by G. P. Hudson
“This is madness. How can we hope to defeat the Kemmar without the Diakans?” said General Tarkosian, a dangerous looking man whose thick, graying mustache, and fierce eyes reminded Sallas of the ancient Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin. “We need to maintain a defensive posture, or the Kemmar could nuke another of our planets, as they did New Byzantium.”
“I disagree,” said General Calledonius, in a raspy voice. The aging General was one of Sallas’s staunchest allies, and now Commander in Chief of all Colonial forces. “The attack on New Byzantium was unexpected. We did not know they had attained the jump system through their alliance with the Juttari. We have taken measures to better protect against such an attack in the future. Nonetheless, this is the reality of the current situation.
“The jump system allows our enemies to launch devastating surprise attacks, especially when they do so with no regard for their own safety. The ships that nuked New Byzantium were all destroyed. They made no effort to escape, and were intent on inflicting as much destruction as possible. It is difficult to defend against such an enemy.”
“All the more reason why we need to focus on defense,” insisted Tarkosian.
“On the contrary, we cannot allow such an enemy to secure its gains. They would only become more ambitious. We need to put the Kemmar on the defensive. We must take territory to do so.”
“But we are not just facing the Kemmar,” said General Simmons, a serious looking woman who projected an aura of uncompromising competence. “There is also the Juttari to consider.”
“The Juttari do not control any systems near Telepylos,” said Calledonius. “The Kemmar may be allied with the Juttari, but do they have any intention of letting the Juttari establish a permanent military force in Telepylos? Their alliance is one of necessity, and I don’t believe the Kemmar want the Juttari on their border when that alliance proves no longer useful.”
“Do we have intelligence to support that view?” said Simmons.
“Several jump drones have been sent into Telepylos since our defeat. There are some Juttari ships still in the system, but it is primarily a Kemmar force. It appears that the rest of the Juttari ships taking part in the initial assault have already left. The big question is what’s waiting on the other side of the Telepylos jump gate. As we all know, that is Kemmar space. I doubt there are Jutarri ships waiting, but I’m sure there are Kemmar.”
“And yet, we cannot discount the Juttari,” said Simmons. “If we do launch this offensive, and are successful, we would then need to defend those gains against both the Kemmar and the Juttari Empires.”
“Not necessarily. While it is true that the two powers worked together to attack Telepylos, it doesn’t change the fact that their two territories are thousands of light years apart. They are not connected by jump gates, and even with the jump system, it would take weeks for Juttari ships to reach Kemmar territory. Strategically, the Juttari allied with the Kemmar to open a second front against our alliance. They needed to take the pressure off, not get roped into defending Kemmar space. I assure you, the last thing the Juttari want is to have to send a fleet to protect them. They want the Kemmar to harass our territory, and if we don’t take the offensive, that is precisely what we will let them do.”
“Your analysis has its merits,” said Simmons. “But why stop at Telepylos?”
“What do you mean, General?” said Governor Sallas, intrigued by the direction the discussion was moving.
“Over the course of the last year we have made great strides, not just in our combat capabilities, but also in terms of military production. The corporations left the colonies with great industrial capacity. Due to the existential threat we faced, we have converted that capacity into military production. That has taken time to accomplish. At the same time, we have benefited from various Diakan advancements, which have greatly improved our output. Today, all that industrial infrastructure is building warships at a speed never before imagined. The only thing is, we have been so focused on defense that we haven’t considered the alternatives.”
“What alternatives do you have in mind?” said Sallas.
“When the Kemmar conquered the Otan,” Simmons continued. “Their forces obtained access to our borders. If we can push the Kemmar out of Otan space, it would create a buffer between them and our territory.”
Sallas was starting to see why General Simmons was considered a hawk by many who knew her. “Forgive my ignorance, General, but wouldn’t the jump system diminish any benefits such a buffer would present?”
“To a certain extent, but as General Calledonius has already pointed out, the loss of territory would add to their insecurity. Especially since it is the last thing they expect from us.”
“Yes, but even with our increased industrial output, we do not have the ships to pull something like that off,” said Calledonius.
“We have the Chaanisar,” countered Simmons. “They have at least a thousand ships at their disposal.”
“True, but many of those ships have defensive responsibilities.”
“Then give those responsibilities to the Diakans. They want to take on a defensive posture. Isn’t that what General Dathos said?”
“It is,” said Sallas, wondering if he had bitten off more than he could chew.
“There you have it. The Diakans can play defense, while we play offense.”
“A bold plan,” said Calledonius. “I like it. What are your thoughts Governor Sallas?”
Sallas sat in silence as the eyes of his generals scrutinized his. What had seemed like an audacious proposal to attack Telepylos, had now somehow morphed into a major offensive. He knew he couldn’t look weak in this moment. He had to show strength. He wished for a moment that Admiral Pike were here.
“Draw up plans for the two offensives,” he said finally. “But I want you working closely with First Colonel Brock on this.”
“Understood,” said Calledonius, and one by one the faces disappeared from the screen, leaving Governor Sallas alone, feeling way out of his depth.
Chapter 25
“We have to keep moving,” said Jon eying the Diakan Security personnel standing on the street. They had made it past the sentries guarding the building’s exit, and now had to deal with what waited for them outside. “We have to assume they’re hostile. We go in fast and surprise them, but don’t shoot unless provoked.”
“Understood,” said Bast.
The group rushed onto the street with weapon’s drawn, shouting at the Diakans to stand down. The sentries were caught off guard, with little time to counter. Instead, they stood stunned by the weapons pointed at them.
“Drop your weapons!” said Jon. “Do it now, or you will be shot. This is your only warning.”
To Jon’s relief the Diakans put their weapons on the ground, and held up their hands in surrender. Diakans were a lot of things, but stupid wasn’t one of them. Reivers and Chaanisar moved quickly to seize the discarded weapons. Jon stepped up to one of the more senior ranked Diakans, and pointed his weapon at its head.
“Why are your men trying to kill us?” said Jon.
The Diakan remained quiet, but the aggressive scent emanating from him convinced Jon of its complicity. Jon knocked the Diakan to the floor with the stock of his weapon. Standing over him, he pointed his gun again. “Tell me now, or I’ll burn a hole through your fucking skull.”
“It does not matter,” said the Diakan. “You will not leave Diakus alive.”
“Sir, we’ve got company,” said Kevin.
Jon turned to see Diakan Security uniforms appear at the building’s exit. He let loose several rounds, as did Kevin, forcing them back.
“Take cover,” he shouted.
They stood in a large open area, with nothing for protection except a small structure, just larger than a shed. They scrambled toward it, firing to keep the Diakans at bay. Though Blue energy bolts nipped at their heels, they managed to make it to safety.
Energy bolts rained down on their position. Jon spotted
a single Diakan running out from the building. Squeezing off a round, he picked the Diakan off. Another round finished him off.
“We cannot hold this position,” said Colonel Bast. “We are too exposed.”
“I know,” said Jon. “Soon they’ll attack us from the rear. We can’t run, either. We’d be wide open. We’ll all be cut down if we try.”
The Diakan firepower increased exponentially, as more Diakan Security showed up, and it became difficult to even fire back. Jon saw another Diakan break away from the building, but the storm of bolts coming at them kept him pinned down.
“What are we going to do?” said Seiben, crouched behind the structure, his weapon trembling in his hands.
“I’m working on-” Jon doubled over as a stabbing pain hit his abdomen. At first he thought he’d been shot, but he soon realized there was no blood.
“Doctor! Quickly!” said Breeah.
Jon felt Ellerbeck crawl over to him. “It’s his symbiont,” said Ellerbeck. “It’s still fighting the poison. I don’t think it’s strong enough.”
“Can you help him?” said Breeah, her voice cracking.
She shook her head, “It’s up to the symbiont now.”
Jon hit the pavement with another stab at the gut. The pain so powerful it left him completely incapacitated. His vision began to blur, he could just barely make out Breeah and Doctor Ellerbeck bent over him. He heard the sounds of the battle. Though he knew it wasn’t going well, there was nothing he could do about it.
“They’re trying to flank us,” shouted Kevin. Jon knew that if they succeeded, it would be all over.
“I can’t hold them off,” yelled another man, but Jon couldn’t make out who it was.
“What in the hell?” Jon recognized Kevin’s voice again, and also recognized the astonishment in his voice.
Jon tried to see past Breeah and Ellerbeck, to figure out what had happened. He could hear the sound of heavier guns, and figured the Diakans had finally brought in reinforcements. They would make short work of the structure now. It was over.
A shadow passed over him and a brilliant blue light filled the sky above. Breeah and Ellerbeck were both looking up now, and he made out Seiben’s voice, shouting incoherently.
He struggled to clear his head, desperate to put together the information around him. Losing strength by the second, he struggled to keep his eyes open. It was a losing battle, and he let them shut.
“Take his legs,” said Kevin’s voice.
His eyes fluttered briefly as he was lifted off the ground. He knew the man holding his legs. Colonel Bast. Someone else held him by the armpits. It must be Kevin.
“What’s happened?” he whispered, his voice so quiet he could barely hear himself.
“We’re being rescued,” said Kevin, in between short breaths.
“Rescued? By who?”
The scenery changed as he was hoisted into what must be an aircraft of some sort. He struggled to lift his head, trying to get his bearings, and a better look around. In the process his gaze landed on a Diakan. A Diakan he recognized.
“Welcome aboard, Admiral,” said the man. “I understand you’re not feeling well.”
Jon felt the craft take flight, and he put a name on that face. Major Ilthos.
Chapter 26
Jon felt some of his strength return, as alarms rang in his ear. He tried to sit up but both Breeah and Doctor Ellerbeck pushed back.
“I’m okay,” he said. “Whatever just happened feels like it’s over for now.” Their hands relaxed and Jon sat upright. “What’s going on?”
“We are taking ground fire,” said Major Ilthos, who now came into Jon’s line of vision.
“Who the hell is firing on us?”
“They are called The Faction, and they are not happy with the current state of affairs. Nor are they happy with me for extracting you.”
“How are you mixed up in all this, Ilthos? I haven’t seen your face in almost a year.”
“Yes, I can see how this might be confusing. The truth is that I work for Diakan Intelligence.”
“When did that happen?”
“A long time ago, Admiral.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“It was not necessary.”
“You goddamn Diakans. So what the hell is going on. Why is this Faction after me?”
“The Faction wants to return to what they see as the glories of the past. They see you, and the prophecy, as a threat to that aspiration. Unfortunately, they have members in numerous branches of the government, and military. In some ways they run a shadow government. I have been investigating the conspiracy over the past year. They’ve been relatively quiet up until now, but I fear their attempt on your life is the opening move in a greater plot.”
“You think they want to take power?”
“Yes, and we are running out of time.”
The craft banked hard and Jon grabbed Ellerbeck’s arm as she began to fall.
“You should go strap yourself in, Doctor,” said Jon, pointing to a row of seats against the hull of the craft where the rest of their group already sat.
Ellerbeck looked skeptical.
“Really Doctor, I’m feeling much better.”
“What about you?” said Ellerbeck.
“I’m going to come too.”
Relenting, Ellerbeck carefully made her way to one of the seats.
He now looked at Breeah gripping a handhold. “You too, Breeah.”
“I will go when you go.”
Jon shook his head in frustration, he knew better than to argue. “Where are we going?” he said to Ilthos.
“Somewhere safe,” said Ilthos.
“Really? Forgive me for saying so, but it doesn’t look like you’ve got a good handle on the safety thing at the moment.”
“Did I not save you?”
“It’s not a successful rescue if we get shot down, and if the way this craft is moving is an indication, that’s what’s about happen.”
“Pessimism does not suit you, Admiral.”
“Scans are picking up two Diakan assault fighters on an intercept course,” announced the pilot. “They’re firing missiles.”
“Launch countermeasures. I am initiating appropriate defensive measures.”
“Really?” said Jon, looking around. “Strapping some heavy guns onto a shuttle does not mean you can take on, or outrun two assault fighters. I may be pessimistic, but you’re delusional, Major.”
“Observe, Admiral,” said Ilthos, pointing toward the cockpit.
Jon turned around, eying a display which showed the advancing fighters as red icons.
“I see them,” said Jon. “Your countermeasures won’t hold them off for long. Their missiles will eventually get through, and that’ll be the end.”
Only the fighters didn’t fire. A split second later the red icons simply vanished from the display. Jon stared at the screen for a moment, then turned back to Ilthos.
“Diakan Intelligence operates its own network of satellites,” said Ilthos. “These satellites are independent of any government, or military control. They are also more than just satellites. They are covert orbital weapon systems.”
“Are you saying you shot down those fighters with a satellite?”
“That is correct, Admiral. Although it’s more of a weapon system disguised as a satellite.”
“And you have a network of these things pointing at the planet?”
“Yes, but they can also be configured to point away from the planet. They have full spectrum targeting capabilities.”
“Impressive.”
“Thank you, Admiral.”
“But wouldn’t something like this piss off your government?”
“Perhaps, if they knew about them.”
“Cat’s out of the bag now. I hate to break it to you.”
“Many cats have jumped out of the bag, as you put it. It is the price we must pay for the future.”
“Why aren’t you siding with The Fa
ction? Why are you trying to help me?”
“Admiral, I am a loyal Diakan citizen, not some subversive. I follow the prophecy.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever figure you people out.”
“We are nearing our destination,” said Ilthos. “We should be safe now.”
“Why? Where are we going?”
“It is holy ground. Even The Faction will not dare to attack us there.”
“You still haven’t told me where the hell we’re going.”
“Apologies, Admiral. We are going to the Temple of the Great See’er.”
Chapter 27
“It is beautiful,” said Breeah, marveling at the spiral structures sitting atop the narrow mountain.
Jon noticed the symbiont’s reaction as they neared the temple. Its agitation faded, and it began to relax.
“How long has there been a Great See’er?” asked Jon.
“As long as our history has been recorded,” said Ilthos. “The Great See’er has guided our people since time immemorial.”
“How about that temple? How long has it stood there?”
“Since before the age of space travel. The Temple of the Great See’er has stood atop Mount Tos even before the age of flight.”
“Before the age of flight? You mean someone had to climb up that mountain to speak with her?”
“In ancient times, yes. The chosen would make the pilgrimage several times a year.”
“They must have been great climbers,” said Jon in amazement, studying the smooth rock face before him. Even with his enhanced abilities he wasn’t sure he could make that climb.
“Yes. In those days the chosen would train from childhood for the honor. Even when we discovered flight, there were those who insisted that one should only climb to the temple. But the Great See’er is wise, and she discarded such outdated ideas.”