Derrick frowned. “How common is that?”
“More common than I would like to admit. Hundreds of Human worlds are expected to send large numbers of young people to work in the Confederation.”
“Do they ever come back?” asked Banora, shocked at what the people of the Empire were being asked to do.
Cleemorl shook his head. “I’ve never heard of any. However, several million young people are sent to the Empire every year.”
Gazing at the peaceful city on the viewscreen, Derrick was disappointed to hear how far the Empire had fallen to allow their young people to be taken. This activity would not have been tolerated in the old days of the Empire.
For two hours the Destiny orbited the planet, taking scans and recording data. When Captain Masters was satisfied they had everything they needed, he had the Destiny leave orbit and head for its next target world. One more planet to investigate, and then it would be time to return to Earth.
-
Admiral Kreen stood in the Command Center of his Druin battleship. Several reports had come in of a strange ship with stealth capabilities being spotted in several star systems. He also had a missing battlecruiser. Even worse, a battleship had been damaged while in pursuit of this strange vessel.
He paced back and forth, wondering what this all meant. He didn’t believe the now-weak Humans could build such a vessel. It was also highly unlikely that it was a new species exploring this region of space.
His cold logical mind weighed all the possibilities. He saw only one that made sense. Sometime in the past, the Humans had built a secret base outside of their Empire. It was this base which had sent this mysterious ship to see what changes had occurred in the Empire over the years since it had been conquered. It also indicated that the base was a considerable distance from Human space.
Walking to the navigation console, Kreen called up some star maps. He entering the locations where the strange ship had been detected. When he was finished, he had a general idea of the direction the ship had come from. It had first been spotted in the Tantalus Seven System. There was also mention of a possible contact in the Highland Station System, though that one could not be confirmed. Beyond that system was the Bacchus Region. A large desolate section of space known for its dead worlds. It was also relatively unexplored.
Going back to his command chair, Admiral Kreen sat down. His large form and heavy weight caused the chair to creak. He needed more information before he brought this up to the Confederation. Reaching a decision, he decided to station part of his fleet in some of the systems near Highland Station. If he could detect the strange ship again, perhaps he could get a better idea of the exact direction it had come from. Once that occurred, he would trace it back to its base and destroy it.
-
On the Destiny, they had just finished studying another planet of the Vortex Worlds. It had been very similar to the previous one.
“I think we have everything we need,” announced Derrick. “Lieutenant Viktor, set a course for Earth. Vary our course sufficiently so we can’t be traced. Stay away from all star systems until we’re back in the Bacchus Region.”
Once they returned to Pallas, Derrick would have all the data they had gathered downloaded to the asteroid’s computers. After debriefing and checking on the construction work being done on Earth’s shipyard, Derrick planned to go back into cryo. He was growing anxious for the war against the Druins, and he wanted to see the Princess. He also someday wanted to return home and walk through the halls of the palace. It might just be a dream, but it was a dream he planned on making come true.
Epilogue
The Destiny was safely back at Pallas and being put into stasis. Admiral Bract felt fairly certain the ship would not be needed in the immediate future. All the data gathered during the mission had been downloaded to the asteroid’s computers and was being evaluated. It would take several weeks to analyze everything, including the recorded messages between planets. There were tens of thousands of those.
Captain Masters stood in the observation lounge of one of the construction docks. Inside the dock, a special freighter was being built. It was quite large with a considerable number of special surprises.
“We’re putting some hidden compartments into the ship,” Admiral Bract said. “The ship will also have some defensive turrets, but they will be hidden behind hatches. Its biggest advantage will be speed. We’re putting in a military grade drive system. It will also be stealth capable, if necessary. All the stealth equipment for generating the stealth fields will be hidden.”
“How large will the crew be?” Derrick knew most freighters had small crews to help keep costs down.
“One hundred and ten,” replied Bract. “However, we are adding a passenger compartment capable of handling twenty more. Those will all be Marines disguised as civilians.”
Derrick stood, gazing at the ship. When it was finished, it would be a Class A cargo ship of the most modern type currently in use in the Empire. “Who will command the ship?”
“Admiral Cleemorl has volunteered. He’s familiar enough with the Empire and how trade is done that he feels he can be a freighter captain without a problem. It will also make things easier when we contact some of the secret bases spread throughout the Empire.”
Turning toward Admiral Bract, Derrick asked his next question. “Are we building more than one cargo ship?”
“We’re considering it,” replied Bract. “It’ll depend on what happens with those secret bases. Once they have their Council established, we can speak to them about what they need us to do.”
“I went to Earth the other day to inspect the space station and the shipyard. Colonel Gleeson has agreed to base some attack interceptors at the station. However, he wants to build a separate facility near the station to hold them.”
Admiral Bract nodded. “I’m glad he finally saw the wisdom of having some interceptors to protect the station. How many are we talking about?”
“Sixty,” replied Derrick. “Since we’re building a new structure, I suggested we make it large enough to hold three full squadrons. The structure will also be protected by energy turrets, defensive missiles, as well as an energy screen.”
In the bay, robots were attaching some of the hatches to the cargo ship. The main cargo holds had huge hatches, and special robots were handling those.
Derrick looked at Admiral Bract. “Are you going into cryo?”
Bract laughed. “No, cryo’s not for me. A lot needs to be done in the next few years to get the Solar System ready for war with the Confederation. We have planets and moons to colonize, bases to build, and warships to construct. It’ll be a busy and exciting time. Hopefully, when you awaken, we’ll be ready.”
“My crew will be going into cryo the day after tomorrow. All have volunteered to go back into cryo, except for Lieutenant Cleo Ashen. She’s decided to stay and work here on Pallas and maybe on the shipyard around Earth. Andrew will take her place.”
“Andrew will make you a good crewmember. He’s done a lot to get us to where we’re at today.”
“Yes, he has, and he will make a fine addition to my crew.”
Admiral Bract had one more question to ask. “Will you see the Princess before you go into cryo?” Derrick was one of the few people who had the security clearance necessary to enter the cryo section where the Princess slept.
“Maybe,” replied Derrick. “I’m looking forward to talking to her again when she’s awake.”
Admiral Bract nodded and smiled to himself. It seemed to him that Captain Masters had more than just a casual interest in the Princess.
-
Andrew was in his quarters, speaking to Kala. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
Kala nodded. She had just told him that she would go into cryo. “Yes, a number of the research people I’m working with will shortly be going into cryo as well. Everyone wants to be part of the war against the Druins and the Confederation.”
Taking Kala’s hand, Andrew
looked deeply into her eyes. “The future will be dangerous. There’s no guarantee Earth will win the war.”
“I know,” replied Kala softly. “I just want to be there with you.”
Andrew was happy to hear of Kala’s decision. Maybe he could get her on board the Destiny as a science officer. “Let’s go out and celebrate. A steak sounds very good at the moment.”
Kala nodded and smiled. “When we get back, I have another way for us to celebrate.”
For a moment Andrew was tempted to forget the steak. Standing, he smiled. “Let’s go. It shouldn’t take us too long to eat.”
Kala laughed. She was certain she had made the right decision.
-
Admiral Cleemorl was in Cheryl’s yacht. He had just finished moving his clothes in and a few other personal items.
“I never thought this would happen,” said Cheryl, a smile on her face. “I wish we had done this years ago. I really messed up when I left you.”
“We were very young and foolish at the time,” replied Dylan.
Cheryl sat down on a luxurious couch and indicated for Dylan to sit down next to her. “I understand you’ll command the new freighter they’re building.”
Dylan nodded. “Someone familiar with the Empire and how trade is done now needs to be. It will decrease the likelihood of someone saying the wrong thing or making a serious mistake.”
“Do you think I could come along? I still have a lot of connections in the Empire. While many aren’t quite legal, they can get us access to places most cargo ships would have a hard time going to, due to the red tape.”
“I’ll think about it,” replied Dylan. “I must admit the idea of having you on board the ship is tempting. But I have to ask you, can you give up all this?” Dylan gestured at the lavish furnishings in the yacht.
Cheryl laughed. “I didn’t always live like this, and, yes, I can give it up.”
Standing back up, Cheryl took Dylan’s hand, pulling him next to her. She turned and kissed him gently on the lips. “I’ve been waiting for this for a very long time.”
Dylan kissed her back. “So have I.”
Cheryl grinned happily. The life she had always wanted was about to be hers, and she wouldn’t let anything take it away.
-
In the Confederation, Admiral Kreen read the latest reports on the search for the unknown ship. All the results were negative. Even the battleships and battlecruisers he had assigned to scan the systems around Highland Station had come back negative. The ship seemed to have vanished.
After much consideration he sent a report to the Confederation Council, informing them of the mysterious vessel. He also mentioned that, at the moment, he did not consider it to be a major threat. He requested more battlecruisers be assigned to his fleet so he could continue to search for the secret base this vessel must have originated from. He felt certain it was in the Bacchus Region and very close to Highland Station. Admiral Kreen was determined to find this base and to destroy it. The Humans were bothersome enough without someone else stirring up even more trouble.
-
On board the space station between Earth and its Moon, Major Loren Henderson and Brett Newcomb were meeting.
“We’re making rapid progress,” commented Brett, sounding pleased. “Most of Earth’s governments have fallen into line, and the space program now has a nearly unlimited budget.”
Major Henderson nodded. “We’re about to explode across the Solar System. In ten years we’ll have colonies and bases on nearly every moon, planet, and some of the asteroids.”
“The Solar System’s population will expand rapidly with all the additional living space. The terraformers are already operating on Mars. Soon we’ll be able to walk around without the need for suits or breathers.”
Henderson looked at Brett. “I understand Andrew is going into cryo.”
“Yes, he wants to be involved in the war. After all that he’s been through and seen, I don’t blame him.”
“A lot will change over the next few years. There’ll be considerable chaos on Earth with all the new technology that’s being introduced.”
Brett nodded. “We’ll get them through it. Once we’re finished, the Earth’s economy will be booming.”
Major Henderson leaned back and let out a deep sigh. “It’s a shame we’re doing all this to eventually fight a war.”
“It has to be done.”
Henderson looked out the large viewport in the office they were in. The Moon was visible, as well as a myriad of stars. If the Confederation didn’t find them, there was a good chance the Solar System and Earth would become the Confederation’s worst nightmare.
-
Derrick stood in the Royal Stasis Chamber, staring at the two sleeping women. Layla and Krista looked so peaceful and exactly as he had last seen them.
“When they wake up, it will be as if no time has passed,” commented Dr. Sharma. “These two cryochambers are checked hourly, and, if anything malfunctions, alarms will sound.”
“I wonder if they realize what type of world they’ll wake up in? All of their lives they have been surrounded by servants and other members of the Royal Family. Now there are only the two of them.”
Dr. Sharma folded his arms across his chest. “The people of the Empire will rally around them when they realize the Royal Family has survived.”
Derrick nodded. “Someday we’ll return to Golan Four and rebuild the palace. I plan on being a part of that.”
With a long sigh, Derrick turned and left the room. He made his way down several corridors to where another series of cryochambers awaited. These held his crew. Most of them had already returned to cryo.
He saw Andrew and Kala being prepared for their long sleep. “There’s nothing to be concerned about. It’s just like falling asleep.”
“So we’ve been told,” replied Kala nervously. Andrew helped her get into her cryochamber and watched as the lid slid shut. A few moments later her eyes closed, and she was in cryo.
“Everything’s normal,” the doctor announced, as he checked a few readings on the chamber.
Andrew nodded and climbed into his own chamber. A few moments later he too was in cryo.
“That’s your entire crew, except for you,” the doctor said.
Derrick nodded. “I guess it’s my turn.”
A few minutes later Derrick laid down in his cryochamber and felt terribly sleepy. As his eyes closed, he wondered what awaited him in the future. His last thoughts, before the cryo took over, was of him and the Princess walking down the main hallway inside the palace. A palace that had been completely rebuilt and returned to its former glory.
The End
If you enjoyed the Forgotten Empire: Banishment please post a review with some stars. Good reviews encourage an author to write and also help sell books. Reviews can be just a few short sentences, describing what you liked about the book. If you have suggestions, please contact me at my website, link below. Thank you for reading Banishment and being so supportive.
The action increases and the tension grows in The Forgotten Empire: Earth Ascendant coming in April of 2020.
Thank You
Raymond L. Weil
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Many of you are aware of my health problems. I am suffering from Kidney failure and am hoping for a transplant in the coming few months. The proceeds from this book and my other books will go to covering any unexpected costs associated with the surgery and future anti-rejection medications. So please give my other books a look. Every sale will help. See my other books on the following page.
Other Books by Raymond L. Weil
Available on Amazon
Moon Wreck (The Slaver Wars Book 1)
The Slaver Wars: Alien Co
ntact (The Slaver Wars Book 2)
Moon Wreck: Fleet Academy (The Slaver Wars Book 3)
The Slaver Wars: First Strike (The Slaver Wars Book 4)
The Slaver Wars: Retaliation (The Slaver Wars Book 5)
The Slaver Wars: Galactic Conflict (The Slaver Wars Book 6)
The Slaver Wars: Endgame (The Slaver Wars Book 7)
The Slaver Wars: Books 1-3
-
Dragon Dreams: Dragon Wars
Dragon Dreams: Gilmreth the Awakening
Dragon Dreams: Snowden the White Dragon
Dragon Dreams: Firestorm Mountain
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Star One: Tycho City: Survival
Star One: Neutron Star
Star One: Dark Star
Star One
-
Galactic Empire Wars: Destruction (Book 1)
Galactic Empire Wars: Emergence (Book 2)
Galactic Empire Wars: Rebellion (Book 3)
Galactic Empire Wars: The Alliance (Book 4)
Galactic Empire Wars: Insurrection (Book 5)
Galactic Empire Wars: Final Conflict (Book 6)
Galactic Empire Wars: The Beginning (Books 1-3)
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The Lost Fleet: Galactic Search (Book 1)
The Lost Fleet: Into the Darkness (Book 2)
The Lost Fleet: Oblivion’s Light (Book 3)
The Lost Fleet: Genesis (Book 4)
The Lost Fleet: Search for the Originators (Book 5)
The Lost Fleet (Books 1-5)
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The Star Cross (Book 1)
The Star Cross: The Dark Invaders (Book 2)
The Star Cross: Galaxy in Peril (Book 3)
The Star Cross: The Forever War (Book 4)
The Star Cross: The Vorn! (Book 5)
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The Originator Wars: Universe in Danger (Book 1)
The Originator Wars: Search for the Lost (Book 2)
The Originator Wars: Conflict Unending (Book 3)
The Originator Wars: Explorations (Book 4)
The Originator Wars Explorations: The Multiverse (Book 5)
The Forgotten Empire: Banishment: Book One Page 33