“This will cause an uproar,” Trevor said. “How long ago did it hit the stream?”

  “Less than thirty minutes, sir,” Andreas replied. “I only learned of it because I was reaching out to a fellow clerk on Catalan. I was inquiring about the lease vacancies, as you requested. He said none of it mattered anymore. He said there’d be no Congress next term and redirected me to a public stream. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I invited Shireena to share my dismay.”

  The historic moment had passed, leaving news broadcasts to show reactions and analysis along with excerpts from the public announcements. Those replays featured IC reps alongside leaders of federal and regional governments standing behind heavy security. In each case, the planet’s senior Congressperson stepped forward and delivered a statement.

  Except for the planet’s name, Trevor soon realized, each speech bore the same words. Legal, dry, no doubt carefully crafted.

  Many media analysts cheered as they described the event, others screamed in dismay, and all wondered about the Constitutionality of the move. The eight planets matched those who vacated their leases.

  “It must have been in the works for months,” Shireena said. “How did they pull this off without word leaking to the public?”

  “I have an idea, hon, but it’s moot.”

  Four months after MR-44 failed in a dramatic vote, eight planets made a stunning if dangerous maneuver. Connor was right: He and Trevor stood on the front row of history.

  “Here we are, sir,” Andreas said. “A replay from the outset. Full statement, as you requested.”

  Catalan Rep. Farris Cordova approached a microphone standing in the atrium of Barca City’s tallest skyscraper. A collection of men and women in suits stood shoulder to shoulder behind him.

  “I am honored to address the two billion people of Catalan. Today, I raise a voice in protest against the failure of the Interstellar Congress to authorize the means to assist in our fight against criminal enterprises which are corrupting and decimating our beautiful world.

  “Catalan does not stand alone. We belong to an eight-planet Alliance of the Willing. Today, after careful consideration and in conjunction with our other seven members, Catalan declares a Global Emergency. We call upon the United Naval Forces to engage its resources against our domestic enemies in accordance with Title 8 of the UNF Charter, Section 4, Paragraph 17.

  “The Charter states, ‘United Naval Forces will be honor bound and legally compelled to assist any member planet that has declared a Global Emergency. These forces, in consult with the predominant governmental body, will proceed to end the emergency by all necessary means. The Admiralty bears final responsibility for the procedures to be employed. Moreover, the Admiralty will assist in rescue, recovery, and reconstruction following the resolution of the Global Emergency.’

  “We call upon High Admiral Exeter Woolsey to order the fleet to engage in immediate hostilities against Black Star and its affiliates.

  “In addition, we are suspending our representation to the Interstellar Congress until such time as law and order are restored and the enemies to our world eliminated.

  “Let me be clear: We are not seceding from the People’s Collectorate. We will honor all economic agreements. Shipping lanes will remain open pursuant to protection by UNF resources.

  “The Alliance will supplement tariffs currently allocated to the UNF should other Collectorate worlds withhold credits. We will redirect our share of operational funds for Amity Station to the UNF.

  “Given the nature of this emergency, we hereby suspend elections to the Interstellar Congress and will hold no financial stake in the operations of the Congress. Our citizens on Amity Station may continue employment there with the understanding that no local representation will be made available during this time.

  “All commercial and private transportation to and from Amity may continue unabated. Its neutrality will remain unsullied.

  “We recognize the long, difficult journey ahead. Yet it is necessary to fight the pernicious disease which has infected our world. The cost will be high, but we will be renewed when victory is achieved.”

  The speaker wished his people well and stepped away from the microphone. The replay ended.

  Trevor asked Andreas to silence the cacophony from the other stream feeds. He took a deep breath and played out his next steps.

  “We’re looking at a security nightmare when word spreads.”

  “What are you thinking?” Shireena asked.

  “After the initial shock wears off? Protests. Fights. Maybe a run on the ports. Not sure. There’s never been anything like this. Andreas, you’re good with these numbers: The eight planets in that alliance have a big presence here.”

  “Oh, yes, sir. I’d say thirty percent of the population.”

  “Close to thirty thousand residents. Odds are, only a few know what’s happened. At any given time, there are less than a hundred active deepstreams station-wide. They’re too expensive for the average resident. Most people rely on delayed transmissions. The first of those won’t hit the station for another three hours. We need to get ahead of this.”

  “How, sir?”

  He side-eyed Connor, whose wry grin suggested he knew the answer but had no interest in contributing.

  “I’ll have to issue a statement. Something simple. Tell everyone to remain calm until we know more.”

  Andreas raised his hand.

  “I would not be so rash, sir.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “First, this action is clearly unconstitutional. The Global Emergency clause is meant for natural or climatic disasters. It’s not intended as a declaration of war. The difference has been well established.”

  “Not according to this Alliance of the Willing. They’re using legal semantics to justify war.”

  “They’re fools,” Andreas said. “It’s a political stunt to gain leverage in the next session. Not to mention, it can’t happen without the High Admiral’s authorization. I heard no mention of it. Did either of you?”

  Smart guy, but so naïve!

  “Andreas, you don’t understand how interstellar conspiracies work. Does he, Lt. Stallion?”

  Connor chuckled through a broken exhale of smoke.

  “He’ll learn, bruv.”

  Andreas snapped his head to and fro.

  “So sorry. Did I miss something?”

  Trevor pivoted to Shireena, who shaded her eyes. She also put the pieces together. Trevor had to admit: It was an ingenious ploy.

  “They went public because already they knew Woolsey’s response. I’d lay odds there are warships in those systems, and more on the way. In a few hours, the three outside Amity will be joining the fight.”

  Andreas tensed. Did he see the full picture now?

  “The Guardian fleet. Yes. In the security confab, Adm. Nagano said those ships would be put to better use.”

  “Yep. They knew it was coming. The timetable Nagano gave us for the defense web was a feint. I’d wager they’ll install the gun turrets above the ports any day now.”

  Trevor looked to Connor for confirmation. His brother winked.

  Sonofabitch.

  His mind shifted to President Haas, the woman he knew better than to trust. Lana Devonshire was right about her.

  “When’s the President due back, if at all?”

  “Her official itinerary says tomorrow.”

  “With timetables what they are these days, why don’t you check in with her Chief of Staff? I suspect plans have changed.”

  “How so?” Shireena asked.

  “She’s from Hansen’s Landing, which is not part of the new Alliance. Amity is her only true power base. You heard the announcement. They want the station to remain neutral. This is the only place where she’ll be recognized by all forty worlds.”

  Shireena’s moonstone eyes glowed with the light of revelation.

  “It’s more than that. Her term is almost over. Her reelection has been in doubt since MR-44 failed. But with Congress unable to conduct business ...”

  Andreas finished the thought with a snap of his fingers.

  “She remains in office indefinitely. The Constitution is clear on this point. Only Congress has the power to elect and remove a President. I see why they vacated their leases but did not secede. Their seats will count against the mandatory minimum.”

  Damn it, Haas. I wanted to trust you.

  “Does the Constitution grant the President special war powers?”

  “I’d have to refresh myself on that one, sir.”

  “It’s not important today, Andreas. I need you to write me a short speech. Don’t go into details about the Alliance. I just want to reassure everyone that Amity will carry on.”

  “Ah. Yes. Business as usual. On it, sir.”

  One problem handled. Now, to the next.

  He leaned in to Shireena and whispered.

  “Don’t react. Just listen. The business with Connor is worse than we thought. He killed Thomas and two others. He’s part of Requiem. It’s the only thing that makes sense. Contact the three Chiefs. They respect you. Speak on my behalf and tell them to pause the investigations. If they haven’t heard the news, get them up to speed. We need all hands on deck to keep the station calm.”

  She kissed him on the cheek.

  “No worries. I’ll look after it. You deal with him.”

  Trevor couldn’t imagine what he’d do without a partner of such strength and grace. She was every bit Effie’s equal and more.

  “I love you.”

  He let her go with a kiss and focused on the next problem.

  Trevor grabbed his empty glass and made a beeline for the liquor. He looked over his options and chose water with a lemon spritz.

  Connor blew smoke rings while hogging the middle of the couch.

  “Move over, C.”

  “By your command, Governor.”

  Lt. Stallion tucked his cigar between his teeth and chewed. Trevor joined him. How many times did he envision a moment like this, where they sat together reminiscing about their journey and talking of their plans for the future?

  Yeah, right.

  “You were such a brat, Connor.” Trevor sipped his water and stared straight ahead. “I spent half my life keeping you out of trouble. I always assumed you’d have run-ins with the law. A brat who never grew up. Fine. Life’s full of adventure. Yes?”

  Connor puffed without comment.

  “For years, you talked about finding purpose. Being a soldier did just that. Or so you said in your messages. Yeah. It did something, all right, but I’m not sure what. Maybe you can help me understand. Is your purpose to murder people?”

  Trevor pivoted to his brother, who contemplated the twisting, rising streams of smoke.

  “I don’t murder people, bruv. I kill the enemy. Not the same.”

  Trevor stifled an ironic laugh.

  “Not sure a court would make the distinction. Amity is a civilian station in neutral territory. It’s not a cudfrucking battlefield. Whatever you thought about Thomas Quinlan or the others, they were entitled to due process.”

  Connor did not hold back his laughter.

  “Due process? Listen to yourself, T. Was it due process when you handed over Hoshi Oda to SI? Shadow Gambit expels people for associations, but those filth still work for the enemy.”

  “We don’t assassinate them.”

  “That’s the problem. You’re not tough enough. We got to treat the enemy like they do. No prisoners. No complications. It’s simple math, bruv. We don’t win until there’s no more of them.”

  “Uh-huh. And how many of them are there, you reckon?”

  Connor crossed his legs in a thoughtful repose.

  “It’s hard to pin down. Black Star proper is one thing, but we have to go after the disease, too. Safe bet? Two billion.”

  He made it sound so simple. They might as well have been sitting in the Raison Club bantering about their workday.

  “Would that be your count or your commanding officer’s?”

  “Both. I do my homework. I’ve never been better at analyzing trend waves. You always loved data. You’d be impressed.”

  He’s telling the truth, isn’t he?

  Mau answered straightaway.

  “The bag speaks as he believes.”

  Right. Perception vs. reality.

  Lana Devonshire spoke of those things the last time Trevor saw her. “If I tell you, Trevor, your life will be in danger, too.”

  “Four months ago, C, I learned about a covert military unit operating outside the chain of command. I was told they hit Black Star assets disguised as cartel competition. Their goal, I was told, was to incite a larger war. Heard of it?”

  Connor winked. “Sounds like a brilliant plan.”

  “Yeah. They call it Requiem. They believe the People’s Collectorate is a failure. They say humans can’t govern themselves. The soldiers they send down to slaughter civilians are conditioned. Their minds are altered. They take no prisoners. Sound familiar?”

  Connor’s eyes, blue as the deepest sea but now devoid of the man Trevor loved, locked onto the Governor with fearless focus.

  “You always loved solving puzzles, T. You’re the best. So, I’m going to give you some advice. I’m talking as your little brother.”

  “Oh, yeah? What advice?”

  “Maybe you don’t mention Requiem again. For your health.”

  “Why’s that? You think an assassin might come for me, too?”

  Connor switched to a bountiful smile.

  “Shit, bruv. Somebody kill you? I won’t let that happen. We need you in this office. But see, it ain’t just about you.”

  His expression did not change, not a drop of animus in his tone.

  “Did you just threaten me, Connor?”

  “Not a chance. I’m speaking truth to power. You see?”

  “Now I do. This is all about power. That’s what they taught you to love. Since you’re speaking ‘truth,’ tell me about Nexus. Is he the one in charge? Did he supply you with the phantom drill?”

  Trevor saw a crack in the smile. It retreated to mere smugness.

  “He’s not what you think, Trevor. Nexus is a man of vision. He loves me. He wants the best for you. He expects you to cooperate with us. You’ll meet him, like I have. Bruv, he knows us. He’s been following our lives since we were kids.”

  Not a single bit of that response went as Trevor predicted.

  “Following? Why? What’s his real name?”

  “We’ll understand when the time’s right. He promised.”

  Of course he did. Still playing games.

  Connor saw the world with a clarity to which he’d been conditioned. Trevor wondered how in ten hells to compete.

  Short answer: He couldn’t. Not now.

  “Who are you?” He asked.

  Connor rolled the cigar between his teeth and paused for a beat.

  “I’m someone you should envy. I’ve never been happier and more full in my life. I wake each day with purpose, conviction, and commitment.”

  “Committed to what?”

  “Improving the future. There’s no more important goal for a human being.”

  “Where does love fit into your goal?”

  Connor patted Trevor on the cheek.

  “I’ll always love you, bruv. I’ll look after you. No worries. This will be the best time of our lives. I promise. The cudfrucking best.”

  Connor hopped off the couch, tossed his cigar into the snuffer, and started toward the door.

  “Great talk, Trevor. We’re on the same wavelength now. Yes? So, I have places to be. Lot of prep work.”

  Trevor followed him.

  “For what?”

  “We’re not done yet. Oh, yes! Do me a favor. Call off your lawmen. They don’t want trouble, and I don’t want to make any. And remember.” He ran fingers across his lips like a zipper. “Not a word about Requiem. See you soon, bruv. I can’t wait.”

  Alone and numb, Trevor stared at his water glass. He needed something stronger. The same question persisted.

  What have you become, Connor?

  Mau answered.

  “The Enzathi explores your question.”

  It was rhetorical. I didn’t mean it for you.

  “You misunderstand. The Enzathi sees deep into the bag. It is intrigued by the unnatural construct of many layers. It follows.”

  Trevor responded orally.

  “What do you mean?”

  “When the bag touched you face, the Enzathi transferred a fragment.”

  “Wait. It’s also in Connor. Why?”

  After Trevor heard the answer, he poured a double whiskey.

  23

  TREVOR WASN’T SURPRISED WHEN President Haas called him to her office two hours later. She returned to Amity incognito around the time Thomas was reported missing. Trevor made no assumptions, as most of his recent ones had been well off target. Yet this felt like an appropriate climax for today’s drama.

  She wasn’t seated at her desk. Haas thanked her Chief of Staff and told him to go home for the evening. He objected to no avail.

  “Cillian takes copious notes,” she said with a curt smile. “He intends to write my biography someday. He’s afraid of missing out on living history. We’ll see.”

  “Days don’t get much bigger than this, Madam President.”

  Kieran Haas was sixty going on forty. She wore a slim-cut pinstripe suit that accentuated her strawberry blonde mane and deep brown eyes. Her perfume preceded her.

  “Come, Trevor. Aren’t we friends?”

  OK. Here we go. The head of Requiem wants to play word games.

  “I used to think we might be. The way you left things at our last security confab suggested otherwise.”

  She laid a not-so-comforting hand on Trevor’s arm.

  “Play along to get along. You’re still new at this.” She tightened her grip. “I’m tired of meetings. Let’s walk.”

  “Sure. Madam President, I ...”

  “Kieran.”

  “Fine. Kieran. I’ll be straight with you. I want answers. We’re in wartime now. Don’t patronize or cherry pick. I’ve earned better.”

  Except for the bit where I’m protecting my assassin brother and the alien lifeform inside both of us.