The Heroes Fall -1- When War Calls

  Chapter Eighteen

  They follow, but by choice or need?

  January 31, 997 R.E.

  General Alkon Zaccarah sat silently beside a bed in a private medical unit, thinking over all that had happened. The memory of ash, smoke and deadly fumes filling his lungs was still strong, as he remembered fighting for his life from underneath a fallen metal beam. He had almost suffocated, unable to move or call for help. If not for the swift and disciplined action of the soldiers being drilled nearby, he would not have been here this day, one week after the accident in the laboratory had occurred.

  There was a man in the bed, connected to the machines that would sustain his life and keep him in as much comfort as possible. Alkon still had trouble believing what had happened, even after replaying it a hundred times in his mind. He had lost one of the largest functioning prototypes of the Equan Plasma Cannon, and witnessed the almost fatal wounding of his leading scientist, Ethan Coride, who now lay in the bed next to him, completely still.

  Alkon cursed at the injustice of it, how it should never have happened. It had seemed like any other demonstration. He had stood safely behind the protective area while Ethan prepared the weaponry to show its capabilities against a metal target behind a shield. The various lights had come alive and Ethan had kept his concentration on the controls. It was only a matter of seconds before firing that Alkon had thought he had seen something, a strange light that came from the other side of the room. It was no bigger than a pen in width, but the external power generator used by the weapon soon began to rumble in its place. A warning light had then flashed as Ethan did his best to slow the weapon’s firing procedure, but before it had been completely shut down, the generator had exploded, causing half of the building to collapse. Even Alkon had not been safe, forced to duck down and shield himself from the collapsing roof. The large metal beam had come crashing down then as the air filled with smoke and toxic gases. Fires made the heat unbearable, further choking him as he desperately attempted to take in air from his newly formed prison.

  The soldiers had come to his aid and quickly set about extinguishing the blazes before searching for Ethan. But Alkon did not remain to help. He had run from the laboratory into the daylight, forcing himself to race around what was left of the building. He had found the one he searched for shortly after, limping away past the barracks ahead. He did his best to run faster, ignoring his bruised ribs and shoulders as he attempted to catch the man with the limp. When he had covered the distance, he had pushed the man hard into the wall and then was upon him before a hand could rise in defence. Pinned against the wall by his neck, Kobin Guyde was able to do nothing as Alkon searched his eyes for any hint of guilt.

  The Callibrian had sworn his innocence and for the first time showed fear. Under his left eye was cut, most likely from the explosion, and he was doing his best to nurse his left arm across his chest. When queried, Kobin said his prior wound to his shoulder had not yet healed completely, and the cut had been from a rogue bit of debris, but he had been standing very far from the explosion, otherwise, he questioned, how could he have still been alive?

  Alkon knew it was a lie. He knew Kobin was responsible for what had happened. He would have used it as an argument to allow for his execution under High Council rule if not for the lack of evidence. He had been unable to press him further as Liet had come to his defence. After a brief argument, Alkon had been forced to allow Kobin to go free, as he was reminded that the council did not yet know of the technology, and unless he was ready to divulge such information to them, it would be wise to pretend that the entire incident had not occurred. Kobin was banished to his quarters, unable to roam the fort unless under the strict supervision of two or more soldiers. It was all Alkon could think of doing as punishment without the technology coming into question later.

  After Liet escorted Kobin away, Alkon returned to make sure Ethan was found amongst the debris. He had been closer to the explosion and had not been as fortunate as Alkon. It had taken longer for rescuers to find him. When they had finally discovered his badly broken and sliced body, it had been too late to save his right arm.

  Alkon still felt the same sickness as he had that day when he had first learned of Ethan’s injury. It was shocking to think that such a great man of so much importance was now to be hindered in his work forevermore. And it had all been because of one man who continually evaded blame, but was always present where trouble lurked.

  Ethan roused slightly. Two of his team were tending to his wounds, administering new and effective treatments developed by the Equai for the fastest possible recovery. Already he seemed in better condition, colour now back in his complexion and the cuts looking less bloody. The bruising remained and he had trouble breathing, but he was able to find enough energy to speak a little.

  ‘My apologies, General,’ he whispered slowly. ‘I do not know what failed.’

  Alkon shook his head. ‘It was no fault of yours. There is a traitor among us. In your name, I would have him executed, but he has favour with the council.’

  ‘Who?’ asked Ethan.

  ‘I cannot name him for his own safety. I know you, Ethan, and if I could prove his guilt, I would gladly allow you the revenge you deserve to take.’

  Ethan closed his eyes and turned his face away, needing to relax his worn muscles. For a moment, it seemed he was asleep from the drugs, but Alkon needed him to stay awake.

  ‘My friend,’ said Alkon, ‘I regret to disturb you, but there is something that must be known. I understand you are in pain, so I will understand if you cannot answer, but I must ask. If we are to move on to Waikor, will a cannon be ready if we are faced by the Daijuar?’

  ‘Several are almost complete,’ Ethan replied, his eyes remaining shut. ‘The two most powerful are nearing their final advances. Another is almost finished. In two weeks, it will be complete.’

  ‘That is all I needed to hear. Thank you, my friend. Your service is the finest I could have asked for. If there is anything I can do in return, do not hesitate to ask.’

  ‘One thing, General.’

  ‘Name it. It shall be done.’

  ‘There is another project,’ said Ethan, opening his eyes slightly so that he could see through tiny slits. ‘But it is not yet complete. I wish to have my arm back, General. I cannot live this way.’

  Ethan held up his right arm, showing that below his elbow had been cut off. Alkon turned away slightly.

  ‘You have endured more loss than any man should, but what can be done?’

  ‘We have worked on creating artificial limbs. There have been many breakthroughs. No one is aware of the technology yet, as we have been met with nothing but failure, but now we are seeing results.’

  ‘What is an artificial limb?’ asked Alkon. ‘Do you speak of machinery?’

  ‘No, that was our first test. It will take much greater technology to reach such advancement. Our new work has come from a new form of steroid. It encourages growth through mutation. It is capable of regenerating the needed tissues with only minor side effects. After a brace is set, skin can be grown and in time, movement will return with the right therapy. So far we have not been able to do human tests. I would like to volunteer myself as the first.’

  Alkon was thoughtful as he leaned backward. ‘What do you foresee in the future for such treatment?’

  Ethan seemed to become more awake as he spoke. ‘Greatness, General. Soon artificial limbs will be more powerful and resistant to the elements than those with which we are born. In time, no soldier will have to fear anything but death in battle. We will be able to treat all other injuries.’

  Alkon nodded. ‘That is what I feared.’

  ‘General?’

  ‘I cannot permit it, my friend. I apologise, but if we allow this research to continue, it will be used against us, not with us. It would be a great technology if it did not leave your hands, but it would spread through the entire Alliance, and the Alliance has seen better times.’

  ‘I
do not follow, General.’

  ‘It is a secret not very well kept. The Alliance is breaking in various nations. They are under the rule of rogue commanders who would use whatever means available to rebel and turn against us. If they could build entire armies of soldiers who were half metal, half man, they would not wait for injury. They would replace healthy limbs with the ones of which you speak. Soldiers in perfect health would become victims to men who would simply use them to gain power. I desire victory like any other, but I will not sacrifice that which we fight for.’

  ‘You have a bleak perception, General,’ said Ethan.

  ‘That might be, but it is a perception we must hold in the coming years. We may take this continent, but the nations around the world are growing stronger and our armies weaker. They will fight us, and when the time is right, the commanders who have sworn loyalty but wish for more will turn against us, and then what will we have left?’

  ‘With this technology, we will stand a better chance.’

  ‘Yes,’ said Alkon, ‘but not at the cost of those who would remain on our side.’

  ‘Then you may use the technology on slaves!’ said Ethan desperately, fear etching its way into his voice.

  ‘I am sorry, but I cannot allow this technology to go beyond these walls.’

  Ethan looked away, and Alkon knew he had denied something more important than he realised for Ethan to defy him in this way. But he had to remain strong for the greater good of the world. He wished to reward Ethan for his service, but there must be another way. There must be something else he could give him. He thought of calling for early retirement, allowing Ethan to go home to his family, but the High Council would not be lenient. Ethan was still able to work on his projects, even with only one arm at his command. Still, there was a possibility he would be able to persuade them to think that Ethan could continue work from his homeland, Equa.

  ‘How would you like to return home?’ asked Alkon, now deeming it a possibility.

  Ethan shook his head. ‘My family believe I am a hero doing great work. I do not want to return like this.’

  ‘But it would be an end to the war for you. You could know peace again!’

  ‘My war will never end, General. My place is here, with my team. The universe is my war. I fight to understand it each day, and with my understanding come the inventions you have witnessed.’

  ‘You could continue your work, at home, with your people there.’

  ‘They would not permit me access to the funds and resources as I am able to obtain here. My growth would cease or slow to a crawl.’

  ‘I do not know what else to say. I have nothing more to give,’ conceded Alkon.

  ‘Then allow me to use this technology in secret. Please, General, I have suffered enough. You have asked me what you can do, so I beg you, allow me to know what it is to have my arm again.’

  There was a pause as both men stared at one another, hoping the other would give way and back down. But Ethan’s pain kept him strong, and Alkon knew he could not deny Ethan his right to use his research after so many years of loyal service.

  ‘I will allow it, for you only,’ said Alkon, ‘so long as I have your word that it will not go beyond you and your team.’

  Ethan seemed to breathe again. ‘Thank you, General,’ he said, and let his head fall back into the pillow, the stress in his features disappearing as he closed his eyes to sleep again.

  ‘I hope your recovery is swift.’

  Alkon stood up and left the medical unit. Outside, the night air chilled his lungs as he took in a deep breath. He almost decided to go to find Kobin and release some of his frustrations, but knew there had been enough confrontation among his men of late. A display of such behaviour in the higher ranks could prove costly, and there had been doubt of his abilities expressed by the High Council already. He knew it to be of Kobin’s doing. That was the only reason Kobin was still alive. If Alkon were to regain his absolute authority, he would need to find a method of discrediting Kobin, so that the High Council would recognise him for the traitor that he was.

  Alkon made his way back to his quarters. He needed time to plot against Kobin, and for this, he would call for the help of his second-in-command. In his usual fashion, Lieutenant-General Liet Revarn entered the small room, which was furnished with little more than a desk and chair, a few minutes later.

  ‘I have just spoken with Ethan,’ said Alkon. ‘His injuries are severe, but he’s recovering.’

  ‘I have heard,’ said Liet.

  ‘I do not believe it was an accident.’

  Liet raised an eyebrow. ‘You believe it really was sabotage?’ he asked.

  ‘I see no other explanation. Do you remember the last time Ethan made a mistake during a demonstration?’

  ‘I cannot say I do, General. It would be a very long time ago.’

  ‘No,’ said Alkon, ‘you cannot remember because there has never been a mistake.’

  ‘We are dealing with unfamiliar technologies now, General. They are much more complex than anything we have used before. A mistake was bound to occur.’

  Alkon shook his head. ‘I saw a flash, a light of some kind before it happened. I have seen that light only once before. It had come from the hands of the Callibrian.’

  ‘You have accused him already,’ said Liet, ‘you think to re-evaluate the accusation?’

  ‘I do what I must. But I know what you are thinking. It cannot be proven. I had caught him outside the area with wounds from the explosion, but still you defended him.’

  ‘I, too, do what I must, General.’

  ‘Yes, I know you stay on the side of truth. It is an admirable quality, but what if to uphold it and catch one who is deceptive, you must become as them?’

  ‘I would find other means.’

  ‘And if there were none?’ asked Alkon.

  ‘There are always others,’ said Liet simply.

  Alkon leaned back in his chair. He had not received the answers for which he had been hoping. After a moment’s thought, he continued. ‘Then I will assign you the duty of finding evidence to support what I already know as fact. Kobin Guyde is a dangerous and manipulative man. He is a threat to the entire Alliance. He seems more open to you than anyone else. Do what you can.’

  ‘I will do my best, General.’

  ‘Good,’ said Alkon, standing up and walking from behind his desk. ‘We are to reach Waikor in three weeks. Be sure we are ready to leave in five days. I have decided to leave a small force behind. I do not wish to move Ethan, so he will remain here with some of his team and as many men as he needs to continue work here. Is that understood?’

  ‘Yes, General.’

  ‘Then there is nothing more to be said. I will expect a report on the Callibrian as soon as possible. You may leave.’

  Bowing his head slightly, Liet left the room, leaving Alkon to pace back and forth in thought for the remainder of the night.