Sister World Return to Terah: Sister World, #3

By Debra Zannelli

Back to Terah begins with Kahill, Peter and Becarra traveling to Terah to free it from Frauliege, its despotic ruler. Many of those who fought with them to save Earth follow, bringing with them others prepared to face the possibility of not being able to return to their homes. Working with Teran's Resistance they prepare for the upcoming war, facing challenges, dangers and seemingly insurmountable obsticles. With allies both known and unexpected, the war for Terah begins.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Debra Zannelli
• Release date: Mar 30, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224854769

Book preview

1

THE CONFERENCE

The president sat at his desk, impatiently tapping on its shiny surface. The tapping stopped when Senator Wright entered the room.

So, James, I heard you did an awful lot of walking.

Wore out my new sneakers.

Fill me in.

As the senator explained the role he’d played, he watched the president’s smile grow.

I’m glad you have so many friends. They brought me home, the others too. Looking over his shoulder, the president heard loud murmurs coming from behind the closed door and for a moment, he was overwhelmed with the tremendous task before him. It seems I owe you a lot.

I’m just glad to have you back. None of this could have happened if not for the group Kahill assembled. You’ll need to collect their stories. They aren’t the kind of people who’ll brag. The fishermen were rescued from the mines by the children, Sam Benjamin, and an army of animals. Funny how it was the rats giving the final blow.

Even I’m afraid of them. Sanders faked a shiver. We have some very brave and crafty deputy directors. When I learned what Young did, capturing the director of the FBI and CIA imposters, it makes me wonder if he’s in the right position. Then there’s Mrs. Graham. How she managed to capture her husband’s mirror.

She had help. Thinking of the dog, Wright smiled. If Dickson, her dog, hadn’t helped, she might have been killed. Don’t forget Drakos’ imposter. Anthony, his driver, captured him. He’s a young man struggling to live in the most expensive place in our country on a small salary.

He’ll get a raise. I’m going to talk to Xavier.

Senator Wright looked at the desktop. The men who got you and the others home, work in the dark. The things they’ve done aren’t always what they seem. My friend could use a pardon and a safe place to go. Hunted by both sides of the law is not a good life.

Done. For a moment, the president’s eyes grew moist. What the kids did nearly blew me away. I’ll never forget Jackie running to us. She died saving Garnier’s life. The Innuits fought two battles pretty much on their own. Those battles made my rescue possible.

Garnier will take care of them, Wright said.

With my help.

Of course, sir.

President Sanders couldn’t stop grinning. It’s been a long time since you didn’t argue with me.

Too tired. Wright shifted in his seat, looking down at his perfectly pressed suit. I miss those dirty jeans. Not the shoes. They’re too worn. I’m looking forward to sharing a pint with General Weigard and taking a cruise with Captain Hughes, as long as we’re not going as fast as the ship can.

We won’t have to thank Alan Carr and his friends. They were just happy to play their part. Garnier’s thanking the fishermen. I must pardon some scientists who broke into a lab, knocked out its guard and stole some scientific equipment. I understand the man I know of only as Zoom, would like a Ferrari. Just might get him one. Sanders glanced at the many reports covering his desk. There’s almost too much for one man to do. I have a lot of people to thank. Then there’s the animals. Their fought with us, suffered a lot of losses. We must change our world view. Last but certainly not least is Kahill and Becarra. Wait until I introduce them in the uniforms they deserve to wear. I can’t imagine what the reporters will think.

You have TEV. Wright pictured the small machine, with the huge impact. I’d have the animal leaders speak first, then introduce Kahill and Becarra with Peter and Rebecca Benjamin beside them. The reporters will listen. They’ll believe every word.

My wife told the chef to begin preparing vegetarian dishes and I have my people looking into what needs to be done to help the speechless.

Sir. Wright leaned close to the desk. Kahill and Becarra want to go home, free their world. They can’t do it alone. They need an army. They need us. It won’t be easy. The Terans know we’re coming. The wormhole will be guarded and that’s just the first challenge. As odd as this is, I think we must defer to them. They may be young, but for this their knowledge is indispensable.

I’m holding a meeting with my top military and civilian advisors. Charles and Sam will be there. I’ve also asked Eve Conner, the reporter, to join us. I understand she interacted with the Zians on a daily basis. President Sanders stood, his spine rigid. We’re going to Terah. This is a debt we must repay.

The sounds of many voices crawled through the door. I guess it’s time to introduce our guests. President Sanders smiled. Can’t imagine what the reporters are going to make of my thanking Spirit.

Wait till you bring in One’s Voice, Wright answered the president’s frown. The rat leader.

Mr. President. The secretary walked into the office after a soft knock. Agent Richards is here.

Senator Wright left the office, heading to where his colleagues sat. Their sideways glances made him wonder how much they knew and how much was speculation.

President Sanders rose, his hand outstretched. Agent Richards, I don’t know how to thank you.

There’s no need. Arnold Richards smiled, his lips curling. What would you like to do with Agent Thorp?

We’ll thank him for his service and assign him to the vice president. He’ll accept reassignment. President Sanders stepped around the desk. Now, time for me to address a mob of hungry reporters.

Yes, sir. Agent Richards stepped out of the office, walking silently at his president’s side.

Sitting just beyond where the press could see, was the strangest assembly ever to enter the capital.

The president, hands gripping the podium, spoke, Hold your questions until the end; there’s a lot to go over. There’s been a lot of rumors. Most are true. He waited for silence. Many other people and I, both here and in Canada, were held prisoner by an invading force. Our country owes a very large debt to the residents of our smallest state. The Rhode Island National Guard, under General Hayden Weigard, fought battles no one knew of, winning a war no one knew about. Captain Christine Hughes, captain of the Sea Nymph, a ferry berthed at Quonset, brought our soldiers to Griffen Island, and your leaders home. For our protection, we were provided different routes home. To those bringing us safely home, our thanks are not enough. But now I must tell you of a very brave man. You may not recognize him. He’s lost a lot of weight. Let’s welcome the senator from Rhode Island, Senator James Wright. Using his many contacts, he was able to bring the right people together. Their trust in him and in each other is why I’m standing here.

I’d like to tell you about Dr. Charles Benjamin. He continued when the applause died down. He discovered the wormhole and the ability to travel through it to an alternate universe. Information on the wormhole is in the pamphlet you received. Terah, our sister world, exists in this alternate universe, its people are our mirrors. We may look the same, but we’re very different due to our divergent histories. Their need to learn our language, ways and customs kept me and the other prisoners alive. Griffen Island is the wormhole’s terminus and it was there they began their education. A full-scale invasion can’t be undertaken in the limited time the wormhole is available. Dr. Benjamin’s ability to stabilize it made his capture of paramount importance. Sanders watched the alarm showing on some faces, skepticism on others. Two Terans braved the wormhole to warn us. Their arrival was in time to warn Dr. Benjamin, contact the senator, and gather a group of very brave people, who I and the others owe much to. Charles, could you step forward?

The president pointed to Charles. Fighting not to back up, Charles knew his face would be a rose-colored blur on the news. Standing beside him, Alan Carr tried to hide the tears gathering in his eyes. Glenn, proudly wearing her engagement ring, squeezed his hand.

Beside him are those of Carr’s unit. They fought for their country in Vietnam, stepping up once again to keep Charles free and bring me home.

There are too many to thank. I’d like to invite all those of Earth who risked their lives to save not only me, but our world, to join me on stage.

Facing the group, President Sanders continued, To those standing behind me, and those who weren’t able to join us, we can’t thank you enough. I’d also like to thank those who gave us the best rides of our lives. I’ve done what I can to help you resume your interrupted lives. I hope one day, you’ll receive the recognition you deserve. Some of the most dangerous undertakings were done by the young people joining us.

Justin, leading the others, crossed the stage.

Sadly, there are those who should be standing beside them. Their loss is almost unbearable. Jackie Hatcher, just fifteen years old, died stopping the bullet meant for Prime Minister Jacques Garnier. Fred Winkler, two weeks from his sixteenth birthday, blew up the munitions barn, saving countless lives.

Sanders nodded at his press secretary. Leaving his side, she quickly returned with a small metal box, ignoring the audience’s frowns.

To introduce you to our most surprising allies, I need the assistance of TEV. Sanders pointed to the box, watching brows draw together, as they leaned forward to get a better look. The Thought Emotion Vocalizer, created by a Teran scientist who I hope one day to meet, has been invaluable, and it alone will change us in ways we could never have thought possible. Looking at the animals, all seeming afraid to leave Becky’s side, he waved them over.

Spirit rose, his unsmiling face looking longingly at Becky as if she could save him. Wormfinder shook his feathers, as the pointing finger told him to follow. Only knowing Bentwing had to be carried in beside him, kept the bird from flying away. The most nervous was One’s Voice. Sitting up, his hands clung to each other, but Becky’s nudge sent him to where the others waited.

Becarra leaned forward, watching as TEV spoke. Surprise turned into thunderous applause, drowning out those who thought it must be some kind of trick.

Spirit, the last to speak, frowned at the wagging tail he couldn’t still. Walk with you, fight with you, need you. The metallic voice stopped, while Spirit decided what else to say. Love you.

We… President Sanders pointed to his new friends. Can no longer claim this world as solely our own. Starting now, every effort will be made to open hearts, heal old wounds, and share our world.

Kahill looked at his sister. It has been awhile since I have had so much time sitting.

Cara grinned. You’re doing a pretty good job, filling out the uniform.

I’m not fat. Kahill stood, color rushing up his neck.

Ms. Eve Conner is one of yours. President Sanders waved his hand at the press, as she walked to his side. Not only did she report the news, but she also played spy, a most dangerous job. Politicians like me often look down on your profession, but in this moment, the real value of your service has been demonstrated to the world.

He waited for the applause to die. Let me introduce a man who saw our world as the one his should be. We welcome Captain Kruger. Leading his men, he helped save the city of Kimmirut and will always have a place with us. I must also praise a man who can’t be with us. Colonel Jurgen Richter, also of Terah, gave his life to save Ms. Conner, giving her the information needed for my rescue. He died defending a world he didn’t belong to, but this world will always belong to him. And now, I’m proud to introduce the two who braved a danger I cannot begin to comprehend.

Kahill took his sister’s hand. He is talking about us.

She gave him an impish smile. You going to faint?

Ignoring her, he stepped out from behind the heavy brocade curtain, listening to the welcoming applause.

Looking at the mic, a slightly green Kahill spoke, We braved the wormhole but what followed could not have been done if not for those who listened, who worked with us. He pointed to the box all eyes had been staring at. The value of TEV cannot be guessed. There would be no victory without the animals. My sister Becarra fought for your world. I have no words to describe her bravery. Cara, unusually silent, stood beside her brother. The applause was loud, and Kahill kept his eyes on Peter.

It’s strange to not be hiding. Kahill looked at the food. There are too many choices. Sharing the feast with the people around him made his upturned lips fall. I don’t know when we’ll face the final parting. It will be hard.

Under the table, Cara held Becky’s icy hand.

Charles, sitting beside his brother, tried to keep the smile on his face. My brave baby brother once told me to keep alive my memories of yesterday, plan for the future, but remember to live today. Today is all we got. So today, I have the best baby brother, niece, and nephew. He looked at Kahill and Cara. Times two. Let’s enjoy the moment. Those hard goodbyes are coming, but we aren’t saying them now.

Kahill examined his steak, frowning. Can you tell me what this is?

His sister shook her head. It’s animal. I talk to them, not eat them.

Becky pushed her plate aside. TEV kinda made me think about it too.

Cows are dumb. Peter grinned at his sister.

So are a lot of people, but I won’t eat them.

Can’t be a vegetarian. Charles took a big bite of steak, speaking before swallowing. I never ate rats, bats, birds, dogs, or cats, and I never will, but cows beware, I’m hungry.

Becky looked at the garlic bread. If we built a TEV that spoke to plants, I’d starve to death. She put a small piece of steak in her mouth. I’ll figure it out when I’m not hungry.

Cara pointed to the animal representatives. They’re using their best manners. Spirit and Boscoe are sharing. One’s Voice is holding a napkin. He’s clever. His people will raid the trash cans when we’re not looking.

I think Bentwing's sleeping. Becky looked at the small shelf put close to the ceiling where Bentwing lay, his daughter Brightsun by his side.

Will they come? Kahill answered Becky’s frown. The animals, will they come to our world? It’s so dark without them. When the war is won, they could bring it back to life.

Already said they would. Going in pairs. Make new families, Sam answered before his brother could.

Charles, sopping steak sauce from his plate, glowered. I think we’ll have lots of volunteers. I have to go. I need to make sure the wormhole closes. He saw his brother scowl. We can’t ask the Teran me. We don’t know where he is or how to reach him.

You can close it here. Sam scowled.

Not if we’re helping them. He returned his brother’s scowl with one of his own. I’ll need to make sure our people will be able to return. It might end up being a last-minute decision. I’d like to meet Chardak. Between the two of us, all the questions in the universe will finally be answered.

Got a big head there. Sam elbowed his brother.

No one noticed Andrea approaching. Charles’ fork dropped loudly onto his plate.

I forgive you. She stood beside his chair, her knuckle finding its way between her teeth.

Thank Darwin. Charles grinned. I was hoping…

Me too.

Peter pushed his chair back. I’m done. Andrea, why don’t you sit? I’m sure they’ll get you something to eat.

A fresh plate was brought over before Peter made it to where Harrison sat.

You’re famous now, Peter whispered.

More popular than his father, Senator Wright said. Justin, halfway through his third plate, grinned.

Jenny, arms pinned to her hips, tried to look angry, but the smile in her eyes told a different story.

It’s so weird sitting among all these people, finally seeing everyone together, Justin spoke between mouthfuls.

Not everyone, Senator Wright replied. I have some friends who aren’t here. I wish I could tell them how much they mean to me.

They know. The waiter placed an unrequested drink at the senator’s elbow, disappearing before Wright could ask him to stay. Between laughs, he spoke to his son. He’s always been a ghost. He’s also your godfather.

Good one, Harrison replied.

It was a long day and a longer night. Reporters tried to enter the banquet room, but the Secret Service kept them away. The dignitaries heading to their beds didn’t see the next party beginning. This one was much louder, soldiers’ voices raising a glass to missing comrades, cheering the Zians sitting beside them.

Eve walked, her eyes glued to the floor which seemed to be moving. She didn’t see the beauty around her. In her eyes, she saw her mother’s pride when she’d stepped inside her childhood home. She saw Chelsea’s face, the arms reaching out to her. Glancing up to see if she was at her room, Eve saw the man watching her.

Nick?

His mirror. The smile was grotesque. This is payment for what you’ve done to the people of Terah. Enough talk. It was a quiet shout. He raised his gun and instinctively, Eve fell, rolling into the nearest doorway. A shot was fired, and Eve looked to see where the bullet landed, seeing her assailant sinking to his knees, gun falling to the floor.

A hand reached out, taking her arm, helping her stand. Are you all right?

The strong bass voice made Eve look up. A soft oh, came out in a breathy sigh.

I’m sorry. He dropped her arm, stepping back.

No, please. Eve reached out. You saved my life.

Possibly. A smile tried to escape the tightly closed lips. There was no doubting the smile in his eyes. You’re Eve Conner. I’m Colonel Reicher.

Jurgen. Once again, her voice was breathy, and Eve turned away.

That was the name of the man who died getting us the information leading to where the president was being held.

He saved my life. I think… For a moment, Eve couldn’t speak. He saved my life again.

The elbow dropped and fell to her side.

I’m sorry. Eve fought not to blush. It’s just…

I may be his mirror, but I’m not, never will be, a traitor.

Eve caught his hand before he could leave.

Neither was Jurgen. I’m sorry if I’ve upset you. It’s just, you look so much like him, and you just saved my life.

Jaw relaxing, he smiled. I don’t know about you, but I could use a drink. Would you like to join me?

What about him?

The police are…

Here. The officer, a young man whose pimples were barely passing away, walked over. I got this.

Let’s go. My mother’s taking care of Chelsea.

Your daughter, he continued speaking, answering the question in her eyes. I’m guarding General Millar, special duty.

The kind they assign to the best soldiers. She smiled at him, her dimples growing.

Please. He reached out, taking her hand in his. I am looking forward to the drink, and you are a beautiful woman. Please remember, I’m not Jurgen Richter.

I know. Eve looked away, hiding the hope he would be very much like Jurgen. Now for that drink.

Walking to where Drakos waited, Sanders paused. I want your input before we go to the war room.

For our safety, the wormhole must be closed, Xavier Drakos, the secretary of defense, replied. An invasion can be easily avoided; a bomb can’t. Dr. Charles Benjamin knows how to close the wormhole.

I’ve asked him and his brother Sam to come to the meeting.

The safest path for us is to offer political asylum for both Kahill and Becarra. Give all those who participated in your rescue the recognition they deserve, then have Dr. Benjamin close the wormhole.

Is that your recommendation? Sanders watched the man, his eyes reflecting the same desire Sanders had.

I think we should go over invasion options. We need to think about this. It won’t be easy. Drakos stretched kinked muscles, smiling at the face across the desk. You really want to go to Terah?

I do. President Sanders’ frown showed just how much those months in captivity had aged him.

I’m sure you’ve already invited General Millar, General Weigard, Admiral Peyton, Senator Wright, Director Crane, Kahill, and Becarra.

Peter and Rebecca Benjamin are coming. To Drakos’ frown, he added, Mostly to make Kahill and Becarra more comfortable.

Understand. This is a big adjustment for ones so young, even if they are experienced generals. You should have the reporter come; she spent a lot of time with the Zians in charge. I’d like you to include Captain Kruger. He’s familiar with the Zian military, Dr. Burrill, he’s working on TEV. Drakos couldn’t help smiling. My oldest boy’s a vet. He asked me to steal one. Wants to know what his patients think of him.

I’ll get Burrill. Sanders wasn’t on the phone long. Best secretary a man could ask for. Dr. Burrill’s been working at the Advanced Research Labs at Virginia Tech. He’s pretty excited we called for him.

As far as going to Terah, there’ll be all sorts of issues to deal with.

We’ll address them at the meeting. I want to move fast, get the wormhole closed as soon as we can. President Sanders pressed his palm against his forehead, replying to Drakos’ concern. Just another headache.

There is one other thing bothering me. Drakos watched as the rubbing continued. There’s a chance there are still Terans here. We must be on our guard, make sure we know who we’re talking to.

Meredith will address what the FBI’s doing about it. Crane has CIA operatives working with our ambassadors. Time. President Sanders stood. We have a lot to do.

Kahill sat, legs tucked beneath him, staring out the window. The city spread out before him was beautiful, but mostly, it was busy.

Was it ever like this? Cara, refusing to leave her brother, bounced upon the bed, one hand stroking the soft fabric of the bedspread.

Perhaps in the cities. This is the first time I’ve been to a city. His eyes narrowed. You need not pet the bed.

I’d hit my brother but not a general. The smile her brother’s words caused slowly melted away. Brother, we must go to Terah and rescue our father.

It will be more difficult than coming here. They will be waiting.

I’ve been thinking…

I have come to learn you’re thinking is a dangerous thing, at least for our enemies. Standing, Kahill pulled his sister up. I’m glad Peter and Becky are coming. This is…

I know. Her voice was wispy as if the air were too thin. I’m glad too. Becarra smiled when Spirit, pulling against the leash, did his best to join them.

The lobby, its rich granite tiles, light fixtures seeming to drip diamonds, was cavernous, and Cara took her brother’s hand. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so small.

You are small. Peter, joining them, laughed when Becky slapped his arm.

I’m taking you to the capital. Car’s over here. The driver was much larger than Kahill expected, and he was glad it was one of the men he’d seen by the president’s side.

Stepping away, he relaxed when Harrison leaned out of the car. It’s okay. Dad thought you might be a bit untrusting. That means I get to go with you. Not to the meeting, but I’m okay with that.

Dad and Uncle Charles already left. Becky, pulling at the seatbelt, tried to stop it from cutting across her neck. I’m not sure why we’re here. You belong; we don’t.

You’re here so Kahill doesn’t run away, Cara answered, pulling herself out of striking distance.

The drive to the capital passed too slowly yet far faster than Kahill had hoped. His gaze never wavered from the bustling city.

Agent Arnolds welcomed them inside, holding his hand out. I’m Arnold Richards. It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Benjamin. It’s good to see you again.

It’s good to meet you, sir, Kahill replied. Rebecca and Becarra nodded.

Opening the door, Richards held it open, announcing their arrival. Kahill, Becarra, Peter and Rebecca Benjamin are here.

Sam rose, pointing to the four seats between him and his brother. Becky sat next to her father, Becarra beside her.

Once everyone was sitting, President Sanders spoke, I realize you were introduced at the press conference, but I believe we should begin fresh. Joining me is: Kahill and Becarra of Terah, Peter, and Rebecca Benjamin, Dr. Charles Benjamin, and Dr. Samuel Benjamin, General Weigard, Eve Conner, Captain Dieter Kruger of Terah, Raymond Meredith Director of the FBI, Howard Crane Director of the CIA, General Gregory Millar, Senator James Wright, Admiral Peyton, Captain Christine Hughes and Xavier Drakos, the secretary of defense. There is also Dr. Burrill, who I’ve been told is the mirror of the doctor who invented TEV.

When the welcomes ended, he continued, I’m pretty sure you know why we’re here. First, we must deal with the possibility of other Terans walking among us. Director Meredith, would you like to address this?

We have two suspected aliens under surveillance. We’re also interviewing assistants, undersecretaries, and the families of all government officials, as well as those in position to damage our country. It’s a huge undertaking, but everyone is cooperating. If I had a TEV, I’d question their pets.

When the laughter ended, the president looked at Director Crane.

All the representatives of foreign governments are cooperating. We’ve captured two Zians in Canada. Prime Minister Garnier is handling it.

Good. The second issue is closing the wormhole. We all agree it must be closed. We can prevent an invasion, but we can’t stop a bomb from making its way here. He looked at Charles. Dr. Benjamin, you’ve said it can be done.

Yes. For some reason, Charles stood. Looking around the table, he hastily sat back down. During the invasion, to protect us from them being able to stabilize the wormhole, my team secured the materials needed to both stabilize and close it. From my research, once we close it, it’s gone.

Thank you, Doctor. President Sanders looked from face to face. Let’s discuss our obligation to the people of Terah. It’s my opinion we should send forces to Terah, free their world. This is the main reason you’re here. It will be no small undertaking. But first, we need some information.

Actually quite a lot of information. General Millar leaned against the table. All we really know is the wormhole connecting our world terminates on Griffen Island. I’m guessing it opens in a similar location on Terah. It’s certain to be guarded. Everyone here wants to free Terah. Before we make any plans, I’d like a history lesson. Tell us about Terah.

Our second world war ended very differently from yours, Kahill spoke, keeping his eyes on the general. Prinzliege, the Zian ruler, began the war, ruling from Chuselan.

Drakos spread a large world map across the table, watching closely when Kahill pointed to the country sitting between Italy’s boot and the North Sea. Prinzliege took Anna Naur as a wife. It was not a union of love. He was brutal, she ambitious. Anna killed him and took his place as Frauliege. Many lands fell to her armies, but one land remained free—yours. Kahill looked at President Sanders. The Staton Navy was too strong. After losing many ships, she sent armies from the southern countries north. A slow invasion gave them time to hide, keeping their weapons out of her hands. Ships were skuttled. Many fled north, to Aconda, your Canada. It’s vast and in many places inhospitable. On the island of Fengir, the Resistance made their home. Fengir is a frozen rock with little reason for invasion. It is also self-sustaining and of course, there was the place to hide, the location known only to those who have always lived on the island. The discovery of Beryl brought the Zians. One of the reasons they stayed is because they learned the Resistance’s headquarters was there.

How? Drakos’ one-word question easy to understand.

In the usual manner. I don’t know who, but the one who spoke of our presence, knew only of our being on the island. Our exact location is still unknown. Frauliege sent her most trusted and brutal Leiberfrau, Kahill replied to Crane’s frown. Less than a president, more than a general. She was to secure the island, find the Resistance. I have often said, same world, different world, but she made many changes. The capital has grown, it’s closer to our headquarters. Most of the island is uninhabited, the old cities abandoned, their people brought to serve in the capital, Das Palais. Only those able to live in the wilderness remain free. The portal, that is what we call the wormhole, is not far, but it sits in the forest on the southwestern border, below the capital. The place you live in, the one I grew up in, is gone. Only my memories and Wormfinder's knowledge brought us to Dr. Benjamin’s home. When we learned of the search for Chardak, knowing this meant they knew about the portal, knew she would use it to look for his mirror and conquer an unsuspecting world, Becarra and I knew we had to come. Our armies were pinned down, no military men free to step into the wormhole. Becarra and I didn’t know if we would survive, but we knew we had to try. We hoped to find our mirrors, warn your world, and win the war you did not know you were waging.

It was very brave. General Millar, sitting back, looked at Kahill, narrowed eyes saying he was trying to understand what would make a young man take such a big risk. Few would jump into the unknown to save a people they’d never met. I understand why the Resistance went to Fengir. Why did they stay?

Because there is no safer place, Kahill spoke quietly.

You’re saying Charles’ mirror knows how to stabilize the wormhole too. When they couldn’t find him, they came looking for Charles. That’s why he had to go into hiding. Drakos frowned, index finger tapping his chin. Resistance headquarters must be pretty well hidden if after all this time, the Zians haven’t found it.

It’s well hidden. The Kikut, your Innuits, told us about it. From there, we’ve been able to communicate with other Resistance fighters across the world. We have made Zian life difficult, but we have never had an army well-armed enough to finish the war.

Where does the liege rule from? Sanders massaged a forehead lined with pain. I’m fine, he snapped at Drakos, preventing him from asking questions.

Frauliege was furious the Statons wouldn’t give up, sue for peace. Becarra, speaking, couldn’t look away from the anger in President Sanders’ eyes. She moved the majority of her forces there. Your seat of power is her palace.

She’s using our house. President Sanders looked around the room as if it had been defiled.

If we go to Terah, we not only have to get through the wormhole, but we also have to get off the island. Studying the map, Millar’s fingers ran along the outline of the island. If we can’t get off Fengir, we can’t win the war.

Dr. Wilbur told me about the old barges, Becarra spoke before Kahill could reply. He wished there were a safe place to take them. The barges still float, but their decaying poses a danger to the animals. The heavy metals aren’t meant to be digested. The barges are on the west side of the island, between Fengir and the mainland.

For a moment, no one spoke. Finally, Admiral Peyton broke the quiet. We’ll need to have a safe harbor on the mainland where our army can land.

Arrangements will be made, the landing prepared, Kahill spoke with authority, earning him a sideways glance from Millar. We’ll have someone examine them. If possible, we’ll repair them.

Most cargo barges have to be towed. If they need to be pulled, you’ll have to get tugs. Admiral Peyton looked at Charles. Can something as big as a tug make it through the wormhole?

The short answer is no, Charles replied. Tanks, and other large guns, jeeps too, can come through.

If it was necessary before, we’ll find the ones once used, Kahill replied. Frauliege has not sent war boats to Fengir and her need to keep the Resistance from getting off the island keeps the strait free of other vessels.

We might get lucky. Captain Hughes clapped her hand over her mouth. Sorry, I didn’t…

You’re here because we want your input. Peyton smiled.

It was pretty common in places like the Victoria Strait to use motor barges. They’re self-propelled and have flat decks. They could easily carry our tanks and troops to the mainland.

I’ll find out what type they are. Kahill leaned forward. We can do the repairs, but I’m not sure we’ll have the sailors needed to sail them.

Peyton looked at the president. If you give me the go ahead, I’ll look for the right people as soon as I walk out this door.

You have my permission, President Sanders answered quickly. If we’re going to do this, we have to do it before Frauliege decides to send a bomb to us.

Drakos leaned over the table, his face inches from Kahill’s. "I understand the need, our desire to repay our debt. What I’m not sure of is you being