by D. J. Holmes
“Thank you Empress. I hope we can meet again too. I’d love to hear more about what James was like when he was younger.”
“That would be a conversation I would enjoy having. Goodbye First Councilor,” Christine replied with a nod of her head.
“Goodbye,” Suzanna said as she reached over and shut the COM channel.
“What was all that about?” Cynthia asked. “I didn’t know the Empress knew James.”
“You should do a little bit more reading up on your history then,” Suzanna replied. “That’s all I’m going to say. The story is one for James or Christine to share, not me.”
“I’ll have to look into some old holo news reports,” Cynthia said. “If what I’m guessing is true, there must be some reports from back then.”
“I’m sure there are,” Suzanna replied coyly, then she turned back to looking at the scenes around Scimitar. Despite the pain she felt for James she was content. She was going home and she could hold her head high. Her people would tolerate whatever hardships came their way and they would do so knowing that their First Councilor kept her word, to her husband, and, as she fully intended to show them, to her people.
Chapter 23
Homecomings after a long campaign are always a time of happiness and relief. Almost always.
-Excerpt from Empire Rising, 3002 AD.
UNS Golden Hind X-32 system, 7th October, 2478 AD.
“Initial scans show all orbital infrastructure is still intact. In fact, there are quite a few more warships in orbit than when we left,” Miyamoto reported. “It looks like they haven’t missed us.”
“Well,” James said louder than necessary. “We have finally made it. I know X-32 doesn’t boast the most exciting R&R experiences, but we have more than a few days coming to us. I’m sure you will all find a way to make the most of it.” His words brought smiles from most of his officers. In truth, James hadn’t been too concerned that a Flex-aor fleet would have somehow beat them to X-32 and launched an invasion into Human space. However, given the number of enemy fleets they had encountered, he hadn’t been able to completely rule out the possibility.
“That sounds good to me Admiral,” Scott replied. “There are some interesting xenobiology research projects being carried out on Hauptman station. I have been looking forward to catching up with Doctor Samson.”
Dzedzyk groaned and more than one of his staff officers let out a sigh of exasperation. “That’s not exactly what I would call relaxing Commander,” Captain Becket responded. “I think our Admiral had something more along the lines of visiting a bar or making use of Achilles’ full sized swimming pool. Not research.”
“To each their own,” James chuckled. “We know Commander Scott’s mind isn’t exactly stretched working with us simpletons, I suppose it would be a nice break for her to speak with someone on her own level of intelligence.”
Scott swung round in her command chair. She looked aghast as she began to speak, “That’s not what I meant Admiral…” She cut off when she saw the smile on James’ face. He winked at her.
“Don’t worry Commander, we know you will find a way to relax eventually. Maybe I’ll have to order you to, but one way or another, I’m sure you will.”
“I’m sure you’re right Admiral,” Scott replied as she smoothed her facial features. “We all deserve some time to ourselves. It’s been a long campaign.”
James nodded. “Though I’ve said it before, I do want to say thank you. You’ve all done me proud. The Flex-aor threat is far from defeated. But now we know what we are up against. We are in an ideal position to reassess the situation and make plans for the future.”
“Admiral,” Emilie said from her seat at the communications console. “I’ve got a priority one message coming in from Dauntless. It’s from Vice Admiral Lightfoot.”
“That explains the extra warships in orbit,” Becket said. “No doubt Lightfoot was sent to beef up X-32’s defenses in our absence.”
“It will be good to see him,” James responded. “Send the message to my command chair Sub Lieutenant.”
“It’s marked private and confidential Admiral,” Emilie replied.
“I’ll take it in my office then,” James said as he jumped to his feet. “Send it through to my terminal.” As he walked out of the bridge, James wondered what Lightfoot could want to talk about that wasn’t for the ears of his staff. He assumed he would have written orders from the Military Subcommittee, but whatever Lightfoot had to say could have been spoken in the open. Whatever it is, I’m sure he has his reasons, James thought.
As he sat down in his office chair, he pulled up the message on his holo projector. Golden Hind was still out of two-way communication range with X-32, so Lightfoot had simply sent a recording.
“Vice Admiral,” Lightfoot began as his face appeared in front of James. “I want to apologize for the abruptness of this message. However, I have direct orders to pass on to you what I’m about to say as soon as you enter the X-32 system. I’m sorry that I am the one bringing you this. We have been friends and comrades in arms for most of our military careers. However, orders are orders, and I hope you understand.” Pausing for a moment to take a deep breath, Lightfoot continued. “I have been sent to X-32 with orders to relieve you of command. I am to assume command of the Outer Defense Fleet and all associated forces. As I was leaving Earth, a military tribunal was being held to assess whether taking the Outer Defense Fleet towards Flex-aor space constituted a dereliction of duty. You are hereby ordered to return to Earth to face the findings of that tribunal. The frigate Wasp has been tasked with bringing you to Earth. By the time Golden Hind reaches X-32 it is expected you will be ready to transfer to Wasp and begin your journey back to Earth.” Lightfoot paused again and his face lost its stern expression. “I’m sorry my friend, those are not my words, but it has fallen to me to share them with you. I’ve transmitted your written orders from the Military Subcommittee confirming what I said. I’ve also transmitted a letter from Suzanna. You may find it enlightening. I hope it brings you comfort on your journey back to Earth. If it was up to me, I would have you remain in the system for several days or even weeks. I could do with picking your brain. No doubt much has happened since you left. I’m afraid I will have to settle for as full a report as you can provide me. I’m sure you won’t disappoint in that regard. We’ll speak more when Golden Hind gets into instant communication range. I’ll let you process your orders now.” With a salute, Lightfoot reached forward and ended his recording.
James sat back in his chair. His mind was a haze. He could hardly process what he had just heard. Relieved of command! How could the Admiralty do this? he asked himself. It only took a couple of seconds for his anger to boil over. They didn’t know a thing about what was going on beyond X-32. They had taken this decision without waiting for an update. They must have put the wheels in motion as soon as they heard I had left X-32! They don’t care about the Flex-aor. They don’t care about X-32 or protecting the American colonies.
Clenching his fists, James smashed them into his desk. He could easily picture the Admirals on the Military Subcommittee. He had had to deal with them often enough before being dispatched to X-32. Most of them hated him. At the time, they had just barely hidden their animosity towards him, but they had hidden it, they had put their position before their personal feelings. But that was four years ago, when they didn’t have the political clout to get rid of me. Clearly, they think they do now. Closing his eyes, James’ mind went to his officers. What would they think? They would be upset. They would feel betrayed. No doubt many wouldn’t understand. That just made his anger increase all the more. After everything they had given to protect Humanity, relieving him of command was a slap in the face for the entire Outer Defense Fleet. They should be returning as heroes, not to the news their commander was being relieved.
Calm, James told himself as his thoughts threatened to spiral out of control. Anger won’t help you now. You can be angry later. Now you need to think.
His words helped, a little. Though as soon as he began to think through the situation, his anger returned. What good was thinking going to do? Lightfoot’s orders were clear. He couldn’t disobey them. Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t ask his officers to disobey them. They would all face a court martial. Opening his eyes, he looked around his office. This is no longer mine, he realized as resignation set in. Golden Hind would reach X-32 in just over an hour. All the decorations and wall hangings Suzanna had decorated his office with would have to be packed up. This would be the last time he would sit in his office chair and at the desk she picked for him. There was no way either could be transferred to Wasp. Both would go to whoever succeeded him. Becket, he thought. He was going to write to Lightfoot and demand that she be promoted to Commodore at least. She could take over command of battleship squadron one.
As soon as he thought of Becket, his mind went to his officers. So many deserved promotions or commendations. He had planned to write them once he returned to X-32. He opened a file at his terminal and began to make notes. He was going to send a full list to Lightfoot. Lightfoot owed him that much. At the same time, he opened his full report on everything that had happened since leaving X-32. He had to go through it and add any information Lightfoot would find useful. Beyond that, there wasn’t much he could do. Lightfoot would have to rely on his senior officers to fill him in. Tapping another button on his desk he sent the signal for his steward to come to him. Fox would need to get packing now if they were to transfer to Wasp with even half of James’ possessions. They’re making this as hard as they can, James knew as he worked furiously. He wasn’t going to let that deter him. Even if they didn’t care about the situation and X-32, he did. He wasn’t going to leave his station without giving his best right up until the end. That thought extinguished the last of his anger. Or rather, it bottled it up. He knew it was still there, and one day it was going to come out with a vengeance.
In the middle of a sentence he was dictating he stopped mid-word. Something Lightfoot had said suddenly came back to him. He had mentioned the letter from Suzanna. Instinctively his hand reached towards his console to pull it up. Then he stopped himself. Whatever Suzanna had to say, it couldn’t change anything. He only had an hour until Golden Hind reached Wasp, and then a couple more after that as Wasp left the system. He could read Suzanna’s letter after that. Though his hand wavered as he pulled it back, James forced himself to continue with his work.
“You called for me Sir?” Fox asked as he poked his head into James’ office.
“Yes, thank you,” James said without looking up. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to pack our things. We’ll be transferring to Wasp when we reach X-32.”
“Wasp?” Fox asked. “I’m sorry, but I don’t understand. I’m not familiar with any battleship called Wasp?”
“Wasp is a frigate,” James said through gritted teeth. His anger was threatening to return. “We are returning to Earth.”
“Earth?” Fox asked. “But that doesn’t make any sense.”
“I said pack our things!” James shouted as his head shot up and he fixed Fox with an angry glare. “Now do what you’ve been ordered or I’ll find a new steward and leave you here.”
Fox immediately lowered his head and his face reddened. “Yes Admiral. At once Admiral.” Without another word he retreated into James’ quarters and the door slid shut behind him.
Forcing himself to bottle up his anger once again, James turned back to his report. He didn’t get more than a sentence written when his COM unit began to beep furiously. “What is it?” he demanded as he answered it.
“Captain Becket is requesting your presence on the bridge immediately Admiral,” Emilie said hastily, picking up on her uncle’s anger. “A new contact has appeared in system. It’s rapidly approaching our fleet.”
James let out a groan of frustration before replying. “On my way.”
“How long until this contact reaches us?” he asked as soon as he stepped onto the bridge. When he looked at the holo projection of the system he couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing. “Is that accurate?” he asked before anyone could answer his first question.
“It just appeared thirty seconds ago Admiral,” Becket explained. “Its acceleration rate is even greater than what we’ve seen the Crians do. And it has to be twice the size of Golden Hind.”
“How did it get so close without us detecting it?” was James’ next question.
“I don’t know,” Miyamoto answered. He sounded bewildered. “One moment there was nothing on our sensors, then the next, it was there and already accelerating.”
“It appeared with zero velocity and its already reached its current speed?” James asked, struggling to believe Miyamoto was telling the truth.
Miyamoto nodded. “Yes. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Send the fleet to battle stations,” James snapped. “Plot the ship’s current trajectory exactly. Show me on the holo projection.”
“It’s headed right for Handmaiden,” Scott reported.
“Get me Ya’sia on a COM channel now!” James said as he turned to his niece.
Emilie was already looking up at him. “She’s already contacting us.”
“Put her on,” James replied.
“Admiral,” he began at once. “I hope there is a reasonable explanation for this?”
“I’m sorry if this new contact has spooked you Admiral. I understand if it has. Let me reassure you though, there is no danger. You are detecting a Varanni Dreadnaught. The Varanni are our benefactors. The more advanced species I have been telling you about. It seems they are willing to make contact with you. I’m surprised myself that they are here. But they are. It will be interesting to see what they have to say. I’m sure they will be interested in our battle reports as well.”
James was lost for words. Crian warships were fast, but they were also smaller than Human warships. This Varanni Dreadnought was twice the size of Golden Hind and easily had an acceleration rate double that of his flagship. Ya’sia had said her benefactors were more advanced than her own species, but James hadn’t realized by how much. “What do you think they want?” was all James could think to ask as his mind processed what his flagship’s sensors were telling him.
“Hold on,” Ya’sia responded as she held up a hand. “I’ve just been contacted by Captain Dural. He has been sent here to recall my fleet. He requested I report on board his ship immediately. I’ll ask him for permission to bring you too.” Several seconds passed while Ya’sia looked away from James, clearly working on something. When she looked back she was smiling. “Dural has said it is highly unusual, but he is willing to allow you to come. You better get to your shuttle Admiral. Come to Handmaiden first and then we’ll go to Quest, Dural’s warship.”
“Very well,” James said as his mind raced. “I’ll be as quick as I can.” As soon as the COM channel with Handmaiden ended he turned to Becket and Scott. “Bring the fleet to a halt and I want a communications blackout with X-32 and the rest of the system. Let’s not panic anyone else before we know what going on.”
“A full communications blackout?” Scott asked. “That’s unusual is it not?”
“It is,” James replied. “Just do it.” Though it was unusual, James didn’t care. In one sense, he had already been relieved of command. Yet he had to find out what this Varanni wanted. If Ya’sia found out he had been relieved of command she probably wouldn’t allow him to meet Dural. And she wouldn’t vouch for Lightfoot. She didn’t know him. That meant he had to go, and no one else could know he had been relieved of command. Not yet anyway, James thought. “Contact shuttle bay one, tell them I want my shuttle ready to depart as soon as I get there.”
*
“The Varanni are what you might call a reptilian species,” Ya’sia explained as she and James travelled in one of Handmaiden’s shuttles towards Quest. “At least, looking through your database, that’s the nearest resemblance I can find. Your initial impression might be
one of fear. I’ve read that a number of your reptiles can be intimidating to your species. However, there is no need. The Varanni are quite a sedate species. They are quiet and reserved, and rarely get excited. As a result, they can initially appear indifferent. However, that quickly changes once you gain their trust. There are several Varanni that I am close with. Though their species rarely laugh, I have shared more than a few jokes with them. You might find that hard to believe after you meet Dural, but it is.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” James replied. “And I’ll try not to appear scared by their appearance. I assume that wouldn’t go down to well.”
Ya’sia shrugged. “Probably, Dural won’t mind. Others find their species intimidating at first too. I think they are used to it.”
“Okay,” James replied with a nod. “What else do I need to know?”
“They are a very honorable race. If you forget anything else I have told you, keep that in mind. It makes them very open and honest. There is little subterfuge with them. If you are the same in return, you will gain their respect. However, if you dishonor them, you will find it very hard to regain any level of relationship with them. That goes for their personal relationships and their interspecies relationships. If they come to trust and respect your species, they will become faithful friends. So if you and your species deal with them honestly, I foresee a beneficial relationship developing from this meeting. But…”