Star Crusades Nexus: Book 03 - Heroes of Helios

by Michael G. Thomas

  “Very impressive,” said Teresa, reaching his side.

  Praetor Darius, who until now had been silent, stepped behind them and pointed at the darkest building of them all. It was round and erupted out of the ground like half a cannonball. All around the structure were shattered buildings, ruins, and rubble.

  “This is where we train for the Dark Days.”

  Neither General Rivers nor the other Alliance representatives quite understood what she meant by this.

  “The Dark Days, Praetor?

  He turned and looked intently at Teresa.

  “Yes, the Dark Days. It is a name we have for the eventual return of the Great Enemy. Though we are glad to meet your people, you have also announced the start of this period in our history. It will end with the Dark Days and billions will die.”

  Teresa said nothing, now unsure as to what she could possibly add.

  “If you come with me, I will introduce you to the contingents from each of the great Powers.”

  He made to move and then looked back.

  “I am a little confused. I know most of your officials are in discussion with our leadership. We did request that our group would send a military contingent for a demonstration and contest of arms. Where is yours?”

  Teresa looked to Gun and Rivers, also looking for the answer.

  General Rivers gave them all an amused smile.

  “They are here, the two commanders of the 17th Battalion.”

  Praetor Darius did not look impressed.

  “Two warriors?”

  Gun started to laugh and quickly stopped himself when he saw the expression on Teresa’s face. He moved up to the Praetor and placed his great paw on his shoulder. It was easily the size of his head, and the look of fear was obvious on his face.

  “Two is all we need.”

  Praetor Darius turned and walked away, muttering something under his breath. Gun followed, but Teresa approached the General before joining the others.

  “General, are you serious?”

  He nodded but this time far more solemnly.

  “Look, Teresa, we need to get involved with these people and fast. It’s clear they are weak and vulnerable. Unless we can influence them militarily, the Enemy could have the Black Rift and be on us in just a few years, maybe earlier. We have to fast track this to weeks or months, not decades.”

  Teresa sighed.

  “So we do this by sending in two old warriors to face the best they have to offer?”

  Rivers nodded, and Teresa shook her head. She hurried her pace to catch up with Gun. Once there, he threw her a sideways glance.

  “If Spartan were here, he’d do this all on his own!”

  “I know,” she replied quietly, her thoughts now returning to her missing husband.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Many resisted the use of autonomous fighters in the Alliance Navy. With the introduction of the Hammerhead fighter, the Alliance found itself with three manned spacecraft able to operate in space and most atmospheres. Each model was strong, reliable, and capable of an array of missions. The Lightning MK II was the fastest and most agile fighter ever used whereas the Thunderbolt MK I was a first generation space superiority bomber. The Hammerhead finally added heavier weapons and a marine transport capability to give the Alliance navy a fighter suitable for all scenarios. It took the development of the X57 Avenger to finally prove that an unmanned fighter could match and finally surpass the achievements of the Lighting and Thunderbolt.

  Robots in Space

  Teresa was confused. The training arena was nothing like she had expected on Helios. Her initial impression had been the same as the rest of the Alliance delegation, one mixed with excitement and awe at the size, grandeur, and complexity of the urban sprawl that was Helion. From the great chamber where they had met, through to the land train stations and city spires, the entire world seemed to be an urban paradise. Teresa had seen no graffiti, crime, or problems of any kind. Just a fully functioning and efficient city of the like never seen on a human world. The descent to the lower levels that had been so badly scarred in the fighting with the machines had shown a very different part of the planet; one showing the suffering and destruction wrought in the last violent struggle.

  It had taken almost twenty minutes to walk from the land train to the debris and rubble that surrounded the Helion barracks. There were a number of narrow maglev rail systems running through that part of the underground city, but the Helions seemed to want to take them on the scenic route that would show them a different part to their society. Teresa wasn’t quite sure if the impression they wanted to give was working though. All she saw was a place that looked as if it hadn’t changed in generations, perhaps much longer. This might have been out of respect for the past, but she suspected it was more likely to be a complete ambivalence to the needs of the military.

  “They call this place the Helion Military Academy?” grumbled Gun.

  Teresa agreed but was well aware the Helions were able to understand her, and that offending them was probably not the ideal move for her. She and Gun already had something of a reputation amongst the Alliance representatives there. In fact, she’d heard rumors of complaints they’d even been sent there. Without General Rivers, there would be little chance they would have even been allowed to stay in the star system itself.

  I wonder why that might be, she thought with a hidden smile.

  Their arrival at the training arena was worse, much worse. Gun actually laughed at seeing what waited for them. Instead of large groups of fighters, there were actually just a dozen warriors from each of the other Powers. Further away in the distance were several groups of about fifty warriors, each clad in dull orange, and so dark it almost became scarlet in color. Behind them hung black cloaks that were attached at the shoulders. Their robes fitted closely, and their heads were completely covered, save for their eyes. On top of their heads were helmets that covered the entire head except the face below the eyes. All of these warriors were armed with either what looked like shields and maces or short rifles, and were practicing firing drill. What surprised Teresa the most was that one group was practicing unit based volley drills while the others engaged in vicious melee combat. It wasn’t so much the drill; it was the complete lack of noise. She looked over to Gun who seemed equally confused.

  “Strange, I thought the Helions were not a military people."

  “If they aren’t military, then who are these?”

  They pushed on the last short distance to where the groups of warriors stood. They were already waiting, each upright and silent as they watched the small Alliance delegation approach. Teresa counted the five separate contingents and noticed the T’Kari were absent. The Helion Praetor nodded in a minimal fashion before speaking. The sounds made Teresa uncomfortable. She didn’t like it that an alien race had such an advantage over them in such a short time.

  “These warriors have been selected by lot from our Narau Army.”

  “Narau?” asked Teresa.

  The Praetor nodded again.

  “Yes, they are known as the Narau which means ‘five’ in the old tongue. This is the name also used for our fleet, the Narau Armada. We have no individual forces. We work together at the Narau for the common good,” he explained.

  There was more than a hint of arrogance to his voice. He turned to face the groups, but Gun had questions. Instead of waiting, he walked to the side of the assembled warriors and pointed at the dull orange shapes in the distance.

  “What about them? In your perfect Narau, why do you train your own army?”

  None of the others could understand the great giant, but Teresa heard him well enough and cringed at his question. Praetor Darius seemed aghast, as though he had just inflicted a great insult upon them.

  “They are the Animosh. They are for maintaining order through Helios and our colonies. They are not soldiers.”

  The Praetor then turned back to the assembled soldiers and pointed at each of the groups, allowing just a
short pause between them as he explained who each of them was. Gun was unimpressed, and as he spoke, he continued to glance at the strange Animosh warriors who continued to practice. Teresa noticed what he was doing and stepped alongside him to maintain the interest of the Preator. She whispered to him angrily.

  “Gun, listen to him. We don’t want trouble…not yet.”

  He listened, but Teresa was sure he was still keeping one eye on the Animosh. Teresa looked at the new soldiers and for the first time was able to gaze upon this mixture of alien races without feeling she was being rude. All wore armor, but the size, thickness, and quality varied considerably. The Khreenk were the ones that stuck out the most to her, with their mixture of armor. Some wore just helmets while one was armored from head to toe. The Byotai wore nothing but a small breastplate that fitted closely to their reptilian skin. Teresa could only assume their hides would help protect them in times of struggle. The Helions group stood in identical orange uniforms, and the shape of their armor could just be glimpsed underneath long flowing robes. Each wore a golden helm that looked almost plastic and which had nose and cheek guards to protect it. They finally stopped, and the Preator turned to speak to the Alliance delegation.

  “As you can see, the Narau Army is varied, flexible, and reliable. In an emergency, we can draw upon the warriors of a hundred worlds to help us in any struggle. With the Black Rift so close, it is the duty of the Narau to be ever ready to rise up and defend this sector. If Helios were ever to fall, then every system, including yours, would be turned to ash.”

  Gun looked at each of them and smiled crookedly.

  “Why not place all of your forces at the Rift?”

  The Praetor seemed to like that question.

  “You do not know much of this enemy do you?”

  Gun burst into laughter. Praetor Darius looked to General Rivers in confusion while Gun walked away and moved up to inspect the lines of warriors. He gazed over them while they looked at him. The humans were certainly strong and sturdy in comparison, and he found it amusing to look at their faces as he walked about. It made him feel superior.

  “I do not understand,” said the Praetor.

  “Commander Gun here was the first of the enemy’s Biomechs to turn on his creators and join us in resistance. There is nobody that has as much experience of them as him.”

  The Praetor explained his words to the others who made noises of shock and horror as they realized quite what the monster before them actually was. One of the Khreenk jumped out from ranks and alongside Major Morato. She turned, thinking he wanted to shake her hand, but he withdrew a small weapon the size of a pistol in his hand. He aimed it squarely at Gun’s chest and pulled the trigger, but Teresa was on him. She slammed her elbow into his face and then stepped closer. With a deft pull, she dragged him over her bent leg and down to the floor.

  “Stop!” cried the Praetor.

  Teresa ignored him and kept on. She dropped down to the floor with her leg and knee jammed over the Khreenk warrior’s neck. The pistol fell to the ground, and with a quick move, she scooped it up and tossed it to Gun. He caught it, laughed, and then dropped it to the floor. In a move that shocked them all, he stamped down with his metal boot, smashing it like a piece of pottery. Every one of them stood in silence until Teresa stood up and waited for the Khreenk to do the same. Once on his feet, he moved closer to her and muttered something before returning to his comrades, clutching his throat. The entire group of warriors from the five Powers broke out into shouting and arguing. It gave Teresa time to turn and speak with her comrades.

  “Interesting approach,” said Gun as quietly as he could manage.

  Even General Rivers couldn’t detect the tone of thanks in his voice, but Teresa could make it out yet did nothing to acknowledge it other than a very discrete nod. He was tough, and his body capable of sustaining terrible injuries. Even so, they had all seen Jötnar brought low by nothing more than a single pistol. He was not invulnerable, and the older he got, the more he was beginning to understand it. The General turned his head away from their guest so they wouldn’t guess his thoughts.

  “I know I said we needed to make an impression...but really?”

  Gun chuckled and noticed Teresa nodding in the direction of the Khreenk group. One of the warriors stepped from the line and began speaking to the Praetor. This went on for some time before he stepped back and waited. Praetor Darius turned and stepped back so that he could see all of the five groups plus the Alliance contingent

  “What was that about?” demanded Gun before the Praetor could speak.

  The interruption of Gun sent discord through the other sixty warriors. Teresa didn’t seem too concerned, though the expression on General Rivers’ face suggested he was less than impressed. Praetor Darius bowed politely before replying.

  “Honored guests, my comrade wished to convey his disappointment that you brought so few warriors.”

  Great, you’ve done it now, Teresa thought with a degree of amusement.

  “Really?” snapped back Gun, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

  “Commander!” called out General Rivers.

  Gun looked over his shoulder and then took a few steps back. Teresa was impressed. There were few that Gun would listen to, and even less that he would actually obey. The fact that he gave ground at the General’s insistence reminded her of how close their small group actually was.

  “Yes,” continued Praetor Darius, “we have selected twelve soldiers from each group, all of whom are fully trained in combat for this demonstration. You have brought three commanders and just two bodyguards who are able to fight. Is that correct?”

  Teresa was confused. She looked at her group before realizing the warriors the Helion referred to were their guards. She wasn’t old, hell, she hadn’t even reached forty-eight yet. Even so, all of them were wearing dress uniforms, and even Gun while the others that were waiting ever so impatiently seemed ready for combat.

  The fools, they think Gun, Rivers, and I are just commanders.

  Teresa looked over to General Rivers who looked more amused than annoyed.

  “What is he talking about, General? What demonstration?”

  The old Marine Corps commander raised one eyebrow but instead of answering, simply faced the Praetor.

  “Tell me, Praetor Darius. How many years have these warriors spent in their militaries?”

  “Years,” he replied, “Our warriors are all citizen soldiers. We have no need for a standing army. The very idea is,” he paused, as if thinking his next words might offend. He appeared to change his mind though and continued, “The idea is anathema to us. Warriors are a necessity but one that we want to avoid as much as we can.”

  “What about your war with the machines? Did you have an army then?”

  Praetor Darius nodded.

  “Of course, but that was hundreds of your years ago. Today we live in more civilized times. Our technology keeps us safe, and the seals of the Rifts are our guarantor of peace. A standing army is more of a risk than a benefit to us.”

  “Bullshit!” snapped Gun, still bitter from the earlier comments.

  One of the Khreenk warriors stepped out from his group. He was slightly shorter than General Rivers and looked quite young. Like the rest of his people, he wore scruffy, non-descript clothing that gave him the impression of a thug or barbarian. Teresa had already spotted the replacement sections on his neck, left collar, and left arm.

  They are more than they seem, she thought, now feeling suspicious of them.

  It was nothing in particular other than the fact she had fought in so many battles; she had a knack for sizing up an enemy. While the other races there seemed uninterested in violence, the Khreenk were an exception. She looked at the warrior and watched how he moved. He was reasonably balanced, but it was the look in his eye and his aggressive stance that truly caught her attention.

  He is angry, really angry.

  That made her think. Was it because a race, potentially stronger
than theirs had appeared out of nowhere? Perhaps it was because their arrival singled potential war with their old enemies, or there was another option. She considered it for a little longer; finally deciding the most likely explanation was one of suspicion. The humans were new to them all, yet they were similar to the Khreenk. Competition and fear were problems that had turned brother against brother back in the old Confederacy. The warrior spoke in angry tones and then moved out into the middle of the circular area. He paced about like a caged animal, waiting for something.

  “My comrade from the Khreenk Federation says his people are unimpressed at your delegation. They fought alongside us in the war and suffered badly for it. If you are unable to match their military commitment, they will not stand alongside you.”

  General Rivers tapped both Teresa and Gun and stepped out in front of them. He looked at Teresa as he passed and spoke quietly, for her ears only.

  “Get ready, this could backfire. I didn’t want to say earlier, but this thing is supposed to be a meeting of military units to show our tactics, skills, and flexibility in combat.”

  He stopped once further ahead, leaving Teresa confused.

  “Who is supposed to do that exactly?”

  Rivers smiled, pointing at both her and Gun. She shook her head, though in truth she was already working out what he was going to suggest to them.

  We are expected to put on a military demonstration, with no marines, just us? Typical!

  She knew the General well, but this really was taking it far. She’d not been in major combat for some time, and although she knew she was fit and ready, she was hardly able to do the work of an entire marine squad. A quick glance at Gun showed something very different; his face positively glowed with excitement.