Free Battle Beyond Earth: Resurrection by Nick S. Thomas Page A

have that capacity."
    "But you did," replied Jafar.
    "Yes, a long time ago, but those days are gone, and so are the Humans who lived and survived it."
    "They're not all gone," he replied casually.
    "What do you mean?"
    "When humanity once stood on the brink of destruction, a worse time than you have ever known in your history, one man stood above all else and saw you to victory. He is not dead. He is just forgotten."
    "No, no, no," Jones joined in, "You can't be serious. He's talking about Mitch Taylor."
    "The marine?" Isaacs asked, "My history is a little rusty, but wasn't he a total head case?"
    "He was my friend," Jafar said firmly.
    "And mine, I am proud to say," added Irala.
    Jafar went on, "Mitch Taylor is still alive in suspended animation back on Earth. With the technology you have today, the willpower and effort, you could bring him back to us."
    "And what would that achieve? We just lost thousands of personnel in Kepler. Wars aren't won by one man, what difference can this one Human make?"
    "I must protest,” stated Jones, “Taylor is of a bygone era. We have moved past those horrific times of war.”
    “I thought so,” said Isaacs.
    Jafar continued. “What difference can one man make to such a massive threat? I have often wondered the same. I never could say what made Mitch Taylor so incredibly special. I believe he was, as you say, more than the sum of his parts. Taylor achieved greatness. He wrestled victory from an enemy when there seemed no hope. He made all the difference. We need men like him in a time like this.”
    Everyone waited for some further thought or comment from the President. Bylund could no longer hold himself back and broke the silence.
    “We’ve got real problems to deal with here, and you are giving serious consideration to expending substantial money and resources to bring back a man who should have died in his own time hundreds of years ago. Let’s focus on the task at hand.”
    Isaacs raised his hand for silence.
    “We must indeed deal with the threats before us, but Lord Jafar raises a worthy point. Humanity has been at peace for so long that we have forgotten how to wage war.”
    “And that is a good thing,” snapped Bylund.
    The President glared at him before going on.
    “We do need to move on to other matters. But I trust in Lord Jafar’s advice on this matter, and we need all the help we can get.”
    “But Mr President…” pleaded Bylund.
    “No!” boomed Isaacs, “I will not waste time arguing on this matter. I was elected into this position, and I will damn well act on my responsibility while I still hold this office. However, I will spend no more time on this. Lieutenant Jones?”
    “Yes, Sir?”
    “As President of the League, I am personally ordering you to manage the Taylor situation. I know your ancestors have history with him, and that may work in your favour.”
    “Mr President, I am not remotely qualified for this.”
    “None of us are. Lieutenant, we have a lot of work to do, work that you cannot do. I am asking you to manage this. Will you do this for me?”
    “Yes, yes, of course, Sir.”
    “Thank you, Lieutenant. My assistants will ensure you have everything you need. Now, if you will excuse us, we have a lot more to discuss.”
    Jones was glad to be given his leave of absence, but he wished it had been under other circumstances. He stepped out of the room and passed several ranks of security officials from all four races. He found Cynara sitting there, waiting for him.
    “You’re still here?”
    She laughed. “Nice to see you, too.”
    She stood up to walk with him as he continued past.
    “So really, how are you still here?”
    “I’ve been given leave. Your husband almost dying twice ensured that for me.”
    “I almost die, and it’s you who gets time out?”
    “Guess so. And I’ve got a shuttle at my disposal. I’m all yours. Where are we heading?”
    “Earth,” he replied quickly.
    “Great, be nice to take some vacation time