“Yes, General,” both Locke and Koi replied.

  “Good. Your orders are to head north. Stay well clear of the shore. These new alien creatures aren’t affected by water the way the trife are and will likely attack if they get visual. We’re relatively safe out to sea, but we can’t stay out here forever.”

  “Sir,” Locke said. “What about the weapons cache?”

  Nathan expected the question. “As you can see, I have a unit suited up and ready to go. I’ll be joining them in a recon of the weapons cache. If at all possible, we’ll begin to recover some of the ordnance to assist with defense.”

  “Yes, sir,” Locke replied. “How long will you be gone, sir?”

  “I don’t know. As long as it takes.” He paused a moment, waiting to see if anyone else would ask any questions. They didn’t. “Most of you came to Edenrise from outside, because you were looking for something better than mere survival. Losing the city and the protection of the energy shield is a blow to all of us. But Edenrise is bigger than a place. It’s bigger than a shield. Its value is in its people. All of you. If you think of something that should be done, bring it to Locke or Koi. If you see something that needs to be done, do it. It’s vital that we remain focused on the tenets that made Edenrise great. Loyalty, honesty, trust, freedom. I’m counting on all of you.”

  “Hoorah!”

  “Locke, you have the ship.”

  “Sir, yes, sir!” Locke said.

  Nathan jumped down from his perch on the Badger. Locke was already shouting orders, finding his next in command and reorganizing the soldiers into units. He smiled as he headed to where the unit he’d gathered was standing. Pyro came up beside him as he walked.

  “Nice speech, General,” she said.

  “I didn’t know I had it in me,” Nathan replied. “Liberators, with me.”

  He passed the unit, led by Sergeant Walt, a broad woman with a large tribal tattoo over the left side of her face. It was a new designation, one he had based on the USSF logo and its meaning to him. Freedom, perseverance, strength, power. He hoped the small group could live up to the name.

  They filed in behind him, tailing him into the dropship. Caleb was already waiting for them in the cargo hold. He had cleaned up well, a model physical specimen in the utilities he had found.

  “Sergeant Card,” Nathan said. Caleb came to attention, submitting himself as subordinate to him. Nathan motioned to the cart Private Jeffs was pushing. “I’ve got combat armor for you. I trust you know how to use it?”

  Caleb smiled. “Yes, sir.”

  “Good. I’m also promoting you to Colonel. We need a clean chain of command.”

  “As you say, sir,” Caleb replied, a slightly amused look on his face.

  “Liberators, you’ve already met Colonel Card out in the field. He saved all of your lives.”

  “Yes, sir!” the Liberators replied.

  “Welcome to the team,” Sergeant Walt said.

  Caleb stared at her for a moment, hesitating before nodding. “Thank you, Sergeant.”

  “Time’s wasting,” Pyro said. “Welcome back aboard, Colonel Card. General, permission to prep for launch?”

  “Granted. Sergeant Walt, get your gear stowed and ready. Colonel Card, with me.”

  Caleb followed Nathan up the stairs to the main deck.

  “What’s the situation, General?” Caleb asked once they were clear of the unit.

  “The soldiers below know me as General James Stacker. I prefer it to stay that way.”

  “Roger that.”

  “They also don’t know about Sheriff Duke. I can’t keep them from finding out, but I prefer to leave them in the dark as long as possible. I don’t expect trouble under the circumstances, but it’s better to be discreet.”

  “Agreed.”

  “We’ll head to the weapons cache first. With any luck, the area will be clear and we can recover some of the more advanced ordnance before heading west. We used to have a comm link to Sanisco, but it went down with the city.”

  “Understood, General.” Caleb paused.

  “Is there something you want to say?” Nathan asked.

  “A couple of things,” Caleb admitted. “I sensed another human on the Collective a couple of months back. A woman, I think. I couldn’t quite reach into her to tell who she was or where she came from. Do you know anything about that?”

  Nathan shook his head. “I barely understand what the Collective is. But if it requires any kind of technical know-how, it probably originated in Sanisco. Sheriff Duke’s wife Natalia is one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. What’s your other question?”

  “It’s more of a statement. Sergeant Walt is a khoron.”

  Nathan froze, staring at Caleb. “What exactly does that mean?”

  “It means she’s infected by a Relyeh creature similar to Ishek. The Advocates were engineered from the khoron. An evolved iteration. I’m not sure what it’s doing here or what its intentions are.”

  “Does it know about Ishek?”

  “I don’t think so. Fortunately, we learned how to block out the nascent connection to the Collective. It’s sort of like putting a password on a computer network.”

  “Then how did you recognize it?”

  “Like I said, Ishek is an evolved version. We’re a little more sensitive. We could probably break into it and determine its motives.”

  “Or we can drop her out of the hold from ten kilometers up,” Nathan said. He had decided to accept Caleb based on what he had done to help Edenrise. He wasn’t ready to start taking in every Relyeh refugee they came across.

  “It’s better to be discreet,” Caleb replied, using his words against him. “She can’t cause any trouble without me knowing it, and I’d prefer a chance to talk to her. I just thought it was important that you were aware.”

  “I understand.” Nathan nodded, then hesitated a moment, considering. “I’ll follow your lead on this, Caleb. You know a hell of a lot more about it than I do.”

  “I appreciate your trust.”

  “Pull Walt aside when we lift off. It’ll take about an hour to get to the weapons cache.”

  “That far away?” Caleb asked.

  “You can’t just leave your most advanced ordnance sitting out in the open where anyone can find it, now can you?”

  “No, sir.”

  “You have my permission to handle Walt however you need. Find out what you need to find out. Whatever it takes.”

  Then he turned and walked away.

  45

  Caleb

  Caleb was sitting next to Sergeant Walt in the bow of the dropship as it lifted off from the U.S.S. George H.W. Bush, ascending rapidly enough to press him back into his seat. He smiled subconsciously at the liftoff, remembering the many times he had made similar maneuvers on the. way to or from an infected zone.

  The quick acceleration only lasted a dozen seconds before the ship leveled off, the ride flattening out.

  “ETA forty-eight minutes,” Stacker said over the loudspeaker.

  Caleb glanced over at Walt. She was staring straight ahead, a slightly sick look on her face. “First jump?” he asked.

  She looked at him and nodded. “I’ve never been airborne before.”

  “You get used to it. The secret is to remember to breathe.”

  “That’s all? Just remember to breathe?”

  She doesn’t need to breathe.

  That wasn’t entirely true. The khoron inside her could keep her alive for an extended period without breathing, but not indefinitely.

  “Simple. In any case, we’re level for now. You’re safe until we drop.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  “I was hoping we could head somewhere to talk in private,” Caleb said. “I’m new to Edenrise. Actually, I only arrived while the city was under attack. I could use some debriefing on how things work around here.”

  “You seem like you’ve already got in pretty good with the General,” Corporal Hotch said, overhearing him. “He made you a Colonel so you could boss us around.”

  “And so you would show some respect,” Caleb said, sharpening his tone of voice. “Why don’t you drop and give me fifty, Corporal?”

  “What?” Hotch said. “Now?”

  Caleb pointed to the space between the seats. “Right there. Right now.”

  Hotch’s face paled, but he slid out of his seat and started doing pushups while the other Liberators laughed.

  “I can help you out,” Walt said, unbuckling herself from the seat. “There’s a small debriefing room behind the bridge. I’m sure General Stacker won’t mind if we use it.”

  “Lead the way,” Caleb replied.

  He got up, following her past the bridge to the small room, which featured a table and six chairs organized behind a terminal and display. He closed the door behind him as they entered.

  “So, how did you end up outside Edenrise during the attack?” Walt asked, turning to face him. “General Stacker said you’re a Centurion?”

  Tell me when Caleb.

  “I was tracking the trife,” Caleb replied. He wasn’t ready to push her just yet. He wanted to see how she responded to basic questioning. “I followed them north. I was hunting them.”

  “Alone?”

  “Mostly.”

  “But you were a soldier once. That much is obvious. The way you speak. The way you stand.”

  “What about you? How long have you been in Edenrise?”

  “Only about a month. I lost my last home. I was looking for something new to believe in.”

  “And you already made Sergeant.”

  “I scored well on their entrance tests. I know I look a little meaty, but I’ve got moves.” She laughed. “Do you want to sit, sir?” Caleb pulled out a chair. Walt sat opposite him. “I don’t know how much help I can be to you, Colonel. I’m pretty new to the area myself, and with everything that just happened, it’s kind of screwed up the established norms.”

  She’s already trying to brush you off.

  “Fair enough. Maybe you can give me a quick briefing on the rest of the Liberators?”

  “I don’t know any of them. General Stacker pulled us together last minute.”

  “There has to be something of value you can share with me.”

  Walt shrugged. “I can’t think of anything, sir.”

  “Where are you originally from?” Caleb asked.

  “Sir? I’m not sure how that matters.”

  “I’m just trying to get to know my subordinates, starting from the top down. Did you have family in Edenrise?”

  “No, no family. I guess I’m lucky in that.”

  “Do you have family anywhere?”

  “None to speak of, sir.”

  Any time now, Caleb. This is getting us nowhere.

  “I feel like you’re intentionally stonewalling me, Sergeant. I’m wondering why.”

  Walt leaned back, eyes narrowing. “Sir? Is it a requirement I tell you my life story to be part of this team?”

  “No, but it goes a long way toward earning trust.”

  “And you don’t trust me?”

  “Should I?”

  “Yes.”

  “Based on what criteria?”

  Walt’s face flushed. “I’m a member of General Stacker’s Liberators. That should imply trust.”

  You’re getting them worked up. I like it. Makes it easier to crack them.

  “The tattoo on your face. It’s an interesting symbol. What does it mean?”

  “It doesn’t mean anything. I designed it myself.”

  “You’re lying.”

  Walt’s jaw clenched. “How dare you,” she hissed, standing up. “I don’t know who you think you are, but I’m not about to take this bullshit. I—”

  “Sit down,” Caleb said, at the same time Ishek pushed on the khoron inside Walt.

  Her eyes widened, and she started to shake as she dropped back into the seat. “You…”

  “I’m like you,” Caleb said. “Only better.” Ishek kept the pressure on the khoron. “I ran into another of your kind when I first arrived here. And I’ve been bumping into your kind ever since. Who do you serve?”

  Walt stared at him, trying not to answer. Ishek pushed on the khoron, forcing her to speak.

  “No one,” she replied.

  “All khoron serve a master,” Caleb said. “Who do you serve?”

  She winced as Ishek increased the pressure. “No one. I swear. I used to serve Shurrath, but Shurrath is gone.”

  “Gone?” Caleb asked.

  “Yes. I don’t know where or how. I used to feel him. But not for months.”

  “And you’re sure you don’t serve Nyarlath?”

  Walt shook even harder. “No. I was trying to escape her. That’s why I came to Edenrise.”

  “What about your hunger? How have you fed it?”

  Walt didn’t respond.

  Tell me.

  Caleb closed his eyes as images filled his mind, passing from Walt’s khoron to Ishek over the Collective. Dark places. Dark vices. Consensual torture.

  “Enough,” Caleb said, pushing the memories out of his head. He stared at Walt. “You’re a danger to this mission.”

  “No more than you.”

  “I can resist Nyarlath. Can you say the same?”

  “Yes.”

  “You couldn’t resist me.”

  “I’ve realized that this planet is the end. Not only for humankind but for anything that comes here and thinks to control it. That is its place in the universe. The end of all things. The Old One may have seen the spread of the Relyeh across the universe, but it will not come to pass. I’m convinced of that. If it doesn’t matter which master we serve, then it’s better to serve the master who makes no demands. Who asks for loyalty and earns it.”

  “Until you have no choice.”

  “It’s been months. I’ve felt no compulsion.”

  “Nyarlath is coming.”

  Walt shuddered again. “Who told you this?”

  “Multiple khoron loyal to her. She’s had agents here for some time. And when she arrives, if she aims to compel you then you will comply.”

  “I’ll resist.”

  “And you’ll fail like you failed with me.”

  “I’ll resist long enough to kill myself. Or for you to kill me.”

  Caleb leaned back in his seat. He wasn’t sure she would or could. At the same time, he was hesitant to remove her.

  They needed all the help they could get, even if it was from another Relyeh.

  “You’ll remain open to me,” Caleb said. “No resistance.”

  “Yes, Colonel.”

  “When Nyarlath comes, if you and your khoron are not strong enough to defy her, I will end your life. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Colonel.”

  Caleb stood up. “Take a minute to compose yourself, and then meet us back up front. We’ve got twenty minutes until we drop.”

  “Yes, Colonel.”

  Caleb left the room, heading next door to the bridge. He didn’t have security clearance, so he knocked on the door. It slid open a moment later, and he entered.

  “General,” he said.

  “Well?” Stacker asked.

  “It’s an asset worth utilizing. At least until it isn’t.”

  He nodded. “Carry on.”

  Caleb ducked back off the bridge, returning to the front of the dropship. Sergeant Walt rejoined him a minute later, avoiding eye contact.

  That went well.

  Keeping her was risky, but it was a risk they had to take. If nothing else, she might serve as an early warning against Nyarlath’s arrival.

  And against Nyarlath, every second would count.

  46

  Caleb

  Caleb was sitting next to Sergeant Walt in the bow of the dropship as it lifted off from the U.S.S. George H.W. Bush, ascending rapidly enough to press him back into his seat. He smiled subconsciously at the liftoff, remembering the many times he had made similar maneuvers on the. way to or from an infected zone.

  The quick acceleration only lasted a dozen seconds before the ship leveled off, the ride flattening out.

  “ETA forty-eight minutes,” Stacker said over the loudspeaker.

  Caleb glanced over at Walt. She was staring straight ahead, a slightly sick look on her face. “First jump?” he asked.

  She looked at him and nodded. “I’ve never been airborne before.”

  “You get used to it. The secret is to remember to breathe.”

  “That’s all? Just remember to breathe?”

  She doesn’t need to breathe.

  That wasn’t entirely true. The khoron inside her could keep her alive for an extended period without breathing, but not indefinitely.

  “Simple. In any case, we’re level for now. You’re safe until we drop.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  “I was hoping we could head somewhere to talk in private,” Caleb said. “I’m new to Edenrise. Actually, I only arrived while the city was under attack. I could use some debriefing on how things work around here.”

  “You seem like you’ve already got in pretty good with the General,” Corporal Hotch said, overhearing him. “He made you a Colonel so you could boss us around.”

  “And so you would show some respect,” Caleb said, sharpening his tone of voice. “Why don’t you drop and give me fifty, Corporal?”

  “What?” Hotch said. “Now?”

  Caleb pointed to the space between the seats. “Right there. Right now.”

  Hotch’s face paled, but he slid out of his seat and started doing pushups while the other Liberators laughed.

  “I can help you out,” Walt said, unbuckling herself from the seat. “There’s a small debriefing room behind the bridge. I’m sure General Stacker won’t mind if we use it.”

  “Lead the way,” Caleb replied.

  He got up, following her past the bridge to the small room, which featured a table and six chairs organized behind a terminal and display. He closed the door behind him as they entered.

  “So, how did you end up outside Edenrise during the attack?” Walt asked, turning to face him. “General Stacker said you’re a Centurion?”