First Contact: An Alicia Jones Novel 01

by D. L. Harrison

  He bowed again and turned before I could acknowledge him, and we all followed him into the place. The inside was as impressive as the outside, although the idea of living like this wasn’t appealing, it was a nice place to visit. There were paintings, sculptures, and flowers, placed on pedestals set up in nooks on the way to the sitting room.

  Inside there were a few chairs and couches, what was obviously a bar, and the floor seemed to be made up of that blue marble, just like the walls. In fact, I hadn’t seen anything to indicate any walls, floors, or ceilings in this place were made from anything else. I suppressed a laugh when I took a seat on the couch, it was a little too tall, just like our hosts, and my feet were dangling an inch or two away from the floor.

  We talked lightly until someone came in. It wasn’t the servant, I recognized Alnot and got up while trying not to look to awkward about it. It wasn’t easy.

  “Alnot, your home is amazing.”

  He beamed at me and bowed, so I bowed back hoping it was the right thing to do. I knew nothing would get me in trouble as fast as cultural misunderstandings. I stood up straight when he did.

  “It is very nice to meet you, and I thank you and your people again for coming to our aid. Please follow me and we can share a meal and speak to what is needed.”

  I smiled and nodded, I could tell that last part was a ritual phrase, I just wish I knew the responding words. He didn’t seem to take offense, and gestured for me to walk next to him as we moved a room over. I wasn’t sure what I’d expected, but it looked like his immediate family, not other government workers. A very tall woman smiled at him as we walked in, and there were three children and one teenager.

  I should have done some research before coming down, but I’d needed the nap too badly. It looked to me like Alnot ruled period, otherwise I was sure he’d have more people here. We took a seat, and the table settings were nice, but much like I’d have expected if I’d ever been invited to a state dinner. Maybe forks, spoons, and knives were the true universal constants.

  He didn’t seem inclined at all to discuss business during our dinner, he asked me a few questions about Earth, and I’d returned the curiosity about his own home. He was essentially like a king, but still had all the power, unlike the kings back on Earth. They’d been a part of the Knomen Empire for almost two hundred years, apparently that was when the Knomen and Seltan Empires started to butt heads and the Knomen stopped trying to expand toward the core.

  He also verified that his wife and children were the ones dining with us. The food itself was very good, spicy like a good Indian or Creole dish, but at the same time the flavors of the spices were different. About all that was similar was the five alarm fire on my tongue.

  Eventually dinner was finished, and some kind of after dinner drink was brought out along with a sweet confection. The drink reminded me of brandy… just different. It wasn’t the differences that surprised me though, it was all the similarities that were startling.

  He asked, “How long do you plan to stay?”

  I replied carefully, “I’m not entirely sure. I’d be happy to stay until you get your defenses back up, and I did command the fleet for the battle, but they aren’t mine to keep here either unless I misunderstood something. I took command after Admiral Stenz lost his life and ship, do you know how long you’ll need?”

  He nodded, “I think I understand your confusion, the Earth is brand new to the Empire and you were raised there yes? The fleet action isn’t over until you announce it is so. The fleet is yours until you formally release them, or a higher ranking Knomen comes and takes over the fleet personally. As far as your question, I have every facility on the planet working on building new ships and defenses. In a week I’ll be up to my old numbers in ships, platforms, and missiles. In two weeks I’ll have enough to be able to repel a similar attack with ease.”

  I wondered why they hadn’t been at that level in the first place, but perhaps the attack was unprecedented. Plus, a large military needs to be fed and clothed, I was glad the Earth was used to that expense, because we needed a big space navy to ensure the Empire didn’t strip our independence and wealth with spurious corrupt claims in the future. I also held my tongue because I didn’t want to insult him.

  I replied, “I don’t think two weeks will be a problem at all. As long as another Knomen Admiral doesn’t come to collect, I can hold the fleet that long.”

  He nodded, seemingly satisfied with that, and the subject changed again. Eventually I did ask if there were books or information on his cultures, traditions, and manners. He was delighted by that, and his wife promised to send me the information.

  I actually had a really pleasant time, it was both odd, and familiar.

  Chapter 17

  The next two weeks were interesting and productive. Out of the fifty races that had joined us, there were still thirty different races left. Mostly because they were all grouped together in their rows, and at least a few in each row escaped. So for the next fourteen nights I invited two of the captains to get to know their race a little better. I took notes down afterwards, and my thoughts.

  It wasn’t that I suddenly turned into a political animal, but it wasn’t lost on me I might have to face one of these races in the future, or invite them to resist the empire’s strictures along with us. It would help to get to know them and their world a little. It would also give humanity a real face with them, so if the time came and the Empire wouldn’t let us withdraw peacefully, they might have second thoughts about fighting us.

  The rest of the time, when I wasn’t on the bridge, I worked with Kristi on updating all the designs we’d created with new shields and with a new squared but streamlined appearance. Even the new smaller missiles, as well as the Shield missiles, would be more square instead of a saucer. Things fit better that way, there was less wasted space. We also increased the throw weight of the cruisers to sixteen missiles, the width of the missiles was so much smaller than before that we could easily double the missile launchers from eight to sixteen.

  We also designed the missile boat, which would be able to fire two hundred missiles every few seconds. Outside of a cockpit, and three small crew rooms, the boat was nothing but missile launchers on top and bottom, with storage for missiles in the middle, and a large fabricator that could build a block of two hundred missiles in just over an hour.

  It was during the second week while I was scowling at my pad, trying to figure out a way to restrict FTL, to destabilize anti-mass fields in a large area, a very large area, like say Earth’s solar system, when Kristi had it out with me.

  Kristi growled, “Stop,” and grabbed my pad.

  I frowned and snapped, “What?”

  Kristi rolled her eyes, “You’re obsessed, your acting crazy, I don’t think you’ve even slept in the last three days. Why are you so obsessed with this? You don’t have to do everything, what’s going on?”

  I shook my head, as I didn’t even know how to explain it. I tried to, how I thought the way the fighting was done was insane, a random bloodbath without skill. How much it would help if we could take things at a normal speed, outthink and outfight our opponents, what Earth’s military and humans were used to doing and extremely good at.

  Overwhelming firepower had its place, but it was a poor substitute for a good strategy.

  She frowned, “It’s not just up to you Alicia, you can’t save the world on your own. This isn’t about just theoretical plans… you were trying to solve this before the battle, but you weren’t crazy about it. This is about the Hades isn’t it,” she accused, “you think it’s your fault and now you’re trying to save everyone else.”

  I yelled, angry and hurt, “It is my fault!”

  Kristi peered at me for a moment, and then shrugged carelessly and said dismissively, “It is, and?”

  I stepped back in surprise and… shock. She’d sounded cold, and uncaring.

  Kristi said bluntly, “You’re an Admiral and you were in command. That doesn’t mean you ha
ve to be perfect, or that you won’t get people killed. It just means you should lead with confidence, make those tough decisions, and learn from it when you make a mistake. Trust your commanders, they know that already, it’s why they respect you. You kept your cool, your people had confidence in you, and you probably saved more lives overall than you cost. Learn from it and let it go, don’t become this… whatever this obsessed mania is.”

  I opened my mouth but she put her hand up and shushed me.

  “Don’t say it. Just go to bed, and think about what I told you. I miss Ella too, I got to know all of them over the three-day trip, and I grieve for the lost crew, but this is war. Hindsight is to learn from, not to form regrets. Go… bed, now.”

  It was taking all my self-control not to scream and punch her face in, which kind of clued me in that there was a problem. Still, it wasn’t easy to hold in what I wanted to say to her, but a part of me knew I’d regret it if the words passed my tongue. So I did as I was told, and went to get some sleep. Maybe it would make sense in the morning…

  When I woke the next day, I knew she was right that I had to let it go. The problem was, I couldn’t just turn it off like a switch. Before I could let it go, I had to let it out. The anger, sadness, and helpless impotent rage I felt because nothing I could do would fix it. So I curled up on my bed and wept…

  When the two weeks were up, I released all the ships in the fleet with my thanks, and I set a course for Tressia. None of their ships had survived, and I still had the fourteen we’d rescued aboard ship. I also wanted to pick up that manual which explained the artificial gravity plates and how they worked. It bothered me I couldn’t understand it at all based on the actual devices.

  It took two and a half days to reach Tressia, I wanted to just drop them off, pick up the manual and get home, but Tressia had other ideas. Telmun, the port and space station administrator, insisted we join him for a dinner in our honor on the surface for rescuing Tressian lives, where we met any number of government functionaries. I just wanted to go home, but I had a good time anyway, despite myself.

  When we left Tressia behind, it had been a day over three weeks since we’d left home, and I knew I had a lot to do. I had my dissertation defense in a week, had to learn about gravity just because I wanted to, needed to buy a home in Monument, just north of Colorado Springs, and get a business set up. I would also have to debrief with the General, and I was prepared to argue about the upgrades to the current ships, the new ship designs, as well as the all new ship class for missile boats.

  Plus, there was also the shadow of possible war with the Seltan Empire, and working toward being strong enough to win free of the Knomen Empire, hopefully without war.

  Last, but certainly not least, I wanted my third date with Nathan. It was driving me crazy being so close to him the whole trip but not allowed to touch or show familiarity, being an Admiral sucked.

  Kristi had been right, I had been obsessing about the past, I had more than enough to work on and worry about, without crucifying myself over an error in judgement. Commander Ayers had given her life in duty, for her fellow soldiers, her world, and in defense of others. I wouldn’t cheapen that anymore.

  I looked at the clock, we had just two more hours before we arrived at Earth, and before I could turn over command of the ship to Lt. Commander Nichols and say goodbye to the Admiral uniform. I could hardly wait to get back to my life as a scientist and researcher. But I wasn’t done helping, I had lots to do, and I may not be able to do it on my own, but I knew I was making a difference for my adopted home.

  In the end, that’s what truly mattered.

  Epilogue

  Carl slid through the secret door into the Emperor’s study, and stepped as quietly as a cat over to the desk. The Emperor’s assistant had no record of this visit, nor would it be recorded anywhere else. The usual recorders in the room had been switched off, using a hidden switch in the secret passage right outside the room. Some things just shouldn’t be recorded, and a meeting between the Emperor and one of his Facilitators is one such thing.

  He bowed, “It is done.”

  Neman frowned, “Good, I can’t believe those cowards let her take command without a peep, we’re better off without them in command of our ships.”

  Carl nodded, “Sire… if I may be blunt?”

  Neman looked up and raised an eyebrow, “Go on.”

  Carl sighed, “The humans were sincere about joining the Empire, and following our laws. But the speed they are building up ships is… unprecedented, and also makes me nervous. Those smart missiles they built are ingenious according to the scans I have.”

  Neman growled, “We can’t do anything, that damn girl made the Earth people popular, and they’re following all the rules so far. My hands are tied. Besides, they don’t match our true power, just the ships we… advertise.”

  Carl shrugged, “Yes Sire, but the humans are ambitious, and Alicia shares it being raised there… she isn’t satisfied with the status quo, and nothing is ever good enough. She’s focused, incredibly smart, and creative.”

  Neman nodded, “Does she have any idea who?” the question trailed off.

  Carl shook his head, “I don’t think so no, I ordered her grandparents not to tell her anything if she didn’t return home. She sees herself as human, and there in lay her loyalty.”

  Neman frowned, “And that other issue, did you find the proof of her misconduct?”

  Carl nodded slowly, “Yes, two Tressian witnesses. A guide named Nora, and a trader named Jarnud.”

  Neman waved a hand, “Very well, deal with it when it’s convenient, if nothing else it will take the luster off of Earth and our wayward citizen.”

  Carl recognizing the dismissal, bowed, “Yes sire,” and then turned, walked without a sound, and went back out the secret door.

  Afterword:

  I hope you enjoyed this story, if you did please leave a review. Reviews are the lifeblood of independent authors, and I would appreciate greatly any constructive feedback or opinions. This story ending was a struggle for me. I finished up the major plot for the book, but obviously there are two major plots left unresolved that make up an Arc in the series, not to mention character development and inventions to create.

  I really don’t like cliffhangers and I felt guilty when I typed out the Epilogue, but the Space Opera genre lends itself to cliffhangers, it’s more an ongoing story type genre, and more complex than the two suburban fantasy series I have going, which are more complete standalone stories for each book. So all I can say is I plan to have a big plot point introduced and cleaned up in each book, but there will be big loose ends as well. The loose ends won’t last forever however, they will eventually be buttoned up and replaced.

  About the Author: If you have any comments or suggestions you can send me an email at dlharrisonauthor@gmail.com If you like my work, or even if you don’t, please consider leaving a review of this book. I can also be found at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7456808.D_L_Harrison

  Other books by D. L. Harrison:

  http://www.amazon.com/author/dlharrison

  The Formerly Dark Mage, by D. L. Harrison – This stand-alone fantasy book follows the life of Silvia and takes place in a world unique and separate to our own.

  Silvia is a dark mage. Unfortunately, she finds herself about to be sacrificed. Someone must have told her evil master about her plans to kill him and take over. After that, things just seem to go downhill. She has no choice but to escape the kingdom of Zual, something that to her knowledge has never been done before. She will need to deal with many issues she never had to face before.

  Among those issues, the white mages, and her conscience.

  Celia Winters Novel Series

  Witch’s Moon: A Celia Winters Novel Book 1

  Celia Winters was raised by her single mother, and her earliest memories are of the store her mother owns and the nearby coven, who have always been her family’s close allies and friends.

  She g
rew up believing her magic was weak, but she was satisfied with her life, and happy. She was a midwife, healer, and supplier of surrounding covens.

  Then her mother died, and she’s about to discover she isn’t who, or what, she believes herself to be, not completely. She will learn that her entire life up until now was a lie. She’ll need to figure out her place, who she is when she no longer recognizes herself, and try to hold on to her closest friends as she gathers enemies for the simple crime of her existence.

  She’s stronger than she believes, but will it be enough?

  Power of Air Series:

  Just a Psychic: The Power of Air Book One starts off this series.

  Ben has grown up with missing memories of his early childhood.

  He has known he was a psychic since his earliest memories, seeing the future and gaining knowledge with his gifts.

  Is it possible he isn't just a psychic?

  Ben's world is about to be turned upside down as he turns twenty-one, all is not as it seems.

  Book Description

  Alicia Jones is a genius, and a little odd. At just twenty three years of age, she is close to finishing her doctoral dissertation. But when she tests her latest theory in the lab to generate a strong EM field, it has very unanticipated results. Results that lead to faster than light travel, and first contact with another race.

  Her life just gets more complicated after that, when she finds out who she really is, and that the universe may not be as nice a place as she’d been told. Her determination to help keep Earth safe takes her to places more dangerous and strange than she’d ever envisioned.