Gemworld by Jeremy Bullard Page A

raised his hands for order. Silence was slow in coming, and not complete when it finally did, but Reit pressed on.
    “How is it possible that a granite from our world could appear in a battle in your world?”
    “I don’t know.”
    True.
    “Do you think that the granite might be the common element, or even the cause, of your unexpected visit to our world?”
    Sal was stunned silent. It was so simple. Why hadn’t he seen it sooner? “Yes,” he said breathlessly. “I think it’s possible. But how…?”
    “That is an important question, but one for a day when we can devote the time and resources to finding the solution. Right now, though, I have one more line of questioning.” Reit paused for effect, but it was evident even before he spoke that this portion of the interview had been preplanned, one that Sal had been deftly maneuvered into. “Our Cause is one of freedom. Is this a cause worth fighting for in your world?”
    “Yes.”
    True.
    “Our Cause constantly pits us against the minions of the Highest, who often are, or are affiliated with, the Granite Order. Would you say that it’s possible that we share a common enemy?”
    A sober question, and a loaded one. Sal knew what Reit was asking him, and he suddenly realized just how far-reaching such a commitment could be. He knew coming in that Reit would expect Sal to pull his weight, to become more than just a resident of his rebel village. He wasn’t inviting Sal to be a guest—he was inviting Sal into his world . Reit wanted to recruit Sal, heart and soul, for his Cause, a proposition that may one day come in conflict with his own personal plans to return to Earth. He almost balked, the fear of never returning home weighing heavily on him. But as he let his eyes wander among the council, he saw the fear and desperation beneath their masks of dignity, and instantly he was ashamed of himself. Here he was, worried about never getting home again, while these people were fighting for their very lives. Wasn’t that why he went into the Navy for in the first place, to protect those who enjoyed freedom and to bring freedom to those who had none?
    Sal’s breath caught in his throat. He was here , being given the opportunity to do exactly what he’d always wanted to do. Maybe the wrong planet, but nonetheless the right fight. With no further doubt, Sal firmly said “Yes.”
    True.
    ***
    By late morning, the council at the bottom of the dais was satisfied, and one of their number gave a nod to a young boy who’d been standing in attendance. Immediately, the runner hopped off the steps of the dais and sprinted into the surrounding village. Seeing this, Reit stopped pacing and turned to face Sal fully, a satisfied, yet dignified smile stretching across his face.
    “Lieutenant James Edward Salvatori... Sal... You have been asked many questions, some of which I’m sure you found a bit personal, but you answered all with great poise and integrity. I’ll not dishonor that integrity by calling upon you to swear fealty to me, as some leaders would. I am no great man, only a man with a great burden. I ask you, of your own accord, to share that burden with me and those who follow me, for as long as you would see fit.” With that, he offered his right hand to Sal.
    Sal knew that this part was just a formality. He’d been accepted by Reit, the village council, all the folks that really mattered. But it filled him with pride all the same to take his friend’s hand and complete the cycle. The council cheered and crowded into the pavilion to greet their new brother-in-arms.
    After a few moments, Reit worked his way into the tumult and cleared a path for Sal. As they neared the steps leading down to the green, Reit waved his hand out before them. “Sal, behold your new home.”
    Sal stepped down from the platform amidst myriad welcomes, ranging from handshakes to pats on the back to all-out embraces from the women of the village. Embarrassed at first, Sal grew accustomed