Clearchus rested his chin in his hand as he considered the problem. He didn’t like the news, and it was a distraction from their primary mission. Even so, it could not be ignored.
“It may be Tissaphernes’ territory, but we are operating as a military force that is sanctioned by the Median Empire. The commander of that scout vessel gave us a few vital clues. Firstly, that an invasion of some kind is underway. Why would this have anything to do with Tissaphernes, unless he is mobilising a fleet to go somewhere? The most telling of all though is the Mulacs.”
Kleandridas nodded.
“I agree. The Mulacs are a menace in this region of space. The last reports Cyrus gave us showed that dozens of raiding parties, each upwards of five thousand mercenaries and a dozen ships, have been recorded. That’s more than enough to raid stations and small colonies on their own. If they have united under the banner of one Mulac leader, they would have the logistics and numbers to attack an entire colony, maybe even a planet.”
Clearchus moved his hand and brought up a diagram of the force’s structure. At the top were him and Cyrus. A simple movement of the hand, and the system proceeded to establish a secure connection.
“Clearchus, is there a problem?” asked Cyrus.
“Yes, you need to come back immediately. Our scouts have detected a large invasion force, possibly Mulacs at the Cilician Gates.”
“I’ll be with you in three minutes. Assemble the Dukas. We might be starting the campaign early.”
* * *
The battlestations alarm was the sound Xenophon was dreading. For the last week they’d been conducting drill after drill, and it was starting to bore. That dreaded sound meant getting up early, throwing on clothes and then more physical exercise. Sometimes they rehearsed ship boarding action defence, and other times they met in the landing bay to prepare for an assault. If nothing else, they had started to get to know the rest of the three hundred members of the Night Blades. Their leader, Komes Pasion, was a rigorous teacher and leader. In just days, he had already transformed Xenophon and Glaucon from their often slovenly ways, to keen and aggressive members of the group.
“This is your commander, Dukas Xenias. We have just received urgent information from Strategos Clearchus. All units are to assemble in your ready rooms for an immediate briefing. This is not a drill. We will be jumping within the hour.”
Xenophon stumbled from his bunk and landed a short distance from Glaucon who was already pulling on his grey uniform. Since joining up, they had been issued their uniforms, dull grey overalls with mounting points for plating, equipment and webbing. It was much better quality gear than would normally be issued to troops, and undoubtedly down to the lavish funds made available to the mercenaries.
“I thought we weren’t going to be going into action for a few more weeks?” said a confused Glaucon.
Xenophon nodded in agreement.
“Something has obviously changed. It’s not like they have told us much, anyway.”
In the bunk opposite, Roxana jumped down. She was already in her overalls and grabbed her boots from the rack. She had obviously listened to their conversation, as she joined in where they had left off.
“Our job is to rid the border territories of raiders, pirates and anybody else who shouldn’t be there. What if they’ve found a patrol or a raiding party?”
“Could be,” replied Xenophon. “Let’s get to the briefing and find out.”
Glaucon was ready first and already out of their dorm and heading along the corridor to the briefing room. Dozens of other mercenaries were also making their way in the same direction. All of them wore the grey uniforms of the mercenary force, and the only difference between units being national or unit emblems. Unsurprisingly, the image on his chest and shoulder displayed a darkened blade with a lightning strike running through it. A young woman ran back to her room, evidently having left something behind. She said something that Glaucon couldn’t quite catch as she rushed past, something to do with Mulacs.
He entered the room and was soon followed by other members of the unit, including Tamara, Xenophon, Roxana and lastly, Jack. The room was packed, and they were forced to the side where some of the other members of the unit waited. A few seconds later their commander, Komes Pasion, walked in. He didn’t wait, and he moved directly to the middle of the podium and launched into his briefing.
“Men and women of the Armada. As you know, this force was assembled and funded at the expense of our host, Lord Cyrus of the Median Empire. We have been organised with the sole purpose of operating outside of Terran space. This is a legal requirement for most of your homeworlds. You might be mercenaries, but this operation is something much nobler than the norm. Over thirty planets and colonies had been raided or attacked by a variety of hostiles factions in the last eighteen months. Most of these areas are located inside the borders of Median space.”
He pointed to the wall, but nothing appeared. He looked about until he spotted two technicians who were rushing to set up a device.
“Whenever you’re ready,” he said impatiently.
Luckily for them, the device flicked on, displaying a three-dimensional model of the area of space around the Median Empire. The hundreds of worlds were impressive, especially when compared to the modest number of Terran worlds arrayed against it.
“Now, if you look here, you will note that there are people in our galaxy other than our two peoples. The Median Empire itself is a confederation of hundreds of races, yet their core systems are inhabited by the Medes themselves. The Core Worlds are secured and guarded by the elite troops of the Emperor himself. The worlds outside of Medes control are something else, however.”
He pointed to a section of the map near the border of the Empire. It zoomed in to show the planets in detail.
“This part to the top of the map is one of the most sparsely populated but richest parts of the Empire. A regional governor called Tissaphernes controls it. The Medians call these leaders Satraps, and they exercise full control over their territories. This region in particular has come under a number of attacks in the last few months. So far, their military has been able to hold off most of them. That was until the capital was virus bombed three months ago. Most of Tissaphernes’ troops were killed, and they have been fighting a holding action ever since.”
He pulled back on the map to show other areas of the Empire.
“Other Satraps are experiencing similar problems, especially with the newer, more aggressive races here, and here. One in particular, the reptilian Mulacs have been attacking almost continually. Their empire has never been explored by either the Medes or us. We do know they are able to strike with scores of raiding parties, each containing thousands of warriors. These are our primary targets for this campaign.”
He paused for a moment, letting the news of the enemy, the target and their operation sink in. He was well aware that many of the mercenaries would have been expecting, potentially hoping, for an easy ride through this fight. He nodded to the two technicians who proceeded to bring up a model of the Median Lord Cyrus himself before adding one last comment.
“Lord Cyrus and Strategos Clearchus have received new intelligence, and I will let them explain it to you directly.”
He moved to the side, but not before making the map zoom out slightly to show more of the area of space they would be campaigning in. He ensured that one area in particular was centred. It was an area of space where the Median worlds extended, with one sticking out like a spearpoint directed towards the Terran worlds. The frozen image of Cyrus flickered and then burst into life. He wore the same clothing as the rest of the Ten Thousand, but there were minor alterations including insignia, headgear and a sash.
“Greetings from the Median Empire to all members of the Ten Thousand. You are the best-trained, equipped and motivated military force seen in this region of space for a hundred years. It was my intention to move through my Empire’s lands, so that we might collect additional forces on our way to the border reg
ions. Our Satraps in these areas are suffering greatly at the hands of pirates and raiders. This will have to wait, however, due to an unforeseen crisis. You will note that on the display is a system known as the Cilician Gates. Some of you may be familiar with it. This area is the closest Imperial system to any Terran world. It is also the first point in a series of jumps that can take us to throughout my Empire. Whoever controls this area of space, also controls the gateway into my Empire. A few hours ago, a massive invasion force of Mulac raiders smashed through the defences and started a full-scale ground invasion of the Cilician homeworld. We cannot proceed with our campaign if this enemy blocks the path into my Empire. They are stopping our movement but also blocking all trade and communications in and out of my lands.”
He stopped and motioned to somebody out of sight. Unlike the normal video streams, the three-dimensional transmission could only show one object and not its surroundings. He disappeared and a distortion field replaced him. Roxana pulled Xenophon and Glaucon to her, taking advantage of the lull.
“I’ve heard of this Tissaphernes. He’s a powerful warlord in his territory and definitely not on friendly terms with Lord Cyrus. There are rumours he has fired on Terran and Median ships.”
The image coalesced into the shape of Strategos Clearchus. He also wore the uniform of the Ten Thousand, but over the top were the various parts of Laconian armour that he was rarely seen without. He even wore his archaic military helmet.
“This is a serious and worrying encounter before our expedition has even started on its course. To clarify, our scout ship, the Odysseus, was destroyed in a co-ordinated attack by more than one unidentified ship. We suspect that everybody on board was killed in action or taken prisoner. That is over one hundred crew, and people that were due to travel with the fleet and take part in our grand adventure. This part of space is supposed to be heavily guarded by Median forces, but it would appear the rot of raiders and slavers has already pushed this far out into the frontier. We are being paid by Lord Cyrus and by extension, the Median Empire, to help restore their border territories and to drive out all and any hostile forces. Back home most of us would be without work, but out here we are well paid and have the potential to provide for our families and ourselves for years to come. Whether these enemies are Terran pirates, Mulac raiders, Medes rebels or even the Mycona, it makes no difference. We have been paid well to fight, and we will eliminate them all.”
Two officers entered the hall followed by four men struggling under the weight of a much older projection unit. They lowered it carefully in place and then stepped back. It wasn’t Terran technology; it had the effeminate look of Median equipment.
“Ever seen anything like that?” asked Roxana.
Xenophon simply stared at the item, enthralled by the exquisite detail along the shape of the unit. Carved figures of many different creatures ran around the lower part. General Clearchus continued his briefing. A beautifully detailed model of the planet appeared with emphasis on a large mountainous landmass. The largest mountain was covered with antenna and small towers that betrayed its design as something much more than just rock.
“Regional information has been provided by Lord Cyrus with regards to the defences and standard dispositions in this region. The main world is Cappadocia, and it is the home of the regional grand fleet plus at least one royal army. Lord Cyrus has information on at least three Mulac raiding fleets that have travelled through here in the last year, so there is a good chance this is one of them. We could bypass this region, but it will slow us down by many weeks and leave us with a hostile enemy behind us. I have therefore decided the Cilician Gates will be the first test of the Ten Thousand. We will secure this region, collect additional supplies and show Lord Cyrus we are worth every credit we are charging him.”
A quiet murmur of agreement travelled throughout the space. The General couldn’t see their reaction, however, and continued speaking.
“We leave in one hour for the Cilician Gates. Upon our arrival, we will show both the Medes and anybody that wants to try and stop us what we are capable of. This is the territory of Emperor Artaxerxes, and therefore by extension his siblings, who include Lord Cyrus. He has asked us to recover this territory, and we will do so as quickly as possible.”
Xenophon was surprised at the mention of the Median Emperor. He had only recently taken power. At least that was the rumour, since little information came from the heart of the Empire. As well as being immensely rich and powerful, the Empire was infamous for its use of agents, spies and assassins.
Are we working for Cyrus or Artaxerxes? he thought.
“We will immediately establish space supremacy in the system, and this will be provided by an advance jump by the Titans. If, as we suspect, the enemy is in the process of attacking Median colonies or outposts, we will assist by launching ground assaults against any of their camps. We do believe this is likely to be a Mulac operation, and it will prove a useful experience for our later campaign. Your commanders will continue your briefing.”
The image vanished, and the room fell silent. Dukas Xenias stood alone and looked out at the assembled troops. Everyone looked both eager and confused at the news. He nodded at them and smiled.
“Our previous experience suggests the Mulacs don’t rush their attacks. They use large numbers of ships and ground troops to blockade a moon, station or even an entire planet. Once secured, Mulacs then strip the site of everything they want. This includes loot, weapons and especially slaves. Assuming any of the inhabitants of Cappadocia are alive, they will have retreated to the royal fortress, the mountain Citadel, here.”
He pointed at the model the soldiers had brought in. The Citadel was gigantic, perhaps almost a kilometre tall when measured from the base. The rest of the city paled in significance to this imposing structure.
Xenophon looked to his comrades and spoke quietly.
“Look at that thing. Are they serious about attacking this place?”
“Who says anybody is there? I bet we’ll jump in and find nothing but the Median fleet wanting to know what we are doing,” answered Tamara.
Dukas Xenias pointed to a number of large industrial sites based around the Citadel.
“This is it. The lands of Tissaphernes are rich. This planet is critical to the Median Empire, and therefore to our paymaster. We will be greatly rewarded for helping to clear them of raiders. Get your gear and wait in the landing bays. I suspect we will be action as soon as we arrive at the Gates.”
He paused for a brief moment before finishing with a simple, “Good hunting.”
He turned and left, leaving the room to the assembled troops. As soon as he exited the door, a great din erupted from the scores of men and women. Glaucon shouted over the noise.
“This is it, then? We’re going to war.”
Jack beamed with excitement, and Tamara stood still, a look of dumbstruck confusion about her. Even Xenophon looked less than excited at the prospect of battle. Glaucon put his arms around the group and beamed.
“Come on, how much trouble can a few thousand Mulacs give us?”
Xenophon said nothing; he just looked directly at him and tried to remember what he knew about the Mulacs. Try as he might, he simply couldn’t find anything positive to say about them. All he could think about was the Citadel and thousands of heavily armed alien warriors.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Cilician Gates, Median Border Lands
The Titans were the first ships of the fleet to arrive. Each of the massive warships jumped into the system at key points around the main worlds. LLS Valediction and the Olympia, with their larger contingents of mercenaries, moved into position over the fortress planet of Cappadocia, the capital of this sector. Seconds behind the mighty ships followed another two-dozen warships plus scores of escorts. The planet was larger than the old human planet of Earth but from space looked similar. Three small moons circled the world, but none were inhabited. Inside the landing bay of the Olympia stood hundreds of mercenarie
s. All were in their matching grey uniforms and carrying a selection of weapons, shields and armour. Dozens of dromons were lined up, all waiting like a horde of angry insects. These were the standard swift gunboats used by the Terrans to move warriors into battle. At fifty-five metres long, they were slightly smaller than those used by the Laconians. At key points in the landing bay were map projectors showing the system they had arrived in.
“What’s happening?” asked Glaucon.
Dekarchos Maxentius pointed to the planet on the display.
“No intelligence yet, so we must wait. Show patience, stratiotes. When our commanders have established what is happening here, they will choose our targets and objectives. Just be ready.”
Xenophon reached out and placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder.
“Don’t worry about getting into action too quickly. There are more than enough enemies in this region. You’ve seen the reports, the same as me.”
As if to emphasise the point, the map changed to show the planet and a number of ships in orbit around it. There was at least one Median battleship a short distance away as well as dozens and dozens of unidentified vessels.
“What are they?” asked Tamara.
Roxana looked at them for a few seconds. She was by far the one amongst them with the most experience in terms of ships and naval warfare.
“I’ve seen these configurations before,” she said firmly.
Dekarchos Maxentius looked dubious.
“Really, I was an officer in the Alliance Fleet. These ships are Mulac cruisers, heavily armoured and filled with landing craft. We came across one on a routine patrol back before the Fall. One of the cruisers can carry hundreds of warriors and their gear. Trust me, if they are here, then they intend on putting ground forces somewhere.”
“Assuming they haven’t already,” added Xenophon.
Black Legion - The First Trilogy Page 21