Fever Dreams (DFA Legacy) Part 3

Later


The three scientists emerged from the surgical ward 12 hours later. They were exhausted, but the lead scientist, and an officious man named Jern stepped up to Amelia. His expression was hard to read, and Amelia was really not in the mood.


“We stabilized him, he’s back to the condition he was in before this latest crisis.”


“What caused it?”


“My pure supposition is that Ivan Kirov’s brain is experiencing a series of altered mental states caused by his severe necrosia abuse. There’s no telling where his mind actually is. If he were awake, i would suggest one of the other seekers take the time to conduct their rituals to help him ground himself again. As he is not, I have no way to provide additional care with the resources we have. We need to get to Falcon space as soon as possible to provide the theoretical treatment.”


“Is there anything we can do?”


“Ma’am, i honestly don’t know. This is the most serious case of this i have ever seen.”


“Sensation is an anchor to the real world.” Harlan said quietly.


“What do you mean?”


“Even in the middle of the visions, there are sensations that help ground a person. Things that he considers important would be ideal, but anything that changes the way his body reacts to stimulation wouldn’t be bad.”


“If you want to find a few such items, I’ll make sure they are applied before we transfer him back into the tank.”


“Let’s get it done, people.” Amelia said quickly


Zathras

The Warship fleet moved into near orbit over the world and disgorged it’s dropships. Ivan was standing on the bridge of his Valkyrie dropship and taking in the sights. Planetfall was always a fascinating experience for him. His aide, Jaxun was standing at his side. Jaxun was new, and this was his first combat drop.


“Sir, why aren’t you observing the operation from the safety of the Kharkov?”


“My young friend, we’re infantry commanders. We belong with our feet planted firmly on the ground surrounded by the bodies of our enemies.”


“Yes, sir, but this seems like such a waste of our time and resources.”


“You think a pacification operation on a world wishing to join the Star League is beneath the attention of a Brigadier General?”


“There’s an entire Corps attached to this mission. This is overkill on a level that boggles the mind.”


“The Star League has lost most of its moral authority out here in the Periphery. These people are our brothers and sisters, despite the distance from home they live. They asked for help, and so help me, we will give them that help. Patch me through to the rest of the fleet.”


“All right, vii Corps, this is your commanding officer, Brigadier General Ivan Kirov. We are about to drop onto a planet named Zathras. The people of Zathras have been oppressed by a ruling family for over 200 years, and they finally gathered the courage to ask for help. We are that help, and we will deliver them from their oppressors on wings of flame. The people down below are our brothers and sisters, and we will treat them as such.”


“The Ares Conventions are in full effect, and anyone i catch violating them will be shot out of a naval gauss cannon. Each of your squads has been assigned non lethal equipment to deal with uncategorized enemy assets. You are the best and the brightest people i have had the privilege to command, and i will see all of you on the ground.”


“Excellent speech, sir.” Jaxun said slowly.


“And now to the people down below.”


“Zathras, this is Brigadier General Ivan Kirov of the Star League Defense Force. You have called out across the vast distance of space for help in freeing yourselves from the oppression of this world’s government. Calm your hearts, we have heard you. We are here to render assistance to the people of Zathras. If you do not wish to fight us, stay in your homes and watch over your families, we have come to help you. We will meet you soon.”


The line was closed and Ivan turned to his new aide. He ran his thumb along the back of the heavy golden ring on his left hand as he smiled. “Time to suit up. Let’s bring the First Lord’s mercy to this world and bring it into the folds of the Star League.”


“Yes, Sir!”

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