The Impossible Future: Complete set by Frank Kennedy (mini ebook reader .txt) 📕

I. But we are loyal. And we’re going to make this right. Are you with me, Major?”

“I am, Admiral. What about …?”

“Oh, that.” She pointed to the body. “Leave it. Someone will be along soon. Now, what do you say about a meal? Just the two of us. We can discuss the coming victory.”

Nilsson said the only thing he thought permissible.

“Nothing would give me more pleasure, Admiral. After you.”

52

JaRa

 

B ROTHER JAMES DESPISED SKULKING, but he accepted it as a necessary evil. He waited inside an empty habitat dome in the northeastern quadrant, as far removed from the residential and industrial sectors as possible. A glow pod kept him company. The hour was late, but sleep was not part of his plan as long as Valentin lived.

The others objected to this meeting, still trying to work through their grief over the loss of Ulrich Rahm. Yet they accepted James’s explanation that certain matters were too sensitive to discuss within the collective mind.

“Come,” he told them, “if you love me.”

They arrived at different times, as agreed upon. First was Bartok Hyam, who lost three unborn children months ago when Sister Ursula Amondala was killed onboard Lioness. He too never forgave Valentin. Second was Nya Pasqual, whose two boys lost their father, Ulrich, and whose three unborn daughters would one day have to be told stories of him. She accepted James’s explanation that the bungled operation on Tamarind lay at Valentin’s feet. Finally, Joakim Cardenas – father of quadruplets, two of each gender – took his spot. Joakim and Ulrich developed a strong passion for each other after their rescue from Chancellor observers, but before James established an imperative to procreate hybrids. James reminded Joakim of those times and insisted that Ulrich loved him very much to the end.

James trusted the hybrids who did not show, but too often they expressed admiration for Valentin’s military leadership and ability to discipline the immortal army. He didn’t believe they would fall in line at such a sensitive time.

All four took their seats on the floor, conspirators with faces glowing like ghosts.

“Where is Sister Rayna?” Bartok asked.

“Tending our newborns, of course. But her end of the plan is already in motion.”

“I never imagined we would reach this point.”

“But I did,” Nya interjected. “We know how your relationship with Valentin has disintegrated over the past year, Brother James. His jealousy has been on full display. Ulrich often spoke of conversations he had with Valentin on diplomatic or sabotage missions. The questions Valentin asked about you, Brother James, reeked of disrespect at best and sedition at worst. Joakim, what of you?”

Joakim ignited a pipe; he was the only hybrid who smoked.

“Valentin tried to play on my emotions. On multiple occasions, he encouraged me to revisit my relationship with Ulrich despite the family I formed with Cecily.”

“Why would he do such a thing?” Nya asked.

“He said because I obviously loved Ulrich and I should not resist my passions. He reminded me that Brother James did not require sexual fealty to anyone so long as we followed the procreation mandate.” Joakim pulled hard on his pipe. “But his true motive was conspicuous. He sought to undermine the sexual dynamics between the original ten hybrids and slow our procreation. He fears us. He believes if we reproduce sufficiently, we will rely less on his army and end the colonial liberation of immortal children.”

“Here, here,” Bartok said. “You’ve been very clever, Brother James, in limiting rescue missions. He’s been given just enough new recruits to satisfy him without weighting the scales beyond our control.”

Joakim weighed in. “We’ve all seen evidence of Valentin’s military incompetence, his jealousy, and his divisive behavior. Beyond what you have shared with the collective, what other damning intelligence is fueling your decision, Brother James?”

James found himself in love with the moment. Maybe skulking was not the worst idea after all. He could tell these three anything, and they’d follow. He might offer nothing, and their fealty was guaranteed. But the truth, for the moment, might be a tad problematic.

“As for the one who will kill you,” Trayem Hadeed said, “I see two potential prospects, but only one who seems made for the purpose. Think on it, James. You’ll know who.”

James packaged the information with care.

“My source is unimpeachable,” he said. “I believe him as I would the Jewels themselves. We share common interests. I also know my brother will have an accomplice.”

“Who?” Nya said.

“I have a list of suspects.”

Joakim blew poltash smoke and smiled with satisfaction.

“Admiral Kane. Valentin’s right hand.”

“No. Kane poses no threat as long as he commands Lioness. Plus, he owes his title to me. Kane knows if Valentin falls, he assumes control over the military. No, Kane is smart. He’ll mourn for a day then celebrate moving out of Valentin’s shadow.”

Bartok sighed. “It must be someone high in the chain of command. Have you examined all his senior officers?”

“Yes. They’re under suspicion. Col. Miguel Lennox is a favored officer. Those two have a strong relationship. But Lennox was badly injured on Euphrates, burned over ninety percent of his body. He’ll need four to five days in medpod for total restoration. It seems the immortals don’t recover from everything in fifteen minutes.”

The group shared a boisterous laugh, which Bartok cut short.

“But they do recover. And that’s a problem for us.”

“Not for me,” James said.

“To my point, Brother James. You could incinerate him with your breath. Yes. But you would need witnesses to explain why such an extreme was necessary. In order for the immortals to remain under our control, they would have to see his death and know it was proper. Self-defense? A public execution? Regardless of the form, you must convince them as you have convinced us.”

“Possibly,” Nya said, “but they owe their liberation