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  “One would be correct.” The Chancellor wasn’t pleased, and his face was slightly flushed, but he hid his anger expertly. “Very well, for now you will continue in your post, provided that you keep those orders private. If you play ball, this could be amicable for all of us.”

  “Thank you. I will make the announcement at the press conference then. I would greatly appreciate your official statement of confidence and support,” I replied, twisting the knife.

  I saw him grimace and shift in his seat. “You will have it, ambassador.”

  “Thank you chancellor. I look forward to working with you,” I replied in a formal tone.

  The car slowed and stopped. An aide opened the door and I exited, followed by the chancellor. The reporters and cameras erupted upon seeing us together. I stopped and stood for pictures. The chancellor stood behind me, holding up his hand in a practiced wave. He then opened the door for me and we entered together into the government building, following the aide to the press conference room. Members of the central government press corps were already there waiting for me, as I hopped up the stairs to take my place on the high stool they had provided behind the podium.

  I briefly thought back to the Roam, to my first press conference-- Caroline Alvarez with the one cameraman, the bright light and the nervousness. I was past all that now. I looked out at the crowd; there were seemingly hundreds, all clamoring to hear my official statement on Apocalypse Day and what had occurred on my mission.

  A light blinked on the podium twice and then went solid red. I was live.

  “It is a foundation of human history that we have always reached for the stars, always sought the far horizon. It was in that spirit that mankind first reached the moon, then the Kuiper Belt, then alien stars far beyond. The greatest testament to the human spirit is that in spite of our differences, in spite of our conflicts, we have always risen to achieve heights unknown to previous generations, and it is in that spirit of achievement and honor that I stand before you today.

  “As for our allies, I know that many think that this alliance is harmful to Earth but I stand before you today, without equivocation, and state that they mean you no harm. The investigation into the cause of the crisis aboard House Lethine is ongoing and while I have seen that many have used the events of Apocalypse Day to inspire great fear, to me Apocalypse Day is a sign of great hope, for it was in the darkest of hours that both our species found common ground and averted a terrible tragedy.

  “I have lived amongst the Mendians. I have learned their history and visited their homes. While their appearance is alien, they are a people much like us, seeking out answers in the universe in spite of the tragedies they have faced. Within them I have seen a strength that is present in us as well.

  “I ask you today to stand with me, in extending this same attitude of tolerance, courage, and patience towards our allies and myself. I will continue to stand for Earth as long as the Mendians and you, my people, wish this of me. I feel that with your help and continued support we can reach out to the farthest star. Thank you and may Earth continue to prosper.”

  The cameras flashed and reporters erupted asking scores of questions, but in that moment I felt distant from it all. My mind filled with memories of Charlie, of his life and his untimely death. His last words rang in my ears as I made my way to a waiting car. The reporters continued to scream out their questions, and lights blared, but I could only hear his last words.

  “It's all on you now, Li'l Hare...”

  He was right, and I wasn't about to let him down.

  Epilogue

  // END OF FILE //

  “Darnack is a fool.”

  “Sir?” The driver looked back to his passenger, accustomed to unusual requests and behavior from him. His current situation was a prime example, parked just outside of the security cordon for the Ambassador’s press conference while his passenger sat in the back, apparently napping with a strange-looking apparatus on his head. He had learned long ago not to ask questions.

  “It is nothing.” The passenger took the strange helmet off, “I have what I need, our next stop is the chancellor’s compound.”

  He struck a tall, confident figure as he strode across the lawn. Two soldiers saluted as he walked in the main entrance. He had walked this path before, many times, but this time he carried himself with the clear authority that was his due.

  He reached the chancellor’s office and walked right by his secretary, she didn't even try to stop him. Rusch was busy shouting orders into phones and coordinating a press conference with his aide.

  “Now isn't a good time EB, meet with my scheduling adviser, we can pencil you in next week,” Rusch said, waving dismissively and only intending to glance up briefly.

  “No. You will be making time now.” He shot a look that made the chancellor's blood run cold, like he was staring down an ancient and knowing predator. He quietly assented, sending his aides out in a rush.

  “Where do we stand, chancellor?” He smiled his predatory smile and took a seat before the chancellor’s desk.

  “The coup failed rather quickly but not before disabling or destroying a good 15% of the fleet. Charlie Stevens is dead, and that little bitch of an ambassador has black-mailed me into keeping her post,” Rusch replied.

  “Oh, that is unfortunate.” His tone dripped with sarcasm, “Out-maneuvered by a morphic, and the death of the Lieutenant Commander? Tragic. He came so highly recommended after all. I assume the mission was a total loss then?”

  “We got a lot of data but most of our engineers say it's just garbage. Frankly, I was surprised the Mendians didn’t wipe the drive, but after we got a hold of it, well, now we know why they didn’t. Total mission failure, not one damn piece useable. Still, all of this can wait. Why are you here?” The chancellor replied nervously. Erebus was not the type to just show up unannounced.

  “Why, to talk, of course. As you know, I helped you come up with this mission after locating that abandoned Mendian gate in the Kuiper Belt,” he answered, calmly.

  “That’s right, Erebus, but seriously, get to the point. I have a society about to tear itself apart out here.” Rusch shifted in his seat, uncomfortably waiting for the ax to fall.

  “I'll put it simply. I don’t think the data you received is garbage. My think tank can help you translate it, but what’s more, what would you say if I could offer you an advantage against the Mendians? What if I could level the playing field, a bit, so to say?” He grinned again, wide and almost artificial.

  “I am going to need some proof. What kind of advantage could you offer? ” The chancellor asked, almost meekly.

  “Well, proof can be given, in time, but if you’re interested I can offer an added incentive. How about I guarantee your election for the next two terms?” Rusch looked up in surprise with the eyes of a starving man suddenly handed a three course meal. “We can talk details later. If we are to move forward, I am going to need someone I can work with, after all,” he continued cryptically.

  “You do have my attention,” The Chancellor admitted, “I think we may just have a deal then.” Until just moments ago he had feared he was losing his office, but for the first time in weeks, his future looked bright.

  “Indeed, I look forward to working with you, Rusch.” He rose, smoothing his suit.

  “And, I look forward to working with you, Erebus,” Rusch said. He offered his hand. Erebus regarded it as if it was a foreign thing. Slowly Rusch withdrew it.

  “Good day, Chancellor.” Erebus turned and left.

  The Chancellor sunk down in his chair, and took a deep breath, seemingly relieved. That had gone well, and with Erebus's backing he could really get on top of things; turn the situation to his advantage. Still, if he had learned anything from the coup, it was that he needed new alliances, new inroads to secure his power.

  The Chancellor buzzed his secretary not even bothering to wait for a reply. “Joanne, Get me the head of Earth First on line one.”

  He looked out
on the city, from his office in the Hague. There were protestors down there, clashing with police. Reporters, watching the action and giving their commentary. How far away they all seemed, but he knew the dangers of that fallacy. It was in that moment that he knew, this would not be the end at all.

  This was only the beginning.

  The story continues in Book 3 of The Farthest Star series: Rise of the Forgotten.

  From the author…

  Thank you for reading Exile’s Return! If this story connected I'd like to ask you the favor of rating and reviewing it on Amazon. For independent authors like myself, four and five star reviews are more valuable than gold.

  Studio Prey rose from the ashes in 2017 with a mission of producing stories that change you. If you'd like to know more, please visit us at https://www.studioprey.com/. There you will find the latest updates on new content, opportunities for early access to upcoming works vis-à-vis the Final Draft Club, and the novelette Gateways, which surrounds the Promethean moment of the signing of the Treaty of Gates.

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  Warm Regards,

  Rebecca Mickley

  About Rebecca Mickley

  I grew up in the middle of a cotton field with a library card. It was my ticket to adventures beyond the world I knew and experienced day to day. I grew and changed, eventually leaving that place, but the stories I gathered along the way shaped my perspective, and changed me. Now I seek to do the same for my readers.

  I invite you to take up a chair by the fire, and listen as I spin my tales. I cannot always promise you a happy ending, but I can promise you an experience that you will never forget.

  Other Titles By Rebecca Mickley

  The Farthest Star Series

  Gateways – Book 0.5 (Only available on StudioPrey.com)

  Dawnbreak – Book 1

  Exile’s Return – Book 2

  Rise of the Forgotten – Book 3

  The Farthest Star – Book 4

  Sins of the Solar Republic – Book 5

  Electronic Souls – Book 6

  Captain Tosk – Book 7

  Starfall – Book 8

  Angels of Our Yesterday – Book 9

  Demons of Our Tomorrow – Book 10

  The Nightmare God Series

  Hillsong Chronicles Series

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