The Ninth (53 page)

The man in gray bent over and panted heavily until he caught his breath.

“The instructors are in a panic.  Every trooper got up and left training.”

“What possessed them to do that?” Nathan asked.  He knew he should have been shocked, but somehow he was starting to expect the worst.

“The bookies sent a message to everyone.  Brent ran
the Gauntlet
.”

“The what?” Nathan asked.

“How did he do?” Jack interrupted.

“Beat the record, plus
forty-nine
.  The bookies are transmitting the whole thing to central.”

“See if you can slow them down.  Dismissed.”

The man in gray saluted and quickly ran out of the room.

“Back up.  The what?” Nathan asked again.

“Hour thirteen of operation ‘deep strike,’” Jack said, deep in thought.

“I still don’t follow.”

“You were on a core world while working on Lazarus and don’t know about the Gauntlet?” Jack asked incredulously.  “It’s one of the biggest events of the year!”

“You mean that horrible canyon thing?  I watched it my first year.  Horribly gruesome thing.  Every year the younger scientists would get all worked up about it.  I never saw the appeal.”

“That ‘horrible canyon thing,’ as you call it, is one of the proudest moments in our history.  Every year we celebrate the supreme sacrifice of those brave women and men.  The feed is sent throughout the entire Commonwealth.  Everyone pays tribute to the ones who lost their lives during the Great War.”

“So it’s important.  That explains why the troopers decided to leave their training.  Although, the instructors are still going to blame me.  I’m the popular whipping boy around here it seems.  But what’s all this got to do with Brent?”

“There’s more to it than just a tribute to the fallen.  Every year the best commanders in the military run the scenario to prove their mettle.  Think of it as a right of passage.  Most don’t last as long as our ancestors did, but every once in a while a truly great commander comes along who manages to match the original time.  Over time, it wasn’t enough to just run the scenario; commanders started to get competitive.”

“Typical.  But don’t we have a few more months until their ‘right of passage’?”

“Certainly, but that’s not the issue.  Long before either of us was born, a brilliant commander managed to last
longer
than the original run.  She set a new, all time record.  Ever since she broke the old record, it’s tradition to record every attempt, no matter when or who is running the scenario.  Brent managed to beat the last great commander’s time.  That score had held for the last four hundred years.”

“Four hundred years!  Wait, recorded?  Does that mean . . .”

“The entire Commonwealth is about to know about Brent.  It’s likely he and the rest of the squad are about to become instant celebrities in the military.  The Lazarus commission isn’t going to like this one bit.”

“Forget the commission!  The ITU is going to know
exactly
where Brent is!”

“I wouldn’t worry about that.  The ITU isn’t interested in Brent.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“The ITU is
everywhere
, even sectors that don’t have an academy.  I checked with some of my friends higher up in the military.  The ITU claims it is just a promotional stunt.”

“A stunt?”

“Apparently they are unveiling some new product or service.  Their liaisons have been tight lipped about the exact details, but they say the ships are part of the unveiling ceremony.”

“A likely story.”

“The fact they are so insistent is making everyone suspicious.  I told them about your friend’s findings.”

“And?”

“It worried them, that’s for sure.  They are looking into the matter, but I wouldn’t hold your breath.”

“The boundless efficiency of the military.  Wonderful.  I wonder what the ITU is really up to . . .”

“I wouldn’t worry too much.  After all they are just businessmen, not soldiers.”

“I suppose, but what if . . .”

“Administer Bloom!” a shrill voice clawed at their ears.

Nathan’s head dropped, and he let out a low sigh.

“Miss Fields, what do you want?”

“Don’t you ‘Miss Fields’ me!  I’ve been searching the entire academy looking for you!”

“Let me guess.  The instructors want my head on a pike?”

“Your office is filled with irate instructors clamoring for you.”

“Poor thing, couldn’t read with all the racket?”

“Not a word, and this week’s . . . that’s not the point!”

“Don’t worry.  I’m aware of the situation and plan on taking a decisive course of action.”

“Hiding out with your drinking buddy isn’t exactly what I’d call decisive,” she said in her shrillI voice as she eyed Jack in contempt.  “There is one other thing.”

“Oh?”

“Governor Lucchesi has been demanding to speak with you again.  He has been quite insistent.  I’m going to take my break early.  If you need anything, please
hesitate
to ask.”

Nathan’s secretary left the room in a huff, no doubt running off to rat out the Administer’s current location to the waiting mob of instructors in his office.

“
Drinking buddy
?” Jack asked with a grin.  “Just who does she think I am?”

“You are a friend of mine; it’s hate through association.  Although, inadvertently she can be useful.”

“What do you mean?”

“Governor Lucchesi.  I knew I’d heard the name before.  Poor girl.”

“Tyra’s father is a
Governor
?” Jack asked in mild surprise.  The military and political wings of the Commonwealth rarely commingled.

“Not just any Governor, he’s in charge of this very region.  This is perfect!”

“Okay, now it’s my turn to play the dunce.  What are you getting at?”

“Governor Lucchesi has never been supportive of his
only
daughter’s decision to join the military.  He constantly pesters me, practically begging me to find some way to send her home.  He’s even tried to bribe me a couple of times.”

“An over protective father with political power.  How does that help us?”

“We need a place to hide Brent until this business with the ITU and that horrible canyon thing blows over.  Where better than with a Governor whose region is free of any ITU influence?”

“I thought the ITU had a hand in everything.”

“Normally yes, but this region is downright worthless.  The academy was put here in the first place as a way to bolster the local economy before it collapsed completely.  About the only thing of any value is an unmanned mining platform on one of the smaller worlds in a nearby solar system, and that thing is an unclaimed wreck.”

“I don’t know if this is a good idea . . .”

“Well, you can think about it at the party.”

“Party?  What party?”

“The ones the troopers are having in the observation deck.  Only place a crowd that large could fit.”

“How do you know there’s a party?”

“I know my troopers.  There is no way they are going back to training.  Plus, we need to get out of here.  My secretary has no doubt told the instructors where I am by now; they are probably on their way here right now.”

“Charming woman.”  Jack let out a laugh.

“I’ve seen vipers with a gentler bite.”

The observation room was near full capacity.  Troopers were celebrating in every fashion they could think of.  Humphrey and Cain were holding an impromptu contest to see who could dance the worst.  Rhea was the only judge, and she cast her vote as a long unending flow of laughter.  Tyra and Ronald were in the lounge, Tyra still overwhelmed by the whole thing.  The rest of the squad mingled with the massive crowd.  Save for Mr. Springate who leaned against an out of the way wall and watched silently.  Brent had taken a table in the lounge where he could keep an eye on Tyra.

“You had this planned, didn’t you?” Cassandra asked as she took a seat across from him.

“You give me too much credit,” Brent said.  “I knew we had potential, but I never imagined this.  Plus, you can blame Cain for letting the word out.”

“He certainly is a unique person, sir,” Dante said, taking the free seat next to Brent.  “He acts like an idiot, but it’s clear he is more knowledgeable than he lets on.”

“I’d agree with the unique part, but knowledgeable?”  Cassandra let out a laugh.  “All he knows is how to work a crowd to make a few credits.”

“I haven’t had the pleasure.  What was your name again?”

“I’m the ripe tomato about to explode,
remember
?”  She huffed in irritation.

“I see.  So am I right to assume she is your girlfriend, sir?”

Cassandra flashed red and started coughing.

“That’s none of your business!” she shouted.  “Keep your assumptions to yourself!”

“Would you keep it down; this party is loud enough as it is.”  Angela slumped into the free seat next to Cassandra.

Angela was covering her ears with an expression of slight pain on her face.  Cassandra stiffened uneasily.

“You all right?” Brent asked, keeping his voice low.

“How can
you
ask that?  Isn’t this killing you?  So many emotions all at once . . .”

He nudged Dante to stand.  Cassandra almost bolted to take his old seat.  When Brent shrugged, Dante took Cassandra’s old seat next to Angela.  Angela watched in confusion.

“Dante, would you do me a favor?” Brent asked.

“What do you need, sir?”

“Would you mind covering her ears and doing that foggy thing you do?”

Dante stared hard at him.  His face slowly turned into a smile as he realized Brent’s intention.

“Would you mind removing your hands for just a moment?”  Dante asked Angela.

Angela exchanged concerned glances at the troopers at the table.  Hesitantly, she removed her hands, wincing in pain.  Dante covered her ears.  As he covered them, a cold fog enshrouded his emotions.  Angela’s eyes widened.

“What are you up to?” Cassandra asked.

“Just helping her relax,” He said with a smile.

Angela’s hands wrapped around his, a look of surprise and contentment on her face.

“Better?” Dante asked the Weaver.

“How are you doing that?”

“That’s a secret.”  He winked at her.  “I apologize for calling you a tomato.  I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“
Ripe
tomato,” Cassandra corrected.  “I’m just giving you a hard time.  Cain’s called me infinitely worse names in the past.  It doesn’t bother me anymore.”

“Would you look at that, a quartet of love birds,” Erin said as she leaned between Brent and Cassandra.

Angela’s eyes were closed as she rested in Dante’s hands, completely ignoring Erin.  Cassandra pretended to ignore her as well.

“Jealous?” Brent asked with a wink.

“Need I remind you that you asked me to do this, sir?” Dante said defensively.  “No offense, Angela.”

Angela didn’t stir from her reverie.  Erin let out a loud laugh and returned to the party.  Abruptly, a sweaty Cain drug a chair to the table edge, creating a loud grating sound.

“I’m beat,” Cain said as he wiped his brow.  “That Humphrey sure is a lousy dancer.”

“You’re one to talk.”  Cassandra rolled her eyes.

“What’s up with them?” Cain asked, gesturing to Angela who was snuggled up to Dante.

“I’m helping her enjoy the party; she needed a rest,” he said.

“Really?  You’ll have to teach me that trick someday.”

“I’m sure you’ve got plenty of tricks up your sleeve already,” Dante said in a frosty tone.

“Could always use one more.”  Cain chuckled to himself.  “Who knows?  Might be fun to do something other than irritate her once in a while.”

“Good luck with that.”  Cassandra snickered.  “I doubt anyone could teach you how not to be annoying.”

“Now you’ve
got
to help me.  She’s thrown down the challenge now.”

“Challenge?” Dante asked, surprised.

“Of course.  What’s the wager?” Cain asked Cassandra.

“Normally I can’t stand your nonsense, but this time I’ll play long.  If he can teach you to be a decent person, I’ll pay for your meals for a week.”

“Need something a little more definite than ‘decent person.’”

“Fine.  One whole day of not pissing off Angela.”

“You’ve got yourself a deal!”

Cain and Cassandra shook hands.

“What just happened, sir?” Dante asked, confused.

“You’ve just agreed to be Cain’s etiquette teacher,” Brent answered with a chuckle.

Cain immediately started studying Dante’s behavior, even going so far as taking notes on his pad.  The party went on for hours.  The only indications of time were the two short breaks when the troopers rested to eat their lunch and dinner meals that the bookies smuggled in, for a small markup of course.  Brent tried to remain along the sidelines as much as possible.  The praise of the troopers was overbearing.  He hadn’t selected the scenario for fame or glory, just to get the squad to work as a team.  Ronald was faced with the impossible task of keeping Tyra calm as they were bombarded with a constant deluge of troopers asking for autographs and to shake her hand.  After being on the losing side for so long, Tyra wasn’t sure how to take it all.

A couple of times an instructor or two had tried to break up the party.  However, once they found out why the troopers were celebrating, they joined the party themselves.  The accomplishment of Tyra’s squad would thrust the academy into the attention of the Commonwealth.  That meant better recruits, increased funding, and a whole host of other benefits the instructors had been dreaming about.

As evening descended, the party started to thin out.  As early as proper, Ronald escorted Tyra back to her quarters.  Angela had left hours before; being scrutinized by Cain had irritated her to the point she didn’t want to be on the same side of the station he was.  Reluctantly, Dante had been tutoring Cain ever since.  Cain was determined to win his bet.  Cassandra had disappeared not long after Cain started taking notes.

Brent would catch a glimpse of her every now and then, chatting with old friends from the FF and the like.  He had even spotted her dancing alongside Hiroko and a few other girls at one point.  Her face was a deep red, but she seemed to be enjoying herself regardless.  As the last few troopers were leaving, Brent stood up and stretched.  He had spent the last hour of the party hiding in the corner of the observation room proper with Mr. Springate.

Although, Brent couldn’t be sure if Mr. Springate was hiding from the attention, or just a quiet stealthy man in general.  They were showing replays of the squad’s performance in the canyon.  Frank had spotted several areas in which the squad could use some work.  With the observation room deserted, save for a handful of men in the gray uniform of maintenance cleaning up the leftover mess, Brent felt it was safe to return to his bunk.

It wasn’t likely he’d be mobbed this late.  As he made his way to the exit, he made sure to greet the maintenance workers.  Just because their job was menial didn’t mean they didn’t deserve to be treated with respect.  As the doorway opened for him, he spotted a form resting against the wall of the hallway.  As he inspected the passed out trooper, he realized it was Cassandra.  She didn’t have the reek of an intoxicated trooper, but why else would anyone sleep out in the hallway?  Shaking her gently didn’t wake her.

Checking the hallways, Brent confirmed they were all alone.  He couldn’t very well leave her out in the hallway all night.  Straining, he tried to lift Cassandra to her feet.  She was considerably heavier than he had thought she’d be.  As he steadied her, he wondered if it had something to do with her coming from a heavy gravity world.  Carefully, Brent let her fall on his back.  Leaning forward and grabbing her legs, he managed to carry her off toward the SW’s common room piggyback style.  She was heavy, and his progress was slow, but he was making clear progress.  Suddenly, he felt her hands wrap around his midsection.

“Am I a burden to you?” Cassandra asked drowsily.

“That’s what my back is telling me.”

“Meanie.  You’re not supposed to make fun of a lady’s weight.”

“Don’t blame me; my back’s the one with a big mouth.”

Cassandra’s voice was low and a bit slurred.  Brent couldn’t be sure if she was really awake or not.  When she didn’t respond, he assumed she had fallen back asleep.  The trip was a long one, but they eventually made it back.  The common room was completely empty.  He had no idea what time it was, but given the vacant state of the room, it had be very late or very early.  As he made his way down the rows of bunks in their alcoves, he watched the other troopers, already fast asleep in their bunks.  Every bunk was taken.  Of course, their bunks would be the last ones.  With Brent lifting such a weight, it would have been too easy to have a bunk near the archway.  Finally, he reached the last two bunks.  As he was about to lower Cassandra, her hands tightened again.

“Am I a burden to you?” she asked again.

“Didn’t you ask that before?”

“You didn’t answer.”

“Well, I’ve carried lighter things, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“I don’t mean it like that.  Does it bother you when people see us together?”

“Is this about what Dante said?”

Her arms tightened around him.

“So that’s why you were avoiding me at the party.”

Brent sat on the edge of the bunk, dumping her off his back.  As he stretched, he felt her tug his arm.  He struggled to maintain his balance as she pulled him closer.  In the darkness it was hard to make out details, but he could tell they were face to face.

“Answer me.”  Despite the force in her voice, he could feel her hand trembling.

“Dummy.  Only you would get so worked up over nothing.”

“Nothing?  So I
am
a burden to you.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“But . . .”

Brent put his finger to her mouth to quiet her.

“You are not a burden to me.  You are my friend, and I cherish every moment we spend together.  Don’t let Dante whip you up into a frenzy so easily.”

“Your friend?  Is that all?”  The disappointment was apparent in her voice.

“There you go, jumping to conclusions.  I’ve already told you this once.  Try listening this time.”

“Told me what?”

“I’m a one marshmallow man.”

“Meanie.”

“Dummy.”

She pulled him close and embraced him tightly.  He could feel the moisture from her eyes on his cheek.  He held her tightly until her soft crying ended.  In the dark of the night he wiped away the tears and kissed her.  As she wrapped her arms around him, he could feel her gentle warmth enveloping him.  His eyes closed as he basked in the wonderful feeling.  He had endured a great deal in his short time on the academy, and there was no doubt much more waiting for him.  However, as he held the apple red girl and drifted off to dreams of auburn skies, Brent was thankful for all he had been through.  Whatever might be waiting for him didn’t matter.  As long as he had her by his side, he could accomplish anything.  The future looked bright.

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