CHAPTER 12


   The floor creaked and one board in particular was worse than the others. Dee stopped and gritted her teeth when she heard the floorboard making it's pops and squeals. She took her next step more carefully. She had been on Jack over and over about fixing this floor! He attacked the problem with the same gusto in which he approached sex. Right now, Dee would have settled for even that tiny bit of energy directed towards repair work.  

With Jack, Pete, and Pam gone to Joe's headquarters it made Dee uneasy in more than just one way. There was only one possibility left and Dee was going to be careful this time. The mess that happened with Pete had just proved to her the need to keep this quiet. Besides, her chief suspect was already used to her treating him like shit. He wouldn't notice an extra evil glance.  

"All the way to the President," Jack had said. The President of the United States, at least when they left, had been the former Governor of Massachusetts. Before that he had been the President of MIT. He was a personal friend, and former benefactor, of Gary Barringer. Wouldn’t you know it, that happened to be Dee's one and only ex.

Gary had pulled another one of his disappearing acts. Not that this was all too suspicious to Dee. She was used to him doing that. The thing about it was he was still doing it! Jack had ordered everyone to stay at the Inn now but, Gary had only taken that to mean sleep there. He was not disappearing for months any longer, just hours. Either way, he had not once ever told anyone where he was going. Suspicious or not, that gave him opportunity. Opportunity to do what, Dee couldn't even guess. With Gary, there was no real way to know for sure.

Dee wasn't even sure what she was looking for. It was just like old times as she carefully went through his things. It was just like it was back when she was looking for some good grounds for divorce. Now she was looking for something a little less tangible. A signed confession to murder would be nice but Dee doubted very seriously if it would be that easy. Dee found some papers in a saddlebag that he had laying across the backside of a chair. She started flipping through them. "Shit, they're in Dottish."  

Dee could speak it with some amount of clarity but she had never learned to read it. “Paranoid ass hole. Like somebody is going to want to.. Shit!”

There was a leather bound book in the bottom of the bag. A journal! She found his own little private diary! Dee licked her lips and pulled it out. She opened to the front page. It was in English, good! Dee started thumbing through it. The dates started eight year ago. He must have started it when he first learned he was going.

Dee read, "It was a great thrill when Isaac called me today. To travel to other worlds, and see what no other man has ever laid eyes on..... blah blah blah. Where's the good stuff come on Gary."

Flipping even further into the tale, Dee read, "I was of the opinion that Isaac was completely wrong. I do believe that his motivations, for me going, have far less to do with Dee, and more in connection with the strange pictures from both groups seven oh two and forty eighty three." Dee slammed the book shut. She left her thumb to mark the spot. "Forty eighty three! I didn't know anything about any picture group Forty Eighty Three!"

Dee heard some voices down stairs. She wasn't sure if any of them were Gary. She did not want anybody to know she was up here though. She crept over to the door, opened it just slightly, and peeked out the crack. There was somebody coming up the stairs! She held her breath until she saw Saiid walking into sight. He yelled back down, "In a minute honey!" Then he mumbled as he opened the door to his room, "nanny nanny na."

Saiid went in his room for a second. He came walking back out into the hall. He started pacing around in circles. Dee gritted her teeth once again. Why didn't he just leave?! She had already been in here too long. Quietly, Dee closed the cracked door. She leaned up against the wall and slid her back down it. Dee stretched her legs. She had the book in her hand. She wasn't going anywhere as long Saiid was pacing in the hallway.  

Might as well look some more in the journal. Dee started flipping further forward. There were language references to all the native tongues they had encountered up until now. Soon the words turned into sentences and then into entire pages of local script. Dee got frustrated since so much of it became Dottish. She found a paragraph in English further back in the book.

Reading to herself, "Angie was nothing and I know that now." Dee bit her tongue. She almost screamed the name but, muttered under her breath instead, "who the hell was Angie, that sorry son of a..."

Dee read on.  "I look into her eyes. I see her soft gentle lines. Her smile, excites, warms me every time. I was a fool for treating her as I did. I am a slave to my own weaknesses. To see her in the arms of another man, it drives me to the point where I feel I have no control."  

Dee smirked and said out loud, "Like you ever had any."  

Dee read on, "If ever I were to win her back. I now realize that is what I want out of life. Then maybe she can forgive me for those things that I have done, and allow me to be the man that I know I am capable of being. A fitting husband, for the woman that deserved so much of me."

Dee dropped the book in her lap. She melted.  "No Dee. No, that was how he did it the first time."  

She reread the passage, she felt faint.

Another voice came from the hallway. She heard that peppy cheerful voice greeting Saiid. Goosebumps broke all over Dee's body. It was Gary! He was back! He was heading straight for his room! Dee looked around for something, anything! She had to think of something quick. She couldn't make him suspicious. What?! What was she going to do?! What if he was the killer?!

"Uh-oh." Only one thing came to mind.


Vitosk was more than a little irritated at the moment. Not only did his medical expert run off to get involved in something that was none of their affair but, now, his computer expert was gone as well. Saiid had been working peacefully and productively at the computer and then Gina came in. She did her very best to be distracting and none of it was pleasant. Finally she had laid down an ultimatum and Saiid was up and marching off at her command. He did not seem happy about it.  

That left Harry and Yurgani working on what had definitely turned out to be a strand of DNA. Since the cave wall had already given them what the exact code of this strain was, they had a major leap. Without Pam, the work was going slowly but, finally, between Harry, Vitosk, and references from the ships computer the work was now moving ahead once again. They had just completed a major step. They now knew what proteins the strand regulated.

Harry sat back and rubbed his eyes, "Well Doc, I don't know exactly what it does but, we know where now."

Vitosk cleared the screen in front of them and went to a previous one. Harry stood up and stretched. He yawned and asked, "You don't look surprised."

"I'm not. What I want to know is how often it does it."

Harry walked around stretching, "Can't be that often. I mean I'm no geneticist but I did get my second degree in Zoology. So I got a little background. I mean that thing is a strange combination. At least what it does anyway."

Vitosk stopped his work for a second. "Explain?"

"Well I mean there is almost an infinite number of combinations that you could have with proteins in a strand of DNA, and a horde of combinations of strands just on one chromosome. It takes a combination of strands to actually amount to something you know. Physically speaking no one strand really controls any particular trait. That's why there's enough variation that we all look like individuals instead of a bunch of cardboard cutouts from a factory. That's why I always get pissed when some idiot calls me Japanese and tells me we all look alike."

Ignoring the last remark Vitosk went on, "So, if someone had this gene, then they would not look human? Is that what you're saying?"

"Well no," replied Harry cracking his back, "physically, we all have very similar DNA. That's what makes us look, act, and even reproduce human. The further away you get from the majority, the less human you look. I mean, you do realize that primates, like Gorillas, are ninety nine percent identical to us on a chromosomal level. Look at how much difference that little old one percent makes. I tell you, nobody better ever say I look like an ape, Japanese is bad enough."

Vitosk thought about that for a minute. He could very well be working on a gene that did not even belong to the human race. That thought had never occurred to him. Even more amazing, ZeDollas, maybe even Jesus, was not really human at all. A primate yes, but considering what Harry had just said that little difference could be major. "Harry, what about thought? Could your genes control that?"

Harry finally sat back down.  "Maybe, we don't know a lot about the brain, or what makes it tick. If I had to guess I would say definitely. Thinking is a chemical process. We know that much. DNA definitely controls that." A light went on in Harry's head, "You mean..."

"Maybe," replied Vitosk. "We know that this gene is connected with the brain somehow. I think it's time we dwelled on exactly what it does and how often."


Gary tossed his coat on his dresser. He took his hat off next. He noticed the mess on the floor. Gary was basically a neat person and he did not leave his clothing on the floor. After closer examination of the clothing he also knew that he did not wear women’s underwear either. Gary looked up. His eyes opened wide.

Dee was under the covers of his bed! Her hair had grown back now and she was not wearing it up like normal. It was spread out across her, no his, pillow and draping off the bed. Gary loved her hair and those shoulders were running in their soft lines down too her bare arms! Dee stretched her arms out across the bed. Her head was tilted back slightly lying in profile on the pillow. Her eyes were closed. She was making that funny little noise she always did when she was asleep.  

Gary gently sat down on the bed. He reached out and ran his finger softly down her forehead along the line of her hair. She wiggled as his finger picked up the curve of her neck then slid gently over her arm and onto her breast. Dee's eyes slowly opened, "what took you so long? I waited but fell asleep."

Pulling his hand back Gary looked unsure of himself. That was a rare thing indeed. When he spoke he sounded excited, eager, "Is everything all right Dee?"

It took more than a small amount of self-control for Dee to not lash out. How was it that every man she had taken her clothes off for, since coming here, had said that! Dee pulled her arm back. She pulled the sheet down to her waist. Gary smiled as his mouth began to gape. He lowered himself onto her and slid his arms down around her waist. Dee pulled his head down and they kissed. He really had always been a good kisser. His hands slid over her breast. He rubbed in circles as the kiss grew deep and long.  

This had not been the plan! Dee was going to tease and run. To her it seemed like a revenge that she had been dreaming of forever! He wanted her! She could crush him! It would feel great! The only problem was it would not feel as good as he did at the moment. What about Jack? What was she going to tell him if she went through with this! She loved Jack but damn, Gary felt good right now. His touch was slow, measured, with purpose and highly pleasing to her senses. She could not go through with this! She would feel so guilty! She could not push Gary's hands away either. She would feel so horny!    

Dee worked up her self-control. She pushed him gently upwards. She peered into his eyes. His eyes were always so gentle to look at. Damn it! He was doing it to her again! She had to stop this now! She might as well be a married woman.  

"Jauuh... Gary. Oh god I'm sorry. I..."

He smiled at her. His nose slid down the cheek of her face. He gently gripped her earlobe with his teeth. He whispered in her ear, "It's all right. I deserved it. I've been so bad to you. I'm just so thankful that you gave me this chance."

Dee was breathing heavy. She looked at him hard. She reached down and pulled his buckle loose and began unsnapping his pants, "Take your pants off, now!"  He had done it to her again!  How did she get herself into this mess?


_____________________


"This is completely unbelievable," said Joe looking over the reconnaissance photos from high above. "I wish I had known you people could do this years ago. I might have took you with me to Raed."

Jack was in marine field uniform with his flight jacket over it. He was not about to wear the garbage that the UP forces were. He also had his own weapon. It was not as powerful as the satellite photos but, the M-16 would give him an advantage if he got into trouble. "You can see the enemy troops to the West of us are crossing the frontier in three different columns. They're spread out pretty wide apart. The Army across the mountains in Ninvey hasn't even moved."

Joe put the photos down. He had suspected that the move against his small army would happen very similar to this. Still, seeing with his own eyes was a lot better than just playing a hunch. Joe was no longer gambling. He had moved large bodies of men forward on far less information than this. "It's normal Jack, his troops are going to be scavenging. They split up and they'll be able to bring more food in. Pascal's banking on me not being able to react until he can concentrate. That would have been a safe bet with his cavalry raising hell all over the region like they are. He doesn't know about this though."

"Pascal is good soldier," said Pete. Pete had slipped into a Zeat uniform and dusted off his old hat from the Imperial Cavalry service. It looked out of place with him carrying an M-60. "He won't make the same mistakes twice."

Joe nodded, "That he is. I trained the boy."

Pete looked at Jack with a strange glance and then walked outside the command tent.  Jack nodded to Joe; "We're going to find Joey now. Kind of like to say to hello."

After all these years the two men still instinctively nodded instead of any other form of common greeting. Before Jack could get out, Joe extended his hand. Jack took it and they shook. "Thank you Jack, now I owe you."

Considering their situation Jack felt some relief, "It's our pleasure Joe. We owe you our lives. No way to repay that. There'll be more photos coming. I'll check with Dee by radio when we get back. For some reason she's not on the air right now." He shrugged it off causally, “probably won’t take long whatever it is.”


Pete snuck up and slid his arms around Pam. She jumped from the initial scare and then settled back into his grip. He kissed her on the neck, "You Ok babe?"

"I don't like leaving the kids with strangers. I mean Julie is finally getting over wanting to bite my boobs every time I pick her up, but you know..."

"Strangers?" replied Pete.  

"Don't ask Pete."

That brought a question to his mind, "What did you think?"

Pam considered lying. The truth was that the evidence was convincing. It was still convincing but, only to a point however. Yet in her heart she could never think that Pete could be so cold and calculating as Vitosk made out. To have wanted to kill her? For days after that she had slept with the children even if she knew in her heart and mind that he was an innocent man. Pam could just not get over why she had a cold chill every time she thought about it, or he touched her. She felt better now, but not completely.

"I take it," asked Pete, "from your silence that..."

Pam slipped around in his arms, "Pete don't read anything into it. I could have never asked for a better man than you. I love you and just because I'm going through difficulty right now, don't dwell on it. Don't hold it against me. Please?"

He pulled her into his chest and held her tight. Pete could never remember being so happy as when he was with her. To have her in his arms and to feel her warm skin meant everything. Twice he had held her hand and watched his two children born. They were the proudest moments of his life. At one time he could remember thinking of how the Corps was his life. Now he had a real family and for the first time Pete couldn't give a damn about being a Marine.

"All right you two," said Jack walking up. "Break it up. This is an army camp and you're giving the troops a hard on."

While Pam was still a bit hostile, Pete acted as though nothing had happened. Every once and a while though, like back in Joe's tent, Pete would get that look and walk off. Sometimes Jack found it easier to deal with Pam’s overt hostility. "Let's go see if we can find the youngster."

That brought a smile to Pam’s face, "That's why I came. Where is he?"

Jack pointed into the distance, "bout ten miles that way. The army's on the move."


_____________________


In the distance, smoke was rising into the dark blue skies in long black pillars. The sound of cannon could be heard even at this distance from the actual shooting. The road that ran off straight into the mayhem was choked with traffic, elephants pulling wagons in both directions, elephants pulling more guns, elephants not pulling anything at all.

People were walking towards the fighting dressed in rag tag tatters of clothing that served as their only uniform. Some were walking away from the fighting as well, most of whom were covered in blood or bandages. Rows of more fresh looking female troops headed towards the sound of the guns. The rows of uncommitted troops were all displaying home made banners now. They were showing up all over, sown from scraps of fabric into a solid red flag with one symbol on it, a bright yellow stake.

Julia and her party wandered down the side of the road on horseback. There were fields around them that up until recently had been full of crops. The Army had burned it before Julia's people got to them. A small skirmish had occurred at some point off to Julia's left. There were bodies, smashed wagons, and dead animals lying about the charred fields. One lone horse nudged through the wreckage looking for even a root to chew on. Julia found herself feeling respect for that animal. It took the scraps it could find and survived.
Up ahead, Julia spied Fescan standing at the roadside. He was looking toward the smoke. He had gotten some more canvas so he was painting again. She suspected that several of the nicer dressed men around him might have brought him the supplies. She just wondered who they were? Against Tish's advice, Julia rode up to them. "What goes Fescan?"

He sat his brush aside and took a towel from his small fold out canvas seat to wipe his hands. "Battle is that way my dear. Why do you ride against your own advice? Moving away from the sounds of guns?"

Julia pointed in three different directions, "Yes, but the battle is also there and there, and there. I have to be everywhere at once you know. This is the quickest way. Who are your friends here?"

"These Tunnel Rat creatures are barely my associates. I would not go so far as to call them friends. Friends though, I would suggest you make of them. They are reporters from the West. They want to get to know the real Mary. As do we all I must say."

ZePure leaned over in the saddle and whispered to Julia, "If you talk, nothing about our plans or movements."

Julia gave him a nasty look. Like somebody on this rock could tell her about the media! She nudged her steed forward and stopped in front of the group of reporters. They looked excited as each one was scrambling for his note pad. They began shouting questions almost at once.

"Why are you doing this?"

"Was your master Cruel?"

"What will you do if you win?'

"Is that your real hair color?"

Julia stopped them. She pointed to the man who asked the last question, "Yes!"
The male reporters all laughed. Julia took control now, "This has nothing to do with me. This is no longer about who my master was. I never had a master. He might have called himself that but I'm in charge of my own destiny. As all women want to be. You see these girls marching behind me here. They're just not from the South Coast. They're from all over the planet. They came across the borders from the Empire. They came from the North. They came from the cities and farms. Women who want men to know that they are just as good. Men who know that treating women like the way you people have been is wrong. This is their war not mine."

A man in the back of the group raised his hand, "you talk like you aren't from here. Frankly we've heard a lot of rumors. Are you really a Virgin?"

Julia raised an eyebrow. What kind of question was that?  "I have a son does that answer your question?"

Yet another of the reporters asked, "back to his first point Mary. Do you really claim to be from another world?"

"I am," said Julia.

After finally ditching the reporters, Julia and her party continued on. ZePure looked relieved for a change. "Good Job Julia."

"I wasn't looking for your approval ZePure."

ZePure took his hat off. This woman could drive him nuts but then what woman couldn‘t? She was just better at it than most. "Julia, you know the reports I keep seeing is that we got just a brigade in front of us. All infantry and dug in just like last month."

Julia reached down and grabbed her canteen. She opened it up and found it empty. Before Julia could put it back, Chree was right behind her holding a fresh one. "So, are you complaining? This is the third small group of Shlendon’s we've chewed up in as many weeks. I'm not complaining."

"Oh don't get me wrong Julia” ZePure replied, “I'm not complaining. I'm fucking scared."

Pulling back on the reigns Julia held her horse in check, "what do you mean?"

"If it didn't work the first time, why does Shlendon keep sending his units out for us to kill them one at a time? He's not that stupid. Then again, we're losing people at the rate of five to his one. I guess he can afford it."

Julia thought about it.  "He's got us outnumbered ZePure, that doesn't make any sense to give us any advantage."  

They rode on for a ways more. They reached the crossroads and Julia stopped again. Which flank of her army did she want to check first? Why was Shlendon's stupidity gnawing at her so bad? "We're really not getting any closer to Tallos either."

ZePure was napping in the saddle. He snapped back to life.  "What was that?"

"I don't know what he's up to but at this rate we'll reach the capital but, with what kind of army? He's got to know that?"

Chree flexed her legs and stood up in the saddle to give her butt a rest. She was becoming far better at riding now even if her rump was still a little too sensitive about it. "So what? Just so we burn that stinking town of men to the ground. It'll be over then won't it? We'll have won, right?"

"No Chree," replied Julia. "It's almost like that's what he wants us to do. We can't win if we do that. It's time to come up with something else."

Tish took her hat off. She threw her arms up in frustration, "Like what? What else can we do? The seasons are about to change. We can't keep the army together over the poor season. There's almost no food now."

Julia thought about it but she honestly didn't know what to do. She looked down one road. She looked down the other. Which way to go? Julia decided it better be a way that nobody else had been before.