Darkest Hour: Liberation War Book 1

by John Walker

  In the absence of fact, people invented their own and those with the loudest voices incited wild behavior. Jacks knew his teams were in the best position to quell all the noise and help understand the situation they were in. If they could only get over the hurdle of technical glitches and problems, he could send an effective message to the entire planet.

  Until then, Jacks had to suffer through the worst tension of his career, accepting the fact there was no hurrying their progress, no pushing to get things done quicker. They were bound to fate and he prayed it fell on their side. If not, a lot more might fall than the Agency and their various employees.

  The Earth itself was potentially on the line.

  ***

  Chapter 5

  Warren understood pressure. He’d fought in wars, flew in the most dangerous of circumstances and gambled with his life on hundreds of occasions. Soldiers put their faith in him, trusting his judgement and leadership. Never before had he struggled with nerves so much as while trying to wake up the people they saved from the converter.

  Maybe if I knew what the hell it was, I might not be so concerned about it. Oh, what am I saying, of course I’d be concerned. This thing is terrifying. They ended up with fifteen able bodied individuals with five injured past the point of participating in any sort of real conflict. Dex filled them in and let them know what was at stake.

  None of their recent recruits had any idea what happened. Snippets of their stories all sounded the same. Stuck in traffic … running with a large group of individuals in a parking … trying to get into a building, to safety. They were abducted like the rest were. In droves, they were attacked by the aliens and brought to the mothership … to be rendered down to … whatever.

  Seven of the pistols still worked and they distributed them to the men and women most suitable to use them. Though they took less than five minutes to rouse their people, it felt much longer. Warren couldn’t believe reinforcements hadn’t descended upon them. He turned to Avania. She’d made it clear this was one of several such devices.

  “Where are the other stations?”

  Avania sighed. “We don’t really have the time—”

  “We’ll make the time,” Warren interrupted. “Lead us to the next one. You haven’t told us what these things do but it’s bad enough that you wouldn’t let us pull the rest of the people out. Assume we’re not leaving any of our comrades to die in them than we have to.”

  “I understand your loyalty,” Avania replied, “I really do but we’ve been lucky so far.”

  “Tell that to Gary!” Dex blurted out.

  “Yes, not him …” Avania closed her eyes for a moment. “We’ll fetch more of your people. We’ll need to really pack in a shuttle …” She looked at the group, frowning. “Follow me and be quick about it. The next one probably won’t be as easy.”

  “Why?” Dex asked.

  “Because if they didn’t send people here, they believed it was lost. They’ll reinforce the others and hope we come for them.” Avania shrugged. “At least, that’s their normal protocol. I’ve seen groups raid these vessels before and that’s how they were repelled. The converters are the most valuable pieces of equipment on board.”

  They were on the move when Warren got closer to her. “I’d love to know what they’re doing. What you meant by essence when you said they’re collecting it off of people.”

  “Essence meaning the life force that makes you human. It includes the blood, the energy, all that animates us. The spark of survival and personality. All of it, collected through a painstaking process that leaves the shell little more than dust.” Avania shook her head. “It was … a somewhat frowned upon exercise.”

  “And what for? Why bother? What’s the benefit?”

  Avania looked him over, examining his face for several moments. When she finally responded, she looked away, staring straight ahead while still walking. “Simply put?” Her eyes narrowed. “Life extension. Prolonging the spark, both physical and mental, in a certain caste of my people.”

  Warren’s mouth went dry. Her matter-of-fact description of the converter stunned him to the core. It took him a good half a minute to grasp what she said and when he did, anger replaced the confusion. Before he understood what they were doing, he merely wanted to escape the ship. Killing them was self-defense.

  Now, he felt an instinctual desire to destroy their vessel and prevent them from ever doing anything like … conversion again.

  “You’re okay with this?” Warren asked. “‘Cause you don’t sound too broken up.”

  Avania shook her head. “Not at all. It’s one of the reasons I was in that cell. We can discuss this at greater length soon but right now, we really need to focus on the task at hand. There will be time and I understand your indignation, I truly do.” She seemed to notice his expression did not soften. “You will simply have to trust me.”

  “I’ll work on that.” Warren moved ahead of her, clenching the handle of his pistol tighter. He couldn’t wait for another crack at these aliens. During this next encounter, he would not be so gentle with his attack or how he directed the others in the assault. Understanding their purpose gave him a newfound drive to wipe them out.

  Whatever the cost.

  ***

  Avania worried about the endurance of the humans. Their planet had been off limits for generations, allowing them to thrive, grow and kill each other completely on their own. After the initial visits in the distant past, once certain elements of their culture were put in motion, the alanta culture decided they no longer needed help.

  Humans began looking toward the stars early in their development. Their hearts full of adventure, they even managed to make it as far as the moon with primitive equipment and raw desire. That courage served them well but it also made them a target for her cousin, Sorna, the man who forced Avania to go on the run.

  Alanta technology advanced quickly when they developed faster than light travel through the creation of stable wormholes. Biology in particular thrived until scientists uncovered a method to extend life indefinitely through a process called transference. It required purified life essence pulled from other creatures, but it proved highly effective.

  Many of the alanta people considered the act blasphemous, even referring to it as vampirism but a certain portion of the ruling caste saw opportunity. They began to imagine ruling for generations, never growing old, maintaining their vigor while others faded. The concept was far too tempting to turn down.

  Early tests proved certain races simply weren’t suitable for life extension but held other benefits. Human beings provided the best results but Earth was an out of the way planet. So the alanta people made a special visit after the fall of one of their greatest empires. Back then, the plan was to take a sizable enough portion of the population and seed a different planet.

  That became the great experiment. Ten million Earthlings were taken. Their historical records called the event The Black Death, a convenient disguise for the disappearance of so many human beings. Indeed, many did die from a virulent disease but not the numbers they reported later. That merely covered up the shocking loss of so many.

  So they were moved to a new planet where they were allowed to live in relative comfort though all had to give themselves up at a certain age. Avania remembered her history classes, each of them granting almost divine importance on the planet in question. Unfortunately, after several hundred years, the breeding of those humans ceased to be effective.

  The last of them died off.

  Avania could only imagine the reaction from the humans when the massive ship arrived in their system this time. When the smaller vessels descended upon them, they likely panicked and rightfully so. Standard procedure involved radio silence. Swoop in, take the resources and get back out.

  Chances were good the ship’s captain already plotted a course for the next system on their route. Most of the collectors kept their schedules tight, with little room for error or delay. When they set out on their run
, they needed to maintain strict timing to meet delivery promises from their employers. They peddled in the lesser essences but this one, must’ve been greedy.

  It’s a big business. The most valuable commodity in the universe these days. Which was why they immediately began rendering their finds down the moment they got them on board. They didn’t have time to waste so that meant putting the humans, and whatever other creatures they captured, straight into converters.

  Furthermore, they needed to get out there before the alanta government made the move. Human essence had been stored up so they weren’t in danger of running out too soon, but they would want to know the flow had been picked up again. That meant another mass abduction. It would’ve been far more peaceful than the collectors but these humans wouldn’t have chalked up the loss to a disease.

  They would’ve known the truth.

  Warren seemed particularly moved by the situation and she didn’t blame him. However, thinking she had anything to do with it was ridiculous. She refused to accept guilt by association, by having been born part of a royal house. After all, her family had been all but wiped out for their views on transference.

  We tried to stop it and in return, we were exiled, murdered or fled for our lives. The collection crew hadn’t been looking for Avania. They just got lucky on one of their runs and planned on collecting the reward on her head. Those in her family who didn’t die were hunted. Her cousin didn’t make a concerted effort to find them but his money sat on the table.

  Bounty hunters were not uncommon but Avania swore she’d gone far enough to avoid them. Few wanted to venture into the less civilized systems, let alone a religious commune. One of the monasteries for the old gods took her in, providing her sanctuary. The lack of luxury bothered her but it had been safe, a place to plan what to do next.

  The collector’s owner lacked scruples if he sent a ship out to that particular planet. Unless the captain proved to be enterprising. No one bothered the place or the people so it was possible he simply wanted to get at a location with a viable population for transference. Great fortune for them, terrible luck for Avania.

  On top of the money they would make from all the essence they collected, the bounty would certainly pad their pockets to a tremendous degree. It might be the most lucrative run those bastards ever made. Depending on how they spent their money, some of them could probably retire.

  But I’ve escaped, Avania thought. And these humans aren’t going to let them get home with all this essence. No, if I read them correctly, my allies are planning on destroying this ship for good. That won’t bode well for them in the long run but it will protect their planet for today. They’ll need a plan for the future, though.

  Their primary concern rested firmly on what would happen in the next encounter, the next hour not a week or month down the line. The people around Avania fell into survival mode and they fully intended to remain that way until they were out of danger. She believed that’s where their abrasiveness came from and tried to give them a pass.

  I’m feeling the same way right now, if I’m to be honest. The difference between her and them came down to understanding the situation. She knew what she was facing and fully grasped what it meant to be trapped by the collectors. Prior to the humans releasing her, she mentally prepared herself for eventual execution. They’ve given me another chance to live.

  More importantly, they provided her an opportunity to get even with her cousin, to take back her kingdom. Every day she drew breath was another spit in that bastard’s eye and another moment she could spend attempting to bring the traitors to justice. Sitting in the collector’s cell nearly extinguished her hope but now, it burned as bright as ever.

  Avania peered up ahead, noting a mild yellow glow covering the floor. They were approaching the next collector. This one would be better protected than the last, the men ready for a fight. She doubted they counted on the sheer number of humans they rescued. The fact so many of them proved to be ready for a fight shocked her.

  I give these humans credit. They are a tough breed. Far more enduring than I anticipated. In another time, when Avania’s family ruled over the alanta people, they would’ve eventually reached out to humanity, extending a hand of friendship. Those creatures who aspired and achieved enjoyed lucrative treaties with them.

  The current ruling body looked at other races as little more than exploitable resources. Slave labor, essence for transference or even toys for their perversions. While in the monastery, Avania received word they had opened the old arenas again, forcing captives to fight to the death. Their barbarity knew no limits, no bounds.

  “We’re approaching the next converter,” Avania announced. She pointed to the ground. “You can see the glow from the process there.”

  “I got it,” Warren replied. He turned to the others. “Listen up, these animals were going to kill all of us. They’ve already taken many lives in their sick, perverse process. If you want to get off this thing, if you want to be able to look yourselves in the mirror for the rest of your days, then you’re going to fight like you never thought possible.

  “We know they’ve reinforced this area. We also know they are desperate to hold on to their commodities. Don’t forget that you are what they consider a resource! Our deaths, our bodies, give them what they need and if we let them, they’ll do this again. So when I give the word, those of us who are armed will charge.

  “The rest of you wait until we’re engaged before you move. Save as many of our people as you can. Get them off the conveyer belt and the hanging devices. We’ll need every able-bodied person to make this work.” Warren held his weapon up. “Are you with me?”

  The humans shouted in unison, an inarticulate sound which Avania assumed compliance.

  “Then let’s go!” Warren darted off down the hall with his zealous people running behind. Avania hesitated for half a moment, wondering if she should risk her own life the same way. They likely had the situation under control. There was no reason to assume otherwise with their numbers. Even if the collection crew mustered everyone, they couldn’t stand up to that assault.

  Not while guarding the other stations at the same time.

  Damn it, I have to aid them. Avania sighed and charged along with them. I might not survive the day, but at least I’ll have helped someone with a cause. If it can’t be my own, then I’ll settle for theirs.

  ***

  Jacks entered the control room just as two of their research vessels began an approach to the object. One was the Seeker with Commander Avery Harden in command. The other was the Probity, helmed by Demetrius Singer. Both men were solid, experienced officers but this situation would test them for sure.

  Jacks sat beside one of the operators, a young man who stiffened at his presence and looked terribly nervous. As the lead administrator, he knew he cut an imposing figure but just then, he wasn’t worried about making one of the operators nervous. He’d be involved in many more such missions in the future so they would all have to get used to his presence.

  The job put to the two ships up there had to be the scariest of any mission performed by an astronaut crew. Two vessels had already been attacked. They hoped these two unarmed ships would not bring upon such a response, but instead, allow them to gather data. Providing they were ignored, the research vessels carried the very best of sensor equipment.

  Data. Jacks reminded himself why they were risking so much. They have to collect something for us to analyze, to give to the people while the Leviathan resolves their glitch.

  “This is Commander Singer.” The voice came through the speakers, echoing in the room. “We are approaching the object now. Piping our cameras through to you but my God, this thing is enormous. Magnification is allowing us to gather extensive textural detail of the surface. We’re ready to scan, over.”

  Jacks hit the button at his console, leaning toward the microphone. “Commence when ready and immediately send the data our way. We need anything you’ve got. Keep an eye out for any sort
of power surges or odd signals. Prepare to back off if you have to. Do you read, over?”

  “We read you,” Singer replied. “Please stand by, over.”

  Jacks leaned back, staring up at the blank screen. It flickered and suddenly the object came into view. The surface was displayed in high definition detail, down to tiny lines upon the metal like circuitry running in all directions. Light glanced off of it, making it clear the embellishment must’ve been a different color of metal on the smooth surface.

  “Anyone have a thought about what those are for?” Jacks asked. “Theories? Guesses?”

  “Conduits for energy,” one voice tossed out.

  Another said, “venting systems for faster than light travel.”

  “How about decoration?”

  Jacks appreciated the break in the silence. Throwing out the question got them thinking, tore them away from the tension of the mission and allowed them to focus on the task at hand. He wanted to make sure his people were still using their brains, not giving in to panic and fear.

  Agency headquarters had to remain stable, without discord. His people were in the best position to handle the situation but truth be told, they weren’t exactly trained for an invasion. The battlecruiser had been intended to protect the fleet as they advanced outward, not defend the planet as their maiden voyage.

  Off to the left of the screen, he knew the Demeter ships were floating, devastated from their run on the alien vessel. Thirty men and women, dead. Jacks shook his head at the senseless loss of life, the total waste because of these creatures who invaded Earth space. He would have to write letters to their families. The thought made his heart sick.

  “Scans are coming in now,” Singer said. “It has not moved nor done anything in particular in regard to our presence. Permission to close in.”

  “Granted,” Jacks replied. “Do as you see fit, commander. Mission is yours.”

  “Thank you, sir. Surface composition is … not in any of our records. We’re sending the data to you now but this doesn’t make sense. The computer keeps finding unknown elements. We’re running a diagnostic to ensure accuracy but I don’t doubt the message. Part of the interference from the surface is an energy field of some kind. The shield we saw when the Demeter fired on it.”