“However, we are about to embark on a strategy we hope will mitigate our worst forecasts. We share this information because Aeterna might feel the sting.”

  He opened a new holo featuring names, faces (albeit two were renderings), and locations. Above them sat the code name for a program Exeter designed months before he retired.

  OPERATION CAROTID.

  “We will soon carry out a series of surgical strikes designed to decapitate Black Star leadership on every world. This includes the founder, an elusive man known only as Raul; plus his second, known as The Carib. Infiltration operations begun under High Admiral Woolsey with a huge assist from Special Intelligence agents have allowed us to pinpoint the targets. We lost many good people in these operations. We also intend to kill Shad Abdelmani, the leader of Requiem, who allied with Black Star after he failed to condition every resident of Amity Station.

  “Our goal is to create so much disruption in their command chain that our fleet and ground forces will press the advantage and shorten the war. But we are under no illusions. Black Star has proved cunning and flexible, and its policies are savage. They have no regard for collateral damage and less value for human life, much like the Swarm.

  “We believe they are willing to destroy entire cities before engaging us in urban warfare. Particle missiles will be used extensively – by us and them. To be clear, governments have tried diplomacy. Black Star is not interested.”

  Geyermann cleared his throat.

  “To answer your first question in advance: We have no intention of asking your fleet to join the fight.”

  “If I may,” Exeter asked. “The last time I met with the Table to discuss Carotid, we projected a six-month timeline. Why did you shorten it?”

  Geyermann closed his pom and took a seat.

  “In a word: Requiem.”

  Exeter feared as much.

  “They have the capacity for global conditioning?”

  The Admiral nodded.

  “The capacity and the support of Black Star leadership.” He turned to Lana Devonshire. “The Director can explain.”

  Devonshire used a trembling hand to wipe dribble from the corner of her lips.

  “We sent two thousand agents into the field last year. Half are dead. We do not share this sad reality with our recruits and trainees. We equip them with a mindset for what is at stake should we fail.

  “If those Requiem sonsofbitches do their worst, Black Star will be a trivial concern. After Exeter and his ADF squadron prevented the disaster at Amity, Shad Abdelmani and his accomplices jumped away to parts unknown. The best intel suggested they made an alliance with Raul himself.

  “Ten days ago, our agents discovered the full extent.” She nodded to Jack, who threw up a holo from his own pom. At first, a desolate rock in space showed no clear threat, until he zoomed in. “This asteroid is seventy light-years outside Collectorate space,” she said. “The structure on the surface is salvage from a Swarm Battle Cruiser, likely part of the fleet that retreated to parts unknown after the war.

  “We don’t know how in ten hells Black Star found it, but we believe they evicted the previous tenants and used it as a remote command post. It would explain our difficulty in tracking down Raul all these years. They protected Abdelmani while he scaled Requiem.”

  Devonshire cleared her throat.

  “Our best agent made it inside. We almost had them.”

  Geyermann resumed the presentation.

  “Our forces surprised the base, but they were prepared. Abdelmani and his lieutenants escaped. Fortunately, we did not give them time to eliminate evidence. What we found lies at the heart of why we’re here.”

  Exeter did not like the sound of that. Not in the least.

  SI’s Jack, who had been quiet thus far, took the floor.

  “We found extensive data on the Aeternan system. Everything from Hiebim history, speculation surrounding the Jewels of Eternity, your biology, records from The Last Day’s War, and of course your defense capabilities. They’re more than a little curious about you.

  “When we combine the evidence with prisoner interviews, we believe Black Star sees Aeterna as a high-value target.”

  Rafa raised his hand.

  “For what purpose?”

  “In the short term, a staging area. If they win the war, a home world. If they lose, a refuge. They see Aeterna as an empty planet easily conquered once they penetrate your defense grid.”

  Rafa stifled a laugh.

  “They’re not the first to make that claim.”

  “No. And you might hold them off depending upon when they act and how successful we are in decapitating their leaders. But you need to know they are paying an inordinate amount of attention to you and whatever is happening on the surface.”

  Geyermann interjected.

  “I wish to note: We are not here to inquire about that activity. You’re a sovereign world and not obligated to tell us unless it threatens the greater Collectorate. But I must ask: Have you detected surveillance activity in the system?”

  “We have,” Rafa said. “Several incidents in the past weeks. Unmanned probes jump in, collect limited intel, jump out. You’re saying it’s Black Star?”

  Devonshire answered while she shuffled in her chair.

  “Or its affiliates.”

  “Explain.”

  “Last year, after Requiem came within minutes of unleashing its mind conditioning probes on Amity Station, SI’s investigation discovered sympathizers inside Halifax R&D. Most of the Halifax corporate leadership has been dismantled and will go on trial soon enough. But we believe several other sonsofbitches have since been contacted by Shad Abdelmani and gone rogue.

  “They’re working now as independent contractors pursuant to the cause of claiming Aeterna and its many secrets. They believe your global paradise offers a bounty more valuable than the brontinium which the Chancellors used to mine down there.”

  Exeter and Rafa shared a nervous stare. Defending the system was Rafa’s job, so Exeter left the response to him.

  “I doubted we’d hear good news, but this is troubling. To the practical matter, we can hold off an invasion. We have certain defensive capabilities unknown to anyone – including the UNF. But I believe you’re about to recommend we do more. Yes?”

  Geyermann nodded.

  “These Black Star/Requiem affiliates are well funded and not yet trained in our sights. We also believe they have been conditioned.”

  “Silent agents,” Exeter replied.

  “Correct. We recommend you suspend the Pilgrim Project. When war breaks out, it won’t be a viable exchange program anyway.”

  “You think Black Star and Requiem planted spies in the satellites?”

  “Speculation,” Devonshire said. “No evidence. So far. But as I see it, Exeter, that program provides a backdoor for the enemy. If Requiem can infiltrate Amity Station and Central Command, do you believe they won’t have a go at Aeterna?”

  Shit. Why in ten hells did it never occur to me?

  “She’s right,” he told Rafa. “This could be a problem.”

  “On the positive,” Devonshire replied, “you’ll not be without help. Jack, if you would.”

  He opened the small case. Three thumb-sized cylindrical objects struck Exeter as familiar. He’d been shown the design a week before retirement.

  “Are these what I suspect?”

  “They are,” Jack said. “Neuropathic detectors.”

  “I’ll be damned. SI perfected it?”

  “We did indeed,” Devonshire said, struggling to create a fist with her wobbly left hand. “The prototypes you used with limited success last year have been refined. They track the synaptic markers unique to Requiem conditioning.”

  Jack slid the case across the table.

  “If conditioned spies have infiltrated you, these devices will ferret out the bastards. They’re fool proof.”

  Exeter didn’t need to ask how Jack knew; he suspected the dark rooms proved to be ample testing ground.

  “Thank you.”

  “Agreed,” Rafa said. “Any other bad news today?”

  Geyermann smiled.

  “That was enough for one sit-down. Questions?”

  Rafa crossed his arms and sighed.

  “This war will be worse than anyone might have imagined. Yes?”

  “We’ll try our damndest to limit the toll, but it has to be fought. We won’t be able to come to your aid as long as we’re engaged with the enemy. You deserved to know.”

  Exeter understood the UNF’s choice. No single planet defended itself as effectively as Aeterna, but the others were home to billions compared to Aeterna’s fifty thousand.

  He and Rafa did not need to ask questions. They knew how to proceed. Exeter spoke to Geyermann en route to the transport.

  “When this is over, Brad, please visit. Bring your family.”

  Geyermann extended his hand.

  “In the meantime, protect your people.”

  After Exeter and Rafa watched the transport disappear inside a wormhole aperture, Aeterna’s defenders started toward the lift.

  “That could have been worse,” Rafa said.

  “Oh, sure. All they needed to add was ‘invasion imminent.’”

  Rafa scratched his chin.

  “The Jewels are remaking the planet. We need to test pilgrims to determine if we have an enemy within. If I upgrade to defense Priority RED, I’ll create a frenzy.”

  Exeter realized the implication for the retrieval of three hundred Aeternans from their current terrestrial jobs. He thought of the growing schism in Promise and Caleb’s Revivalist demands.

  “I need a quick, stiff drink. Join me?”

  Rafa did not object.

  Quick was the operative word. Exeter returned to the operations center, his head swirling. Lt. Mars greeted him.

  “Fresh trouble, sir?”

  He set down the case of neuropathic detectors and wondered how the pilgrim population would respond to such testing.

  “For me, Lieutenant, it’s the same old. For Aeterna? We’ll see. What have you got for me?”

  Spec. Cress and Traut joined Mars for his presentation. He threw up a live image of the region surrounding the chasm.

  “Watch this, sir.”

  He introduced a topographical overlay that appeared to be taken from a different planet. Rather than thick forests, mountain ranges, and intricate river systems, old Hiebimini seemed like a wasteland with bright green plumes erupting from the brontinium mines.

  “It’s a vintage Ark Carrier vid from 5306, fourteen years before the seeding. Its data stamp confirms the terrestrial coordinates. I’ve never seen a before and after. Lends perspective.”

  Exeter agreed. He studied bits of Hiebim history – especially the endless civil war before the seeding – but the stark contrast boggled his mind. Yet another revelation piqued his curiosity.

  “How many mines resided within the chasm’s expanse?”

  “Twenty-two, sir. The largest cluster on the planet.”

  Exeter saw the Lieutenant’s smile and gave him the honors.

  “Explain what’s happening down there.”

  “The Jewels opened the chasm in a region with the largest concentration of unrefined brontinium. They’re drawing fuel from Lake Profundus through the core. They used it before to refine the brontinium and build our cities, but this time they’re constructing something inside the chasm. Maybe as big as the chasm itself.”

  “What is this something, Lleyton?”

  The officer tempered his words.

  “I’m excited to find out, but also terrified, sir.”

  Exeter held his breath.

  “Me, too.”

  16

  Two days later

  Genoa

  DANNY BURIED HIMSELF in distractions, the latest being a stroll through the city with his family. People stopped to ogle at the twins, who entertained with rhythmic coos and ticklish giggles. He played the proud father but allowed Maren to oversee crowd management. Babies remained reliable showstoppers on Aeterna.

  More important to Danny: The time stamp.

  Fucking Amadi. Should’ve known he didn’t have what it takes!

  At last check, his brother-in-law spoke of hopping on the last intercon Scram for home after his shift ended – whether he retrieved the data from Anyssa Strong’s D-4 Plate or not.

  Three days, no progress. Amadi said nothing of his efforts the night before when Danny and Maren hosted him for dinner (which Maren agreed to with reservation). He asked about the girls, compared his own experience raising little Mikey, and spoke of how everyone at the ag compound treated him with patience and respect.

  No update or prediction on the only matter Danny gave a shit about. Now he’d leave town for two days? How in ten hells did Amadi expect to fulfill his promise in time?

  Perhaps he was a coward, even with a hundred thousand payoff on the line. He’d leave Genoa and send his regrets then never return.

  Or maybe the news would be worse. What if Amadi stole the data, blackmailed Strong, and cut Danny out altogether?

  Sonofabitch, I’ll ...

  His wrist pad vibrated.

  Danny stepped away from the latest ogling session and elevated the caller’s face. He greeted Amadi.

  “Tell me you have good news.”

  Amadi grinned.

  “I’m not empty-handed. Are you free?”

  “Will be.”

  “I’m at the pub. Corner table in the back.”

  “Give me ten minutes.”

  Hot damn! Finally.

  He pulled Maren aside and began his excuse with:

  “Hey, babe, I have to check in with a pilgrim. They’re going through some shit. Just need to make sure they’re good.”

  She kissed him on the cheek.

  “Don’t be too long.”

  “No worries. In fact, I’ll grab some take-home for dinner.”

  Danny already had something in mind. A little pricey, but why not? He’d have reason to celebrate.

  Along the way, he stopped at his father’s memorial.

  “Just hang on a little longer, Dad. I’m coming.”

  Inside the pub, which long ago became the town’s social hot spot, Danny took a quick detour into the water room for an overdue pee and a chance to gather his thoughts. Did he have an answer to Amadi’s inevitable question about the first payment?

  Time to sell big, Dan-o.

  A low roar of voices, many laughing, combined with clinking glasses in the crowded social room. Danny weaved past the patrons, greeting pilgrims on his caseload, before spotting Amadi.

  The brother-in-law sat with his back against the wall, tall glass in hand. He gestured to Danny, who decided not to order for himself.

  It seemed perfect. A scheme that worked.

  Then a crisis of confidence tied knots in Danny’s stomach. He realized Amadi wasn’t alone. He saw a familiar woman with her back turned. What in ten hells?

  “There he is,” Amadi shouted.

  Anyssa Strong held a glass of ale and winked.

  “Why, how about this?” She beamed in the effervescent tone of her fake persona. “We all had the same idea.” She pointed to the chair between them. “Please, Dan. Join us.”

  OK, chill your biscuit. Be patient. Play the long game.

  Danny pulled out the chair and went into bridge advisor mode.

  “Wow. I think half my caseload must be in here tonight.”

  Amadi swigged his ale and wiped his lips.

  “It’s a friendly place. Our pub in Lumen is tame by comparison.”

  “Huh? Oh, yeah. You run into each other?”

  “No, no. Anyssa and I made some real in-roads the past three days. She’s a marvelous teacher. Works long hours. I thought she deserved a break.”

  Anyssa burped.

  “Oh gee, how embarrassing. I’m not much of a drinker.”

  Amadi laughed while Danny forced a snicker.

  “No worries,” Amadi said. “The important thing is being out of that workspace and having fun. Are you?”

  She looked around with that faux touch of innocence.

  “I am, Amadi. Yes, I am. This is my first time on another planet, and I’ve been too afraid to just ... take it all in.”

  “Too much work can deaden the spirit.” He turned to Danny. “Anyssa and I were talking today, and you came up.”

  Danny stammered. “Oh, yeah?”

  “We realized how much we appreciated your efforts. You cut through the bureaucracy to move Anyssa’s application along, and you got me this job in less than a day. We owe you, Dan. Drinks are on me.”

  Normally, he’d accept the offer without hesitation. This didn’t feel right. Not even close. Danny lost any interest in liquor.

  “Actually, Maren’s expecting me back soon. I promised her some take-home. You can buy a round next time.”

  Amadi frowned at the suggestion.

  “Sure, Dan? Don’t want a little something to dull the knife?”

  “Nah. I’m good.”

  “Don’t take this the wrong way, but you seem off your game.”

  Amadi sipped his ale while Danny thought of an excuse.

  Am I that goddamn obvious?

  He hit upon a new tactic.

  “OK. Fine. You got me. It’s a family deal. Worried about ...” He side-eyed Anyssa, hoping she’d take a clue. “When you called, I hoped we’d be alone to talk.”

  Anyssa pushed back her chair.

  “Oh, dear. Please. I’d never intrude on such matters. Why don’t we do this another time?”

  Amadi wagged a dismissive finger and leaned forward.

  “No, no. You’re my guest, Anyssa. We’re all friends here. In fact, I’d wager having a woman’s perspective might help whatever’s troubling my brother-in-law.”

  So much for that.

  “If you’re sure ...” She said.

  “Yeah,” Danny muttered. “It’s not ... it’s nothing urgent. We can talk about it next time.”

  “Your call, Dan.” He turned to Anyssa. “They invited me to dinner last night, and we had the best time. Have you met his girls? They are the sweetest.”

  “No.” Anyssa grinned. “I’d love to. I’m from a huge family. Seven brothers and sisters.”