by Jan Domagala
Garvey paused then said, “Fifty odd years ago the Confederation and Alliance fought a war over the planet Tartaran. We sent several scientists down to the planet’s surface to observe the indigenous life forms by setting up an Observation Post. We followed what we took to be a herd of creatures but we quickly learned they were a family unit. We also learned from an autopsy on one of them that they were creatures of experimentation, transgenics but from experiments that took place over thousands of years ago. Whatever had changed them had taken place centuries before and whoever had carried out the experiments had long since passed away, or had been killed by their experiments.”
“How does that tie in with what’s going on today?” Jake asked.
“The serum that was developed and administered to Kurt Stryder and then refined before being administered to you came directly from research gained from the autopsy of the creature from Tartaran,” Garvey said.
Jake said, “I see why you’re worried about the Alliance gaining control of the planet but you needn’t worry too much. I was down there and believe me it’s the closest to Hell as I ever want to get so I can’t see the Alliance getting anything but a world of hurt from anything down on the surface.”
“I hope you’re right young man I seriously do,” Miles Baxter said.
“I think he’s right, I was on the original landing party to set up the OP and the creatures overran us once they’d finished observing us. They allowed us to think we’d gone unobserved but they knew we were there all along. It was uncanny how they did that. I’ve never seen such naked aggression before and I hope I never will again, it was terrifying,” said Garvey.
“I know what Doctor Baxter means though,” said Jake, “but I’m sure General Sinclair is taking steps to prevent this from happening,” he added.
“That could be difficult, the last I heard was you were kicked back home with your tails between your legs from Tartaran by the Alliance who now have a super destroyer on station there. Unless he’s planning on a full scale assault of the planet I can’t see you retaking control anytime soon which gives the Alliance all the time they need to capture a creature of their own and complete the same research as us,” Miles Baxter said, his voice raising in anger.
Jake looked at him and was about to say something then thought better of it. Instead, after a quick glance at both Admiral Garvey then Natasha he said, “I’d better get back to base.”
*****
The planet Tartaran was an E Class world. For at least the past half century it had been considered a Forbidden World due to the story surrounding the battle that took place over the control of it. It was a story that had recently been repudiated by reports of renewed conflict there between the Confederation and the Alliance. The latest news painted the Alliance in a, not so flattering light. A statement had been issued from General Sinclair reporting of the acts of murder a group of outcasts known as Outlaws who had taken up residence in orbit above the planet had perpetrated upon innocents wandering too close. A group who were in fact, Special Forces of the Alliance, a Black Ops team seconded from the Black Knights, the Alliance’s equivalent of the Confederation’s Recon Delta.
All these new revelations about the part the Alliance played in the development of the legend of Tartaran did nothing to alter the fact that they were in control of the planet and the surrounding space, a fact that the Confederation could do nothing about but were determined to change in the coming weeks.
General Lokar Tillic stood on the bridge of the super destroyer Cronus which was a variation of the Nemesis design, the starship OMEGA used to attack Col Sec HQ not too long ago, his hands behind his back as he stared at the forward viewscreen. The image displayed there was of the planet below, Tartaran.
“Send down the shuttle, I want covering fire from attack craft that will follow them to the surface. Once there I want the troops to create a perimeter and maintain it until the survey team has done their job,” he said.
“Copy that sir,” replied the Captain of the super destroyer, Arvin Dancovic, a ten year veteran of the Alliance fleet.
The command was given and the craft left the docking bays and headed for the surface of Tartaran.
The shuttle carrying the troops and the scientists was flanked by six attack craft to run interference against any winged creatures that patrolled the skies.
Like all the creatures on Tartaran they had tremendous strength and a rapacious appetite for destruction fuelled by an aggression against any interlopers to their domain that was terrifying to witness.
As the shuttle entered the atmosphere a flock of the winged creatures came from the treetops of a huge forest to intercept it. They had massive wingspans of over twenty feet each with huge taloned feet attached to them. Their heads were sleek and tapered to the front where a wicked huge maw opened filled with razor sharp teeth. The wings and plumage were layers of multi coloured feathers whilst the body and under belly of the creature was covered with lizard like skin. It was a weird mix and yet strangely beautiful.
The attack craft formed a perimeter of protection around the shuttle hoping to fend off the creatures. Pulse cannons fired, blasting a path through the flock for the shuttle to reach the ground.
The creatures were in their natural habitat, the air and they swooped, twisted and turned to evade the pulsed plasma bolts from the pulse cannons at the same time as attacking the invaders to their domain. At first the attack craft gained the upper hand and blasted a few of the creatures out of the sky, blood, feathers and gore spraying around the sky as they fell. Then the creatures began to anticipate the tactics of the attack craft and the fight became a bit more even.
Within moments the small group of attack craft lost three of their number to creatures that either simply ripped wings off them or moved out of the way causing another of their number to fire on one of their own.
The attack craft kept firing on the attacking creatures but before they knew what was happening another of their number had been torn apart and hurled away, the crew inside screaming as they fell from the small craft to their deaths.
The shuttle increased its speed as the pilot knew their protection was being ripped apart right before their eyes. They had to get to the ground and fast or they too would suffer the same fate as the attack craft. All those inside the shuttle gripped their seats as the pilot threw the craft into a series of loops and twists and turns trying to evade the winged creatures hunting them. Several of the scientists threw up as the shuttle became the vomit rocket plummeting towards the ground.
Finally, just when they thought they would not make it, the pilot fired the landing thrusters and brought the shuttle in for a controlled landing. The scientists all gave a collective sigh of relief which garnered looks of disdain from the accompanying soldiers.
Once the shuttle was on the ground the soldiers exited with weapons drawn to provide the guarded perimeter the scientists needed before they could even begin to start work. The final two attack craft circled overhead to give covering fire against the winged denizens of Tartaran’s skies.
The leader of the soldiers stood by the hatch of the shuttle and beckoned the scientists to come out.
“Right, you need to work fast, the clock is ticking,” he said.
7
Able and Josh Rand along with Matt Hawk and Kurt Stryder had taken the express elevator down to the sub basement where they exited to a long corridor.
“What’s down here and how can this be a new Col Sec base?” Kurt asked perplexed at the different direction they had been taken.
“It’s not far now Kurt, everything will become clear to you when you see it,” Matt replied.
A glance passed between Able and his son Josh that did not go unnoticed by Kurt. He couldn’t help but wonder what was going on down here.
“Yes not far now,” agreed Able with a smile. He remembered General Sinclair’s reaction to seeing what Kurt was about to see and was quite looking forward to it. It gave him satisfaction in knowing his wo
rk would be appreciated.
They soon reached the huge doors to the Gateway Project where the two Rand men halted. Matt looked at Kurt who was staring at the huge metal doors wondering what could possibly be behind them when Able spoke.
“We’re here,” he said.
Josh activated the door release via his NI, a secure connection only those with access to the project were allowed to have.
The huge doors began to slowly slide apart with a deep rumbling sound which denoted their weight. Each door was made of compressed ferrite, an alloy that most starships are made from. It was the hardest metal alloy known with incredible tensile strength but with the added advantage of being incredibly light.
“Welcome to the Gateway Project,” Able Rand said as he ushered Kurt inside the huge chamber.
Kurt walked inside and marvelled at the size of the chamber, all the machinery and the actual Gateway at the far end.
“What is this place?” Kurt asked a little breathless at the sight before him.
“The Gateway is like a small hyperspace window, controlled by that orifice over there which is connected to an identical orifice inside our lunar base. It’s still an experimental technology and one we’re all keen to develop further,” Able explained with great pride.
“Can you imagine the potential, picture one of these Gateway’s in every base on every planet in the Confederation. You could transport instantly between them cutting out the need for starship travel,” Josh said excited by the prospects of their vision.
“The potential is fantastic I grant you that but the dangers are also massive should an enemy get hold of this and develop it too,” Kurt said bringing the mood down somewhat.
“That’s as may be but we’re here today to show you what it can do. Its security will be in your hands soon,” Able said as he walked forward toward the Gateway.
“What do you mean by ‘soon’?” Kurt asked.
“General Sinclair has delayed the handover until you are ready to accept it fully. I think there has been a staffing difficulty,” Josh said trying to explain.
“You can ask him yourself when you report back to him after we’re done here,” Able said. He turned to the Gateway and to one of the technicians working nearby it said, “Activate the Gateway please, we’re going to the Lunar Base.”
*****
Zara landed the shuttle at the nearest available landing area which was the Jacksonville Space port. Having no money or any other means to pay for anything she looked around the parking lot for a vehicle of any description she could use temporarily until she was back on the grid. She hoped her tracking chip in her NI was still active but because she presumed she had been reported K.I.A. there would be no need for Col Sec to look for her. They may have even taken her off the grid completely and disconnected her chip and her NI altogether.
Whilst she was searching for a suitable vehicle she pondered her next move. She came across a bike, a Yamaha780cv, a relatively small bike but if she could get it started, perfect for her needs.
She tried her NI to see if she could access it. The familiar tingle told her all she needed to know. She accessed the onboard computer of the Yamaha and overrode the locking codes to the engine and within seconds the engine was purring nicely.
She threw a leg over to sit on the bike and twisted the throttle control whilst engaging the gears. Selecting first gear she released the clutch and was riding it off the parking lot heading into the city.
Whilst she navigated through the streets she accessed a com channel and called Col Sec HQ on Earth. The second her call was connected her tracking chip was identified and because of the nature of her so called demise, the call was diverted straight through to General Sinclair via a secure channel.
As she drove through the streets of Jacksonville she heard a familiar voice through her com channel.
“Zara my dear, what a pleasant surprise, we were told you were killed. What the hell happened?” Sinclair said.
“That can wait sir, I have some news you may want to hear, regarding an impending attack on Col Sec by something called OMEGA,” she replied quickly, pleased to hear the General’s voice once more.
“OMEGA, are you sure?” he asked his voice suddenly becoming businesslike.
“I’m positive sir, OMEGA I heard two of the men talking about it. Strange men, could’ve been brothers, twins even, they were so alike,”
“Well that is not good. Where are you right now, we need to get you back in as soon as possible,” Sinclair said very concerned now.
“I’m on Celeron sir; I’m on my way to who I hope can be considered a friend, Abraham Bane. Sir how’s Kurt?” she asked, her voice getting softer, her death must have hit him hard and she needed to know if he was okay.
“Your death hit him harder than he would like to admit. He left for a short while but he’s back now. Do you want me to let him know?”
“If you could please, if possible sir, if his duties allow, could you allow him to be the one to bring me in, if he wants to that is?”
“Once I tell him you’re alive I doubt anything could stop him coming to you my dear. I take it he knows this Bane character otherwise you wouldn’t be going there. I’ll get in touch with him right away and you stick tight and he’ll come to you as soon as he can.”
“Thank you sir. As soon as I get to Bane’s I’ll send a report to you directly via a burst transmission through my NI,” she said then closed the call to concentrate on her journey through the streets of the city. Her spirits had been raised upon hearing what the General had said about how Kurt felt about her. She just hoped he still had those feelings enough to come help her for she had a feeling she was going to need his help very soon.
8
The Gateway orifice opened and the energy created lit the entire chamber up like a firework display.
“The sensation is quite unusual the first time you go through but you soon get used to it though,” Able said as they all watched the miniature wormhole form before them.
A familiar tingle alerted Kurt that a call was coming through to him.
“Hold on guys,” he said as his NI connected the call.
“Kurt I’ve got some important news for you. There’s no easy way to say this so I’m just going to come out with it. Zara Hardy is alive,” Sinclair said.
Kurt was taken aback by that comment. Could it be true, could she possibly be alive and if so, how was it possible? The only possible way she could’ve survived the gun shot and subsequent destruction of the facility on Toldax was if she, somehow had the same ability as he did, but how did she acquire it? What should he say; does Sinclair know about his ability? If his supposition was correct, had any validity at all, did Sinclair suspect, had she told Sinclair how she had survived?
“How is that possible sir, did she tell you?” Kurt said deciding to play it safe.
“She didn’t say, the important thing is she is safe but she also said that OMEGA is planning an attack on Col Sec. She’ll tell you all about it when you bring her in.”
“Where is she sir?”
“Celeron, she’s on her way to meet Bane, she said you’d know where that was.”
“I know sir. Do you want me to go now?”
“Yes Matt can handle the Rand’s on his own. You get over to Celeron as fast as you can and find out what Zara knows about OMEGA,” Sinclair said.
“Copy that sir.”
“Keep me informed on your progress as soon as you reach her,” Sinclair said then closed the call off so that Kurt could get on with it.
“Gonna have to cut this short guys, I’m needed on Celeron. Will you be okay to handle this on your own Matt?” Kurt said.
“Of course Kurt, what’s wrong, is there anything I can do?” Matt said.
“No I’m fine but I’ve got to go, I’ve just heard that an old friend has turned up. I have to go to her, there’s some OMEGA involvement,” Kurt said.
At the mention of OMEGA, Matt’s expression became serious. “OMEGA, w
ill you need back up?” he asked.
“You finish off here and I’ll go on to Celeron then if Sinclair okay’s it, you can rendezvous with us there,” Kurt said.
“You’d better take the Silver Dart and I’ll send for another starship,” Matt said.
Kurt turned around and left the room heading for the express elevator once more.
*****
Jake Riley arrived at Col Sec HQ and went straight to see General Sinclair.
“Jake, how was your trip to the Garvey’s?” Sinclair asked when he saw him enter his office.
“Quite informative sir, I met Doctor Baxter’s father. He was quite forthcoming about the research that led to the serum we were given. He was positive that we are heading for trouble with the Alliance if we don’t retake Tartaran,” Jake said.
“He’s quite right and I’m working on something to that end but for now I must ask you not to worry about it, we have much more pressing matters to attend to.”
“Such as?” Jake asked wondering what possibly could be more pressing than the Tartaran situation.
“I’ve sent Kurt to pick up one of our own and I want you and the rest of the Team to follow immediately as back up. There’s an OMEGA connection here, the person Kurt will be meeting has just escaped from an OMEGA ship. I’ll upload all the relevant data to the Pulsar; you can all access it once on board. I want you to assemble the Team straight away and leave for Celeron,” Sinclair said and his businesslike tone told Jake that this was indeed very serious.
“I’m on it sir,” he said and turned and left the office already accessing his NI to make the call to assemble the Wildfire Team.
*****
The final member of the Wildfire Team, Lieutenant Mack Cooper was sitting on the beach at Pallisto, an E Class planet that was renowned for its sandy beach resorts. Situated fifty nine light years from the Solar System it was within a simple one jump journey from Earth and considered the vacation planet of the Confederation.