Mutineer (Empire Rising Book 7)

by D. J. Holmes

  “Yes Over Admiral,” Shurlang responded. “I commanded the technology transfer mission that was sent in after the sector was surveyed.”

  “So you know who these aliens are that attacked us?”

  “I believe I do Over Admiral. They call themselves the Varanni Trading Alliance. There is one dominant species, the Varanni, whose technology matches our own. They have formed a partnership with ten other neighboring species.”

  “So you know which species this is,” Hurlong said as he pulled up a visual of Golden Hind and the rest of James’ fleet. “For their limited numbers, they caused significant damage to our forces.”

  “I’m not sure,” Shurlang replied after a moment’s hesitation. “I do not recognize the ship designs. I do not think they are part of the Varanni Trading Alliance. At least, they were not two centuries ago. Hold on.” Shurlang quickly pulled out an information device from his pocket and began to tap on it. With the swish of a claw he sent an image to replace the one Hurlong was displaying. “These are Human warships from two hundred years ago. They are not identical, but that’s the closest design I came across.”

  “Yes,” Hurlong agreed. “They’re not identical, but they are close. These Humans, who are they?”

  “A minor race,” Shurlang answered. “They were not deemed to be a serious threat by our initial screening forces. However, when we visited their homeworld they had developed somewhat quicker than our initial estimate suggested they would. As a result, I transferred weapons technologies to one of their neighboring species.”

  “It seems whoever carried out the survey of these Humans was wrong. It also seems your efforts to cause them difficulties did not prove successful,” Hurlong commented.

  “No Over Admiral. I apologize for failing you,” Shurlang replied as he bowed his head.

  “You may leave,” Hurlong responded with a wave of his claws. “Your fleet fought well today Under Admiral. You weren’t to know these Humans would attack us. Go through your records on this Alliance and these Humans. I want to know more. If you can satisfy my curiosity, your past failings will be overlooked.”

  “Yes Over Admiral, it is an honor to serve under you,” Shurlang said as he backed out of Savage’s bridge.

  “Send a text communication to our new friends,” Hurlong ordered once Shurlang had left. His gaze had returned to the fleeing alien fleet. “Tell them, ‘Your homeworlds are next.’” That would give them something to think about.

  Chapter 36

  The Battle of Jaranna as history has recorded it was the largest a Human ship had ever fought it. It officially marks the beginning of the Karacknid War or the War of Doom as it is more popularly called. Militarily it was of little confidence. Jaranna’s fate had been sealed the day the Karacknid Imperator had given the decree for the Mindus civilization to be conquered. The Alliance Fleet could never have overcome the forces it faced. In the broader scope of the coming war though, the battle was pivotal. The fall of Jaranna set the battle lines, for from that moment on it guaranteed that Humanity and the Alliance species would be fighting the coming war within their own territory.

  -Excerpt from Empire Rising, 3002 AD.

  Guardian, Lastar system, 16th February 2479 AD.

  “Before we bring this planning meeting to a close, there is something else I wish to discuss,” James announced to the gathered senior officers of the Alliance Fleet. “I believe it is time my fleet retired and returned to our own space. The evacuation is well underway and the Second Varanni Alliance Fleet has arrived. There’s no sign the Karacknids are preparing to launch an attack. My forces are no longer needed here. I must return and warn my people about the threat the Karacknids pose.”

  Admiral Dur’ack rose to her full height and gave James a deep bow. “We will be sad to see you go Vice Admiral,” she replied. She had arrived with the Second Alliance Fleet. “Your ships and the council of your commanders has proved of great benefit to us.”

  “And you have become a friend,” Jorum added. “Could we not persuade you to delay your departure for a few more weeks? Our scouts may not have detected any buildup of the Karacknids fleet, but I would feel safer with your ships in the system.”

  “I’m sorry, but no,” James answered. “I would love to stay until the evacuation is complete. But the truth is, you no longer need us to protect Lastar and a number of my ships need the attention of one of our naval repair yards. My duty to my people and my Navy means we must take our leave. Each of your civilizations are currently gearing up for the retaliation we know the Karacknids are planning. My people know nothing of the fall of Jaranna and the threat we face. I must return home and ensure that my species is doing all that it can to prepare. We all must stand together against the Karacknids if we are going to prevail.”

  “Plus, you have a very juicy database of new technologies to bring home,” Ya’sia replied. “I know our technicians are getting a little overexcited over some of the things they have found. I’m sure scientists back on your homeworld will respond in the same way. I don’t know about the rest of you,” she said as she looked around the gathered Admirals, “but I would feel a lot more confident if we knew Vice Admiral Somerville was back on his homeworld overseeing the design of new Human warships that incorporate the technologies the Mindus have shared with us. The sooner he leaves, the sooner he can return to us with a more powerful fleet.”

  “That would be agreeable,” Dur’ack said with a smile. “There was no word back from the diplomatic envoy our Senate sent to your homeworld when I left to come here, however by the time you return home, I’m sure there will be some Varanni technologies your warships will be able to incorporate as well. Moreover, after your exploits against the Karacknids in the Jaranna system, I intend to make sure our Senate shares everything we can with your people.”

  “You do me and my species a great kindness and honor to speak such words about us,” James replied. “We have found you all to be leaders of repute. I hope each of our species will develop the same depth of friendships that we have been able to cultivate among us here. I wish you all the best in the coming months.” Before he sat down, James took the time to bow to each of the Alliance commanders gathered in Guardian’s circular conference room.

  “There is one request I would make of you,” Jorum said after returning James’ bow. “Perhaps you would consider leaving Rear Admiral Gupta and her staff with us as strategic advisers. We could certainly use her input and she could keep your people up to date on how the war with the Karacknids is progressing.”

  James looked over to Gupta. He could tell from the tightness of her shoulders that she wasn’t keen on the idea. She too felt the need to return to Earth. The Karacknid threat was too serious. Everything that could be done had to be done to prepare for whatever counterstroke they had planned. For his part, James was tempted to agree with Jorum. The Alliance Admirals had almost as much respect for Gupta as they did him. They understood she had experience and knowledge they did not. She would be very helpful to them.

  Other things had to be taken into consideration however. Though he has spent the last few months trying to forget, he was going to receive a very cold reception when he returned to Human space. Even if the UN Interplanetary Council approved of his actions privately, they would not publicly. A court martial and removal from the fleet was waiting for him. If that was the case, then Gupta would be needed back in Human space more than ever. She would have to take on the responsibility of urging the fleet to prepare for the Karacknid threat.

  “I’m sorry,” James answered. “I need her with me. She is indispensable. Once we return to our space, I will strongly recommend that our fleet send a number of military advisers. We have several other Admirals that are as capable as Gupta or I. I’m sure you would benefit from their input. We all must learn how to fight together as one.”

  “If there are other Admirals as good as the pair of you, I will be happy to make their acquaintance,” Jorum responded. “We would welcome them warmly.”<
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  “Well, I’m afraid that is settled then. We will have to make minor alterations to our plans, but the departure of your fleet will not cause too much disruption. Let me officially thank you for your aid in this campaign,” Dur’ack said. “We will end our meeting on that positive note.”

  “Are you happy with my decision?” James asked quietly as he turned to Gupta. “You didn’t want to stick around a little longer?”

  Gupta made a face as if she was thinking. “It’s tempting. Life may be a little more peaceful if I stayed here. I have a feeling it’s going to get very interesting when we return home.”

  “That’s true,” James agreed. He almost chuckled. A part of him had made peace with his situation. Whatever was going to happen would happen. Yet he couldn’t bring himself to make light of it. “I’m sure the Admirals could find plenty of work to keep you busy. There’s no shortage of logistical jobs with this evacuation.”

  That brought a wry smile to Gupta’s lips. She knew that all too well. Since falling back to Lastar, one of only two Mindus colonies that had hadn’t been captured by the Karacknids, every officer in the Alliance and Human fleets had been assisting in the evacuation. Between the two Mindus colonies, there were over two hundred million individuals. That was a drop in the ocean compared to the total number of Mindus people. Yet the rest were under Karacknid rule. With no hope of driving the Karacknids out of Mindus space, and little hope of being able to defend their two remaining colonies, Jorum had ordered the evacuation of all the Mindus who wanted to leave. A world within Alliance space had been identified for them to settle.

  “If for no other reason than to get away from this evacuation, I will be happy to go home,” Gupta responded. “Besides, someone has to get home and report what actually went on here. With all the praise these Admirals have been laying on you, I’d not be surprised to find that by the time we get home you’ll be telling everyone you single-handedly won the battle.”

  James’ eyebrows rose and he feigned a look of hurt. “Me?” His face changed again and took on a serious look. “As I recall, you were the one who said you had complete faith in my abilities.”

  “Well, yes,” Gupta agreed reluctantly, “though that’s not something I go shouting about all the time. These Varanni and their honor, they can’t help but keep complementing you.”

  “And you,” James pointed out. “Your head may be bigger than mine after all this.”

  “Vice Admiral,” Ya’sia said as she approached James and held out her hand. “This is a sad parting. I have grown rather fond of you.”

  “And I of you,” James replied. “We will see each other again I’m sure. This will only be a temporary parting.”

  “I hope so. I will hold you to that,” Ya’sia responded. Then, still holding his hand she maneuvered him away from the other Admirals and spoke in a softer tone. “What will happen when you return home? I do not know Human customs, but disobeying a direct order, even for such a cause as this, will there not be repercussions?”

  James shrugged. “I have no doubt there will be. As to the severity though, your guess is as good as mine. I am returning home with all of the Mindus advanced technologies. Even the most upset Admiral will have to acknowledge that.”

  “That is true. That is true,” Ya’sia replied as she gestured to show her agreement. “In any case, I hope whatever happens, it does not hinder you returning to us. As soon as the evacuation is complete we will pull our forces back to Alliance space. Then all our efforts will be focused on our defense. I’m sure we could make great use of your advice and simulation work. You have run rings around more than one Alliance Admiral in the battle simulators. You’re teaching us how to think on our feet. That is the kind of thing we will need if the Karacknid intend to carry out their threats.”

  “I’m sure I will be able to come and visit you,” James assured his friend. “If things go really bad for me on Earth, I may even have to come and seek a commission in your fleet. How do think that would go down?” James suggested half in jest. As soon as he saw the look on Ya’sia’s face he regretted it. Her warmth disappeared immediately.

  “You cannot be serious Vice Admiral. Your people would not do that to you would they? You must be their greatest Admiral. You alone have fought the Karacknids. They will need you more than ever.”

  “Greatest might be stretching it a little far,” James replied as he glanced at Gupta. “But I hope the senior Admirals and civilian oversight of our Navy will see it as you do.”

  “Well,” Ya’sia said as some of the concern left her voice. “I hope they do. But if they do not, let me assure you, you would be more than welcome to join us. We would make good use of you, even if your own people would not.”

  “I thank you for your kind words Admiral. I’m glad we did not fire upon one another when first we met. We have been through a lot together in such a short space of time.”

  “Indeed we have,” Ya’sia agreed, “and though I do not look forward to it, I have no doubt we will go through much more together.”

  “One of our cultures has a saying, a curse really,” James replied. “If you wish to will ill on someone you say, ‘May you live in interesting times.’ I’m afraid that appears to be our destiny.”

  “You’re right,” Ya’sia said as she gave a very Human nod. Then she reached out and placed a hand on James’ and Gupta’s shoulders. “But at least we will face whatever interesting things are ahead of us together.”

  James and Gupta returned Ya’sia’s nod. Then after another handshake, they parted ways. Before leaving, James made a point of talking to each of the Alliance Admirals personally. Some of them he had come to know quite well, others had kept their distance, but he wanted to say goodbye to each to show them his respect. The last person he spoke to approached him. James did not know Galica well, she was the most senior surviving member of the Mindus government. Technically she was overseeing the evacuation, though really Jorum was in charge.

  “My species owes you a great debt Vice Admiral,” Galica said as she pulled James into a hug. The first time it had happened James had been shocked. The Mindus were much more open about their emotions, and physical contact was a given between friends. It had been more than a little amusing to watch the Varanni interact with the Mindus. Neither species wanted to offend the other, but it was obvious they struggled with their significant social etiquette differences.

  Having become accustomed to it over the last month, James had no problem returning the gesture with Galica. Thankfully, the Mindus stood at a similar height to Humans, and though their skin was a thick leathery substance, the hug did not crush him. James had a suspicion that if either a Crian or Varanni hugged him, he would come away with at least a couple of broken bones

  “The Karacknid have devastated our homeworld and who knows what they are doing to the rest of our colonies,” Galica continued. “It is only because of you and the Alliance that some of my species will continue to live in freedom. I know you have our technologies, and they are well deserved. But if there’s anything else my people can do for you and your species; you only have to ask. We know the risks you have brought upon yourselves by intervening. The last thing we want is to see a similar fate befall your homeworld. We would do anything we could to prevent that.”

  James couldn’t help glancing at Gupta before replying. It was something he had not mentioned to the Alliance Admirals, but he had spoken about at length with his subordinates. He had no doubt that if the Alliance Fleet had not intervened in the Karacknids’ attempt to conquer Jaranna, the Mindus homeworld would still be intact. The Karacknids had shown no sign that they used thermonuclear weapons on a planet’s surface as a standard military tactic. James strongly suspected the appearance of the Alliance Fleet had forced the Karacknid commander to improvise. If the other Alliance Admirals had come to the same conclusion, no one had spoken about it, certainly Galica hadn’t. As far as she was concerned, the Alliance Fleet had done the best they could to help her people. J
ames didn’t want to encourage her to think anything else.

  “Your offer is very generous,” James replied. “You can be certain I will pass it on to the leaders of my people. Perhaps we may ask you to send some of your scientists or engineers to help us understand your technology.”

  Galica hopped from foot to foot, a clear sign of a Mindus being happy. “I am sure we could arrange that Vice Admiral. No doubt there would be many volunteers for such a job. My people are very appreciative.”

  “I hope something can be worked out. I will bring it up with my superiors,” James replied. “Let me say again how sorry we are for what has happened to your homeworld and your civilization. Hopefully your people will be able to quickly set yourselves up in Alliance space and build up an economy and war fleet that will allow you to liberate your species.” James wasn’t surprised to see Galica’s face change. By all accounts the Mindus had been a peace-loving, joyful civilization before the Karacknids had invaded. That was still evident in how they interacted with one another and with the Alliance. Yet since their homeworld had been nuked, a new disposition seemed to be growing within them. The free Mindus were determined to see their homeworld and colonies liberated. They saw their evacuation as a temporary retreat. They fully intended to return and reap vengeance upon the Karacknids. Never before had the Mindus dedicated themselves to war, but James suspected that was what the focus of their new colony in Alliance space would be. James also suspected the Karacknid war would come to them before they got the chance to build up enough forces to liberate their homeworld, but that was another matter.