Derrick had to agree. “I would like to know how they built those ships without the Druins finding out. From what we know of the Confederation, they don’t allow any species under their control to have armed vessels.”
“Should I set a course back to Earth?”
Derrick nodded. “Yes, we have a space station to modify and a shipyard to build.”
Moments later the Destiny made the transition into hyperspace, leaving the two space fleets behind.
-
Admiral Cleemorl still had a hard time believing all that he heard from Rear Admiral Leeson. Not only was Earth a civilized planet but the old Imperials had built a massive base inside one of the asteroids in Earth’s Solar System.
“It all sounds too good to be true,” commented Captain Fulmar, as the fleet prepared to jump into the system.
“I know,” replied Dylan. “We’re going to Pallas, where we will meet with Admiral Bract and the ruling Imperial Council.”
Captain Fulmar stepped to Navigation, giving the necessary orders to jump the fleet to the coordinates they had been given. He then returned to Admiral Cleemorl. “We need to get the audios and videos of our battle with the Druins ready for review. I’m sure their Imperial Council will be interested in those.”
Dylan nodded. “We need to prepare a report on the complete status of the Empire. Pallas needs to know about the worlds the Druins have attacked and what they’re doing to our people.”
“Do you think they can do anything about it?”
Dylan pointed to the dreadnought on the main viewscreen. “They have warships armed with fusion and antimatter weapons. That’s a game changer. I don’t believe the Confederation has ever fought anyone who had weapons on the same level as theirs.”
“Ready to transition into hyperspace,” reported the navigation officer.
“Then do so,” ordered Dylan. He was curious to see Pallas and just how civilized Earth was.
-
Rear Admiral Leeson watched as Admiral Cleemorl’s fleet made the transition into hyperspace. His own fleet would be following shortly. He was still in communication with Admiral Bract, giving him his first impressions of these new refugees from the Human Empire. In the coming days a lot of decisions would have to be made.
-
Admiral Bract was in the Command Center at Pallas when the new fleet jumped in. A few minutes later Rear Admiral Leeson and his fleet appeared as well.
“Where do you want them?” asked Captain Hatterson from Communications.
“Have Admiral Cleemorl take a shuttle and dock in bay eighteen. Have an escort meet him and bring him to the Council chambers. We have a lot of questions that need to be answered. Remind the escort he is an admiral of the fleet and is to be treated as such.”
Councilor Lena Prest stood next to Admiral Bract. “Ships from the Empire. What do you think?” Her gaze showed a lot of concern.
“Admiral Cleemorl says they built a fleet in secret and tried to free Lydol Four. They failed, with the Druins wiping out most of the fleet and then bombarding the planet.”
Councilor Prest had a worried look on her face. “Is there any chance the Druins might follow them here?”
“Cleemorl claims they took extreme measures to ensure the Druins wouldn’t follow them. As a precaution, I’m ordering the former Druin Command Stations to keep an eye on the approaches to the Solar System. We should have some advance warning if any Druins show up.”
“Then what do we do?”
Admiral Bract drew in a sharp breath. “We destroy them and hope they don’t get off a signal. With a little luck the Confederation will never know what happened to the fleet or that we were involved.”
Councilor Prest gazed at the viewscreen showing the Themis. One of the things she had never expected was the arrival of Human ships from the Empire. “We have a lot to learn from them. I hope they can answer our questions.”
Admiral Bract nodded. “Shall we go to the Council chambers? I suspect this will be a long meeting, and I imagine those people on those ships are ready to get off.”
“Let’s go,” replied Councilor Prest. “I’ve asked a few more people to be present in the meeting, including several Humans from Earth. It might be good for them to hear firsthand of the conditions in the Empire under the Druins.”
-
Admiral Cleemorl was met by an honor guard of Marines as well as several civilians.
“Welcome to Pallas, Admiral,” greeted Jalen Gresth. “I’ve been asked to escort you to the Council chambers.”
“Thank you,” replied Dylan, as he looked around the large bay. Numerous other shuttles sat on docking platforms.
As Dylan was taken through the many corridors to the Council chambers, he began to realize how huge the base inside Pallas must be. He wondered why the Imperials who lived here hadn’t stepped in to help free the Empire. Their ships were impressive, and it was obvious their technology was slightly more advanced than the Empire’s. Of course, the Druins had put restrictions on the Empire’s technological advancements, only allowing it in limited areas.
“The entire Council is waiting to speak with you,” Gresth informed Dylan. “Once the Council meeting is finished, we’ll see about getting your ships docked and assigning some quarters to your crews.”
Dylan nodded. “They’ll be glad to get off the ships. It’s been a long journey to get here.”
They reached the large double doors to the Council chambers, and Dylan paused upon seeing the old symbol of the Empire on the doors. He stood gazing at the large starburst on a background of stars. The Druins had outlawed this symbol in the Empire. Taking a deep breath, Dylan entered the Council chambers and saw numerous people present, both at the Council table and in a viewing area. At a guess he figured over fifty people were here.
Gresth led him to an empty chair at the Council table. “Once this meeting is over, I’ll return you to your shuttle, where you can contact your ships.”
Dylan nodded and sat down. He turned his attention to the woman sitting at the front of the table.
“Welcome to Pallas, Admiral Cleemorl. I am Councilor Lena Prest, the current head of the Council. I am sure you have many questions to ask, as do we. I think the best way to begin is to ask you to explain what has happened back in the Empire and why you are here.”
Dylan took in a deep breath. He had a feeling he would be here for quite some time.
-
Two hours later Dylan was still answering questions. Most of the questions involved the current state of the Empire and what the Druins were doing to the Imperial planets.
“We’re very concerned at how the Druins are treating the Empire,” commented Admiral Bract. “Though knowing the Confederation’s history, it’s not surprising. During the initial attack, we know that billions of people were lost.”
“Why haven’t you done something about it?” asked Dylan. “I’ve seen your warships. They could very easily take on the Druins.”
Admiral Bract let out a deep sigh. “I wish it were that simple. In the thousand years we’ve been here, we have been building up a warfleet. While the fleet is nearly finished, we need crews for that fleet. That’s where Earth comes in, yet it is at least eighty to one hundred years away from being ready for a conflict with the Confederation. We’ve only recently taken control of the Druin interdiction system and established official relations with Earth.”
Councilor Mila Rosen then spent some time describing to Dylan how Pallas had been established and its history up to the present.
“You mean to tell me that you have a Royal Princess from the Royal Family in cryosleep here on Pallas?” asked Dylan, feeling stunned. Everyone had assumed that all direct members of the Royal Family had been killed by the Druins.
Councilor Prest nodded. “We have the High King’s daughter here, as well as one of his nieces. They will be awakened when we go to war with the Confederation.”
“One hundred years from now,” said Dylan, sounding disappointed.
“Or longer,” replied Admiral Bract. “We dare not attack before we’re ready, or there is a significant chance we will fail. We are the last hope for the Empire, and we must attack at the right moment.”
Dylan let out a deep breath. He understood the predicament the Imperials of Pallas were in. While they desperately wanted to intervene and to help the Empire, they still were not ready. “Something else you should know. The Druins are erasing all mention of the Human Empire from our history. Many people already believe there never was an Empire. In time the Empire will be totally forgotten.”
A worried looked crossed the faces of the Council.
“Where did your ships come from?” asked Admiral Bract.
Dylan then explained how there were secret underground bases throughout the Empire. “We do considerable research in those bases, and a few even have the capability of building warships. In those secret bases, we will never forget the Empire, but we dare not move against the Druins. The disaster at Lydol Four will ensure that.”
Admiral Bract looked thoughtful. “If you were to return to the Empire, could you contact some of these bases?”
“The ones on Cleetus Three and Bratol Three, I could contact. There is also a major underground base on Lydol Four if the Druins didn’t destroy it.”
“What are you thinking?” asked Councilor Prest, looking at the admiral.
Bract looked at the other Council members. “What if we send Admiral Cleemorl back on the Destiny and have him contact those bases. We have him inform them that, in another one hundred years, there will be a major attack to free the Human Empire. That would allow those bases to expand and to even prepare for that day. It would be much easier to regain control of the Empire if we have military forces already there that can assist when we launch our assault.”
Councilor Prest nodded. “I believe this is something we need to debate, and, if we decide upon this course of action, we need to decide exactly what we can tell these bases without revealing where this attack will come from. We must keep Pallas and the existence of Earth a secret until we’re ready to make our presence known.”
“That can be done,” promised Dylan. “If you decide to go through with this plan, I suggest we approach General Creel, who is in the secret base on Lydol Four. He has Imperial contacts throughout the Empire. We can work directly through him without revealing a lot of secrets.”
Admiral Bract leaned back and thought over what Cleemorl had just said. “If we can get you to Lydol Four, can you contact General Creel?”
Dylan nodded. “I have a communications frequency he should respond to. However, you should be aware that a lot of Druin patrols are in the Empire.”
“Not a problem,” replied Admiral Bract. “We have a stealthed light cruiser that should be able to slip in and back out without ever being detected.”
Councilor Prest interrupted. “It sounds like we have the beginning of a plan. However, let’s not jump into anything too quickly. Before we send a mission back to the Empire, we have a number of items we need to take care of here in the Solar System first.”
“Finish converting the Druin Command Stations, expanding Earth’s space station, and building their first shipyard,” said Councilor Wiste. “All will make Earth more secure.”
“I would also suggest we put up a defense grid around Earth as well,” said Councilor Rosen.
“How long will all that take?” asked Dylan. He knew he still had a lot to learn about this star system.
Councilor Prest looked over at one of the military engineers seated nearby. “Major Stiles?”
The major looked a little surprised and then answered. “Six months for most of that. The defense grid can be composed of the same satellites as we put around Pallas. The other items can all be completed quickly, if we use the resources we have available here.”
“Very well,” said Councilor Prest. “If we send a mission to the Empire, Captain Masters will lead it. It also will not leave until we’re satisfied the Solar System is adequately protected. In order to ensure that, we need to activate more of our warships. Admiral Bract, how many would you suggest?”
“Another dreadnought and twenty more battlecruisers. It will put a strain on us to come up with the crews. Some can be brought out of cryo, but we will need some Earth personnel to fully crew the ships.”
Councilor Prest nodded. “See to it. In the meantime have Admiral Cleemorl’s crews assigned quarters, and let’s get them familiar with Pallas. Admiral Cleemorl, I believe you will be quite impressed with what we have done here.”
“I already am,” replied Dylan. For the first time in many years he felt as if, sometime in the future, the Empire might be restored. When he had first set out for Earth, he had never expected to find actual Imperials with warships.
Councilor Prest looked at Admiral Cleemorl. “Over the coming days I imagine we will have more questions for you, as well as some members of your crews.”
“We’ll answer them the best we can,” promised Dylan.
“Very well,” replied Councilor Prest. “Jalen Gresth is waiting for you outside in the corridor. He will return you to your shuttle.”
Dylan nodded and left the Council chambers.
-
“Well,” said Councilor Prest. “This changes everything.”
“Yes, it does,” replied Admiral Bract. “I think it would be wise if we increase the defensive grid around Pallas and see about building some attack drones to help defend Earth. We were already doing that for one of the Druin Command Stations. We could base the drones on the shipyard and on the space station.”
“Why not some on Earth’s Moon?” suggested Councilor Bliss. “They already have a large colony there.”
Admiral Bract nodded. “Let’s discuss what needs to be done. It looks as if we are now dealing with a timeline of around one hundred years before we launch our attack to free the Empire.”
“Or sooner, if Earth advances quickly enough,” said Councilor Bliss.
Everyone looked at one another. The war had suddenly become more of a reality and not that far off in time.
Chapter Twenty
Andrew ate lunch with Kala. He had just returned from Earth, where he had assisted in the designing of and the building of the expanded space station and the new shipyard. He had been making several trips back every month for additional training on Pallas, as well as to spend some time with Kala.
“I understand the expansion of the space station is almost finished,” said Kala, as she worked on her dessert.
Andrew nodded. “We’ve nearly doubled its size. It will serve as a stopping point for all ships traveling in the Solar System.”
“I went on board one of the passenger liners Pallas put into service. They’re like a cruise ship but roomier. We went to Mars to deliver some technicians who are working on the terraforming project.”
“Everything’s moving fast now,” replied Andrew. “Several thousand members of Earth’s military are on Pallas learning how to operate the warships stored here. From what I’ve been told, next month nearly five thousand more will be arriving.”
Kala leaned back and smiled as she put down her fork. “This pecan pie is excellent. They’re now serving a lot of Earth foods in the cafeterias and restaurants.”
Andrew nodded. “I’m not surprised. From now on there’ll be a large presence of Humans from Earth. I understand a shipload of engineers from Earth’s space program arrived last week. They want to redesign some spacecraft to serve various purposes, including mining the asteroids and some of the smaller moons in the system. The ships will be built in the new shipyard that’s under construction in Earth orbit.”
Kala picked up her fork and took another bite of her pie. “Have you spoken to any of the people who came from the Empire with Admiral Cleemorl?”
Andrew shook his head. “No, I haven’t, but Captain Masters has. From what Cleemorl’s people are saying, the Empire is in bad shape. The Druins are trying to control everything,
and they have no problem with killing millions and billions of people for even the smallest reason.”
Kala frowned. “It all sounds so horrible. Can we stop it?”
“I don’t know. There’s still a lot of debate over what needs to be done. Some people favor a guerilla-type war and trying to keep the existence of Earth a secret for as long as possible. Others want direct involvement, with major attacks on Druin facilities.”
“That’s in the future though, isn’t it?” asked Kala, sounding concerned.
“Yes, at least fifty years from now. What we’re doing right now is getting the Solar System prepared to defend itself. Fortunately we’re a long way from the Confederation.”
Kala pushed back her empty pie plate and looked at Andrew. “What do you have planned for the next few hours?”
“Nothing,” replied Andrew. “I’m free for the rest of the day.”
Smiling, Kala nodded. “Then why don’t we go to my quarters? I have a better idea of how to spend the afternoon than talking about all this.”
Andrew laughed. “You won’t hear any objections from me.”
With that, the two left the cafeteria. Both were looking forward to spending some private time together with no distractions.
-
Two weeks later Captain Masters was in a small shuttle, inspecting the work being done to the space station. It was proceeding rapidly and, in another few weeks, would be finished. Of course they were using Pallas construction robots for much of it. Most of the expansion was complete, with the outer hull covered in battle armor for added protection. He currently was watching as several large construction robots attached a missile launcher to the hull. The launcher could launch eight fusion missiles at any target that came within ten thousand kilometers of the station. Plans called for eight such launchers on the station.
“We’re making progress,” said Major Loren Henderson, satisfaction in his voice. “The energy projectors will be installed next week and then the emitters for the energy shield.”
“Let’s hope none of it is ever needed,” replied Derrick. “I still think we should add a small docking bay, capable of handling the new attack drones we’ve developed.”
The Forgotten Empire: Banishment: Book One Page 26