"He likes alliteration," Ashley said dryly.
"Allita-what?" John said.
Ashley patted him on the shoulder. "Nothing, dear. Continue the story."
"So, as I was saying, we Eternals posed too great a threat. The others got away, but I wasn't so lucky."
"Why didn't you break him out?" Derek asked.
"They put him in a special facility designed to nullify magic. It was the first super-max prison of its kind to successfully replicate the nullification power previously only seen surrounding the capitol building and a few landmarks around the planet."
"So, what did you do?"
"You never heard of the Reinhart Rebellion?"
Derek pursed his lips and thought back to his history lessons. "Can't say that I have."
"Wow, what are they teaching kids these days. You know, that's why disrespectful punks like El Pig Nose act the way they do."
"Focus, dear. I swear you're getting dementia," Ashley said.
"What's that? I can't hear you without my hearing aid," John said, putting a hand to his ear.
It earned him another slap to the back of his head. Ashley sure did like to slap her husband.
"As I was saying, while I was in the slammer getting three hot meals and a cot to sleep on at night the other Eternals were on the run. Fugitives with no other planets to run to yet. They went underground, literally, and formed a resistance movement."
"They couldn't just rally the troops and depose Reinhart?" Derek asked.
John held up a finger. "Sure, they could have. Dawyn had enough clout he could have raised an army twice the size of Reinhart's. But that would have meant civil war, which would have meant the Empire pouncing like a damn cougar, which would have led to more deaths and possibly the death of the entire Federation as a government and we wouldn't be here today successfully defending against the Krai'kesh. So Dawyn and the others..."
"Mostly Dawyn," Ashley interjected. "I am not that forward-thinking."
"...decided it was best to let the usurper think he had won while planting the seeds for a quieter coup down the line. Twenty years later the plan was executed and The Betrayer was deposed."
"You'll have to tell me more of that story another time, sir," Derek said. "I have to see to my squad."
"Of course, don't let us keep you. Ash and I are heading to grab some grub."
"Err, you may want to rethink eating in the mess hall," Derek cautioned. "If 'El Pig Nose' has buddies who want revenge you could find yourself jumped and beaten down."
"See, the modern education system has failed us. It used to be attacking Eternals was understood to be a hazard to one’s health. Now? Belligerent punks think they are tougher than durasteel. I'm glad we home-schooled, honey."
Ashley rolled her eyes and turned back toward the bench. "We'll go into town and get something."
Derek left the two Eternals and headed back toward the temporary Marine base. He looked up at the double moons as he did. He wondered how long the calm would last before the Krai'kesh came knocking on their door again. What surprises would they have up their sleeves this time?
Chapter 2 - Matters of Confidence
"Captain's...I mean, Admiral's log, star date October fourteen, twenty twenty-nine. We have just arrived at Yushon IV and repairs are under way. We suffered heavy casualties but the men and women of the Federation Navy were more than up to the challenge. Morale seems high, given the circumstances, but still there is a sense of the unknown which covers over things like a black cloud. Questions are being asked in corners and between bites in the mess hall about when the Krai'kesh will strike next. No, not when, where. I would be lying if I said that same question did not weigh on me.
"My wife and children are once again aboard my ship. They are safe and that is what matters. I have vowed to never let them out of my sight for as long as I live.
"The refugees from the Eligar system have been re-located to Yushon IV until more permanent arrangements can be made.
"The Supreme Commander is pre-occupied, managing all the ships of the Black Fleet and my own, but he seems unperturbed by the war-making capabilities of the Krai'kesh. If he's worried, he doesn't show it.
"I..." Martin stopped as his wall display emitted a ding. It indicated Zigana was calling. "Pause recording." He accepted the incoming link. "Yes, Zigana?"
"Sir, your presence is requested on the bridge immediately."
"What's happened?" he asked
"Another planet is under attack, sir."
Martin sighed. Of course. It couldn't be a notification about reinforcements, supplies or super weapons having arrived. No, it was about the Krai'kesh not being content with the minor victories, for if total annihilation of planets and making trouble for human fleets had been their goal, they had succeeded so far. "I'm on my way." He closed the link.
He arrived on the bridge minutes later and took a moment to survey his surroundings. The normal bridge crew were at their regular stations, while Zigana sat at the center, hooked up to the ship's computer via neural fiber connections. From there he had nearly any data element needed regarding the ship and its surroundings at his fingertips.
"Which planet is under attack?" he asked, taking his seat in the captain's chair.
"Proxima X, sir," Zigana replied. He brought up a holo-map of Proxima X. The planet orbited not just a sun but a gas giant, called Proxima Prime. In fact, ten planets orbited the gas giant. Technically they were moons, being only a quarter of the size of Tar Ebon. Only Proxima X was habitable, with four others covered with enviro-domes to protect the colonists from harmful radiation and the elements and the other five too unstable for even enviro-domes to be viable. Proxima X and its satellite planets lay within the Vertigo system, a sparsely populated system containing no other habitable worlds which didn’t orbit the gas giant.
"What has the Supreme Commander said?"
"He asked that you contact him immediately."
"Then by all means, let's not keep him waiting."
A link was established between the admiral's ship and the Nightblade and Dawyn Darklance's face appeared on the holo-display. "Ah, Admiral. Did I catch you at a bad time?"
Martin frowned. A bad time? No, but why ask him that? "No, sir," he replied, letting a bit of puzzlement enter his voice. "I was recording my log but otherwise I was unoccupied."
"Good. I hate interrupting when people are busy at night. My philosophy is a war can be going on but you still need to sleep."
"I agree, sir," Martin said. Sleep had been on his mind, though he didn’t correct his earlier statement
Dawyn continued, "As your tactical commander has likely informed you, Proxima X is under attack. Did he also explain the significance of that world? Strategically."
"No explanation was necessary, sir. I am aware of the deutronium mines on the planet and their value." Indeed, Martin had studied the natural resources of every planet in the sector he was assigned to. Partly out of boredom from days spent doing nothing except patrolling vacant space. Also, partly out of a desire to be prepared to make tough calls in battle depending on which strategic resources were of most value. Deutronium, needed to power much of the Federation's technology, was priceless. In fact, if it had been mere pirates attacking Proxima X the larger-than-normal defense forces would have crushed them. The corporations running the mines did not take kindly to thieves.
"Then you know we have to provide a response. What worries me, however, is the fact we are doing exactly what the Krai'kesh expect us to do."
"You think they're testing us?"
"I think their random attacks of the last several days were not so random. Instead they were likely gathering intelligence on what we value most."
"Then they can leverage that knowledge to gain the upper hand," Martin surmised.
"Precisely. As I said, we must provide a response, but we don't have to send your ship or the Nightblade. I expect the Krai'kesh have already moved on to another planet and we don't want to tie up either
of our ships on a small mission like this."
"What are you sending in response, sir?"
"I'm dispatching the Judicator, support vessels, and several squads of fighters. I may also pull fighters from your fighter group to support."
"Of course, sir, what's ours is yours."
A dreadnought should be sufficient to fend off most Krai'kesh forces. "What is the status of the repairs on your ship?"
Martin looked to Zigana. He held up seven fingers, flashed them and then held up one finger. "Seventy-one percent," he said, looking again toward the display.
"Thank you, Zigana," Dawyn said dryly. "My CAG will be in touch with yours about the squadron replenishment, Admiral. Just focus on continuing the repairs and the retrofitting of your ship. We're going to need all the firepower we have if we're to avoid ruin. Meanwhile, I have to rustle up some reinforcements."
"Won't it be easy to rally reinforcements to our cause?" Martin asked.
Dawyn sighed. "I doubt it will be as easy as we both would like. Humans tend to stick their heads in the sand to avoid difficult topics. I already saw that when I told the senate the Krai'kesh had returned. Hell, I've been known to do the same from time-to-time. No doubt there are some admirals or captains with the same mentality, sad as that may be."
"Good luck then, sir."
"Thank you." He paused. "Would you care to join me, Martin? For the meeting?"
"Physically, sir, or virtually?"
"Bring a shuttle over to the Nightblade for this meeting, if you would."
"Of course, sir. I will be there as soon as possible," Martin said, already rising and preparing to make his way to the docking bay.
***
Martin stepped off his transport in the docking bay of the Nightblade. The ship really embodied the "night" feel, with bulkheads and walls painted black. Every crew member wore crisp black uniforms with the insignia of Tar Ebon on their chest.
A pair of Marines saluted him. "If you'll follow us, sir, we'll take you to the Supreme Commander's chambers," the first Marine said.
Martin nodded. "Lead the way."
They led him through winding hallways to a transport pod. It streaked along the length of the enormous ship. His own ship didn't have a transport tube - a fact he made a mental note to remedy if, no, when, the Krai'kesh were defeated.
They arrived at a large circular door. Two guards wearing the distinct armor and helmets of the Shadow Watch Guards flanked it. They did not turn their heads to inspect their guest. The two halves of the door separated, revealing a holo-room. The Marines left Martin and he entered.
Dawyn stood at the center of the circular room facing a terminal. He looked at it for several seconds until Martin cleared his throat. He turned. "Ah, Martin, you made good time."
"Thank you, sir," Martin replied.
"I was just about to begin the meeting." He tapped at the console and the gray panels lining the chamber transformed into the image of a conference room.
Men and women sat around an enormous circular table with space at the center. Martin and Dawyn occupied the center space. Martin could look in almost any direction, except his feet, and see some aspect of the room. I need to requisition one of these too, he thought. He recognized many faces from both his days at the academy and the numerous conflicts since. The Joint Chiefs were there, all four sitting in a row, while by Martin's count the entire admiralty was present.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Dawyn began. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice." He paused and his eyes swept over the members of the high command gathered there. "As I trust all of you have been briefed, our galaxy has been invaded by the Krai'kesh." He paused again, as if waiting for gasps or exclamations, but none came. These weren't senators, these were battle-hardened officers. "The Black Fleet has met the enemy in combat, with mixed success."
"Yes, Supreme Commander, it is my understanding you lost not one but two planets in the outer rim?" The question came from Admiral Bordekov. She had red hair and wore an expression which lacked any concern for the actual loss of the planets she referred to. Martin had heard all about her through the scuttlebutt.
Dawyn nodded, unperturbed by her brash comment yet still managing to show concern for the planets lost. "It is true that the Krai'kesh destroyed two worlds and rendered one uninhabitable until environmental cleanup can be arranged. They did so using gravity weapons never before encountered. We are still trying to understand the science behind it and how to counter the technology."
That was an understatement. Martin had his scientists working around the clock analyzing the data from the encounter with what was being called the "gravity drill," but still they had not been able to even create a model of how a technology like that would work. He imagined the scientists aboard the Black Fleet were having similar difficulties.
"Allow me to be blunt, sir," Admiral Bordekov's tone implied anything but respect. "Many of us have expressed concerns privately about your aptitude to lead the Federation military. What makes you the best suited to lead us against the Krai'kesh?"
Dawyn scanned the faces of the assembled admirals before responding. "Is that true? Have 'many' of you expressed concern?" No one answered. "Well, out with it. Let us discuss your concerns here and now rather than skulking in back alleys."
Admiral Varkov, a younger admiral with slicked back hair offered a greasy fake smile. "Supreme Commander, it was hardly 'skulking.' We had not had the chance to bring our concerns to you yet."
"And what concerns would that be?" Dawyn asked.
"You appointed yourself to this position two thousand years ago," Admiral Varkov said. "Back when wars were fought with sword and bow. Times have changed and, judging by the failed efforts thus far to stop the Krai'kesh, I don't think you've changed with them."
Martin blinked. Dawyn had nothing to do with when the Krai'kesh had emerged. In fact, he had come to the rescue of Martin's fleet in their darkest hour. Without the Black Fleet, countless more lives would have been lost. He opened his mouth to speak, but Dawyn shot him a warning glance and he snapped it closed.
"I will have the admiralty know that I have prepared for this day tirelessly since the day the Krai'kesh were defeated on the Fields of Pelinor. Everything I have done I have done for the Federation and to prepare for this day. So how dare you question my commitment to this cause?" His eyes were narrowed and his face scrunched up in anger. "I would expect something like this from the senators back on Tar Ebon, but from you, seasoned veterans? Bah. What examples do you point to which prove I am not fit to serve as Supreme Commander?"
Admiral Varkov did not speak, instead looking toward Admiral Bordekov. For guidance? Were their plans falling through?
"For one thing, you did not have enough military forces in the sector the Krai'kesh emerged in," Bordekov began. "For another, you allowed the Empire to remain a threat, as we are now seeing at the Imperium Line. You had a chance to crush them ten years ago and did not. That, in my mind, proves you are weak."
Dawyn pointed to Bordekov. "First, unless I had the entire Federation Navy spread out along the outer rim, leaving the mid rim and core worlds at risk for pirate raids or Imperial invasion, there was no way to ensure sufficient force was on hand when the Krai'kesh would emerge. Second, I spared the Empire ten years ago because I felt we could not risk a prolonged fight with the Krai'kesh looming on the horizon."
"Ten years is a long time for them to be looming on the horizon," Bordekov said with a sneer.
He's going to blow a gasket, Martin thought. They're pushing him too close to the edge. Will he resign his commission?
Instead of erupting further in anger, however, Dawyn sighed. "If you want to express your lack of confidence in me, feel free to resign your commission or defect to the Empire, Bordekov. That goes for you as well, Varkov, and any of you too scared to speak up." His eyes again swept the gathered admirals. A few averted their eyes downward - in shame?
"You misunderstand us. There is sufficient lack of confidence in
your ability to lead the Federation military for us to call for a vote to decide whether you will continue to be the Supreme Commander of the Federation."
Martin blinked in shock. Could they do that? He wasn't an elected official, and his position was protected by the constitution of the Federation, much as the position of Director of the FIA was protected and held by Bridgette Thorpe.
Admiral Bordekov seemed to read Martin's mind. "And before you recite the constitution to us, know that if most of the admiralty vote no confidence in you, you will be forced to resign."
"Will you come and take the Nightblade from me, then?" Dawyn asked.
"We will inform your crew that you have been relieved of your command and are to be held until you may be transported back to Tar Ebon or to the destination of your choice as a private citizen. You will not be harmed - unless you resist."
Martin resisted the urge to smirk. First, the crew of the Nightblade were unlikely to turn on their commanding officer, the admiralty be damned. Second, even if they were to turn on him, Martin was quite sure Dawyn would not go down without a fight. The greatest warrior known to man being ousted by his crew? Not unless he allowed it.
"Then let the vote commence," Dawyn said. "Do not delay it on my account." He held up a finger. "But, the man next to me was named admiral after the admiral of this sector perished early in the Krai'kesh invasion. I expect him to have a vote."
Admiral Bordekov narrowed her eyes and glared at Martin. Was the vote so split that his vote could be the deciding vote? "Fine," she spat. "All in favor of Supreme Commander Dawyn Darklance being relieved of his command, say aye."
"Aye," came the voices of a dozen admirals.
Bordekov clenched her jaw. Not as many as she had expected, apparently.
"All those in favor of the Supreme Commander retaining his command, say nay."
"Nay," Martin said, along with fifteen other admirals. Three had not said aye or nay, and the joint chiefs were not allowed to vote.
Dawyn quirked an eyebrow. "It would seem the nays have it."
Bordekov snarled. "I will follow you no longer. Who is with me?" Her eyes raked across all the gathered admirals.
Ruin: A Seven Stars Novel (Dark Tide Trilogy Book 3) Page 2