When the Stars Fade (The Gray Wars)

by Korenman, Adam

  Markov laughed.“And if I knew you were going to be such a baby about it, I would have picked a different soldier to lead this group.”He squeezed Josh’s shoulder, feeling the tensile pull of the weave underneath the skin.“I’ll see you in the morning.”He stood and walked from the room, closing the door behind.

  Sasha was waiting on the other side, clipboard in hand. His sour expression immediately dampened the doctor’s mood.

  “What is it, Sasha? Another city fall to your old comrade-in-arms?”

  The sergeant took the jab without response.“New Eden just went to DefCon 1. Boxti war party spotted on approach.”He handed over the transcript pulled from a coded military channel. Being able to spy on any system at will made his job infinitely more interesting. The computer set up at Omega was something out of a fiction novel, or a spy movie.“That Admiral sent word that the HC wants to send in the soldiers.”

  Markov’s face contorted to disgust.“Well they’re clearly not ready yet. Most can barely run, and Josh is still pulling himself together. We just need more time for the candidates to recover.”

  “Why was the reaction so severe?”Sasha asked.“Did the little robots really do so much damage?”

  The doctor shook his head. He pulled his friend in close and whispered.“The control programs linked last night. All the soldiers’control units are talking to one another, giving advice on how to properly maintain a human body. It’s working better than I could have dreamed. If the armor is done in time, we’ll be unstoppable.”

  “And if it’s not? New Eden can’t wait forever.”

  Markov shrugged.“Soldiers are cheap, my nanomachines are not. We don’t go until I say we’re ready.”

  - XIII -

  It was a stand-off. On an unprecedented scale, for sure, but there was little else that felt as similar. Hiro looked at the battle projector, admiring the tight formation in which the Boxti were arrayed. Their coordinated appearance indicated an incredible professional attitude toward their Navy, one Commodore Osaka couldn’t help but marvel at. The dreadnought had taken position at the center of the group, the largest vessel in that area of space by a hefty margin. Even compared to Midway, the warship dominated the sky. Every inch of the glossy black hull bristled with cannons and missile tubes. Along the sides and at the very front, red orbs shimmered and swirled with energy. Starting from the aft and running forward the length of the ship, two massive dorsal fins curved into jagged points.

  “Do we have anything new?”the Commodore asked.

  A Chief Petty Officer typed commands into his computer, reading and reviewing the information for any details.“Negative, sir. It’s the same as the long range scans. We’re blind to whatever they’ve got going on inside.”He repositioned the linear radar toward the carriers.“Those capital ships are still moving. Looks like they’re getting in position to breach the line.”

  “All stations, prepare for contact.”Hiro took his seat and attached the tether line to his belt. He checked his command board and saw green lights winking back, confirmation signals from the rest of the fleet. The Nangolani ships sent their own acknowledgment.

  “Commodore,”Ensign Suffra said.“I’ve got an incoming request from the Boxti ship.”

  Hiro stared into the monitor, the hairs on his neck tingling.“Video or audio?”

  “It’s a direct line, sir.”Nari pulled her headset off.“I can’t tell what they’re saying, but they keep repeating the message.”She connected the line and the bridge echoed with the voice of the alien ship. It sounded unlike any language the humans had heard before. Guttural but musical, sharp but flowing. Every pause was punctuated by a repeated clicking sound, like sea shells tapping together.

  Hiro thought for a moment.“Patch in the Barrenon. Maybe they can translate.”

  Nari contacted the alien commander and they listened to the Boxti message. Hanweh’s image popped up on the monitor, his face contorted in what must be anger.

  “Commodore,”the alien said.

  Hiro stood and bowed his head.“Domin Shodon, thank you for your assistance.”

  “I think we should wait for this battle to be over before you offer gratitude.”

  “I’d prefer we settle this without bloodshed, Domin.”Hiro sat back down in his chair. He gestured for Nari to play the file.“Do you know what the message is saying?”He waited patiently while the Nangolani formed his words. English was not coming easy to the aging commander.

  Hanweh nodded.“It is a language based on the Furlish tongue, and a message with which I am all too familiar. The same words were used against countless civilizations long before this disease reached your worlds. It is an empty speech filled with false promises of peace and understanding.”The commander shouted something to his fellow officers.“We recommend that you open with a full volley on their fleet. Only the complete destruction of this armada will guard the lives of your citizens.”

  Hiro shook his head.“I cannot make such a decision, Domin. They have yet to fire a shot. Lord knows I wouldn’t mind wiping them out of my sky, but my hands are tied. Can you just send us a translation of this message so I can advise my leaders on how to respond.”

  There was a long pause as the alien considered the Commodore’s words. He didn’t know human expressions, but wore a sneer without even trying.“I am sorry, Commodore. We fear that if you heard the actual phrasing, your resolve might weaken. I speak for the Empire here. We are not willing to watch another planet burn.”

  “That’s not your call to make, Shodon.”Hiro didn’t shout, but the fire in his words came through.“We allowed you to join our battle group with explicit orders. Orders, which I may add, came directly from Anduin himself. Do I have to report you to your own command, or are you willing to work with us on a diplomatic solution?”

  Hanweh closed his eyes and hummed as he communed with the other Domins. Finally, after several minutes, he looked back up at Hiro.“As you wish, Commodore.”

  The message streamed across the console, for all the ships to see. It wasn’t long, but the meaning was clear.

  “We represent the Boxti, host of the Great Lord and King of the Universe. Though our journey is one of conquest, you have proven worthy of a private dialogue. We wish to land only one of our capital ships on your planet, under your full guard, so there can be a peaceful parlay.”

  Nari looked back at her commander.“Sir? What should we do?”

  “We’ll transmit to Earth. We need Fleet to advise us.”

  * * * * *

  Zev counted to ten and opened his eyes. It hadn’t worked. He was still pissed off and the source of his frustration was still standing in front of him. The MP handed him the electronic tablet and pointed to a small square for Zev’s imprint. The infantry NCO pressed his thumb onto the screen and waited for the scan. After a chime the military police soldier holstered his device and smirked.

  “Thank you for your cooperation, Sergeant.”

  Zev put on a fake smile and nodded.“Of course, corporal.”He waited while the junior NCO walked over to his vehicle and started entering in the information. It was just perfect. The day needed another dip like a speeding ticket. And to have it delivered by the most arrogant and privileged of assholes was icing on the cake.

  His transfer to the New Eden base Fort Metts had been somewhat unexpected, as had the promotion to Sergeant First Class. After the bittersweet ending to the games he’d half expected to be sent back home for a reprimand from his commanding officer, or to the front lines to defend against the phantom Boxti forces. Instead, he’d been given a bump in pay and grade and relocation to a dream post. Metts had all the amenities of living at home, and the best mess hall of any system. Taking over the specialty platoon for the leader company had also been a major perk. Captain Collin Grahams ran a tight ship, and was regarded highly in the Federate military. His combined arms company took on the biggest missions around the galaxy, and had the highest success record of any unit. Running the Scout platoon was a large responsibility
, and one that Zev looked forward to.

  A horn honked from behind and Zev looked in his rearview mirror. A black sedan flashed its lights behind the MP’s cruiser. Someone stepped out from the driver’s seat, walking toward the cop.

  “Sir,”the MP said,“I need you to get back in your car.”

  “What seems to be the problem here?”Zev didn’t recognize the voice. He leaned out his window to look, but could only make out a little salt and pepper hair under a black beret.

  The MP put his hands on his hips.“Sir, this is a routine speeding incident.”

  “No, this is pissing contest with Captain Mackrel. And I intend to win.”

  Zev stepped out of his truck, shielding his eyes from the bright sun. Standing by the cruiser wearing a weathered combat uniform, Captain Grahams stared straight through the corporal. The twin silver bars on his beret glinted in the afternoon light. Standing a head taller than the subordinate, Grahams held his ground and glared.

  “Sir, you’re interfering with military police business. I’m going to have to ask you to step aside.”

  Grahams stepped in closer.“And I’m telling you to call your superior officer before I start playing‘rock, paper, rank.’”

  For a few seconds no one moved, but the corporal knew how the standoff would end eventually. He backed off and pulled the handset from his cruiser.“Dispatch, this is Victor five five. I need the boss on the line.”

  Zev walked over to the captain.“Sir?”The officer shook his hand and grinned.

  “You just can’t stay out of trouble, can you sergeant?”

  He laughed.“In his defense, I was actually speeding.”

  “That’s neither here nor there.”Grahams paced around Zev’s truck.“First the bar, then that little issue with my engineers. Now this.”He stopped and faced the sergeant.“I think my decision to pick you was the right one.”

  “How’s that,”Zev asked.

  The captain smiled.“Metts hasn’t been this fun in years.”He looked over as the MP stood up from his cruiser, holding the handset to the side.“Is that Captain Mackrel?”

  “Yes, sir. He says to let Sergeant Perez on his way.”

  Grahams grinned.“Well, then it seems we worked out that little misunderstanding. Sergeant, I’ll see you at the officer’s call tonight?”

  Zev was about to respond when something caught his eye overhead. A dark shape descended from the sky, flames and debris spilling off the side as it tore down through the atmosphere. As it neared the ground it unfolded, angular spires spreading out like a blossoming flower. A roar followed, thundering engines slowing the fall of the object. Before the soldiers had a chance to react, the base siren sounded. Zev shared a look with his commanding officer, then both tore off to their vehicles.

  * * * * *

  It all happened too fast to react. A message came to all the Terran ships, simple but dark and ominous.“We are landing.”Immediately the Boxti fleet engaged powerful disruption fields around the immense carrier as the hive-shaped ship began a ponderous descent toward the planet. The humans were a step behind in reacting, sending frigates to try and cut off the aliens. By the time the air-denial forces arrived, the carrier was inside the atmosphere.

  Commodore Osaka sent a series of warnings to the Boxti dreadnought, but none were heeded. There wasn’t time to wait for a response from the High Chancellor. He gave the fleet permission to use force to halt the enormous hive. Missiles left crisscrossed trails of smoke as destroyers fired on the enemy. Heavy slugs impacted the shields generated by the black vessels, bouncing harmlessly to the side before falling into the atmosphere. The Nangolani fired white-hot beams of energy into the Boxti formation, carving through the hulls of several frigates. The Barrenon circled around the sortie, lances of green light lashing out and slicing into the black-hulled ships.

  “Stop them from landing,”Hiro shouted. He ran to the battle projector, watching the trajectory of the alien carriers and pinpointing their landing targets.“Alert ground units. Incoming enemy forces.”No red dots appeared from the hive. They weren’t launching fighters to support their journey. Only larger ships were beginning to engage the fleet. The carrier shuddered as long range guns fired on the Boxti line.

  “Commodore,”Nari called out.“The Barrenonis attacking the dreadnought. It needs reinforcements.”

  Hiro waved his hand over the 3D display, pulling and stretching to close in the view on the massive Boxti warship. He circled the dreadnought with his finger and held the digit there until a red box appeared.“Direct all missile frigates to unload on the flagship. Launch all fighters and engage.”

  - XIV -

  Zev jerked the wheel to the right, putting his truck into a controlled slide that carried him into the armory parking lot. He leapt from the vehicle, tossing his keys to a bewildered private near the gate. Legs pumping, he sprinted into the ready room and dropped his jacket on the ground. He jammed his military ID into his locker and pulled out his combat webbing and helmet. Keys, phone and wallet went into storage for safe keeping, exchanged for his combat ID tags. Holding the small metal disks in his hand, Zev felt a chill run up his spine. With all the advances in technology over the last few centuries, nothing could replace the iconic dog tag. He thought back to boot, to his one-eyed drill sergeant explaining the different parts of the uniform. If you’re in the shit and think you’re done for, check your tags. Got two? Good, you’re still alive. Now nut up and get in the fight. Donning the gear, he jogged to the caged weapons area.

  “Sergeant First Class Zev Perez, 10029.”He waited impatiently, drumming his fingers on the table, while the armorer pulled his GK Modular Assault Rifle Kit and handed it over. A specialist dropped ten loaded magazines into the bag and pushed it through the opening.

  “The company is mustering at the motor pool, sergeant.”

  Zev grabbed his equipment, slinging the rifle across his back.“Thanks.”He walked briskly, stuffing the polymer banana clips into pouches on his combat vest. His heart pounded in his ears, adding a beat to the raging noise around him. Engines roared to life as trucks and five-ton transports moved out from the bay, heading toward the barracks to collect the waiting troops. Zev saw his platoon leader standing near the tanks and ran over.

  First Lieutenant Gabriel grinned as his platoon sergeant joined him and the rest of the soldiers. The joes had been at the barracks and were already assembled and checking their gear. Part of being Scout Platoon for the most active company meant maintaining an alert posture at all times. Checking the young faces, the platoon sergeant saw the usual wide eyes and clenched jaws. Most of the scouts were combat veterans, but at least ten were in for their first taste of battle. Zev didn’t have time to feel pride in his adopted group. Something big was going down, and New Eden needed boots on the ground immediately.

  “Fall in,”he called out, taking his position at the front of the rectangular formation. He waited for his four squad leaders to check their ten-man teams before performing an about-face and saluting the officer.“Scout Platoon is accounted for, sir.”

  Gabriel nodded.“Thank you, sergeant.”He returned the salute and stepped forward, taking a spot next to the NCO.“At ease, gentlemen. I’m sure you already know why you’re here. There’s a Boxti invasion force two hundred klicks over our heads. That’s Fleet’s problem. The carrier landing in our backyard is ours. Camp Peterson is taking lead on evacuating civilians. Our job is to close in and start gathering intelligence. If any baddies decide to step outside the hatches, then we make sure they get a warm welcome.

  “Captain Grahams is going to position the company in a blocking formation around the main landing zone, but these things are pretty big. Another two tank companies are picking up the far areas, each taking about a third of the perimeter. We need to make sure that they know what’s coming early so they can react appropriately.”He stopped as a hand went up in the back.“Garcia? Are you really raising your hand right now?”

  The buck sergeant grinned as the soldiers a
round him laughed.“I have a question, sir.”

  “This isn’t a classroom, Garcia.”The officer shook his head.“Go on.”

  Garcia looked around and asked the question he knew his brothers were thinking.“Is this an invasion? Like a‘no-shit’alien invasion?”

  Gabriel chewed on his lip.“The best answer I’ve got is that I don’t know. But the Boxti haven’t tried a diplomatic approach before, so we have to prepare for the worst. As of now, rules of engagement remains the same. Once they open fire, we are clear to rip them apart. I’d like to say I’m hopeful diplomacy will win the day, but these bug-eyed freaks don’t exactly follow the Federate Accords.”He paced in front of his platoon.“We’ve never seen the Boxti on the ground, but you’ve all received the briefings. Expect heavy infantry with light armored support. The Nangolani say that their forces are mostly slave labor or indoctrinated creatures from other planets. Suffice to say, we’re about to meet a whole lot of new faces. But anyone coming out of these carriers is to be treated as hostile unless proven otherwise.”

  “Can we trust the Grays on this?”

  The lieutenant scowled.“Sergeant, the Nangolanihave been forthcoming at every turn. We owe them the benefit of a little trust. And I’ve told you, I don’t like that term.”

  Garcia rolled his eyes, but straightened up when he saw Zev staring daggers in his direction. It wasn’t anything personal, he just didn’t trust the newcomers that every politician fell over to promote. But it wasn’t something he was willing to piss off the new PSG for.“Sorry, sir,”he said.

  “Head to your trucks. We’re rolling out in ten minutes.”

  The platoon dispersed, each soldier moving with a purpose toward their vehicles while the tank crews prepped their vehicles in front. At fifteen feet tall, the M225 A3 Shiva Main Battle Tank exuded power and dominance. Twin 205mm smooth bore cannons stuck out from the angled turret. The sleek hull was speckled with anti-slip paint to help crews move about the monstrous machine. Fifty caliber M11s slaved to the main guns provided inescapable fields of fire against infantry, and enabled the four-person crew to take on just about any foe.