“You refer to The Savannah Wars. I’ve read about them.”

  “That is the Chancellor name. They wrote the texts, not the truth. They killed five million sub-Saharans to end the resistance and purge the continent. They gave our many tribes the smallest, most desolate colonies and expected us to thank them. We did, by making worlds of our own design without their help.”

  “You’ve done beautifully. I think every colony had this struggle to various degrees.”

  He sighed.

  “It seems impossible, doesn’t it?”

  “What?”

  “That humans ever crossed such an expanse. A wormhole network to conveniently connect all our worlds. So far as the eye can see is but a sliver of this universe, which goes forever. And then, to learn there are eight others just like it, where humans have struggled across the countless generations. Some have come as far as we; others bound to Earth or pre-industrial. And then, to learn we have genetic counterparts in these fractured universes. And then, to learn we can talk to them and see their faces as if they lived next door. Kara, does this not seem like a fairy story?”

  Shit. He’s going there.

  She never expected it to happen this way.

  “You’re talking about the Splinter.”

  “Have you looked into its heart, Kara?”

  “No. But we’ve been told how it affects those who have.”

  “Then your knowledge is incomplete.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “The experience differs for each of us. The genetic counterparts shape our perceptions. I have only one among the eight universes, and he teaches me nothing. He is a weak man with no vision or character. I have not conversed with him in some time. But my grandson, Maxwell, has six counterparts. They are becoming more his family than we. Like many young people in the Alliance, he sees religion in the Splinter. He sees a new plane of existence like that of a god. It is possible he is right. Perhaps the Splinter is our next evolution.”

  “I don’t think you believe that, Joseph. Has Amayas Knight explained what the Splinters are? How he created them? Or why he uses them?”

  “He is not their inventor. Once in our company, I overheard him speak of when he ‘found’ the cubes. I pressed him on his semantics, but he said I misunderstood. No one else doubted him, so the matter was dropped. I do not believe a human can create such a device.”

  “Nor do I. Joseph, do you fear what the Splinters will do to the Zwahili people?”

  “I have many concerns. Yes. Sixty-five thousand Zwahilis have seen across the divide. We are expected to navigate the path ahead when the Alliance is formalized. In my family, all the men to the eldest grandson were indoctrinated, Maxwell being the youngest. At first, we held the same mind. The Inventor showed us the heart of the universe itself. We saw a golden age for the entire African quadrant. Amayas followed through on his promise of technological miracles. Even now, every Alliance world is constructing a project for another member. It is a requirement for membership. Euphrates builds ships for us; we build a phasic system to revolutionize their eurphadite mines, and so on. All of us prosper and share. This is what sold us on the Inventor’s vision more than anything, even the Splinter.”

  “What about now?”

  “Factions are developing. The Splinter effect causes mischief. Those who have grown beyond its influence wish to focus on the economic Alliance, which will benefit all Zwahilis. Yet, we stand on different ground from young people like my grandson who see a higher, spiritual commitment. I fear a certain madness may spoil our once-beautiful union.”

  Kara knew to tread carefully here. She didn’t want Joseph to overreact, but he had to be told.

  “Joseph, I’ve seen one form of this madness. It grew inside my own family and others like it. I had no idea of its depths until my wedding day. People were murdered in front of me. Some in my family, and some in his. Days after I left Hokkaido, I came to learn that it was the man I married who orchestrated the massacre, all to acquire a Splinter. I don’t know what he hopes to achieve, but he is a man of incredible intellect. I put nothing past him. Some days, I want to return home and confront him, but it’s not safe.”

  “My deepest sympathy, Kara. I knew nothing of these events. How long ago did this happen?”

  “It’s been forty-two standard days.”

  “So brief the time, yet it must feel like years. Traveling the stars will do this, I have heard.”

  “It feels unreal, like everything I’ve been through. Like crossing the expanse: It’s similar to a fairy story.”

  “But it is most decidedly not. Hemric has told me many things, specifically of your crew’s greatest concern. You have reason to believe the Splinters may break down the barriers between universes.”

  “Yes. We were warned of it. We’re not sure how strong the claim is, but we’ve seen evidence. This is why we have to find Amayas Knight. If he’s responsible, he has to be held accountable and the Splinters need to be destroyed before the worst happens.”

  “Evidence, you say.”

  She dared not open this box: Ryllen Jee, Exeter Woolsey, two ships crossing the divide with a Splinter’s guidance. None of it provable.

  “This is where you’ll have to trust me, Joseph.”

  “I do, Kara. I confided in you before the others of your team. Do you want to know why?”

  “Please.”

  “You showed immediate interest in us today. You asked about the tumbler’s power source. Rather than follow protocol, for which you had been briefed, you demonstrated a logical curiosity as an engineer. In my experience, men control the dialogue but women are far more fascinating. I regret I cannot defy centuries of Zwahili social tradition, even with my wife and daughters. But you are not Zwahili. I will listen to your captain’s proposal, but I will look to you for honesty. Speak out of turn. Your captain might be a nativist, but he is Chancellor by birth. Chancellors always believe they are the smartest men in the room.”

  He tapped the bead in his ear.

  “Hemric, tell the others to join us now.”

  Well played, Joseph.

  When Ham, Cando, Leto, and Hemric formed a huddle in the darkness, Joseph laid out what he and Kara discussed. He gave deeper background on his concerns about the Zwahili portion of the Alliance, particularly regarding Francois Adobo, the arms dealer.

  “Men like him are positioning themselves to control the Scylla class ships when they are delivered. I have spoken to Francois many times, and I believe he has our best interests in mind. However, I am worried that these ships will bring out our worst instincts. Men who see enemies where none exist may use the power of these ships as an excuse for aggression. At the least, this would undermine the potential of the Alliance. At most, it would plunge Zwahilis into the role of invaders and conquerors. And all this, regardless of whatever comes of the Splinters.”

  “We share these concerns,” Ham said, “no matter who possesses those warships. We’ve seen Scylla’s power in action, and it is capable of far worse. These ships were built primarily as instruments of war. What I do not understand is why. More to the point, why the Inventor chose the Kingdom to receive these so-called miracles. Hemric said he was not at liberty to answer, but you are.”

  Joseph nodded.

  “Only a few hundred know their true purpose. Many live on Euphrates as advisors. Those ships will form the vanguard to a security fleet designed to patrol Alliance systems, enforce trade regulations, and confront aggression inside the Alliance or from beyond. Amayas chose the Kingdom to take the lead role and the entire African quadrant to support these efforts. The long-term plan is to create a new military from our worlds. We will represent forty percent of Alliance commerce. Amayas believes we should have an outsized role in its protection.”

  “No doubt this was a huge selling point.”

  “It was. Unfortunately, the growing factions among our people and the theft of Scylla have strained the proposition. A Chancellor faction stole her, though they have denied it. Now you have arrived with Scylla, likely hiding her where we cannot see her. You wish to use her as leverage in a deal to find Amayas Knight and resolve the issue of the Splinters. I believe you wish to propose an exchange. If we provide tangible assistance, you will use Scylla to protect the other warships from the potential of being stolen by the Chancellors. Am I warm?”

  “Indeed. Hemric was right. You are very shrewd.”

  “I’m cautious. A cautious man knows to ask the right questions. Here is one I need you to answer: Why do the Chancellors risk breaking the Alliance by stealing our ships?”

  “They have a different agenda, Joseph. When we captured Scylla, we confirmed what I feared. Certain factions of Chancellors have no interest in the Alliance. They want to claim Aeterna for themselves. They intend to use these warships to wipe out the inhabitants and defend that system. I think I know Chancellors well enough to surmise where they’d go next.”

  “Rebuild their empire?”

  “Eventually. Yes.”

  “Are you certain of this?”

  “I fear it. These nomads are the hard cores. They will never share planets with indigos. Pardon my language. Amayas Knight used their wealth to fund your projects. He lured you in with the Splinter and the promise of shiny things in the hope you would stomach an alliance with Chancellors. It worked, but he had to know it would collapse. Joseph, I think an economic Alliance is a brilliant concept. But these three ships, the Chancellors, and those Splinters will surely destroy it – perhaps before the first public announcement. I don’t know the Inventor’s motives. I don’t think anyone does. We need to know. There are thirty-five billion people on forty worlds who need to know. I am not normally prone to hyperbole; but, if it helps to sell my case, I’ll concede to it.”

  Joseph reached out his right hand, which Ham took.

  “Hyperbole can grab a man’s attention, at the very least,” Joseph said. “Hamilton, you’ve given me a great deal to consider. Kara, do you have anything you would like to add?”

  Kara saw the surprise in Ham, Cando, and Leto.

  “We can help each other, Joseph, and we should. I hope we’re wrong about the Splinters, but we’ve seen too much already. If we assume the worst, we have the best chance to stop it.”

  “Point well taken. I will sleep on this. We will resume tomorrow. When you retire to your room, Hamilton, feel free to contact your crew and tell them you are fine. I’ve no doubt you have eyes and ears on us.” Joseph laughed. “Not to worry. I take no offense.”

  They started toward the main house. The stone pit continued to rage. A few men encircled it, but there was no sign of the Mogandi women. Ham leaned in to Kara.

  “Thank you for whatever you told him. This is a good start.”

  Ham didn’t wait for her response.

  “There’s something unrelated I’ve wanted to ask, Joseph, but I thought the topic might be awkward. Months ago, I saw a news report from Mumbassa City. A visit by Aeterna’s minister.”

  “Oh, yes. Michael Cooper. He was here.”

  “It was his third visit. Yes?”

  “Fourth. He is a very impressive man. Enormous. A warrior befitting his legend. Much beloved in the quadrant. After so long under the Chancellors, to see an African descendant hold such influence is inspiring. To know of his deeds in defeating a Chancellor invasion, to hear the stories of how he crossed into this universe and discovered immortality … the star walker, he is called. He stirs the imagination. Why do you find this an awkward topic?”

  “The Kingdom has no trade or diplomatic exchange with Aeterna. They are reported to have incredible technology, and the planet’s natural wealth is unheard of. Why lock out Aeterna in favor of the Alliance when Cooper has undoubtedly made enticing proposals?”

  “Good question.” Joseph pointed to the stone pit. “A year ago, Michael Cooper stood there and ate our ribs. He spent most of the time talking about himself. Though he hypnotized my grandchildren with his grand tales, I found him to be unpleasant. He spoke unconcerned when he bragged of his role in ending the Earth civil war. He said his weapons killed millions but saved billions. Perhaps he was right, but he seemed unbothered by the blood on his hands.

  “I do not wish to do business with a man who has killed so many people that he has become cavalier about human life. At one time, he was a hero. Now, he rules a planet and holds too much power for one man. He wore his body armor at all times, even among friends. This tells me has succumbed to the worst of diseases: He is paranoid. And a paranoid man with unlimited power should be feared. Enough men like myself came to the same conclusion and blocked any attempt by the government to extend negotiations.”

  “That’s the most detailed account I’ve ever heard about him. It’s fascinating. He almost sounds like a Chancellor.”

  “Almost? Hah. If the Chancellors do plan to attack Aeterna, they are damned fools. But my focus is here and now. I wish to save the Alliance and give my people the best future. I hope our business will mark a move in that direction.”

  “As do we all.”

  Joseph invited the guests to remain at the pit, lounge on the porch, or retire for the night. After Joseph disappeared inside, Ham huddled with the team.

  “That went well. Not as many specifics as I would have preferred, but a significant step.”

  “One thing bothers me,” Leto said. “Does Joseph know how to find the Inventor? He never gave a clue about the last time he saw the man, or where.”

  “We have to assume he must, or at least has a contact who does. It’s the most important chip he can play.”

  “I think we’re the most important. He knows we have Scylla. He knows we’re being watched. If he needed leverage …”

  “No,” Kara said. “I trust Joseph. We need each other.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  So did Kara.

  8

  Cruiser Lioness

  Aeterna

  E XETER WOOLSEY OPENED HIS EYES to a dim blue glow. Was he still inside the dream? His throat was cracked and dry, and he tasted salt. He laid on his side but did not move. His legs were stone pillars, his left arm buried beneath him, and his right hand misshapen into a predator’s claws. Was that a tear on his cheek? It fell away as if rolling down a mountain.

  Someone neared. Exeter felt the presence but did not hear footsteps. The shadow approached, creeping with caution around the foot of the bed. Amorphous but malevolent. Coming to finish him. No weapon visible. It wanted to consume Exeter.

  Please …

  A nerve fired, and every muscle escaped paralysis. Exeter fell onto his back and breathed. Now he was awake.

  Where am I? How did I …?

  The details blurred. He detected distant voices, more like echoes down a far hallway. This room – spartan, low lit – felt like it belonged in a hospital. Yet it wasn’t. No medical equipment.

  There! On the side table!

  He grabbed the tall glass and drank without inspection. Cold water sealed the cracks in his throat. He sat up and saw an opening in the dim glow. A door! He had a way out. Exeter threw back the sheets.

  His legs were old timbers but strong enough to slide over the edge.

  Memories blended with dreams. When he pieced together his name, the chronology of his life followed in short order. Slavery on Everdeen. Life with new mother Katherine Woolsey and Amayas Knight. Artemis Station, playing on the brontinium smelting barrels and learning the secrets to Amayas’s brilliance. Firing a rail gun, destroying a ship with sixteen hundred onboard. Fathers, mothers, children. Being sent away to another universe. Fighting the Chancellor Swarm. Killing thousands more fathers, mothers, and children. Ryllen Jee.

  Ryllen. I loved you.

  The Chancellors came for revenge. A madman, Dayton Romilius. A blade swung true. It sliced Exeter’s left arm clean at the shoulder. Unbearable pain.

  No. It’s not real.

  He felt the arm; it moved like his other. It wasn’t gone after all.

  Angela Poussard. We made a deal.

  It wasn’t a dream. It was a prosthetic.

  A new arm for a new life. Open the door for an invasion.

  He remembered Angela’s final instructions:

  “Message the Aeternans three times on every channel. They won’t respond at once, so you will need to be patient.”

  His ship was smaller than a cargo loader. Fit for three at most. Short-range Carbedyne fuel capacity. Angela said it would be enough, but something went wrong after the first transmission. The engine failed. Life support went next. He tried the emergency suit but it gave him a few minutes at most. Ice formed around him. He fell asleep.

  Where am I? Who found me?

  A shadow filled the threshold and called for lights. The room brightened. A woman in a tight bodysuit morphing into shades of blue and gray raised her fists in evident joy.

  “Finally! You’re here. We had no idea what was taking so long.”

  Exeter braced himself and prepared to jump from bed.

  “Where am I?”

  “Hold on before you take a step. They might not be ready.”

  As the woman approached, Exeter tried to make sense of her. The bodysuit highlighted a sculpted woman built from a template of human perfection. A huge chest and shoulders complemented exaggerated breasts. Her midsection curved inward to a tight fit, and she appeared mounted on stone pillars, so huge were those thighs. She carried an endearing smile that beamed like Katherine Woolsey. She was somebody’s doting sister.

  A colorful bird of the tropics – yellow, orange, and green plumage – appeared to come alive, crossing over her jawline and onto her left cheek. He focused on the vivid tattoo until she blinked twice and her irises glowed orange. The woman waved a hand in front of her face, and a holo danced open.

  She tapped Exeter’s thighs as if trying to restart a heart.

  “Good,” she said. “I think they’ll work now.”

  He jumped off. Wobbly at first, but upright. She handed him a pair of slippers.

  “What did you do to me?”

  “Simple catalyzer. For a time, we doubted who you were. Our data didn’t make much sense, and you refused to wake. Your experience will be invaluable. We’ve learned so much about the effect of long-term freezing on our regen.”