Chapter 31
The Harbinger seemed like a massive, never-ending labyrinth of corridors and elevators.
Calvin, closely escorted by two marines—and a medic who had hastily patched Calvin’s light flesh wound—walked through the endless maze of grey. They passed dozens of busy personnel as they went. Most were occupied with whatever tasks they'd been given, but few were too busy to pause and give Calvin a curious look. He couldn't help but wonder, as he saw their curious faces, if they knew even less about the situation than he did.
But then he remembered these were people who'd helped the Harbinger illegally escape with a condemned military prisoner. They had to know something. Either that or Raidan was truly a master of manipulation. It was hard to be completely sure of anything.
Somehow the steel-grey everything of the Harbinger felt much more bleak than the Nighthawk, which was mostly black inside and out. And Calvin wasn't sure if it was because he was a stranger here, and possibly a prisoner, or if it was for some other reason. The grim faces? The large number of soldiers? The vacant blankness on every wall? Maybe some combination of these factors. Perhaps the Harbinger was designed to look and feel grim, deadly, and ruthless. If so, it worked perfectly. Calvin couldn't suppress a chill as he walked, stomach twisting in knots, feeling cool air pour from the vents. This is it. The Harbinger. The elusive Raidan. Everything.
A part of Calvin's mind wanted to be afraid, to be alert and on his guard. But a much louder part was glad to be there. Rescued from the Rotham ship. Believing that, once and for all, he'd finally find the answers to his questions.
At long last the elevator came to a halt and Calvin guessed the entire journey had taken the better part of fifteen minutes. The door slid open, revealing a very large, very rectangular bridge. Lights from dozens of computer screens glowed, brightening the otherwise dark room, and a view of the Liberty Sun's port side blocked out most of the black sky. The stars themselves were lost in the Liberty Sun's bright lights shining through the windows. In front of them were two silhouetted persons. Calvin guessed one was Raidan.
"This way, Lieutenant Commander," one of Calvin's escorts said as he guided Calvin across the long stretch of path toward the silhouetted figures. As they crossed, Calvin felt in awe of the bridge's size. It felt as large as an entire deck of the Nighthawk, and it was staffed by more than twenty officers attending to seemingly countless stations, whose functions he could only guess at.
For a moment he wondered what it would be like to be in command, and responsible for, such a large crew, and whether or not he would like it. And, for the second time, he wondered how in this crazy, crazy universe Raidan had managed to win the loyalty of all these people.
They neared the two silhouetted figures and Calvin could hear them talking to each other. Most of their words were lost to the noise of the bridge's staff, and junior commanders relaying orders to minor divisions throughout the ship. When Calvin's presence was noticed, the duo hushed their conversation and turned to face him. In the dimness, Calvin could more-or-less make out the features of Raidan's face.
"Ah that must be Mister Cross," said Raidan. "Welcome to my ship. You have no idea how glad I am to see you."
"The feeling is mutual," said Calvin. He wasn’t sure what Raidan hoped to get out of him, but guessed the rogue captain wasn’t the type to do something for free.
"Do you always keep your bridge this dark?" asked Calvin.
Raidan chuckled. "No, not always. But when I'm flying no colors I keep all decks with windows as dark as possible, anything that makes us that much harder to see is an advantage."
Calvin wondered if it was actually effective. Having the luxury of his advanced stealth system, he'd never had to worry about internal lights giving him away.
"But I think we're quite alone now, wouldn't you say so, Mister Ivanov?" asked Raidan.
"There's a lot of debris on the scopes, but nothing that could hide a ship. We're safe for now."
"All right then, bring up the main lights."
In a snap, the bridge filled with light from all angles. One light caught Calvin directly in the eyes, forcing him to squint. When he opened his eyes fully again he saw Raidan more clearly, looking neither happy nor unhappy, and the mysterious person standing next to him, wearing a commander's uniform, was none other than Tristan.
"You—?” asked Calvin, unsure what to think. Immediately his mind struggled to connect the dots. Tristan had been stranded in space, then he was taken aboard the Nighthawk—and he got loose, then transferred to the port authority on Aleator, then he'd shown up to help Calvin fight off his attackers on Aleator One, and now... he was here.
"Surprised to see me?" Tristan asked with a cocked eyebrow.
"Yes," said Calvin, he turned to Raidan, "what is he doing here?"
Raidan made a subtle grin. "I expect you have many questions," said Raidan. "But first we need to set course for Gemini and jump as soon as possible."
Calvin saw a piece of debris float past the window and his thoughts shifted. "Wait."
Raidan looked curious.
"What about the Nighthawk? Have you seen it? Did it escape the Rotham ship?" Calvin almost didn't want to know the answer. Any number of things could have prevented the Nighthawk from escaping in time. And, unlike the mighty Harbinger, it couldn't withstand a powerful shockwave or impacts with debris. "Did my ship survive?" he asked, keeping his voice calm even though his heart thundered.
"See for yourself," said Raidan, pointing at the window. "Fifty degrees starboard." And, much more lithely than Calvin would have expected, the Harbinger rotated until a small glossy black ship was in view. Only visible because of its white and blue identifier lights. Of course Summers would turn those on, it's the law.
Seeing the ship, in one piece, filled him with relief. And his breathing became easier. "I'm glad to see they're all right..." he said, almost laughing with relief, then he paused. "They must think I'm dead. Contact my ship and inform them I'm alive and aboard." He realized the last part sounded like a command so he added, "please."
"We've already contacted your ship," said Raidan. "That's why they're holding position. But it might mean a lot to hear your voice. If you'd like, we can patch you through a direct channel."
"I would like that."
"But, Calvin," Raidan paused, "when we go to Gemini, we all go together."
Calvin wasn't sure what to think of that.
"It is not safe here, trust me," added Raidan.
"What’s at Gemini?" Calvin had nowhere else to go. He was a criminal now, and Raidan was his best chance at getting to the bottom of everything. But, on the other hand... Gemini was across the border into Polarian space.
"You'll just have to trust me; it's not safe here," said Raidan again, cautiously side-stepping the question.
"I see," said Calvin. "In that case, who is at Gemini?" he pressed him.
"I promise I will tell you what I can," said Raidan. "But we don't have time for that before we go. We have to leave at once." He was deadly serious.
"All right," said Calvin, not sure what other good options he had—if any. "I'll tell my ship to follow your flotilla to Gemini."
"Excellent," said Raidan.
"But I want immediate access to your medical facilities, and the transfer of all my injured personnel."
"Agreed," said Raidan and he ordered his officers to assist Calvin.
They ushered him over to one of the comm stations and he put on the headset while the comms officer hailed the ship. Calvin heard a beep and the comms officer gave him a thumbs up; the Nighthawk had accepted the connection.
"Hello," said Calvin, not really sure what was technically the proper thing to say.
"Calvin?" It was Sarah's voice and, despite her usual calmness, she shrieked excitedly and yelled in the background to the rest of the bridge. Calvin thought he heard Miles' deep voice in the ambience, but wasn't sure over the headset.
"Yeah, it's me," said Calvin. "I'm all right. I escaped the blast by coming aboard the Harbinger."
"I can't believe it…” said Sarah.
"What’s your status?" asked Calvin. "Did everyone make it?"
Sarah's voice became sober. "Not everyone."
"I see," he wasn’t ready to ask who didn't survive. "Do you have enough primary crew to operate the ship?"
"Affirmative. We can crew the ship. What are your orders?"
"Dock with the Harbinger to receive medical supplies and transfer our wounded; their medical officers are permitted aboard. Once that is complete, set course for Gemini, exact heading will be sent from the Harbinger. You're to consider it the flagship for the time being."
"Uh... yes, sir," said Sarah. She didn't hide her confusion well. And Calvin knew his crew was wondering if Calvin was giving these orders under duress, all he could do was hope Summers wouldn't countermand his orders and have the ship do something else. He tried to think of something to say, but knew nothing would convince her. Still... he had to try.
"And tell Commander Summers," said Calvin. He was going to try to pressure her but midsentence changed tactics, knowing a firm hand didn't work on her if she thought she out-ranked him, which she did. "Tell her... that I appreciate her efforts. And that all will be explained to her satisfaction once we arrive."
"Okay…” said Sarah, sounding even more confused, but she passed along the message exactly.
"Did she get it?"
"Message received," said Sarah.
"Good..." he paused. "Cross out."
The comms officer terminated the call.
"Summers Presley is on your ship?" Raidan asked as Calvin stood up.
"Yes," said Calvin, surprised at the incredulous look on Raidan's face. Somehow he'd always assumed Raidan knew this. After all, he seemed to know everything else.
"What a small Empire this really is..." he shook his head. "She's not still mad at me, is she?"
"I think she is."
"That's unfortunate," he sighed. "But I guess it can't be helped. She's fantastic. I'm sure you found her to be an exceptional officer."
Calvin hesitated. "Something like that."
Raidan chuckled then looked to his helmsman, "Mister Watson, once our docking operation is complete, get us underway."
"Yes, sir. Jump to eighty-five percent potential?"
"That’ll do nicely," said Raidan then he turned to another officer. "Mister Mason, you have the deck." He looked back at Calvin. "Well then, shall we take this conversation to the privacy of my office?"
***
Raidan's office was only slightly larger than Calvin's, and even more sparsely decorated.
The blank walls and dull carpet were clean and like-new, as were the basic amenities. Only Raidan’s desk screamed for attention. It was large and made of a beautifully-lacquered cedar in the style of centuries long gone, and seemed profoundly out of place—certainly not warship standard. On its surface were a bottle of whiskey and an old-fashioned notebook with pens, there was no computer.
"Welcome to my home away from home," said Raidan as he took a seat behind his desk. Calvin sat opposite. Tristan, who had followed them in, remained standing by the door, which he closed and locked. Calvin wasn't comfortable with him being there, especially directly behind him, but knew it would only weaken his position to complain.
"Calvin," said Raidan. "It is very important that you tell me everything about the battle before we arrived. I want to know exactly what happened. Which ships attacked which, in what order, what weapons were used. I want to know it all."
Calvin was reluctant to give up what was probably the only useful card he had. Instead he asked a question of his own. "What happened after your ships arrived?" He hoped to glean useful information about Raidan's fleet and resources.
"We arrived. We took out as many Rotham ships as we could. But our priority was to disable the ship you were on and capture it. Because of that, about half the squadron escaped. I have no idea where they're going to regroup."
"Did you take any losses?" asked Calvin.
"No. Some casualties and some damage, of course. A few fighters. But no capital losses."
Raidan didn't tell him how many ships he had. Calvin tried again. "You must have had quite a force to chase off the squadron."
Raidan eyed him cautiously, his words slow. "There are four of us here. The Harbinger, the Mary Gale, the Aurora and the Liberty Sun."
"They must be powerful ships."
Raidan's face betrayed no reaction. "I suppose."
"Where did they come from?"
"Private owners."
Calvin raised an eyebrow. "Private owners?"
"Yes."
"What about the Harbinger?"
"You know where that ship came from." Raidan cleared his throat. "Now tell me about the first part of the battle."
"My defense officer would be better than me at describing it. I will order him to answer all of your questions," Calvin paused. "Right after you answer all of mine."
He doubted his little information was a fair trade for Raidan's. But it was worth a try.
Raidan leaned back, tapping his fingers together. He was nearly double Calvin's age but still had a child-like glow in his eyes. "I might not be able to answer all of your questions," he said. "But I'll do what I can."
Calvin did not know where to begin. Being able to interview the subject of his investigation was a rare opportunity, but came with its own special considerations. For instance, the questions he asked would reveal what information he didn't have and what he was most interested in.
"Let's start at the beginning," said Calvin. "Why did you throw your life away to destroy a few commercial ships?"
Raidan looked amused. "Why do you think I did it?"
"I think you did it knowing your life was never really on the line. You knew you'd be set free," Calvin guessed, eyeing Raidan keenly. "Did you do it for the Harbinger?"
"Trade up, you mean?" Raidan leaned forward. "No. No. No. I preferred the Phoenix and still do. This is a beautiful ship, don't get me wrong, but the Phoenix..." his gaze became forlorn, "the Phoenix was mine."
"So then why?" asked Calvin. "I doubt you wanted to start a war."
"A war? No, a war's the last thing our delicate Empire needs. My motives go far deeper than that. Can't you see them?"
Calvin wasn't sure what to make of this game Raidan was playing. They both knew Calvin couldn't know Raidan's real motives unless he told him. Why the charade? Maybe it’s a test. He wants to know if I’m an asset before telling me more.
All Calvin could think to do was continue playing the game. "I believe you sacrificed everything because you wanted to kill those Rotham ships. Not because of who they were, but what they were carrying."
Raidan nodded. "That's exactly right."
"So what were they carrying?" Calvin folded his arms. "What could possibly be worth giving up everything for?"
"They had Class One Cargo. A cargo worth dying for, if necessary," Raidan paused. "When I made the choice to strike, I did not know if I was signing my own death sentence or not. Because I didn’t know if I could be rescued. I knew an effort would be made. I knew the plan and I knew the players. But nothing is ever really certain in games like this. Generals die, kingdoms fall, governments collapse. And all without a sound. The tendrils of the enemy go very deep. And if you cannot see him, you cannot be certain you've beaten him."
Calvin considered that for a moment, a very interesting response. Though perhaps a bit overly poetic. It showed that Raidan, at least, saw his actions as heroic.
"So what is Class One Cargo?"
"You know the old expression, seeing is believing?"
"Yes."
"Well, you'll have trouble believing what I'm going to tell you unless I show you." Raidan smiled mysteriously then ordered Tristan to "bring in the special guest."
While they waited for Tristan's return, Calvin speculated who this mysterious guest was and what link he or she had to the "Class One Cargo." Whatever it was.
The door opened, and Calvin swiveled his chair to see two heavily armed soldiers step in, followed by Tristan, who was forcibly escorting a man in handcuffs.
The prisoner's face couldn't be seen, since his head was bowed and his hair long, but he seemed middle-aged and rather thin. Hardly a match for an escort consisting of two stocky marines and an athletic werewolf.
"Show your face, coward," said Raidan. And Calvin watched the prisoner slowly raise his head and shake his hair out of his eyes to reveal Raidan's face.
Calvin did a double take, What!?Another Raidan? Aside from his longer hair and thinner physique, he looked in every way the same person.
"A twin," said Calvin.
"I have no siblings."
And Calvin knew from his investigation of Raidan that was true—or at least that's what had been recorded in all the databases referencing him.
"Cosmetic surgery?" Calvin guessed.
"We've ruled that out after thorough medical inspection."
"A clone?"
"Not possible," said Raidan. "First because it would be too impractical, since they would've had to take my DNA near the time when I was born—accelerated aging isn't the answer either, or else his age would only match mine for a brief window of time. Secondly, this imposter's DNA does not match mine. In fact, it's so profoundly different that he shouldn't look anything like me, and yet he does."
"Very strange," said Calvin. Now wondering which Raidan was the real Raidan.
"Perhaps he's a very close look-alike," said Calvin. But, even though it made the most sense, it didn't seem right. This Raidan copy seemed too perfect. The sameness was incredible. Identical imperfections and blemishes in all the same places, regardless of how minute.
"It's not just a random look-alike," said Raidan.
The imprisoned Raidan spoke up. "Don't believe him. I'm the real Raidan." He was silenced by a rap on the head from Tristan.
Calvin turned to face the original Raidan who was shaking his head.
"How do I know he isn't the real Raidan?" asked Calvin.
"Had this one been ready and deployed before The Organization got its hands on him, it might be much harder to tell. But as it is, this one was never really ready to be me. He doesn't know enough about me to actually replace me."
"Organization?"
"It's my amnesia!" the imprisoned Raidan said.
The original Raidan laughed. "I know my life backwards and forwards, I lived it. He doesn't have a clue. He doesn't know anything beyond my name, rank, and place of birth. When I went to Antiva and fought in that nineteen-day action during the Great War, he has no memory of that. He doesn't know what it was like."
"I do know. I do remember," the imprisoned Raidan said.
"I was never at Antiva," the original Raidan said. His eyes met Calvin's. "You see what I mean? He's desperate to get out of confinement and complete his mission, he'll say or do anything. But he isn't me. Not even close. Surely you must have studied my background enough, over the course of your investigation, to get a sense of who I am. Ask us anything, I'm sure you'll be satisfied."
Calvin had studied a lot, and it was true Raidan had never served a combat mission in Antiva. But what concerned Calvin was that his only facts, everything he knew about Raidan, came from what was officially on record, and could have been modified to say anything. Not likely the case, but it was possible.
So, just to be sure. "You," he pointed to the imprisoned Raidan. "Name your primary crew on your last ship," he was certain the real Raidan would know his own crew, and though the question was basic enough both might know the answer, he figured it was a good starting point.
"I don't remember, you have to believe me!" the imprisoned Raidan said. "It was a head injury. I don't remember anything!"
If only I had a q for every time I've heard a prisoner plea amnesia...
Calvin turned to the original Raidan who still sat smugly behind his desk.
"My XO was Summers Presley. Impeccable posture, exquisite hair, and a captivating smile—which she rarely shows. Intelligent, competent, all-business, and completely dependable. My helmsman was Joshua Van Davin, dark hair, boyish smile, mid-thirties. Has a scar on his head from a childhood surgery—"
Calvin cut him off. "I've heard enough. I'm convinced." And he was convinced. There was still a small part of him that wondered if he was wrong, and there probably always would be, but given the circumstances, only a fool would see it the other way. There was a fine line between being a good investigator and a suspicious moron. Like so many people kept reminding him, sometimes a cigar really is just a cigar.
"You may take him away, you three," said Raidan, waving off Tristan and the others. They complied and left Calvin and Raidan alone once more.
"If I hadn't seen it for myself, I wouldn't believe it."
Raidan nodded. "I told you so. Impressive isn't it? However they did it. Wherever they found him. However they built him. Whatever they did, they got their hands on a very convincing looking version of me. And if the imposter had had more time, and had studied my life and habits in enormous detail, they just may have passed him off as the real me. And replaced me altogether. And then they'd have another warship in their pocket and no one would be the wiser."
"So who could do this?" asked Calvin. Almost anyone could have motive to take control of a ship. But means was another story. Coming up with an authentic looking Raidan and aiming to switch them—that implied serious resources.
"Someone powerful," said Raidan. "Someone who has to be stopped."
"And that's where you come in? You're the one stopping it, him, her, whatever."
"A duplicate person, like the one you just saw, is Class One Cargo. We call them replicants. The Organization doesn't know where they come from, or how many there are, or who's controlling them exactly, just that they are slowly surfacing. And we've caught a few."
"I see," said Calvin, putting the pieces together as best he could. "You stopped being the dutiful Imperial captain the minute you came face-to-face with this other you. And that was proof enough for you to join some kind of fight against them."
Raidan's eyes lit up but his words remained calm. "I still am a dutiful Imperial captain, I never stopped. The decision I made to destroy those Rotham ships, and steal the Harbinger, was for the good of the Empire. If I hadn't, then several people would now be replaced. Hauled off to some prison, executed maybe, tortured, god knows what, and without hope, because no one would even notice. Because some imposters would've taken over their lives."
"Who would have been replaced?"
"Important people."
"Give me names, Raidan."
"I don't know their names," he said. "I just know what was on those ships, and where it was headed. Class One Cargo headed for Capital World. That is what The Organization told me. And that is why I acted. Someone had to. And I was the only one who could."
"And you gave up everything to make that one move?"
"If that's what it took," said Raidan. "I was ready to die for it. But as it turned out, I'm still valuable. Maybe more than ever."
"Indeed," said Calvin, still wondering how Raidan acquired such a powerful ship. "So what is this Organization you're working for?"
"All you had to do was ask," Raidan gave a wan smile. "The Organization is a network of patriots."
"What kind of network? And how many patriots?"
Raidan smiled as if to say, Wouldn't you like to know? Then he spoke. "We're connected well enough. We have people in every Imperial system and people on a few others. A little bit of money. A few ships. Enough to know there's a problem, but maybe not enough to stop it."
"How did your order get founded?"
Raidan shrugged. "There's an answer of course. But I don't have it."
"How old is this Organization?"
"It's hard to say."
Calvin knew that Raidan wouldn't go into specific details if he didn't want to. And, when dealing with his kind, pressuring him for more answers would only result in fewer. Calvin remained patient.
"I was recruited into The Organization awhile back. Years ago. But I wasn't an easy convert. I didn't believe them, you see, that there was a danger. That the Empire was no longer as perfect as I’d always assumed. I didn't want to listen, but they were very... persuasive."
"They bought you?"
Raidan frowned. "No, of course not. Not persuasive then. Convincing. They showed me proof. Just like I showed you proof a few minutes ago. It's hard to keep thinking your world makes sense when you see your face on somebody else's body."
"So it’s like I guessed, The Organization showed you the fake Raidan, and that is why you joined them?"
"The fake Raidan was the moment when I knew I had to open my eyes. And, once I did, the signs were everywhere. Little things. But all of them wrong."
"Like what?"
"Changes in behavior. Orders that didn't quite make sense. Captains I've known for years developing small... eccentricities."
"You think they were replaced by replicants?" Calvin sat forward. "And you found out about the fake you before it was too late, making the threat personal."
"Not so much personal," Raidan clarified. "Yes, I'm going to protect myself. And that means siding with The Organization. But, much more importantly, I'm going to protect the Empire. If someone is powerful enough to find or... construct these things, and use them to take over our Navy ships, invisibly, then what does that say about our future?"
"So if they showed you the replicant-you years ago, why is he on this ship now?"
"As a chilling reminder of why I do what I do."
Calvin didn't bother to ask how he got aboard the Harbinger specifically. Raidan could have easily picked him up at any point since he seized the ship. Instead he asked a different question.
"How did you know the fake you wasn't the only replicant?"
"I've seen others since."
"And how do you know, now, that The Organization isn't the one who produced the fake you, in order to win you over?"
"I didn't know that then, but I do now. The Organization exists to protect the Empire, trust me."
"From replicants? How long has this been going on?"
"No not just from replicants. That's a recent move. They started replacing people about five years ago, the captains and officers in the Fifth Fleet were the easiest targets, close to the DMZ. Far away from most major ports. Mostly they, we, were just tests. They had to be slow, careful, and see if the transition between real persons and fake persons would go unnoticed. It's only recently that they've been targeting more important people. Like those ships headed for Capital World."
Calvin instantly thought of his strange visit with Kalila. Had she been replaced? Was this the threat she was hiding from? "More important people meaning nobility?"
"Perhaps some of the nobility. If not yet then eventually, yes, they will be targeted."
"What about the royal family?" Calvin pressed him.
Raidan scratched his chin. "I doubt it. The Akiras keep themselves well-protected. Perhaps eventually, but for now I’m sure they are safe."
"So you've noticed no strange activity from them whatsoever?"
Raidan hesitated. "No. Why are you that interested in this?"
Calvin shrugged, not wanting to give himself away. "No reason. I just want to be sure the monarchy is still intact."
Raidan raised a curious eyebrow.
Calvin changed the subject. "So how did your Organization discover the threat?"
"I don't have the answer to that. It's an invisible war that's been going on for a long time. Decades. Their side slowly building up, readying their plans, and us trying to keep an eye on them and unravel their plans before it's too late. This fight has taken many forms.
"So who is the enemy?"
"They call themselves The Phoenix Ring. No, not a reference to my old ship. They mean the creature of legend. The firebird that dies and resurrects periodically. We think it's a metaphor for the Empire. They want to destroy it and re-create it. And since our Human Empire is the premiere powerhouse of the galaxy, they depend on deception to conquer us."
"Who are they?"
"We don't know the ring-leaders yet. They're called The Council. They act through seconds and thirds, like many of our political noblemen on Capital World, except in this case anonymously. The entire Council may meet at times for dire emergencies, but we’ve never gotten close enough to confirm that."
"So what do you know?" asked Calvin. "Are they Rotham? human? Polarian?"
Raidan looked surprised.