Dreaming of the Garden Story Thread

[inxsi]

I am probably going to not post an update on Friday 10/8.

Chapter Sixteen: Awake - Part 4

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Beryl adjusts her skinsuit nervously wishing she had her armor or even her normal skinsuit as she follows Dream to Starcry’s quarters.

“I take it you’ve also never met a farseer?” Alex asks her out loud.

Beryl frowns, remembering Tempo’s admonition to avoid sanzai until the farseer approves it. “No. Normally, Tempo and a select few of the teidar are the only ones allowed to do so on the Tempest.”

“Has Fireblade seen her?”

“I’m not sure which teidar have done so.”

“Fireblade has not,” Dream says.

“You can speak out loud? Fireblade never did,” Alex asks.

“Dealing with the farseer calls for it. And I would be very surprised if Fireblade has seen a farseer. Her sanzai is very strong but very uncontrolled.”

“Uncontrolled sounds like Alex,” Beryl voices the same worry as she had when Tempo told her what to expect.

“True. But farseers can deal with that temporarily. Asking farseers to endure it long-term is a different matter.”

“Why do farseers speak to teidar then? Aren’t those the loroi with the most powerful sanzai as well?” Alex asks.

“Farseers are more powerful. There is a concern that the farseer might injure the listener accidentally otherwise.”

“Wait. I’m not trained in any of this. What if she accidentally injures me?”

“I will be relaying the farseer’s words. She will not be speaking directly to either of you. However, let us know if you experience a headache. Her focus on you might be uncomfortable, though she has very good control over it. Usually.”

“You told them not to poke the guinea pig too hard?” he asks Beryl as she catches a brief spark of surprise. Well, we had not told him about directing sanzai yet.

“This is safe, right?” Beryl asks Dream.

“As safe as can be. You are a warrior who willingly stepped into a war, so I would think you were prepared for a certain level of risk,” Dream says to Alex.

“I understand risk,” he replies. “But I’d rather not take foolhardy ones.”

“With the precautions we are taking, this conversation will be safe. After that, you might have to decide how much risk you are willing to take for your goals.”

“After that?” he asks.

“Starcry is unsure if she will be able to learn how to pierce the lotai without sanzai contact with either Alex or Beryl. At least, more unsure - there is little certainty about this whole experiment. I hope it will not be needed,” Dream explains. “But those are not decisions needed now.”

He looks like he is going to argue, then glances at Beryl and shrugs. “I understand. We will discuss this if it comes up.”

“Good. We have arrived,” Dream announces as she stops in front of a door. She presses a button. After a second, a green light glows and Dream sends, “Starcry, I have brought the human ambassador, Alexander Jardin, and his loroi caretaker, Beryl.” The door slides smoothly into the ceiling, revealing a comfortable looking living area, where a loroi with long blue hair sits in a chair. She leans forward and looks at Alex.

“She says that she is glad to finally see you with her physical eyes, after so long of you being a void on her station and then only being sensed mentally,” Dream says. “Now she understands the whisperings that have been going on among the warriors on board.”

“Nothing too bad, I hope,” Alex replies.

“There is a lively debate on what it would be like to relieve a human male of his needs if it were required. The populace is fairly split on whether… really, Starcry?” Dream says, blushing. “I apologize. Part of her duties is monitoring the mental wellbeing of the crew of the station. I had not heard this gossip about human males. Do they truly suffer the flames like loroi males do?”

“They do not,” Beryl informs her. “At least, Alex claims that they do not.”

“He has not with any of your companions?” Dream asks.

“You are speaking in front of me. And no, I have not,” Alex says. “Could we stop discussing theoretical physical needs that I am glad not to have?”

Starcry chuckles, and then Dream speaks. “Starcry has been informed of Beryl’s dreams about you.”

“We are not sure how reliable they are,” Beryl explains as she feels another pang of fear from Alex.

“Hmm... perhaps they are a curious side effect of interacting with a human than a depiction of his life? Starcry was wondering if Alex had any dreams at all?”

“I have been having bad dreams,” Alex says uneasily. “They don't sound like what Beryl was dreaming. I don’t think they are relevant though.”

“Could you describe them briefly?”

“I’m also curious,” Beryl echoes, curious about the feelings of fear Alex has been revealing.

“They always start on a ship. Sometimes it’s the Bellarmine, others the Tempest, or the Highland-Seven, or the Prophet’s Reason. I’m always with some of the human crew and the loroi that I know. Then, something goes wrong and everyone dies, except for me.” He shivers. Beryl frowns, unsure if she is unhappy that he is not sharing the dream she is having or because he is suffering from other nightmares.

“Those seem more like dreams you should discuss with a therapist. While she is not familiar with the details of human psychology, Starcry offers to listen and discuss if you desire. Or you can speak to one of the other therapists on board,” Dream offers.

“I’m fine,” Alex insists. “Let’s move on for now.”

“Ok, we can come back to this later if you’d like. Do you understand how the lotai you were under works? Have you been able to reproduce it after it has dropped?”

“I didn’t even know there was such a thing until the loroi told me about it. Are you sure the lotai is a property of humanity?”

“I think the fact that you have sanzai shows that either humans are conditioned to generate a lotai, probably without realizing it,” Dream pauses for several seconds then continues, “the alternative is that the creators of the loroi suppressed human’s mental abilities sometime in their past, but your exposure to sanzai has undone that block somehow.” Dream shrugs. “Neither of us thinks it really matters, other than to some obscure loroi academics and the barsam.”

“Great, that doesn’t sound like a mess for humanity and the loroi going forward.”

“Yes, but that would be something in the future, after the present war is concluded. Agreed?”

“Agreed. Wait – you think humans who encounter loroi will eventually develop sanzai?” At her nod, he frowns. “Does that mean meeting with me would act the same way?”

“I believe so, though it might require some effort on the part of you or the loroi. I imagine every loroi on the Tempest who could get close enough was trying to sense you, which would either trigger or accelerate the expression of your sanzai. Is there an issue?”

“Humanity is… there will need to be a lot of adjustments to human society to deal with the transparency that sanzai seems to come with. I am not sure what will happen even if humans can generate a lotai – this might complicate negotiations. It might take a long time for humanity to adjust.”

“We should be able to gather more information in subsequent contacts with humanity,” Dream says after a long silence. “The loroi are sensitive to the effects of sanzai abilities to disrupt another society. It may be impossible to fully avoid problems but we will make every effort to be accommodating.”

“I thank you, though I hope I am just being overly worried.”

“I do not believe you are,” Beryl says. “From my discussions with you and the loroi study of other species governments, you are correct that humanity will likely require a large period of adjustment. I wish I could say it will be easy.”

“I would like you to try to generate a lotai while I attempt to read your thoughts,” Dream says.

“Do you have any advice on how to do that?” Alex asks. "And should I even be trying to learn how to do so?"

"While anyone who is under a lotai will not be trusted by the loroi, it is easy enough to determine. If you can generate one, you should not stay under a lotai other than for this testing," Beryl cautions.

Dream nods. “Traditionally, teidar are taught to believe that anyone they need to shield themselves from is an enemy. This sense of danger seems to assist in the creation of mental shields. Hopefully this process is close enough to generate a lotai in humans.”

“Enemies? But I do not hate you.”

“The teidar are taught that every sanzai contact is a chance to test themselves since each mental contact is an opening for attack. They do not speak out loud because doing so would show they either view contacting the individual mentally as an active threat or that they lack confidence in their own mental abilities. The former leads to open hostility, while almost all teidar are trained so that the latter is unthinkable against all but the most overpowering of foes.”

“That is why Fireblade does not speak aloud?”

“Yes. For a teidar having to speak is usually either an act of war or an acknowledgement of personal failure, so they are loath to do either. Many loroi are not comfortable with spoken language even though they are required for radio communications and data logs.”

“I understand. So, I do not have to hate you to shield myself, I just have to view it as a test?”

“Yes. A test to try to keep the sense of yourself separate from others. Are you ready to try?”

Alex nods and closes his eyes to focus.

Several grueling hours later, even Starcry is having doubts about her plan. Even after Alex found a reliable way to generate the lotai, none of them had been able to sense so much as the faintest flicker, including when they are touching him. Both Dream and Starcry were somewhat more successful when they had Beryl engage him in verbal conversation on any topic, and this went up dramatically when they themselves engaged him in discussion.

“It seems that you have difficulty when you have to interact with someone in a friendly manner,” Starcry says. “Maybe that mentally primes you that someone is trustworthy, though that might just be a failure in the training we have provided. But I do not feel like I am getting any closer to sensing the lotai – it is like trying to see the air in front of me.”

“And I take it you can’t rely on the umiak ever forgetting that the loroi are their enemy.”

“No,” Starcry sighs. “While this session was useful, I think we’ll need to have more sessions in the future. Is that acceptable to you?”

“Yes, that is fine.”

“Very well. I assume you do not wish to discuss your dreams with me?”

“No,” Alex admits with another feeling of guilt. “I’m sorry.”

“Ok. I urge you to find someone you trust to discuss them with. A burden shared is a burdened lessened.” Alex nods as they are led out by Dream.

“I hope you found this experience not too unpleasant,” Dream sends as she escorts them back.

“It was tiring but not too bad.” Alex sounds surprised to feel that way. “I’m not sure what I was expecting. I hope she can figure something out soon though, since I am totally in over my head.”

“Do not worry. Sunfury is aware of your assistance, and will be made aware of how helpful you have been. There is one other matter though.”

“Oh?” Alex asks, suddenly a little nervous from picking up the serious tone. “Did I screw something up?”

“Only in the past. I am returning your data pad,” suiting action to words, she removes it from a side pocket and hands it to Alex, who takes it gingerly.

“Thank you. Has it been wiped?”

“The data is intact. Gallen lopeiladi Fairmeadow was able to scan it. She has confirmed that the historian construct on it deleted itself to avoid detection, so the decision has been made to return the device to you, after ensuring it cannot interface with any loroi network. I hope you understand our concerns and appreciate the trust we are showing to you.”

“I do,” Alex says formally and sincerely. “Thank you.”

“Please do not have any other issues with it. If you do, I am going to make you listen to Fairmeadow’s lecture on information security while she deals with the issue. She is very skilled, but can go on for a very long time. In detail. Especially since I foolishly mentioned that you were a male, so she assumed I was at fault for given a male something that could be a risk to the loroi data networks.”

Beryl coughs to stifle a laugh, then explains carefully, “some loroi warriors are of the view that males can only be trusted with mating duties, and then only if they are lead directly to the female they should mate with. I take it Fairmeadow is one such?”

“I’m not sure if she views it that way, or just that she tolerates loroi warriors having data devices because we need them for our duties but does not trust anyone else to maintain them to her high standards.”

[inxsi]

Chapter Sixteen: Awake - Part 5

SpoilerShow

After getting back to their quarters, Beryl is surprised when Alex approaches her to ask if she would mind talking about his dreams. She can sense his hesitation but he avoids initiating a sanzai link.

“Of course,” she replies aloud. “Though it would be easier through sanzai if you are up for it. I know the session with Starcry was very lengthy. May I?” Beryl asks, holding out her hand to Alex.

“I suppose I can do a bit more sanzai today, but I’m feeling pretty spent. The dreams are pretty intense,” he cautions.

“I am ready,” she says. She gasps as the scene forms in her mind as their hands touch.

She is sitting next to herself and Ellen, with Fireblade on the other side. Of course, I’m Alex in this dream. Stillstorm and Tempo are arguing in front of them, silent as they gesticulate. He really couldn’t understand sanzai back then.

Red lights start to flash around the bridge. Runelaurel yells something as a plasma beam rips through the top of the viewing screen. Everyone goes to seal their helmets, but most of the loroi do not have them nearby. She slams her helmet down, then turns to help Ellen only to find that the helmet will not close properly. Ellen tries to slam the latch home but it just bounces off without sealing. As Beryl tries to force it closed, she feels the air passing her gloved fingers slow and then cease.

Looking around, she realizes that everyone is still. She is the only one with a helmet on and moving.

Ellen stirs next to her. The gap in her helmet could be closed by suit patches. There is still hope, so Beryl turns back and brings a patch up, only for her hand to be gripped by Ellen.

“You always were the golden boy,” Ellen’s voice comes over the radio somehow, though Beryl can see her face is unmoving in death. “I should have realized your luck wouldn’t rub off on someone like me. But I thought you’d at least give me a proper funeral. It’s so cold here in space. If I'm not at peace, maybe you should not be either.” Beryl sees loroi hands reaching around the front of her helmet and start to undo the latches as Ellen’s cold hands hold hers.

Beryl jerks her hand back, breaking the vision. “Alex,” she gasps. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“I… they’re just dreams. I get bad dreams after hyperjumps – most humans do.”

“How long do they usually last?” she asks.

“Usually only a day or two,” he admits.

“It has been several days since you have jumped. Perhaps there is something else causing the dreams? Given what you have been through, it is understandable,” she says.

“I’m not the only one who has lost friends,” he says. “I saw how you reacted when the Winter Tide was destroyed.”

“Of course. Those were loroi I had known from my time in Strike Group 51. But those were not the first friends I have lost in this war and unfortunately I doubt they will be the last. I am glad that I still feel each loss unlike some of our more veteran leaders, but I do not feel them as strongly as the first loss in our squadron. And there are resources I have used on board the Tempest, both comforting rituals, discussions with other friends, and the attention of a therapist when I need additional help. You have not had any of that, despite my best efforts so far.”

“Ok. Assume the dreams are something I’d rather not experience again. Do you have any ideas on how to avoid them?”

“In the vision you shared, Ellen was accusing me of not providing a proper burial. Does humanity have any ceremony that should be completed after the burial in space that you performed on the Bellarmine?”

“I guess I didn’t really think about that,” he says with a wince. “The ceremony for the destruction of the Bellarmine was improvised. I’m not sure if I got the protocol right. I never really expected to lose someone close to me… I know that sounds stupid given what we were doing. I knew there would be losses. But it didn’t…” he stops talking as she feels sadness and guilt swirl through his thoughts. There is something more there. I wish he trusted me enough to tell me all of it.

“I understand,” Beryl says, remembering the day that she realized that all of the stories she had heard during training could happen to any of the loroi she knows. Luckily for her and her classmates, that had been driven home while she was still in training. “Is there any ceremony that humanity would perform after the immediate crises is past? Something that would be less improvised.”

He thinks for a moment, then shakes his head. “I don’t know of any policy for burials at space. All of the rituals I know involve a planet – even if no bodies were recovered.”

“If it would not be offensive to you, the loroi have a lamp-lighting ceremony. It is intended to honor and remember the life of a fallen comrade. I can walk you through the ceremony if you think it would be helpful.”

“I’d like to see the details, but if I think it is appropriate, would we be able to hold it?”

“I am sure that can be arranged. It is a fairly private ceremony, usually only of those who were affected by the individuals involved. If you don’t mind, I think it would be appropriate to ask if any of the other loroi who were involved in the Bellarmine wanted to attend.”

“They are welcome, if any of them want to.”

[inxsi]

Chapter Seventeen: Dream - Part 1

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Beryl wakes up feeling refreshed. Fireblade was right. Discussing this with Alex was a good idea. Now, I should apologize to Alex for how I acted yesterday. I still wish he would act better, but I should not hold that against him.

As she walks out the door, she sees Caitlyn leaving the hallway. Refusing to let this evidence of Alex’s bad behavior ruin her good mood, she knocks on his door.

“Who is – oh, hi Lynne,” he says, opening the door. He is still rubbing sleep out of his eyes. “It’s good to see you. Sorry, I wasn’t expecting to see you today – not that you aren’t welcome.”

“No worries,” she replies. “I should apologize. I’m not happy with how you are leaving Ellen in a horrible situation, but I took it too far. I overreacted, possibly from the concussion, and don’t want it to end our friendship.”

“Ok, we can have concussion-based reset,” he says. “And I’ll try to deal with this situation. I know I’ve said that to other people, but I’ve got a plan.”

“How hard can it be?” she asks.

“Honestly? I keep telling myself that every night, and then I wake up in the morning with her in my bed. I know that sounds like I’m making excuses. But I’m going to make this right. This should all be over tomorrow.”

“Really? What if you lose Kaetlin?”

“I don’t deserve Kaetlin’s forgiveness. Hopefully I don’t lose you or Ellen. I’m not sure I deserve either of you as friends. I don’t know how I let things get to this point.”

“If you feel like that, why are waiting until tomorrow to deal with it?” she asks.

“I’m preparing. I need to get everything in line to show Kaetlin so she can make her decision whenever she is ready. I swear to you, if I don’t tell Kaetlin tomorrow, Ellen can do so while everyone beats me up.”

“Ok. Just, make sure Kaetlin isn’t near any guns when you tell her? What you did is bad, but not worth dying over.”

“I won’t. I don’t think she would react in that way,” he laughs nervously, “but I won’t take the chance.”

“Good. Are we going to be there when you tell her?”

“I’ll let you and Ellen know about that. I want to go tell Ellen personally. You are feeling ok to be left alone?”

“I’m fine, Alex. I’m sure Ellen will love to hear that you are going to resolve this issue.”

“Thanks,” he says as he leads her back into the hallway.

*** *** ***

Beryl suppresses a sigh as Captain Hamilton calls her into his office.

“Still feeling good?” he asks her.

“I’m fine, sir,” she replies.

“Sorry, I’m prying. I just hate to see a young cadet risk limiting their career over something that could have been avoided.”

“Sir?” she asks, confused.

“Your concussion, of course,” he says, gesturing at his head. “Even with the best medical treatment, there can still be side effects that might need additional treatment. If you feel any headaches or mental sluggishness, please let me or a medical officer know so you can get the proper treatment. Trying to work through mental issues can compound them.” He rests his hand on some papers on his desk.

“Thank you, sir,” she says.

“Sorry. I realize I’m old enough to be your father, maybe even your grandfather. But I still remember what it was like to be in your place. Wanting to prove that you fit in so badly that you would do or endure anything no matter how dangerous or ill-advised it is.” After a long, awkward silence, he sighs. “Do you have your initial analysis on the officers?”

“A rough draft, sir,” she says, handing over the folders.

He waves it off. “I’m not going to look at it for another week at the earliest. Take your time to polish it until then. I don’t want to bias you prematurely yet before you have reviewed everyone thoroughly.”

“Yes sir,” she salutes and heads back to the outer office. That was odd since he asked about the report originally. She sits down, replaying the conversation in her mind, looking for any expression that she missed. He is definitely hiding something. I’m not sure if that is something to worry about, since I’m sure an officer of his rank has many things to hide in the normal course of a day. But I think he would usually do a better job of hiding those things.

She replays the conversation again, trying to figure out if she was missing anything. Then she realizes it. He put his hands on the paper to draw my attention to it, whether he realized it or not. What were those papers? She pictures them in her mind:

Captain Hamilton,
It is with great regret that I must request your permission for surveillance on two of your cadets in an ongoing investigation of a very serious crime that involves another cadet of your Academy, Claude Hunter. The two cadets that should be surveilled are Ellen Kirkland and Lynne Deinner. Please forward all electronic activity from them for the past three months and provide real-time feeds of their activity until such a time as it is no longer needed. In addition, please arrange for Academy security or undercover police officers to surveil them physically.
If you do not cooperate, I will pursue orders through the judicial system, but I trust that our organizations can cooperate on a matter that impacts the safety of the Academy.
Respectfully,
Desiree Montana

Are they already surveilling me? She shivers. She told me I was not a suspect. Does she think Ellen is the main suspect, or was she lying? If Ellen figured out what Claude tried to do, would she be capable of killing him? She recalls her lessons about martial arts. Of course, she could. But did she? How could I possibly figure that out? She breaths, opening her folder of cadets randomly and stares blankly at the page. Even if Ellen killed him, I think she would turn herself into the authorities. And if she would not, I am not sure I want to know.

She flips the page to make it seem like she is reading. I should assume someone else killed Claude. Why are we being surveilled then? Do the police think we killed him? Or that we caused his death? Desiree said this was tied into the other deaths - what if the killer targets other cadets? Like Alex, or myself? I need to figure who all died, what connected them, and how that connects to Ellen or myself. And I need to do it without tying it back to myself. I have an idea for that.

She starts actually looking at the page and resolves to try to focus on something else until she is done reviewing cadet files for Captain Hamilton. She is successful until she leaves for the day, when a thought comes unbidden, did Captain Hamilton want me to know about this or not?

[inxsi]

Chapter Seventeen: Dream - Part 2

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The library is busy when Beryl enters. She hopes that is good, that it makes it harder for whomever to track her movements. On the way over, she failed to resist the urge to try to see if anyone is following her while remembering everything she had heard about mizol investigations. How do humans deal with such things without mental abilities? I do not think I am being followed, but I’m a listel not a mizol. Would they even need physical surveillance since there are cameras? I’ve never been told how the loroi do such actions, but I imagine it is mostly electronic initially. Unless Desiree is very interested in us. But humans wouldn’t face the limited number of investigators that the loroi would – or would they? It is still hard to train people in physical surveillance.

She makes her way to one of the top floors that are less busy and finds a data terminal that seems to be out of the view of any cameras. If this is a dream, do I even need to do this? My nervous system doesn’t believe it is a dream though. She thinks back to the movements Alex made when he logged into his account. Carefully, she duplicates them, then waits to see if the logon succeeds. The trick is not in remembering the motions, but translating what they mean. It does.

Beryl exhales, realizing she has been holding her breath. If anyone is watching me, they’ll definitely arrest me on suspicion any second now. Maybe even if they have tracked that there is no way Alex is using this computer. She types in a quick search to find out the list of deaths. All seem to be the same cause of death, at least according to the news. I suppose the news could have put in the wrong cause of death – I am thinking like a mizol now. Or a human. But what else could link these people? They don’t seem to be in a similar line of work, or ages, other than no one being above forty. That might be a similarity – most loroi are young currently, but that would not be the case for humans.

She frowns. What was I thinking? I am not the police, able to get access to the details of the victims lives and whereabouts. I’m not even sure what would be odd. What do I know about these deaths? She taps on the keyboard as she thinks. Claude died the night of whatever he did to me. Gary Busano died the night he called the Apology Line. At least, supposedly that was a live call. I wonder if Claude called in before he died? Though, it is anonymous. And they distort the voice of the caller. Another dead end… unless I can recognize something about the call. They only cut off names, but allow other details through.

A quick search finds the website of the pirate radio show, with a banner announcing that an important sequel to the revelations on the loroi will be airing tonight. Great, more slander of the loroi. At least that should keep people busy. She quickly navigates to the episode archives and finds the program in question. They did not air an episode yesterday, but there will be one on tonight. According to this, they record calls twenty-four hours a day to be played during the segment, as well as accepting live calls. I wonder how they decide what calls to play – or do they not get that many calls? Reading the rest of the information, it becomes clear that there is an archive of all calls made to the line, but the archive is only kept up to date to the last show that aired. Beryl will have to wait for the show that airs tonight to determine if Claude made any call.

I suppose I can listen to the rest of these calls while I research the victims. Maybe I can figure out some kind of pattern somehow. Not sure how else to distract myself while I wait for this evening. She sighs as she looks at the amount of audio. Luckily, she finds an option to download the information to her data pad. I’ll go through the rest later today, after I’ve finished my online searching.

After an hour of searching and listening, she sighs and logs out. She starts walking back to her room to finish her research, while trying to keep an eye out for anyone watching her without seeming like she is. She has one avenue of research left before she spends hours listening to the remaining phone calls on the Apology Line. Gary Busano hosted an online radio show, mostly discussing internal city politics whose intricacies Beryl planned to ignore as intriguing as they might be. She has downloaded the episodes to her pad, and hopes that she can make out some pattern in how the Apology Line distorts his voice. This might help her recognize Claude’s voice if he called in. It is a very thin line to grasp, but she will grasp it with all her might until something better comes along.

At least Alex and Ellen are busy with classes, so I’ll have more time to work on this. I might need to come up with an excuse for this afternoon. An excuse that hopefully won’t worry them further – I’m not sure how I’ll get anything done if they feel the need to check on my condition more often.

*** *** ***

Beryl lifts her head from her bed as the alarm goes off, alerting her that in ninety minutes, the latest Apology Line archive should be available. She has, after some debate, decided that she will view that online under her own account. That seems like it should not arouse suspicion. And there was a notice for the program before – everyone should be tuning in for that, and then it might seem normal to stay on to listen to the Apology Line.

She reminds herself that this is only a dream as she clicks on the live feed and settles in to listen to the program on whatever new information is available on the loroi.

“Greetings, fellow children of Terra and the cosmos,” the whispery voice begins. “I am Deimos, one of the moon goddesses of Ares. I hope that this program is an offering of atonement for the misinformation that I shared in our last conversation on the subject of the fateful choice that humanity is facing in supporting the umiak or the loroi. I regret that I believed such information and shared it, but on the other hand, I am delighted to correct the record and inform you that there is more hope for humanity than that program depicted.”

Beryl cannot stop herself from perking up as Deimos continues. “The TCA has released further information today that details how the leaked report was generated. This information reveals that the government does not endorse the dire view promoted by this report. The earlier report existed as a worst-case scenario that included all of the negative information on the loroi available, including information that was obviously propaganda intended to sway the orgus. This may not convince diehard skeptics of the government, but LegionLeaks and other analysis communities have largely favored the governments interpretation after reviewing the underlying data. I hope this convinces the TCA that information should be free so that reasonable individuals can study and discuss it, to eventually draw their own conclusions. Unnecessary secrecy does little but corrode the trust that the public places in their leaders.

“Due to the nature of this retraction, I will not be holding calls on this until later tonight. I would request everyone apply discernment on the information presented and review the evidence posted on the LegionLeaks website and copied in our own web archives. This information does not paint the loroi in a wholly favorable light. I am still not convinced humanity should join with the loroi, but I feel that the debate between the umiak and the loroi is now much more balanced than it was yesterday. I will now discuss the information that was revealed since our last discussion.

“Now, it is still true that the loroi were responsible two different genocides, a serious charge that may be enough for some to decide to never side with the loroi. That is an understandable reaction. There have been times I have felt the same. But we should remember human history and ask ourselves, is there any way that the loroi could show they have regretted those actions? If so, it might be possible to work with them, much as has happened in human history. I understand that this will be an odious idea for many, with a disturbing sense of starting our entry into the interstellar community with a sense of realpolitik that I and so many had hoped a more enlightened civilization would be able to avoid. I admit to being disturbed by it, but it seems to me that, if the loroi are truly regretful of the genocides they have committed and commit adequate atonement, then I feel that I would be a hypocrite to work with the umiak over the loroi on this basis.

“My feeling is driven by both new information that shows that the loroi were divided on the acts of genocides which they ended up performing and the lengths they went to try to avoid those acts. In one case, the civilian population of a defeated enemy continued the war by acts of terrorism against both loroi military and civilian targets. I submit that the actions of both sides were very human – resistance and counter-resistance that escalate into the utmost horror.

“In the second case, new information shows that planet-sized governments ignored the central tithric government's promise of neutrality. These governments were, in some cases, too weak to stop the umiak from traveling in their space and, in others, actively encouraged and accepted payments for the umiak forces to do so. The truth of this state of affairs was known to the broader group of third parties, who ignored repeated petitions by the loroi that if this neutrality was only a fiction, they would eventually be forced to treat it as such. This policy was eventually enacted after much debate and only after a powerful series of attacks that the umiak launched through neutral tithric space.

“I do not condone the genocide that resulted. The loroi were faced with a hard choice, and chose, poorly I would argue, to commit war crimes. But I would be lying if I said today that I feel confident that the TCA would make a better choice. I hope they would. I would argue that they should. If I were pressed though, I have to admit that they, most likely, would not. And maybe humanity should also be destroyed for such a policy, but I cannot bring myself to condemn a whole people that seem to have been very conflicted about the issue and appear to have sought every other option available to them to resolve an untenable situation. It seems hypocritical to me to join an interstellar community in condemning them when that community knew and ignored the violations that the tithric allowed to their stance of neutrality.

“It seems that the conspiracy theory about the death of the former leader of the Loroi Union is just that – a baseless conspiracy theory. More complete records show that the umiak carefully planned their assault to force this very choice, though they were not confident that they would be able to destroy the vessel that the leadership was on. The hope that this would be a death blow to the morale of the loroi failed, which I hope is more of a sign of the trust that loroi society has in their cause instead of being conditioned to mindlessly support their leadership, but we will need to meet with them to ascertain that, as well as the actual status of civilian versus military. There are some indications that civilians have their own status among the loroi, so portraying them as second-class citizens is premature.

“Telepathy may remain a serious impediment to human-loroi relations, but we should trust in the fact that the loroi have formed alliances with other species, so it should not be a complete dealbreaker. And I still hold hope that humanity will one day open their eyes to the hidden potential within each individual and finally prove to scientists that there is more to this world than they have considered. I recognize this may be a challenging transition, but hopefully the example of actual telepaths will show us all the way to change our society to be more open and honest.

“These arguments urge that the First Contact mission should proceed to make contact with both sides, to attempt to determine which sides best serve the needs of humanity. I wish we could make an idealistic choice, or that the choice was difficult because both sides were so appealing instead of having to choose the lesser evil. But it is important to realize it is a choice we will have to confront with more information than we currently have.”

[inxsi]

Chapter Seventeen: Dream - Part 3

SpoilerShow

Beryl reminds herself that she is dreaming. Maybe this is a reflection of me trusting Alex again, or maybe of Alex’s trust in me. I cannot rely on it. I’m not even sure how I would raise the question with Alex. I’m sure any concerns will be addressed during negotiations, if they aren’t cleared up during my discussions of loroi history and government with Alex.

“Greetings listeners. I am Phobos, the other moon goddess of Ares. I hope all of you reflect on the information divulged on the loroi and keep your debate respectful. While you consider the choice facing humanity, I hope you enjoy today’s edition of the Apology Line. We have been requested by the police to only air live calls tonight, since they believe that there may be a threat to those appearing on the Apology Line given the death of Gary Busano recently. We reiterate that the privacy and safety of our callers is our number one priority, which is why we distort the voice of all callers and prohibit giving out your name. We have instituted a slight delay to ensure that callers are prevented from revealing their names on the air. I urge all callers, as always, to decide for themselves if they have any concerns for their safety before calling in, but also remember that those hurt by your actions require atonement. That said, let us begin.”

Beryl is already scrolling through the website on her pad, finding the archive. She breathes a sigh of relief when she sees that they have still published the old calls to their website. She quickly downloads them all in case they get taken down, then mutes the current stream while starting the first call. She listens to the first ten seconds, then moves on, hoping she can recognize Claude’s voice despite the distortion.

About halfway through the calls, she pauses, turns the sound up and restarts the recording from the beginning. The caller is in a panic.

“I’m sorry for what I did in the mall. Please, believe me and make it stop. I’m not sure what that dream was, but I never want to see it again. Please. I’ll turn myself in to the police in the morning. No, I’ll do it tonight! Just make it stop so I can sleep. I can’t stand seeing… things… when I close my eyes. Things that move, and want me to join them. Want me to keep my eyes closed so they can… I’m sorry. I know I was wrong, that you aren’t a whore. I’m a terrible person… I’m going to hang up and call the police… just please don’t kill me. I’ll be in prison for the rest of my life if you want, just so I can sleep when I need to.”

No wonder the police are investigating me or Ellen. She listens to it a few times, then double-checks the audio from Gary Busano. Yes, she can hear roughly how his voice has been shifted, despite the panic and filtering the Apology Line applied. Hopefully the other callers will be calmer, but she might not be able to recognize anyone whose voice she doesn’t have a decent amount of exposure to. Not very helpful, she thinks. I don’t have voice samples or know any of the other victims. Thankfully I don’t think I know any of the other victims. I doubt Ellen does either.

She unmutes the main stream that she had left running. Might as well listen to the rest of the program to keep my cover up in case anyone looks. She starts listening in the middle of a call.

“I’ve betrayed everyone who cares about me – my girlfriend, my best friend, and another dear friend. Everyone who counts on me. Myself. I’ve made excuses rather than acting to amend my behavior. Tomorrow, I am going to apologize in person and mend my ways, but for tonight, this is the best I can do.”

That’s Alex, she realizes with horror. Alex is calling in to confess about Kaetlin.

“I realize this sounds like the excuses I’ve always made. But I have confronted the one I am cheating with today. I’ve already set myself on my path, and tomorrow I see if I can survive it. No - no matter how bad it is, I’ll survive. Losing everyone would just be a consequence of the choices I have made. If they can forgive me, I will be grateful, but if not, I understand completely. I don’t think I would forgive me in their place.

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity to ask for forgiveness. I feel better about it – I should have done this when I first cheated instead of hiding behind excuses. Well, I can only try to do better going forward.

“Maybe I’ll finally be able to get a good night’s sleep. Thank you, and good bye.”

Beryl’s breath catches in her throat as Phobo’s voice comes over the speakers.

“Thank you, caller. May you find forgiveness and the peace you deserve. This brings tonight’s Apology Line episode to an end. I am not sure if this program will be able to continue given the current state of our city. Please, keep the victims of the bizarre deaths that the police are investigating in your thoughts, as well as all of those who have asked for forgiveness. Bathe them in your psychic energy that they may be find peace and be safe. Until next time, may you all find the forgiveness you seek from those you have wronged.”

Alex is alive in my time, she reminds herself. Either he survives here, or this dream does not affect the physical world in that way. Hopefully. She cannot help but picture Alex on his bed on Azimol, dead with his limbs splayed out as a doranzer sends, “massive heart attack. Very odd. We had no sign he was in danger of such an issue in our scans. Who can tell with alien males though?” As Beryl debates what to do, wishing to somehow undo the last few minutes of time, lassitude overtakes her.

[inxsi]

Chapter Eighteen: Awake - Part 1

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Beryl is luxuriating in the comfortable warmth of light bathing her thoughts when it vanishes, jolting her fully awake. She sees a loroi ear, then distinctive red hair. It takes her mind a further few seconds to process since the hair is done up in a tight bun, but when her mind connects what she is seeing, she freezes. I am curled up next to Fireblade, using her shoulder as a pillow.

“I am sorry for bothering you, teidar pallan Fireblade. I did not realize I was in your bed,” Beryl sends, confused as to when she had gotten into this bed.

“It is fine,” Fireblade eventually sends, carefully neutral. “There is no need to be so formal Beryl, I am not offended. I had a bad dream last night. I owe you an apology, I must have disturbed you.”

“I do not recall,” Beryl admits. “Perhaps you did. I apologize, I should have asked before I slept next to you.”

“You helped me to sleep. I should be thanking you for doing so.”

“Then, I am glad to have helped you. I can sleep with you in the future if you would like?” Beryl finds herself holding her breath along with Fireblade. Long moments pass as Beryl pictures Fireblade refusing her.

“If you would like,” Fireblade sends. “In my past, having company during a bad night usually helps. But when it does not, it can be very unpleasant for whoever is near me. Which is why I sleep alone. I will not hold it against you if you don’t want to experience my dreams.”

“If my presence makes them worse, I will take you up on that for that night,” Beryl replies. “But other than that, I can stand a bad dream if it comes to that. I have dealt with nightmares of my own recently. And I would like to help you, especially after –”

“I do not need your pity,” Fireblade cuts her off coldly. “You beat me fair and square in that sparring match, but you did not break me. Do not think you are better than I am.”

Beryl stares for a second. “Fireblade, please look at me. Look into me. I have never felt like I am better than you. It was my feelings of inadequacy that led to my panicking during a sparring session. I have doubted my place on this mission ever since I was tasked with taking care of Alex.”

“I apologize. I reacted… inappropriately. No,” Fireblade amends. “I reacted as I would to a teidar. As you may know, discussing emotions is not something that is valued in a teidar, unless it is useful to drive your side on or discourage your opponents. I do not like admitting weakness, especially to one for whom I want to be strong.”

Beryl thinks on that. “I do not think I cannot feel bad for what I did to you. I will try, but,” she takes a deep breath and decides to take the plunge, “my fear was that I had killed you, or that you would never forgive me. What I am trying to say is, I do not think I can wholly put that behind me. Not out of pity for you, but out of fear that I will lose you.” She hurries on as Fireblade stirs. “We are both warriors, and our lives may end at any moment in service to the loroi, but I would not like for our relationship to end for a lesser reason.”

Fireblade goes still again, thinking. “I understand. I would like to see where our relationship goes as well. Now, the others are starting to stir. Would you like to get up before they do?”

“Just a few more minutes,” Beryl says. “I wasn’t awake to watch you as we lay together. Though,” she adds apologetically, “I owe you a hair brushing. I’ve smooshed your hair a bit.”

“I will take you up on that, so long as you let me brush yours.”

“Agreed.”

[inxsi]

Chapter Eighteen: Awake - Part 2

SpoilerShow

“Good morning, Alex,” Beryl greets him as he emerges from his alcove in the morning. “Did you sleep well?”

“Do not move,” Fireblade says as the comb pulls on Beryl’s hair.

“Ouch,” Beryl sends and says aloud.

“That was not that bad. And I did warn you that I was not very good at brushing the hair of others. I haven’t had much practice.”

“Better,” he replies. “Thank you again for handling the funeral arrangements. I think you were right that I was feeling like I failed Ellen, and the rest of the crew, by leaving that unfinished. Knowing that there will be a funeral goes some small way towards making it up to them.”

“You are wel–” Beryl begins but Fireblade interrupts.

“Alex. How do you think Ellen would feel if she were here and you died on the Bellarmine?”

“Probably the same way.”

“And?” Fireblade leaves the question to hang.

Alex shrugs sheepishly. “She would be wrong. It wouldn’t be her fault that I died.”

“Exactly. Now, realize that that is true for you as well. Survival can seem almost as horrible as not surviving, but you did nothing wrong. Believe me on this. If you doubt this, please speak to any of us or a therapist.”

“I’ll do my best.”

After a pause, Fireblade nods at him and he continues as if nothing had been said. “As I was saying, thank you for handling the funeral arrangements. I am sure it will be a lovely ceremony. I plan to propose a similar ceremony, with some minor changes, for the TCA to adopt. Hopefully, it will be a long time before it is needed.”

“You are most welcome,” Beryl says. “I share your hope that humanity will not have occasion to use it. I would be interested to hear about the changes you are making and why though – it might not be too late to incorporate them in this evening’s ceremony.”

“I’ll gladly explain them. But I think it is fitting that the Bellarmine’s crew be buried in the traditional loroi manner.”

“Perhaps this could be a bridge between our cultures?” Tempo asks.

“Perhaps. Someone once told me there is strength in such symbols. And it just seems fitting – I’d like to think that if the Bellarmine had not been destroyed before making contact with the loroi, the relationship between our species would have progressed to the same point, only more smoothly,” Alex says.

“A lovely sentiment,” Beryl agrees. Then, thinking of the Ellen from her dreams, “I would love to have met any of your crew members.”

“Something is troubling you,” he observes. “I thought loroi were open and honest?”

“It is embarrassing, and I don’t want it to affect our friendship. But I am troubled by the dreams I have been having. The dreams about you.”

“Oh?” Alex asks,surprise coating his sending, ignoring the guffaws of Talon and Spiral. “You are still having those?”

“Yes. You had hoped they would be stopped with your nightmares?”

“Well, I had thought they would. I guess hoped also, since they do seem to trouble you. I am not sure why, other than concern over whatever is causing them.” To Beryl, that seemed true enough, but not the whole truth.

“It is not that – it is that they give me what I am sure is a false sense of you, and other people. I think I can keep track of what is real and dream, but I worry that I am not always able to do so,” Beryl tries to explain.

Alex turns her gently so he can look right into her eyes, leaving his fingers lightly on her arms. “I don’t understand what you mean, but I understand that you are concerned. I think we should talk these dreams over.”

“It involves your history… or what may be your history.”

“I can talk about that,” he nods. “In fact, I’m an expert on my history. But tomorrow, I’m going to ask you about your history as fair trade.”

“Fair enough,” she agrees.

Tempo speaks, “it would probably be best for you two to discuss this privately. The rest of us can hear about whatever facets Alex wants to share later, but given Beryl’s concerns, it is probably best that we limit how many false things about Alex we learn.”

“Thank you,” Beryl sends as she leads Alex back into his alcove to discuss the matter through a physical link. Once there, she sends, “my biggest concern is these murders. Were there any murders while you were in the Academy?”

"Murders?" Alex thinks for a long moment. “No – nothing I remember. There must have been some since Hallas Planitia is not that small, but nothing that stood out on the news.”

“No one dying of odd heart attacks?”

“Not that I remember. But I’m only human – I mean, I don’t have as good a memory as you do. But I think a series of odd heart attacks would have made the news and I’d have remembered that. Why? Has something else happened in the dream?”

Before she can stop it, the thought leaks out of her, “I’m worried that you are going to be the next victim in my dream.”

“What?” she can hear his astonishment derailing his thoughts. After long moments of confusion, he sends, “can that even happen in these dreams?”

“I’m not sure. I spoke about it with Fireblade before you were up this morning. She is not aware of anything similar and thinks it is unlikely to have any meaning. She is of the opinion that I am partially receiving information from you while we sleep and my mind is weaving them into a dream narrative.”

“Like what might happen if someone reads a book to you while you sleep?” Alex asks.

“Yes. She doubts there is any meaning in any of it, since the information from you might be the results of dreams you do not remember. We’ve established that not all elements of my dreams correlate to what happened in your history. And we do not have any conclusive evidence that the dream is effecting anyone but me.”

“Right. But it sounds like you're more troubled than about something just my history. Do you think if something happens to me in the dream it will happen to me in real life?”

“Yes,” Beryl admits. “I realize how crazy that sounds. I agree with Fireblade when I am awake, but things seem different when I am sleeping.”

“Doesn’t that show that the dreams are irrational? That you have different opinions of them despite being able to think about them while in the dream?”

“I agree,” Beryl says, and to her surprise, she does. “You have convinced me.”

“But you still want to know more about my actual history, not just the history you have from my dreams?”

“You are getting good at this sanzai.”

“I have a good teacher. And you are very anxious. We have some time before we are scheduled to meet with Starcry?” She nods. “Ok, what do you want to know? Or would it be better to go through the dream and correct any mistakes in it?”

“I have a few big questions to hit, then we can go through the dream in detail if we have time.”

“Ok. As long as we’re not late for Starcry and you remember to tell me about yourself tomorrow.”

“Certainly,” Beryl says, letting her hands rest on his again after setting an alert on her pad. “That should give us time to get ready to meet Starcry. Now – I realize that this is likely a very touchy subject and I do not mean to offend but… have you ever cheated on your mate?”

“What?” his thoughts derail again.

“In my dream, you are dating a girl named Kaetlin. And while you are dating her, you are dating another girl named Caitlyn. The term you used in the dream was ‘cheating on.’”

His thoughts whirl in confusion, then focus. “No, I have not cheated on any girlfriend.”

“I understand,” she assures him, feeling his very slight resentment. “That was something from the dream.”

“Sorry,” he apologizes. “I know that intellectually, but that is still something that draws a reaction. I can see why sanzai can cause issues though. But,” he reflects, “it has been a long time since I’ve thought about Kaetlin. We dated very briefly, when Ellen was in the hospital with a broken leg, but it didn’t work out. Probably for the best – she was very ambitious and it was easy to get lost in her plans for a perfect life. Luckily, I realized I didn’t want the life she wanted for me very early and we agreed it wasn’t working. I never did ask Ellen what she did after Ellen recovered.”

“Ellen had a broken leg?”

“Yes. It wasn’t as bad as it sounds, though getting her out of the canyon where she broke it was pretty awful. Including being stuck there overnight waiting for the volunteers to come rescue us. We joked about it after she was out of the hospital later, when we were dating off and on.”

“She broke it jumping off of a waterfall? Landing on something in the water?”

“Yes,” he looks at her. “You dreamed of that?”

“In my dream, you told me about it, except you were the one who had the broken leg. You rappelled down the waterfall at night trying to get out of the canyon, but ended up having to wait until morning.”

“At night? With a broken leg? I’m glad Ellen didn’t want to try that, I don't know if I would have been smart enough to stop her. Any other embarrassing questions?”

Beryl thinks, relieved. If such major things are off, maybe these are dreams she is creating from dreams Alex is having, dreams where he wonders how his life could have been different. Those are normal dreams for a warrior to have, even if they are usually less odd. Her fears put to rest, she decides to lighten the tone. “Do the teachers at your Academy really have so many different first rules of war?”

“Yes,” he says, his response serious and more concerned despite her attempts at levity. “The general goal is to teach that context is important – while there will always be one top priority at a time, what that priority is will be different. I think I agree with the explanation that they gave when I finally asked, rather than thinking they just didn’t want to remember a numbered list or be quizzed about any discrepancies.”

It suddenly hits Beryl why Alex is concerned. Of course he is worried about how much information he has given away. Any loroi would be in his position but I have been too busy to realize he must feel the same way. "I think I will tell you everything about the dream, even if I have to finish after we are done with Starcry."

[inxsi]

Chapter Eighteen: Awake - Part 3

SpoilerShow

As Dream leads them to the farseer, Beryl sense Alex’s apprehension. “I am sure you will do fine,” she says, squeezing his hand slightly.

“I can’t help but feel like I am going to let everyone down,” he replies. “I realize I am being egotistical thinking everything is on my shoulders, but I do.”

“You won’t let me down. You have learned how to generate a lotai. Starcry is really the one being tested to see if she can figure out some way to detect you despite the lotai. What is really bothering you?”

“I don’t know. Maybe it is just worry about Strike Group 51. I never thought I would be hearing about other groups going into combat, I always thought I would be involved in the fighting.”

“I understand, since I feel the same way. This is the first time I have been away from the Tempest while they were going into action. I mean, since I’ve been assigned there.”

“Right. I also think I am worried about what humans having an ability to generate a lotai that the loroi cannot pierce would mean. It pains me to admit it, but there is some anti-loroi sentiment in the TCA. Not much, since almost everyone has been made to understand how outclassed humanity is, but some. I don’t think anyone would try anything if they knew about the lotai today, but in the future, when humanity has better technology? I could see some humans using it to cause a big problem. I’m hoping Starcry figures out a way to pierce the lotai, since I would not want to see humanity make such a choice.”

Beryl agrees, glad they are speaking out loud so he might miss her worry. “I hope so as well.”

When they arrive, Starcry nods a greeting to them, sending carefully, "are you receiving this comfortably?" At Alex's nod, she continues, “today, I would like to sense Alex through touch and then have him activate his lotai while I try to maintain the link. Perhaps I will learn something from that transition. Please, say something out loud if you feel any sensation of mental contact. That may help me determine if I am close to contact at any point. Are you ready to begin?” Again, he nod and she rests her hands on his back and closes her eyes.

“Begin,” she instructs, and Beryl feels the sense of Alex’s mental presence vanishing while his physical form remains. Despite having seen it many times over the past few days, she still finds herself resisting the impulse to reach out to touch him physically. This time she frowns. There is something still there, very faint, where his presence used to be. “I cannot detect anything,” Starcry concludes after a few more solons of searching.

“I think I sense something. May I?” Beryl asks, reaching for Alex. When she touches him, it is as if her mental view shifts, bringing his form into view. Interestingly, the presence of Dream and Starcry seem to dim, but are still perceptible. “This is – I can sense him,” she whispers in awe. “Is he still hidden from you?”

The others confirm.

“Starcry, perhaps if you touch me, you can figure something out from my link to Alex?” As the farseer rests her hand on Beryl’s shoulder, she gasps slightly.

“I see him. It is – like I need to focus my mental sight differently. I’m going to take my hand off and see if I can still see him.” Unfortunately, her frown speaks volumes when she removes her hand. “Not quite. Beryl, remove your hand and see if you can still sense him.”

Tentatively, Beryl does so. “He is a little fainter, but I can still sense him.”

“I will touch you. Perhaps that will help me to figure out how to focus properly. Ok, and if I remove my hand, can I still… yes!” The farseer beams a smile. “I can sense him still without touching Beryl. Now, we have to repeat this process to make sure we can do this without touching him.” Several trials later, Starcry announces she is ready to move to the next stage of testing. She hands them a small device. “This will record your movements through the station. I would like the two of you, staying together, to wander around the station. I will stay here with Dream to track you and record your movements. Then we can compare the two recordings to verify my accuracy.”

“Won’t you be able to just track Beryl?” Dream asks.

“Yes. I doubt Alex can wander around the station on his own. Perhaps he could be escorted by multiple different trusted loroi, who can figure out different routes to meet up with him? It would be obvious if I failed to detect him and was tracking the wrong group. It is the best I can come up with – I am sure his presence will cause a lot of comment that might influence me, so you might need to coordinate with Sunfury on where he can be without running into loroi.”

“The civilian areas are still very sparsely used. I will confirm with Sunfury, but that should be a good place for this test.”

*** *** ***

After a long, meandering walk, some of which is spent with Alex, some with the other loroi from the shuttle, and some alone, Beryl finally returns to their quarters. Alex has already given the tracking device to someone to return it for analysis.

“How long until we hear anything?” Beryl asks.

“The comparison should not take very long,” Tempo replies. “The farseer reports what she detects in real-time, so it is a simple matter for the computer to compare the two.”

“You have done this before?”

“She has. I thought you would have noticed the many, many hours I recently spent marching all over the Tempest at her behest,” Fireblade says.

“I had noticed. I put it down to annoyance with how many people were pestering you about Alex. You were heavily shielded at the time.”

“She was. I had hoped that our farseer would be able to better resolve the umiak behind their lotai if she practiced on teidar who were mentally shielding themselves,” Tempo explains.

“Which obviously did not work, as I told you it would not,” Fireblade grumbles. "My shielding is not like the lotai."

“True, but it was the best I could do given the situation. Stillstorm was adamant that only the bare minimum of loroi have contact with Alex. I could not even meet with him, let alone propose that he meet with a farseer during such a critical situation.”

“If this works, will the farseer perform a farsensing to try to detect the umiak?” Beryl asks.

“At some point. I am not sure how long it may take Starcry to recover from this session, though I would think it would be fairly quick given the distance involved. However, I doubt that we will be involved in the farsensing. Usually, only an assistant is in the room to help record what the farseer reports. I expect we won’t hear anything other than whether or not she was able to detect any additional umiak from under the effect of their lotai.”

[inxsi]

Chapter Eighteen: Awake - Part 4

SpoilerShow

Tempo returns from a meeting with Opal and Sunfury with a neutral expression, summoning them to the large table in the central area. She places her data pad on the table, bringing up a holographic projection of a system map. “Sunfury wants our input on what the farseer detected,” she begins.

“Starcry was able to detect umiak under their lotai?” Alex asks

“Yes, your help in piercing their lotai was essential. Sunfury assured me that your assistance will be noted to the correct individuals, although we do not yet want this widely publicized among the loroi.”

“Thank you. I will provide whatever other assistance I can.”

“I appreciate that. However, there is a complication. The umiak that were detected do not appear to be in position to assist in the attack on Nezel or to threaten further penetration into loroi space. Sunfury is concerned that some would believe the farseer is detecting phantoms, possibly accidentally or possibly due to some interference with her farsensing.”

“I might be blamed for doing what I could to help her?” Alex asks.

“Some might make that argument against you. Everyone I have spoken to believes your assistance has been honest and without deception. The location of the umiak is odd raising the concern of a possible mistake in the farsensing, as I am sure you will agree once I explain the situation.” She turns to the projected map. She makes sure Alex is oriented by pointing out Azimol and the route that they used to enter the system. She then pans the map to center on Nezel. “The enemy fleets that have been observed around Nezel seem to no longer be under a lotai. They have been mustering to enter the system together, apparently aware that the loroi defense fleet was not lured out of the system by the other incursions.” Alex nods to show that he is following her explanation. “The new fleet that was detected is all in one system, here,” she highlights a system next to Nezel that is on a totally different system of jump lanes. “As you can see, this system is not connected to Nezel or anything near to Nezel.”

Alex leans close, looking at the image. His finger traces the route toward loroi space. “Does this jump route exit into loroi defenses?”

“Yes and no. The closest exit into loroi space is twenty systems away, and leads back into the Nezel defensive line. The other exit into loroi space is unguarded, but is over seventy jumps away.”

“As I understand, even with the best logistics, that is too far for an enemy assault force. Since you don’t seem to believe that as the explanation.”

“If they can manage to travel that far with no resupply, and have the force still be able to strike a decisive blow into our rear, they deserve to win."

“Anyway, if they wanted to do that, they would not have needed to reveal the lotai here. Even if the lotai affecting the fleets attacking Nezel was a side effect of this second group, they could have sent the fleets we encountered in the Steppes elsewhere. Ok, I agree it is not an attempt to bypass loroi defenses.” Alex frowns. “I assume you are confident that there are too many ships for this to merely be an observer the results of the umiak assault? Maybe they have developed farseers of their own.”

“Loroi farseers would not need to be so close,” Tempo points out.

“Yes, but were the loroi always able to sense from that far away? No, don’t answer. I don’t want to know the details. But we cannot assume that if the umiak are able to farsense, which is already a big assumption, that they are able to do so as well as the loroi. Maybe they need to be this close to observe the whole theater. Maybe they want to be closer to see more details. Maybe they are overconfident in their lotai. After all, you seem to believe that I was essential for Starcry to figure out how to detect them. They might have figured that you would never be able to pierce it, even if you captured an umiak with a lotai, because you could not convince it to toggle it on and off.”

“That seems plausible,” Tempo admits. “Though the force seems far too strong for an observational force.”

“If you can tell me, how strong is this enemy force? At least in relative terms.”

“It is roughly half as strong as the combined forces currently converging on the Nezel defensive line.”

Alex pales. “Yes, that is definitely not an observation force. Or anything else that would not involve combat soon. I suppose they could be a feint – is my understanding correct that farsensing detects the living umiak, but does not detect anything about the ships they are on? They could, for example, be on a bunch of unarmed cargo ships?”

“That is correct. But to what purpose?”

“I admit I cannot see any. If they wanted to draw a defensive force off, they would be on some route that needs to be defended. I assume they should have everything mapped out, so they aren’t just accidentally at the wrong system. May I consult my data pad? I assume the data on it is intact?”

“You may, and it is, to the best of our knowledge. May I ask why?”

“Humanity has some navigational data that the orgus provided. They might have something on this region.” Beryl senses there is something he is omitting.

“We have never heard of the orgus, so I would be surprised. Do you have any reason to believe they provided this information?”

“Right, sanzai is open and honest. This is an awkward diplomatic issue. Before they were annexed by the umiak, the orgus were traders, so they have managed to collect information on jump lanes for a surprisingly large amount of area. They assured us that this information would have been destroyed when the umiak moved to occupy their system. Much of it is out of date, kept in case the markets shifted and they needed to use different trade routes. The full amount of data is one of the items humanity is offering for an alliance, but I suppose now is as good a time as any to show off a small amount of it.” He pulls out the pad and navigates to a similar, but two-dimensional, star map. “Ok, I think I am at the same region. Can you all confirm?”

The loroi huddle around the human device, squinting awkwardly at the three different displays of the star map. Alex explains that the windows show the different axes of the systems. Eventually they all agree they are looking at the same system.

“Ok. It looks like there was a jump lane between the two systems, but it stopped being used.”

“When was this?” Beryl asks. “I haven’t heard of any jump lane in the records I have reviewed.”

“Hmm… fifteen hundred years ago. I guess the orgus weren’t lying when they said they kept everything they heard. It started becoming unreliable then, and was no longer in use by anyone one hundred years later.”

“That hardly seems useful,” Tempo says. “They cannot use a jump lane that doesn’t exist anymore.”

“I wonder. The Prophet’s Reason managed to jump from Leido-Sala to Azimol on a different jump lane. Maybe that was a side effect of however the umiak bypassed the watchers when they arrived in Leido-Sala. Beryl made it sound like it was more than just the lotai that let them deep jump there.”

“I’m listening.”

“I am running a simulation to see if, according to the best estimate humanity has, the jump lane still might exist. I think if there is even a bit of a chance, we have to assume that the umiak also have some capability to use jump lanes that no one else could use.”

“We can run the same modeling. How accurate is yours?”

He informs her of the accuracy that the human model has shown.

“Wow,” Beryl says. “That is-”

"Very accurate," Tempo interrupts. "May I ask how it is that humanity has models of such accuracy?

“I am not sure of the details, other than there was a push to understand and model everything after an early exploration jump went wrong on a route that was initially thought safe. And the model was able to be validated against the information that the orgus provided. That is a large part of how we were able to reach Naam in the first place, by modeling each jump during the transit to refine the course that we had estimated from the orgus data.” The loroi watch the data pad expectantly. “This might take a while,” Alex explains, “I was surprised that the data pad can even run the model, but it takes it a while to process everything. If we do think there is a chance that the second force can attack Nezel, is there anything that can be done?”

“That remains to be seen,” Tempo says. “I will discuss this idea with Sunfury while we wait for your calculations to finish.”

Roughly an hour of distracted, nervous conversation and activity later, the data pad chimes that it is completed. It lists out that, in its estimation, there is a five percent chance of succeeding on a jump to Nezel from the system the enemy fleet is in.

[inxsi]

Chapter Eighteen: Awake - Part 5

SpoilerShow

Beryl walks down the aisle to stand before the dual podiums where Tempo and Sunfury wait for the ceremony to begin. Fireblade and Alex flank her, each holding a lit candle, with the other members of the Highland Seven making up the audience, along with Opal, Dream, and some of the soroin guards that Beryl has seen but never been introduced to. She is surprised to see Starcry also in attendance.

Tempo begins speaking, both out loud and in sanzai since the official funeral is recorded as a historical record. “Today, we remember the lives of the brave warriors who gave their lives for causes that they believed in, and dedicate ourselves to completing their goals. I am pleased that Sunfury is as committed to finding areas of common ground and exploring an alliance with humanity as Alex Jardin is and am sure that a preliminary agreement can be reached to be presented to both governments.

“Throughout the history of both loroi and humanity, exploration has been a dangerous undertaking. At times, it has led to tragedy. Despite, or perhaps because of, these setbacks, exploration has always compelled members of both species to seek to pierce the unknown. Even when the majority of society has poured cold waters on the fire of their passions, some individuals bide their time as embers, waiting for conditions to change to spark a new generation of explorers who can set forth.

“Even though the routes that have been found has sometimes brought with them conflict and strife, the arc of history has been towards peace and greater unification. I think that all here share in the desire that the exploration of the wider world leads to greater understanding both of our own species and of other species, that the tragedies of the modern age can be avoided in the future and the losses on each side lead to the seeding of peace and cooperation instead of perpetuating the bitter fruits of hatred, distrust, and conflict that we have eaten for so long.

“With that said, it is easy to bask in the spirit of camaraderie that comes from honoring our dead together. The hard work will be to keep this feeling in mind when we return to the task of living our lives, with all of the cares and worries that may distract us and shatter our sense of unity. We kindle these flames today, that they may burn forever to honor those that we knew and respected as comrades, but also that they may stay lit forever in the fires of our hearts and minds. That they may remind us to strive to be better than we and to not let down those who can no longer voice their thoughts.

“Today, it is our sad duty to honor both the warriors of humanity who desired to make peace with the loroi and the warriors of Strike Group 51 who were lost in the fighting in Naam. To that end, I will be reading the names of those lost on the Bellarmine, interspersed with Sunfury reading the names from Strike Group 51. Once all of the names have been read, Alex Jardin, the representative of humanity, and teidar pallan Fireblade will light their respective lanterns. The fire from these lanterns will then merge to light a third lantern, symbolizing that the loss happened in the same conflict and our hope for unity going forward. Our intention is that this lantern be kept near any loroi-human negotiations to inspire diplomats on both sides.”

Sunfury nods. “As the commander of this station and with my rank in this area of command, I agree with the sentiments mizol parat Tempo has so eloquently expressed. I have already seen reports on the benefits of friendship with humanity and hope that we can aid them as admirably as they have for us. I fear the attention of loroi expressing their gratitude would overwhelm a squad of humans so I hope that our lone human does not feel that we are ungrateful if we limit the thanks of the station out of concern for his health.”

Beryl basks in the wave of gratitude from Alex until the pair begin to read from the lengthy list of those who died in Naam, when he again grows somber. She feels it as well, the realization that she will never again see certain companions that she had grown close to hitting her again, even those she did not know through sanzai.

Eventually, the long recitation comes to an end and Fireblade and Alex walk forward together, moving as one to touch their candles to their respective lanterns. The flames catch, dancing for a moment before arcing along a fuse to merge in the third lantern, the lights of the separate wicks merging.

*** *** ***

After the funeral, Beryl leads Alex to the side of the room to collect a lantern and light it from the mingled fire. “There is always an official ceremony for deaths that occur during combat,” she explains, “but most of the mourning happens more privately for loroi, when they reenact the lamp-lighting ceremony and reflect on their personal connections and memories to those who have been lost. I hope you can also find comfort in this act.”

“Thank you. I will while I am here. I very much doubt that humanity is ready for it on board our own spaceships.”

“I can understand that,” she replies as they make their way back to their quarters. “I hope you don’t mind if I gave the others leave to perform one of the customs I saw in your dream?”

“What custom is that?”

“I believe it was called a wake in the dreams I had. I understand that it is similar to how loroi warriors react to death, by gathering with comrades and remembering the lives that have been lost, sharing stories, and bonding together more closely.”

“Yes, that is a human custom. I would be delighted.”

“Good, since I believe they are already going. I am sure they would love to hear about the crew of the Bellarmine, and will fill you in on the loroi who died in the fighting,” she says, opening the door.

“There you are,” Fireblade says, looking up from her place at the table. “I was worried you had forgotten. We’ve been waiting, since Talon, Spiral, and I already wagered on who could drink the most noillir but we wanted someone we trusted to keep track.”

[inxsi]

Chapter Nineteen: Dream - Part 1

SpoilerShow

Beryl’s eyes spring open, revealing Caitlyn’s green eyes staring into hers from a foot away.

“Caitlyn? What are you doing here in my bed?” Beryl asks.

“My sweet Beryl,” Caitlyn’s voice coos. Beryl’s eyes widen as she realizes that the woman is speaking to her through sanzai, instead of out loud. “Is that any way to greet your savior? After Alex ripped my heart from my body and devoured it mercilessly last night, I decided to see if you desired any company for the night. Alas, you were overwhelmed by my offer and fainted, so I tucked you into bed.”

“And why are you in bed?”

“You have a disturbing history of fainting. Is it not natural for me to want to ensure your safety? And you were lying there, defenseless. I could not resist the snare you laid out for my heart. Would you blame me?”

“Yes, I would. What do you mean, savior?”

“How rude of me, keeping you in the dark about our shared past.” Caitlyn strokes Beryl’s cheek with one long fingernail. “That nasty Claude gave you such a bruise while you were shopping. Do you remember?”

Beryl’s eyes widen as the memories of meeting Caitlyn earlier rush back into her awareness. “How did I forget about meeting you in the fitting room?”

“Forgetting happens to everyone. It is regrettably mundane, even for an angel who has come down from the heavens such as yourself.”

“You made me forget, like you are keeping me calm now,” Beryl accuses.

“Guilty as charged, I’m afraid. It seemed the best course at the time. You were so confused and unsure of how to handle it, certain that you were in the wrong. At present, I fear you would do something both of us would regret immensely. Better that we just lie here talking. I did wonder if you would thank me for taking care of you in the way I did?”

“What do you mean? You killed Claude. And your defense courses almost had me kill someone.” Beryl cuts herself off from explaining who she had almost killed.

Caitlyn laughs. “Darling, I am sorry if you harmed someone who did not deserve it. But Claude was a brute. Even before his encounter with you, he was circling the abyss, slowly succumbing to his worst appetites. His failure with you only accelerated a process that was already in motion. My intervention was a mercy for him. The police will ensure that his memory is untainted, sparing his friends and families from having to face any shred of the truth from his life.”

“If it is anything like the other deaths, it was horrible.”

“Oh, it was. But I merely fed him the feast that his choices prepared. If the food was too rotten for him to stomach, you should lay the blame on him for the consequences he faced, not on me for showing them to him. Besides, his pain was short-lived compared to the suffering he would have inflicted, even if he had stopped after injuring you. No, he should thank me. All men are mortal, but he will be remembered better than he deserves. That is the best gift he could have possibly received.”

“So you killed the others as well? I'm not sure how I should feel about Claude - did you really have to kill him? You are talking to me, keeping me calm and complacent. Why could you not make him see the error of his ways?”

“Oh, my naïve Beryl, that is not how it works. I reflect back what I have to work with, which is mostly darkness instead of light. I had hoped Alex was different, but while he has proven to be better than most I have dealt with, he has fallen short of the mark I had set for him. Which is something I will regret for a long time, even if it did lead me to you, my dear.”

“That is-”

“Horrible? Monstrous? Please continue, I am most curious to hear how you would describe it, dear Beryl.”

“Yes, it is those things. Worse.”

“I see. Honesty is an important part of a relationship, so I am glad you can be so forthcoming with your emotions regarding me. I will admit that I hope to improve your opinion of me, but that may take some time.”

“We are not in a relationship.”

“Playing hard to get? That is adorable, I am amazed Alex did not jump on you as well,” Caitlyn says, ruffling Beryl’s hair. “If we are not in a relationship, why are you still lying there?”

“You are doing something to me.”

“I told you, I can only reflect back what I am given. You know this speech is truthful, unlike the vocalizations you are uttering. If you are lying there, it is because part of you wants to lie there.”

“That doesn’t mean anything. You are a killer who has the advantage on me. If I move, you will undoubtedly kill me.”

“I am sure that rationalization is comforting, but aren’t you supposed to be a warrior? Trained to accept the risk of death without flinching? I am sure that if you try, you can admit that a part of you is intrigued by this discussion. That part desires to know more about me. Is attracted to me. Would it be so wrong to listen to that part, unfettered from your concerns about propriety, free to indulge in your deepest desires?”

“I am not attracted to you. You are not male.”

“Are you sure you feel no attraction at all? You don’t seem to be putting up any struggle mentally. And I can be very desirable. You could be happy with me, if you want.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Eventually, I hope to seduce you with sweet promises that I fulfill to our mutual delight.”

“And before that?”

“Unfortunately, I have other business that will keep me away for a bit. I have to see to Alex’s punishment for his wrongdoing, as distasteful as you find it.”

“Perhaps we could strike a bargain on that?”

“My darling Beryl has a price? Very well, name your terms and we can negotiate.”

“Promise you will not hurt Alex or his friends.”

“Trying to change me already? I will take that as a promising sign for our relationship. I wouldn’t hurt his friends regardless. They have not wronged me, and I am not lacking in manners.” Caitlyn holds her gaze for long heartbeats. “Very well, for you I will do this. If you truly desire it, I will not hurt Alex, though I will still teach him a lesson for his own good, and for yours. Now, I have to go to work. I will meet you at the gun range in an hour. Why don’t you wear that blue dress you bought? It goes great with your eyes.”

“Why am I doing this? Are you controlling me mentally?”

“I told you – I cannot make you do anything you don’t want to do. If you truly do not want me here, you only have to ask me to leave. I will even stick to my end of our bargain in not harming Alex.”

“Fine.”

“Cheer up, my darling,” Caitlyn says, ruffling Beryl’s hair again as she slides out from under the covers. “Soon, this business will be behind us and, at some point, we can start living a new life together.”

[inxsi]

Chapter Nineteen: Dream - Part 2

SpoilerShow

Beryl arrives in the control room to find Caitlyn waiting. Caitlyn holds out a set of wrist restraints.

“Sorry, my sweet Beryl. It would be best if I treat you like the others for now.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have already captured Ellen and Kaetlin. I am not going to harm them, just teach them a lesson they will all remember.”

“You and I have to discuss what constitutes harm.”

“Is it not the case that the correction that stings slightly is most effective?”

“This seems excessive. How do I know I can trust you?”

“And but an hour ago you were so sure I could have killed you if I had wanted. If that does not prove my intent, I can share it more directly should you desire.”

Beryl pales and holds her hands out. “No, that is not needed.” Caitlyn binds her wrists together, tight enough to hold them but not tight enough for pain, then leads her through the shoothouse. Despite the size and complexity, Beryl is surprised that they only follow a short path to a room with an open bay door. Ellen and Kaetlin are all held by restraints on the far wall, and Caitlyn leads her to the last empty set and places Beryl in them carefully.

“She got you too?” Ellen asks.

“Tell her, ‘yes, she texted me on your pad,’” Caitlyn instructs her. Beryl echoes the information after a moment’s surprise.

“Did she say what she wants?”

“She wants me,” Kaetlin speaks up. “She didn’t say it out loud, but you have to be the woman Alex mentioned? The one he was cheating with?”

“I am that woman,” Caitlyn says aloud. “But you are not my main concern. I am after Alex.”

“Please don’t harm him,” Kaetlin begs. “What he did was bad, but he doesn’t deserve any of this.”

“I am not going to harm any of you. But you will all learn a lesson on the importance of honesty and the pain of betrayal,” Caitlyn says, then leaves.

After some time, the door opens again, admitting Caitlyn and Alex. He is already restrained. “I’m sorry,” he says as Caitlyn leads him in and attaches him to the wall after closing the door, sealing them all in the smaller room. “She got the drop on me and now I’ll be locked up alongside my two Academy friends. And who I still hope is my girlfriend?”

“If we survive this, we’ll have to see if I am still your girlfriend,” Kaetlin replies. “After some time to think, I’m not happy, but I’d like to see if we can salvage our relationship.”

“I am glad to hear it,” Alex says. “Sorry, Lynne. She texted me on your pad. I never figured I was walking into a trap. Ellen, I should have listened to you on improving my gun skills. Maybe I could have taken the one person holding us hostage.”

Caitlyn laughs. “In your dreams. I had my gun aimed at your head right as you came in. Now, for those who haven’t been introduced, I am Caitlyn, with a C, not to be confused with the other Kaetlin over there. I can see how our names would help you deceive me Alex.”

“I’m sorry, I should have told you earlier,” he replies. “But you are angry at me, not anyone else. They weren’t involved in my misleading you.”

“Yes, you should have. It would have saved everyone here a lot of pain. Know that you caused this by your actions. I cannot believe that your girlfriend wants to give you another chance.”

“I am very-”

“Shut up,” she commands. She pauses for a second, looking him in the eye. “I just want to know – if you didn’t have a girlfriend already, do you think it would have worked out between us?”

He stares back. “No. I don’t think it ever could have worked out for us long term.”

"Liar." She slaps him hard, jerking his head to the side, then adds, "though I suppose this worked out for the best." Beryl feels something sting her cheek, and looks down. A very faint metallic gleam is visible on the edge of her vision. She decides to ignore it for now, since looking would be obvious.

Caitlyn laughs, walking back to the center of the room. She pulls her pistol from its holster and rests it on a shelf. “Still trying to be the hero. Is that just an act for your friends or is it real?” The lights flicker as she looks at him. Beryl gets the sense of some powerful predator, gathering its legs under it as it waits to pounce at the first movement of prey.

“Why don’t you tell me?”

She drops the pistol and steps towards him. “I think it is real, because of your friends. Maybe there is hope for you yet.”

Suddenly, there is a huge noise and the door peels inward. Many voices yell to not move as men with guns aimed step through the hole that has appeared.

Caitlyn’s eyes flick towards it for a second, then, “I can change this much for you, dearest Beryl. If you want me to keep my vows, do not speak for now.” Beryl sends an affirmation a heartbeat later as Caitlyn holds her hands up carefully. “I am unarmed with my hands up. Tell me what you would like me to do.”

The voices shift, becoming calmer and telling her to get on her knees. “Undone by a human. I guess I won’t be getting you lunch after this,” her sanzai comes to Beryl. “Until I talk to you again, forget about me. You were lured out here by a text message from Ellen and captured by me. The only connection you had with me was seeing me around the Academy and the self-defense lesson.”

She complies, and the men fan out, two large members approaching her, one covering her with a gun and the other planting a knee on her back, wrenching her arms back and handcuffing her. She winces, her discomfort reaching Beryl, “I am not sorry for getting to meet you, but I am sorry about how things ended up.” Then the mental presence is gone as detective Desiree Montana walks forward.

“What do we have?” Desiree asks her men.

“Only one hostile. Four hostages, all accounted for,” one reports.

Desiree looks at Alex, who nods. “It should only be us four.”

“Any needles or drugs?”

“Found them!” another man, over in a corner, says. “Big needles. Not sure what is in the vial, but probably nasty.”

“Ok, we’re going to have forensics sweep everything. But I think we’ve bagged our suspect.” She leans down next to Caitlin. “Great, the press is going to have a field day with this one. All right, let me mirandize her and then you can get her out of here.” Desiree pulls out a card and reads something formulaic. Beryl is busy looking between Caitlyn and the metallic object barely visible on Beryl’s shoulder. She looks at Alex.

“What is this?”

“An earpiece,” he explains.

“You were wired?” Ellen asks.

“Yeah. That’s how the police got here so quickly.”

“When did you realize you needed to be wired?”

“When you supposedly texted me to come meet. Kaetlin had told me she was going to spend the day with you, and I knew there was no way you would want me around while Kaetlin processed how much I hurt her. I figured something was up, texted back that I would be there in a bit, and called Desiree. Luckily, she believed me,” Alex explains as the men work to free them from their restraints.

Desiree nods. “We were already aware that the victims were being selected through the Apology Line program, so when Alex told us what he suspected and volunteered, I was ready to take him up on the offer. I didn’t think the situation would be this complicated though. I take it none of you knew the suspect?”

“Well,” Ellen says, “she was a Captain in the Navy. I took a woman’s self-defense course from her, but that was it.”

“I saw her around the dormitories a few times. And took a self-defense course from her as well," Beryl adds.

Kaetlin shakes her head.

“Ok. The medical personnel are going to check you out. We’ll need preliminary statements from you, then we’ll release you to some of the Academy staff who are coming to pick you up.” After they agree, Desiree excuses herself to go consult the SWAT team.

[inxsi]

Chapter Nineteen: Dream - Part 3

SpoilerShow

After giving their statements separately, Captain Hamilton and both Admirals Valdivia approach the former captives as they mill around aimlessly.

“Sirs?” Ellen asks.

“Do not be alarmed, none of you are in trouble,” Mary says.

“There will be a review to determine how this could have been handled better or avoided entirely,” Tia interjects.

“Do not mind Tia, she dislikes the paperwork that will be required. In any case, we are glad that you are fine and have assisted the police in this manner.”

“Though a full investigation will be launched by the Navy into this matter to see if any other issues were caused by Captain Caitlyn.”

“Our car is in the garage. There should not be any reporters on the way, but if you do see any, don’t say anything and keep moving. Unfortunately, your involvement will become public knowledge at some point.”

Following them, they make it into the car without seeing anyone. Sitting in the back with the admirals and captain is odd, and only more so when Captain Hamilton pulls out a data pad to see what the media is reporting as they pull past a police barricade.

“We are hearing that the Midnight Murderer has been caught and is being transported to a secure facility for processing,” the female reporter is saying. “Behind me is the gym facility where a tense standoff happened earlier today between the murderer and her latest targets, whom sources report are Academy cadets. It is unclear how these cadets were targeted by the murderer, though it is possible that the murderer, as a Captain working at the Academy, may have come into contact with them. The police had no comment on how they became aware of the murderer and how they were called into this situation, citing an ongoing investigation and pending criminal prosecution.”

The reporter suddenly lowers her head, holding a hand to her ear, then continues in a louder, more urgent voice. “I have just been informed that a police vehicle has crashed. I am not sure if this is related to the ongoing murder, but we go live to our reporter on the scene, David Walker.”

“Thanks Lana,” the scene shifts to a shaky view by a handheld camera that is running towards a car that is flipped over on its top, the front crumpled from a hit on a nearby wall that shows some damage. Several people are gathering around the car, but don’t seem to be opening it. “Sorry for the poor quality, I was on my way for a vacation when I saw this accident happen in front of me. The police car lost control, hitting a wall and flipping several times. I haven’t seen anyone emerge from the vehicle yet. Hopefully everyone inside is ok. I am not sure who is inside the vehicle.”

A door pops open, prompting one of the bystanders to lean in and help someone exit the vehicle carefully. As they do, Beryl sees that it is Caitlyn, holding her arm gingerly and with a large bloodstain from her shoulder down the front of her shirt. She says something, and is helped to the side by the woman who helped her exit, as the rest of the crowd starts opening the remaining doors.

“That’s her, that’s Caitlyn,” Alex says.

“Ok,” Admiral Tia says, pulling out her own pad and calling someone, speaking quietly as Beryl keeps watching. Caitlyn is sitting by the side of the road, leaning against the woman, as a fire starts around the engine of the car.

“It sounds like there are some severe injuries, with the other occupants either unconscious or unable to exit on their own. The police and medical services have been alerted. Oh no,” he says. The camera shifts away from Caitlyn who is sitting by the side of the road, leaning against the woman who helped her, to the car, where smoke and a few flames are now visible from the front end. The crowd surges again, pulling several men out, all of whom appear to be unconscious. “Sorry viewers, I’ll put the camera down, but I have some medical training and I have to help out. Hopefully the ambulances to arrive soon.” The viewpoint lowers to the ground, still aimed mostly at the car, but skewed enough to show the woman who helped Caitlyn sprawled out, stripped of her jacket and hat, with Caitlyn quickly striding away, tucking her hair under the jacket she dons and pulling a hat low over her face.

As Beryl hopes for the police to arrive, Caitlyn’s voice enters her thoughts.

“Hello again, my sweet Beryl. I am glad I am free to speak with you again,” Caitlyn’s voice enters her mind.

“Caitlyn?”

“Ah, finally my darling speaks. I knew you would at some point. Unfortunately, I will not be able to see you again due to the present circumstances.”

“How did you escape?” Beryl sends.

“Did you really think I would be held by such a simple snare? No, my sweet. Even with the limitation of not doing serious injury, escape was not in doubt. I am going to have to leave this settlement for a time. I suspect you will be gone long before I am able to return, but if you ever come back to this region, please get in touch. I would love to meet you, and any friends you might bring with you, from Esperanza or further. Now, it would be best for you to forget about the rest of your interactions with me other than for what the police could discover on their own until you get in touch with me. Until we may meet again, farewell.”

[inxsi]

Epilogue: Awake

SpoilerShow

Everyone looks up expectantly as Tempo returns.

“News about Nezel, I hope,” Fireblade sends, her exhaustion at how persistent the other loroi had been in speculations that might never be confirmed leaking past her shields.

“Yes. I have word from Sunfury,” Tempo sends. “The defense force at Nezel held and defeated most of the umiak force. A few of the attackers were able to flee, and will likely escape across the Steppes as the defense group was forced to resupply and did not wish to pursue under the circumstances. The enemy group that fled was led by Kikitik-27, unfortunately. Losses to the loroi forces were lighter than expected. From Strike Group 51, the Tsunami, captained by Moonglow was lost, as were the Stiletto, Sleet, and Zephyr. I am afraid I do not have a list of casualties or damage to individual vessels. Captain Stillstorm sends that Ashrain performed with distinction and is requesting a commendation for her. There will be a group funeral within a week as more details arrive, but private ceremonies can be arranged later today.

“In addition, your supposition was accurate, Alex. The enemy fleet that was detected with your assistance did jump into the fray.”

“And losses were still so light?” Alex asks, his astonishment plain in his sending.

“It appears that the enemy ships suffered some mishap during the jump. They arrived intact, but not particularly close to the fighting, and did not get underway. Apparently, everyone on board died during the jump process. We may never know what caused this, and will probably attribute it to stress from such a difficult jump. Sunfury wanted me to tell you that she views this as a great success in the partnership between humanity and loroi and hopes you feel the same way.”

“I am grateful that I could help, though I cannot help but feel like it did not influence anything.”

“Perhaps not in the immediate circumstances, but Starcry believes that with your aid, she can train other farseers to detect any umiak fleet hidden behind a lotai. The latest battle may not have ended the war, but the destruction of such a large enemy fleet should allow the loroi time to regain their balance if not take the offensive. And I hope that you are willing to share the navigational data and simulations that humanity has to help plan any offensive operations that may occur.”

“I will gladly help to train other farseers. I am open to discussing the navigational data, though I’d need to get assurances that humanity’s interest will be protected. I trust you all, but I don’t feel like even Sunfury can give me those assurances,” Alex says, his conflicted feelings of liking them and fear of how other loroi might act evident.

“That is understandable. To that end, the head of our government, Azerein Greywind, is coming here. She should be arriving in a week. She was originally coming to lift the siege of Azimol and Nezel. While that is no longer required, she has decided that meeting with the ambassador who provided assistance is important enough to continue on to Azimol. There are many matters Beryl will need to discuss with you to get you ready to meet with the leaders of our government.”

Alex nods and sends his thanks. “I hope that we can forge a lasting bond between our species. Subject to the approval of my government, of course.”

“Of course,” Tempo replies.