Hawk Flight (Flight of the Hawk Book 3)

by Robert Little

  Admiral Lee asked, “Help?” The professor beamed, “Captain Padilla said – it’s not in the treaty – but he said that if necessary we’d build them new ships. They still don’t know about FTL, Captain Turner suggested that I mention that.”

  Admiral Lee asked, “Documents? Something for me to show our government?” The professor blinked, fumbled in his shirt and handed over a chip.

  Admiral Lee said, “Professor, please sit down while I read.”

  It was remarkably short, and included some surprising clauses. They wanted to know about human history, specifically, as it related to religion and the Creator. They wanted to visit Earth’s holy places, and they wanted to read Earth’s holy books.

  For Earth’s part, it seemed that the Navy would immediately resupply them, principally with bunkerage, plus some unspecified supplies, apparently a diverse array of chemicals, metals and the like.

  Finally, the treaty stipulated that Earth would assist the X’Leem ‘In All Possible Ways’ to return home in the most expeditious manner.

  The professor waited until Admiral Lee finished and added, “We don’t know the total population of their three globes, but we believe it to be north of one hundred thousand, a large enough number to guarantee a good genetic pool. But admiral, Captain Padilla asked me to tell you that time is vital – their ships are failing, and this – event – has created immense problems for them.”

  Admiral Lee nodded, “Professor, on behalf of a grateful Navy, I thank you. I ask that you do not speak to anyone about this, not a single soul, not your wife, not God. EarthGov is in an uproar already, and this treaty is going to be about as big a bombshell for us as we were for this species.”

  The professor went from profound joy to worry, “Are you suggesting that they’ll reject the treaty? That can’t do that! This is the last remnant of a species, more, of an entire world of creation. We have to help them.”

  Admiral Lee sighed, “I agree, but Earth is going to be a hard sell. Did Captain’s Padilla and Turner give you any suggestions?”

  The professor cocked his head, “How did you know? Yes, they said, and this is a quote, “Tell them the X’Leem believe in God.”

  Admiral Lee frowned in thought, “That’s...interesting.”

  He commed his aide, “Get me a shuttle. I’m headed to Haifa. You’re coming, and perhaps, say, three or four thousand Marines.” She laughed, “Just the thing to bring to Haifa – a large contingent of armed Marines.” He laughed, “Four then.”

  As it happened, Captains Padilla and Turner had provided the professor with an additional chip. It included translated passages from the X’Leem’s holy book. One long passage was called, ‘The Eight Leaves’, and read remarkably like a somewhat odd translation of the Ten Commandments. Another passage discussed how children should be raised, and read like Jesus had uttered the words.

  A final passage talked about the M’Duth. It took him a moment to realize that the name referred to a Promised One. The professor quietly said, “According to their prophecies, that Being would have come after the destruction of their society, possibly meaning their world. Captain Turner told me to ensure that you read this.”

  Admiral Lee sat up and said, “That’s it.” The professor asked, “What is it?”

  Admiral Lee said, “You’re coming with me. We have a world to save.”

  On the shuttle up to orbit, Admiral Lee asked, “Professor, do you believe in karma?”

  The professor smiled, “In a sense, karma is math – if you add two numbers, or thousands of numbers, the result is always logical and inevitable – karma.”

  The professor asked, “When you said ‘a world to save’, were you saying that you are going to try to help the X’Leem return to their home?”

  Admiral Lee smiled faintly, “I was referring to humanity.”

  Chapter 54

  Admiral Alexi Tretiakov, Fleet Admiral Shin Ho Lee and WO Elliot Kana, Fleet Base Jupiter

  The Gresham matched orbits and shut down the main engines. A half hour later a shuttle edged into an open bay and settled gently to the stained and wavy deck.

  After airing up, the shuttle disgorged Admiral Lee, his aide and four Marines, plus Commander’s Padilla and Turner – their actual rank - and one Warrant Officer, WO Kana.

  Admiral Tretiakov greeted his old friends, Admiral Lee and WO Kana, and with a smile gave Commander Robert Padilla a bear hug. The Grant and Lee, the two Dresdens captained by the two commanders, were astern of the huge carrier and had escorted it back to the Earth system.

  They spent a moment talking before Admirals Lee and Tretiakov boarded the shuttle, joining the others for the short trip down to the huge underground base.

  Inside the admiral’s office Lt. Anastasia Padilla greeted her husband, Commander Robert Padilla, and WO Carolyn Turner hugged her husband, Commander Elian Turner.

  Admiral Lee smiled happily, “We’ll be serving supper in an hour, but I thought it might be nice if we all sat and talked about family.”

  During the conversation WO Kana, whose wife was also present, asked, “Sir, I know this question is not quite in line with the present discussion, but, what about EarthGov?”

  Admiral Lee quietly said, “This may be my last full day as Admiral of the Fleet. Possibly, my last day in uniform. My efforts to stall EarthGov violated one or ten laws, according to my detractors, and they now have enough votes to force my boss to either sack me, or get sacked herself, after which I would go.”

  Commander Padilla said, “Sir, you save uncounted human lives, and probably an entire species.” Admiral Lee smiled, “Yes, and no good deed goes unpunished – you already know that, since I’ve appointed you two miscreants to your own command.”

  He turned to Alexi, “Your name came up as next in line to succeed me. Unfortunately, you are known to be allied with me, meaning you will be passed over. I think she’ll go with Admiral Katana. She’s a good officer with an excellent record, a very good administrator and I think both sides of the aisle will accept her appointment. I want you to please support her in all possible ways – she faces an impossible task.”

  Alexi smiled, “I would have made a poor fleet admiral.” Shin Ho shook his head, “Not so, my friend, not so. You would have been an honorable, capable and highly intelligent choice for the post; unfortunately, you’ve been seen shaking my hand.”

  Alexi smiled, “I’ll never stop.”

  WO Kana asked, “Sir, what about your son?” Shin Ho nodded, “Good question. This is not going to help his career, but he’s in a different track than I am and he’s a good officer, so he ought to survive.”

  He looked a glance at Kana, who smiled, “Sir, I’ll keep an eye on him.”

  Shin Ho beamed, “I didn’t hear you say that, and thank you.”

  He turned to Anastasia, usually called Nastya, “Lieutenant, what about your career? Now that your husband is going to be gone for presumably very long periods of time, what are you going to do?” She smiled, “Thank you for asking sir. I intend to remain, perhaps four more years. We want a family, and the Tretiakov family has a large compound. What about you sir, where will you retire?”

  He shrugged, and she looked at Robert, and then said, “Sir, if Earth becomes too confining, you might consider emigrating. There are a number of the smaller colonies that would welcome you and your family.”

  Everyone knew she meant Lubya, knew that the admiral might get stripped of his rank and even his retirement.

  In response to his questions, Carolyn said, “Sir, I’m thinking of getting out. Lubya has a small number of small companies that I can sign up with. In fact, our families are talking about putting in a bid to design and build a special combined freighter-passenger ship, one that could make the long jumps to X’Leem. We’ve got a manufacturer that is interested, and the Padilla family is right now talking about selling their company in order to raise enough capital to jumpstart the enterprise. As envisioned, it would include the Tretiakov family, The Turners, the P
adilla’s, the Kana’s, the Chamberlain Foundation and Merkovich, L.L.C., the company that designed and built the Kestrel.”

  The supper was quiet, filled with strongly mixed emotions. Everyone present had served and suffered, all of them knew that an epic period in human history was ending, a new one beginning, and none of them could foresee the future, their individual future.

  Over coffee Shin Ho stood and announced, “The treaty signed by Professor Leung, and Captains Padilla and Turner, on behalf of EarthGov , has been signed into law.”

  Everyone looked up at their admiral, a man they admired, and if they’d been able to speak the truth, a man they loved. They waited silently for him to continue. He smiled gently, “The Composite Task Force, headed by Commander Padilla has been ratified and is now officially tasked with safeguarding – that’s their term – the X’Leem while they, and I quote, ‘Refurbish, resupply or replace as necessary, all required ships and equipment, and assist this species to return to it’s home world’.”

  He smiled again, “Additionally, my replacement has been named. I knew before the meal started, but for obvious reasons, wanted this one last time to break bread with my friends. Tomorrow, I’ll be gone, but your tasks are just beginning. I believe Admiral Katana will quickly get up to speed, but no matter, I shall expect all of you to support her to the utmost of your ability.”

  He raised his glass and everyone stood. They all raised their glasses and Mona quietly said, “To the Fleet.”

  Part III – Going Home

  Chapter 55

  Shin Ho Lee, Hong Kong, New Republic of China

  The Navy had for centuries provided excellent medical support to its’ personnel, but Jupiter Base was a somewhat unusual case, and didn’t have an artificial gravity system in place, due to the ease with which an enemy could find target the base. Even so, or in compensation, it had multiple systems and measures in place to counteract the negative effects on the human body of low gravity. Shin Ho routinely worked eighteen-hour days and tended to be highly resistant to advice, even from his aide.

  Speaking of her, she had decided to leave the service at the end of her current enlistment, a matter of a few weeks. At the shuttle port, she hugged her superior and said, “Sir, I no longer have a career in the Navy, but while I do have very good contacts, I would greatly prefer to continue working for you. Will you please keep me in mind?”

  He awkwardly returned her hug and said, an odd expression of warmth and embarrassment on his face, “I don’t have anything to offer you, at least at this time. Can’t you get on with one of your family’s businesses?” She smiled, “Oh my yes; however, I grew accustomed to being at the center of the hurricane, and I am certain that in no time you will be involved in something...interesting.”

  He asked, “Where will you locate, and how long can you survive before you have to take a job?”

  It was her turn to blush, “Sir, I have a home on the central coast of California. I thought to spend a few days there before visiting relatives on Maya, but I can put that off if something comes up.” He said, “I don’t know the region, although I understand much of that coast is quite beautiful. How did you manage to acquire a home in California on a lieutenant’s pay?”

  She smiled demurely, “Sir, I don’t own the home, I have the use of it.”

  He blinked, “So, you are wealthy?” She smiled, “No sir.” She shook her head slightly, a warning, “Perhaps some other day we can discuss my family in greater detail.” He noted her look, remembered that she had a connection with – in some form or another – the Chamberlain Foundation, a highly secretive organization, one that might not want her to discuss it’s affairs where she could be monitored.

  He boarded the shuttle, took one last glance at the underground chamber, and walked aft to the passenger seating area.

  Two civilians, both men, followed him and sat a row behind. They were his ‘escorts’ off Jupiter Base, presumably ensuring he didn’t steal the silver. In fact, the only possessions of any value to him were his collection of mementos from long-dead warships. Those belonged to him and had already been loaded onto the shuttle.

  The craft was towed to the chamber’s shuttle lock and waited while atmosphere was vacated.

  It joined two other shuttles on the elevator and rose up to the surface.

  The trip ‘south’ to Earth took two entire days, and was in a sense a primer for Admiral Lee’s entrance to civilian life. It was not particularly pleasant. At virtually every opportunity he was confronted by demonstrations, some loudly supporting his actions, others condemning him,

  The Federation was presently ruled by secularists, but their margin of control was helped by the fact that the majority opposition was badly fractured, with elements that wanted to not only kill every single alien, but drop more rocks on their two home worlds, just to be sure. Others wanted to send missionaries, apparently dreaming of joint religious services, and it was the splintering of the majority into contentious parties that gave the secularists control.

  Unfortunately, Shin Ho Lee was now the lightning rod for the immensely powerful emotional forces the recently concluded war had released into society. Humans were no longer alone, no longer unique, and the thought that the X’Leem had developed space flight while humans were puzzling over how to make bronze led to the idea that perhaps there were other species ‘out there’, far more advanced and possibly looking for new real estate.

  Typically, wars led to huge advances in warfighting ability; post war, the society usually returned to a peacetime footing and the military budget shrunk until the next war.

  This time around, the Federal Congress was locked in a fierce debate over what to do with the Navy, how much money to throw at it. It would appear that this time around funds were going to be appropriated for research and development, with the goal of a small but very potent Navy.

  Meanwhile, Shin Ho was getting buffeted by demonstrations, some even including actual people instead of the usual video and audio displays. His two escorts were singularly unhelpful, meaning he had to resort to a spot of creativity. Via his pad, he found alternate routes that led him around most of the noise. He managed to get from the main orbital terminal to a shuttle heading down to Taipei instead of his well-known home of Hong Kong, temporarily dodging the furor.

  In the civilian port, he was met by a huge crowd of people, this one largely supportive, if only because of his cultural connection. He was besieged with countless requests to provide interviews, but the agreement he’d signed not only forbade him from speaking publicly, he wasn’t even allowed to say that.

  He entered a veritable sea of people, causing him considerable disquiet. He wasn’t accustomed to being around such a disorganized mass of humanity, none of them having any obligation to obey him or get out of his typically impatient way.

  His wife had a modest apartment on the edge of the university campus, part of her benefits package, but even before he was able to reach that small home, a flurry of lawsuits were arriving at the university’s legal affairs office, demanding that his wife be terminated.

  He arrived home, finding that it was empty. She commed him, telling him that she was speaking to the university’s head lawyer, and would be late.

  He put away his few things, including the last working uniform he’d worn. He wandered around the small unit, full of dread of an empty future.

  His wife arrived very late that afternoon and they emotionally hugged. He prepared her a cup of tea and they sat in the kitchen, discussing her own career, now on the line. Speaking Cantonese, their first language, she said, “I have been put on administrative leave, with full pay and benefits, but it doesn’t look good.”

  They discussed financial matters – both were penurious and they had a good savings account, but not one sufficient to last them the rest of their lives, or anywhere near. More importantly, both were relatively young and neither wanted to sit on a park bench watching the world slide past.

  She asked him, “If I l
ose my post here, what can we do?” He sighed and said, “I am sorry to have brought this on you. I really don’t know. My aide hinted that Lubya would welcome me – us – but what would I do there? I feel certain that you would easily find a teaching position, but I don’t know if that would be able to sustain us.”

  She asked about the society, and he told her that his crews, meaning Robert and Elian, had quickly learned to love the people, disliked the cold. Hong Kong itself had roughly as many people as the entire system.

  She asked, “What else? You always have a Plan B, C and probably X.” He grinned, “I have been given two comm numbers. Both are related. One is my aide, the other is apparently related to her, in at least two ways. Her name is Isabella Chamberlain, of the organization of the same name. I know little of about her or her people, but the last time I spoke to her she suggested that we keep in touch – her term.”

  Chu-Hua, his wife, asked, mildly surprised, “You don’t know much? What sort of organization is this that you couldn’t find out anything?” He nodded, “I didn’t try. I had a meeting with a woman – Isabella Chamberlain – and she knew more about what I was doing than my own headquarters. When I challenged her on that she explained that her organization has large operations in virtually every system, including, I was told, Nasser. She was able to quiet my suspicions and provided me with a great deal of urgently needed help. I knew that if I instituted a search on the foundation, it might bring attention to people who were only trying to help the Federation. Back to you, what happens now?”