“Ten are nearly completed,” the hologram said in a neutral voice.
“I’m heading to Freetown tomorrow to oversee it,” Maria said. “They’re giving Khan, Baliska and me a demonstration of how to use the computers.”
“Sounds like you’ve got it all worked out,” Charlie said, taking a drag of his cigar. He hadn’t taken part in the planning since arriving back on Earth, preferring to spend time in Augustus’ old cabin, unwinding and reading through some of the bizarre revisions the old emperor had planned for his new version of history. “You don’t need a grouchy old man like me getting in the way.”
“You’re welcome to join us,” Maria said. “You can’t just disappear into the sunset.”
Mike laughed. “If you think Charlie Jackson will do that, you’ve had too much wine.”
“I’ll still be around. Don’t you worry about that,” Charlie said.
Candlelight glowed against Maria’s smiling face. This was the happiest Charlie had seen her since the harvester liberation over two months ago. She could look forward to living her natural life, free of tyranny. They all could.
The cigar was only half finished, but Charlie had smoked enough. Now the root was nonessential, the sour metallic flavor tasted even more disgusting. He stubbed it out in the chamber’s newly acquired ashtray, carefully making sure none of the hot embers dropped through the eye and mouth holes of the metal mask.
“I need some fresh air,” Charlie said and stretched his arms. “I’ll leave you guys to your planning.”
“Leaving us already?” Mike asked. “We’re talking about vehicles next.”
“I’m sure it’ll be thrilling, but Pip needs a walk.”
Charlie pushed back his chair, waved Pip from her basket, and headed for the exit. The group continued to enthusiastically chat about their plans, but he wanted a few moments alone to think about Denver.
The surviving population was crammed into the structures still left standing. Weak artificial light poured through windows of the wooden houses as Charlie walked to the edge of the city.
He climbed the switchbacks at the end of the basin and overlooked the town, wanting to keep the image in his mind of where they had come from after the new city was established.
Those who were lost over the last three decades needed to be remembered. It would keep everyone’s feet planted firmly on the ground in the face of a new technological revolution. Charlie let out a deep breath when picturing Pippa’s smile after she entered the office thirty years ago, with a blue bead from the Roanoke dig.
A black prism drifted across the star-filled sky—a human creation from centuries ago on another planet, providing protection and advancement for Earth. Denver was probably already aboard, making plans and familiarizing himself with the scion weapons and early stages of the plan.
Charlie’s days of adventure were over. He let out a deep breath, dropped to one knee and put his arm around Pip. He was glad that he played a part in freeing Earth from oppression and could hold his head up high. As far as he was concerned, his job was complete.
It was time for the next generation to take up the mantle.
A shiver of pride ran through Charlie’s body at the thought of Denver and his mission. Together they helped saved the fate of the world. His son would now do it on a universal scale.
Pip whined.
“Don’t worry, girl. He’ll be back. I guarantee it. He’s a Jackson. We always win in the end.”
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Copyright
First Published in 2014–2015 by Vast Frontiers Ltd
Copyright Colin F. Barnes & Darren Wearmouth
The moral right of the author has been asserted. All characters and events in this publication, other than those clearly in the public, are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
All Rights Reserved.
No part of this publication may be produced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher.
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