The Key of Astrea

Marching Orders

"Deceleration will begin in T minus five minutes," said the Strider's computer in an authoritative female voice. It had been twenty-two hours since Jack and Victus had set off for Earth from the Sol Terminal, and it was time to begin deceleration. The Strider shut off its engines. Without continuous acceleration, artificial gravity disappeared. Jack jerked awake as he floated up from his bunk. He checked the ship's status. Huh, we're halfway there. Jack had spent most of these last twenty-two hours in his cabin. Now, he made his way into the cockpit and strapped into his seat. Victus entered a moment later.

Jack had to keep reminding himself that even though Hocco's body was alive and well, his soul was dead. Jack clenched his fists. Vae Victus tricked me, and now I'm trapped in the Sol System with the fleet admiral of the Terminal Defenders. Even worse, he's my only ticket back to Lan Station.

Jack ignored Victus as he reviewed the flight plan with the computer. Their current velocity was over four million kilometers per hour. To avoid slamming into Earth, they would have to turn completely around and reactivate the engines. Jack confirmed the flight plan, and the maneuvering thrusters fired until they were pointed backward from their destination. The female voice of the computer counted down from ten. As it reached zero, the Strider's engines activated. Jack's seat slammed into his back, and his stomach lurched.

Under constant acceleration, artificial gravity was restored. Jack unfastened his restraints and climbed down to the galley. He opened the cooler and set an airtight package of rehydrated meat and vegetables on the counter.

Victus climbed down after him and said, "I can find no sign of the Endeavor." He took a fatty, protein-rich white sauce and a package of tortillas from the cooler.

Jack grabbed the items from Victus's hands. "You mean the stolen ship isn't here?"

"A lack of evidence is not a lack of existence."

"Oh, that makes me feel much better."

"It is likely hidden." Victus leaned on the counter.

Jack spread the protein-based condiment onto his tortilla. Then he added the rehydrated white meat and crunchy green vegetables.

"Which means I will need you to go planetside—"

"And do what?" Jack interrupted. "Look under every rock?"

"You need to meet my contact, Randolph Torres, in person." Victus took the ingredients after Jack had finished making his wrap.

Jack pointed at Victus. "What will you be doing while I'm completing your mission?"

"After you deliver proof—"

"Why doesn't your contact send you proof?"

"I will not commit the Tamarack until after you deliver proof that the Selkans are on Earth."

"You don't trust this contact of yours?" Jack took a bite of his wrap.

Victus ignored Jack and grabbed a data tablet. "Here is your destination."

Jack leaned in to look at the screen. It displayed a map of a city, Acacia City, on a large island called New Spain.

"You will fly in here." Victus zoomed in on the map until street details were visible. "A festival is being held on the day we arrive in Earth's orbit. Odd traffic in and out of the city will be expected. Your airport of entry is the Acacia City Airfield."

Jack took the tablet from Victus and studied the map.

"You have been precleared for entry," Victus continued. "Randolph Torres will meet you at the Waypoint Plaza at nineteen hundred. He will provide you with a job as a pilot. I volunteered your spaceplane."

Jack narrowed his eyes at Victus.

"Once you have visual confirmation of the Selkans, send a sensor scan to the Celestial Strider."

Jack studied the itinerary Victus had prepared. He tapped on a thumbnail image of Randolph. The picture of a young man filled the screen. He had sad eyes, long dark hair, and a close-cropped beard. Jack handed the tablet back to Victus. "Got it."

"He has a picture of you as well," Victus said.

"Hope it's a good one." Jack walked toward his cabin. He intended to eat in solitude.

"Do not fail."

Jack answered with an offensive finger gesture as he shut the door behind him.