Exploration (Galactic Neighborhood Book 3)

by Alexander Elliott

  Lovett nodded, and golden light flared once more, depositing him in a wide corridor where two uniformed men were waiting. This method of travel was certainly convenient, but it was still a very strange experience. The taller, darker man approached and introduced himself.

  “Welcome to Guardian, Commander Lovett. I am Admiral Christopher Perry, and this is General Dana McClure, the C.O. of this station and the person in charge of the rescue operations. I understand you have information which may affect our mission to Bastet. If you would be so kind as to follow us, please.”

  After a very short walk, they arrived in a well appointed office and took their seats in a corner nook. Lovett almost moaned in pleasure as he sank into the comfortable furniture. A young man appeared at McClure’s elbow and laid a tray of refreshments on the coffee table before them, and quietly left the office without saying a word. Lovett once again told the story of how Birmew came to Hathor and the disturbing information he brought with him. Perry simply closed his eyes, as if he could shut out the unpalatable truth with such a simple gesture. McClure was easier to read, and he wiped tears from his face before he could say anything.

  “I realize you don’t know any more about the situation on the ground than we do, Commander, but I would like to hear your thoughts on what you think this mission should look like.”

  Lovett reached out to pour a glass of water, giving himself time to think for a few moments.

  “I’m sure you can understand my concern is for their safety first, so my impartiality may be in question. What I would like us to do is charge in there with guns blazing and remove every single person they are holding and ask questions later. However, if I were the enemy, those slaves could be seen as either an asset or a liability. They assume we do not know the women are even present on Bastet. If this were discovered, it could prompt us to retaliate more harshly, making the women a liability. Logically, the prisoners would be killed, and all traces of their existence erased.”

  “On the other hand, if they were to reveal the presence of hostages, they may hope for leniency or negotiating power, especially if they lose the battle. In this case, the hostages are not likely to be harmed, but would be more closely guarded, making a rescue attempt even more difficult. As far as we know, the women are being kept in two different places, which adds another wrinkle to any rescue operation. If we knew which way the Silestri were leaning, it would define the entire mission. In any case, I believe we need to get them out as quickly as possible before anyone else is killed.”

  McClure nodded in agreement.

  “Those are our thoughts as well, Commander. You may not realize it, but we have a number of options available to us which the Silestri have never even imagined. We have no doubt who will win the coming engagement, but the Silestri don’t know it, and we have never fought them before. It is the situation on Bastet which concerns us most, and thanks to you we are better prepared to safeguard the prisoners.”

  Perry, quiet up to this point, spoke once more.

  “I cannot adequately express our relief when we heard Exploration was found. Once we get through this confrontation with the Silestri, your people will have all the resources of the Alliance at your disposal. Now, before General McClure takes his leave, is there anything else you wish to tell us?”

  Lovett nodded and leaned forward slightly in his seat.

  “Yes, Sir. There is evidence the Silestri have possession of Exploration’s cradle. They have already introduced at least three animal species on Hathor to expand their hunting options. I shudder to think what else they might be up to with all the other genetic information they have access to. I am hoping we might be able to retrieve the cradle before all is said and done. As the heart of any colony, it represents our dearest treasure, and we want it back.”

  McClure’s face brightened in surprise.

  “We noticed some indeterminate readings from passive scans which make perfect sense now. If I’m right, we already know the location of the cradle. We will need to send in a separate team to secure and retrieve it, but you have my word it will be a top priority.”

  McClure stood, shook Lovett’s hand, and left the office quickly.

  Perry turned his attention back to Lovett once more.

  “As I’m sure you can understand, there is much to do and little time in which to do it. Right now, we need to discuss the immediate disposition of your people, Commander, as they have been kept waiting long enough. I believe we can come to a satisfactory agreement if we put our minds to it, and get you back with your men before dinner.”

  ####

  Almost three hours passed since Lovett left them, and Logan Osborne was getting anxious for his return. He and the men were kept busy eating, grooming, and exchanging ideas, and they all felt and looked much better. This was the first touch of civility in a decade or more, and the men were in good humor. The most oft repeated question was what was going to happen next. Would they remain here on Hathor until the battle was over, or be removed from the planet for safekeeping? Would the Alliance continue to protect them and send provisions, or were they on their own?

  Underlying these concerns, of course, was the uneasy question regarding their future. Where would they go and what would become of them? Osborne had no better idea than the next man, though he asked Cole, through the EMR, if he knew anything about their future. Cole could only say Lovett was discussing the issue with Admiral Perry, and would share the plans with them when he returned.

  The EMR stayed true to its mission of gathering information, as well as asking and answering many questions. Cole was delighted when it was able to learn the Silestri language and gain Birmew’s trust. Surprisingly, the cat-like alien was fascinated with the ‘artificial human’, and assured the EMR there was no evidence of similar technology on Bastet.

  The EMR managed to ask a number of pertinent questions about the life and customs of Birmew’s people, revealing interesting and helpful information. He seemed unconcerned about revealing things which might help defeat his own people, having thrown his lot in with the humans who showed him so much kindness.

  Noting the time, Cole hurriedly prepared a download of the Silestri language and other useful information gleaned from the EMR. He managed to send it directly to Bax moments before his ship left the Sol system for Bastet. He wondered what his friend’s mission would discover when they reached the heart of enemy territory, and wished he could be there with him.

  At the moment, the EMR was playing show and tell with the men, since they were asking about the other worlds and peoples of the Alliance. First, he took on the form of a Vingah, and then projected images of their home world of Khrusallis on the cavern wall. He did the same for the Rxyl and Deviri, explaining the unique telepathic abilities they now shared with the Odyssey colonists. Lastly, he displayed images of Pacifica, where the people of Exploration settled. Inevitably, the question was raised about where Exploration’s people would establish their colony. The EMR was explaining it was not privy to this information when it stopped abruptly and announced the imminent return of Commander Lovett.

  Seconds later, a now familiar flash of golden light deposited Lovett in the cavern. He was almost unrecognizable, due to the uniform and lack of beard, but the men cheered and crowded around, peppering him with questions. He was encouraged by their appearance and enthusiasm, taking note of the positive changes hope made in the short time he was absent.

  “I know you all have questions, and I will tell you everything shortly. I just need a few minutes to speak with Commander Osborne and Birmew before we start.”

  The men backed away and began finding seats in the mess hall while Lovett took Osborne aside.

  “Logan, I have no doubt these people are exactly who they say they are. I have also seen the Earth with my own eyes, and the tremendous naval forces in the Sol system. Very shortly we will be rescued from this place, so we don’t have a lot of time. If you will get the men settled in the mess hall, I will share everything in a few mi
nutes. First, I need to explain to Birmew what is happening and find out what he wants to do.”

  A look of concern crossed his face, but then Osborne nodded in understanding and rejoined the larger group. Lovett grabbed a torch and led Birmew back to his small cave at the rear of the cavern complex. The Silestri appeared calm and allowed Lovett to speak without saying anything.

  “I have discussed your situation with Admiral Perry; the one who commands me. He knows why you are on Hathor, and that you have been living peacefully among us. They will be sending a ship to take us off Hathor very shortly. I want you to come with us.”

  Birmew looked surprised and then gave a low growl.

  “This Perry not kill me? I be free?”

  Lovett shook his head and smiled at his alien friend.

  “You will not be killed Birmew. Our people are grateful to you for all you have done. You are being given the choice to either stay here for now, or come with us to Pacifica. If you stay, they will leave the buoys here to keep you safe until the battle is over. If you come with us, you will receive medical care and a place to live where you will be comfortable. No one will harm you because you are Silestri. When they find us a planet to colonize, I would like you to come with us. Of course, if you would rather go home, we can return you to Bastet. The choice is yours.”

  Birmew thought for a few moments, and then lifted his head to look Lovett in the eyes.

  “Never go back to Bastet! Your people good. I go with you now. We come back here?”

  Lovett smiled warmly.

  “I was hoping you would stay with us, and I know the other men will be pleased. Until the battle is over, we will be staying on Pacifica. We will have to wait and see what happens first before they can find us a new home. Wherever it is, you will be with us from now on.”

  Birmew chuffed quietly, the closest thing to a laugh from a Silestri. He reached toward Lovett and grasped his forearm firmly in a modified handshake. The two quickly went back the way they came, ending up in the mess hall where the men were waiting anxiously. Birmew joined a small group near the front and took a seat on the stone floor. Lovett remained standing and nodded slightly at the EMR before speaking.

  “I have seen all the necessary evidence, and believe what we have been told. Except for a small group of survivors on the moon, everyone in the Sol system died many years ago. The only human beings in the universe are the ones sent off in the three colony ships and their descendants.”

  The men began to talk excitedly among themselves, and Lovett had to raise his voice in order to continue.

  “Within the hour, a ship will arrive to take us from here to Pacifica. We will be given medical care and a temporary place to live until a suitable planet can be found for us to colonize. We will be given all the help and resources necessary to establish a successful colony, even if we choose not to join the Alliance down the road.”

  The men erupted in cheers, laughter and hurried conversations until the room echoed with the sound. One of the men near the back stood up and shouted a question.

  “What about the women?”

  The group quieted down quickly so they could hear Lovett’s answer.

  “As we speak, a ship has been sent to Bastet to find the best way to rescue the rest of our crew. Afterwards, they will also be brought to Pacifica, and we will remain together until our new home has been located. A separate mission will be launched to retrieve the cradle, and take back what has been stolen from us.”

  The men cheered with new enthusiasm; clapping hugging and crying as their emotions began to surface. Finally, one of the men near Birmew shouted out his own question.

  “What happens to Birmew? If we get rescued, it means all of us!”

  Lovett smiled broadly and raised his hand for quiet.

  “Birmew has been warmly welcomed and given the choice of what he wants to do. I am happy to report he has decided to remain with us, both now and in the future.”

  More cheers followed as Birmew was surrounded by his fellow castaways, unsure of what to say to his enthusiastic human friends. The moment was abruptly cut short by the distinct sound of a large ship flying overhead. Before panic set in, the EMR announced the new arrival was their expected ride to Pacifica. The men were allowed a few minutes to gather whatever mementos they wished to bring with them, and then climbed down the rock face to the plain outside where the ship settled in the tall grass.

  Commander Osborne and Dr. Vance remained in the caves to do a quick walk through, making certain no one was left behind. At the ship, the crew walked aboard using the ramp which extended from the large cargo hold to the ground. There, Lovett and Birmew counted off the men as they boarded, until Vance and Osborne brought up the rear. With a final look around, Lovett gazed upon his home for perhaps the very last time. Not all of his memories here were bad ones, and he determined to keep the pleasant ones close to his heart instead. With a last deep breath, he walked calmly up the ramp and joined his fellows for the quick trip to Pacifica, and the beginning of their new lives.

  Chapter 11

  General Moreland’s battlecruiser division was blessed with a unique combination of skilled officers and colorful characters. The Colorado, while eminently capable, was downright boring compared to the ship Baxter Young and the EMR were assigned to. The Zephyr was a sleek, powerful, newer-build vessel with a reputation for being unconventional. It was commanded by a pair of smart, irreverent, but extremely capable ex-fighter pilots who rose through the ranks by getting things done.

  Captain Artesia Sorrell, and her first officer Shareen Toomey, were referred to fondly by their crew as “Salt and Pepper”. Together they made an unstoppable team, and it wasn’t uncommon for them to set aside the rule book from time to time as circumstances dictated. They both had a great sense of humor, and an even stronger sense of duty, which made them the perfect choice for the stressful and delicate mission to Bastet.

  Once Bax boarded the Zephyr, he, Sorrell and Toomey spent a considerable amount of time holed up in the Captain’s ready room going over the parameters of the mission. There were too many unknown variables to make concrete plans, and the level of danger to themselves or the captives was high, especially if their presence was discovered. A great deal of this mission would have to be decided as they went along, but they discussed various scenarios and the best way to deal with them.

  Shortly before they were due to leave, word reached the Zephyr regarding the successful mission to Hathor, and the incredible news the humans in Silestri held space were from the colony ship Explorer. More disturbing, of course, was what happened to the female crew members. Sorrell and Toomey were itching to shoot first and ask questions later in a daring rescue which would go down in the history books. For a moment, Bax was sure they were going to do just that, and to hell with the stealthy, careful approach the mission called for. The slaves didn’t know it yet, but their extended stay on Bastet was going to be over very soon, one way or another.

  An additional last minute transmission from Cole contained valuable information regarding the Silestri and a working translation of their language. Bax rushed to download the new data into the EMR, even as the ship made final preparations. He also sent the language database to General McClure, as well as Zephyr’s comm officer, so they could eavesdrop on Silestri communications as soon as they arrived. This was going to make things so much easier, and he was grateful Cole got it to him in time. He still wasn’t sure why a calm cooperative Silestri was found among the male crew on Hathor. The whole story was probably in the download somewhere, but he would have to look for it later when he had more time.

  Bax was given a temporary work station on the main bridge so Captain Sorrell could watch and listen in real time, while the shell rested in a secure vault on the main hanger deck. He adjusted his special headset and waited calmly for the Zephyr to slip into fold space. They would not be using the corridor, since it was no longer needed, and its use could alert the Silestri to their presence.

 
; If things went according to plan, they would arrive in stealth mode, and take up a low atmospheric orbit around Bastet itself. All of the warship activity was concentrated some distance from the planet, closer to the spatial anomaly, and in a much higher plane than they would occupy. The Silestri did not have the technology to detect a stealthed ship, so it was a relatively safe assumption the Zephyr would go undetected for the duration of their mission.

  The countdown began, and as seconds ticked past, Bax wished Cole could have been here with him. He was proud of their accomplishments through the use of the EMR, and he was eager to put their brainchild to use on Bastet. The countdown ended, and seconds later a tremendous crash and rumble shook the ship.

  “Report!”

  Captain Sorrell barked out the order from her chair, even as the noise intensified and the ship shook beneath them. The astrogator called out a response.

  “Thunderstorm, Captain. We are in the center of a strong, fast moving atmospheric disturbance. No damage to the ship, though I recommend we change position to get away from the worst of it.”