9. Hyper-Transdimensional Bridge Rising
If he had to listen to one more plot synopsis for Edge of Madness, Gary was pretty sure he was going to reenact the scene where Koorbooth shot and vaporized the Digadin ambassador for getting Koorbooth's sister pregnant. Only it was the ambassador's identical twin who got shot . . .
Ash and Fox seemed to have gone numb from Tribore rambling endlessly on about his favorite soap opera. The two teens, mentally and physically exhausted by the events of the day, were all but falling asleep where they sat, their hot drinks now long cold and half-finished. Only Tribore's one-woman cheerleading squad, Shannon Thunder, was interested.
". . . and the letter proving Gorbok's innocence was destroyed when the starliner got sucked into a black hole because Tony tampered with the navigation controls, and -"
Gary was done. He was tired and frustrated and just . . . done. "Tribore, can we please go after Mooncake?"
Shannon frowned at the interruption, but Tribore never skipped a beat.
"Hayseed, my orders are clear and came straight from The Top. I had to pick you up, then wait in the asteroid field."
There was a lot to unpack from those sentences. Gary had already given up on ever hearing his actual name, and Tribore somehow managed to slip some innuendo into that oblique Avocato reference. No denying, Tribore was good. "Wait for what?"
"Further orders." Tribore made a face. "Listen, I know things you don't. For example, sneezing is outlawed on Beebatrip Minor after a visiting Parthian sneezed and infected half the planet with raging roomissigloomis. All male Tharks are left-handed. Tomorrow is a Tuesday. See? I also know who's on their way to this system right now."
"Who?" demanded Gary.
Tribore looked smug, leaning in for a disturbing close-up. "Two men. Each wants a piece of you."
"Which piece?" he asked a little warily.
Tribore smiled. If Gary was going to be honest, it was a touch intimidating. "Your head."
"My-" He didn't finish that thought. He didn't dare. Avocato. The Lord Commander. Each might want him back, but for totally different reasons. Gary did award serious points to Tribore for that show-stopping insinuation, and he prayed to god that this freak of nature was right and Avocato really did have the hots for him. Tribore snickered to see Gary got the full range of his meaning.
Ash perked up, seeing her chance. "If they take your head, can I have your spleen?"
Exasperated, Gary threw his hands up. "It's all yours, Ashy."
"I get it," said Tribore, not really getting it at all. "You're a man of action. You want to be in the thick of things. Feel the wind of fighters in formation passing overhead in that golden hair of yours. Skin your knuckles when you bare-handedly punch out a Daa'qi viper warrior. Model skin-tight, sheer lace catsuits in stilettos."
"Uh, no, not -"
"It's not all glory and looking hot! War isn't always about the fighting. Sometimes, it's all about patience and waiting for the other guy to make a mistake."
That was some food for thought. Gary thought of Avocato, so calm and controlled that he successfully concealed his case of akusan poisoning from his enemies and almost his entire fleet. Then he thought of the Lord Commander, losing his temper so thoroughly that he tore Gary's arm off. Okay, yeah, he got it. Avocato was waiting for the Lord Commander to totally be himself.
"Yeah, this really has been a Monday, hasn't it?" he wondered, then wondered at his wondering. "Hey, Tribore, why would you use earth's calendar? I thought everyone outside of earth's sphere would use solar time."
Tribore smiled again, this time in amusement. "Good question. One, this ship was made and programmed on earth and two, most of the crew are former Infinity Guard, which is headquartered on earth and so most everyone is used to that calendar."
"Is there a three?"
That smile grew sly, liking that Gary read between the lines. "Three is a little-known fact Avocato shared with moi once upon a time. Namely, the Lord Commander himself is former Infinity Guard, and he got used to earth's calendar. Tera Con Prime's year is almost the same length as a terran year, so he adopted their calendar for his empire. Avocato told me he had to convince the Lord Commander not to sue the whole planet for copyright infringement."
Gary rolled his eyes. "My god, that is so like him."
"Well, that walking, talking party favor is on his way here right now. We have to be ready. So ready."
"Sounds good. What are we going to do?"
"Once the general and all his friends arrive, it's our job to get your little green pal away from Commander Grabby Hands. Any suggestions?"
"I've been dragged around an Incinerator. I might have one or two ideas." He paused, trying to play it cool at them mention of Avocato and fooling no one, not even himself. "Friends?"
Tribore smiled and Shannon almost fell out of her chair. "Oh, yes. Lots of friends."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
As Avocato was boarding the shuttle to bring him, Little Cato, and a few members of his staff to the Imbara, an excited ensign came rushing up with the latest report.
"General, sir! Report from Captain Nere!"
"Come along, ensign," ordered Avocato, unwilling to delay. "Give me your report on the way over and take the shuttle back."
Even more excited now, the young officer boarded with them.
"Can I co-pilot?" asked Little Cato, seeing his chance and pouring on the trademark wide eyes and cute smile.
"Ask the pilot," said Avocato, knowing what the answer would be as Little Cato bounded away, rattling on about how good he was going to pilot the shuttle. Despite his youth, Little Cato was an accomplished pilot in the smaller classes of ships, including Tera Con fighters. He had also charmed everyone rated to transport him and General Avocato into letting him fly. He said it was for practice, but Avocato knew Little Cato wanted to help his adopted father any way he could.
"Report, Ensign T'Banni," ordered Avocato, taking a seat. After standing most of the day, the walk from his quarters to the shuttle bay had exhausted him. He kept his frustration in check, however, and his Ventrexian doctor, Mogs, was shooting him stern looks to take a break. Immediately after Little Cato's capture, Avocato had learned the hard way that complete exhaustion and recovering from akusan poisoning were not a good mix. Be that as it may, he would not give in to his emotions with so many witnesses, especially since the ensign had no idea about the assassination attempt and Avocato intended to keep it that way.
"Sir. Resistance leader Tribore reports he's successfully rescued Captain Goodspeed and two other individuals with him: a Tryvuulian male and a Serpentian female."
Avocato frowned. Relieved as he was to learn that Gary had been rescued - and he was surprised to feel the tension drain out of him at the thought of Gary out of the immediate line of fire - he had not expected Clarence to abandon his own children. Sickening as it was, such conduct fit Clarence's profile.
"Their names are reported as Fox and Ash Graven. They are the adopted children of Clarence Polkawitz. Captain Goodspeed reported they had been abandoned with him on Tarb III when Polkawitz absconded with E35-1."
"They're better off with Goodspeed," said Avocato, shaking his head with undisguised disgust. "Safer, too."
"Tribore's ships have taken position in Tarb's asteroid belt. Generals Roc and Kaal of the Tryvuulian contingent report their long-range sensors have picked up the Tera Con fleet departing the Hamridhed Delta system. The fleet's present course will bring it to Tarb III in less than one solar day."
He nodded. "Anything more?"
"Only that Captain Nere reports all units have been alerted and all have responded."
That meant so much more than the enthusiastic ensign realized. Satisfied, Avocato nodded again.
"- except one."
He sighed, knowing the answer already. "Who is it?"
"Sir. General Cataloupe."
Of course. Avocato's old teacher couldn't make anything easy for him. Oh, he'd come. There was no way Cataloupe would be able to live with himself if he missed out on the looming showdown. Ventrexia had too big a grudge against the Lord Commander not to turn up in force. Cataloupe just wanted a personal invitation.
"I'll see to it," Avocato said softly. The shuttle was docking. Avocato gestured for his aide. "Get me all the information and star charts available for Tarb III's system and any surrounding anomalies. See to it my quarters are prepared, too," he said, to let his aide know he was on the verge of collapse. "Ensign, return to the command ship. Tell Captain Nere I'll be in calling her as soon as I review the data on the Tarb system."
As they exited the shuttle, Little Cato recognized the signs that Avocato needed badly to rest. He stood close, making no protest when his adopted father leaned heavily on his shoulder as the captain welcomed them aboard and the general's flag was transferred. Avocato's aide hovered on the other side, ready to support his leader if needed. Here on the Imbara, at least, the whole crew knew of his condition and could be relied upon for their discretion. Here, Avocato could be weary, if only for a few moments.
His son, his aide, and his doctor accompanied him to the quarters he would share with Little Cato. Though the rooms were much smaller than what they enjoyed aboard the Incinerator, neither Ventrexian minded. They were soldiers, and any accommodations with a roof was a luxury.
"I need a secure line to General Cataloupe's location," he told his aide as the officer got a few belongings settled.
"You need to sleep," protested Mogs. He was already adjusting the temperature in the room.
"I will," Avocato promised. "As soon as I speak to Cataloupe."
"I'll see to it right away," said the aide, recognizing Mogs' attitude and knowing better than to cross the feisty doctor.
"I want you on the call," Avocato said to Little Cato. The teen considered for a moment, then nodded his understanding, automatically checking his Ventrexian uniform for any signs of dust or threads out of place. Cataloupe had stepped into the role of Ventrexia's top general after Avocato went to serve the Lord Commander. He was close on twenty years older than Avocato, seasoned, fearless, and deserving of his rank. A renowned fighter, Cataloupe would shoot and be shot at with good humor, and he was owed the respect of a call from the crown prince he had served and fought for all these years. He was the one who had recruited Dr. Mogs soon after he threw Ventrexia's support behind Avocato's rebellion. What was more, Catalope knew. He had been aboard the rebel flagship when the Mirror Mage had tried to assassinate Avocato, and had been one of the officers who found him unconscious and barely breathing. He had delayed his return to his troops long enough to be assured Avocato would live and was quite capable of watching over Little Cato, and to help cover Avocato's sudden absence from command.
Cataloupe was, in short, a good soldier, a trusted ally, and one of the few people Avocato could say was his friend.
Knowing it was easier not to protest, Avocato let Mogs fuss and order them some food before the doctor departed to make sure the sickbay and medical staff were up to his standards. Avocato took a few moments to close his eyes and rest, enjoying Little Cato's idle chatter about thimbles and music and other teenage concerns Avocato had never really had a chance to know personally. A short time later, a chime sounded.
"Incoming transmission from General Cataloupe," announced his aide. Avocato sat up straight, incapable of presenting a sloppy image to his peer. The holoscreen activated as the call was accepted, and Little Cato came to stand at his father's side.
"General Avocato. Your Highness." Cataloupe was smiling behind that legendary mustache of his.
"General Cataloupe," said Avocato. "A pleasure as always, sir. I trust you're keeping well?"
"As can be. I trust you are as well."
"Better now," was the careful reply, accompanied by a small gesture towards Little Cato. Avocato knew Cataloupe would understand all was not well with Avocato and not pull that thread over a comm line.
"Your Highness," said Cataloupe, addressing Little Cato. "Congratulations on your escape from Tera Con Prime. Not many have accomplished that, and it's all the more remarkable since your father stole half of the Lord Commander's fleet the last time he was there. It sounds as if you had quite the adventure."
"I did, and I was lucky not to be alone. The next time we're together, I'll tell you all about it, General," said Little Cato.
"Let's make it sometime very soon, shall we?" suggested Avocato with a wry smile.
Cataloupe leaned back, enjoying the exchange. "I take it my boys will be welcomed as well?"
"The more, the better, and I'm sure we'll be able to keep them entertained," Avocato promised.
The door chimed. Little Cato, sensing his father wanted a moment, said, "It must be the food Dr. Mogs ordered. I'll let them in. I'm looking forward to seeing you, General."
"And I you, Highness." Cataloupe nodded to his monarch as Little Cato smiled and stepped away. "He's a fine young man, Cato."
"He is," agreed Avocato with unmistakable pride. "I can, quite literally, breathe easier now that he's back. But I have news. I'd rather you hear it from me."
Cataloupe matched his seriousness. "What's happened?"
"Clarence Polkawitz has betrayed us. He sold us out and has gone over to the Lord Commander."
"Disappointing," Cataloupe said coolly. He snorted a little breath, his disgust leaking through the composed mask. He had a well-earned reputation for fraternizing, but there was no question of his loyalty. A betrayal of the cause he supported, not to mention his student and prince, was a personal affront and unforgivable. "I'm sure there was money involved."
"Of course."
"Watch your step with that one, Avocato. He likes to accumulate things, and he's a great admirer of all things midway between blue and green."
"Hmm." Avocato was aware of Clarence's lust for him, and at best he found it annoying and the height of bad manners. He thought he was subtle, but Clarence had completely forgotten the Ventrexian sense of smell was, to put it mildly, acute, and his pheromones kicked into overdrive when he was anywhere near Avocato. "He abandoned my agent as well as his two adopted children. They're all safe with the Resistance right now. My agent had retrieved E35-1 from Belitruse VI. Clarence is taking it to the Lord Commander."
The heavyset general frowned and stroked his majestic mustache. Children were supremely important to Ventrexians as a whole, even to those who were childless, and the notion of casting them aside was abhorrent. Like Avocato, he did not like hearing that the Lord Commander got anything he wanted, too. "That was poorly done indeed. I suspect the results will not be what he expects, though it does complicate things."
"Somewhat," Avocato allowed, though his tone let Cataloupe know a plan was in the works.
The general nodded, satisfied and confident his former student had the situation well in hand. "Then I'll leave you to it, General."
Avocato returned the nod. "And you, sir."
The communication ended. Avocato sighed, slumping in his seat and rubbing his eyes. Little Cato drew close, handing over a thermal mug of hot, rich broth. "I scanned all the food. It's good. There's a note from Dr. Mogs. He said drink this, then get some sleep."
"Thank you." Avocato took a sip of the savory liquid, pausing before swallowing. Little Cato joined him with a mug of his own broth. Patiently, he matched his father sip for sip, so they finished together. Knowing Avocato was spent, he set the mugs aside and said,
"Let me help with your uniform. The bed's already warmed. I'll wake you for dinner."
He spread an extra blanket over Avocato. Remembering how often he used to wake up beneath his father's uniform coat and the sense of safety it used to impart, took off the Ventrexian colonel's tunic he'd been wearing (amused, as always, that at fourteen, he was a high-ranking officer in an army he'd never served in) and added it to the covers. Then he leaned over and pressed a kiss to Avocato's forehead, just as Avocato had done to him so many times over their years together. Even though Avocato was already asleep, Little Cato still whispered,
"Love you, Dad,"