Belinea Page 5

  There was a long pause. Willits got face to face with Trujillo again and softly said, “I’m not talking about simulation. I’m talking about real shit.”

  Trujillo just stared back, took a deep breath, and sarcastically whispered, “.....And.....”

  There was another long pause. Tunsall and Trujillo continued to stare at Willits. Willits glanced at Jones. Jones just very slightly shrugged his shoulders. Willits then looked back at the two of them and quietly said, “Maybe we don’t need that second interview.”

  Tunsall then spoke, “Commander, we did not say yes.”

  Willits turned his head in disbelief. “What?”

  Tunsall continued. “This is not an order, correct Commander? This is a volunteer assignment. We do not have to go. We may have better options when we graduate in a couple of weeks.”

  Jones again lightly shouted from across the room. “Better options? You got some crazy connections that we don’t know about?”

  Tunsall and Trujillo glanced at each other before looking at Jones as he continued. “Because unless you do, here are your options. You can fly transport ships to ferry cargo and soldiers on peacekeeping missions on Earth. Maybe even fly local delegates on Earth if you’re lucky. What you won’t be doing is flying anything on an AuFa carrier. Because if you ain’t Belinean, they won’t let you drive so much as a transport cart from one side of the hanger to the other.”

  Tunsall and Trujillo glanced at each other before looking at Willits. Willits walked up to them and said, “This is an assignment that will get you combat experience before you even graduate. You get back after this mission for a month, graduate, and join the DAG as an experienced officer and write your ticket anywhere.”

  Tunsall spoke. “You mean fly a bunch of old Ambassadors to and from Belinea, Commander?”

  Jones and Willits looked at each other before Willits said, “There is a lot more to it than that my two little naive officers. What do you say?”

  There was again a long pause. Both glanced at each other again before Trujillo spoke, “When do we leave?”

  Willits half-smiled “Tomorrow. 1300 hours, SPE Gate 14. I will arrange transport with Master Sergeant Evans.”

  Both Willits and Jones began walking out of the room before Willits stopped and turned around. “One more thing, gentlemen. To save us time that could otherwise be used for drinking in a bar and finding Commander Jones, the company of an attractive female, what else is in this file that I should know?

  Trujillo spoke, slightly shaking his head. “Sir?”

  Willits continued. “Things I find on a background check of your Master Security file?

  Skeletons in the closet? Jail time? Blatant insubordination? Do you hit your girlfriend? Drug problem? You got a secret relative that’s Belinean? “

  Trujillo glanced at Tunsall. Tunsall didn’t turn, keeping his eyes on Willits. “No, nothing.”

  Trujillo added, “Nothing Master Sergeant Evans wouldn’t tell you.”

  Willits and Jones walked out of the room. Jones said, “That’s a lot. See you tomorrow.”

  Willits and Jones turned down a corridor and got to an elevator shaft before Jones turned to Willits and said, “Arrogant little shits aren’t they?”

  They both got on the elevator, and Willits responded, “Yeah, I like em too. Let’s get a drink.”

  Belinea 1.6

  Avola

  Bosa Province, Valmay Group Base

  Kaya Killian was watching her brother, Octavious Killian, walk along the landing pads. Inside the massive cave, Kaya walked down steps, towards the ships that were being prepped for the mission. As Octavious was walking up to two soldiers working on a crate, they immediately stood up and saluted. Octavious did not return the salute. He tapped one confidently on the shoulder and pointed at the crate, asking a question. The two soldiers smiled and nodded. Octavious smiled and gave them a thumbs-up before walking off. The two soldiers returned to the crate. Kaya had made it to the bottom of the steps, now finding Octavious engaged with two more soldiers: Cortes, a pilot, and Rendon, a weapons expert.

  Both tried to salute. Octavious, tall with dark olive skin, casually touched Rendon’s shoulder instead. Octavious asked, “Where are we on surveillance footage?”

  Cortes, who was much shorter and therefore had to look up, said, “A Miner transport got six photos about an hour ago. No change.”

  Octavious looked at Rendon and said, “And the AuFa officer?”

  Rendon calmly said, “Singing like a bird to Marrat in the holding cell. He gave us the codes, which is more than we need.”

  Kaya walked up the group. Tall, athletic, and toned, with the same dark olive skin as her brother, she only looked at Octavious, not saying anything. Octavious replied, “Alright, the rest of the crew is ready. We leave in fifteen minutes.”

  Cortes and Rendon both nodded, saluted, and walked off to let the others know. After they were gone from ear-shot, Kaya said, “If we get there too late, the Cargo Transport will leave without us.”

  Octavious began walking and said, “We’ll get there right before they leave. A message from the miners said the last shuttle left five minutes ago. Those greedy bastards won’t leave without it.”

  Kaya, walking next to him, asked, “And the AuFa Patrol Fighters?”

  Octavious quickly responded, “Returning now, done for the day. “

  He and Kaya took a few more steps before she asked, “And the crate?”

  Octavious stopped and looked at her. He said, “Stocked and ready, waiting for me. If there is anything that potentially worries me about this mission, it is you.”

  Kaya, miffed at the lack of confidence, replied, “Me? Why?”

  Octavious replied, “You have the hardest task.”

  Kaya answered, “Which is why I’m doing it.”

  Octavious said, “I offered to switch.”

  Kaya answered, “A move no one would allow.”

  It was Octavious who was now miffed. “Last time I checked, I was in charge around here.”

  Kaya replied, “Last time I checked, your aim still sucks, and you’re old and slow.”

  Octavious answered, “Careful, you’re almost the same age as me. When we get back, we can get in the ring and see who’s old and slow.”

  Kaya began walking off and said, “Why would I embarrass you in front of your troops?”

  Octavious stood there, hands in his pockets, watching his little sister walk off. After she got about six steps away, he yelled, “Kaya….”

  She turned around and started backpedaling, still looking at him. She said, “Yeah….”

  Octavious said, not too loudly. “Be careful….”

  Kaya responded, “Anything else, Captain?”

  Octavious gave a small, half-grin. He said, “Don’t miss.”

  Kaya turned around and began walking away again. With her back turned away from Octavious, she said loud enough for him to hear “I never do.”

  Belinea 1.7

  Space Port Earth

  Inside a bar, Willits and Jones were at a high top table that overlooked the planet Earth. Willits still had the tablet in his hand, as he was typing several things. An attractive female server came over and asked, “Would you officers like something to drink?”

  Jones just smiled and said, “Yes, what is your name?”

  The server smiled and responded, “My name is Julie.”

  Jones responded, “What a beautiful name. My name is Avery. My friend, Nolan, is a bitter, poor excuse for a man who lacks confidence, charisma, and humor. I, however, am delighted to meet you.”

  Julie smiled again and said, “Likewise. He doesn’t look too bad to me.”

  Jones got a little dangerous, with sarcasm. “Ten minutes ago, he was wearing a fedora with a red velvet robe and nothing else, pondering where it all went wrong.�
��

  Julie squinted her eyes. “Midlife crisis?”

  Jones responded. “He’s eighty-one.”

  Julie grabbed Willits on the shoulder while he kept looking at his tablet. “Well, I like fedoras.”

  Jones quickly said, “It’s pink with a neon green feather.”

  Julie shook her head and said, “Oooh, no. Perhaps a drink will help?”

  Jones responded, “A lot of drinks to erase that memory.”

  Willits glanced at Julie and said, “Double Woodford, neat.”

  Julie’s smile was gone. She nodded and turned to Jones and asked, “And you?”

  Jones said, “Same. And forgive my friend Julie. Jackass is his default language until you get him some Bourbon or Scotch.”

  Julie smiled again and said, “Then I will hurry and be right back.”

  Julie walked off, and Jones waited a few seconds before quietly saying, “I haven’t gotten laid by a human in over six months, and you might as well be a farting wild boar next to me.”

  Willits, not smiling and still typing on his tablet, said, “I can arrange that.”

  Jones shook his head and said, “I’d have a better chance, at least pigs wanna fuck.”

  Willits shook his head “I am busy getting this shit done for tomorrow.”

  Jones incredulously asked, “How long does it take to change a manifest?”

  Willits, still typing, “Longer than you think. Besides, I am changing our departure time, as well.”

  Jones replied, “Best news I’ve heard all day. A later departure gives me more time to cure that getting laid problem, which will likely turn into a getting over hangover problem.”

  Willits was still typing and said, “We are leaving earlier.”

  Jones raised his eyebrows and said, “See, it sounded like you said earlier, which would greatly impact even my ability at getting horizontal.”

  Willits, never taking his eyes off the tablet, asked, “Have you known me to have a stuttering problem?”

  Jones shook his head and asked, “Why the hell are we leaving earlier?”

  Willits, still typing, replied, “You know why.”

  Jones continued. “We already changed the manifest. Isn’t that overkill?”

  Willits stopped typing and looked at Jones and said, “The sooner we get this shit done, the better.”

  Jones waited a few seconds before saying, “You are killing my mojo.”

  Willits, going back to typing and not missing a beat, said, “Really, I’m so sorry. Do you need a tissue?”

  Jones scowled him. After a few seconds, Julie, the server returned and said, “Two double Woodford’s, neat, ….”

  As she was putting the drinks down, Jones replied, “Thank you, Julie…”

  Julie smiled and said, “Anything else I can get you?”

  Jones continued. “Normally, after a few hours and lots of drinks, you would be captivated by my charm, which can reach a certain level of sophistication and appeal that matches my rugged good looks. However, I simply do not have that kind of time tonight. Why don’t we postpone that delightful evening date number two, and skip right to the instant attraction of going home tonight instead.”

  Julie just stared at Jones for a few seconds. She then glanced at Willits before looking back at Jones. She then turned around and walked away. After she was out of earshot, Willits looked at Jones and said, “I am killing your mojo?”

  Jones sarcastically said, “You are not helping.”

  Willits continued. “I think your mojo reached a new level of dumpster fire, even without me.”

  Jones said, “Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

  Willits smiled as he resumed typing. Holding his fingers an inch apart, he said, “Sophistication and appeal? How did that not work? You were so close.”

  Jones took a sip of his bourbon, before putting it down and replying “You are right. Being a moody little shit, with a touch of jackass and annoyance, is so charming.”

  Willits raised his glass and said before taking a sip, “Being an annoying prick has yet to fail me. Consider it my mojo.”

  Jones took another sip and said, “Yep. The ladies are flocking to see it up close.”

  After a few seconds, Julie returned and got a lot closer to Jones this time. She whispered. “Order another round of drinks for you and me. I got someone to cover my shift, I’m off in an hour.”

  Jones raised his bourbon glass and said, “We will take another, and whatever the lady would like.”

  Julie nodded and walked away. Jones then looked at Willits, smiled, and took a big gulp of his scotch. Willits just shook his head and whispered, “Un-fucking-believable.”

  Jones asked, “Do you want me to see if she has a friend?”

  Willits went back to typing and said, “I am fine on my own, thank you.”

  Jones nodded and said, “You are absolutely right, that being a cock that is working out great. You know what you should try?”

  Willits stopped typing and looked up with his head tilted.

  Jones, shaking his hand and pointing, said, “Sophistication and appeal….”

  Willits, shaking his head, softly said, “Go fuck yourself…”

  Belinea 1.8

  Space Port Earth

  Alexis Devanoe sat alone in a tiny room. She was packing a small bag as a computer voice spoke aloud, “Alexis, 15 new messages in the last thirty minutes.”

  Still packing, and barely paying attention, Alexis spoke aloud. “Identify importance levels, please.”

  The computer continued aloud. “Two messages from Ambassador Bird. One message from a Commander Nolan Willits of the Delegate Ambassador Guard. One message from your mother. All of those messages are deemed urgent and important. Five messages from the Office of the Council Clerk on Belinea, moderate importance. The rest are low level.”

  Alexis continued to pack. “Messages from my mother are not urgent or important. What did she say?”

  The computer had a different opinion. “That is not valid. Your mother has marked them important, and therefore they are. She says, ‘Have not heard from you in three days. Are you still traveling to Belinea, please advise? I need to speak with you before you leave. Have you heard anything from your brothers?’”

  Alexis, now smiling, said, “Respond, leaving for Belinea 16:00 tomorrow. Communication confidential, will advise later. Nothing from Nick or Connor. End message.”

  The computer voice responded calmly, “Understood.”

  Alexis was now finishing the last bag packed. “Read message from Ambassador Bird.”

  The computer voice responded quickly. “Message One, 1914 today, Alexis, please bring all material involving Ambassador Yi’s joint investigation on DAG, mark it confidential. Do not transport ahead of time via electronic pulse. Hand transport via soft file.”

  Alexis now poured herself a cup of coffee, “Acknowledge, message two.”

  “Message Two, Copied you a recent report from the BRG. Terrorists have stolen a cargo ship on Avola containing Vait and other anti-matter properties. Negotiations have broken down. The Terrorist situation seems more grave than ever. Alert level for our transport mission has increased to RED/Severe. DAG has been alerted to the situation. “

  Alexis was curious now. She put the cup of coffee down and walked over to her desk. Sitting down, she pulled up her tablet and downloaded the BRG Avola report. As she read, she asked for the other message, “Read message from Commander of Delegate Ambassador Guard.”

  “Message from Commander Nolan Willits, Delegate Ambassador Guard. ‘Miss Devanoe. Be advised of an increase to security level Red for our trip. Please advise the Ambassador of a confidential departure change from 16:00 to 13:00 tomorrow and gate 14. Rearrange his schedule accordingly. Use discretion.’ End message. “

  Alexis be
gan to type furiously. She looked stressed. “Damnit, why?”

  After about twenty seconds, Alexis re-emerged into the BRG Avola file. She began combing over the pictures and stats. “Start message to Director Kimakawa. Please provide all intel files from BRG and AuFa regarding status for Planet Avola, Taz, and the Valmay Group of terrorists. Need all material delivered via secure electronic file 10:00 hours tomorrow for Ambassador Bird’s review. Thank you. End Message.”

  She then whispered, “Play video summary of BRG Avola report from Ambassador Bird.”

  After a pause, the report popped up on her screen wall, all in 3-D imagery. “Planet Avola is the second from the star S-131. A longstanding member of the Council, it exports numerous raw materials used in building spaceships and spaceports. The most valuable being Vait, a mineral indigenous to Avola that is critical for the antimatter chamber that allows Hyper-EXtension speed space travel. In recent years, the Vait has been processed at a rate five times greater annually than before. Residents of Avola have been conflicted. Most following the Majavkee, a group fully supported by the Council for their ambitious mining practices. The minority of others remain loyal to the now-defunct Avolian Mining Guild. Supported by former Ambassador Syren and the local religious Quill, they are protesting an incident in the Valmay Village. The Valmay Group, led by Octavious Killian, recently led a terrorist attack on an AuFa Garrison on Avola….”

  Alexis paused the report when it showed a picture of Octavious and Kaya Killian. “Who are these people....?”

  Belinea 1.9

  Avola

  Lowell Province, Mining Center 14

  Over one hundred lights lit up the Facility at dusk, the sky was backlit red and orange, with many dark grey clouds. Steam poured from three giant external steam smokestacks. The buildings were no more than thirty meters high, with thick walls to protect the elements. Ten landing pads surrounded the main building, all with orange, red, and white lights to navigate the cargo ship’s arrivals. An AuFa flag flew from the top of the Control Tower. Two, forty meter high towers, flanked both sides of the facility, each with a rotating rocket cannon for security. One vast cargo ship, with AuFa markings and four times bigger than the other ones, was parked on the large landing pad in the center. The ship’s bottom loading doors were open as several men in Belinean AuFa uniforms were transporting crates from the facility to the ship via forklifts.