Chapter 8: The Beginning of Something New
- Location
- Chicago
[X] Pretend to agree, then have Lieutenant Moxi and Prahm take out the admirals and commander
If someone asked you to define yourself, you would likely struggle to answer. Most people would agree that you were well-bred and educated, if not a little plain. These qualities make you the perfect poster child of Zair. Your interests and values are secondary to your pedigree in the Republic. In truth though, you feel you are more defined by what you hate than what you love. And what you hate are lies. That would be your father's influence no doubt, but it has remained true throughout your life. Which is why you are also defined by your shame. Because in the end, you chose the path expected of you and joined the military. You accepted the falsehoods and deception. You became a champion of what you hated most.
After you were made commander, your shame only grew. You, the heir to a powerful Zair family, were put in charge of over a million soldiers across the Solandas system. And why were you all there in the first place? Because the Zair Republic needed territory? Because it was the nation's right to impose its will? Because your countrymen's glory could not be contained? No. You were all at war because someone somewhere decided that Turandan and Solandas resources belonged in their pockets instead of someone else's. Politicians and the media apparently agreed, selling your generation on visions of strength, purpose, and obligation.
And so sixty-thousand men and women suffered and died in the jungles of Jodem in a single month.
That was bad enough. But now, as you stood in the command center of the Zair forward base on Palios, you realized something profound. The Republic of Zair had somehow transformed from a settler nation built on lies into a death-worshiping cult fueled by them. Millions of people sacrificed in the name of hollow ideals for the benefit of the few. And still you were their instrument, their tool. The lies you had always hated throughout your life had become a part of your identity. You were a high priest in their death cult.
And it would never end. Not even in the face of the overwhelming might of the Mirandans or a terrifying alien invasion. People would keep dying until their were none left to feed the fire. You could see that now as you regarded Admiral Glenn and the others. This train had no breaks, not unless you installed them yourself. In the middle of the crowded command center on Palio, your shame slowly left you. And it was replaced by cold, simmering rage.
"Very well Admiral," you say, keeping your tone carefully guarded. "I will lead the Zair forces back into Solandas."
You had come to a decision. You, Commander John Mackerel were going to put an end to it all. There would be no more lies or pointless wars. There would be no more liars or enablers. There would be nothing after you were done.
Admiral Glenn slowly nods. "A wise choice commander. See that you redeem your cowardice, either with a noble death, or the victory expected of us by the ones we left behind."
You grit your teeth in an attempt to calm yourself. Yes, the ones you left behind. Your family, you fiancee, you friends and countrymen. All those who had bought into the absurd idea that the fledgling nation of Zair could elevate itself through war. It was more delusional than even the Boramen's goals. You would show them all the truth. You would show them the price of folly.
"We are holding a strategic meeting tomorrow at 0800," Commander Shetland says. "See that you're here Commander Mackerel."
You bow your head slightly, then turn on your heel and leave the command center. All eyes watch you as Lieutenant Sette and Major Clifford follow you out. You hardly register the twists and turns of the hallways. Finally a captain shows you your quarters, and you are left alone with your staff. You sink heavily into a cushioned chair and thread your fingers together underneath your chin. "Commander?" Lieutenant Sette says. Her expression is hesitant.
Major Clifford doesn't even bother to hide his worry. "Blast those obstinate fools! We should go back immediately and present our evidence! Our sick soldiers, our losses, those dammed aliens that Lieutenants Moxi and Prahm have turned into! Anything to avoid going back into that meat grinder in Solandas!"
You can tell the loss of all the pilot's under Clifford's command still weighs heavily on him. You narrow your eyes. "We're not going back to fucking Solandas. I'm putting a stop to this foolish war."
Major Clifford and Lieutenant Sette fall silent. They stare at you, their expressions guarded. "Commander...?" Sette says. "What...do you mean by that exactly?"
"I mean that I'm going to relieve those assholes of command, permentantly."
Major Clifford's mustache twitches ever-so-slightly. "Commander...what you're speaking of is treason."
"It's salvation," you shoot back. "If we go back one of two things will happen. Either the Mirandans wipe the floor with us, or the aliens do," you gesture angrily. "Well I reject that. Not a single Zair soldier will go back to Solandas. I will ensure it."
"How." Major Clifford says. You feel a sudden tension in the air. Lieutenant Sette remains quiet, her expression unreadable.
"How do you think Major. Moxi and Prahm have a kill-count in the tens of thousands. They're walking massacre machines. I'll give the Turandan command a choice. Surrender or die."
Major Clifford's face slowly grows purple. It takes you a moment to realize he's enraged. "Commander..." he says, his voice trembling. "I have always respected you. You made the hard choices on Jodem, choices few others could make. But what you're speaking of is a coup. However much we may disagree, infighting will defeat us quicker than the enemy. We cannot, under any circumstances, devolve into civil war. I do not want to return to Solandas. But what you're suggesting is unacceptable. We all have a duty to protect the Zair Republic, even if it means our lives."
"There won't be any civil war. Half of the Zair's military is in the Turandan system. Once I'm done it will all be under my command, and then it's all over. Only then will the republic truly be saved."
"YOU HAVE LOST YOUR MIND!" Major Clifford yells. Your eyes go wide in surprise at his outburst. You knew he was angry, but you didn't realize how angry. Lieutenant Sette lifts her chin slightly, her expression still unreadable. Major Clifford's voice echoes around the room as he shakes a fist at you. "You are talking lightly of a choice that cannot be undone! You think you're some kind of savior? All you're doing is weakening our republic! I don't agree with our decision to return to Solandas, but tearing ourselves apart in Turanda is even worse! Better to die fighting the enemy than each other!"
You stand, your anger getting the better of you. "Than you choose annihilation major! Do not act like I am the crazy one! You SAW what happened in Jodem! You were THERE! Look into my eyes and tell me that we can survive going back there! Try and speak those words without shuddering!"
"There are more options than what you're presenting! We have reams of evidence of what awaits us there! If you wish to save the republic, if you wish to save lives, than at least make the damn effort before you stage a coup! Moxi and Prahm, the Boramen, ANYTHING could sway them! But you want to skip all that and play judge, jury, and executioner!" Major Clifford's breathing is heavy, his face still red. He points a finger at you. "Well you want to know what I think? I think Admiral Glenn was right! You are a coward! You would rather unleash your monsters on loyal Zair soldiers than try and reason with them!"
"Reason? REASON? There is no more reason! Everyone on this planet is wrapped up in the euphoria of conquest! Nobody but us knows what happened in Solandas! We can't fight the lies of the republic! Words are meaningless! They always have been in Zair! The people here only understand overwhelming force, so I will give it to them before the Miradans heap it on without mercy!"
"BAH!" Major Clifford says. He turns on Lieutenant Sette. "Say something already! Our commander has lost his damn mind!"
Lieutenant Sette bites her lip, then takes a deep breath. "I think...Commander Mackerel...may be right..."
Major Clifford's insistent expression turns into a scowl. "I suppose I shouldn't have expected anything more from an agent of Arghoul. You lot have always been nothing more than government sanctioned assassins. You don't care what happens as long as you can throw your weight around."
Lieutenant Sette shakes her head, her tone remaining calm and even. "That's not true major. Arghoul has always worked for the betterment and safety of Zair, but it has not always been a part of the military. We were put under military leadership because the politicians feared us."
"And for good reason! I'm aware of what your organization has done Lieutenant! The evil deeds you've kept secret! And here you are agreeing with this man's insane coup!"
"They feared us because we are loyal to progress, not ideology." Lieutenant Sette says. "Be reasonable Major Clifford. Let us pretend for a moment that we go along with your suggestion. That we hand over all our evidence, that we try and persuade them not to launch a new campaign in Solandas. Do you really think they'll see the light? Are you willing to gamble everything on our people backing down?"
"Yes damn it! I'm willing to gamble if it means avoiding pointless death! And that's exactly what Commander Mackerel wants! To kneecap our entire military out of fear!"
Lieutenant Sette fixes Major Clifford with a hard stare. "I think the commander simply understands the gravity of our situation. And I cannot for the life of me figure out why you do not understand it as well."
The room falls silent. The tension is high enough to be felt in the air. Major Clifford clearly tries to get his emotions under control. After a long moment that seems to stretch, his shoulders sag. "If...if you go through with this, I will not be a part of it. If you want to kill our own people, then you will have to start with me. Because I will not allow this as long as I am still breathing."
You slowly sit back down. You close your eyes as several month's worth of exhaustion threatens to overwhelm you. "Major Clifford...by the authority invested in me by the Zair high command, I hereby relieve you of duty. You will be held under guard until our current crisis has passed. You are a fine officer, and I do not wish to see you die. But I will not allow you to impede me."
Major Clifford spits. "I said you will have to kill me, and I meant it! You don't get to take the easy way out! I will fight tooth and nail to expose you!"
Without opening your eyes, you gesture. "Lieutenant Sette."
The woman draws her pistol in one smooth motion. She aims it at Major Clifford. "Turn around sir."
"Bitch," Major Clifford says. "You would shoot a man in the back?"
"Turn around Major Clifford." He slowly obeys. Lieutenant Sette holsters her gun and takes out a small capsule. She crushes it in her palm as she approaches Major Clifford, then waves her hand in front of his face. The man collapses with a heavy thud. You open your eyes and stare Lieutenant Sette. She gives you a tired smile. "Don't worry, he's just passed out." you give her a slow nod, then stare down at the space between your boots. Lieutenant Sette walks over to a liquor cabinet and takes a bottle of rum from inside. She takes a sip, then walks back over and passes you the bottle. You accept it and take a drink yourself. The woman watches you. "If you are serious about this, I would like to have a talk first."
You gesture at the seat opposite you. "Very well. Sit."
Lieutenant Sette does, getting comfortable. You regard each other for a moment. Felicity's features are quite striking in the dim light of the room. Her long dark hair and bangs, her piercing eyes, a posture that suggests a barely restrained energy that could wash away everything before her. If Lieutenant Moxi was beautiful for her bright but quiet demeanor, Sette was beautiful for the opposite reason. Not that you really had any business dwelling on such things. Perhaps you're just desperate to think of other things, instead of the looming task before you. Lieutenant Sette shifts, her fingers tapping on the armrest of the chair. "If you pull this off. If you manage to take control, what will you do afterwards?"
You frown. "Well...I will take everyone home, and then end the war."
"And then what? You will have effectively overthrown the military. Do you think the government will allow such a thing?"
"I..." you begin, then fall silent. You hadn't thought that far ahead.
Lieutenant Sette's expression hardens. You can sense her displeasure. Neither of you speak. Beyond the window, the sounds of the rig city echo. Finally she leans forward and fixes you with her piercing gaze. "That's it then? You have no plan after you've returned? Perhaps you thought you would just go home and kick up your feet?"
"I...I just want it to end, Lieutenant. The lies, the delusion, and the deaths that result from them."
"That is abstract thinking commander. Forgive me, but you sound like a child."
You narrow your eyes at her. "Don't. It's not childish to want to put an end to this conflict. I approved the death certificates of over half my forces on Jodem. I witnessed pyramids falling from the skies alongside black rain. I'm at least thinking sanely, even if I haven't figured out the details."
"Details are what defines victory commander. Details decide who lives and dies. I do not blame you for wanting to return. I myself want no part of what awaits us in Solandas, and I have grown quite tired of extremists and buffoons in our military command. But I cannot help you if you're acting on emotion."
You snort, then take another sip of the rum and pass it back to the woman. "I appreciate your support, but we both know your help is not necessary. Moxi and Prahm are all I need."
"That is not true," Sette says. She takes a long drink, then wipes her mouth. "They are powerful, yes, but they are limited in their physical reach. Palios is filled with rig cities separated by miles of water. What happens after you unleash Moxi and Prham here? Word will leak, and the other commanders on the other rig cities will know what you're trying to do. It will take time for you to transport our massacre machines from one rig to the other. And in that time our enemies will be able to prepare."
You slowly exhale. "You're...right, of course. But what else can I do? I don't want to risk the lives of my own soldiers for this. Not when I have the lieutenants. I will have to content myself with the messiness that may result by using them."
Lieutenant Sette stares at you, as if studying you. You can feel her eyes probing your features. "You really are the perfect son of Zair, you know. I think I've seen your likeness on a thousand posters growing up. The military man, the loyalist, an heir to the settlers who founded our republic. If nobody heard your opinions you could even run for office and likely win. But you lack vision, commander."
You give a slight shrug as you take the bottle back from her. "Fine. I do. I've never pretended to have ambition. The course of my life has been decided since I was born."
"Well mine hasn't, and I do have ambition. I have fought since the moment I could walk, always trying to prove that I was good enough to belong. That I had value and worth, despite my lack of credentials. In the end, only Arghoul saw it, and so I gave them everything. But I truly believe in a Zair that is founded on merit, and ability, and can protect those who lack it. I know we can be better. I know we can be everything we claim to be, if only the right people are given power."
You arch an eyebrow. "And I'm guessing...you are one of them?"
Lieutenant Sette nods. "But I will never be accepted, not as things are. You on the other hand, people would follow you to hell and back if you asked it. You value life when it has been entrusted to you, if nothing else. And you're practical, which is more than I can say for anyone else in the military."
"I feel like you're getting to a point, Lieutenant."
"Allow Arghoul to assist you in your coup. Be the figurehead, the leader, take everyone home and end the war. But give us power, commander, to work out the finer details. I am not alone in my thinking. All those who wear my insignia feel like I do. We all want the Zair that has been promised us since we were little. And since the Mirandans dropped their psychic bomb, I am one of the highest ranking members of my organization. Our agents can take care of all the zealots on Palios. You can be the premier if you want once we return. Just allow me to make real change behind you in the shadows."
You consider her words as you sip from the rum. It's good rum, the kind you haven't had in years. "You know Lieutenant, I was always wary of you. I hate liars, and Arghoul is full of them. But I will admit, for a man with such simple desires as myself, your offer is tempting. What...assurance, do I have, that you will truly strive to end this war?"
Lieutenant Sette taps her pistol. "My actions, commander. I will lead my agents myself during the take-over. I will be on the front line for what I believe in."
You pass her the bottle and fall silent again. The only sounds in the room are Major Clifford's snores, and the city beyond the window. Finally you come to a decision and nod. "Very well lieutenant. I will accept your offer. Help me end this war and return us to Zair, and you can build your dream society to your heart's content. All I ask is that you make it better than the one we left."
She smiles. "Commander, you're quite attractive when you agree with me," she raises the bottle and inspects the remaining contents. "And I think we have enough of this rum left to last the hours it will take to plan everything."
You smirk. "Let's hope you're right, I can already tell this will not be easy."
Your bootsteps echo in the hall. You walk with purpose, with six Arghoul agents walking in step behind you. Beside you walks Lieutenant Prahm disguised in a heavy coat and mask. The clothing does little to hide the odd shape of his body, and officers and technicians scramble to get out of your way. They watch you pass with confused expressions and whispers. The door to the command center opens with a hiss as you stroll inside. Military personnel all turn from their monitors to look at you. There are a large number of officers surrounding the holo-pit in the center, including Admiral Glenn, Commander Shetland, Admiral Vence, and Admiral Quigley.
"You're late," Admiral Glenn says with an irritated expression. "Which is not a good look for someone in your position commander. Perhaps we made a mistake in giving you a second chance?"
A small smile plays at the corner of your mouth. "In fact, you did Admiral."
"Excuse me?" he says. Everyone turns to you.
You raise your voice. "I am relieving everyone in this room of their command. From this moment onward I will be taking control of the Zair military in an effort to stop you from making a colossal mistake. Surrender yourselves immediately."
Nobody speaks for a moment. Commander Shetland snorts. A cruel smirk appears on Admiral Glenn's face. The officers surrounding the holo-pit begin laughing, followed by the technicians manning the monitors. The laughter fills the room as Admiral Glenn's smirk grows. "You absolute fucking moron," he says. He gestures at the guards by the door. "Arrest this man immediately, he's lost his mind and needs to be punished."
The guards leave the door and level their rifles at you. "Prahm," you say.
"With pleasure commander," the lieutenant says. He throws of his coat and mask, causing the laughter to die out. Everyone's eyes grow wide as they stare at his visage. Prahm extends both hands in the blink of an eye and snaps the guards' necks. He finishes off the remaining soldiers with a single swipe of his claw. The alien then turns towards the officers surrounding the holo-deck.
"Surrender or die," you say, keeping your expression and tone blank.
"You've lost your fucking mind!" Admiral Glenn yells. "Do you have any idea what you're doing?!"
You hold his gaze. "Saving the republic,"
Prahm walks forward and leans down to bring himself face-to-face with Admiral Glenn. The alien smiles, revealing his rows of sharp teeth. "Boo." With a blur he headbutts Admiral Glenn, caving in the man's face. Glenn collapses in a heap. Several other officers draw their weapons. Prahm's wings twitch, and then his claws shoot out. The officers receive holes in their chests. Blood drips from their mouths as they slide of Prahm's arms.
You do a slow circle as you take in the room. "Does anyone else have an objection to me taking command?"
Nobody responds. Admiral Vence clears his throat, then gives you a sheepish smile. "Can we perhaps discuss this, commander?"
You give him a side-eye and an expression devoid of mercy. "I wouldn't if I were you." Admiral Vence slowly nods and backs away. You gesture at the Arghoul agents. "I believe Lieutenant Sette had a list of people she wanted you to secure." the agents nod. "Good, you can begin." The Arghoul agents draw their pistols and gesture for various officers to step forward. You watch them as you bring up your communicator. "Lieutenant Sette, do you copy?"
"I copy commander."
"Status report."
"My people have successfully boarded the orbiting fleets and seized control. We're also in the process of taking the rig cities, though Holodam city is heavily resting. Permission to send in Lieutenant Moxi?"
"Permission granted."
High above in the atmosphere, a single ship opens its cargo bay. An object plummets from it, falling faster and faster. Below, the still, dark waters of the planet Palios spread out in every direction. The object trembles as it shoots downward, then angles itself towards a rig city. It lands among the buildings with a tremor and a plume of dust.
The object is a landing capsule. The sides slowly open to reveal Lieutenant Moxi. She strolls out, then takes a moment to survey her surroundings. Her gaze falls on the command building among the other skyscrapers. She turns herself towards it and begins walking. Alarm sirens start up among the city.
The coup only takes an hour. Between Sette's Arghoul agents and Moxi, everyone is quickly subdued. You listen to the comms chatter detailing the take-over as you stand in the brig of the command center. In front of you is a cell containing Major Clifford. He stares at you as he sits on the bench against the wall. His expression is stony. "It's over," you say, interrupting the comms chatter. "I am now in control of the Zair military, or at least the vast majority."
"Congratulations," Major Clifford says, his tone sour.
"I would like to release you now. I need a new airforce general, and you've always been competent."
Major Clifford glares at you, then slowly looks away. "Give me time commander. Time to grieve what could have been. I will not refuse, but I will not agree. Not at this moment."
"Very well," you say, turning to leave.
"What will you do with those who resist?"
You pause, glancing at the man over your shoulder. "I've left that up to Lieutenant Sette."
Major Clifford snorts. "Be careful of that woman. She's too ambitious for her own good."
Without a word you depart the holding brig.
The command center is a flurry of activity. You find Lieutenants Moxi and Prahm there, as well as several high-ranking Arhgoul agents, the Boramen scientists, and Admiral Quigley and Vence. The latter two quickly realized which way the wind was blowing and swore complete allegiance. "Where is Lieutenant Sette?" you say, glancing around.
One of the Arhgoul agents steps forward and salutes. "Gravely wounded commander. She was shot aboard one of the capital ships shortly after she took control. An apparent assassination attempt."
You feel yourself grow cold. You had started to warm up to her. "Is...will she make it?"
The officer shakes his head. "Not likely, it's very serious."
Doctor Langley furrows his brow. "Nonsense! No matter how grievous the wound I'm sure she can be saved! Commander, if you want to save the woman, simply say the word and I will get to work!"
You stare at the Boramen scientists as you weigh your options. "Do it if you can, she has great value."
Doctor Langley's smile grows. "Leave it to me commander!"
He hastily departs the command center. You turn to the others. "We have much to discuss. First and foremost is how we can return to Zair and protect it against the Mirandans."
The officers all exchange glances. Admiral Vence frowns. "Well, the Turanda system is fairly defensible."
"Zair is far more fortified at this point," Admiral Quigley says. "We can outlast anything the Mirandans send our way there."
"Hmm, but then we would be in our own system, and they could attack our cities."
"That's if they break through our defenses, which would take a momentous effort on their part."
The two begin discussing the merits of making a stand in the Turanda or Zair systems. You listen, though your thoughts are distracted. You sense movement and glance to the side to see Lieutenant Moxi approaching. "Commander," she says, her voice low.
"Yes?"
"If...if you wish your enemies to be destroyed...."
"Say it Lieutenant."
She nods, the red liquid of her body shifting. "Prahm and I know a way. It's...a song, that leads to something greater. Both of us can construct a singing beacon. If it is sent to the Mirandans home system, it will draw...something powerful there. Your enemies will be destroyed."
"I'm sensing a 'but'"
Lieutenant Moxi's gaze sends a shiver down your spine. "Once the....great one, has arrived, it will attempt to spread. You will have bought yourself time by destroying your enemy, but many years down the line you will have to contend with what you unleash there."
"I see. So I would be trading one enemy for another, is what you're saying. But at least I will have, what, years? Decades?"
"That depends on many factors, but you will have time. And there are other nations neighboring the Mirandans. They may prove a distraction that grants you even more time."
You slowly nod. "Can you tell me more? You're being vague."
She shakes her head. "I'm sorry...but there's still so much I don't understand. I only have my feelings. I know that I am a song in of myself, and am part of a greater web of music. But not music as you understand it. There are others within this web. So many different parts and notes, keys and pitches, all clamoring together to create something greater. At times I get glimpses of the whole, but I cannot make sense of what I see. There is still something within me that is....broken...and keeps me from the truth."
"Truth huh..." you say, turning back to the arguing officers. "What I wouldn't give for that...."
"Commander," a voice says.
You turn again to see Mr. Harker. The Boramen wears a strange expression, almost like he's curious. It's a stark contrast to his usual grim demeanor. "What is it?"
He glances around the room. "It sounds like you need...allies, in order to defeat the Mirandans."
"Correct, though I am afraid there are few to be found."
"Not so commander," Mr. Harker says. He gestures with a slight tilt of his head towards Doctor Grail. You turn to the diminutive and elderly doctor. "You do not know this commander, but Isaac Grail is one of the greatest Boramen scientists left. Many of our people look up to him, and during the great war he was instrumental in us surviving as long as we did. If you are willing, his influence can draw to us all the remaining Boreman forces hiding throughout space. An alliance between Zair and our group would give anyone pause. Imagine all our tech in your hands."
You frown. "And what would you want in exchange?"
"Protection of course, and the means to carry out our ideals."
"You destabilized the vast majority of occupied space the last time you were given that opportunity."
Mr. Harker gives you a small smile. "We've learned hard lessons since then commander. We can give you unrivaled power, even if there are a few...causalities and misteps along the way. If there is another great war, this time we will be victorious."
You slowly exhale, then pinch the bridge of your nose as you think. The voices of the officers in the command center echo around you.
[] Prepare defense in Turanda and Zair to outlast the Mirandans
[] Send Moxi and Prahm's singing beacon to Mirandan space
[] Use Doctor Grail's influence to form an alliance between Zair and the Boramen
