Tranquility in Darkness Pt. 07

by G. Lawrence

No longer isolated on the moon where he grew up under the guidance of Tranquility's computers, Grey now has friends and a girlfriend, but also many enemies. Enemies who multiply by the hour.

A reminder, these are two stories; Governor Thomas McKinsey in 2046, and the lunar rebels in 2070 dealing with McKinsey's earlier actions. But the two stories will come together. All characters are over 18 years old. All rights reserved.

* * * * * *

Chapter 7

DANGEROUS LIAISONS

Tuesday, March 6, 2046

"Loam is very angry," Crystal said, dabbing McKinsey's chin with a cold pack. "You should stay out of his path for a while."

"I didn't go looking for the goddamn ass," McKinsey complained, trying to control his temper. Sitting on the low platform in her private quarters, McKinsey felt a sense of safety for which he had no reasonable expectation. "How much time until your ship takes off?"

"Another thirty-six hours. We shall need to enter the stasis tubes before launch or the acceleration will kill us," she explained.

"Do Loam and Stater ever sleep? What kind of duties will be keeping them busy?"

"After Loam stopped looking for you, he went to Red Room. He will be there several hours having his ribs healed. Lord Stater is in the control center working through the checklist."

"And Kes?"

"I'm never really sure where Kes is," Crystal answered.

"Would she support our plan to abort the destruct?"

"Our plan?" Crystal questioned. "My family and clan depend on stopping the enemy here. I would not put them in danger."

"They won't be in danger," McKinsey assured her. "These Arikhans will be stopped here, at Earth. I swear to God."

"How can you promise such a thing?" Crystal asked.

"You don't really know me. You've read my biography since waking up, but those are just press clippings. I'm a powerful man, Crystal. And a successful one. When I set my mind to something, nothing this side of death can stop me."

He gazed at Crystal with such confidence that her heart seemed to flutter.

"Untie me," McKinsey said.

Crystal quickly obeyed, reaching behind his back and loosening the leather binding until it fell free. In an instant McKinsey's hands were on her, caressing her, taking her into his arms. He all but tore the flimsy dress from her body, then pushed her back on the platform and proceeded to have his way with her, exerting the energy of a man thirty years younger.

The woman didn't know how to respond at first. McKinsey knew she wasn't a virgin, yet her reactions were unsure. As if experiencing something new and unexpected. She began breathing heavier, panting, squirming. Twisting, arching, and moaning. Her climax was explosive. Shuddering. McKinsey noticed her lovely blue eyes were watering.

"I didn't know it could be like that," she moaned, lying in his arms.

"Certainly, you've lain with men before," McKinsey said.

"Never one so primitive," she sighed. "Your culture has many surprises."

"Is mating in your culture so different?" he wondered.

"My father is Duke of Atelle," she revealed. "My sisters and brothers must be cautious in our liaisons."

"How many brothers and sisters do you have?" he wondered.

"Twenty-two at last count. Perhaps more since we left our homeworld many years ago."

"Twenty-two!" McKinsey exclaimed.

"The Duke has six wives. Relationships are not exclusive in our society, but only the Duke's official wives are allowed to bear children. Kes and I volunteered for this mission that our siblings might have less competition for better matches."

"It sounds complicated," McKinsey consoled.

"Not everything is complicated," Crystal replied, crawling on top of him. "Show me how this is done again. Many times."

To his surprise, McKinsey was ready. And eager. He'd known many women but none like this one. For someone so meek, she had a power about her. The daughter of an aristocrat. Both compliant and demanding. They spent the entire afternoon exploring her desires.

"Do you know where Juniper is?" McKinsey asked several hours later, finally running out of steam.

"Nobody does," Crystal said. "We don't think the airlock was used, but he doesn't seem to be anyplace else, either. Lord Stater is very perplexed."

"This whole thing is a mystery. How come your prisoners are so hard to find? This base can't be very large. Aren't there records each time a portal opens and closes?"

"Stirwin might know, but with all the preparations, our administrator might be too busy. Quexitor might know, too. We're never sure just what the Quexelians know about us, and they never say."

"That's what they call themselves? Quexelians?"

"Quexel is the name of their planet," she explained. "We call ourselves Quexelians also, but it's not the same."

"What do they look like?" he asked.

"Have you ever seen a crystalline stem?" she answered. "They are like that. Not very large, perhaps thirty of your millimeters in length. Some have more blue shading, others more red or white. Roman, who we like to call Red Room, is several shades of red. Stirwin tends to be blue most of the time. Quexitor is diamond white. All controllers are diamond white."

"The Quexelians are rocks?" McKinsey asked.

"They are not rocks! You asked what they look like. It is said they were once like us, eons ago. Now their energy resides in crystal ingots. No one knows how old they are. Quexitor is said to be three thousand years old."

"Then how do they get around?"

"We help them, as they help us."

"You're their servants? A race of slaves?"

"I am no slave," Crystal said, jumping from the platform to wave an angry finger in his face. "I am Crystal of the Blue Waters, Guild of Geologists, Clan of Atelle. My father is Lykos, Duke of Atelle. His father was Dynakon, Prince of the Long House. What are you compared to that but a high clerk on a tiny speck of star dust?"

"Damn but you're beautiful," McKinsey said, pulling her back to the bed. "You're right, I'm just a high clerk. But I won't be a clerk of anything much longer. Is it true Lord Stater had Juniper's tractor pulled inside?"

"Yes, to avoid letting the searchers find it."

"Where is it now? Will the transmitter penetrate this complex?"

"The vehicle is in the service compartment near the airlock. I don't know about your communications. As far as I understand, only Quexitor may send or receive messages."

"I've got to try," McKinsey said, getting up to put his long underlining back on. "Will Loam know I've been here?"

"He might guess," Crystal replied, not showing any concern.

"I don't want him to think you've been helping me. We'd better make it look like you were uncooperative."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

McKinsey picked up the leather binding from where it had fallen on the floor, rolled Crystal on her stomach, and tied her hands behind her back. The binding wasn't tight, but it was secure.

"You would not leave me like this?" Crystal protested, twisting into a sitting position.

"This way no one will guess we've been collaborating," McKinsey said with a devilish smile.

"At least give me my robe," she said, red-faced with embarrassment.

McKinsey reached for her robe lying on the floor, then gazed down on her with renewed interest.

"If we could patent that Red Room, I'd make enough money to build a fleet of spaceships," he said, climbing back on the bed.

"What are you doing?" she asked, edging away.

"Another twenty minutes won't make a difference," he replied, taking her in his arms.

Tuesday, February 4, 2070

"You should find this food adequate," Grey said, pushing two steaming bowls across the counter of the tourist center's employee kitchen.

"What is it?" Ryndari asked, sitting on one of several tall stools.

"The humans call it blood pie," Grey replied.

Having put the Quexelian meteor suit in storage, Grey was dressed in a casual flight uniform, his Lassiter strapped in a holster set quickdraw style against his hip. The aliens likewise had dispensed with their surface suits, wearing black fiber uniforms and energy weapons attached to their belts. The eating area was informal with various kitchen utensils hanging from the overhead racks.

"Are you not eating it?" Mordari asked.

"Negative," Grey said. "That's the most horrible looking drool I've ever seen. I'm having a bowl of rice and carrots." Grey produced a bowl of vegetarian food, much to the disgust of the aliens.

"The blood pie could be poisoned," Mordari questioned.

"If I wanted you destroyed, why not just shoot you?" Grey said, drawing his Lassiter with terrific speed and pointing it in her face.

"Several times have you proved your skill," Mordari replied with resignation. "We will eat."

Grey holstered the weapon and sat down on a stool opposite them, eating his dinner with a fork.

Ryndari waited no longer, tasting a small portion from the bowl with his long, flickering tongue. Mordari also slurped the reddish soup, splashed some against the roof of her mouth, then ate more.

"It is not good, but it is not bad," Ryndari said.

"It is not bad," Mordari agreed. "Of what is the blood pie made?"

"Rehydrated meats, defrosted animal fats, celery, and a can of crushed tomatoes," he explained.

"It is not bad," Mordari said again, eating more.

"The tractor's recharger takes about six hours. We can leave first thing in the morning," Grey recommended.

"This plan of yours is not our way, impertinent creature," Ryndari complained.

"The rocks are sly, my mate," Mordari said. "Cal is correct. This ground vehicle gains no suspicion."

"We'll take the tractor to Tranquility, then steal a hopper from their landing bay," Grey explained. "When we go to the Farside facility to meet your leader, the rocks will see nothing unusual."

"What of our sho'kar?" Ryndari asked.

"It is safely stored in the loading dock. After we capture the rocks, you may return for your vehicle," Grey suggested.

"Such a victory would please Zendar," Ryndari concurred.

"Does your species require sleep?" Grey asked.

"Not as your does, but periods of hibernation are necessary," Mordari responded.

"Well, hibernate or whatever it is you do," he said. "I've got to get some sleep now, and as I don't want to wake up in one of these copper kettles, I'm locking myself in the business office until morning. Try not to cause trouble."

Grey picked up his bowl, grabbed a container of bottled water from the refrigerator, and retreated into the administration section, locking the hatch with a solid push on the lever.

"I long to taste its impertinent flesh," Ryndari said, eyes glaring.

"Careful, my mate," Mordari warned. "This creature is not stupid. It may also be dangerous. Until we know its true motives, we must abide in caution."

"Why must we take such a risk?" Ryndari asked.

"The mission must come first," Mordari replied with a sigh. "We have not spent years searching for the rocks just to feast on one arrogant food creature."

Wednesday, February 5, 2070

Just as the hour turned midnight, Grey pulled the heavy hatch closed and doublechecked the locking mechanism. Though the aliens didn't appear very intelligent, he knew appearances could be deceiving. He had been deceived before. They had traveled great distances, remained unobserved, and had a mission to which they were dedicated. Underestimating them could have unfortunate consequences.

Bypassing the business office and guest relations center, he entered the com department, sitting down at the main console.

"Security Computer," Grey summoned, using a coded transmission.

"Who is that?" the Security Computer asked. "How did you bypass the Communications Computer?"

"This is Cal," Grey reported.

"Who the hell is Cal?" Security asked.

Grey opened the visual observation, allowing his image to broadcast along the transmission beam.

"Oh, it's you. Is this another of your youthful pranks?" Security asked.

"Yes, twenty-six light years' worth," he answered.

"You found them?" the Security Computer asked, the volume lowering to a whisper. Grey could imagine the black signature patterns beating with anticipation.

"They're in the next room," he said.

"Destroy them immediately," Security urged. "Do you have sufficient arms? A security team will be dispatched within the hour."

"Negative. I need their help."

"Their help? The enemy?"

"I have lots of enemies."

"I warned you not to wage a two-front war," Security said.

"Two? Try three or four," Grey sighed, suddenly feeling tired. "It looks like T.H. is still our best option, but there's another angle that might have promise. If you're willing to take a gamble."

"Losing your services at this time would be inconvenient," Security responded.

"There are two aliens," Grey advised confidentially. "They think I'm a renegade named Cal. Tomorrow night, we're going to steal a hopper from landing bay major for a trip to Farside. There we plan to meet with their reinforcements and plan an attack on the rocks."

"The rocks?" Security asked.

"Long story, no time now," Grey said. "I understand a transport has arrived at Tranquility. Is it true fifty colonists have been admitted?"

"Affirmative. Assistance was deemed necessary to bring the colony up to acceptable performance levels," Security said without apology.

"This could prove unfortunate," Grey said, doing his best not to sound angry. "The Arikhan view humans as a food source. The population increase will make Tranquility a more attractive objective. You'll need to tighten security without interfering with the mission."

"You're the one who may become a food source," Security warned.

"It's a concern," he admitted.

The Security Computer paused, a strange silence echoing through the audio.

"Governor, two of the sentinel class seekers brought by the Northern Alliance are vacuum compatible. Repairs are nearly complete on a third. We should keep them standing by," Security suggested.

"If you feel it's necessary," he reluctantly agreed. "But don't do anything to alert our adversaries. Set up the double-zone defense we discussed and review the plan with Major Vandebrown."

"You have provided the Major with confidential information. Even more than Kris. Why is that?" Security asked.

"Major Vandebrown is a professional covert agent. His insight has proven valuable."

Again, the silence was chilling. Grey wasn't sure what the computer was thinking and was afraid to ask.

"Acknowledged," the Security Computer finally said.

"I'm planning to stop again at the tourist center on my way back to Cauchy," Grey informed. "Dispatch the tractor with the damaged Quexelian meteor suit. With the contents we discussed. I'll issue a status report if I can, but I'm keeping unfriendly company. Look for something obscure."

"Acknowledged," the Security Computer said, abandoning the line.

Grey took a deep breath, finished his dinner, and curled up on a couch with his Lassiter tightly gripped nearby.

____________

"Not trying very hard to make friends, are you?" Tey asked, finding Roger outside the community level elevators.

"Nothing I do here is going to make friends," he answered. "Just about everyone's convinced I'm on the Council's payroll."

"Haven't heard you discourage the idea," Tey said, stepping back to see how thin he looked. "Have you been eating regularly? Keeping up with your gravity sessions?"

"The doctor is in," Roger laughed.

"You haven't," Tey said. "You, of all people, should know better. Roger Vandebrown, I'm ashamed of you."

"With Grey gone, there's a lot to do. The kids mean well, but they don't understand what's in play here," Roger tried to explain. "There's also... Well, projects. You know."

"Come with me," Tey insisted, leading Roger away from the elevators, through the rear corridors, and into the gymnasium.

"I don't have time for this," Roger said as they entered the physical conditioning center.

Lined up in several aisles between the men's and women's locker areas were forty gravity chambers. Some were designed for a dozen residents at one time, others for singles or pairs. Creating an uncomfortable feeling akin to sea sickness, Tey knew the gravity chambers were not among Tranquility's more popular attractions. But the sessions were necessary to combat lighter gravity deterioration.

"Okay, mister, strip off that uniform and climb inside," Tey ordered, pointing to a two-person unit. "After we're through here, we're going to the cafeteria and fatten you up."

"I've been taking my meals in," Roger said, starting to strip down to his underwear.

"Afraid to confront your comrades on the planning committee?" Tey asked.

"Something like that," he admitted, signaling for the chamber to open.

Tey had to admit, he wasn't a bad looking man. 47-years old, tall and lean, with short brown hair that curled at the ends, casual brown eyes, and an athletic posture. Vandebrown had been a shuttle pilot during Tranquility's evacuation twenty years before. A decorated soldier during the Embargo Wars. An intelligence agent. And as the son of a prominent army general, he'd been given a seat on Laureen McKinsey's ill-fated New Ranger expedition the previous summer. Despite his poor reputation among the younger people as a spy, Tey knew him to be courageous.

To his astonishment, Tey suddenly stripped off her medical uniform, keeping her bra and panties as she followed Roger into the chamber. She was also in her late 40s, tall and slim, well-endowed, with long legs and straight brown hair which she dyed auburn with silver streaks. Her Scottish green eyes were enticing. Unlike Roger, she was not a soldier, merely a doctor with a broad professional background.

Sitting back on padded seats before a deactivated entertainment monitor, Tey signaled the chamber hatch closed and activated the first cycle. For many, it was claustrophobic.

"Okay, what's going on?" she asked once the privacy mode was engaged.

"What do you mean?" Roger answered.

"Don't give me that. What is this heightened security all about?"

"There are assassins among the colonists. A primary and a patsy," Roger said.

"You know that? Who are they?" Tey asked, bracing as the first gravity wave intruded on the close environment. She could feel it probing at her skin, and deeper levels.

"The patsy wasn't hard to figure. It's Olympus Comedia, Jona's cousin from Paris U. Haven't tagged the primary yet, and since Grey hasn't returned, he's not in danger. The Council doesn't know that I know, so I'm trying to get another supply shipment in before their plans are exposed. Security isn't happy about the arrangement."

"No one's going to be happy about this, and unless you're the one who catches the son of a bitch, everyone's going to think you're in on it," Tey said.

"I'll find out who it is," Roger said. "I've been at this game a few years now. But I won't be the one who catches him. I'll let Kris or Glenda have that honor."

"But--" she started.

"The kids aren't the only ones who think I'm in cahoots with the Council. Half the Council thinks so, too. It's the only bargaining chip we've got."

"It's unfair of Grey to put you in this position," Tey pressed.

"Tey, he needs those supplies, and he'll do something crazy to get them if I can't," Roger said.

"That rascal can be stubborn," Tey agreed. "But do you think indulging him like this is wise? Sure, it might take a few years to reopen the orbital paths and reestablish the moon's mining colonies, but eventually Tranquility will get all the supplies it needs. Just because Grey is impatient is no reason to put lives in danger."

"It's not that," Roger hesitated.

"I've been thinking. Maybe it would be better to confirm Grey's removal from office after all? Better for him, certainly. He's such a young man to be carrying so many responsibilities. Maybe we can reopen negotiations with the NA? Seek acceptable terms."

Roger paused, listening to the background noises of the gravity chamber as he wondered what to say. He looked at Tey carefully. Tey suddenly realized she was being reappraised. And not sexually.

"Have you ever heard of Professor Mikel Strenskovy? Or the Strenskovy Theory?" Roger asked.

"Gosh, that goes back a few years. I recall hearing about him when I was in college," Tey remembered. "A hoax about an alien invasion, wasn't it? Orson Wells. War of the Worlds."

"Have you ever heard of Project Starwatcher?" Roger asked.

"Sounds rather foreboding," Tey said without answering the question.

"Nearly thirty years ago, a Russian astronomer named Mikel Strenskovy claimed to have decoded military communications traffic originating from the Vega star system," Roger explained. "It caused quite a stir, but then better information showed the signals could also be interpreted as natural phenomena, discrediting Strenskovy's theory."

"Which means what?" Tey asked.

"Strenskovy was a close friend of Dr. Thomas McKinsey, and according to reports, Strenskovy was able to verify his original findings shortly before his death. The Lunar Revolt, the establishment of the Lunar Republic, the priorities of Tranquility's computers, all of this is devoted to Starwatcher, a plan to defend our solar system from an invasion. Grey needs those supplies now because we're running out of time."

Tey sat quietly, finding the story impossible to believe. And finding it even more difficult to understand why someone with Roger's sophistication would subscribe to such a preposterous theory.

"What if Strenskovy was wrong?" Tey eventually asked. "And even if there are aliens twenty or thirty light years from here, it doesn't mean they pose a threat."

"The theory could be wrong," Roger admitted. "What if it isn't?"

"Roger, do you have any idea how crazy this sounds?"

"If you don't believe in extraterrestrial visitation, then explain Kes," he answered. "What technology is behind the healing ray that saved Grey?"

"It's something I've wondered about," Tey confessed. "But it doesn't mean there aren't other explanations. Who else knows about this Starwatcher business?"

"Kris, of course," Roger said. "Thomas McKinsey believed it. I've also heard a rumor that the Guild of Scientists accepts the theory and has been developing an independent plan."

"And now me," Tey whispered.

"I'm telling you this in confidence. You know Grey better than anyone. Not the facade he presents to the others, or even to me sometimes, but the real Grey. He's been carrying the weight of the world for years, and it's not likely to get better anytime soon."

Tey leaned back against the head rest. She knew exactly what Roger was talking about.

"He worries me, sometimes," Tey confessed.

"He worries me all the time," Roger said, cracking a smile. "Between the supply negotiations, trying to identify the assassin, and getting the Security Computer to back off, I've really had my hands full."

"That's no excuse for neglecting your health," she said as the chamber's cycle reached its peak, causing her to break out in a sweat. The invisible waves were pounding now. Intrusive. Stalling the moon's lighter gravity deterioration that would eventually cripple them without such therapy.

"I'll be more careful," he promised.

"That's a safe bet because I'm personally going to monitor your routines. I'm also yellow tagging your file," Tey said.

"A yellow tag? Come on, Tey, that isn't necessary," he protested.

"You've got your duty, don't expect me to neglect mine," she responded, popping the hatch open as the gravity cycle came to an end.

She quickly climbed out and put her jacket on. Roger followed slowly enough to provide time for modesty. The perspiration from the gravity waves had left her underwear transparent.

"Can I help with your project, Major?" Tey asked, knowing their conversation could now be monitored.

"I may have questions later, though it could involve probing a few medical records," he replied, rolling his uniform into a ball as he turned toward the men's shower area.

Tey went in the other direction, but just as she rounded the corner to enter the women's locker room, she bumped into Lisa and Michiko on their way to the gravity chambers.

"Hi, Tey, what are you doing here in the middle of the afternoon?" Michiko inquired.

"Making sure Roger keeps up his treatments," Tey explained.

"He's not still in there, is he?" Lisa asked.

"No, he's on the way to the cafeteria," Tey said.

"Good," Lisa said with relief. "That guy is such a weasel. I don't know how anybody puts up with him."

____________

"Kris! Kris, wake up!" the Security Computer shouted from the main com station in the Governor's Quarters. Asleep in the nearby sleeping chamber, Kris dragged herself out of bed and stumbled through the study into the monitor room.

"Security? What's wrong?" Kris asked, never having received such a summons before.

"Recommend we go to full alert status," Security said, black signature patterns registering in the upper ranges.

"Full alert? Is the Northern Alliance attacking again?" Kris inquired, taking a step toward the lockers where her battle armor was stored.

"Negative. We are not threatened by the Northern Alliance at this time," Security said. "Special preparations need to be made. Selected individuals have been sent for and new schedules prepared."

"I don't get it. What's up?" she asked.

Suddenly the outside doors of the monitor room opened with a whoosh and Nicholas ran in, panting from a fast bounce. He stopped. Startled. Having been sleeping in the nude, Kris retreated to the sleeping chamber for her uniform. Tamera, Ted, and Glenda arrived, also out of breath.

"What's this all about? Why have you awakened us?" Tamera asked, so hastily dressed that she'd forgotten her boots.

"Another minute," Security instructed.

A moment later, Roger entered wearing a dark blue work uniform. And looking confused. He wasn't alone.

"What's all the fuss?" Tey asked, following Roger through the door.

"This does not involve the medical department," Security said.

"I'll be the judge of that," Tey argued.

"She is our friend," Tamera said.

"And a valuable team member," Nicholas agreed.

The Security Computer appeared ready to renew the objection but backed off when Kris reentered. She glanced at Nick, red-faced, but nothing was mentioned.

"Let her stay," Kris decided, dressed in a light jumpsuit.

"Signal the door closed. Form up," the Security Computer ordered.

The humans did not form up, but they did draw close to the monitor.

"Tranquility is about to be attacked," Security announced.

"If the Northern Alliance was preparing a strike force, the Defense Computer would have warned us," Ted said.

"The Defense Computer does not have this information, nor will anyone else until it proves necessary," Security said. "If anyone here is unwilling to pledge an alpha level security oath, leave the room immediately."

Everyone glanced around in surprise. None could remember Security requesting such an oath. Many began to grow nervous.

"This involves Grey, doesn't it?" Kris asked.

"Affirmative," Security answered, declining to elaborate.

"You have my oath," Roger quickly said. "And I completely agree with Security. Anyone who doesn't like this should fly their carpet right now."

Roger's remark received frowns, but each in turn offered their pledge for Grey's sake, then stepped back and waited for the computer to explain.

"Tomorrow night, a group of three invaders will enter landing bay major and steal a hopper. Sometime later, possibly within twenty-four hours, a larger force may attempt to storm our defenses. Special precautions need to be made," Security reported.

"Only three?" Ted said. "Hell, we'll kick their fucking asses!"

"No, they will be allowed to escape with the vehicle," Security corrected. "But if they return, you will be in a fight for the survival of this facility and every person here."

"Who are these invaders?" Glenda asked.

"That information is classified," Security said.

"What's this about stealing a vehicle? And why is the colony in so much danger?" Tamera asked.

"That information is also classified," Security answered.

Many in the group appeared frustrated by the computer's reticence, but Tey noticed Roger was quiet. It occurred to her that he knew more than anyone else in the room. Even more than Kris.

"If everything's such a big secret, why do you have us here at three in the morning?" Tamera asked.

"That's simple enough to answer," Tey said. "Kris, Glenda, and Roger are soldiers. After Kris, Tammy and Nicholas are Grey's closest confidants. Ted coordinates our communications. Grey's gotten himself into another sandpit. Security can't interfere with his plan because it doesn't know his strategy but wants to prepare a contingency just in case something goes wrong."

"Damn you're smart," Roger said with a big smile.

"Is it true? Is that the story?" Kris asked.

"Close enough," Security said, equally impressed.

"Then something must have happened to Grey. At that base," Tamera said.

"Maybe it's time we checked it out?" Glenda proposed.

"No," Kris quickly chimed in. "When Security sent me there to get Kes, I gave her my word not to reveal anything I learned. Until I know what's really on the line, I've got to honor that."

"Even if Grey's life is in danger?" Tamera questioned.

"Tammy," Nicholas scolded. "Kris loves him. It cannot be an easy decision."

"What should we do in the meantime?" Ted asked.

"You'll need to recruit three squares," Security recommended. "Report to the training center at 0800 hours. Full combat armor, live fire. Additional systems are being activated along with three sentinel class seekers."

"No! Not them!" Tamera shouted.

"They are reprogrammed, Miss Kantanee," Security assured her.

"I don't care. They almost killed us all," Tamera objected.

"And now they will kill your enemies," Security said, the signature patterns dropping to a deadly intensity. "Get sleep, you'll need it. And remember your oaths. As far as any other residents are concerned, the security department is conducting drills."

The Security Computer dropped offline, leaving only minor systems registering in the multicolored flux. For the first time, Kris realized that neither Defense nor Life Support had the slightest notice of the conference.

"If anybody wants to back out, now's the time," Kris said, seeing the mystified expressions all around her.

"It's not that. I just wish we weren't floundering around in the dark," Glenda said. "I'm better at a straight up fight."

"Me, too. Secrecy does not make good strategy," Nicholas concurred.

"I probably shouldn't say this, but Grey was already concerned before he left with Kes," Roger revealed.

"If there's a chance we can help him, I'll do whatever it takes," Ted said.

"We all will," Tamera agreed.

"Get rest people," Kris said, pleased with the unanimous support. "From what I know of Security, it wouldn't go to these lengths if the situation wasn't about to get really, really rough."

They turned to leave the Governor's Quarters, but Kris reached for Roger's arm, holding him back.

"We've got to talk," she whispered. Roger nodded.

"I'd like to stay, too. Grey is my patient, after all," Tey said.

Kris looked at Tey and wondered why she always seemed right in the middle of every crisis, then she shook the thought off. If anyone is above reproach, Kris thought, certainly it must be Tey Meriwether.

"What was that about Grey?" Kris asked.

"You know how worried he was," Roger said. "Like everyone, I thought Tranquility's expanded population was bothering him. Too many humans. But gradually, I figured out it was something else. The way he was talking, I almost didn't expect him to come back."

"He hasn't come back," Kris stated.

"This is different."

"Different how? What's so secret he'd tell you but not me?" Kris asked.

"It's not like that," Roger apologized.

Kris stared at him with her arms crossed and feet planted, waiting for a better answer.

"Grey will be back in a few days. Can't this wait until then?" Roger asked.

"Not a minute longer," Kris said, stomping her foot.

After Roger and Tey left, Kris turned back toward the sleeping chamber. The Security Computer stopped her.

"Kris, wait a minute," Security said, coming back online the moment the monitor room was cleared.

"Yeah?" Kris asked.

"Bad news," Security said in a low tone, the black signature patterns on confidential mode. "The assassin."

"Roger's already run that by me. We knew letting in newcomers would involve some risk."

"This isn't about Comedia. The primary is a sleeper among the original group," Security reported.

"I can't believe it. Who?" Kris asked.

"Unknown."

"Suspicions?"

"No viable evidence so far," Security hedged. "Everyone and no one is a plausible suspect. From a purely statistical analysis, there are only two top tier suspects. Neither is promising."

"Two? Who are they?"

"You and Major Vandebrown," Security said.

"Me?!" Kris nearly yelled.

"You have the correct background," Security explained. "Graduate of Annapolis, decorated in combat, training in special forces, and security officer at M.I.S.T. Major Vandebrown has similar credentials. None of the other staff possess extensive military experience except Blout and Perez, and their records are strictly flying infantry."

"I've never been recruited by anybody," Kris said.

"Your emotional connection makes you a poor choice," Security agreed, unfazed by her outburst. "Nor is Vandebrown a good candidate for similar reasons. That's the problem."

"This whole thing stinks. I want you to double-check all of Roger's communications. And everyone else's, too. Who's in the second tier?"

"Koltov and Kantanee for obvious reasons. Davis, Gately, and Meriwether because of their professional backgrounds," Security reported.

"That's pretty weak," Kris speculated.

"Do you have better candidates?" Security asked.

"Nick and Tammy are Grey's closest friends. Tey or Charleen could have killed him on the operating table without anyone ever knowing the difference. Ted's the one who made him a hero with that bio-vid. Even still, review every record. Don't overlook anything."

"Acknowledged," Security agreed. "And Kris, you were never a credible suspect, but your files were reviewed just in case."

"That's okay," Kris acknowledged. "Grey's so careless about his personal safety, he needs friends like us to guard his back."

Kris watched the black signature patterns blink when she used the word 'friends', looking carefully for the Security Computer's reaction. For the first time, she was able to decipher the notations of confusion, and perhaps even insult. The computer had both a rational and an emotional reaction to her remark.

"The Governor is careless at times," Security confirmed. "And you don't need to test my loyalties. As long as he's crucial to this project, my systems will provide maximum effort. And he has never been more crucial than right now."

"Now? What's so special about now?" Kris asked.

"Grey is holding the line with his immediate enemies. Our responsibility is to protect Tranquility while preventing interference with the mission," Security said.

"Mission? What mission? Goddamn it, you know, all this mystery stuff is really beginning to piss me off. Just tell me the fuck what's going on."

"Kris, it's the most important mission this planet has known in twenty-four years," Security said. "Everything is on the line now. For Tranquility. For the world. Everything."

The black signature patterns abruptly disappeared from the monitor screen flux.

It called him Grey again, Kris thought. And Security knows more about his plans than anyone else. Even Life Support. It suddenly occurred to her that it was no accident. By bringing Security in as a partner, Grey had achieved a loyalty unavailable in any other way. It was very clever. And more devious than she thought him capable of.

Wednesday, February 5th, 2070

Grey opened the side hatch of the cargo tractor and stepped aside, letting Ryndari enter first and take a rear passenger seat. Mordari crawled into the cockpit. Once again dressed in the Quexelian meteor suit, Grey squeezed in last and sealed the hatch. The Quexelian walker was not a good fit for the narrow flight deck, but Mordari's tighter outfit helped make extra room. Within minutes, they had passed through the garage airlocks and emerged on Highway 7, traveling west on the gravel road.

"Have you been watching this area long?" Grey asked, his visor open.

"For six of the light and darkness cycles," Mordari explained, going on to tell Grey much of their twelve-week adventure. Though it had been filled with long hours of endless observation, he could tell she took tremendous pride in her occupation. To be Scout of the 44th Camp. The spearpoint of the Arikhan advance. Her dedication matched his own, and in a way, he admired her. Though it wouldn't stop him from killing her.

"How is it you speak English so well?" Grey wondered.

"We have received your transmissions for many years, even before establishing our base on the middle planet," Ryndari said from the back. "The speech is not difficult. Any cattle herd could learn it."

"Perhaps you can teach me your tongue?" Grey requested.

"You will not survive so long," Ryndari said. "Even if your species was intelligent enough for a civilized language, it will not be long before you are food."

"Diplomacy isn't your strongest talent, is it?" Grey remarked.

"You live because you offer us assistance," Ryndari advised. "When your assistance is no longer needed, your status will change."

"I didn't have breakfast this morning. Hopefully I won't prove too meager a morsel," Grey replied.

Mordari made a clicking sound with her tongue, sharp and rapid snaps that conveyed an odd sense of amusement. Is the alien laughing? Grey wondered.

"I enjoy this creature," Mordari said. "It may not be intelligent enough to recognize peril, or maybe it does not care. The creature teases you, my mate."

"When the time comes, I will do the teasing," Ryndari said, the words clipped at the ends.

The tractor moved along across stretches of flat plain, nothing but desolate landscapes in all directions. Illuminated by a sliver of sunlight and a billion flickering stars, the rock outcrops and shattered craters loomed about like ancient monuments. Grey liked the beginning of lunar dawn. It felt peaceful.

Eventually, they reached a primary junction of roads and turned north on Highway 30, passing a long abandoned fueling depot that marked the crossing.

"In the Arikhan army, how many soldiers make up a guard unit?" Grey asked. "Will there be enough to defeat the rocks?"

"A guard may consist of eight brothers or eight sisters," Mordari said. "But we are not an army. We are a united race. Unlike the cowardly Earth creatures, all Arikhan are proud to serve the quest for superior resources."

"Is it a challenge to thrive on conquest?" Grey asked.

"Conquest?" Ryndari asked, sincerely questioning.

"The conquering of other planets," Grey clarified.

"We seek nothing that is not already ours, by gift of Sherra, goddess of our prosperity," Ryndari said.

"Blessed the gifts of Sherra," Mordari reverentially agreed.

Grey was surprised to hear these odd creatures had such spiritual depth, deeper by far than his own. They also appeared to have distinct personalities, a sense of humor, and were capable of being offended. Not the cold-blooded lizards the Quexelians had led him to expect. He wondered how these weaknesses could be exploited.

____________

"Tammy, can I speak with you?" Kris asked, catching up to Tamera outside the gravity chambers.

"Sure, Kris," Tamera said, a bit of surprise in her tone.

Wearing bath towels embroidered with the Tranquility Lunar Colony logo, they left the gravity chamber area and sat down on a row of benches near the back of the women's locker room. Kris checked to make sure they were alone before continuing.

"Assassins," Kris said.

"Who?" Tamera asked.

"Don't know for sure. Someone in the original group, and an Oswald among the newcomers. We know Ollie is the patsy, but no clue on the prime. We don't even know if they're working together, just that the Council has the resource placed."

"But you must suspect somebody? What does that Security Computer say?" Tamera asked.

"Security's top picks were you, me, Nick, and Roger," Kris answered.

"Me?" Tamera said, jumping up and almost losing her towel. "You would not think that! You know--"

"Tammy, I would never suspect you," Kris said. "Or Nick. Even Roger seems a stretch, but there is someone."

"We've got to find out who it is before Grey returns," Tamera urged.

"Yes," Kris agreed. "I've got the Communications Computer reviewing all messages for hidden codes, including several long exchanges between Roger and his father."

"General Vandebrown? The Council's lackey?" Tamera asked.

"Yeah. Security is breaking down personnel backgrounds. But whoever it is, they must be good. I'm betting we'll have to dig this rat out the old-fashioned way."

"I'm ready. There is nothing I won't do for Grey. Nothing," Tamera insisted, perched on the edge of the bench with her shoulders straight. As a young attractive woman, the posture was electric.

Kris blushed. It took Tamera a moment to guess why. Not oblivious to the subtle element of jealousy in their relationship, Tamera reached to take Kris by the hand.

"Don't worry. We'll stake this vampire, whoever he is. Whatever it takes," Tamera said. "And once you get your man back, he's yours forever."

"Thanks, Tammy," Kris said.

Several minutes after Tamera departed for the cafeteria, Kris paused near a com panel in the garrison training center.

"Back already?" the Security Computer asked.

"I told Kantanee about the Council's agent. She'll tell Koltov," Kris said.

"Isn't that taking an unnecessary risk?" Security asked.

"No, I don't think so. And we need their help," Kris answered. "Besides, if I read my Tammys right, anyone out to get Grey is going to catch a wildcat instead."

____________

Sitting in a corner booth of the Far Cafe, Roger looked at the clock with a sigh.

"Got to go, bright eyes," he said to Tey, signing for the check.

"What's the hurry? The night cycle won't start for another five minutes," Tey said.

"Sort of an appointment."

"Not another date, I hope?" she asked with a wink.

"You know these kids wouldn't piss on me in a fire," he laughed.

"But you're such a charmer. When you want to be," she said, hinting for an explanation.

"See you in the morning," Roger said, leaving the cafe. But instead of crossing the promenade for the hotel, Tey saw him make a right turn toward the reception area.

The community level was quiet, as it often was late in the evening. The lights had already been turned down for the six-hour darkness cycle. As Tey watched Roger pass through the quad, she suddenly noticed Tamera emerge from the orientation center. By her posture, Tey guessed she didn't want to be seen.

The moment Roger disappeared into the reception area, Tamera ran toward the Crystal Fountain to hide behind the tall blue spires. When Kris appeared from the administration corridor seconds later, the two women began to trail Roger from a discreet distance. Curious, Tey decided to join the procession.

* * * * * *

To be continued ...