“My people aren’t lazy. They’ve been working around the clock. They know all your tactics inside out.”
Jon knew he wasn’t bragging. If there was one thing the Reivers had in spades it was a solid work ethic. “Okay, if there’s anything else you need, now is the time to ask for it.”
“Understood. Is there anything else? I meant it when I said I have a lot to do.”
“No, that was it.”
“Then I’ll get back to work,” said Jonas, and his face blinked off the screen.
Jon shook his head. Why couldn’t Kevin have taken command of that ship instead? The old man was a pain in the rear end, but the Reivers were loyal to him. He was the logical choice. On a positive note, Breeah stayed on board the Freedom with Jon, and with Jonas on the destroyer he didn’t have to worry about the old man interfering as much in their relationship. Small victories.
Chapter 26
Commander Peter Konos thought about his now ex-wife as he waited for all the pilots to take their seats in the carrier’s large pilot briefing room. The thought of her still stung, especially now that she was openly involved with his former friend. In his mind he kept going over her infidelity, trying to find a new sign. Something he might have missed. He again wondered how he could have been so blind. So stupid. The rage returned, rising up inside him like a malevolent beast. He had gotten better at controlling it, but the anger remained. He wanted revenge. Revenge for their betrayal, and for his naivety. Things like this happened to others, not to him.
He thought he had the perfect life. The hotshot pilot with the gorgeous wife. What more could any man want? All that remained was the addition of beautiful children to the mix. He had been a poster boy, and he reveled in it. Others envied him, and so they should. He had it all… or so he thought. When he learned the truth, it crushed him. He had been humbled by those closest to him. It didn’t get much worse than that.
He saw that everything he valued had been an illusion. All his arrogance unjustified. He knew it, and so did everyone else. He had been cut down to size, and the feeling was unbearable. So, when the opportunity to join this new fleet presented itself, he jumped. He couldn’t put enough distance between himself and his old life. He wanted combat. The more the better. And this seemed like the perfect place to get it.
He scanned the room and saw that most of the pilots had taken their seats. The noise increased with the banter, as they waited for the briefing to start. They were all veterans. He had gotten to know each one over the past few weeks in the way that mattered most. Through training alongside them he learned who they were as pilots. He didn’t know their reasons for joining this fleet, and he didn’t want to. They were motivated and professional, and that was all that mattered.
“Alright, quiet down,” said Konos. “Let’s get started.” The chatter quickly dissipated, and when he was sure he had everyone’s attention he continued. “I’ve just gotten word that we’re going to see some action sooner than we thought.” The statement was greeted with a few cheers, but it didn’t upset him. He felt the same way. “The corporations are putting together a fleet to attack New Byzantium. This is a combined fleet roughly five times as large as New Byzantium’s.” The audience became quite sober and quiet now. “It is going to be our job to do as much damage to this fleet as possible before they reach New Byzantium. Now, they may have numerical superiority, but we have the jump system, which we will use to our full advantage. That means tactical jumps. We will need to be able to launch at a moment’s notice, and ready to disengage to return to the Freedom when ordered. We’ve been training for this, and we’re going to spend today continuing to train. Are there any questions?”
A blond woman in the second row spoke up, “You said we were going to see action sooner than we thought. How soon?”
“Could be two days from now.” The sound of surprise and anticipation filled the room as everyone digested the immediacy of the action. “Which is why you’re all going to get some time after training to talk to your families back home, but remember, the mission itself is classified. You can’t tell them anything about the enemy fleet, or about our mission. Is that understood?”
There were sporadic nods and yes sirs, mixed in with more discussion.
“Is that understood?!”
“Yes, Sir,” came back a more unified reply.
Konos nodded. “Good, now let’s take advantage of the time we have today and make sure we’re ready for action. You all know your squadrons and who your wingmen are. I want everybody suited up, in their cockpits, and ready to go in thirty minutes. Dismissed.”
Chapter 27
“It’ll be better for Anki on New Byzantium,” said Jon. “She’ll have Otka and Alina to play with. Who will she play with here?”
“My daughter stays with me,” said Breeah, a hint of menace in her tone.
“But this mission will be dangerous. It’s no place for a child.”
“You dare speak to me as though I don’t know war?”
“You know that’s not what I meant.”
“No, you were lecturing me about how dangerous this mission was going to be. Perhaps you think I should remain on the planet as well?”
Jon rolled his eyes. “Look, I’m just trying to keep Anki safe.”
“Oh? So now you are saying that I am not? You think I’m trying to harm my child?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“You didn’t say this, you didn’t mean that. You need to think before you speak, Admiral Pike,” Breeah said mockingly.
“How can you tell me that Anki won’t be safer on the planet with the Seibens?”
“You can’t guarantee that. A fleet of warships is coming to attack New Byzantium. Nobody on that planet is safe. Anki is no stranger to space battles. She experienced them back home, on the Hermes, and the Ronin.”
“She had no choice on either of those ships. Now she does.”
“She is a Reiver. Reiver children do not cower in fear.”
“This isn’t about being a Reiver, this is about Anki being safe.”
“But she is a Reiver, or have you forgotten that? Perhaps I should move to the Reiver ship. At least there people will understand me and my culture.”
“Stop being so hostile. I’m just trying to look out for the kid.”
“She is my daughter. She stays with me.”
Jon knew he had no chance of winning this argument. If he was smart, he would have retreated earlier. “Fine, she stays. How has her training with your father been coming along?” He hoped changing the subject would save him.
Breeah looked angry, but relented. “Her training has been going well. My father has really been able to refine her skill.”
“Great. Is she still focusing on the lariat?”
“That and the use of other makeshift weapons. I am comfortable in her ability to defend herself with any common item available. Which leads me to something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”
“What’s that?”
“I want to take Anki to the firing range. I want to train her with energy weapons. Maybe even railguns.”
“What? Are you joking? That’s no place for a child.”
“I will be with her the whole time.”
“We’re not on the Ronin anymore. There are easily twice as many people on board the Freedom, if not more.”
“I’ll make sure she stays out of the way. If you’re worried about her safety, why not give her the ability to protect herself?”
Breeah’s words made Jon think back to his own childhood. His father had taught him how to handle weapons at an early age. It was how children in the resistance grew up. Better to fight for your freedom, than let yourself be captured and turned into a Chaanisar. That was what his father had taught him. Was any of this different? True, they weren’t under alien occupation, like Earth had been when he was a child, but they were threatened from all sides. They had the corporate fleet to deal with now, but would the Kemmar be far behind? If the Kemma
r came and captured Anki, she would be forced into slavery. Should she not be given the ability to protect herself from that fate? Breeah was right, it was part of her culture. The Reivers were warriors, trained that way since birth, and Anki was a Reiver.
“You’re right,” said Jon. “Anki should learn how to use these weapons properly and safely. This ship is her home, after all.”
A smile spread across Breeah’s face and the threat of violence disappeared from her sultry, dark eyes. She stepped closer, and he instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist. She looked up at him with a mischievous look on her face. “Thank you, Admiral,” she said invitingly.
Jon smiled back at her. I have no time for this right now, he thought. There’s too much to do. Feeling her fit body pressed tight against his, however, he thought, They’re a good crew. They can manage for an hour or so without me.
Chapter 28
Prime Minister Sallas looked up from his desk as his Diakan guest entered. He seemed in better shape than when they first landed. Since then they had been given accommodations and time to rest, and get their health up. He knew that even though they were in the brig on the Ronin, that they would’ve been fed and given proper medical care. Still, being imprisoned alone had a negative effect on one’s well-being, and it probably wasn’t any different for a Diakan.
“Welcome, I’m Prime Minister Sallas. Please sit down.” Sallas gestured to the chair facing his desk.
“I’m General Tallos,” said the Diakan. Sallas could tell by his demeanor that this Diakan was used to giving orders. “I understand I am in your debt, Prime Minister. Thank you for arranging our release.”
“You’re welcome, General,” said Sallas. “I felt it was an important first step in establishing diplomatic relations between our two cultures.”
“It will help. Although I’m not sure it will be enough.”
“How so?” said Sallas. This Diakan doesn’t waste any time, he thought.
“You are harboring fugitives, Prime Minister. More specifically, Captain Pike and the crew of the Hermes.”
“I see. May I ask why you consider them fugitives?”
“They have violated Space Force orders, and in doing so, murdered members of my team. Diakus does not tolerate the murder of any Diakan, regardless of the circumstances. When Diakus catches up to them, especially Captain Pike, they will be sentenced to death. I cannot change this outcome.”
“I see. Well, then it’s a good thing I can.”
“Preposterous. You have no power over Diakus.”
“No, you’re right. I don’t have any power over Diakus, but I do have power on New Byzantium. As Prime Minister of New Byzantium I have seen fit to grant political asylum to Jon Pike, and his crew.”
“You dare defy Diakus? I advise you to think carefully on this matter, Prime Minister, lest you unwittingly condemn yourself as well.”
“Forgive me, General, but I don’t see Diakus here. I only see you. I am, however, open to establishing friendly relations with Diakus through you. The reality of the situation is that New Byzantium needs Admiral Pike and his crew. Did I mention he is an Admiral now?”
“Nonsense,” said Tallos with a hiss. “Space Force would never make that man an Admiral.”
“That’s the other thing. I have given Admiral Pike, and his entire group asylum in return for their protection. They have created an independent military force with Admiral Pike as its leader, and have sworn to protect New Byzantium from its enemies, which are many. Sadly, Diakus is not here to offer us assistance, so I cannot ask your people for their aid instead. But as leader of this world, my first priority is its continued survival, and the jump system offers the greatest hope.”
“Pike has given you the jump system?”
“Not exactly. We have given Admiral Pike warships, and he has fitted them with jump systems. Admiral Pike has not shared the secret of the jump system with us.”
“At least he didn’t violate his oath in that regard. Nonetheless, this action puts you at risk when Diakus finds the colonies.”
“When exactly is that going to happen, General?”
“I cannot answer that question.”
“You can’t answer it because you don’t know. I don’t know either. What I do know is that at this very moment a massive fleet is being assembled to attack New Byzantium. And that is a human fleet. Even if we survive that confrontation, we still have the Kemmar Empire to worry about.”
“Then why free me and my people? I fail to see how that helps your cause.”
“I believe we will get through this. I also believe that Space Force and Diakus will eventually find us. It is only a matter of time.”
“You think freeing us will give you leverage when it is time to negotiate with Diakus. You may be correct. It remains to be seen. It certainly cannot damage your efforts, whereas our captivity would.”
Sallas smiled. “Yes, that is how I was looking at things.”
“I’m curious, Prime Minister. What do you know of Diakus?”
“I am no expert. I do know that Diakans liberated Earth from Juttari occupation. Since then, Diakus has helped rebuild the Sol System.”
“That is true. I would add that the Sol System is one system of many that Diakus has built up. In relation to the other systems, Sol is quite small and insignificant.”
“Strange that Diakus would show so much interest in such an insignificant place,” said Sallas.
“My thoughts as well, Prime Minister. Tell me, do you know of the Galactic Accord.”
“Very little. From what I understand it is an alliance led by the Diakans.”
“The Galactic Accord spans the galaxy, Prime Minister. It is rivaled only by the Juttari Empire. But while the Juttari Empire has been built through conquest, the Galactic Accord has been built through alliances. You would do well to remember this.”
“I’ll keep it in mind, General.”
“I’m afraid you don’t understand, Prime Minister. Your planet’s problems, as desperate as they may seem, are really quite trivial. When the Juttari Empire finds you, your only hope for salvation will be the Galactic Accord. Accord membership is not something you bargain for. Membership is something you pray for.”
I should’ve left you in that jail cell, Sallas thought. “It sounds like quite the club, General. I’m sure we will have many more opportunities to discuss these matters. Sadly, I have another meeting to attend.” Sallas nodded to the Guardsman standing at the door, who took the cue and approached. “Please see to it that General Tallos is escorted back to his residence.”
“Yes, Sir,” said the Guardsman.
“Thank you again for your time, General.”
“Thank you for freeing us, and please remember my words. Don’t let Jon Pike ruin your prospects for Galactic Accord membership.”
“Right this way, Sir,” said the Guardsman. Tallos turned and followed the Guardsman out the door.
Sallas rolled his head around, trying to loosen the tension in his neck and shoulders. He thought about what Tallos said and wondered if this arrangement with Pike would end up hurting him in the long run. He would have to wait and see. In the end, his first duty was to the people of New Byzantium. He would act based on that obligation alone.
Chapter 29
Admiral Jon Pike settled into his command chair. An intricate array of controls and displays spread out before him. Jonas and Colonel Bast looked back at him from one of the displays. Both the Freedom and the Reiver had been successfully fitted with their jump systems. Their respective crews had been trained as best as could be expected under the circumstances. Now it was time to act.
The intelligence received about the corporate fleet stated that the different contingents would join together in Amboss Corporation space. Rather than tangle with the combined fleet, it was better to intercept and inflict as much damage as possible to the smaller contingents as they were making their voyage to Amboss space. The Meisser Corporation ships would be targeted first.
Kevin manned his own station beside Jon. “All departments reporting ready for jump, Sir.”
“Sound General Quarters, Commander,” said Jon.
“Yes, Sir,” said Kevin. The bridge lights dimmed and Kevin’s voice bellowed over the ship’s speaker systems warning the crew to prepare for impending combat.
“Is the Ronin ready for jump, Colonel?”
“Yes, Admiral. We are jump ready,” said Bast.
“How about the Reiver?”
“We are jump ready as well,” said Jonas.
“Very well. Let’s get started.” The screen blinked and Bast and Jonas were gone, replaced by a tactical display of the surrounding space. “Initiate jump,” ordered Jon. He looked up at the main viewscreen and watched the stars shift as they jumped into Meisser space. Within seconds the Ronin and the Reiver appeared alongside the Freedom, the three ships like a pack of wolves stalking prey.
“Report,” said Jon.
“Scanning for contacts. Results negative,” said Ensign Petrovic, the tactical officer. Petrovic had been the tactical officer on the Hermes. Jon had filled the bridge positions with Hermes crewmembers, which included Ensign Richards at helm, and Ensign Yao at navigation.
“Load secondary coordinates. Notify the Ronin and the Reiver that we will be jumping to the secondary location.”
“Ronin and Reiver acknowledge that coordinates have been loaded,” said the navigation officer.
They planned to leapfrog along the Meisser fleet’s flight path, until they found them. Ensign Yao had pre-calculated the logical direction the Meisser fleet needed to take to get to their rendezvous point in Amboss space.
“Initiate jump.”
The stars on the viewscreen shifted only slightly now as they jumped a much shorter distance. As before, the Ronin and the Reiver appeared alongside the Freedom seconds later.
“Contacts,” announced the tactical officer.
“How many?” barked Kevin.
The Pike Chronicles - Books 1 - 10 Page 80