by Karl Morgan
“Majesty, there is some to report,” Anda began. “As the admiral mentioned, a number of Pyrrian ships have moved into the dead sector. It appears that they may make a move for several planets within Lozaki space. All of the Lozaki cruisers have come here to join our fleet. We are receiving desperate requests for support from those planets. What should we do, sir?”
“We can only fight one war at a time, Anda. The Lozaki will have to wait. How are our agents controlling the situation on their ships and back home?” the emperor asked.
“The ships are secure. Not well on the planets though, Great Uncle,” Branak said. “With only a few thousand agents on twelve worlds, it is becoming difficult to maintain any semblance of order. We have reports of rioting in the streets and plans to negotiate for peace with the Pyrrians.”
“The Pyrrians are a scourge on the galaxy. Perhaps after we take Nom-Kat-La, we can send some cruisers back to restore order. The Pyrrian ships are no match for the Pondi and others like her. Captain, please make a plan to do that. Arrange to take as many agents as you need to restore order. You are excused,” Nokalez said. Anda left Branak alone to face the emperor.
“Uncle,” Branak said, “I am afraid there is more news.”
The emperor downed his drink and refilled his glass. He sat heavily on his throne and glowered at the admiral. “Out with it, Nephew.”
“Several of our cruisers on the Kalidean frontier have been compromised by the rebels,” he began. “Four cruisers have sworn allegiance to your son and are terrorizing our planets in that region.”
“Even from the depths of Thuk, my son continues to disappoint me,” Nokalez sighed. “This is your chance to give me all the bad news, nephew, before I send you to join him there.”
“Those ships remain near the Kalidean frontier so they should not impact our current mission. At least we have that good news. Also, it is rumored that some Palian agitators who were freed from Localus have gone to various Palian planets to gain support. Some believe those agents have maklans with them to prevent our agents from controlling them,” Branak said. “If rumors are to be believed, there may be five or ten Palian cruisers with none of our agents on board flying around inciting riots and revolutions.”
“Traitors all!” Nokalez shouted. “If we did not have this urgent appointment on Localus, I would crush them like the bugs they are. Please tell me there is no more, nephew.”
“Only one thing, Uncle,” he squirmed. “I don’t believe this, but some think that a few of the Palian ships in our own fleet are rebel ships.”
“That can’t be true,” the emperor said. “I ordered there to be enough agents on each ship to control every Being on board. Are you saying my orders were disobeyed?”
“No sir,” Branak cried. “It is a rumor only. Our agents say they have control, but there are so many ships here now. Perhaps one or two could have slipped through their net.”
“If that is true, and any of those ships changes side in the battle, I will have our chief agents sent to Thuk too!” Nokalez screamed. “Your uncle Panoplez will have wall-to-wall cell mates. At least he won’t be wanting for company.” The emperor laughed hysterically. “No, that rumor must be wrong.”
A tone sounded, and Nokalez touched a button on his throne. “Emperor, all ships are in position,” Anda said. “We can proceed to Localus on your command, Majesty.”
“All ahead full, Captain,” the emperor laughed.
Chapter 34
Fa-a-Di was pacing around his office on Localus. After he had recovered from his battle wounds, he insisted on joining his friend, Je-e-Bo to defend against the next Predaxian attack. He had commandeered Warden Kogala’s office after the invasion. The furniture had been much too small, so new furnishings had been shipped from Nom-Kat-La. He was concerned that Predax had not yet launched an attempt to take back the planet. Fa-a-Di had requested additional ships to support the seventy-three currently orbiting Localus and Nom-Kat-La. Field Marshall Je-e-Bo had sent urgent requests to Kalidus and Earth to get more ships. Earth was still in the process of upgrading the defense and weapons systems on their fleet. High Commissioner Daniels hoped to send three more ships in the coming days.
A tone sounded on his control panel and he touched a glowing button. High Commissioner Noctalus of the Kalidean Federation was smiling broadly. “Fa-a-Di, my brother, it is good to see you again. I am surprised you are not on Gallia,” she said.
“Noctalus, it is a pleasure to see you as well, sister. I am here on Localus because I am a soldier first, and politician only second,” Fa-a-Di laughed. “My friend Je-e-Bo and I are convinced the Predaxians will attempt to take this planet and Nom-Kat-La very soon. Je-e-Bo is in orbit on his fleet battle cruiser. I am leading the efforts here to glean information from the Predaxian agents we captured. They are a mentally tough group and our progress has been slow.”
“There is hope, brother,” she replied. “Four Predaxians cruisers in the Tantalus region have turned sides in the last few days. They are harassing the Predaxian planets on their side of the frontier. It is strange they have not engaged any loyal star ships in several days. What do you make of that?”
“They must be massing an attack force close to here,” Fa-a-Di said. “If that force was intent on attacking Tantalus, your rebels would have seen a lot of action. I will have to advise Je-e-Bo. Their attack may be imminent. By the way, sister, will you be able to send any ships to support our fleet here?”
“We will be jumping four battle cruisers today to Nom-Kat-La, brother,” she replied. “Unfortunately, we are not completely convinced the rebels are genuine and cannot leave Tantalus unprotected. We have ten cruisers there now.”
Fa-a-Di sighed, “I know, Noctalus, it is a difficult decision. When we attacked Localus, we were only fifty percent convinced the rebel ships in our fleet would fight on our side. Fortunately, they were very brave in battle and have now earned my respect. Those cruisers in your region could be real rebels or more agents. Who can know?”
“Exactly, brother,” she said. “On another subject, what have you heard about the voyage to Tak-Makla? We lost contact with our ambassador yesterday.”
“I spoke with Commander Nan-de-Bo on the Kong-Fa a few hours ago,” Fa-a-Di reported. “My brother-in-law had been transported to Tak-Makla from twelve light-years away.”
“Twelve light-years?” Noctalus asked. “How is that possible?”
“I believe that is what our team is trying to learn. Earlier today, the Kong-Fa and Nightsky were transported to Tak-Makla in the same fashion. One second they were in open space, and the next they were in orbit. Amazing! Our ambassadors are now on the planet meeting with the High Consul and some of his ministers. Hopefully we will convince them to join our cause,” Fa-a-Di said.
“We definitely need their help, brother,” she replied. “The Predaxians may have the ability to outgun us now. From reports similar to Tantalus, it seems that ships are moving away from other parts of their frontier. I assume they will attack you at Localus. If they have a large enough fleet, Localus and Nom-Kat-La could be in jeopardy.”
“We will do our best to push them back all the way to Predax, or die trying,” Fa-a-Di said. “My family has been military for many generations and we know the cost of war. I am happy to report that No-Makla has continued to send agents to us. We can now see five light-years into Predaxian space from Localus. So far, everything is clear, although I expect to see them coming soon.”
“And what of the Predaxian political prisoners you released?” Noctalus asked. “Are they helping or hindering your efforts?”
“Fortunately, one Predaxian cannot control another,” the general said. “Many have joined Zakamar Vondee and her rebels. Others remain here with us monitoring the captured agents and working to turn them against the emperor. I worry about what will happen to them if Predax captures this planet again. Their blood will be on our hands if that happens.”
“Brother Fa-a-Di, I have the greatest confidence in you
and Je-e-Bo,” Noctalus smiled. “I remember your actions turning the First Predaxian War around and pushing them back. I know you two will do that again.”
“Thank you, Noctalus, for your words of encouragement. I know when the taste of battle is in my mouth, I will do everything possible to end the blight the Predaxians have sown on the galaxy,” Fa-a-Di said. “I still remember my father telling me about his friendship with many Palians. It is terrible to see their worlds after a hundred years of Predaxian rule. A proud species has been reduced to slavery. We have several thousand Palians now infiltrating the Palian worlds to undermine Predaxian control. Each has a maklan with them for protection. Many Palian worlds are on the brink of revolution.”
“Along that line, I have been contacted by Emperor Valka of Pyrrus. All of the Predaxian ships along their frontier have disappeared. He has launched several incursions into their space. The ten planets of the Lozaki are close to their frontier. They have also reportedly destroyed one Predaxian supply ship deep in the dead quarter of their space. Five other ships are attacking strongholds on Lozaki planets. The emperor has asked for our help. What do you think, brother?” she asked.
“The Pyrrians are an odd group, sister,” Fa-a-Di responded. “We have no contact with them since they are so far from our space. “They seem barbaric to me. I would caution against providing them with too much support.”
“I agree, brother,” Noctalus said. “At this point in time, neither of us has any free resources. We are totally committed to the Predaxian frontier. Perhaps after you defeat the Predaxian fleet, we will reconsider.”
“Agreed,” Fa-a-Di said. “Sister, I am getting a priority call. I will call you back later. Localus out.” The connection was cut and the image of Field Marshall Je-e-Bo filled his screen. “What is happening, my friend?”
Je-e-Bo sat back in his chair and sipped a glass of whisky. “Fa-a-Di, my dear brother, the enemy has launched its fleet from Palus. We are reading one hundred star cruisers headed our way.”
“Ah, the war has begun in earnest, my brother,” Fa-a-Di smiled. “When will they arrive?”
“They are traveling at near full speed. It appears they have some older ships slowing them down. We estimate their arrival in two days. Have you had any luck obtaining more assets for the battle?” Je-e-Bo asked.
“Some luck, brother,” Fa-a-Di replied. “Besides the three Earth ships, High Commissioner Noctalus is jumping four more to Nom-Kat-La today. That will give us eighty ships to their one hundred.”
“Pretty difficult odds, brother,” Je-e-Bo sneered. “This will not be like our great victory at Nok-lak-a, friend. We are in their space and there are hundreds of thousands of their agents deep inside Localus. If they take the planet, they will unleash that horde on Nom-Kat-La. I still shudder when I think how easily the Predaxians controlled me. I have been talking with High Commissioner Pakalanalan about a plan.”
“Please tell me the details, brother,” Fa-a-Di said as he filled his glass with captured Predaxian brandy. He sipped it and sat back.
“We know that only ten or twenty of the Predaxian fleet will be manned exclusively by Predaxians. The rest will have enslaved crews and probably half of those will be Palian,” Je-e-Bo began. “Arroflenides has agreed to increase the number of maklan agents here by eight hundred thousand. That group will lie in wait on Localus. When the enemy fleet is in range, they will jump to each of the non-Predaxian ships. Our hope is that the maklans will disrupt the mind control of the Predaxian agents. If we can get any of those vessels to change sides, it could turn the battle in our favor.”
“That’s brilliant, Je-e-Bo,” Fa-a-Di smiled as he drained his glass. “Perhaps we will live to fight another day. I do have some additional news. Our Palian agents claim to have taken over four of the Palian ships in the fleet. With the overall size of their fleet, the Predaxian agents haven’t been able to maintain absolute control. Kogala has told me those ships will turn to our side when we need them most. They will also make certain they do not hit any of our ships.”
“Wonderful, Fa-a-Di. That is great news,” Je-e-Bo laughed. “Those two tactics may be enough to win the day. I only hope we hear from De-o-Nu and Dave soon with good news. Time is very short and diplomacy is slow and complex. Tak-Makla seems to have the ability to do miraculous things. Let us hope they come to our aid.”
“God willing, they will, Je-e-Bo,” Fa-a-Di said. “I will take a shuttle up to your flagship later today so we can begin the battle plan. Localus out.”
Chapter 35
“First, I want to thank you for journeying to meet with us,” Zee said. “We had a wonderful evening yesterday and I trust our guests enjoyed the dinner we held in your honor?”
“It was fabulous, High Consul,” Darlene began, “and we are grateful that you have allowed our ships to visit your world. As you know, we are looking to establish relationships with new civilizations. Your culture is clearly one of the most advanced in the galaxy, and it would be an honor to work and trade with you.”
“I agree,” Ambassador Petrodus said. “Kalidus is very interested in our mutual trade. We believe your vast network of trading partners will bring many new cultures into our circle of friends.”
Nar Benadar, Minister of Defense entered the room. He apologized for his tardiness and sat next to the High Consul.
“Thank you ambassadors,” Zee said. “Now that Nar has arrived, there have been some issues related to our meeting that trouble us. Nar, please continue.”
“Thank you Consul,” Nar said. “We are aware of the continuing struggles of your worlds against Predax. I understand that completely. We had friendly relations with Predax several million years ago, but when they perfected their mind control techniques and began to expand their empire, we cut all ties. For your information, The Hive advises us that one hundred ships controlled by Predax are currently traveling toward the frontier with Greater Gallia. There are more than seventy ships from your fleet there already. We fear that hostilities may begin in a day or two.”
“I was not aware of that, Consul,” Dave said. “Does the possibility of war with the Predaxians bother you?”
“Not at all,” Nar answered. The other tekkans smiled. “We are happy to see the end of their slavery in that sector of space. We are quite concerned that your ships are outnumbered though. But that is a matter for your leaders, not us.”
Zee said, “Let us cut to the chase. What are your intentions with our home world?”
De-o-Nu asked, “I don’t think we understand the question, Consul. We want trade and peace with Tak-Makla, nothing else.”
“Not this planet!” Zee exclaimed. “We are talking about Ai-Makla, the original world of the maklans. Why are there agents from Earth, No-Makla and Predax there? I understand the sanctity of that world to those maklan species, but why are humans there?”
“Consul,” Ambassador Carakala Pakalanalan interjected, “we do not know where Ai-Makla is. I can’t imagine there are any maklan agents there. Can you provide any additional information about this? How many maklans and humans are involved on Ai-Makla? Where is this planet?”
“Zee, The Hive does not report any anomalies here,” Var Kandalan, Minister of The Hive reported. “Our guests appear to be telling the truth.”
“Perhaps Var,” Zee replied. “I can understand how many maklan cultures could have lost track of the home world. Our original settlers included many great astrophysicists who enabled us to keep its location. The nova that destroyed Ai-Makla burned off the atmosphere and much of the crust of the planet. What exists there now is a solid rock and iron core circling a white dwarf star. That site is sacred to us, and we have been monitoring Ai-Makla since the Predaxians began to modify it. The Hive has seen structures inside the planet now. Predaxian ships have been visiting it for more than ten solar revolutions.”
Var continued, “Recently, more Predaxian vessels have been stopping there. Currently, The Hive has seen six Predaxians, two humans and one maklan in
the structures within the planet. Our ability to see there is very limited due to the vast amounts of rock and iron between space and the chambers within. There are those in The Hive who imagine the worst. We have found that Ai-Makla is one of the few spots in the galaxy with more lines of universal power than Tak-Makla. If your species could build a world there such as this one, a Hive there could be far more powerful than ours.”
De-o-Nu said, “Gentlemen, I know that none of the species present there could possibly compete with your culture. Humanity is just beginning to explore space. Their technology is far behind that of Greater Gallia, so you can imagine how far below you they are. Also, Dave and Charlie are my brothers. I trust them with my life. They will never be your enemy. The Predaxians are too vile and warlike to spend time and resources on such an adventure or to form an alliance with Earth or No-Makla. While the maklans of No-Makla are an amazing race, I cannot see how one could make any difference.”
“It’s a prison planet,” Petrodus interrupted. “The Predaxians are notorious for installing prisons for their political enemies deep inside planets. It is documented that their mind control cannot penetrate thousands of miles of rock and iron. It is the perfect place to imprison their most dangerous opponents.”
“It must be the cell for Panoplez Zendo,” De-o-Nu said. “He is the son of their emperor. He had a falling out with his father and began to recruit Predaxians to overthrow him. It was rumored that the emperor built a special prison just for him. Deep in a dead planet in their dead quadrant would be an ideal spot. Are Predaxian ships still going there?”
“The Hive reported a Predaxian ship there two days ago. A Pyrrian cruiser was attacking the ship, which jumped five Predaxians into the planet. The ship was then either destroyed or self-destructed,” Nar said. “The cruiser left the area and proceeded to a Lozaki planet.”