Angry Ghosts by F. Allen Farnham

Author:F. Allen Farnham
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Cadre One Publishing, LLC
Published: 2009-05-29T22:00:00+00:00

* * * * *

Argo, Maiella, and Thompson sit at the edge of the same bunk, unarmored and hog-tied by short chain quad cuffs. They huddle together, knowing how little time they have left.

“There were never two finer operators,” Thompson says at last. “It is to my honor that our lives end together.”

“We were fortunate to be under your command,” Argo replies. “Your leadership used us well, and we always knew we could count on you to get us home.”

“You both warned me to hide my emotions...” Maiella recalls. “I’m glad I didn’t. You two are the only ones that could ever put up with me. I’ll never have to wonder if you died without knowing how much you meant to me.”

All three lean in close, resting their heads on each other. Despite the contortion it requires, they find comfort.

Before long, the tromp of boots grows louder beyond the door, and the three sit up straight. Maiella sniffs deeply to regain her composure, but something compels her to look back at Thompson. Her body feels light with the exception of her heavy heart sagging inside her chest. There is an emotion that has been growing inside her for some time, but she has no idea how to express it. The cadre has no words for what she feels.

There is only a moment more to get the words out, to tell him what she can. If only her arms were free, she could throw them around him and try to show what she means; but the restraints are strong, too strong. He can see she wants to tell him something, and he’s waiting; but the steps outside are so near, there’s no time.

“Thompson! I…”

“Yes?”

The door whisks open, and two Guns in armor stride through, taking positions on either side of the portal while Major Ralla steps to the fore. Argo, Maiella, and Thompson face front, blanking their expressions.

“Gun Thompson, Brick Argo, and Geek Maiella…” Ralla pauses to watch a single tear roll down Maiella’s porcelain face. She changes her officious tone, becoming riskily compassionate.

“Are you ready to face judgment?”

In monotone, they reply as one, “We are.”

The major kneels and detaches the handcuffs from the leg cuffs then removes the leg cuffs entirely. Standing back up, she looks the three in the eyes. There is no question she knows her duty and will carry it out, yet a conflict lingers. As she looks at them, she knows they are guilty by their own admission and must be sentenced; but they brought home a human ship, complete with her crew and cargo. She cannot and will not despise them for that.

She places her hand on Thompson’s shoulder, and politely orders, “Follow me.”

Ralla walks out, and the handcuffed operators follow obediently, the two Guns taking rank behind them. All six march in perfect cadence, their combined footfalls resounding solidly through the alloy corridors.

Thoughts race through Thompson’s mind. Could I have done it differently? Is there a way I can still save Argo and Maiella?

Before

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