Gray Panthers: Dixie

by David Guenther

  “We’re going three blocks ahead of our lines so we can come up behind the wobblers. We should get a few extra that way. Make sure your weapons are hot, in case of any surprises,” Semmes instructed as he checked the prepositioned magazines in front of his seat. When he looked up at the street again, he couldn’t believe what he saw.

  “Enemy in the open! Light ’em up! Light ’em up!” The chug, of the automatic grenade launcher started a second before the riiip of the heavy machine gun behind his seat, as he added the brrrp of his automatic carbine to the symphony of weapons fire.

  Red Coats dropped to the ground or took cover, and pink aliens just stood in shock as they were torn apart. One of the pink aliens raised its hands and ordered those around it to do the same.

  “Check fire, check fire. Enemy is surrendering.” Semmes thought about firing up the rest of the aliens.

  Switching the radio to public address, Semmes ordered the aliens to drop all weapons and walk toward the vehicles. Both drivers now sat with their carbines, ready to add to the firepower if necessary.

  Semmes noticed that the aliens separated into two groups as they walked toward him. Those in the first group were humanoid, pink and hairless, with two arms and two legs. Those in the second group were the Red Coats he’d seen before. He decided they were the more dangerous of the two.

  A tall, pink alien wearing only a black tunic festooned with ribbons and badges approached Semmes.

  “I am Superior Marshal Tisk. I am the commander of all forces. Take me to your leader.”

  “After I check all the prisoners for weapons, we will take you to the rear, where you will be safe.”

  “I am Superior Marshal Tisk. I will be obeyed now! Take me to your headquarters.”

  “You are about to get shot in the head if you don’t sit down on the ground and shut the hell up.”

  “I am Superior Marshal Tisk—” Semmes turned his carbine and butt-stroked the prisoner in the stomach, knocking him to the ground. A loud animal noise rose from the Red Coats as the scouts trained their weapons on the group.

  “Lieutenant, the Red Coats are laughing! Guess they had their fill of the arrogant little bastard.” The remainder of the Libra looked on, displaying no emotion.

  “GP Forward, Dixie Pied Piper.”

  “GP Forward, go ahead.”

  “We are unable to lead any wobblers for a while. Have captured thirty Libra and thirty Red Coats. Will be delivering them to you. Be advised we have at least one field-grade officer.”

  “Congratulations. You’re the first to capture non-wounded prisoners.”

  Semmes listened as one of his scouts went to check whether any of those who appeared dead were wounded.

  “Do not worry. I took care of our wounded for you,” Superior Marshal Tisk said with a smirk. Semmes decided they had too many prisoners and aimed his carbine at Tisk.

  The sound of incoming fire was the last straw for Semmes. Grabbing the officer by his collar, his face in the alien’s face, Semmes spat as he shouted, “Order those troops to surrender, or you’ll be dead in two seconds.”

  “Lay down your weapons. The war is over. Pass the word. Everyone is to form up here without weapons.” Tisk seemed unaffected as he gave the order.

  The new enemy troops disappeared, along with some prisoners who also jumped up and disappeared down the streets.

  “Why did you just capitulate all your forces?” Semmes asked, stunned.

  “You just ordered me to. Besides, you have captured me, so your objectives are obviously over. I stopped those damn mercenaries from being able to die as well. Their contract is very steep for death benefits.”

  “GP Forward, Dixie Pied Piper.”

  “GP Forward, go ahead.”

  “I have just accepted the surrender for the entire planet.” Semmes nervously waited for the reply. It didn’t take long.

  “Dixie Pied Piper, GP1.”

  “GP1, go ahead.”

  “How the hell did you get the enemy to surrender?”

  “We have the enemy commander. We started to take fire, and I ordered him to order their surrender. Next thing I know, runners are disappearing down every street to spread the word. We will need more bodies here to guard and move the prisoners.”

  Gray Panthers lunar base

  19 November 2128

  Dan looked at the roomful of Jacka that had been part of the invasion force. I hope no one holds a grudge, he thought as he went before them to give his speech.

  “Jacka warriors, you are respected throughout the galaxy for your fearsomeness and warrior skills. You have been cheated from your true right as the sons and daughters of the Fire Warriors. You will once again be the Fire People—one people, one clan. There will be one army and one fleet. I have already made arrangements with the Great Council.

  “I have four ships that need crews. They will be sent to your home world to protect it against those who will try to keep the Jacka from once again becoming the Fire People. After those four ships, there will be twenty more. The Fire People will take their place in the galaxy as leaders, not hired guns.

  “The Great Council is calling back all its warriors for the first war as a united people. The Libra Alliance will be destroyed. The Fire People will then take their place as the guardians of the League of Planets.

  The Great Council is an ally of Earth, so none of you are any longer our prisoners of war. Those of you who wish to support your people may take your place as members of the ships’ crews. If you do not wish to give your support, you may take passage home on those same four warships. You may be able to join the effort later, but you will have to explain to the council why you were not willing to join them now. Do you have any questions of me?”

  “Human Dan Daniels, I know you. We attacked your world. Why do you support us?” A loud murmur erupted from the crowd.

  “Senior Sergeant Jab. I know you. You no more attacked Earth than a gun did, or any other weapon. You were the weapon of the Libra. When the Jacka are once again the Fire People, they will be no one’s weapon ever again. And they will be a strong ally to Earth.” The tone of the crowd’s murmur changed. They seemed to accept Dan’s answer.

  “Human Dan Daniels, I know you. Why should we fight the Libra?”

  “Captain Blow. I know you. The Libra will eventually attack you because they will fear what you will become. For now, your planet has pledged itself to the League of Planets, which will soon be at war with the Libra Alliance. The League will pay all costs for both the army and the fleet. If they do the dishonorable thing and fail to pay, then the army and fleet will extract a tax from each planet.” The noise from the crowd was louder now and filled with excitement.

  “I will leave you now. This is a choice for both the Jacka and the Fire Warriors to make. It is not a place for me. Colonel Blade knows what has been said.” All heads turned to Blade. Dan left the room, confident that the colonel would support what he had just said.

  Arizona Space Ship Beater, in the orbit of the Flem home world

  19 November 2128

  Johnson looked about the flight deck, feeling satisfied. Now he just needed to figure out the easiest way to get the shuttles down to the surface, especially since they were so difficult to fly.

  “Okay, that’s it.” The crew looked at him, surprised and a little worried.

  “Captain Young, take a detail to the planet and make sure the facility is still safe and secure. We’re taking the Beater in, once you say it’s clear,” Johnson commed.

  “Understood, Captain. Will depart in twenty minutes.” Young was happy at the prospect of getting off the ship and on terra firma.

  “Commander Poland, what do you think of maintaining a combat air patrol while we’re on the ground?” Johnson patted himself on the back for throwing his number two man a bone.

  “I would suggest two pairs of fighters in synchronous orbit on opposite sides of the planet, so we have no blind spots. I would also include a shuttle above the south pole, in c
ase either team needs help. It would also allow us to have the improved sensors of the shuttles keeping an eye out for trouble.”

  “Good idea, there. Get with Andrews and figure out a schedule. I want to use the time on the ground to get the alien shuttles off my ship, without hurting either. I would like to get the cargo unloaded. We also need to see who our guests are. You gave me another good idea. See if the facilities there can improve the sensors or any other systems, either on the Darts or the Beater. I figure we should be off the planet in forty-eight hours.”

  “If we are discovered, what are your orders, sir?”

  “Good question. We’re far enough out that only larger ships would come here. Change one to the plan. Only a single unmanned shuttle in orbit above us, so we don’t lose contact. If we get company, it’s either fight or flight, based on the sensor data.” Damn him for being so smart. This is getting old.

  “How about staying in the facility as an option, since we’re the only ones who have found it,” Poland suggested, wondering why Johnson would miss such an obvious choice.

  “Yeah, that too, I guess.” I have to get away from this smug ass.

  “Captain, the Major Rogers has launched.”

  “Good. Let’s be ready to follow it down.”

  Shuttle heading to Earth from Gray Panthers lunar base

  19 November 2128

  “Dan Daniels, I was not ready to speak. I could have looked like a fool.” Blade pushed his paws together in front of him as he spoke.

  “Colonel Blade, you are a warrior, not a politician. I wanted you as you are when they started to ask you questions, not thinking like a politician.”

  “I guess your idea worked. Even now they argue among themselves—not about becoming Fire Warriors, but how soon. There is no argument about mixed clans. Why was this item so important to you?”

  “Imagine if ships went to clans. Do you think there would be anger or jealousy if some had more than others? This will also bring your people closer together, I believe. One day there will be no memory of clans, other than when warriors sit and talk of heroic deeds gone by.”

  “I agree, in part. Clan will be important still for years to come. It is who we are. I will begin to build ships’ crews so that no ship has too many of one clan. I will give you the initial crew information for the four ships that are ready to go. I believe this may work.”

  “I’m betting big on it myself. If it fails, we don’t have a much of a fleet.” And if it works, we have the Fire Warriors protecting Earth, with no human lives being lost, Dan thought cynically.

  New Richmond, planet Dixie

  19 November 2128

  General Black sat at the table with the Dixie General Staff. They explained how they had lost the initiative, from the beginning of the battle, when the Libra attacked.

  When the initial attack commenced, the staff was able to get underground, along with the majority of the population. Communications from the underground facilities were knocked out by the Flem forces.

  When the invaders surrendered, only then did it become clear that they had been keeping the Dixie forces from breaking out.

  General Black knew he was going to have problems with the proud, hurt officers before him. But, he knew it was what Dan would want.

  “Gentlemen, you have your planet back, and it’s time for me to take the remains of my command home. Rather than send a message and wait for transport to come to us, can I request transport for my people so I can get them back to their families?”

  “General Black, we have transports that will return your people in comfort. It’s the least we can do,” Colonel Carson replied, beaming. He was eager to have the reminder of his men’s failure gone.

  “I also would like to take all of the Red Coats with me, unless there are any that have committed war crimes you wish to prosecute.” Black could see the discomfort on the faces of the staff before him.

  “We appreciate all that you and your command has done, General. We need to take care of the Red Coats ourselves. Our people want vengeance, and they will have it.” Colonel Carson appeared adamant.

  Scotty Scholl, now wearing a suit, gestured to the president to follow him from the meeting. He knew what had to be done so that the deal would go through.

  “Mr. President, even though I am an officer from Earth, I feel compelled to help Dixie. One day I would like to call Dixie home. I understand the need to have retribution on the Red Coats. I also understand the need for society to advance. I have the material you need to get your AI back online again. The value your AI represents to your society outweighs the need for revenge. You have the Flem themselves. The Red Coats were nothing more than a tool.” The sincerity on Scotty’s face as he spoke made him look like a seventy-two-year-old schoolboy.

  “Scotty, for us to rebuild, we need to put the past behind us. I will have the Red Coats put on the transport that carries the troops back to Earth. When the AI is restored, it will be interesting to see how it can contribute to our society.” The two shook hands and then re-entered the meeting side by side.

  “Gentlemen, the Red Coats will be returning with the troops to Earth,” the president stated. “This is not a military matter, but a political matter. I have negotiated this matter with Ambassador Scholl in good faith.” He made a point of turning and once again shaking Scotty’s hand. He was surprised to find a small jar in his hand after the handshake. The Earth ambassador only smiled when he looked back at him.

  “Major Scholl, what did you do for them to release the Red Coats to us?” Black looked suspicious.

  “I’m sorry, General Black. You do not have a need to know. Now that the fighting is over, I am once again the ambassador until I am relieved. I got you what you and Dan wanted. Our allies are happy. Soon, you can go home.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to return with us? I can have you on my staff as a lieutenant colonel. You did a good job and deserve recognition for it.”

  “Sir, I have all the recognition I want here. There’s a captain I plan to ask to marry me. If she agrees, we’ll settle down after the war and start a family.”

  “I envy you, Ambassador. You get to do your life over.” Black thought he might want to come back one day but decided there were too many ghosts there for him.

  Flem home world, League of Planets space

  19 November 2128

  Captain Young had the shuttle Major Rogers drop him and half his team a half-mile from the repair facility’s entrance, and the rest of the team a half-mile on the other side of the entrance.

  The weather was cool, with light snow flurries. The air was crisp and clean. A few small plants and bushes showed buds starting to come out, and tiny tracks showed that small animals had recently been in the area, though there was no sign of any activity now.

  “Looks like the way we left it. Anyone have anything?” Young was happy to be on the ground again and was having a hard time concentrating as he knew he should.

  “We’re clear as well. Ready to check out the inside,” SSgt. Polanski said, eager to get inside. He hated any type of cold weather.

  “Major Rogers, please input the entrance code so we can investigate further inside.”

  “Code being sent, Captain Young.” The ground vibrated slightly as the huge door opened. The interior lights were quite bright. Everything was as it had been left earlier.

  “Beater, Young.”

  “Go ahead, Captain.” Johnson was hoping for more good news.

  “Facility is clear. Plenty of parking room.”

  “Great news. We’re on our way down.”

  Gray Panthers headquarters, Arizona

  19 November 2128

  “Dan, we should keep the Libra ships until we have our own ships built and in service. We’re still an easy target, with only four ships protecting our planet.” Admiral Bad wasn’t happy, especially as he realized he was going to lose the argument.

  “We have the Jacka as our new ally. They have at most a couple dozen old p
atrol ships. When the Libra realize they’re losing a good part of their army, they won’t be happy. They’ll be even less happy when they learn it’s going to be used against them. They’re going to attack the Jacka hard as a message to their other allies to toe the line.”

  “I have the warriors selected for the ships. Do you think the ten days it will take to get to my home world will be enough time to train them?” Blade looked toward both men for the answer.

  “We can send the ships with a full crew of humans and Jacka. The first five days, the Jacka can observe the humans and ask questions. The next five days, the Jacka will run the ships with humans watching and assisting as needed. Remember, between the AI and the droids, no crew is really needed. The AIs have the records of all the battles to date for them to understand tactics and strategy.” Admiral Bad relaxed, accepting defeat for ownership of the ships.

  “We will send a ship for the human crews three days after they leave. Thirteen days should be sufficient, since the AI can also train the crews in any tasks. Colonel Blade, do you want to accompany the ships or coordinate operations from here?”

  “I will go with the ships. Discipline here will not be a problem. I am sending all the families and civilians with the ships. The return of the families will also be appreciated.”

  “Colonel Blade, your son is about to be commissioned. When do you want him returned? He will make an excellent ship’s captain, I believe.” Dan smiled as he gave his friend the news.

  “I do not want my son with the Fire Warriors.” People will say he did not earn his rank or awards. There would be fights. Even if he were accepted, he would still be challenged as a leader. He has honor and respect with your people. That is good enough for him.”

  Flem home world, League of Planets space