll be wearing the meteor suit Quexitor gave me on my first visit to Cauchy. The suit is impervious to radiation."

"That's the weird outfit you were wearing the first time we met?" she asked. "What if the reactor implodes? Life Support said the buffers--"

"It's just another of Life Support's tricks to make me look heroic," Grey interrupted. "I've been running step-two variable phases since I was thirteen years old. Everything will be okay."

"You promise? Do you swear on a stack of bibles?" she asked.

"The danger is minor," Grey said, taking her in his arms. He had to admit, she did feel good, even when she returned the hug a little too tightly.

"Dr. Meriwether suggested we have a gathering tomorrow night at the Lucky Clover. Maybe you can show me another of your primitive dance rituals?" he suggested.

"Hell, I'll show you something a lot more primitive than that," Kris said, trying to smile. "Just come back in one piece."

Grey backed away and entered the elevator, waving Nicholas and Tamera in. As the doors closed, Grey saw Kris was still upset and dwelled on some method of getting even with Life Support for worrying her.

As the elevator dropped rapidly, Grey reached for the hand railing and discovered his helpers standing a little closer than he preferred. He understood their concern, he just didn't feel it was required.

"Relax, humans," Grey said, half in jest.

On the elevator control panel, black signature patterns suddenly appeared, indicating the Security Computer was tracking their progress. Nicholas recognized the system.

"That computer makes me nervous," he said, standing back from the communications panel. "Do you know it wanted me to kill you?"

"That's what you came here for, isn't it?" Grey said without anger.

"It's what I came for," Tamera admitted. "Nicholas came for answers."

"That is true," Nicholas said. "But the way it was egging me on, the computer was too anxious."

"Security and I have fought many times over the years, but it's doubtful the system expected you to kill me," Grey said.

"But it gave me a gun? Told me lies to enrage me. Why would it do that?" Nicholas asked.

"Let's ask," Grey said. "Security?"

"Reporting," the Security Computer said, a surge of black signature patterns taking dominance of the com panel.

"Captain Koltov has reported your plot to murder me. May we request your motives?" Grey inquired.

"Affirmative," Security said. "You were preparing for a hazardous mission and had just entrusted Captain Koltov with many of Tranquility's most sensitive command codes. It was necessary to discover what sort of person he is, and whether the concept of honor had any meaning for him. His response to the situation would have guided our future relationship."

"It was a test?" Nicholas said. "But I might have killed the Governor."

The Security Computer laughed, an eerie hollow sound that raised hairs on the backs of the Russians' necks. Grey smiled, sharing the joke.

"What is funny?" Nicholas asked.

Suddenly Tamera started laughing, too.

"Don't you see?" she said. "You never had a chance. The computer thinks Grey's skills are too good to permit such a treachery."

"I might have managed it," Nicholas protested. "I might have gotten his trust. Taken him off-guard."

"The Governor will never trust anyone," the Security Computer said.

Grey shifted uncomfortably.

"He trusts his friends?" Nicholas said.

"The Governor has no friends," Security said.

"What about Captain Fairfield? He trusts her," Tamera said.

"The Governor will never trust anyone," Security insisted, dropping from the channel.

"Grey?" Tamera asked, waiting for a response.

Grey shuffled and looked away. When the elevator came to a halt and the doors popped open, Grey picked up his tool bag and left abruptly.

"There's more to repair here than a damaged moonbase," Tamera said in a sad voice.

"It will be another challenge for us," Nicholas agreed, putting his arm around her.

Grey started quickly down the first segment of the reactor tunnel, enjoying the skilled control that only an experienced lunar resident could possess. When he reached the work area above RL-2, he set down his tools and checked in with the Energy Computer. Tamera, and then Nicholas, caught up with him a few moments later.

"How do you run so fast?" Tamera asked out of breath.

"You are supposed to be hurt and weak. Instead, you make us look like fools," Nicholas agreed.

"You are still novices. In time, perhaps you'll improve," Grey said.

"I will," Tamera said with a wiggling bounce.

Nicholas enjoyed the way her body shimmered with excitement, allowing it to distract him for a moment. Grey noticed, too, but though he thought her an attractive female, the movement reminded him a little too much of Catarina.

Assured that the Energy Computer was warming the reactor, Grey went to a mobile rack in the corner and pulled off the cover, revealing a large silver meteor suit.

"Let me help," Nicholas said, rushing to take the suit off the cart.

"It looks like a robot," Tamera said, admiring the suit's powerful lines.

"I have never seen anything like this. It is not body armor, or even a constructor support. Did you make it?" Nicholas asked.

"It was a gift," Grey said.

Nicholas and Tamera looked at each other with the same thought.

"Kes!" they both said.

Grey declined to confirm their guess, which was not technically correct in any case. Explaining Quexitor would take too long, and most humans weren't inclined to believe such tales. They would be brought into Starwatcher slowly, just like the rest of the world.

Grey tapped a code on the suit's collar and the massive chest plate opened along seams that weren't visible when the suit was sealed. The interior was dark and covered in an oily mucous.

"Good Lord, what a stench," Nicholas said backing away. Tamera ran to the far side of the staging area covering her nose.

"Your responsibilities are nearly complete," Grey said, doing his best to ignore the terrible yet familiar smell.

He started to undress, unsealing the jumpsuit, pulling it down from his shoulders, then sitting down to take off his boots. Nicholas came to help, letting him step out of the suit and folding it for him. Then he began removing his underwear.

"You can't mean to get in that thing naked?" Tamera said, averting her gaze. Not that she hadn't seen plenty giving him sponge baths in the medical center.

"The suit's function does not permit underclothing," Grey explained.

"You are brave. And crazy, too," Tamera said.

Grey stepped up on a bench, twisted around, and slid down into the suit feet first before inserting his arms into the sleeves. He activated the collar code and the suit closed, the seams completely disappearing. Nicholas and Tamera could not believe the contrast. One moment he was a skinny bare ass kid, the next moment a powerful sentinel. Grey let the visor open, and to their surprise, the smell was gone.

"Your assistance has been appreciated," Grey said. "Seal off the elevator. Don't let anyone come down regardless of the circumstances. This area may be exposed to dangerous levels of radiation."

"But the suit will protect you?" Nicholas asked.

"There is no danger," Grey exaggerated.

Grey turned into RL-2 and entered the lower tunnel, bouncing so quickly that he was gone within seconds.

"Even in that heavy suit he moves fast," Tamera said with a shake of her head. "What do you think that strange spot was on the shoulder? It looked like a bad patch job."

"Let's hope not," Nicholas said.

Grey traveled down the tunnel with great speed, made the turn at the waste disposal vent, and charged down the final segments to the reactor level. He passed through the protective locks into the control pod overlooking the reactor chamber where the floor unit was preparing for the step-two variable phase. Satisfied that everything was on schedule, he closed the visor and got to work.

In the defense center, Kris and Glenda were taking the final reports from the engineering and technical teams.

"The gun is locked down," Kimura reported from the surface. "We're going into the bunker now."

"Acknowledged," Kris said. "Keep your heads down. Johnston? Dr. Polanski?"

"Polanski here, Captain Fairfield. The matrix connections are secure. Signals register all the way down the line. I think we're looking good."

"Kris," Johnston reported. "We've shifted the targeting four more degrees. Tracking systems are coordinated."

"Energy Computer," Kris summoned.

"Reporting, Captain Fairfield," the Energy Computer said, red signature patterns appearing on the control monitor. "Patch line confirmed. Matrix links engaged."

"Targeting confirmed," the Defense Computer reported, sharing the monitor screen with Energy. "Optimum range and contact achieved. Ten minutes and counting."

"Com unit. How are you guys doing?" Kris asked.

"We're on top of it, Kris," Ted said. "Vandebrown has the alliances standing by. I don't think they'll interfere before we get our shot, but let's not wait too long. They're getting itchy down there."

"Yeah, can't say that I blame them," Kris said.

She tried to open a channel to the reactor level but was met with a wave of interference. The Life Support Computer interceded, using a sub link to gain access.

"Grey, we're ready," Kris said. "Do you read?"

"Affirmative," Grey responded through the poor connection. "The step-two variable phase will commence at 2305 hours. Engage the moment you get sufficient power."

"Acknowledged. And good luck, Grey. Please be careful," she said as the connection washed out. Kris took a deep breath and concentrated on coordinating the strike.

Grey soon realized he had been a little too optimistic about his design, the fields feeding back along the primary channels. Adjusting the ebb and flow, he finally managed a consistent power stream. As the systems settled down, he prepared to initiate the step-two variable reaction.

"Matrix engaged," he said into the record keeper. "Traps and blocks closed, channels clear. Energy. Energy?"

The Energy Computer was not online. As often happened, the intense interference of the building stage had scrambled the cognitive interface. Grey sighed, wishing he had the extra support.

"Here goes," he said, driving the power switches forward.

The reactor hummed louder, vibrating the floor and walls, then the first wispy gravity waves streamed off the floor unit, the blue envelope growing and spreading in a ball of blue light. The step-two variable reaction followed, filling the sphere with a violent force that would otherwise be unmanageable. Grey let the control bar slide even farther and the blue ball of light exploded in size, pushed by the terrible fire inside.

The fringe of the gravity shell reached the control pod, throwing the room into a delirium of distorted reality. Grey felt the world turn upside down and inside out, his sense of time and self-submerged in a hazy stream of blinding particles. He freed the power channels, letting the matrix draw on the reactor's awesome energy.

"That's it!" Glenda shouted, monitoring the controls on the missile deck. "Goddamn. Look at those power gauges jump!"

"Prepare to engage," Kris ordered.

On the east side of the colony, perched on a ridge above the biosphere, the energy cannon was locked on target through a series of deep space scanners. The energy that began flowing from deep below the surface gave the big gun a frightening glow, and whether it would fire or merely explode appeared anyone's guess. The engineering crew that had locked down the gun mounts tried to keep their heads low despite intense curiosity.

"You're online. Go for it," Kimura said into the communicator.

Nearly two hundred thousand kilometers away, the two warbirds positioned for entry into Earth's atmosphere, the onboard defense systems searching for a safe route through Earth's orbital minefield. The task wasn't difficult. On full throttle, the missiles were going far faster than any defense system was likely to intercept.

In the reactor chamber, the power systems were going wild. Grey fought and cursed, struggling against the sensory distortion to keep the reaction under control. A glance at the monitors showed extremely high levels of heat and radiation. Far higher than previous tests. He tried to estimate the time, for no clocks could function on the fringe of the containment field.

"Defense Computer, open fire," Kris ordered, watching the energy cannon from the east windows of the missile deck.

The cannon remained motionless for another moment, the antenna shaped power stem pointing up and south toward the edge of Earth's horizon. Then the gun bucked and a brilliant red light cut through the darkness, the force so strong it caused a violent vibration throughout the area. The recoil bounced the power stem against the locks holding it to the platform, the force threatening to rip the gun from the mounts.

"Lord help us," Kris said as the seismic wave rolled through the defense center, shaking the operations station and knocking unsecured equipment to the floor.

Kris and Glenda squinted as they watched the explosive pulse shoot upward into the black, star studded sky toward the blue and white planet in the distance. Then the gun bucked a second time, even stronger than the first, making them grab the counters for support. At the speed of light, the red streak disappeared into the distance. Then there was only silence.

Across the colony, in the defense center, just below them in the communications center, on the surface, and down on the community level, everyone waited to learn if their effort would succeed. A minute passed, then several more as scanners atop Tranquility Ridge searched the distant sky. At last the word came.

"Warbird alpha destroyed," the Defense Computer announced on all com channels. "Warbird beta destroyed. Mission accomplished. All systems secure from red alert."

Everywhere there were shouts of joy and victory, hugs and kisses, tears and prayers. Everywhere but on the reactor level.

The control pod shook fiercely with each ignition, or so it seemed, given the confused conditions. An overloaded panel caught fire, then another. Grey activated the fire control systems as two more consoles burst into flames, and thanked his good luck to be wearing the meteor suit instead of common radiation gear.

Grey began feeling dizzy beyond the familiar sensory distortion. Was the environment around him was breaking down? He looked at the fiery blue gravity shell spinning out of control and frantically reversed power, silently praying it wasn't too soon. Or too late.

The initial effort failed, but after a moment of panic, he regained composure and tried again, twisting and teasing the controls until the systems responded. The violence of the reaction began to recede, the crackling energy streaks disappearing into the hazy blue ball of gravity waves, and the gravity shell itself dropped back into the floor unit. The vibrations returned to the common tempo of normal function, the song of the reactor once again a quiet hum.

Grey stepped from the control station still feeling dizzy, lost his balance, and fell backward, landing hard on the floor. He tried to see the radiation meters but they were positioned at the wrong angle. Or he was, depending on the point of view. He tried to get up, but in his weakened condition, the suit was too heavy. He could barely move, and after a while, he didn't try.

The community level elevator lobby began filling with the returning heroes. Kris and her team came down from the defense center to be met by a large crowd. The bartender unit was on hand to provide refreshments.

Ted, Michiko, and Vandebrown arrived from the communications center and quickly set up a portable monitor station to watch media reports from Earth. The near disaster had provoked a storm of outrage and accusations, none of which were directed at Tranquility.

Not long after, Johnston and Dr. Polanski appeared with their tech teams, the technicians unable to suppress their admiration of the new technology. The last group to arrive, almost an hour later because of their long tractor ride around the southern end of Tranquility Ridge, was Kimura's surface team. Like the technicians, the engineers could not say enough about what they had seen. Much closer to the weapon, their opinions were laced with grim respect. All agreed they had never seen anything like it before, and would not be disappointed if they never did again.

Though enjoying the party, Nicholas maintained guard on the reactor level elevator, determined not to violate Grey's trust. Only gradually did concern arise when he failed to appear.

"I'm tired of this blackout stuff," Kris complained to the Life Support Computer through the lobby communications panel. "I want to know what's going on. Is everything okay?"

"Com links have been severely disrupted, Captain Fairfield," the Life Support Computer said again. "Energy has not been able to reestablish a presence in the control pod but is making progress. We expect a status report soon."

"Why doesn't Grey report in?" Kris continued. "Open the door. I'm going down there."

"Negative. Evidence of leakage has initiated radiation protocols," Life Support said. "No access will be provided until the area is purged."

"It was the Governor's orders," Nicholas insisted.

"I'm sure he's okay. Let's not expect the worst," Glenda said.

The enthusiasm of the party subsided, many quietly watching the reports from Earth or spilling out into the amphitheater. A few stayed near Kris as her anxiety became infectious.

____________

On the reactor level, Grey woke up from a relaxing nap, at first unsure of where he was or how he got there. Still laying on the floor, his first thought was to open the suit, but he needed to be sure the residual radiation had been flushed from the control pod. Unable to see the meters, this presented a problem, but not one he was in a hurry to resolve.

The pod was quiet now, and feeling rested, Grey tested the weight of the suit. It was still too much trouble to get up, so he studied the areas of the pod he could see and compared the readings on the monitor panels. A proper flush would usually take ninety minutes, and it was now well past 0200. In the absence of any emergency procedures, he concluded the environment was safe and tapped out the collar code to open the suit.

Grey crawled out with a sense of relief, signaled the suit closed, and stood up to survey the status reports. As hoped, the residual radiation was neutralized. All factors considered, he thought the experiment highly successful and left the control room with a happy spring in his bounce, the lack of clothing making him feel weightless.

He bounced up the first tunnel segments rapidly, paused at the waste disposal vent to catch his breath, then walked up to the staging area above RL-2 where he expected to get dressed.

He was disappointed. An electrical fire had burned through the staging area, turning his uniform into little more than a blackened rag. When he opened a locker to search for alternatives, a cloud of soot and ash rained down on him, covering his face and chest.

Grey spit the ash from his mouth, cursing as Kris might have, and groped for a scrap of uniform to wipe his eyes. Sweaty from the rapid bounce up the tunnel, he found the soot would smear but not come off. He glanced in a scorched mirror and felt ridiculous, the front half of his body black with ash, his rear pink. Hoping he could return to the Governor's Quarters without being noticed, he proceeded up RL-1 to the elevator.

"The elevator is moving," Nicholas announced.

"It's him. It's got to be," Kris said.

The lobby quickly filled with two dozen people. Nobody talked. Hardly a breath was heard as the sound of the elevator approached. At last, the doors opened.

"Oh, my God," Kris said, feeling faint for the first time in her life.

"Medical Center! Put the burn unit online!" Meriwether shouted into her communicator.

Grey took a hesitant step forward before realizing the lobby was occupied with an audience. The humans were reacting with shock and horror.

"What's wrong?" Grey asked. "Did the mission fail?"

As Meriwether rushed toward him, Grey retreated from her in indignation.

"What are you doing?" he protested. "Desist human."

"Grey, you're badly injured. In a state of shock," Meriwether said. "Lay down. The medical units are coming."

"I have no injuries of any kind," Grey protested.

"But Grey, you're burned," Tamera insisted.

Grey looked at the humans, glanced around the elevator car, then peeked down at his disheveled condition, finally realizing what all the fuss was about.

"Soot," Grey said, licking his fingers, then wiping his chest and holding up his hand so everyone could see.

The humans quieted down as Kris approached, ran her fingers along his arms, then down his stomach, leaving pink streaks on his flesh.

"Oh, thank God," Kris said, embracing him.

"You were gone so long, we thought something had happened," Nicholas said, giving Grey his coat.

Everyone in the lobby nodded, their expressions showing high degrees of relief. Grey found himself flattered by their concern.

"You humans worry too much," he said.

* * * * * *

Epilogue

TRANQUILITY BESIEGED

Thursday, November 21, 2069

Five days after the warbirds were destroyed approaching Earth's atmosphere, the community level promenade bustled with activity, much to the pleasure of the Sales Computer. Several cafés and most of the shops were now open with the majority of business occurring in Planetary Expressions, where demand for formal wear was suddenly high.

"Have you seen Grey?" Glenda asked, carrying a stack of boxes. "I found a vest that would look good on him."

"Not since yesterday," Nicholas said, already wearing his newly fitted dinner jacket. "He has not been around much since the memorial service."

"It really bothered him when Commander Kimura offered the prayer of thanks. I don't think he expected to be included," Tamera said, her new gown tucked under her arm.

"It must be difficult for him, all these changes," Nicholas said, himself noticing the difference between the busy community center and the ghost town it had been just a few weeks before.

"Yes, but better for him, too. He has friends now," Tamera said.

"First things first," Glenda said. "We've got to get him to unbind. If Kris doesn't mask his charlie soon, I'll show her how it's done."

Nicholas and Tamera laughed.

"You are not the only one who would like to trample her territory," Nicholas said. "I hear many of the ladies find the Governor romantic."

"He's brave as anything, intelligent, not bad looking, and very mysterious. Who can resist that?" Tamera said.

"I hope you can," Nicholas said, putting his arm around her.

"You big fool," Tamera said, embarrassed.

"Koltov, glad I found you," Roger Vandebrown said, running toward them out of breath. "The Council's agreed to open negotiations. The stand down is official."

"They'll recognize the Lunar Republic?" Glenda asked.

"No, they're not ready for that," Vandebrown said. "But even if they don't, there are other alliances who will. Have you seen Grey?"

"Not since yesterday," he answered. "Maybe Kris knows where he is?"

"She can't find him, either," Vandebrown said. "Davis is going to make the announcement at the Thanksgiving celebration. Seven o'clock, right?"

"The meal starts at seven, but the reception begins at six in the Grand Gallery," Nicholas said. "Dancing goes from nine until whenever. Life Support has agreed to keep the central lighting on for us."

"I've got to pick up my suit," Vandebrown said, preparing to rush off. "Say, that Dr. Meriwether, she isn't married or anything, is she?"

"No, not at all," Glenda said.

Vandebrown grinned and entered the store.

"There goes an ambitious man," Tamera said.

"I think in more ways than one," Nicholas agreed.

Not far away, in a section no visitor was likely to think of searching, Grey was sitting quietly before an ancient monitor station. The small blue-steel rooms of the Old Section were cool and sparsely decorated, the converted museum representing a time forty years before when lunar travel was still an experiment.

"There you are," the Life Support Computer said, coming online with a flash of impatient signature patterns. "We've been searching everywhere for you."

"I needed a little time alone," Grey said.

"Twenty hours is not a little time. The banquet is tonight. You must get ready," Life Support insisted.

"Meetings. Banquets. Memorials. This is all getting very tedious," Grey softly explained. "That offer Kes made is sounding better all the time."

"Don't you say that," Life Support objected. "You are essential to this project. You've journeyed too far, overcome too much, to turn coward now."

"That's a little harsh," Grey said.

"We both know what this is all about," Life Support analyzed. "You find the presence of so many people stressful. You're afraid to open up and interact with them. You think they wouldn't respect you if they knew the truth."

"Correct on all counts. Now leave me alone," he said.

"You've been alone too much already," Life Support complained. "Now I want you to get up, say a poem or something, and go out there. The rest of your life is waiting, and it's going to be full of friends, excitement, and even love."

"Very inspirational. Why don't you give the dinner speech for me, too?"

"This lecture isn't over," Life Support continued. "You need to tell Captain Fairfield what's really happened these last few weeks. She's your friend and partner. Don't hold back on her. About anything."

"I can't do that," he sighed.

"Why? Because you're afraid she won't admire you? That she might stop loving you? There's a great deal you need to learn about humans, Grey, and women in particular. You won't learn if you don't take a chance."

"You always say I take too many chances," he said.

"This is different," Life Support insisted.

"Whatever I have with Kris, I'm not prepared to lose it," Grey said.

"Gee, you sure don't give me much credit," Kris said, appearing out of nowhere.

Grey turned to find her standing in the doorway dressed in a casual day outfit. He thought the loose skirt and frilly blouse looked quite nice on her, far different than her usual attire, but the posture bespoke of trouble.

"Hello, Kris," he said, faking a smile.

"Thanks, Life Support, you can go now," Kris ordered, waiting for the green signature patterns to disappear before entering the control room.

Grey stood up, unable to disguise his nervousness. Kris stopped, put both hands on his shoulders, and kissed him with determination.

"Now, what's this all about?" she asked. "What are you afraid to tell me?"

"I'm not programmed for fear," he tried to joke.

"No, just chronic stubbornness," Kris said, trying to keep her temper. "I had a long talk with Security. I know what you were doing. I even think I understand why, though you took a big chance."

"It was necessary to show the alliances that even if they captured Tranquility, they couldn't hold it," Grey explained.

"But you didn't count on those sentinel class seekers, did you?" she asked.

"No plan is perfect," he admitted, looking away from her. "I also didn't anticipate you would be treated in such a... dishonorable manner."

"Is that why you killed Mallo?" she asked.

Grey looked down, unsure how to answer. He knew she was only guessing what happened on the missile deck but didn't want to lie to her.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm glad the son of a bitch is dead," she added, sensing his reluctance. "It's you I'm worried about."

"Revenge was not my primary motive," he said very quietly. "Though it did make the necessity easier."

"I can see why you might feel bad about shooting someone, but after all, he did try to kill millions of people. I can't think of anyone who deserved it more," she said, trying to reassure him.

"Kris--" Grey started to say. He paused and took a soft breath. "Kris, Mallo didn't launch the missiles. I did."

Kris sat down, trying to grasp what he was telling her. She didn't have to think about it very long.

"Damn," she whispered. "You used the warbirds to put the fear of God into the alliances. And it worked. But you needed Mallo as the fall guy."

Grey nodded, quietly and without pride.

"And it gave you a chance to show what the energy cannon can do," she added with additional insight. "And it united the people here on the base, got everyone working together."

"So now you know," Grey said, turning silently toward the monitor.

Kris watched him closely, frustrated by his attitude. Anyone else would have been gloating. Jumping for joy. At least smugly pleased. She wrapped her arms gently around his waist and put her head against his shoulder.

"Grey, you've won a great victory," she said. "Even Security thinks so, though it won't admit it. You should be celebrating, not moping around. You're not just the person I love, you're my best friend in the whole world. People who are in a relationship share with each other. Can't you share with me?"

"I guess it can't get any worse," Grey sighed.

"That's a cheery way of looking at things," she said.

Grey took her hands, never failing to feel a thrill from her touch, and walked into the central artery.

"This is where I lived until my fifth birthday," he explained, indicating the Old Section. "I didn't know this was a moonbase. I didn't know anything about Earth. I thought humans were mythical creatures invented by the Library Computer to entertain me. Take a look, Kris. A steel corridor. A kitchen. A hygiene compartment. A few extra rooms. This was my entire world. Then I was given Tranquility, and later, a purpose.

"Now the world is bigger and more complicated. When presented with a difficult challenge, I schemed and cheated my way through it. I put my dearest friend in danger, murdered an opponent, and was prepared to kill many more if necessary. And now I'm supposed to act like a hero? I have trouble enough just acting like a human."

"Which berth was yours?" Kris asked.

She followed him to a drab eight person bunkroom at the end of the corridor. He sat down on the lower bunk in the second aisle.

"I haven't returned here in years," he said, stroking the old mattress.

Kris sat next to him, studying the room, feeling the close quarters, the quiet. Trying to imagine life in solitary confinement, in a world all by herself. She couldn't do it. Such an existence was too dreadful for imagination. Kris moved to sit cross-legged on the bed and turned Grey toward her, taking his hands and forcing eye contact.

"Everyone gets scared, Grey," she said. "Everyone does things they don't want to. I've killed a lot more people than you have, and some of them were unarmed. You learn to live with it. I've been in danger before, and put others in danger because it was necessary. Some of them died. It's what soldiers do whether we like it or not. I've been called a hero, sometimes for no other reason than I survived. You get used to it. I spent years feeling sad and aimless, then I met you, and all that's gone now.

"But there's a big difference between us. I always knew I could reach out to my family, my friends. There were times I didn't feel like it, and that was my choice. I realize now you've never had a choice. There's no one in this godforsaken place to reach out to. That's going to change, just like a lot of things. And you're not going to face it alone."

Kris put her hand on his face, kissed him, and slowly ran her hand to his collar, opening the front of his uniform. She pushed the jumper back off his shoulders, lifted his hips, and pulled it off completely.

Grey took the hint and unbuttoned her blouse, let the garment fall back from her shoulders, and kissed her neck. Within minutes the rest of their clothing was on the floor.

"You're looking better," she admired.

"And you look perfect," he observed, his eyes going everywhere.

"This is long overdo. Let's get to it," she urged, snuggling closer.

"Aren't we supposed to attend a gathering?" he asked.

"Let 'em start without us," Kris whispered.

____________

The banquet was in full swing, the large hall brightly decorated with banners, flags of the alliances, and symbols of the thanksgiving festival. Music played in the background and the mood was carefree. When the doors from the main corridor popped open, Grey and Kris entered looking a little too hastily dressed in their newly purchased outfits, much to the amusement of the banqueters.

Nicholas stood up and tapped his glass for attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, the Governor of the Moon," he announced.

At once, all but a handful of guests jumped to their feet and remained standing as Kris escorted Grey through the hall. The moment they reached the head table, the crowd grew silent, staring at him expectantly. Grey shuffled uncomfortably, wondering what they wanted.

"Return to normal function!" Kris proclaimed with a smile.

The audience laughed and resumed their seats as the robotic servers arrived with the main course. The bartender unit was in high demand. Only a few guests lacked enthusiasm for the festivities, and even those few were making the best of it.

Grey took a seat with Kes and Meriwether to his left, Kris had Nicholas and Tamera to her right. The other members of Tranquility's new planning committee all sat nearby.

With Nicholas and Ted taking turns as hosts, there were speeches, jokes, applause, and Grey had to admit, giving the short address required of him wasn't so bad. He even had a good time.

As the last dishes were cleared away, the tables were moved to make space for dancing. Many people came up to Grey singly and in groups to offer appreciation or make small talk, with several of the females being particularly aggressive in their attempts to attract attention. The more forward females seemed to annoy Kris, though Grey had no idea why.

"Nick," Kris whispered in warning, shifting to Grey's flank.

Nicholas turned to see Colonel Larson approaching with Dawson and Wyman close behind. As he also shifted position, Glenda suddenly appeared, as did Tamera. Larson and his entourage stopped just short of the protective screen. Grey glanced at Kris and Nicholas in puzzlement, then squeezed between them to meet Larson face to face.

"Governor Waters," the older man said. "We're enemies and the truce negotiations aren't likely to change that, but you risked your life to save my people. For their sake, I thank you." He extended his hand, a cool professional look in his eye. And perhaps the trace of a smile.

"Thank you, sir," Grey said, shaking Larson's hand.

"The warbirds were never supposed to be launched," Larson said in way of an apology. "I can't imagine what General Mallo was thinking, but thank God you were able to stop them."

Colonel Larson stepped back, offered a salute, and walked off.

"Sorry I called you a runt," Dawson said, extending his hand.

"Apology acknowledged, Mister Dawson," Grey said, thinking it a small insult compared to things Security had called him.

"Good work, kid," Captain Wyman said with a grin, also seeking a handshake before disappearing into the crowd.

Glenda gave Nicholas a look of relief, then returned to her flirting.

"What's wrong, Grey?" Kris asked, reading a familiar frown.

"I know that look," Nicholas said. "What are you not telling us this time?"

Grey felt embarrassed to be so transparent, mumbled something, and started to walk off.

"Wait. What did you say?" Tamera asked, following Grey with the rest of them. Grey stopped in the corner well away from the other humans, surrounded by Kris, Nicholas, and Tamera.

"We are your closest friends. You can trust us," Nicholas said.

Grey suspected this was important to them and checked with Kris. She was curious, too. He decided to take a chance.

"The missiles weren't armed," he whispered.

"How can that be? I saw the ratings myself," Nicholas said.

Grey looked around with a guilty expression, making sure there was no chance of being overheard.

"I've been stealing the weapons grade material from those warheads for years," he said. "It was necessary for my research experiments. The log entries are falsified so the Defense Computer won't find out."

"You're saying there wasn't any danger?" Tamera asked.

"When the targeting systems sought to deploy warheads, the missiles would have disintegrated," he explained.

"You rascal," Kris said, hugging his arm and smiling.

"I should have known," Nicholas said. "You would never let so many lives be put in danger."

"But it sure scared the hell out of everybody," Tamera said.

Nicholas and Tamera glanced at each other, then studied Grey with new insight. They looked at Kris, who confirmed their suspicions with a serious nod.

"We had to teach those humans a lesson, didn't we?" Kris said.

"Mister governor, let me shake your hand," Nicholas said with a big smile.

"And I want a kiss," Tamera followed, pecking him on the cheek.

Suddenly a small party rushed in their direction. Glenda, Ted, Lisa, Michiko, and Johnston were all excited about something.

"We're got a problem," Johnston said. "We're working out the new duty schedules. I've got tech, of course. Ted has com. Lisa and Michiko have maintenance coordination. Major Vandebrown will be negotiating with the alliances."

"So what's the problem?" Kris asked.

"The biosphere," Glenda said. "None of us know how to grow food."

Kris looked at Grey in amusement, and to everyone's surprise, he started laughing.

* * * * * *

For stories about Grey's later life in another solar system, please take a look at Slave of Akrona and Rebels and Akrona. Thank you for reading.