After Liet escorted Kobin away, Alkon returned to make sure Ethan was found amongst the debris. He had been closer to the explosion and had not been as fortunate as Alkon. It had taken longer for rescuers to find him. When they had finally discovered his badly broken and sliced body, it had been too late to save his right arm.
Alkon still felt the same sickness as he had that day when he had first learned of Ethan’s injury. It was shocking to think that such a great man of so much importance was now to be hindered in his work forevermore. And it had all been because of one man who continually evaded blame, but was always present where trouble lurked.
Ethan roused slightly. Two of his team were tending to his wounds, administering new and effective treatments developed by the Equai for the fastest possible recovery. Already he seemed in better condition, colour now back in his complexion and the cuts looking less bloody. The bruising remained and he had trouble breathing, but he was able to find enough energy to speak a little.
‘My apologies, General,’ he whispered slowly. ‘I do not know what failed.’
Alkon shook his head. ‘It was no fault of yours. There is a traitor among us. In your name, I would have him executed, but he has favour with the council.’
‘Who?’ asked Ethan.
‘I cannot name him for his own safety. I know you, Ethan, and if I could prove his guilt, I would gladly allow you the revenge you deserve to take.’
Ethan closed his eyes and turned his face away, needing to relax his worn muscles. For a moment, it seemed he was asleep from the drugs, but Alkon needed him to stay awake.
‘My friend,’ said Alkon, ‘I regret to disturb you, but there is something that must be known. I understand you are in pain, so I will understand if you cannot answer, but I must ask. If we are to move on to Waikor, will a cannon be ready if we are faced by the Daijuar?’
‘Several are almost complete,’ Ethan replied, his eyes remaining shut. ‘The two most powerful are nearing their final advances. Another is almost finished. In two weeks, it will be complete.’
‘That is all I needed to hear. Thank you, my friend. Your service is the finest I could have asked for. If there is anything I can do in return, do not hesitate to ask.’
‘One thing, General.’
‘Name it. It shall be done.’
‘There is another project,’ said Ethan, opening his eyes slightly so that he could see through tiny slits. ‘But it is not yet complete. I wish to have my arm back, General. I cannot live this way.’
Ethan held up his right arm, showing that below his elbow had been cut off. Alkon turned away slightly.
‘You have endured more loss than any man should, but what can be done?’
‘We have worked on creating artificial limbs. There have been many breakthroughs. No one is aware of the technology yet, as we have been met with nothing but failure, but now we are seeing results.’
‘What is an artificial limb?’ asked Alkon. ‘Do you speak of machinery?’
‘No, that was our first test. It will take much greater technology to reach such advancement. Our new work has come from a new form of steroid. It encourages growth through mutation. It is capable of regenerating the needed tissues with only minor side effects. After a brace is set, skin can be grown and in time, movement will return with the right therapy. So far we have not been able to do human tests. I would like to volunteer myself as the first.’
Alkon was thoughtful as he leaned backward. ‘What do you foresee in the future for such treatment?’
Ethan seemed to become more awake as he spoke. ‘Greatness, General. Soon artificial limbs will be more powerful and resistant to the elements than those with which we are born. In time, no soldier will have to fear anything but death in battle. We will be able to treat all other injuries.’
Alkon nodded. ‘That is what I feared.’
‘General?’
‘I cannot permit it, my friend. I apologise, but if we allow this research to continue, it will be used against us, not with us. It would be a great technology if it did not leave your hands, but it would spread through the entire Alliance, and the Alliance has seen better times.’
‘I do not follow, General.’
‘It is a secret not very well kept. The Alliance is breaking in various nations. They are under the rule of rogue commanders who would use whatever means available to rebel and turn against us. If they could build entire armies of soldiers who were half metal, half man, they would not wait for injury. They would replace healthy limbs with the ones of which you speak. Soldiers in perfect health would become victims to men who would simply use them to gain power. I desire victory like any other, but I will not sacrifice that which we fight for.’