The Constant Star (76)

THE STORY SO FAR

The doors close behind her and another one opens ahead. There are no troops present to escort her or guard the captives, but with Macy’s control over the security systems there doesn’t need to be. As if to reinforce this point, a security laser activates behind Siff and shoots just behind her heels.

She glares up at the security strip. Okay, I get the point, you want me to get moving. And I want Bear to get moving. Siff walks slowly toward the open door, mind filled with reasons why this was a terrible idea.

It is eerily silent in the elevator. The forces of the rebellion had moved away from the early battleground, so there was nothing to stop Bear from walking right in. He shuffles his feet and checks his gear as he waits; the Needle is not as robust a system as Janus-proper, an EMP blast would likely cause a lot of damage and put risk on the Chosen Ones. He’ll have to use what knowledge and tools he has to try and disarm the tech. He shakes his head at Siff’s naiveté: she means well and has good dreams, but damn if she isn’t an easy mark. Attaching tech to the Needle? How could she have ever thought that was a good idea? Was it naiveté, though? Or was it her selfishness making her blind to the consequences? He shrugs and huffs, shaking his head. Probably both. The only thing to do now is fix what has been done.

The elevator stops and the door opens, he sees the upcoming ledge and prepares for the jump. Taking a glance down his eyes widen at the imminent death of the energy-shield. Naive or not, one thing Siff is, is brave. Bear takes a breath to calm himself then leaps onto the ledge, the immediate change in gravity weakens his knees a little but he manages to stay standing. He walks a short way, letting his sensors do their work as he examines the area Siff guided him to. There is a slightly unusual energy pulse from one small piece of tech, it would be invisible if he weren’t looking for it. On further examination he sees it is giving and receiving signals, this must be it.

Diana has crafted a truly remarkable piece of work. Bear pulls out his tools and shakes his head as he tries to figure out where to start: it is fully integrated into the system. There is no quick way to remove it without damaging the Needle’s network AI, “This is so far beyond me. Man! Okay, let’s give this a try.”

The Bridge is empty when Jupiter arrives. All personnel ordered from their posts by Mars in order for him to have an uncontested path to the self-destruct access on the captain’s panel. Janus’ self-navigation systems hold the craft steady. Jupiter seals the Bridge doors and gets to work; Mars is on his way and Baldr does not know how much time he has to prepare. Pulling small explosive charges from his desk, he plants them on the corners of the large viewing window and syncs them to a dead man’s switch in his pocket. He shakes his head to assuage the fear. A last resort to save the people he loves and give them a future. It might not come to that. He grits his teeth. It should never have come to this.

In a sudden moment of clarity he jumps into the captain’s chair and begins the work of wiring into Janus video systems. It doesn’t take long for the overrides to take effect: once he pushes the ‘engage’ key the Bridge will be live to every screen on Janus. One way or another this war needs to end today.

Jupiter smiles and nods his head, just one more thing to do. He turns to a panel and hits ‘record’, “I don’t have long. I wait for Mars aboard the Bridge. I know there is not much chance of surviving this encounter, so this last message is to be released for my two loves to find…”

60

The grav-rail is smooth as ever. Except for, once again, the bodies of security officers on the floor. It is very unsettling sharing a carriage with them. Siff tries not to notice them. It isn’t easy. She tries not to think about them having lives and dreams, hopes and fears, families, friends. Maybe some of them were in love. Maybe they would stare into each others’ eyes and talk for hours, and now they stare vacantly wherever they fell. Shit. It’s all my fault.

It is in this moment a growling ferocity rises within her soul. A strength that was hidden and suppressed rises up to combat her self-blame.

No it isn’t.

What?

No it isn’t. Bear’s right, it’s not my fault. She manipulated me. Used me.

But all this suffering…if I would have just…

Get over yourself Siff. It’s not your fault. She’s smarter, stronger, and angrier than I have ever been. I got played.

But I…

No. I’m done taking the blame for this. I was too naive to see what was going on. It’s not my fault.

But—

No. Self-pity won’t cut it anymore, neither will pride. Get over yourself. It’s time for me to get over myself. This is not my fault. I got played. I was selfish and naive. Now I have a chance to make things right and that is what I’m going to do. No more selfishness. No more naiveté. Macy’s going down.

The grav-rail slows and the carriage doors open. Siff sees Addy waiting for her, “Fuck, princess. You really are still alive. Macy wants to see you. This way.”

Siff is surprised by the lack of violence, but follows Addy anyway.

The hallways are a lot more creepy when not buzzing with scientists. The few that are here sit cowering silently, trying to avoid any attention from the homicidal maniacs that just pushed through. Especially the one maniac that is leading

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