Countdown, John Walker [online e book reader txt] 📗

Loch.” Graff shook his head. “That guy’s a real piece of work. I mean, dedicated to the cause for sure but also a total asshole. The kind of man that twisted honor and integrity into something more like selfishness and cruelty. I don’t mean to make it scarier than it is…”

“Doing a bad job then.” Oliver sighed. “Look, I have to trust that the right thing’s going to happen. She’ll figure it out. Or…” He stiffened. “Or she won’t. And worrying about it one way or another won’t do anything for me. I’ll just be a wreck. I’m going to err on the side of her keeping herself alive long enough for us to help.”

“Do you think it’s possible? That she’s got it in her?”

“Yeah. Not to mention Zem won’t give up on her. He wants to get Borden and his ship then find Loch. Get her back. No matter what it takes.”

“They contemplating money?” Graff asked. “Because I can see them thinking they can buy him off. But if he’s gone to this trouble, threatened the Gold Empire commodore, he’s beyond all that. Hell, don’t you think he’s pretty much checked out? Where can he operate now that he won’t be pursued?”

“You’re right about that,” Oliver said. “He’s pissed off both sides in a major way. We’ll have to think outside the box.”

They arrived at one of the transport shuttles. A soldier waved them up the ramp. Oliver escorted Graff to the back. Other civilians lingered about, preparing themselves for the trip up. A couple strapped themselves in. Some stood, clinging to the safety handles on the ceiling of the cabin.

“Here you go.” Oliver backed away. “Should be lifting off in less than thirty minutes.”

“That’s an awful long time,” Graff said. “You could’ve let me sit out there.”

“Yeah, but then you’d just be wallowing alone.” Oliver waved at the others. “Here you’ve got some company. And you’ll be ready to go when they are. I’d rather you be with other people right now. Just… something I need to have happen.”

“You’re pretty damn kind to me.” Graff frowned. “I really appreciate it. I don’t know how I’d repay you for it either.”

“Actually, you can thank Dora for the treatment. She asked me to find you and bring you to a ship. I guess she’s fond of you or something.” Oliver smirked. “Whatever the case, we’ll talk again soon.” He turned to leave, pausing to glance back over his shoulder. “And don’t think you were worthless. She told me she couldn’t have made that trip without you.”

Yeah, right. Graff huffed as he took a seat. That’s bogus. Dora had proven to be a lovely lady. Kind, smart, brave… he knew for a fact he’d annoyed her during their situation out in the middle of nowhere yet she still had his back. I owe her a lot. I’ll never be able to make it up to her either.

Chatter from the other people brought him back to the moment. He listened to them worry about the flight, about leaving the system again. They worried that the Gold Empire might not treat them very well. He knew better. The government had changed significantly with the Morrigan’s victory.

With Parse gone, we can finally see what this government should have been like since the end of the rebellion. Despite his depression, Graff couldn’t wait to see what happened next. This part of space had been his home for so long, heading back to Confed space seemed odd. He wasn’t sure he was ready for it. Maybe I’ll find a place here.

Graff didn’t know about the accommodations the former pirate nation had for older individuals. He hated the idea others might call him that, but it was accurate. He’d done his time in space. Helped Dora gather valuable intel. Trained countless individuals to defend themselves, to stand up to trouble no matter what.

I suppose I do deserve to get some downtime after all that. Graff leaned his head back, closing his eyes. And if they’re willing to do that for me… so be it. I’ll accept. And walk away while I still have the means.

***

Oliver walked away from the shuttle, staring at the ground. He hadn’t received word about whether Doctor Lyson made it to safety yet. Combined with the fact his sister left to divert the pirate’s attention, he was having a rough time. Collecting up the survivors to get them off the planet provided a nice diversion, but he knew it would be over soon.

His comm buzzed. The computer on his wrist showed Elizabeth Erris was reaching out. He tapped it to acknowledge. “What’s going on?”

“Hi Major,” Erris said, “the Morrigan’s here. They’re on their way to rendezvous with us. Their mission was a success against the enemy dreadnaught.”

“Finally some good news,” Oliver replied. “When will they be here?”

“A couple hours at most. How’re things going down there? Do you have most of the people collected who are coming up?”

“Yeah, things are fine. The last of the ships should be ready to go in the next thirty minutes. As of right now, most of the people down here are search and rescue… just making sure everyone’s safe. Lots of security personnel too, of course. A lot of prisoners made their way up to Alden’s ship.”

“Understood.” Erris fell silent. It lasted long enough for Oliver to wonder if she dropped off the line. When he glanced at his comm, she spoke again. “Is there anything you need from me?”

The means to find my sister?

Oliver didn’t say it. He had to admit, he was honestly proud of Rita. Much as he didn’t like what she did, nor the fact he worried she may not be alive, she made a selfless choice. Maybe not the right one… but it had potentially saved lives. He couldn’t fault her for it.

Even if I