Free Torian Reclamation 2: Flash Move by Andy Kasch

other and nodded. Jumper noticed Professor Yob3 glance to the back of the room with a look of suspicion.
    “In that case, the lecture is concluded. I would advise you students to vacate the room, in case there are any harmful rays lingering from the detonation.”
    The students all left. Brandon and Derek stood up. Jumper and Alan followed them to the floor where Yob3 began cleaning up what was left of his demonstration.
    “Derek, I don’t sabotage your lectures, so I’ll thank you to return the favor—regardless of who may be visiting.”
    “Easy man,” Derek said. “If there’s been any sabotage, I know nothing about it.”
    Yob3 then looked at Brandon, who only shook his head. The three of them turned and studied Jumper and Alan for a moment. Jumper put his palms up in front of him. Alan did likewise.
    Yob3 seemed satisfied and greeted Brandon.
    “What brings you to my humble lecture hall?” he asked as he fiddled with his equipment.
    “I think you know.”
    Yob3 frowned. “It’s still a little too early, Brandon. I know you’ve waited a long time, and are understandably anxious, but we shouldn’t use the culture before it’s reached full maturity. Especially not now, after all this time when we’re so close. Losing our patience at this point risks everything. Better to wait a while longer—I’m thinking one more year, in fact.”
    “I fear we no longer have that luxury,” Brandon said. “Warring alien races are now holding positions at Amulen and Cardinal-4. The middle continents on Amulen are staged as a possible battleground. Governor Mip7 urgently requested that I accompany the High General to a parley at the station, but I felt the security of the situation at the Science Complex was my immediate priority.”
    “RL-71 is as secure as we can possibly make it,” Yob3 replied.
    “Which is no longer secure enough, and exactly my point.” Brandon pulled a small metal tube out of his pocket. “I brought the key. I’ve never …felt stronger about anything. I want to inject the culture now.”
    Yob3 examined the burn marks on the lecture hall ceiling and said, “Do you know something about the security of RL-71 the rest of us don’t?”
    “I know there’s an alien battle percolating here, which has the all-too-real potential to involve the Banorian military. I know the atmospheric conditions on Amulen are now unhealthy for humans, and grow worse all the time, which may be accelerated significantly by the use of certain weapons. I know Amulen is not a safe place, with bickering local militia groups attempting to self-govern the many small regions. All the while the infection fortifies itself. We’ve even heard stories of isolated groups playing polwar death matches in reclusive areas, like something from the Roman Coliseum on ancient Earth.”
    Derek said, “Those are unfounded rumors told for sensationalism, man.”
    “Maybe not so unfounded,” Jumper accidentally said out loud. Everyone in the room turned and gave him a quizzical look, except Alan—whose look was scornful.
    Brandon continued. “The situation is much more hazardous than any realize. In reminds me of conditions on Earth before the two 20 th century world wars. When lawlessness abounds and authority is scattered, it opens the opportunity for self-serving parties with oppressive leaders to rise to positions of great power. I have no specific knowledge in this regard, but the circumstances are familiar and I can sense the inception of tribulations.”
    “The red Sheen,” Alan said quietly to Jumper. Brandon may have overheard him, as he shot Alan and Jumper another concerned glance. Jumper elbowed Alan in the ribs.
    Brandon held the cylindrical key up with his thumb and forefinger. “It is my firm opinion that the risk of letting the culture further mature, under the current conditions, is higher than the risk of slightly immature application. I want to do it now.”
    Yob3 turned to Derek. “What’s your