Jasper said, “Yeah. Space yourself.”
Stark sighed. “I assume you know that won’t be happening. Now… if you’ll excuse me… I have planning to do.”
The comm closed.
Johnny turned to face Jasper. “Space himself… nice touch.”
Jasper grinned. “I try to help where I can. What’s our next move?”
Mace replied, “We need to deliver a message to the Karthian command. Can you get a ship to Terrex and get us tapped into their broadcasts again?”
Jasper nodded. “I’ll have one there in a couple minutes.”
Mace pulled on his helmet. “Johnny? Want to enable a comm of me and pass it to Mr. Collins?”
Johnny took position in front of a now standing Mace Hardy. “Comm is up and you are live. Live to the old man that is.”
Mace flipped down his visor and turned on his holo-projector. An image of the skull-covered monster Jasper had created was soon standing in front of Johnny.
“I don’t like that thing,” Johnny said as he shook his head in disgust.
Jasper followed. “Feed will be live to the Karthians in twenty seconds.”
Mace said jokingly, “How’s my hair look?”
Johnny chuckled. “Hair looks fine, but I think one of your skulls is a little out of place.”
Mace replied, “It’ll have to do.”
Jasper said, “You are live to the general populace of Terrex in three… two… one.”
The grand and hideous image of the Harpoonian dictator showed on millions of Karthian displays. “I am Krug, ruler of all Harpoonia. As you have seen, we possess weapons of great power. As of this moment I am demanding a complete surrender. Your lives will all be spared and you will be allowed to continue governing yourselves. We have no interest in having Karthians as slaves… at this time.
“Our demands are simple. You will cease all hostilities with the Hoorka. You will release all Sarkesian slaves. And you will peacefully remove yourselves from the Human planet and release all current and future claims. You will also cease all expansionist efforts and instead focus your efforts inward, toward improving the lives of your people. Effective immediately, you will no longer build warships for your fleets. The Harpoonian Empire will now be responsible for your defense.
“In return, you will be allowed to live free. However, should any of the set-forth rules be broken, or should the Karthian Empire or her leadership be determined to be aggressive toward others, your capital city of Terrenet will be destroyed. Your leadership will have one hour to announce full compliance with our demands or you, the Karthian people, will face the consequences. We expect a response to be broadcast on a general comm by this deadline. One hour.”
The broadcast ended.
Johnny slowly nodded. “Nice work. Can’t see them refusing that.”
Mace replied, “Not everyone takes sound advice. We’ll have to wait to see if they were impressed with our handiwork today.”
Johnny shook his head. “How could they not be? I’m still shaking from it.”
Chapter 21
*
The hour came and passed without a reply. Jasper was eager to destroy Terrenet.
Mace said, “You do this, we have no options left.”
Jasper huffed. “We can rig up another city. And another if they decide to be stupid. I have about two thousand of those charges all set and ready to go, and supplies to build as many as we want. My people are trained. All we have to do is set them in place and set them off.”
Jane said, “These aren’t military targets.”
Jasper replied, “Well that’s always the dilemma in war, isn’t it? The Karthians attacked us as an empire, not as a handful of military personnel. All those people work in factories or industries that support that effort, or they work jobs that support that support. It would be nice if you could just separate the two, the civilians and the military, but that’s an almost impossible job when they’re holding your planet hostage. So we make them pay until they decide the price for keeping us is too high.”
Johnny said, “I have to side with the old man on this one. We could go rig those ships parked around Earth, but we can’t take out the Karthians on the ground. And even if we could we would still be faced with hundreds more ships showing up. They could ravage all those community centers from above without much effort. We need them to willingly pull back. Jasper’s option doesn’t endanger our people. I say we run with it.”
A vote went around the room with the destruction of Terrenet holding a slight lead.
Mace said, “It’s possible they haven’t responded because they are still trying to assess what happened. Anyone want to change their vote given that possibility?”
The room remained silent.
Mace looked at Jasper. “Looks like you have your majority. Would you object to me giving one last chance for a response?”
Jasper nodded. “So long as it’s not open-ended. Give them two minutes to at least acknowledge the comm. If they offer no reply at all, then I move forward.”
Mace stood in front of a comm camera. His holo-projector was turned on, transforming his appearance into that of the Harpoonian emperor. Karthian skulls moved about his torso as if trying to escape out through his skin, stretching it out before it snapped back into place as they disappeared.
“Karthian leadership, I demand a response. I give you three of your minutes to reply. If no word is spoken, the city of Terrenet will be eliminated. Save your people, comply with my demands. As I said, you will be left to rule yourselves. The alternative is my Harpoonian fleets will devastate the cities of your worlds one by one. Spare your people this suffering. Answer if only to gain yourself more time.”
The three minute deadline quickly approached.
“Don’t think they’re biting,” said Johnny.
The comm crackled. “This is High Chancellor Bregahn. For us to give into your demands before we have had a chance to evaluate what has happened would make us remiss in our duties to our people. I request additional time for consideration.”
Jasper said, “He’s just stalling, and he’ll keep at it until they figure out a way to strike back. He’s just wasting our time.”
Mace replied, “Just the same, he did respond. That’s progress. It doesn’t cost us anything to wait a bit longer for a full answer.”
Jasper scowled. “What are you talking about? Our entire planet is enslaved as soldiers for their armies! They could decide to start up hostilities with the UF if they wanted. Or the Hoorka. They order our people aboard those transports again and they’re not likely to come back.”
Johnny said, “I still have to agree with him. We have the upper hand. Let’s make use of it. Something could come along and change this whole situation in an instant.”
Mace asked, “Can you give me a full day?”
Jasper shook his head. “Ten minutes. They know the options. Let it be their choice and let them be responsible for their decisions.”
Mace sighed. “Very well.”
The comm was re-enabled. “Chancellor, it is our decision that you be allowed another ten minutes. We are being generous. We don’t wish to rule your empire, but we will not have an aggressive species in our sector of the galaxy. Comply with our demands or in ten minutes you will be made aware of our commitment.”
The comm closed.
Liam Hobbs said, “We’re doing the right thing. As Mr. Collins says, their efforts at the moment are being spent on trying to figure out how to defend against us, not on what compliance means. When this time is up, I say we send that command.”
The discussion continued for another nine minutes. A comm channel was opened.
Mace enabled his holo-projector and answered. “Tell me your decision.”
The Karthian High Chancellor replied, “Ships in the former Sarkesian worlds are being recalled. Transports will be sent to begin the repatriation process.”
“And what of the Humans and other species you hold captive?”
“They will be released in due time. Allow us to conduct this operation in an orderly manner so that the species being released are taken care of during this process.”
Mace replied, “Unacceptable. In the case of the Humans you only need pull your ships and troops from that world. Our intel says they are fully capable of surviving without your continued assistance. You will comply with all that we have demanded or we will crush you like the parasites you are.”
The chancellor replied, “Then I believe we are at an impasse. Our people are not willing to give up the assets of our empire without receiving just compensation.”
Mace stood silent for several seconds. “Very well. It appears your decision has been made.”
The chancellor returned a stern look. “It has.”
The comm closed.
Mace said, “Do it. They have no intention of giving us up.”
Jasper raised his arm pad, typing away at the display floating above his arm. The holo-wall display sprang to life with the image of the city of Terrenet.
Jasper grinned as he pressed a holo-button, sending out the command phrase that controlled the rigged reactors. In an instant, the once beautiful city of Terrenet was vaporized. Jasper then stood and headed for the door.
Mace asked, “Where you going?”
“To organize my team for the next one. These things don’t blow themselves up.”
Jasper left the room.
Johnny asked, “What’s our next move?”
“I think Mr. Collins is doing it. I don’t see where we have a choice here. The Karthians only have a dozen ships parked at Earth. We destroyed the rest. But those dozen could wipe us out. And Stark placed their numbers on the ground at close to fifty thousand. While not overwhelming, they do have superior weapons and armor… and air support with those ships.”
Jasper walked back into the room. “Give me half a day and we’ll have the next city ready. Bootese is the next largest city near the capital. When you planning your next attempt at contact?”
“I’ll give them an hour. Do we know where their last comm response came from?” Mace asked.
Jasper frowned. “From Terrenet. They may have been foolish enough that we just wiped out their leadership. They didn’t know what city we would hit.”
Mace replied, “There have to be levels of command. You don’t have a single chief and the rest Indians. There���s always a second in command. They will make themselves known. Taking out the capital might not have been the best of decisions.”
An aide of Jasper Collins walked into the room. “Your Highness, we have news from our Canto scout. The United Front are amassing ships just this side of the Canto Rift. We believe their intent will be to attack the former Galactic Union colonies. The Karthians only have a small fleet remaining there, having lost half to your justice, and two thirds of those remaining having been called home. We believe the United Front to be taking advantage of their weakened opponent.”
Johnny sighed. “As usual… we trade one enemy for another.”
Jasper replied, “Thank you, Lieutenant. “Keep me informed if anything changes.”
The aide moved back into the hallway.
Jasper said, “Well… when my boys are done rigging the next Terrex city, it looks like we’ll have to pay a visit to the United Front. If they want some of this action, I’ll be happy to give it to them.”
Johnny said, “They use similar reactors?”
Jasper nodded. “We have several of theirs we are still using. Got them when dealing with Canto. Won’t be hard to rig them up if needed.”
“We still don’t have decent intel on the UF colonies or the size of their fleet,” said Jenny. “I could take the shuttle out for some recon. Anyone else interested in going?”
Jane nudged Mace. “Go. Spend some quality time with her. See what you can find out for us.”
Jenny smiled. “You in?”
Mace nodded. “Like I have a choice with the two of you ganging up? Yes, I’m in.”
“Check back here for current status,” said Jasper.
Jane stood. “Think you can drop us back at Earth on your way out?”
Jenny nodded. “We can. You be ready to leave in about five?”
“Ready to leave now.”
Jane and Johnny were dropped at the cave with the others while Mace and Jenny ventured out to the Canto Rift. Once through, they began mapping the United Front colonies. No less than forty jumps were made, with passive scans following, before a new tactic was attempted. Jane pulled the Royal Fortune alongside a UF mining ship that was busy working over a sizable asteroid.
Mace walked around the outer hull, slipping aboard through an open bay door with a gravity wall. A quick tour of the docking bay found an open computer. Having had access to machines on Canto, a connection to the Knuttin Corporation mining ship was easily made.
A search found a starmap database with information on the twenty-eight UF established colonies and one hundred four claims. Extensive maps of the former Galactic Union worlds were also available. With downloads on his arm pad, Mace made his way back aboard the Royal Fortune.
“What’d we get?” asked Jenny.
Mace replied, “Complete maps. Sending them to your console now. They have twenty-eight functioning colonies.”
Jenny nodded. “Good. We already scouted nineteen. Let’s hit the others and get back to Canto. Won’t hurt to know the size of the UF fleet. And if we turn that info over to Jasper… well… he might get started on rigging up their ships. If we weaken both sides sufficiently, nobody would have the nerve to attack anyone else. If they free us as well, we might actually be able to start building a defense.”
Mace replied, “You’re living in dreamland. I guarantee the Karthians are trying to figure out a way to make use of us still. And the UF… I bet their planners are trying to do the same. I wouldn’t have thought these stealth suits and ships to be so effective. If we had a few hundred more we could dominate this galaxy by destroying every warship out there.”
Jenny frowned. “Yeah… well… good things have a way of coming to an end. Eventually someone is gonna figure out what we’ve been doing. It bothers me that Stark already knows.”
Mace shook his head. “He won’t give us up. We keep frustrating his plans, but at the same time he recognizes us as an asset when it comes to keeping Humans alive. Speaking of that, at some point one of these races is gonna get tired of the domination game and just wipe us all out. If nothing else, just so no one else controls us.”
Jenny replied, “We’re down to three species out there with that ability, and the Hoorka aren’t interested in control, so that leaves two. That should be much more manageable than the fifteen we were having to deal with before.”
Mace sat silent for several seconds. “I cringe when I think about the thousands of years of history each of those Galactic Union goons had and about how quickly it was wiped out.”
Jenny said, “You know, you go back to any of those planets and there’s a good possibility you’ll find some people who were able to hide out and survive. They may not all be gone.”
“I wish that were true. The bio-scanners would see to it that nobody escaped. Maybe if you found a cavern that went a kilometer underground, but how many of those would there be? And who’d be able to survive down there for a year without having planned for this in advance?”
Jenny scowled. “I forget about those bio-sensors. I guess that’s a game changer.”
The remaining UF colonies were scanned. The Royal Fortune returned to Earth to pick up Johnny Tretcher before moving back to the Alpha Centauri site. The gathered data was given to Jasper Collins and his team of planners.
Mace said, “Almost four hundred ships parked near Canto now. That’s about a quarter of the ships they have available. Looks like three construction yards are busy turning out more. If we decide to hit the UF ships, I don’t think we want to do it as Harpoonians. That would only serve to unite the Karthians and the
UF.”
Jasper replied, “What would you suggest?”
Mace thought for a moment. “They had some pirate species they were having trouble with. If we could find an image of one of them we could use that.”
Jasper scowled. “Bah. Probably another one of these midget species. We can’t fake that with the projectors. How about we just make up another one. Maybe just a big furry bear? Or an overgrown ape-man like Johnny?”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Johnny replied.
“Have your people pick something that looks intimidating,” said Mace. “We’ll go with that.”
Jasper said, “And we’ll need a name.”
Johnny piped up. “I have one. How about the Bruteonians?”
Jasper laughed. “That’s just stupid.”
“Colonians?”
Again Jasper laughed. “What are we, a giant intestinal species? No.”
“Wrathians?” Mace suggested.
Jasper tilted his head. “I could get on board with that.”
Jenny said, “We have the UF language. Wrath means something to us but not necessarily to them. What if we used a word they dislike or fear?”
Mace nodded. “Good suggestion. You are now in charge of coming up with a name. While you’re at it, see what you can dream up image-wise for what this new species would look like.”
Jenny stood to leave the room. “Let me know if you have any other requirements.”
Mace turned to face Jasper. “Four hundred ships. How long you think it will take to rig them up?”
“That’s a one-day job once we know what we’re looking at. I should send out a scout to map the insides of those ships. Looks like they have five different types.”
Mace leaned forward in his chair. “Let Johnny and me handle that. Have your people keep digging through the data. This way, if either of us ever finds ourselves on a UF ship, we’ll know our way around.”
A run was made to the Canto system. From there the Royal Fortune docked with one of each of the different types of UF warships. The last was the newest dreadnought.
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