by Saxon Andrew
“I’ll know.”
Leonidas turned to Victoria, “Yes, and he’s doing everything in his power to find you.”
The President looked at Victoria, “How do you know?”
“I’m his adopted daughter.”
“Adopted?”
“My sister and I were bought as babies to pass off as his children against kidnappers that might try to extort a ransom from him.”
“This man is a devil!” the President sneered.
“He has no soul!” Victoria agreed.
The President turned to Leonidas, “There’s nothing I can do to save the Unity.”
“No, Mr. President, there isn’t.”
“Then why did you want this meeting?”
“There’s nothing we can do to stop it but we can make sure all the planets in this galaxy learns about it. Serge thinks that he will smoothly move in and take control with all the former planets in the Unity welcoming his help in bringing back order.”
“That’s not much.”
“It’s probably more than you know. If all the former planets refuse to trade with Romanov after he does this, he may deny the whole thing and do nothing while you attempt to remove the teleport modules.”
The President looked at Victoria, “Do you think he’ll do that?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because the Unity has stood in his way of creating a monopoly and he figures it won’t matter. I’ve seen his books and there are trillions of credits that appear to have just disappeared. I now believe that he has been building warships against the day he destroyed all his possible adversaries. He will use those ships to force the inhabited planets to accept him as their ruler.” Victoria hesitated and said, “Sort of like what the Unity has done.”
“Child, we brought peace to the galaxy!”
“By forcing your rule on most of the inhabited planets against their wills. There’s no certainty that the galaxy will mourn your loss and Serge is banking on that.”
The President looked at Leonidas and he sighed, “She’s right, Mr. President. If Serge was certain that the other planets would not accept his actions, he might hesitate. I wouldn’t put it past him to have already contacted his major trading partners and asked about how they feel about being ruled by the Unity. I suspect he will give them a role in the new order.”
“He’ll just send those devices to every inhabited planet and hold them hostage against being destroyed,” the President snapped back.
“I suspect they are located on just about every planet that uses Romanov Industries Electronic Components,” Leonidas agreed.
The President sighed, “That’s just about all of them.”
“Mr. President, I asked for this meeting to let you know what’s going on. I don’t believe anything can be done to prevent what’s going to happen but I owe you for your courtesy to me and I just couldn’t not tell you.”
“What are you going to do?” the President asked.
“I’m going to do what you intended for me to do when you gave me a Purple Card.” The President stared at Leonidas and he said, “I intend to make Serge Romanov pay for his actions.”
“Do you think you can do it?”
“I’m going to make the effort, Sir.”
The President stood up and extended his hand, “Thank you for your honesty and I pray you do make him pay.”
Victoria asked the President and said, “What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to blow the whistle on Serge Romanov so those that are in the unity know what kind of viper he is.”
“That will probably cause him to act.” Leo replied.
“He’ll act either way. At least I can make things difficult for him.” Embree stood and led the President back to the landing bay.
“Have you heard from Gem?” Leo asked Gold.
“I have.”
“And.”
“The Insectoids choose to stay out of this and allow as many planets as possible to destroy themselves. They don’t care about any species but their own.”
Leonidas sighed. He took a deep breath and blew it out, “Well, let’s get moving. It won’t be long.”
• • •
Gem looked at his mother on the display, “Mother, I beg you to reconsider your position. The Unity will be destroyed soon and we need your help in confronting the forces that did it. If the humans had not warned you about the explosive devices on our planets, our worlds would cease to exist. They deserve our assistance.”
“It’s because a human placed those devices on our planets that we were endangered in the first place. We’ll watch them die and celebrate the death of all of them. You are ordered to come home!”
Gem stared at his mother and slowly turned his head right, “I cannot do that, now.”
“You will do as I order you!” she demanded.
“Mother, I would rather die acting honorably than rule in dishonor. I have never been more ashamed of my people than I am right now. For the first time in my life, I am shamed by a total lack of gratitude for those that saved us from total destruction. What if they chose to act like you? I choose to die among beings that know the meaning of honor. I renounce my title and my standing among my people.”
“But…” Gem ended the contact and the display went dark. He went to the bridge of the Play Toy and said, “Jack, take us to the assembly coordinates.”
“She still won’t help us?”
“No, she will not. I’ve given it my best effort but she just doesn’t understand that not all humans are like Romanov. She hasn’t gone out and seen the universe and is prejudiced by only knowing our species. She paints all humans with the same brush.”
Gem sat down in the Command Chair and knew the Pirates were going to be outnumbered by Romanov’s fleets and, with the destruction of the Unity’s warships and his species staying out of it, the outcome looked dark. He wanted Victoria back on board to enjoy the last moments of their lives. His communicator vibrated and Gold appeared on the display, “Majesty?
“She will not participate in what’s happening. You should take a shuttle and go home.”
Gold jerked his head right, “My place is here, Majesty. There may have been a time when I first came on board this ship that I would have turned my back on this crew. But I cannot do that now. I’ve seen their honor and I will not desert them.”
“What do you intend to do?”
“I will take one of the weapon consoles on the Thermopylae and do all I can to destroy as many Romanov vessels as possible.”
“You know we’re going to be heavily outnumbered.”
“I do. But like Leonidas said when he was fighting the Condon, what would be the fun in fighting a weaker opponent. When you go back, you should continue to persuade her to help us.”
“I will not be going back!” Gem replied forcefully.
“But Majesty, you’re next in the succession!!”
“I have renounced my title and standing among my people. I will fight with my crew and at least die with honor.”
Gold stared at him and clacked softly, “I never would have thought that we would arrive at this point when I agreed to go with this ship. But I understand why you can’t go back. I still honor you and thank you for inviting me to take part in this enterprise.”
Gem turned his head left, “I’m proud of you.”
“This is worth dying for, Majesty.”
“Yes, it is.” Gem clacked a chuckle, “Get prepared quickly, I don’t think we have much time before Romanov acts.”
“Good-luck, Majesty.”
“The same to you.”
Gem looked at Jack, “You have the ship.” Jack nodded and Gem went to his quarters and prepared the bath.
• • •
“Leonidas.”
“Yes, Desiree.”
“I will be staying on the Thermopylae.”
Leo looked at her, glanced at Victoria, and said, “The Play Toy needs you to command it.”
>
Victoria spoke before Desiree could answer, “Gem is going to command the ship. Jack will pilot it and you know he’s one of the best pilots we have. We’ll be ok.”
“The Thermopylae and Play Toy are the most powerful ships in the Pirate’s Fleet. They are going to have to take on the head of the Romanov spear,” Leonidas said shaking his head. I’m not sure this is a good idea, Victoria.
“I know. But we can handle our end; you know how brilliant Gem is. The two of you should be together for what time remains. My crew and ship is ready for what’s coming.”
Leonidas smiled and said, “It’s been a real pleasure working with you, Victoria.”
“I wouldn’t be alive except for your and Desiree’s taking care of me. Desiree walked over to Victoria and hugged her. I’m sorry about your sister and nephew.”
“I’m surprised Serge waited this long to kill them. Kenny sent word to Tortuga that she was murdered yesterday. Now, I’m an orphan and alone.”
Leonidas shook his head, “No, you’re not. Kenny is your biological father. He’s been watching over you for years. Serge forbid him from telling you.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. His wife left him and disappeared. She sold you to Romanov. Kenny found out and took the position on Kellinger to have the opportunity to occasionally see you. I’m sure his heart is also broken over the death of your sister and his grandson.”
Victoria lowered her eyes and sighed, “That’s how you knew he wouldn’t tell Serge that you were the one with me at the bank when we delivered the Trillium.” Leonidas nodded. “Well, thanks for telling me. I’m headed to the landing bay to take a shuttle back to my ship. I suspect the Unity President will be making an announcement shortly.”
Leo stood up and hugged her, “I admire you, Ana. You’ve grown so much since I first met you and have become such a strong and beautiful woman.” Ana returned his hug and then turned and left the bridge. Leo watched her go and looked at Desiree, “It will be good having you on board. I can use your help in getting things organized.”
Desiree nodded with tears in her eyes, “I look at Ana as the sister I never had. She’ll hold up her end of the fight.” Leo went to Desiree and took her in his arms.
Embree blew out a long breath, “A message has just gone out on the frequency used by the Unity to communicate with all of its citizens. It’s saying an important announcement will be made in ninety minutes and for every planet to connect the broadcast to all communication devices.”
“Is the Braxel at Cruet?”
“It is, Captain. It’s moved off the filament and is in normal space watching the planet. If anything happens, we’ll know as soon as it does.”
Leo looked at Desiree, “Please come with me to my quarters. We need to discuss how we’re going to handle this. Embree, contact me when the President begins his address.”
“Yes, Sir.” Desiree followed Leonidas off the bridge and knew they were not going to waste the remaining time discussing anything.
• • •
Victoria exited the shuttle and lifted her communicator, “Gem!”
“I’m in my quarters. Meet me there.”
“On my way.” Victoria arrived at Gem’s quarters and went straight in. “Gem?”
“I’ll be out in a moment.”
“Please hurry. We don’t have much time left.”
“Victoria, I’ve done something without discussing it with you.”
“What is that?”
A man stepped out of the bathing room and Victoria tilted her head. She had not seen this man on the ship before. She heard the man say, “I took a bath.”
Victoria stared at the man and said, “Who are you?” The man was silent and after a moment, what he said sunk in to Victoria’s consciousness. “GEM?”
“I saved this DNA from a man that Victoria told me years ago was the most beautiful human male she had ever laid her eyes on. I collected a sample of his DNA and saved it to one day use it for Victoria and me to be together. How do I look?”
Victoria sprung out of the chair she was sitting in and rushed to his arms, “You look like a stranger but you feel like my love!”
Gem held her tightly and Victoria sighed, “Is this process reversible?”
“No, you and I are never going back to our old bodies.”
Victoria leaned back, “Has your mind been affected by this change?”
“Was yours?”
Victoria went to her toes and kissed Gem hard. He pulled her close and after a very long moment, she leaned back, “Your mother is going to kill you for doing this!”
“I’ve renounced my throne and title. She can only blame herself if it comes down to it. But it’s probably a moot issue. Surviving the coming battle against Serge doesn’t look promising.”
“Then we better make the most of this time we have.” She went back into his arms and had to admit that the former Victoria had excellent taste in men. Before he picked her up she said, “Call me Ana.”
“And you can call me anytime you want.” Ana burst out laughing and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.
• • •
Ninety minutes later, it took some time to convince the bridge crew that the man with her was Gem. They missed the first few minutes of the President’s announcement but finally Billy said, “Hey, I was getting used to your appearance and now you go and take a form that puts us all to shame. What do I have to do to take one of those baths?”
Everyone laughed and Gem said, “If we make it through this, I’ll see what I can do but you need to be careful.”
“Why is that?” Jack asked.
Gem smiled, “It’s like a tattoo, once it’s done, there’s no going back.”
Billy smiled, “Hey, make me your twin brother and I’ll take the consequences.”
Ana laughed and said, “Let’s listen to this.” They turned and looked at the wall monitor.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Serge looked at his display and asked, “What is this announcement about?”
The spy on the Unity Government’s Planet shook his head, “I have no idea and the Governing Representatives also don’t know. The President contacted the head of Communications and asked for the connections to be established from his ship.”
“Where is he?”
“No one knows, Mr. Romanov.”
“Let me know if you hear anything.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Serge sat back in his chair and wondered what was going on. This might be something innocent but…it was highly unusual. He called in the Chief-of-Security and they sat and waited for the President to speak.
• • •
The wall monitor on board the Thermopylae activated as Desiree and Leonidas rushed on the bridge. Desiree’s face was flushed and Leonidas was smiling, “Has he started?”
Embree shouted, “It just came on.”
They turned and heard the President say, “I’ve asked for this time to discuss an issue that involves everyone in the Unity. I’m not going to waste any time because I don’t know how much time I have. Serge Romanov has placed hundreds of thousands of explosive devices on the Unity’s Government Planet as well as most of our warships. I am ordering every one of our warships holding orbit above a planet to move away immediately. I have also discovered that most of the planets in the Unity also have these devices on them under Serge Romanov’s control. He intends to destroy Cruet with these devices along with the majority of our fleets.”
The President paused and let what he said sink in. “It appears that Romanov has developed a means of teleportation and is going to send nuclear bombs to the devices he has placed. I know he is listening now and it is important for you to know that he intends to remove the Unity and step into the vacuum created and become the ruler of this galaxy. I realize that many planets have no love for the Unity but you need to realize that you will have no choice but to do as he orders or face the same fate that awaits my planet. He has planned this for
years and is ready to take total control of every inhabited planet in our galaxy. You must resist this!” The President shook his head and closed his eyes for a moment, “I have a small hope that now that I’ve revealed his plans that he might not do it. He’s counting on all of you to welcome him in bringing order out of the chaos and then he’ll take total control.”
• • •
Serge looked at the Chief, “Contact the construction installations and issue commands for them to prepare to start the teleportation process and for the fleets to move here to Romania.”
“Do you think the plan will still work?”
“I’ll deny I had anything to do with it and scream convincingly enough that most won’t know what to believe. How did he learn about this?”
“I have no idea.”
“Tell the technicians on the construction planets to start teleporting to the Insectoid Planets and Tortuga immediately after the Unity is destroyed. I’ll be pressing the button to teleport the Trillium to the Unity Planet as soon as you confirm the other sites are ready to launch and our fleet arrives.”
The Chief left for his office and began sending orders to the hidden construction sites scattered around the galaxy. He came back to Serge’s office fifteen minutes later and said, “The Fleets are on their way and will arrive within three hours.”
“Notify me when they clear the intersection. I’ll start the teleportation process when they are close to Romania.”
The Chief left for his office and Serge saw the President end his announcement. He would need to send ships out to find the President’s Ship and destroy it. He had the current location plotted by tracking the source of the communication frequency. He lifted his communicator, “Dispatch a squadron to go find the President and destroy his ship.”
“I’ve already dispatched ships to the location of his communication frequency.” One of his Senior Commanders replied.
“Good! Let me know what happens.”
Serge sat back in his chair and wondered how the President had uncovered his plans. His former dead daughter said that she had not revealed the plan to anyone hoping that she would be the beneficiary of it. He smiled remembering her dying in excruciating pain screaming at the top of her voice. It was a shame he had to kill his son as well but he had to make sure he wasn’t complicit in the treachery with his sister. He wasn’t but, oh well, he was a victim of circumstances. He would have to find another wife and have some more children; the company had to survive.