“What? You know Trev ...” Connor caught himself. Was he speaking out of turn?”
“I’ve attended several security conferences with Gov. Stallion. The first when he was a Chief and I a Major. We’ve both been promoted since. I don’t believe he trusted me at first. I talked him into a private meal after he took the big chair. I was curious about his journey. But also yours. I’ve had my eye on you for some time.
“As with you, Lt. Oda.” He turned to Hoshi. “The torture you endured was intolerable. You might be unaware, but you’ve become revered among Requiem affiliates. Most don’t know your name, but they know your story. It’s an honor to meet you at last.”
Hoshi remained at attention.
“Thank you, sir. The honor is mine.”
“The sheer odds of you two standing side by side in this hangar defy logic. Fortunately, I believe in a grand design. I give it no name, no shape. But I see it as a force directing us toward something greater. I requested you for two reasons.
“First, you are linked not only by courage and commitment to the new order. You know Amity Station. And Amity is critical to our design.
“Second, we have a common ally, and he recommended you for this mission. Join me in my shuttle, and we’ll talk further.”
As they proceeded, Connor asked:
“May I speak freely, sir?”
“And plainly, Lieutenant.”
“Thank you. The ally you mentioned. Is it Nexus?”
“It is.”
“Would I be too presumptuous to ask how you met him, sir?”
“Not presumptuous, Lieutenant, but I’m not at liberty to discuss the precise connection. I will say this: Without Nexus, there is no Requiem. Your misfortune months ago on Kartuffe proved to be serendipitous. Had he not intervened, you would not now be his agents. Consider yourselves blessed.”
Connor nodded.
“I do, sir. His communiques have been mind-opening.”
“Agreed,” Hoshi added. “He rescued me from the dark room and he’s given me extra insight into the filth we’re fighting.”
“The man saves lives,” Nagano replied. “But he also knows how to balance the scales. That lends to his brilliance.”
As they entered the shuttle, Connor couldn’t help but ask:
“The one thing Lt. Oda and I wonder, and no one has ever answered: If Nexus is not UNF, what is he exactly to Requiem?”
“Sorry, Lieutenants, but I am bound by oath. Nexus parses the truth as he sees fit. He’ll tell you someday. In the meantime, please have a seat.”
They filled the shuttle’s only three chairs.
“Connor, Hoshi. Put rank aside for the moment. Let’s speak as soldiers who will sacrifice ourselves for a greater purpose. Agreed?”
They assented.
“What we are about to attempt is the most dangerous maneuver since the Swarm War, and easily the most audacious since Salvation and its seven ships brought down an entire empire thirty-six years ago. Many will die in the first days, and not all will be the enemy you perceive.”
“What do you mean, sir?” Hoshi said.
“We will face fierce opposition from within.”
“The UNF?” Connor asked.
The Admiral nodded.
“To succeed, we must consider everyone opposing Code Exodus to be an enemy combatant. Resistance must be put down swiftly. Do you understand?”
Of course, Connor’s polished persona thought. I will show no mercy to my enemies.
“I do,” Connor and Hoshi said in unison.
“Perfect,” Nagano answered. “Let’s discuss what happens when the prodigal brother and the outcast deputy return to Amity Station.”
7
Amity Station, Central Administration
TWO HOURS WITH ACCOUNTING felt like six. Trevor didn’t understand why it was so hard to allocate resources to expanding Customs. He did it with the Sec Admins. Now, the station’s bean counters pushed back. They cited countless bureaucratic protocols as being inviolate. If only he could dip his hand into the till and move money around.
Alas, Trevor was a Governor, not an emperor. If he wanted more funds for the general pay stamp, they insisted, he would have to go before the IC – which was currently in recess.
He returned to his office in a sour mood. His heart sank when he found the reception room empty save for his Chief of Staff.
Andreas Portnois looked up from his expansive desk, where he was surrounded by three screens.
