The Last Revolution (16 page)

“So what do you think?”

“Sorry, what were you saying?” Turning to Kira he had to catch his breath; she was so beautiful.

“I was asking who you thought would win if the Three Nations went to war.”

“Why are you thinking about that?”

“Well, we did just pass within a few hundred kilometers of a ship built to destroy nations. One that carries seven thousand guns, five hundred fighter jets, three hundred heavy cannons and a rail gun that could punch a hole through a carrier.”

“You don’t have to remind me of the firepower. If the Three Nations ever went to war I’d be in the middle of it.”

“If that was the case, what side would you fight for?”

Alden shrugged, glancing at the manager once more. “The Council fights to protect the treaty, not any one nation. I’m sure we’d support whichever nation was wronged.”

“Do you review the treaty and decide who was wrong?”

“Well no, but the Council leaders do, and I trust their judgment. At the end of the day, I do what I’m told to do. I’m a soldier, not a politician.”

“Doesn’t that bother you? Being forced to put your life on the line without knowing if you’re even fighting on the right side?”

“I know I’m fighting on the right side. I don’t really want to talk about this anymore. I’m going to go stretch my legs.” Releasing the restraint button, he stood up and moved away. His steps felt lighter and it took a bit to gain traction, but with each step he grew more accustomed to the limited gravity. Thankfully they had a grav-matter engine, otherwise he’d be floating down the aisles right now.

I wonder how they would have designed the cabin if walking weren’t an option. Rails, tubes, private chambers? Currently the cabin was long and cylindrical. The tan interior was lit from above. Rows of seats stretched out on either side. Despite having space for two hundred people, there could have only been fifty occupied spots. Towards the back a lone bartender washed glasses and minded his counter space.

Beyond their seats at the head of the jet was the observation deck. Windows stretched 180 degrees. In the first century of flight there had actually been people up there. With the rapid advancement of computers, that seemed silly. He wouldn’t trust another person driving his car, let alone flying him to space. Computers were just so much…safer.

A set of stairs descended to his left. Alden went to the lower cabin. He was almost at the bottom when he realized that the entire area was filled with soldiers! Stupid, he should have known. At least a hundred of them sat around chatting amongst each other.

Pressing his body against the wall, he attempted to remain out of sight. Suddenly the overhead lights dimmed. Had they seen him? The familiar glow of a holographic communication came to life. Chancing discovery, Alden peered around the corner to see more. Every soldier was staring at the front of the ship at the same hologram. He appeared to be a general, and his chest was covered in medals.

“Now that we’ve safely passed out of Earth’s atmosphere I’m going to explain your mission. You’ll be traveling to New Tranquility in order to provide support to the platoons stationed there.”

A quiet cheer erupted amongst the soldiers.

“There is nothing to celebrate!” the voice snapped. “I know what the advertisements show at home, but New Tranquility is no longer the pleasure capitol of the lunar surface. The sports, gambling, spas and high end shopping that you’re picturing no longer exist. People are scared and the local population needs us. They are disenfranchised by the fear of war, revolt and death brought down on them by the lunar terrorists.”

“These foreign fighters have been increasing their attacks and the visibility of their targets. The local forces are severely outnumbered; they’re being ground down. Your primary mission is to assist in maintaining the peace. You will also conduct counter-terrorism operations, street sweeps, interrogation, riot suppression and intelligence gathering.”
Alden rested his head against the wall behind him. In what seemed like another life now, he would have been the one leading these men into battle. Now he was hiding like a coward.

The holographic figure continued, “The most fatal mistake you could make is taking this operation lightly. Be alert at all times, travel in teams, check in regularly, and be wary of the locals. Attempt to gain their trust, as they will have the most direct line to the heart of this terrorist network. But do not go out of your way for them, because they would not do the same for you. It’s liable to get you killed. Remember everything you learned in training and you’ll be home before you know it.

“During this flight prepare your wills, and write any letters you would like sent to your family in the event of your unlikely death. You are currently surrounded by your countrymen, but you may come in contact with members from the other two nations while serving on the moon.”

An audible groan rose from the group.

“Stop it! Up here you are all on the same side. Everybody needs their helium-3 distribution. If we don’t work together, we fail together. What will you do when you return home and H-3 rationing has been cut even further? Suck it up and remember that your nation has asked you to serve and keep this alliance safe. Each and every one of you is now an ambassador for the Alliance. What you do could affect billions of people. Do your best to work with the other two nations while you’re on the moon. It’s not just an order, but it’s possible your life depends on it. Now, make your nation and country proud by kicking some terrorist ass!”

A cheer went out among the group and then the hologram disappeared.

The soldiers began to discuss everything they had just learned. Alden didn’t want to be discovered listening in on classified intelligence. He returned to the passenger cabin. Alden could see the back of Kira’s head and he walked past several empty rows as he returned to his seat. She had been typing on her wrist deck but stopped the moment he slipped into his seat.

“What are you doing?” Alden asked.

“Nothing.” She turned the device off. “Where have you been?”

Alden shrugged. “Just went for a walk. The manager up ahead is making me nervous.”

“Why?” She lifted herself up slightly to see over the seats.

“He hasn’t said anything to you, has he?”

“No one has.”

“Is it possible that he knows who we are?”

“Doubtful, unless your photo is making the rounds through the Alliance database. Could they have gotten a picture of you last night?”

“I don’t think so. There was too much going on and it was really dark.” The man now stood next to the forward bulkhead staring at him. Alden suddenly realized that his every move was being watched.

He stood and took Kira’s hand, helping her out of her seat. “Let’s go to the back observation deck, we need someplace quiet.”

“No, I’ve seen several people walk back there. However, no one has gone up to the front observation deck.”

“Are you crazy,” Alden whispered. “We’ll walk right past him.”

“Yeah, so? It’ll make him more interested.” She took his arm as they moved towards the front deck. “That’s so funny. You didn’t tell me you worked as a tour guide in
La Spezia
.”

He pulled her in close. “It was just after I finished Council Uni.”

Alden watched the attending manager out of the corner of his eye as they moved past. His view hadn’t left them for a second, and now he wasn’t even pretending to look away.

Alden turned back to Kira. “It was during the last energy crisis and there weren’t a lot of other jobs available. Figured being a tour boat operator was better than the alternative.”

They slipped into the forward observation deck and the automatic doors slid shut behind them.

“How long do we have?” Kira asked.

“Not long.” Alden scanned the room looking for anything that could provide him an advantage. It was empty except for a few rows of chairs facing the floor to ceiling window on the opposite side. He moved forward on impulse, as if his actions weren’t his own. The sight of space compelled him.

It was so close he could almost reach out and take hold of the darkness. It was not something to be feared. The Three Nations believed themselves the pinnacles of civilization, yet here they were branching out from their planet like a child attempting to walk for the first time. They shouldn’t be inching forward, they should be running, taking control and mastering all of this.

Kira stood next to him staring at the moon as it grew ever larger. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

It floated, seemingly pure and devoid of the endless steel structures that covered Earth.

Alden could see the transportation ring that linked all the subterranean colonies together. From here it seemed so peaceful, it reminded him of the stark contrast he’d seen on the Council vids of dirty colonists building bombs, killing soldiers and terrorizing people. He wished he was below deck, dressed in combat fatigues, surrounded by his friends and ready to conquer the rock themselves.

He couldn’t respond with anything that didn’t sound bitter, so he simply nodded and continued looking out the window.

“That’s Apollo City.” Kira gestured at a little dot at the bottom of the ring. “It was the first colony built by the original settlers and–”

Alden had spent a large portion of his life studying the geo-political makeup of the moon and lunar conflict. He probably knew more about it than she did. Images of the great canyon that Apollo City had been built into came to mind. The size of the canyon rivaled the Mariana Trench back on Earth.

“–because the solar radiation was too strong for the barrier technology at the time they were forced to build below ground.” Kira leaned forward and rested her elbows on the railing. Pointing at another dot on the ring towards the top she continued, “However, we’re traveling to New Tranquility, the complete opposite of Apollo City in literally every way. It was built along the interior of a crater.”

Alden turned to the right and checked to make sure the door was still closed. There was a faint outline along the wall next to the entrance. It was probably a service closet and a good place to store bodies.

“…it had originally been designed as the business and pleasure hub, no expense had been spared. State of the art accommodations with barrier technology built into every room to provide the greatest view of the lunar surface and Earth.”

Facing Kira, Alden said, “Will we have any problems making the trip to Apollo City once we land?”

“No. I’ve got a contact in New Tranquility who should be able to secure us travel docs. We’ll take the grav-trains, they’re the least policed, but we’ll have to catch a connection in either Prebeo or New Beijing. We should arrive by tomorrow night…”

The door behind them slid open and the manger marched into the observation area, followed by the husky bartender.

“You.” He pointed at Alden. “You’re under arrest.”

“What for?”

“It doesn’t matter where you go, they’ll find you.”

“I suppose you’re referring to the Council?”

“What? No, they wouldn’t waste their time on someone like you!” he answered, visibly annoyed at the question. “You’re all over the holo-vids killing officers outside a night club, you’re a cop killer.”

His immediate reaction was to argue, but he caught his tongue. Their minds were made up and nothing he said was going to stop them from turning him over to the Alliance.

Alden walked forward shaking his head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. This is obviously a big misunderstanding. I’m on vacation with my wife. However, if this person really did what you’re accusing them of he sounds pretty dangerous. Not sure I’d corner them in a small room and start making threats.”

The manager grew red and bubbled with anger. “You try one thing and I’ll bring that entire platoon of soldiers up here!” he yelled.

Catching himself, the manager took a deep breath. “We could kill you right here and they’d still reward us…although not as much,” he said, trailing off.

“How dare you accuse my husband of murder!” Kira interjected. “Do you treat all your paying customers like this? No wonder people don’t fly with you anymore!”

“Don’t pander to me, girl. I checked your names in the national registry and both of you are listed as being in your mid-40’s and imprisoned under the SCA. Even if I’m wrong about the nightclub, the fact that you hacked the government site will be more than enough for me. Now we don’t want anyone to get hurt,” he said, insinuating towards Kira. “Put your hands behind your head and get on your knees.”

“As appealing as your offer sounds, we’re gonna pass,” Alden responded.

Turning to the bartender, the manager said, “Rune, grab them!”

Rune was a giant man. He wore a tuxedo for the job but it was so tight it seemed like the slightest move would cause the entire thing to split wide open. He lumbered towards Alden with his arms outstretched.

Alden almost felt bad for the guy. Anyone else probably would have feared for their existence, but his only true concern was keeping it quiet and stopping the manager before he had the opportunity to run for help.

Alden sprang to action. He landed dozens of debilitating blows to Rune’s ribs, kidneys, joints and head. It only took a few seconds but when it was over, Rune stared at him with a glazed look and then collapsed to the floor.

Suddenly uncontrollable spasms coursed through Alden’s body. He lost all motor control and dropped to his knees. His body trembled and shook and fell face-first into the floor. The entire thing happened before he knew it. A shadow passed over his face as Kira kicked a device out of the manager’s hand and then landed several more rapid kicks. She whipped around and used all of her momentum to connect one last roundhouse into the manager’s head. He flew into the back wall and fell into an unconscious heap in the corner.

Kira stood over him, her words were jumbled and she seemed to constantly be moving. Little tracers were left in her path and floated behind her movements. Why wouldn’t she stay still and how was she moving so fast? Alden tried to raise his hand to catch hold of her, but she just held it for a few moments and then set it back down at his side. Was she talking to him?