-44-
The new Senior Tribune of the Luna Missile Complex assured the Grand Admiral that the men could meet the timetable.
The new Senior Tribune kept glancing at dead Cato, who lay on a slab of metal in an underground garage. The moon-buggy was parked twenty feet away, with the bubble-canopy still open. The gore, congealed blood and brain tissue of the ruined head seemed to fascinate the new Tribune. He’d just learned about his promotion five minutes ago.
“This is critical,” said Cassius. “Are you listening?”
The new Senior Tribune tore his gaze from the dead Highborn, looking at Cassius. He nodded quickly.
“You must accelerate the work schedule, but sacrifice nothing in terms of perfection,” Cassius said. “Each missile must function to its full potential at the needed moment.”
“I understand, Your Excellency. It shall be done.”
“Words are unimpressive,” said Cassius. “Only deeds interest me.”
“I demand that you judge me by my deeds, Your Excellency.”
Cassius nodded. “There is no room in Higher Command for failure of any sort. We have five days until launching. Every missile must leave its pad, and each missile must carry its designated cargo, be it soldier or warhead.”
The new Senior Tribune saluted smartly. “Then with your permission, Grand Admiral, I must leave you and begin the accelerated work-schedule at once.”
“It appears I’ve chosen the right Highborn,” said Cassius.
“Excellence brings rewards,” the new Tribune said.
“Perfectly stated,” said Cassius. “Now before you leave, show me where I may find the commandoes.”
“Do you have a specific commando in mind, Your Excellency?”
“Maniple Leader Felix,” Cassius said.
“Do you know his unit number?”
“Troop Six, Battalion Fifty-Seven,” said Cassius.
The new Senior Tribune examined a scroll-pad. “It is a penal unit.” He sounded surprised.
“It appears you are not intimately familiar with the commandoes.”
“We have an infantry specialist, Your Excellency. He can tell you more than I can concerning the commandoes. I specialize….” The Senior Tribune grimaced. “I specialize in completing the assignments given me.”
“What was that designation again?” asked Cassius.
With a start, the Senior Tribune thrust the scroll-pad at Cassius. Cassius examined it, nodded and abruptly turned around, heading for his moon-buggy.
-45-
Cassius sat in a chair before a small wooden table. He was still on Luna, in a bare room. A shock rod lay on the table, the sole object. A single bulb provided light.
The door swished open. A Highborn in battleoid-armor entered. Behind him followed Maniple Leader Felix. The youthful replica of Cassius had changed subtly since that day on the
Felix wore titanium-reinforced manacles, effectively trapping his wrists before him. As their eyes met, Felix halted.
“You,” said Felix.
Cassius said nothing, he merely watched. It pained him to recognize the resuscitation disease. Some Highborn did better than others when brought back to life. He himself had never died. After studying Felix, it seemed wisest if he never did so.
Lifting the titanium-reinforced manacles, Felix said, “Just how brave are you?”
Cassius clicked a hand-unit. The manacles popped open.
With a snarl, Felix whipped his hands at Cassius, hurling the manacles. Swaying to the side, Cassius dodged them. He’d been expecting that, an elementary maneuver. The manacles clanged against the wall, slid down and hit the floor.
“Wait outside,” Cassius told the battleoid-armored Highborn.
The guard never shrugged or bothered with a warning. He simply marched out, slamming the door behind him.
“I could kill you before he entered again,” Felix said.
“You tried that once already when you had the advantage. My recommendation is to wait before you attempt it again. Try to gain an absolute advantage.”
Felix massaged one of his wrists. He sneered at Cassius. “I’ve been training hard.”
“Good. You’re going to need every ounce of your rage and fighting spirit soon.”
“You’re shooting us at the cyborgs, eh?” Felix spat on the floor. “That’s wise, old man. Otherwise, I would have killed you sooner or later.”
Cassius leaned forward. “Your fury lacks rationality. We possess similar chromosomes. We are alike in many ways. I…I wish you to excel.”
“Is that why you shot my favorite sex object?”
“The premen could have used your girls against you, killing you like an animal.”
“Why do you care?”
“I’ve already stated the reason: our chromosomes.”
Felix’s eyes widened, and he laughed harshly. “You see me as your father?”
A pang of something beat in Cassius’s heart.
“Highborn have no fathers, no mothers,” said Felix. “We are alone. It is one of our strengths.”
“We are the Highborn, the most superior form of life in existence,” said Cassius.
“Do want me to call you father?” Felix jeered.
“I want you to excel,” said Cassius.
“Why?” asked Felix, taking a step nearer.
Cassius groped for the right words, and it surprised him that he didn’t have them.
Felix’s leg muscles tensed.
“Don’t do it,” Cassius whispered. “You already have a mark against you for attempting to assassinate me. A second mark will bring about your destruction.”
“Why do you care?”
“You have the best of genes,” Cassius said. “Someday, you may become the Grand Admiral.”
Felix roared as he leaped for the table. Cassius was closer, if a touch slower. Snatching the shock rod, he switched it to its highest setting. Then he cracked it across Felix’s forehead. With a howl, Felix crashed sideways and collapsed onto the floor.
The door opened as the battleoid-armored guard looked in.
“Get out!” Cassius snarled.
The soldier stepped back, slamming the door shut.
Taking two steps, Cassius crouched beside Felix. “You have courage and you’re full of vigor. Those are excellent traits. Now you must learn to use your mind, to think.”
“I’m going to kill you someday,” Felix whispered.
