Why did he believe this plan ever had a chance? What were the odds Royal could rescue his family? Even if he did, what hope did that afford Moon and Bonju? Why not call it by its true name: Suicide mission. If he had the courage, he’d bolt from his chair and grab Chinois’s pistol. Maybe he’d leave a legacy of Taron defiance before security splattered his guts across the perch.

  Huh. What legacy? They’ll burn me like all the others.

  These Swarm worked with fanatical efficiency, which Moon figured was the secret sauce to how they converted worlds without a single loss to their name. Did it allow them to rationalize the savagery and desolation? Did the distance afforded between these ships and the horrors on the ground help them sleep better? They killed far more humans than they Converted, but they dismissed the higher numbers as the necessary means to achiever the lesser.

  The large holo boards across the forward bulwark displayed everything from live shots outside the battle group to images and vids gathered by the snake drones to analysis of the Hokkaido star system. Moon saw a world not unlike what his Hokkaido must have resembled before the Swarm arrived. He was eight at the time, his family among the affluent in the heart of a great city, yet Moon lived sheltered, nonetheless. Privilege awarded him a posh school, narrow group of friends, and limited outlook on the wider world. The family rarely traveled, with Father spending weeks at a time on archeological expeditions. Still, it was a life of plenty, and the sun shined, even on rainy days.

  Moon thought the same must be true of this Hokkaido. He saw a spectacular island city. For whatever discord might have created the small fires burning before the Swarm arrived, Pinchon seemed vibrant and exciting. How many centuries of hard work would the Swarm destroy if they arrived in full force? How many fortunate families might escape, finding refuge far from the fight, but left to wonder how long before their time ran out? How much of Pinchon would become burn pits and temples to the Risen Church?

  I’m not going to be useless.

  The idea came like a sunburst when he saw drone aerials from a district north of the city laden with grand estates.

  Shit. Of course.

  Why didn’t he think of it before they left?

  MC Taron.

  His Splinter counterpart worked in Hotai Counsel as a high-level officer and was cousin to the late Ya-Li Taron. When they first met a year ago, Moon Cho Taron had earned little respect within the household. Relatives frequently derided him as Moonface, which Bonju adopted when passing along intel to Father. After the wedding massacre and subsequent assassinations, Moonface exploited turmoil in Hotai Counsel, inheriting company shares and forcing his way to a high office. After Ya-Li died, Moonface became their only contact in Pinchon. He didn’t believe the new Hotai President, Park Doon, deserved the position. The office belonged to the Tarons, he insisted. No one called him Moonface anymore.

  Moon called out inside his mind.

  “MC, I need to speak with you. It’s an emergency.”

  Contact with the Taron was hit-or-miss. MC’s reception to his counterparts varied with his mood. He often talked to vent his frustrations or share the details of his momentary victories. He showed little interest in learning from his kindred in other universes.

  “You have no idea what an emergency is,” MC replied. “Your timing is terrible.”

  “I know. There are three warships hovering over your city.”

  “What? How can you know this?”

  “I’m sitting inside the flagship, MC. Where are you now?”

  He dissolved into a blur.

  “Are you there, MC?”

  The man, who might have passed as Moon’s twin, reappeared.

  “That’s impossible. You can’t be on this side of the divide.”

  “I am. I’m here with my father. He is part of the team that took over the top floor of your company. Where are you now?”

  “In a lift. I’m evacuating with everyone else. What have you done?”

  “MC, listen to me. I’m not your enemy, but the people who brought us are. They’re called the Swarm. They have the power to destroy Pinchon, and they’re not communicating with your government.”

  “What? Why are you telling me this?”

  “Because somebody has to warn them. This is the only way I know how. We need to work together, MC.”

  Moon felt MC allowing him greater access. He saw the world as MC did. The lift was crowded.

  “You see these people? They’re scared shitless. So am I. You’d better talk fast.”

  “You’re a powerful man, MC. You must know important people. Contact them. I’ll pass along every detail I can. I’m sitting on the command bridge of Ajax. I hear everything. They don’t know about the power of the Splinters. They don’t know we’re talking.”

  “You look different, Moon. It’s not like looking through a dream.”

  “It’s because I’m so close. MC, you need to do this quickly. I don’t know how much danger your city is in, but these bastards are evil. I never told you about them because I never thought they’d threaten your universe.”

  MC’s lift opened to the main lobby. His coworkers poured out in a panic.

  “They won’t believe me, Moon. I’ll have to explain where I’m getting my information.”

  “You told me once how the city has been coming apart since Ya-Li cast the Splinter’s light over Pinchon. Most of your people in government probably have counterparts. They’ll understand.”

  “Maybe. It’s not something we talk about openly. All the suicides and the violence … this thing has made people go mad. They’ll think I’m another loony.”

  “No, MC. Look, you’ll be a hero.” Moon knew what card to play; he hated himself for doing it. “Park Doon was part of a conspiracy with Ya-Li Taron. He helped organize the assassinations. Ya-Li was the one behind the attack on his own wedding. He framed Green Sun and killed most of his own family.”

  “That’s beyond insane, even for Ya-Li. How do you …?”

  “My father was Ya-Li’s counterpart for nine years. He watched everything. He’s in Hotai now. He can testify to what really happened. Think about it, MC. If you prevent an attack on Pinchon and save lives, Hotai will need a new leader. I know how much you believe the Tarons are entitled to it. You talk of nothing else.”

  MC exited the lobby and stared up at the three ships with giant scorpions on their bellies. He walked ahead without saying a word. Moon felt the hook grabbing hold. Even amid potential disaster, MC was certain to push himself to the front of the line.

  “What specifically do I tell them?”

  Moon hid his smile from any Swarm who might glance his way.

  “You need to assemble a fleet of ships to fight them.”

  “A fleet? We don’t have one.”

  “Maybe Hokkaido doesn’t have one, but what about the other planets? What about this new Alliance?”

  “Could be. The top guy was here this morning, left an hour ago, about when these ships jumped in.”

  “Contact him. Hokkaido needs to be ready for a fight. Pretty soon, the Captain here is gonna give an order to return home. If it works, the Swarm will leave today, but it will also mean they’ll be back with more ships. A full invasion force. If it doesn’t work, they’ll be trapped. I don’t know how they’ll react, but it won’t be good.”

  “They’ll have more questions. Will you be with me to answer?”

  “I don’t know, MC.”

  “How can I be sure you’re not trying to trick me?”

  “MC, we’re not here because we want to be. If the ships can’t go back home, the Captain will probably kill me. I’ll stay with you if I can.”

  “I want to see proof, Moon.”

  He opened his mind to allow MC toward the forefront. At his family’s estate, Moon only did this when he was alone on the beach. He felt like a traitor to show off his family though he had no problem being a voyeur in MC’s world. Moon glanced around the command bridge, focusing first on the control circle and the forward display of holos but lingering on Capt. Chinois.

  “He’s a fanatic,” Moon said. “They kill for their Empress and their Church. MC, these bastards have conquered sixteen planets. You have to convince your people to defend themselves.”

  “Cudfrucker. What I wouldn’t give for some Ark Carriers. We were so happy to see the damn Chancellors leave.”

  “You need to hurry, MC.”

  “I’m running, OK? But so’s everybody else. I know who to see. It’s a block away.”

  “I’ll be here if you need me. I hope.”

  Moon didn’t have but seconds to contemplate what he set in motion or whether it would make a difference. Three words from Chinois gave him chills:

  “Recall the snakes.”

  Was this it? When they arrived, Chinois allotted one hour to collect intel. Surely, they hadn’t reached the deadline. They …

  Moon made the mistake of locking eyes with Chinois. The Captain stared at the boy like he was scum ready to be fed to a burn pit. He didn’t take his eyes off Moon while addressing someone else.

  “Capt. Felixx, your request is granted. Prepare the Cromartie for tether. Once we have retrieved our snakes and intel team, you’ll have permission to trigger the worm drive. Chinois out.”

  The Captain laid his left hand upon a holstered pistol and advanced toward Moon.

  “Lt. Butros, open a channel to General Taron.”

  He towered above Moon and swung abruptly toward the forward holo displays.

  Gen. Hoija Taron faced Chinois, with Father over her shoulder. Moon did not see Park Doon, who at last check appeared to be answering their many questions.

  “Sit-rep, General.”

  Hoija elevated her nose, hands tucked behind her back, her chest pumped up with that mission-accomplished aura.

  “Captain, the interview has been a great success. We continue to squeeze valuable information out of this man. I request …”

  “No. You’ll not have more time, General. His words are meant for the Empress, so she can see for herself the kind of people we’ll be Converting. From the testimony I have heard, this man … this Park … is a miserable coward. Yet you claim he is one of the most powerful Hokkis on this world. We have enough. Order Bonju Taron and your team to board the shuttle at once.”

  “Yes, General.”

  “One other thing. Including Park Doon, how many civilians are you holding on that level?”

  “Six. His father, wife, and child, along with two assistants. I wonder if the Empress would be impressed with live gifts?”

  “She won’t have time for such nonsense. No. Here’s what I’d like to you do. Bring the assistants forward where I can see them.”

  Hoija snapped her fingers and nodded to her team, off screen. A moment later, a pair of Hokkis appeared, their heads bowed. They were older than Father.

  “Bonju, come forward.”

  Moon’s father complied.

  “Yes, Captain?”

  “The General is going to hand you her sidearm. I want you to shoot both those Hokkis in the head.”

  He swallowed hard but did not hesitate.

  “No. I won’t do it. They’re innocent.”

  “So were the guards our team eliminated upon your entry. You had to know that was bound to occur. You have a decision to make. How important is your own family?”

  Moon felt Chinois’s gun push against the side of his scalp. An FG in lizard green armor dropped a hand upon Moon’s opposite shoulder.

  “Please. Captain. I’ve done everything you asked. My son is …”

  “About to die. If the tether doesn’t work, and I strongly suspect you gave us flawed equipment, he’ll die in minutes anyway. Why shouldn’t I complete the inevitable? Demonstrate loyalty to Moon and the men and women who brought you here. Shoot them.”

  FGs pushed the sobbing Hokkis to their knees.

  “I’m the only one who can repair the tether if it doesn’t work. If you harm Moon, you might as well kill me, too. You’ll never go home.”

  “On the other hand, Bonju, if we do succeed, both you and your boy will be dispensable. I’m about to order Cromartie to tether. I wonder what will happen. I suspect you know.”

  Moon saw Father during moments in the lab when frustration brought him close to tears.

  “Sometimes,” Bonju once confessed, “a man must realize he has reached the limits of his depth. I don’t know how, Son.”

  Was this the moment?

  “You ordered us to return, Captain,” Bonju said. “I will, but I am not an executioner, nor will I be such a man in front of my son.”

  “Hmmph. I think he loves you,” Chinois told Moon. “Too bad.” He raised his voice. “General, carry out the executions.”

  Hoija nodded. In one swift motion, she turned until her back filled the screen. Pleading screams ended with two blasts. She holstered her sidearm.

  “We’re on our way, Captain.”

  Bonju stared at the crumpled heaps then at Hoija. An FG grabbed him by the arm and ordered him to move. Moon didn’t need to see it with his own eyes to know his Aunt Hoija was a monster, but Father had collaborated with her for months, possibly longer. He had to have known the extent of her crimes. He rationalized every step of the process.

  Why didn’t you save us when you had the chance, Father?

  “Sergeant.” Capt. Chinois addressed the FG at Moon’s side. “Take him to the edge. Await further orders.”

  The soldier yanked Moon from his chair. Moon glanced back at Chinois, who gave away no hint of satisfaction.

  “What did he mean? What is the edge?”

  The FG said nothing. Their lift took them down four levels. They exited at a landing bay where fighter transports lined up as if prepared for a major assault.

  “Where are we going?”

  Again, silence.

  Moon wasn’t stupid. He understood as they passed the final row of transports and stared out at Pinchon. A spectacular landscape showed the southern end of the island and the ocean beyond.

  The soldier ordered him to stop. Moon looked down. Three more inches, and he’d have to learn to fly without wings.

  19

  SGC Sturgeon

  Beta Universe

  R OYAL KNEW THE FIRST PART would be easy. To no surprise, the Admiralty met one of his demands. They climbed aboard a rifter hovering outside the double doors to Chastain’s home. The vaulting chamber, highlighted by a series of chandeliers, had been cleared of Swarm, live or dead. Royal took nav, while his SVs sandwiched their diminutive hostage. He pressed the red jewel on Chastain’s comm.

  “OK, Admiral. We’re ready to move.”

  “Your destination is Hangar 19. The AI is programmed to the route. You’ll control the speed.”

  “I hope nobody’s planning to be a hero. They’ll be dead, and so will she.”

  “You will have safe passage to the hangar.”

  “The Tarons?”

  “We’re assembling them now.”

  “Assembling? Shitty word choice. Sounds like you’re putting them back together.”

  “You know what I mean, you filth.”

  “I don’t trust a damn thing you lot say. If you hurt even one of them, you’ll have to find a new Empress.”

  He disconnected the comm and pushed the nav arms forward.

  Hundreds of exterior sensory nodes the size of nanobots armed Royal with peripheral vision and sharpened hearing while inside his helmet. They approached a gateway to the ship’s common environs.

  “Have long have you lived here, Empress?”

  “I don’t see how it’s your concern.”

  “Making conversation. This might be your farewell tour.”

  “I moved in after my Elevation.”

  “How long ago?”

  “Seventy-two years.”

  “Damn. No wonder you’re an angry little bitch. If I lived in this place a couple years, I’d wanna tear my brains out.”

  He guided the rifter through the gateway and passed above a cavernous spectacle known as the Divine Reach. Parks, wide avenues, shops, schools, offices, and homes filled a kilometer-wide expanse, warmed by an artificial sun. Behind the rifter, the great arches of the four Worship Homes rose hundreds of meters. Chastain’s palace sat atop it all.

  The rifter descended.

  “What do you think, men? Are these Swarm impressive or what?”

  “It’s a city, not a ship,” Lucian said.

  “Both can be true. Remember the Ark Carriers?”

  “I saw them in the night sky. They were the brightest stars.”

  “Until they weren’t. Those Chancellors got what was coming to them. Same’s gonna be true for these assholes.”

  Down below, no one moved. All eyes stared upward.

  Word had leaked. What a screwup, Royal mused. Did the Admiralty want everyone onboard to see how easily their beloved Empress could be stolen? It sure wouldn’t sit well with Chastain’s successor.

  Royal felt as tall as the God these lunatics worshipped. Eleven years ago, he survived the streets of Zozo on an empty stomach. Now this? They’d be talking about him for generations.

  “What is your name?” Chastain said.

  “You talking to me or my men?”

  “Don’t be a cunt. What is your name?”

  “Now you want to know. I think you’ll like it. I’m Royal.”

  Chastain laughed so hard she broke into a coughing fit. When she settled down, the Empress asked:

  “No. What is your actual name?”

  “Ironic, ain’t it? Royal kidnaps the most royal of all. Hand to God, that’s my birthname. A couple of assholes created me in a lab. They loved me so much, they sent me off to a planet a couple hundred light-years away. Yep. But that’s another story for another universe. Not one you’ll visit, Empress.”

  The rifter began a slow, steady descent through wide avenues. Stunned faces appeared with less frequency as they neared Hangar 19. The Admiral likely demanded a clear route.