3 Days Later, May 18th, 2265. 07:15 St. Mary’s Station – Commercial Docking Ring

John was leaning on an exposed I-beam waiting for the void liner to finish its docking sequence. Alice was annoyed that she had to work while he got to have a day off and goof around with Andern and Kristin. He kept his smart mouth shut and said they’d make up for the lost time the next few days.

On his tablet, he was reading an article about the operation. The journalist called it a heroic effort crippled by amazing idiocy. The media was eating up this story that a large portion of the military’s special forces was given orders to kill the Marines they were grouped up with, during an active operation.

Admiral Jennifer Pires and Major-General Patrick Valdez were named as the primary co-conspirators behind this plan. They both were in possession of incriminating items that they used to blackmail other members. That allowed them to push forward this plan and do so via backdoor channels.

Most of what remained of Fleet Command was either quietly retiring, in varying degrees of shame, or being brought up on charges. John was somewhat impressed that Admiral Karlsson had been able to replace twenty-six admirals and generals, out of thirty-two, in the past few months to make up the new Fleet Command. It was a stroke of political genius, though he wasn’t confident that the admiral knew about this plan or if he did whether or not he’d done anything to stop it.

“You know you’re not supposed to be waiting here?” a familiar voice said.

“Sure do. I know the lieutenant that was on duty back at the checkpoint. Besides, I’m minding my own business reading the news.”

“Well, you weren’t wrong, that’ll buy him eighteen to twenty-four months tops. Those people he’s backfilled and promoted aren’t as loyal as he thinks,” Director LeCroix said as he sat down on the empty bench behind John.

“Eighteen’s a solid bet. What’s the under on that?”

“I’m not gambling, least of all with you. I presume you heard?”

“Yeah, written reprimand for my outburst. Took my first remedial class yesterday. Should have those wrapped up before I step on the CNS Waukesha,” John smiled at that statement, “Most of the platoon is getting silver stars. Paul, Arianna, and Vanessa are getting the distinguished service medal. Damn proud of them.”

“You are ignoring your medals.”

“So I am. If I’m honest, I’m not sure I want to remember this operation.”

“A distinguished service cross was certainly earned on Nyx Prime. So was your defense distinguished service medal for the operation as a whole.”

John turned to face his former boss, “The real enemy of this mission was us. I’ve given my life for the defense of our way of life. But I’m questioning whether or not that sacrifice is worth it.”

Director LeCroix smiled as he stood up and slapped John’s shoulder, “I may not like you or your methods, but I know you won’t rest to right wrongs, irrespective of who committed them or where they happened. Your sense of honor keeps your questionable morality in check, more so than I had thought possible.”

John chuckled to himself quietly, “That almost sounded like a compliment.”

“It was not,” Director LeCroix turned and gave him a wave, “If he doesn’t last eighteen months the drink is on me.”

John grinned, “You can’t afford my tastes, sir.”

John shook his head as he looked up at the display screen. The ‘docking now’ notice had changed to disembarking now. It would be long until his friends were able to disembark. John used his connections to get the couple a fast pass through customs. He also arranged, through less-than-legal methods, a free upgrade to first class for his friends.

Scores of people came streaming out and walked through the docking umbilical. John slid the tablet into his pocket and began people-watching. It didn’t take long to see his friends come walking down the ramp. Andern was especially proud of himself while Kristin seemed somewhat annoyed at him.

Andern ran up to John and gave him a big hug, “Hey big guy. Sixty-two-mile club!”

John grinned as he escaped the bearhug and looked at Kristin, “That explains that look. By the way, that only applies to Earth. The number is closer to seventy miles here.”

“I love him, but my god he is an idiot,” Kristin then stepped forward and hugged John, “Thanks for the upgrade. I’m sure you paid for it.”

John laughed and gestured for them to follow him, “I know a guy. Got y’all fast passes. Oh, and Alice couldn’t get today off. She was kinda pissy this morning.”

“I don’t blame her,” Andern said, “She has to work while we goof off.”

“So, was that operation as shitty as we’re reading?” Kristin asked enquiringly.

John shrugged, “The end left a pretty awful taste in my mouth, but the rest of it didn’t seem to be that bad. Congrats on the promotion too. Those Carolina class battlecruisers are fucking cool.”

Kristin grinned, “I told you he’d know. I found out about that transfer while we were flying here. How did you know?”

“Got admitted to the captain’s club,” John smiled.

“Sweet, what’d you get assigned to?”

“CNS Waukesha, Phoenix class interdictor cruiser. Think mini-carrier that can do damn near anything and you’ve got the Phoenix class. Sounds like we’re going pirate hunting out near the Verge.”

“Ugh, what a shithole that area of space is,” Andern said.

“Yeah, should be fun. Let’s get y’all through customs so we can kick back and relax.”

The trio continued to talk as they walked. True to his word, John got them through customs quickly. The walk to their condo took forever. Reconstruction on the station had begun in earnest after the attack. And as a result of that construction, numerous changes and updates were made as well. John groaned inwardly as they took detour after detour.

“Well, took long enough to be here we are,” John said as he unlocked the door, “Casa de Lief.”

“Ooh nice,” Kristin said, “Alice found this place, right?”

“And pretty much furnished it too. I was deployed immediately when we got here. I wasn’t much help.”

Andern grunted, “That doesn’t surprise me at all. Your domestic skills and benefits start and end with cooking.”

“Thank you very little,” John said sarcastically, “Guest room is the first door on your left down that hallway. Bathroom and closet doors are pretty obvious in the room. Feel free to make yourselves at home.”

Andern ran into the room and shoved the suitcase into the room while he tossed his backpack onto the bed before running back into the living room. John had already pulled out three cigars to celebrate and was pouring drinks for the trio. He messaged Alice about what they were doing and she sent a simple response ‘..|..’ back to him. Clearly, she was frustrated at being on duty.

“Thank ya for the drink,” Andern said, “Excited for your first proper command?”

John nodded, “Would’ve been nice to form my own command staff but beggars can’t be choosers. It’ll be fine. The group on that ship is pretty solid.”

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“Have you heard from Brian or Thomas?” Kristin asked.

John shrugged, “Thomas reaches out to me every now and then. He seems to be situated into his role just fine. Haven’t heard a peep from Brian though. At this point, I don’t expect to either.”

“Theresa got a message from him not long ago. He was sounding pretty bitter,” Kristin shook her head, “I still don’t know what he expected us to do for him?”

“The party doesn’t end when one of us had to go unexpectedly. Ah well, live and learn right?” John said as he led the trio onto their porch, “Kevin’s doing well. He’s loving the work he’s doing. My oldest brother-in-law took early retirement after he didn’t make captain.”

“Jessica says their home base is kind of a shithole,” Kristin said.

“Shithole is pushing it. It’s an older star fort that was transferred to civilian hands. They are building a new one that should open up later this year,” Andern said before lighting his cigar, “You hear from any of the survivors of the Des Moines?”

“A few but not many. Two-thirds of them took special retirements. A whole lot of them weren’t, or hell still isn’t, in a good place mentally from what happened.”

“Damn, that’s shitty,” Andern said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the same thing happened with the Marines that were under my command. We lost a good bunch of them before the final op, and with all that’s come out, I’m sure more are going to be gone.”

“Hard to stay motivated when the higher-ups try to kill you,” Kristin said quietly.

The friends would continue to chat and unwind for a few more hours. John brought them to a nice sports bar for lunch. Afterward, they came back to his condo and continued to enjoy their vacation while they waited for Alice.

John and Alice would cook dinner for the four of them that evening. The good wine and bourbon were brought out to enjoy. They would party well into the early hours of the morning. Eventually, they’d retire and enjoy a restful night.

The following morning, they headed down to the surface to a resort in Manchester. Once on the surface, they drove a couple of hours to a touristy area. It was built around the largest freshwater lake on the continent. The uniquely colored sand of the beaches could be seen from orbit, which made it the destination to visit.

2 Days Later, May 20th, 2265. 11:15 Planet of Manchester, New Miami Resort

Andern and John were sitting in the shade next to the pool. Alice and Kristin were sitting on the edge of the pool dipping their legs in. Giant daiquiri glasses with fruity drinks flanked the girls. Andern had a giant frosty beer that he was nursing. John was sipping on a scotch of some sort.

“Holy hell, did you read this?” Andern asked as he slid the tablet across the table to John.

“Smartass answer in three…” Kristin smirked.

“I kinda was there. That’s not surprising.”

“Was it as bad as they said?” Alice asked, “Because this seems unreal.”

John nodded but didn’t add anything to it.

“We’re on vacation. It’s supposed to be fun,” Kristin said, “Plus we haven’t seen each other in forever.”

“Right?” John said, “Christ, I think it was your wedding, right?” John asked.

“I…” Alice stopped and thought, “Oh my god it was. We spoke when you were in the system, but you never docked.”

“Work sucks,” Andern said succinctly.

“The work doesn’t, but our responsibilities can,” Kristin shot a glance back at Andern.

“Here here. Except y’all haven’t been shot at,” John grinned.

“You kinda signed up for that though,” Alice said.

“Eagerly too,” Alice said, “Guessing on that Alice but I’m positive he needed no convincing.

Andern grunted. Alice nodded. John just rolled his eyes and shook his head.

“Ah hell, I have to talk about this. What’s the personal fallout?” Kristin then asked seriously, “Given your less-than-expected enthusiasm regarding the completed operation it sounds like it didn’t end the way you had hoped.”

“In First Fleet, I’m still viewed pretty favorably. Thank god for that. Admiral Zhang wants nothing to do with me,” John grinned, “I ordered a ship to sail into danger knowingly and convinced her to move one of her recon wings to the solar system.”

“Ballsy move, but I can kinda see how she didn’t appreciate a lieutenant instigating all of that,” Andern said, “I suspect your leaders viewed that differently.”

“They did. I also insulted pretty much all of Fleet Command, though most of them have been replaced,” John grinned, “Got written up for that stunt. Pissed off Fleet Admiral Karlsson multiple times too. Mostly because I didn’t follow their stupid ass orders.”

“Big shocker there,” Kristin said.

“It wasn’t all bad though. Dr. Norman is gone for good,” Alice said, “That has to count for something.”

John leaned back in his chair and stretched, “And yet there were forces within the military and civilian government that wanted him working for our side. I’d be lying to y’all if I said I wasn’t partially disillusioned by any of that.”

Kristin nodded her head, “And they were willing to sacrifice all of you to get a golden goose.”

“More like murder and cover everything up,” Andern said, “You worried about a rebound?”

“No. That is not going to happen. The civvies that were wrapped up in all of this bullshit are either facing charges or resigned.”

Alice smirked, “Forever tarnished. Won’t be able to run for public office again. You are going to have to grow up and play the political game now. Nor more bull in a China store for you.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” John took a drink and sighed, “It is what it is.”

“Has the princess seriously not bothered you guys?” Andern asked, “I know you said you took care of it, but I’m surprised that she didn’t show up here already. That was her MO.”

Alice grinned, “John has a way with words.”

“Right, more like weapons and guns,” Andern quipped back.

Kristin laughed but then looked at John, “That’s exactly what you did.”

John nodded, “She was a pubic hair away from me pulling the damn trigger. Her mom was the first one that saw reason. Fucking hell those people, why on Earth did it take that bloody long for them to get the message.”

“That and you made her clean up the mess you made,” Alice took a drink, “That was the cherry on top. I’m surprised you didn’t just instantly shoot her after what they did to me.”

“Define mess,” Kristin said.

“Yeah, your messes are often tragic and horrifying,” Andern took a drink.

John grinned and raised his glass, “Made her drag all the bodies and broken shit into the elevator. She got to spend about two hours in an elevator with a bunch of dead bodies. Pretty sure she’d need a fair amount of psychiatric help after the fact.”

“Yeah, that’s…” Kristin couldn’t finish her though.

“Fucking brutal. Nice,” Andern started to laugh.

“Totally justified too. I can’t believe that we actually acted like fangirls over that royalty at one time,” Kristin took a drink.

“She got married to some socialite fuckwit not too long ago. Two vapid souls, it was as if they were a match made in heaven.”

The group of friends continued to relax at the pool for the rest of the day. Lunch and dinner were eaten there while copious amounts of alcoholic beverages were consumed throughout the day. They were fully relaxed. More talking and catching up was had at the house.

Andern and John would go fishing several times, either off the docks or on charters. The girls joined on a charter once, but that was enough for them. The shopping district, a brief walk from the rental property, was nearby and that was much more to their tastes. Alice told John in no uncertain terms that he was not to go to any of the numerous watches and jewelry stores, a request that John complied with reluctantly.

3 Days Later, May 23rd, 2265. 23:55 St. Mary’s Station – Residential Wing

The living was dark save for a single terminal shining in the corner. Alice stole the covers to their bed and kicked him so hard it woke him up. Kristin and Andern were, unfortunately, already long gone heading back to their home.

John was reviewing the data Dr. Norman had given him on those tablets. Those very tablets were sitting on the table. He smuggled them home and made no mention of them in any report. The videos were fascinating, the alien architecture was awe-inspiring. A small city built entirely underground, though he suspected the lighting wasn’t doing it justice.

“No life signs nor any power signatures,” John said quietly to himself, “What got him all worked up over this.”

He paused the playback and displayed all of the symbols they had seen. How he wished he were a master of linguistics. John was correctly able to identify the numbers this species used. There were only eight, which meant they used a base-8 mathematical system.

John searched the extranet for everything related to that style of mathematics. He was surprised to find that the confederacy uses it to great degrees in its computer and virtual intelligence systems. After he had a better understanding of that style of math. Still, it was curious how this civilization didn’t bother to use base-10 math in a similar way that they had.

‘Beware the demons that hide in the void,’ read one translated sign. Again, being a linguistics expert would be amazing right now. John submitted the translation algorithm Dr. Norman’s team used to Eve. Moments later she responded on screen.

‘Many inaccuracies lay with the translation. The literal translation comes out to: Hidden in the Void, The unnatural beings sprang forth from.’

“If you tell me this species talked like that little green dude from that long-ass running sci-fi series I’m going back to bed,” John said sarcastically.

‘The additional symbols her and here,’ Eve displayed arrows pointing to them, ‘Are similar to our warning or hazard symbols. Dr. Norman’s team translated those symbols as if they were letters or words in the sentences.”

“Is there any mention of other locations this civilization had? Or what specifically these demons or unnatural beings were?” John asked quietly.

‘According to the research notes, yes there are notations about what this enemy was, but it is based on faulty translations. Additional review of the materials is necessary to identify other worlds this race inhabited.’

John nodded as he read his VI’s explanation. He leaned back in his chair and continued to read through the assorted materials. Reams of material needed to be retranslated. Multiple orders were given to Eve. The first was to retranslate everything, as it was fairly clear that Dr. Norman’s team hadn’t done it accurately.

The other order was to encrypt the tablets. For now, John was going to keep this information to himself. Dr. Norman had stumbled into something spectacular. Given the time of these videos, this was well into his career as a monster, he didn’t embark down that dark path as a result of this discovery. Nevertheless, Dr. Norman would never receive any credit for this so long as John still drew breath.

John then looked up and noticed the time, “Let’s get to bed. A new journey starts tomorrow.”