Illusion of Victory (The Serenity Saga Book 2)

By Richard Flores IV

Captain Christina Serenity is back from the dead, in a manner of speaking. Everyone believed that no one survived the devastating attack on the Earth Space Ship Australia. That is, everyone except Roger Mathews, the traitor that launched the attack. But the four survivors have grown tired of seeking revenge and have returned home to face the consequences of that choice.

The Zercowans are losing interest in fighting Earth’s war and demand some type of action against the threats that face their people. But after several tough decisions, Serenity learns that the term ‘enemy’ isn’t so clear and she no longer feels strong enough to handle the weight of war.

Can Serenity maintain the illusion of strength long enough to gain the victories Earth desperately needs? Or have the pressures of war and revenge already destroyed her?

The exciting sequel to Dissolution of Peace is here!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Richard Flores IV
• Release date: Jul 11, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370114139

Richard Flores IV

Richard Flores IV is the author of the science fiction novels, Dissolution of Peace, Volition Agent, and Broken Trust. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of Plasma Frequency, a bimonthly, semi-pro magazine of speculative fiction. He lives in Auburn, Washington with his wife and three children. When not writing, he works a day job where he daydreams about writing. His hobbies include reading, television, video games, blogging, and watching San Jose Sharks hockey.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Everything was just about perfect. Niagara Falls had been the obvious choice for the wedding and getting it set up had not been that hard, even on short notice. Obviously there wasn’t going to be a very large attendance, most everyone still thought they were dead.

Michael Carlson straightened the tie on his tux and checked over his appearance one more time. He had wanted to see Christina one more time before the wedding, but she insisted that was bad luck.

But we already have bad luck. Carlson had said.

All the more reason we don’t need more, I’ll see you at the ceremony. Serenity had said before closing the hotel door.

That had been just last night and now Carlson stood in a small dressing room about to be married to the love of his life. You would think this was a happy moment for him, but all he felt was dread.

There was a knock on the door before it opened, sending in a wave of the fresh scent of the falls. The refreshing sent of a fresh rain, though it hadn’t rained recently. It calmed Carlson, just a little. Janice peaked around the door and then came in.

Janice Kanter looked absolutely amazing in the lavender dress that matched the color of his tie. It fit her well maintained body nicely. She hated the color, but she wore it for Christina.

You look nice. Carlson made his way to the chair to get the Tux jacket. He looked at the L-pistol sitting in the chair. His instinct was to take it with him, but that would only complicate things later in the day.

This is a great day for you. Janice gestured to her own face in the form of a smile. Smile, Mike.

You know what marrying Christina means to me, but you also know what it will mean for all of us. Carlson threw on the jacket, buttoned it up and checked himself over in the mirror again.

Enjoy your wedding. We knew this would end someday, I’m surprised we lasted this long. Janice put an arm around Carlson. When he turned around she gave him a hug. As your best ‘man’ I order you to have a good time today.

Carlson went to the door and held it open for Janice as she walked out. He looked around the room again and then closed the door. The falls could be heard echoing through the area. It was a short walk up to the wedding location. He used the time to catch his breath.

You realize had we decided to do the so called, ‘right thing,’ you wouldn’t be able to marry Christina today. Janice said. I think you need to focus more on what you are gaining then what is going to happen next.

Carlson didn’t respond to her. She was right. Carlson also knew he couldn’t run from his fate forever. He’d rather face it with Christina than alone.

As they got to the wedding site he saw Francesca there in the same dress Janice wore. She smiled and gave Carlson a big hug. Francesca looked more natural in the dress, and she seemed to be much happier to be wearing one than Janice was. A man and a woman sat in the few chairs that were placed there. They had to be Christina’s parents. Carlson had never met them, only saw pictures. He figured he better introduce himself before he married their daughter.

He approached them slowly. As they turned around and saw him they stood up. Christina was every bit her mother’s child, the resemblance was so strong. The father looked hardened and rather angry. The creases in his forehead deepened as he made eye contact with Carlson.

Carlson had faced some pretty bad people in his time with Security Forces, but this man scared him more than anything. Including the time they hid from the Borvians in a swamp full of what Carlson could only describe as crocodiles mixed with scorpions. Given the choice, he’d rather have to deal with an Earth croc.

Carlson put out his hand. Mr. Serenity.

The man took hold and gave him a stern handshake. I am not sure I care much for you already, Michael wasn’t it?

Mrs. Serenity shoved him in the arm. Knock it off.

I can imagine the whirlwind of emotions. Carlson said. Finding out your daughter is alive, and she is getting married.

Christina insists that running away has her idea. Mr. Serenity said. But shouldn’t you have been the one to stop her.

Well, I didn’t. Carlson came clean. We fought about it a lot, but I couldn’t convince her and I couldn’t stop her. Mostly because I knew she was right.

And she was. Mr. Serenity said. I just hate to see that she threw away her career.

Better than her being dead. Mrs. Serenity said. She turned to Carlson. Don’t worry about him. He was career man himself. Retired now, but always was a good cop.

Carlson hadn’t realized that Serenity’s father was once in Security Forces as well. Carlson wondered why Christina hadn’t brought it up. Well, I’ll apologize for the suddenness of our marriage, but I won’t apologize for marrying your daughter. I’ve loved her for a long time now, and only now can I finally marry her.

Where is Louis and Lisa? Mrs. Serenity looked around, seeming to ignore Mike’s words. They said they would be here by now.

She took her husband by the arm and dragged him off to find Christina’s brother and sister. Carlson was relieved that was over. But it made his heart ache for his own parents, who had passed away long ago. There was no one attending the wedding for him.

Well, that was interesting. Janice said. They wouldn’t even talk to me.

Carlson only nodded. Suddenly his other worries subsided to a new realization, he was about to get married. His legs got wobbly and he stumbled to the rail and leaned against it. He felt nauseous for a moment but it passed with one whiff of the air. He took a few more deep breaths.

Janice and Francesca came up beside him.

Are you okay? Francesca rubbed his back.

I just realized I am getting married. Carlson said over the railing. Holy shit.

Just relax man, any minute she will be ready for you and you can finally marry the woman of your dreams. Janice said.

What if she doesn’t come out? Carlson suddenly thought of Christina closing the hotel door in his face. What if that had nothing to do with superstition, and she was giving herself a chance to escape her fate?

What? Don’t be crazy. Francesca said. I just saw her in her dress, you’re going to fall in love with her again.

Carlson turned around and faced them. He took several more deep breaths. Then he saw Janice was holding her security wallet. She was als holding on to the tiny diamond ring and a gold band Carlson had bought. Serenity was getting her engagement ring, and wedding band today. There really hadn’t been time to stop before.

Mike about the ring. Janice said.

Carlson started to feel weak again. If Janice had lost the rings…

Now hold on, Mike... Janice put a hand on her shoulder. You remember that little jewelry shop we saw all those years ago on shore leave? The Zercowan one?

Yeah. Carlson paused a moment. He didn’t remember well. Wait... No...

Janice produced a shiny black metal ring with silver imbedded in a wavy line throughout. The silver came out of the metal band at the top and held a clear gem. The gem appeared to be diamond but the light didn’t reflect off the gem in the same way, it caused it to change colors. Mike had seen this ring before, Janice had wanted him to get it for Christina, but there was no hope of them getting married at that time.

When the hell did you have a chance to get this? Carlson took it from her and looked at it. The gem changed red, then to blue as he moved it in the sun.

I bought it that day. Janice said. I knew this day would come and this was the perfect ring for you.

I’d forgotten all about it. Carlson lied and went to hand it back to her.

No, use it. Consider it a wedding gift. Janice said. She will love it.

The music started to play. Carlson gave Janice a quick hug before running to his place. He nodded briefly to the Officiant. Then the Wedding March started playing. Carlson was glad he wouldn’t have to wait for a bunch of people to take their seats. He wanted to be married as soon as possible.

Serenity appeared on her father’s arm. Carlson forgot about everything that was about to happen and relished that moment. The dress was simple, form fitting, and made Serenity appear as though she floated to him. She moved like an angel and the sun made her blonde hair shine. Carlson wore the most dumbfounded expression as Christina walked up and stood across from him.

Christina smiled at him. He smiled back and then they both turned to face the officiant. He nodded.

Friends, Family, we are gathered here to witness the union of Christina Serenity and Michael Carlson. This union is not a beginning, but rather a testimony to what is already here. Love. The officiant spoke clearly, his voice carrying further than needed for such a small group. But his official tone calmed Carlson’s nerves. True marriage is much more than the joining of two people in a civil union. Marriage is a testimony to the love, faith, and understanding that two people share with each other.

The officiant turned to Serenity, Do you, Christina take Michael to be your partner in life’s journey, through love and heartache, health and sickness, good times and bad, for all your days together, joined by the common bond of marriage?

I do. Serenity smiled.

Carlson swallowed the lump in his throat as the officiant turned to him. Do you Michael, take Christina to be your partner in life’s journey, through love and heartache, health and sickness, good times and bad, for all your days together, joined by the common bond of marriage?

I do. Carlson said.

The rings?

Carlson fumbled for both rings in his pocket, pulling them out. The stone’s color was a light green, and flickered a bit with yellow. He brushed off the gem. Serenity turned around from retrieving his ring from Francesca.

Woah. Serenity said.

It seems Michael is full of surprises. The officiant joked. Serenity’s family remained silent. They’d had enough surprises. May these rings forever be a symbol of the love you have shown here today. A small representation of the lasting bond between you both.

With that cue, Carlson slipped the rings on Serenity’s finger. She did the same for him.

By the power vested in me by the government of Earth, I now pronounce you bound by marriage, you may now kiss.

Carlson leaned in for a gentle kiss, but Serenity took hold of him and kissed him deeply. She pulled back slowly and whispered. I’m ready for what happens next.

The officiant produced a small phone sized device. Carlson used to carry one, it was a chip scanner. It was also what would alert the world on where he could be found. The officiant scanned their necks, Carlson’s was first. He felt as though any minute now the world would crash around him, but he knew it would take at least a couple of hours.

Carlson signed the screen, then Serenity. Then Janice and Francesca as witnesses. It was official now, he was married to the woman of his dreams, and it was time for him to face the music.

* * *

The reception was small. Dinner at this top notch restaurant with the few of them that were there. Christina’s brother apparently had a huge problem with Carlson’s career, but Janice had managed to diffuse that situation.

Janice stepped outside for fresh air and she found a bench to sit on. She was glad to be out of the dress, but she knew the fun was coming to an end. She checked her watch, it would be any moment now.

Carlson and Serenity came out next. They laughed a little, but when they saw Janice they stopped. Serenity had turned her dress over to her mom, she didn’t want it getting lost. Carlson still wore the tux, but the tie was undone and the collar unbuttoned.

Francesca came out last, she insisted on paying for the meal and was settling up with the restaurant. She looked at her phone. It’s about that time.

Well, let’s go. Carlson waited for the ladies to stand up. I say we get one more look at those falls before we go.

They walked up to the falls letting the time between them pass in silence. The joys of the wedding had passed and there was a collective heaviness that Janice felt between them all. The last couple of years had both plusses and minuses. But she was glad she spent it with them.

She overlooked the falls. These were more Carlson’s thing than hers. It wasn’t that she didn’t appreciate the beauty. She did. But she would much rather be somewhere else right now. The cascading water did little to drown her thoughts like it seemed to do for him.

She began to second guess her choice to follow them in their pursuit of Roger Mathews. There was little she could do about it now.

Francesca took her hand. Janice gave her a quick kiss. She had thought about asking Carlson if he would mind a double wedding. But she couldn’t take this day from him. Besides, she’d already turned Janice down just a month prior. And they were still recovering from that.

She was sure that Francesca was the reason that pushed her into running. If Francesca had wanted no part of it, she wasn’t sure she would have either.

She knew that wasn’t entirely true. She had a bond with Carlson now. Something she never would have expected when she first met him. But now, not being near him was something she couldn’t imagine. It was going to be tough.

Carlson and Serenity held each other as they looked out on the water. Janice realized this was one of those moments that she would remember for a long time. Or for however much longer she had.

Corporal Carlson. A stern voice said it more like a command than a greeting.

I haven’t heard that in a long time. Carlson said as the four of them turned around.

Janice already knew who would be standing there, though she had expected more of them. Four Security Forces officers and a Sergeant stood there.

The officer looked over the four of them. Captain Serenity, Ensign Willard, Officer Kanter, and Corporal Carlson, you are all under arrest.

Chapter 2

New Alcatraz was exactly what Serenity had expected from a prison on the moon. It was dark, the walls were tall and the halls narrow. The cells were grey, with no windows, and the bed was hard. She had no cellmate. She wasn’t sure if that was a ploy to make her feel lonely, or if it was a sign of respect.

She noticed there were still some respects paid to her, despite her being arrested. No formal charges had been brought just yet, so for all practical purposes, she was still a Captain of the Earth Navy.

She fidgeted with her ring finger, naturally they took away the new ring from her. Truthfully she wasn’t used to wearing it, she only had for maybe twelve hours before they processed her. But, she did find herself missing Mike.

She was also missing rum. But she’d given that up as a promise to Mike. But no matter how much she promised him, she still wanted just one sip. Right now she could use a whole bottle.

She could hear footsteps down the hall, getting closer. Everything echoed in this cell block, so it was tough to tell what level the foot steps were on.

She didn’t expect to be on New Alcatraz already, she expected a trial, and there was the possibility of execution. But they processed her and brought her straight here. Perhaps they didn’t want the world to know she was alive. They had been using her name as quite the propaganda machine since her ship, the E.S.S. Australia was destroyed.

The footsteps stopped. Her cell door made loud clank before sliding open. There stood two people she had not seen in years, and neither one looked happy to see her.

Admiral Tracy Kelly was once her closest friend but they grew father apart as their career paths changed. Where Serenity has been content as one of the youngest commanding officers, Kelly had ambitions to rise to the top. A position she finally got when Mike and Janice had exposed McCorvick as the traitor he was.

General Valentine stood just behind and to the left of Kelly. The General of Security Forces would typically be far too busy to see to a simple matter like this. But, given the nature of it, Serenity wasn’t too shocked he showed up.

Captain, Valentine was the first to speak.

In all this time, have you forgot how to pay proper respects? Kelly’s voice calm in almost an unnatural way.

Serenity stood up and rendered a salute. She held it while the two officers looked at each other. She knew they made her hold it longer than normal. When they finally returned the salute, Serenity stood attention and waited for the barrage of remarks to come her way.

Valentine looked to Kelly. When she nodded he stepped out of the doorway. Kelly stepped into the cell and approached Serenity, she looked her over once then shook her head.

I thought it couldn’t possibly be you. Kelly walked slowly around Serenity. There was intel that said you might be alive, but I just couldn’t picture you throwing your whole career away.

Serenity didn’t speak. It wasn’t a question and clearly Kelly expected strict military discipline.

Kelly turned to leave the cell. Come with me.

Serenity followed Kelly out of the cell. She looked to see two Security Forces officers following behind her, and General Valentine ahead. These weren’t prison guards, she could tell they were Protective Services, the same thing Mike used to do.

Kelly kept a hushed tone as she spoke now. I’m not supposed to say this, but I am damn glad you really are alive.

Serenity stayed quiet, she was glad to see that Kelly was still the Admiral. It was originally assumed her promotion was a PR stunt, and she would be set up to step down rather quickly. Especially with the war going on. But either she managed to make good choices, or they still needed her.

Well, I wanted you to know that before we got down to the interview room. Kelly said.

Serenity expected it was more likely to be an interrogation room. Serenity has no plan to get to the point where they had to use force to get information from her. She’d tell them just about anything they wanted to know.

The rest of the walk was filled only be the sound of their shoes clicking on the hard floors.

The interview room was white, with a small table and three chairs. There was a mirror on the wall and Serenity wondered who was watching her through it. They sat her down in a chair, handcuffed her to the table and took a seat across from her. She thought it odd they restrained her now, when she had been free to walk with them just a moment ago. She suspected it was more psychological games.

Serenity actually was most worried about her friends, she had not seen or heard anything about their fate since arrest. And she was worried Mike may be too stubborn and they’d just kill him. She hoped Francesca could get away with the just following orders routine, but doubted it. And Janice, she would probably find herself in the same situation as Mike.

But if she shared her worry, or even asked about them, she was worried they would use that against her. She planned to be forthright with them, but you never know what just might happen.

You do realize what this looks like right? Kelly said. The Navy’s star Captain goes AWOL for years and then suddenly shows back up. People are going to want to know what made you decide to leave.

Serenity sat quietly, maintaining eye contact with Kelly the entire time.

So what happened? Valentine stated.

You mean why did I leave? Serenity asked. Valentine nodded. That was a complicated question, there were many reasons she took off on her own and pursue after Mathews. She’d keep the answers simple. I wanted revenge.

And why couldn’t you get that with the Navy? Valentine asked.

First, the Navy has made it clear to me before that my need for revenge was not welcome, nor should it be. Second, the Navy has made it clear that Mathews is not their concern anymore. Third, I didn’t want to be involved in the war after seeing my entire crew lost in the blink of an eye. Serenity took a breath. I could go on for awhile, but the thing is, I didn’t care about the Navy at that moment. I cared about getting Mathews.

You threw away your career, a distinguished and honorable career, for one man? Kelly inquired.

Serenity knew they wanted her to say it. They wanted her to acknowledge what she had given up. But she didn’t care about that at the time. I threw away a job, Admiral. It was just a job.

Admiral Kelly leaned in closer. Do you really believe that?

Not anymore. Serenity stated dryly. I was blinded by revenge from what I saw. Serenity took in a big breath. Do you know where I was when the Australia was destroyed?

Kelly sat back. She shook her head.

Serenity sat back took a deep breath. Even after time passed she hated reliving it. She felt the tears well up in her eyes and the tightness in her chest. She wanted that drink again.

I’d just had my meeting with you about Zimmerman. It hadn’t gone well. Well, I was on a shuttle back, one that was about to start docking with the Australia. Just far enough to avoid being noticed, but... Serenity looked down to hide the tears. but, just close enough to see it all. I should have been there. I should have been on that ship. The Australia was my ship and I should have been on her. If I had been on that ship...

You’d be dead too. Valentine said. There was nothing anyone could have done to stop that from happening.

Serenity leaned down to use her restrained hand to wipe her face. I know that. But it doesn’t help to know it. I still should have been there. But after seeing that, all I saw was revenge. Serenity sat back in her chair. I was already angry with the Navy for how they treated Zimmerman, and now the one thing I loved about being in the Navy was destroyed.

Did Corporal Carlson or Officer Kanter every try to stop you? Valentine asked.

Serenity wanted to lie for them. But she also knew they would come clean and expose what she said as lies. She decided to stick with the truth.

They tried to talk me out of it. Lord knows Mike and I fought about it a lot. But they never tried to arrest me. They were as angry and upset as I was.

Serenity has spent plenty of time at the bottom of a bottle and she remembered fighting with him several times. There were points she thought she would leave him, but how do you leave someone you have to share a tight space with? And now, she can’t imagine facing life without him.

Let’s talk about your husband. Kelly said. How long has that been going on?

Serenity turned to Valentine. Do you remember when McCorvick called for a disciplinary hearing against Corporal Carlson? And you may remember the question of our being involved was raised? What you may not realize is that I avoided answering that question.

That long? Valentine rubbed his head. You certainly are full of surprises.

Kelly pulled out a thick tablet of paper. Why did you come home now? Why not stay away?

That was an easy answer for Serenity. After a certain amount of time passes revenge starts to seem silly, and you start to realize that getting revenge won’t make your own demons go away. And when I realized I was no longer doing what I thought was right, it seemed it was time to do the right thing and turn myself in.

But you didn’t turn yourself in. Valentine said.

I could have got married on any of the many Zercowan worlds. Yet I came home, where they would scan my chip and alert you to my presence. Serenity said. And by the off chance you hadn’t flagged our chips-believing we were still dead-we would have been in the next morning.

So you knew there was a possibility we knew you were alive? Kelly asked.

With the amount of noise we made, I was certain someone had said something. Serenity said.

Kelly looked to Valentine and then they both stood up. They walked to the door before Kelly turned to look at her one more time. Someone will be in to get the full details on your whereabouts. Please be cooperative.

* * *

Admiral Kelly walked into the next room. The psychologist and two Security Forces officers sat inside. The psychologist was looking over his tablet screen. He added a few more notes before looking back through the two-way mirror.

Kelly looked through the mirror at Serenity sitting there. She didn’t at all seem like the confident, fiery, Captain she remembered. She looked defeated and worn down. Serenity had given up. And that was a shame.

Two men entered the room with Serenity. They sat down and began asking her questions about the last few years. Kelly turned away, it didn’t really matter to her at this point. What mattered to her was why she had done it.

What do you think? Kelly said to the psychologist.

Sounds a lot like PTSD. He never looked up from the readings on his tablet.

Post Traumatic Stress seemed logical, and she hoped the doctor might suggest it. It gave her some way to justify what Serenity had done. And it gave her a reason to get her out of this place.

You do realize the spot this has put the Navy in? The psychologist said finally looking up from his tablet. The first thing the people are going to want to know is how she wasn’t dead.

Kelly understood the issues. If they told the world she was alive, they’d have to admit she was AWOL. Or, they’d have to say they knew she was alive, and then admit they used her for propaganda. Kelly hoped to invent a third option.

Right now, I just need to justify her actions. And PTSD may be a good start. Kelly watched Serenity. She wasn’t arguing with them at all. I told them not to use her name, but Naval Command insisted her death would rally the world to their cause.

It worked pretty well, if you ask me. The psychologist said.

Kelly may be the Admiral of the Navy, and supposedly the top dog. But the bureaucracy of the Navy wasn’t that easy, and there had been steady pressure to get her to step down or resign. She’d done what the Navy needed her to do. Regain the trust of the people and lead them into war.

She suspected the real pressure would come when the public started to get sick of the war. It was not going well, and Earth was losing a lot of people to gain very little Martian soil. And when it came time for a person to take the fall, she suspected they’d rope her into the blame somehow.

All she wanted to do was reach retirement, and she had a long time to go for that. She was far too young to be an Admiral, and she was starting to see why. Leadership was something for the old, it was too stressful