by G. P. Hudson
“Yes, Admiral.”
“Look me in the eye.”
Tallos hesitantly raised his head and cautiously locked eyes with Jon.
“Are they glowing?” said Jon.
“I don’t understand.”
“My eyes. Are they glowing?”
“No.”
“Do they look different in any way?”
“No.”
“There you go. You see, I’m not like the See’er, or those priestesses. So you don’t have to stare at your damn boots.”
“It is disrespectful to make eye contact with those who are of the Temple.”
“Are you loyal to me?” said Jon, leveraging the vision the See’er had shown him.
“Yes, Admiral. Without question.”
“Good. I want you to issue an order to all Diakans under your command. They are all to look me in the eye whenever speaking with me. This begins with you.”
“But Admiral-”
“Are you loyal to me?”
“Yes.”
“Then prove it. Issue the order.”
“As you wish.” Tallos turned toward his soldiers who were cautiously waiting. “You will all do as the Admiral wishes.”
“Yes, General,” the soldiers replied, turning their gaze toward Jon.
“Good,” said Jon, looking each Diakan in the eye, one by one. “Now we need to hurry up and get back to Earth. My ships need to stay behind for repairs, so I’ll have to catch a ride with you.”
“Of course. It would be an honor.”
Jon cringed. He was used to Diakans being condescending, and rude. He didn’t think he could get used to this new found reverence. “If Dathos is complicit,” he continued. “Who knows what he’s been up to while I’ve been gone.”
“Yes. General Dathos is the greatest remaining threat. I will transmit instructions to my ships to prepare to disembark immediately.”
Chapter 36
First Colonel Brock used his brain chip to scroll through the numerous readiness reports, as he made his way to the Mountain Complex’s Operations Room. Governor Sallas and his generals had significantly complicated the original plan to retake Telepylos, with their desire to attack the Kemmar on two fronts.
He didn’t necessarily disagree with their plans. He was concerned that they would stretch their resources substantially, especially without Diakan support. Mistakes, under those circumstances, would become a luxury, and he was not sure how many they could afford.
The plan was logical, however. The Kemmar Empire was weaker than the Juttari. The stalemate between the Juttari and the Alliance made it reasonable to target the Kemmar. In fact, it may be crucial. Otherwise, the partnership could tilt the scales in favor of the Juttari, and they could break the stalemate.
He wondered again why General Dathos wouldn’t support the operation. Had the old Diakan grown tired of war? He would have to press for more information at the nearest opportunity.
Dathos had requested an urgent meeting, piquing Brock’s curiosity. He had not been informed of any developments. Perhaps there was more news from Diakus.
If only Admiral Pike were still here, he thought.
The Admiral had said he would embark on an aggressive strategy, just before he fallen ill. With his death Brock wondered if the Alliance could remain united. Cracks were already beginning to form. Would the Alliance still exist in another year?
The thought troubled him. If the Alliance crumbled, what would happen to the free Chaanisar? He knew the Diakans would move to take control of the captured Juttari territory, and the colonies would have to choose whether or not they would join the Galactic Accord.
If they chose against, the humans would be left isolated, to face the Juttari and Kemmar alone. With Chaanisar assistance they could manage the Kemmar, but the Juttari were another matter. If the colonies remained independent, they would soon be conquered by the Juttari. He and the rest of his Chaanisar would lose their freedom, returning to Juttari slavery. Brock would rather kill himself.
The free Chaanisar were in a difficult position either way. If the colonies joined the Galactic Accord, they would quickly end up subservient to the Diakans. The Diakans had fought against the Juttari, and their Chaanisar, for centuries. The Diakans had a deep hatred of the Chaanisar, and he didn’t think it mattered much if they were free. Even in his dealings with General Dathos, Brock knew that Dathos simply tolerated him. He would never believe him an equal.
Of course there was a third option. The Chaanisar could simply leave. Their jump ships could take them anywhere in the galaxy, leaving the Diakans and Juttari behind. He cringed, the Chaanisar may be many things, but they were not cowards. They would stay, and they would fight, regardless of the outcome.
When he approached the Operations Room, he was surprised to find two Diakan sentries at the entrance. It was normally a Marine post. This was Earth, after all. He rationalized it thinking that the Diakans were temporarily standing in until Marine replacements arrived.
The Diakans looked straight ahead, neither of them acknowledging his presence as he passed. This too was different, Marine sentries always saluted his arrival. He decided to shrug it off.
Inside the Operations Room he spotted more Diakan sentries. Why did Dathos need all this extra security? After centuries of war with the Diakans, this second change instantly made Brock suspicious, priming him to deal with any surprises. That was why he didn’t hesitate when the nearest Diakan raised his weapon.
Brock had learned that in moments such as these, there was no time for questions. Reasons were irrelevant. There was only action. Speed. Resolve.
He wheeled around on his assailant, seizing the weapon with one hand, and the Diakan with the other. He kept turning, bringing his captive around just in time. Energy bolts ripped into the Diakan as the other sentries fired.
Brock moved the Diakan with his one hand, effectively shielding himself from his attackers, returning fire with it’s weapon. He attempted a distress call through his brain chip to the Chaanisar in the complex, without success.
Communications from within this room are being disrupted, said AI, through Brock’s brain chip.
The Chaanisar must be notified of this aggression, Brock replied.
I can bypass the disruption through the computer network, said AI.
Understood, said Brock, using the Diakan to shield him further, as he tried to reach a nearby network console. The Diakan, now dead weight, became more difficult to manipulate, even with his augmented strength. Dragging the Diakan, in an upright position, like a full length Roman shield, proved challenging.
Having taken out the Diakan on his flank early on, he maintained some freedom of movement. But there were still many left in the room, all firing on him, and there wasn’t much in the way of cover.
Brock noted that General Dathos was absent. Coward, he thought. How does someone like that attain the rank of General?
The door slid open and the two Diakan sentries rushed in and opened fire. Simultaneously, another Diakan bolted from his position, in an attempt to flank Brock. He was quickly becoming compromised.
He chose the flanking Diakan, turning to send several bolts crashing into the man’s torso. The Diakan fell to the floor. But Brock’s left side was now exposed. He pulled his Diakan shield back to cover his side, just as an energy bolt hit him in the shoulder. The searing pain nearly paralyzed his arm, and he cried out while fighting to keep the Diakan up.
His implants moved rapidly to compensate. He exhaled sharply as they acted to numb the pain, and clot the wound. Every Chaanisar was trained to withstand pain, but it was never easy.
As he drew closer to the console, the Diakan assault became more ferocious. The only thing keeping him alive was the Diakan he used as a shield, his augmented speed, and accuracy. His aim in particular, forced the Diakans’ heads down. They were unable to rush or flank.
Altering tactics, their rate of fire intensified, focused solely on the dead Diakan he used for protection.
He felt the heat on his hand first. The dead Diakan’s body armor had begun to fail. The other Diakans were attempting to capitalize on that failure. Soon their energy bolts would reach him. It would be the end. He had to make a move now.
The console was still several feet away from him. With very few options remaining, Brock mustered all his strength to throw the dead Diakan at the enemy. He leapt and fired in one fluid motion.
His hand slapped down on the console just as the energy bolts struck. Fire burned across his torso and blue lightning tore into his side. He hit the floor and rolled. The console blew. Smoke emanated from the ravaged system, and he wondered if he had been too late.
Had AI gotten through before the console was destroyed? Did she manage to make it into the network?
Energy bolts bit into him, forcing him to keep moving. His speed was now his only defense. He was out of options, out of time, and out of room. The Diakans would soon circle to finish him off, alien hunters taking down a vicious beast.
Fighting for his last remaining seconds, his newly freed mind pondered his own existence. His life had been incredibly long, and short, at the same time. All those centuries, and so precious little of that long life had actually been his. Aliens had stolen his life from him, so it seemed fitting that aliens would now end it, but he damn well wouldn’t make it easy for them.
He pulled up into a crouch position, firing on a Diakan rounding the table. Several bolts burned into the alien’s face.
Red light flooded the room as a klaxon blared, and a voice announced a security breach in the Operations Room. Relief began to wash over him and a grim satisfaction took hold.
An energy bolt plowed into his back, and he sprawled out face first on the floor. It was quickly followed by a second blast.
His body shuddered helplessly, as his overwhelmed implants struggled to keep up with his failing organs.
Chapter 37
“I bet you’re looking forward to seeing Darla, and the girls,” said Breeah.
“Sure. I can’t wait,” Especially after almost getting killed yet again for this one,” said Seiben, hooking a thumb toward Jon.
“I don’t remember anyone asking you to come along,” said Jon, taking a cautious sip of a Diakan beverage pretending to be tea. He didn’t know if his symbiont truly made him part Diakan, but he knew that he didn’t have Diakan taste buds. He supposed it was too much to ask for a Diakan warship to have real human food and drink.
“No, I volunteered, you ungrateful gorilla,” said Seiben with a scowl. “And don’t get any ideas. I didn’t do it for you. I was worried about Breeah, that’s all.”
“I’m sure Breeah is grateful for your assistance,” said Jon, smiling at her.
“I am?” said Breeah, confused for a moment. Jon winked. “I mean, yes. Thank you for all your help in this difficult time, Mr. Seiben.”
“Please. Stop calling me Mr. Seiben. My name is Roderick,” said Seiben, smiling.
“Of course. I apologize, Roderick.”
“General Tallos requests permission to enter,” announced the computer.
“Permission granted,” said Jon.
The door to Jon’s quarters slid open, and Tallos entered. His uniform had been modified to designate his new rank. Diakus had officially removed General Dathos from command of the fourth and fifth fleet. Tallos was now one of the most powerful Generals in the Diakan military. Tallos saluted Jon, this was new.
“Hello, Tallos,” said Jon, returning the salute.
“Greetings, Admiral, Breeah, Mr. Seiben,” said Tallos, acknowledging everyone in the room. “I have received news from Earth.”
“Yes?” said Jon.
Tallos glanced at Seiben.
“It’s okay,” said Jon. “Seiben may be a pain, but we can trust him.”
“As you wish, Admiral,” said Tallos. “There has been an incident on Earth. An attempt has been made on First Colonel Brock’s life.”
Breeah gasped in shock.
Jon was stunned. First Colonel Brock was an imposing man. He couldn’t imagine anyone overpowering him under normal circumstances, let alone inside the mountain complex.
“He was ambushed in the Operations Room,” continued Tallos. “All evidence points to General Dathos. His attackers were Diakan, and Dathos had drawn him there with a request for an emergency meeting.”
“How is Brock? Did he survive?”
“Yes, although he is in critical condition. He was shot several times at close range. His implants somehow managed to keep him alive, against all odds.”
“There’s likely good reason he’s stayed alive this long. What about Dathos? Do we have him in custody?”
“Unfortunately, General Dathos has escaped with several Diakan battleships. There can be no question now of Dathos’s treason, or his allegiance to The Faction. He and his followers are now Diakan fugitives. When they are captured, they will all be executed.”
If they’re caught, Jon thought. Dathos could go anywhere with those battleships. They all had jump systems, and were armed to the teeth. He expected Dathos was at least two hundred light years away by now. If he avoided the jump gate network, it was doubtful he would ever be found. “What about the rest of the Diakan fleet?”
“They remain loyal. Orders were sent ahead of our arrival, relieving Dathos of command and ordering him back to Diakus. That was when he escaped.”
“I see,” said Jon. While he was unhappy about the attack on Brock, at least Dathos hadn’t managed to turn the fleet against them. It could’ve been an insurmountable disaster. “How long until we reach Earth?”
“We will cross through the Sol jump gate shortly, and should be in Earth orbit in a few hours.”
Those would be restless hours. He couldn’t wait to get back. With Brock in critical condition, and Dathos turned traitor, he felt as though anything might happen before their return.
Chapter 38
The shuttle sailed over Earth’s newly rejuvenated landscape. Most of the nuclear devastation had been repaired, and indigenous plants and wildlife were steadily reintroduced. New settlers arrived daily from the colonies, taking advantage of the free land being offered.
Flying overhead, Jon could clearly see the newly built homes sprouting out of the barren landscape. Earth was making a comeback. It would take time, but she would bounce back, and Jon vowed that she’d become stronger than she’d ever been. Earth would never be helpless again.
The Juttari nuclear attack had hit every major city on the planet. Even now, looking at the empty fields, he envisioned the cities that would stand there once again. On his return to Earth, he wanted to tour the cities, to see the progress for himself. He had spent too much time in the mountain complex over the last year, and he was afraid he was losing touch. He needed change. He needed to be active. There was no room for complacency. Humanity would overcome this tragedy, and any other obstacle thrown at them.
As his shuttle flew over the American prairies, heading toward the mountain complex, a communication request came through his comm. “This is Pike,” he said, answering the call.
“Admiral, this is Chief Engineer Singh. I’m happy to see that you live again.”
“I never stopped living, Chief.”
“Yes, Sir. It’s just that they said you were dead, so I thought you were dead. But of course you’re not dead anymore.”
“What can I do for you, Chief?”
“Sir, I’ve made some significant breakthroughs in my weapon research. I feel it is very important that you see them. I need your approval to begin mass production.”
The comment piqued Jon’s interest. It wasn’t just the excitement in Singh’s voice. The jump technology had opened up a world of new opportunities, and Singh had been working tirelessly to exploit them. “I’m on route to the mountain complex. Are you in your research facility?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“I’ll come see you as soon as I get to the complex.”
***
&
nbsp; The research facility was a buzz of activity. After the nuclear attack, Singh became one of the foremost experts on jump technology left alive. His obvious talents were wasted working as a ship’s engineer. So Jon took him off starship duty, assigned him a dedicated team of scientists and engineers, and put him in charge of jump tech research. It was a leap of faith, considering Singh’s precarious mental health. But he was glad he’d taken it. With proper treatment, Singh’s psychotic episodes were well behind him, and he threw himself into his work like a man possessed.
“Admiral!” said Singh, from the far end of the room, waving. Many of the scientists stopped to salute as Jon passed. “As you were,” he said, reciprocating the gesture. Near Singh, a wallscreen had been activated, displaying nothing more than the black velvet of space.
“What do you have for me, Singh? What’s this breakthrough you mentioned?”
“It is a revolution in jump technology, Sir.”
“You’ve managed to create those jump bombs we were talking about?”
“Yes, but that is not what’s revolutionary.”
“You don’t think a bomb that can jump and land right on top of its target is revolutionary?”
“Well it can actually land inside the target, but to answer your question, no, it’s not revolutionary.”
Jon took a deep breath. “Okay, then why don’t you tell me what is?”
“Yes, Sir. Consider how a jump gate works. It folds space between to points, creating a permanent jumpspace portal. A ship simply flies into one end, and comes out the other. In a matter of seconds that ship has traveled hundreds of light years. A ship’s jump system, on the other hand, does not permanently fold space like a jump gate. Instead, it does so temporarily, as needed. A navigator enters the coordinates, the jump system creates a jumpspace portal, and the ship lands as much as fifty light years away in the blink of an eye. The portal then simply collapses.”
“Yes, Chief, but I already understand all that.”
“Of course, Admiral. The problem, and advantage, is that a jump ship can appear anywhere, at any time, without warning. This feature allows us to surprise the enemy, while putting our ships and planets at risk. This is what happened at New Byzantium when the Kemmar staged their surprise attack. But what if we could detect the arrival of a jump ship, before it actually appeared?”