Command & Conquer by Keith R. A. Decandido

Author:Keith R. A. Decandido [Decandido, Keith R. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General, Fiction, Science Fiction, Imaginary Wars and Battles, Media Tie-In, High Tech
ISBN: 9780345498144
Publisher: Del Rey
Published: 2007-05-28T06:00:00+00:00

At first, Annabella found the lyrics harmless, but realized there was a certain—commentary? seditiousness?—to them.

Turning to Terise, she asked, “Where have you brought me, Terise?”

Terise shrugged. “It’s just people making music.”

“Yeah, but—the way they’re using the music, it’s just so—so passionate, so—so emotional.”

“Isn’t that what music’s supposed to be?”

Annabella’s instinctive answer of “no” died before it could reach her mouth. The band continued on to several other songs, all of which had the same insistence of the first two. The singer gave the words far more meaning than the jazz singers she was used to on GN radio.

At some point, the person who took their order brought some ribs over. Annabella had had ribs in the past, but not like this, not with this type of sauce. She asked Terise what it was made with—Monica had to have this recipe—but apparently it was a closely guarded secret. Terise had seemed to expect a fight on that subject, but Annabella quickly explained about her zia and how protective she was of family recipes.

When the set was over, and the ribs all consumed, Annabella turned to Terise. “Thank you, Terise, I—I didn’t know music could do that.”

For the first time, the old Terise came back. “There’s a lot you don’t know, Ms. Wu.”

“Yeah, I’m seeing that. But I’m trying to learn.”

“I hope so. Come on, let’s get back.”

Annabella put the hood and gloves back on—the gloves were even more difficult the second time—and they ran back to Terise’s car. Within a few minutes, they were at the hotel parking garage. As she opened the door to get out, Annabella said, “Thanks again, Terise. You didn’t have to do this, but I’m really glad you did.”

“I didn’t do it for you,” Terise said tersely, “I did it for your viewers. So whatever epiphany you’re having right now better make it into the piece. It’s been—” She hesitated.

“Been what?” Annabella prompted.

“We’re supposed to be a Blue Zone, did you know that?”

Frowning, Annabella asked, “What’re you—”

“The original plans,” Terise said, her grip on the steering wheel tightening so much that her knuckles were going white. “When they were first drawing up the zones, B-2 was supposed to extend all the way down the East Coast to Key West.”

Annabella blinked. “I—I didn’t know that.” She also surreptitiously started her spec-cam going. She had the feeling this conversation was something she’d want a record of.

Smiling, Terise said, “It’s not something they advertise. Dig around the archives, though, look for the maps from ’35 or so, and you’ll see it. That’s why this Yellow has such a hefty GDI presence. They probably feel guilty.”

“Guilty about what? What happened?”

“They screwed up.” Terise sighed. “It wasn’t really anyone’s fault, but—” She let go of the steering wheel. “See, the biggest problem with the entire gulf coast is the hurricanes. They bring the green death in spades. But the reason why hurricanes hit the coast is because they move from warmer to cooler water.”

Annabella chuckled. “Thank you, Mr. Schiame.”

Terise looked at her quizzically.

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