by Ryk Brown
“Doing so will guarantee an all-out war with the Jung,” President Scott warned. “There will not be five battle platforms and their associated escorts, there will be more than a hundred warships headed our way.”
“Taking out their battle platforms will send a message that we mean business,” Admiral Galiardi insisted. “That we are both willing and able to take the fight to them, rather than defending ourselves with our backs against the wall. If we take out their battle platforms, our capital ships will be free to attack their critical assets. I promise you, we will bring the Jung to their knees in a matter of months, with minimal Alliance losses, long before they can reach our worlds.”
“They already have,” the minister from Alpha Centauri reminded them.
“Those ships had to have been in transit for some time,” Admiral Galiardi insisted. “For all we know, they were in Alliance space since before the cease-fire.”
“That still does not explain why the Jung—assuming they were Jung ships—decided to show themselves, knowing full well that we would be forced to respond,” President Scott challenged.
“Again, I cannot explain the actions of the Jung leadership,” Admiral Galiardi reiterated. “Perhaps, they want another war. Perhaps, they were simply testing our resolve prior to launching an attack. Perhaps, their leadership has gone off the deep end.” Admiral Galiardi paused a moment, his gaze fixing on President Scott at the other end of the table. “Perhaps, they discovered something—something not yet known by us—that compelled them to provoke the renewal of hostilities. We can speculate as to their reasons from dusk till dawn…”
“Which is precisely my point,” the president interjected. “All we can do is speculate. I, for one, am not comfortable launching a strike against their most valuable military assets, based on speculation.” The president looked around at the other representatives in the room. “We are leaders. Leaders of worlds. Worlds that have banded together to ensure the safety and freedom of all. We cannot afford to speculate.”
“Trust me, Mister President,” Admiral Galiardi countered. “When I tell you that we cannot stop an onslaught of five battle platforms and their accompanying warships, I am not speculating. I am stating facts. And the facts are, if we do not take those platforms out now, before they are alerted, our odds of survival change from quite good to quite poor. The question you must ask yourselves is what is more important to each of you. Your morals and ethics, or the safety of those you represent. If it is the latter, perhaps you should consider stepping down to allow those who have the stomach for war, fight this war.”
“Even if this war does not need to be fought?” President Scott asked, challenging the admiral.
“Do you honestly believe the Jung planned on honoring the cease-fire forever, Mister President? It was only a matter of time. To be honest, I’m surprised it has taken them this long.”
“And what of the Jung in the Pentaurus cluster?” President Scott wondered. “If they have jump drives, wouldn’t it be prudent to assume the Jung here have them, as well?”
Admiral Galiardi took a moment, considering his position. “Again, it is all speculation,” he finally said. “We don’t even have confirmation that the ships that invaded the Pentaurus cluster are Jung ships.”
“We have seen the images…” one of the representatives insisted.
“…Of ships that look similar to those of the Jung, but with obvious differences,” Admiral Galiardi replied, cutting him off.
“Has anyone bothered to ask the Jung if they are responsible for the attacks in the Pentaurus cluster?” the representative from the Tau Ceti system asked.
“We have sent an invitation to Nor-Patri, via the diplomatic jump comm-drone that we maintain between the Jung homeworld and Earth,” President Scott replied.
“And?”
“They have yet to respond,” the president admitted.
“Which, I assert, speaks volumes,” Admiral Galiardi warned. “If they were innocent of either of the attacks on the PC or the trespasses into Sol Alliance space, would they not say as much? Even if they were guilty, wouldn’t they deny responsibility, at least for appearance’s sake? Certainly, if they do not wish a return of hostilities, they would have replied, if for no other reason than to delay. All this, tells me the Jung are up to something. And time is running out. We must assume the worst-case scenario, which is that the moment those battle platforms receive word, they will make best possible speed for Sol. We cannot allow that to happen. We must strike now, before it is too late!”
President Scott sat motionless in his seat, even as he spoke, in calm, measured tones. “Your argument is flawed, Admiral, in that it depends entirely on assumptions, and not facts. The only facts you offer us is that the Pentaurus cluster has been invaded by jump-capable warships similar in design to those of the Jung, and linear-FTL warships, definitely of Jung design, have trespassed in Alliance space. Your only cogent argument is that once the Jung battle platforms are alerted, we will lose our ability to easily neutralize them. You have no real evidence of Jung involvement, yet you wish us to authorize a strike of unprecedented proportions, all without any serious attempt to diffuse the situation through diplomatic means. Such actions are not those of a leader, at least not a leader whom I would wish upon the people I represent. And as the strike that you are recommending is, in essence, a declaration of war against the Jung Empire, you require a unanimous vote of this council. As long as I hold my office, I shall not authorize such a declaration, not until I am certain that all possible diplomatic solutions have been exhausted. We have fourteen days in which to do just that. I intend to use them.”
* * *
Milan Jento looked confused as he listened to Quory explain his plans to the team of mechanics and systems technicians gathered in the Yokimah Racing team’s suite, within the Gunyoki racing platform.
“I sense something is bothering you, Mister Jento,” Quory said, noticing the look on the young man’s face.
“Where are we going to put these jump field generators you speak of?” Milan asked.
“We are replacing our traditional variable-state reactors with the static-state designs used in the Ranni jump shuttles. They are more compact, are capable of thirty percent more steady-state power output, and nearly sixty percent more burst power output than those currently installed.”
Milan and the other technicians looked at the jump field generators sitting on carts, next to the Gunyoki fighter they were about to work on, then at the Ranni static-state reactors on the next cart over. “I still do not believe they will fit.”
“They will, if we remove the battery systems that power the race monitoring systems, from the bay just forward of the reactors, and knock out the wall between the bays,” Quory explained.
“But those systems are required by the racing commission,” Milan insisted, surprised that his supervisor was even considering their removal.
“We will no longer be racing, gentlemen. And these ships are no longer racers, they are to become jump-fighters.”
“We all swore oaths to uphold the rules of the Gunyoki racing commission,” another technician argued. “We could lose our certifications.”
“None of the ships we alter will ever be entered in sanctioned Gunyoki races again. In fact, this particular ship has already been decertified by the commission, so you have nothing to worry about, I promise you.” Quory clapped his hands, rubbing them together eagerly. “Now, shall we get started?” He turned to face the opened sides of the Gunyoki fighter, stepping forward. “I’ve wanted to rip this garbage out of our ships for a long time,” he muttered with a satisfied smile on his face.
* * *
“Man, that was something,” Aiden exclaimed as he took his seat in the Aurora’s mess hall and set his tray of food down on the table in front of him. “It went like clockwork.”
> “Except when Ledge let that guy slip under us,” Ali teased.
“I could’ve got him if we hadn’t jumped,” Ledge insisted.
“Thirty seconds in the hot-zone, those are the rules of engagement,” Kenji reminded them.
“We didn’t miss any of our targets,” Charnelle bragged as she sat down next to Aiden.
“Still, it went a lot easier than I expected,” Aiden said.
“It was four octo-fighters and a cargo ship, Aiden,” Kenji reminded him. “Against four gunships. What did you expect?”
“More than what we got, that’s for sure,” Aiden replied. “Everyone talks about how ruthless the Dusahn are.”
“Careful what you wish for, Aiden,” Sari warned.
“I heard Captain Nash and Captain Roselle talking,” Sergeant Dagata said in between bites. “Captain Roselle said we just caught them by surprise…that the Dusahn didn’t expect any trouble. He doesn’t think it will be that way next time.”
“Still, it felt good to go on the offensive,” Aiden insisted.
“Again, it was a cargo ship and four octo-fighters,” Kenji insisted.
“Four less octo-fighters,” Aiden corrected with a smile. “Am I right?” he added, leaning into Charnelle momentarily. “I can’t wait for the next mission.”
“I can,” Kenji said.
* * *
“Gentlemen,” Nathan greeted as he entered the meeting chamber in the capital building on Neramese. “I apologize for my tardiness,” he continued as he took his seat at the conference table. “As you might imagine, running a rebellion requires many demands of one’s time.” Nathan adjusted his chair, placing his hands on the table in front of him. “So, have you given my proposal any additional thought?” he asked, looking specifically at Minister Sebaron.
“I believe I have given your proposal its due consideration, Captain,” Minister Sebaron replied. “However, I’m afraid that my position has not changed. I do not believe it is in Rakuen’s best interest to align itself with the Karuzari, thereby positioning Rakuen as an enemy of the Dusahn Empire.”
“I see,” Nathan replied. He turned to Minister Cornell. “And do you share Minister Sebaron’s position?”
“While I share Minister Sebaron’s concerns about the Karuzari’s ability to defend the Rogen system, I do not share his opinion that the system would be safer remaining neutral. Therefore, Neramese is prepared to support the Karuzari, to the extent we are able.”
Minister Sebaron glared at Minister Cornell. “We agreed to stand together, in this matter.”
“We agreed it would be better to stand together, in this matter,” Minister Cornell corrected. “But your refusal to recognize the obvious threat the Dusahn pose to the Rogen system, confirms our suspicions that Rakuen only cares about Rakuen. Therefore, Neramese must take steps to ensure its own safety.” Minister Cornell turned to Nathan. “Neramese is ready to sign your charter, Captain Scott, in exchange for technologies that you have offered to share, including, but not limited to, the jump-missile surface launch batteries you spoke of at our last meeting.”
“This is outrageous!” Minister Sebaron exclaimed, pounding his fists on the table. “Captain, you cannot arm the Nerameseans! It would be a violation of the treaty of Carain, which has forbidden the Nerameseans to possess any weapons that could be used to attack Rakuen.”
“That treaty also required Rakuen to provide for the defense of Neramese against any and all aggressors, foreign or domestic, Minister Sebaron,” Nathan reminded him. “Should Rakuen fail to do so, Neramese has the right to provide for its own defense. Minister Cornell is simply exercising his rights under the treaty of Carain.”
“Rakuen is still willing to provide for the defense of the entire Rogen system, including Neramese!”
“Given your unwillingness to take reasonable steps to do so, in the face of new and greater threats, I think any arbiter would side with Neramese on this one,” Nathan insisted.
“If Neramese becomes armed, Rakuen will be forced to take action to ensure its own safety, including attacks on military assets on Neramese, even those provided by you, Captain Scott.”
“And as a member of the Karuzari Alliance, the Karuzari and the Aurora will come to the defense of Neramese, against any and all aggressors,” Nathan warned, “including Rakuen.”
Minister Sebaron appeared incensed. “Are you threatening Rakuen, Captain Scott?”
“I am merely stating facts, Minister Sebaron,” Nathan replied calmly. “You may take them as you wish.”
“Do you really believe the Aurora can defeat our Gunyoki?” Minister Sebaron challenged, one eyebrow raised. “All five hundred of them?”
“Four hundred and eighty,” Nathan corrected. “And yes, without even breaking a sweat. You see, Minister, your Gunyoki fighters, while amazing in their own right, are nothing more than targets, when not equipped with jump drives.”
“And what is to stop us from seizing control of the Ranni plant on Rakuen and installing the jump drives ourselves?” Minister Sebaron asked, his threat poorly veiled.
“Perhaps I have not made myself clear,” Nathan said, leaning forward to emphasize his point. “If Neramese chooses to join our alliance, the Karuzari will see to its safety, including arming Neramese so they may defend themselves against the Dusahn and Rakuen. Should Rakuen take any overt action against Neramese, or in any way threaten the safety of Neramese, you will find the barrels of all of the Aurora’s weapons pointed your way, and I will be the one who gives the order to open fire. Is that clear enough for you?”
“Is this how you force worlds to join your so-called alliance, Captain Scott?” Minister Sebaron wondered.
“No, this is how I stop pompous world leaders from using the misfortune of others to their own advantage,” Nathan replied. “You see, Minister, everything in life needs to be balanced. Nature itself always seeks such balance. Balance of weights, balance of pressures, balance of salinity, balance of energies…and in this case, a balance of power. Balances are good. They promote harmony. They promote cooperation. That’s all we seek. Harmony. Unfortunately, you seek advantage when you should be seeking balance, harmony, and cooperation. You see, cooperation would get Rakuen everything it wants, including the cooperation and support of both Neramese and the Karuzari. Now, you may perceive the Karuzari as just a handful of ships protected by the Aurora and a few gunships, but you are seeing what we are now, not what we will become. That would be short-sighted, and it would be unworthy of a man of your intelligence.” Nathan leaned back in his chair again, as if trying to de-escalate things a bit. “Now, the Karuzari will offer Neramese membership in our alliance, complete with all the benefits that entails. We offer the same to Rakuen, but we are prepared and willing to deal with the consequences of Rakuen’s refusal of our offer. I would strongly suggest that you return to your world, share what I have said to you with your people, and let them decide.” Nathan rose from his seat. “If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, I have other matters to attend to. Good day.”
Nathan turned and left the meeting chambers, fighting hard to restrain the smile that threatened to adorn his face.
CHAPTER THREE
Terig sat in the cafe in Valatton, picking nervously at his dinner. His wife had not been pleased when he told her he was working late, which was uncharacteristic of Terig. Had she known the real reason he would not be dining with her this night, she would be even more unhappy.
Terig did not like keeping secrets from his wife, but he had little choice in the matter. Keeping her out of his clandestine activities was for her protection. At least, that’s what he kept telling himself.
Terig had been surprised when the Karuzari had replied to his message. He was even more surprised, and more than a little terrified, when they instructed him to make contact with the man claiming to be Captai
n Navarro. More frightening still, was the warning the Karuzari had included. If the man claiming to be Suvan Navarro turned out not to be who he claimed, Terig was expected to eliminate him.
Eliminate? Are they insane? Terig couldn’t kill an esani beetle, let alone a human. The best he could hope for was to stun the man and bind him, which would do little good. Either way, he and his wife would have to go into hiding. If the man was a spy, any action taken against him would have consequences. Even talking to him was risky. If the man was working for the Dusahn, the mere act of approaching him would identify Terig as a Karuzari spy in the eyes of the Dusahn. Although the Dusahn might not take immediate action, instead waiting to see what bigger fish they could land through Terig, eventually, he, and most likely his wife, would be arrested. Terig only hoped her lack of any knowledge of his activities would shield her from punishment.
As he watched the man claiming to be Suvan Navarro dine on the far side of the cafe, every fiber of his being told him to pay his bill, head home to his wife, and to never make contact with the Karuzari again. Once he disposed of the specialized data storage chip Lieutenant Commander Nash had given him, there would be nothing to connect him with the Karuzari, other than an innocent order for molo twine from a dealer on Haven, the largest producer of molo and molo-based products in the sector. The encrypted message added to that order would appear to anyone as special delivery instructions that somehow got scrambled in the transmission, which was not an uncommon event in interstellar, jump comm-drone communications. It would be so easy to walk away, save for one thing.
We will defeat the Dusahn, or we will die trying.