by Jay Allan
Since boarding the StarStrike, they had micro-jumped closer to New Tellus and were now approaching the planet on the ship’s powerful sublight drive. Jason knew that two light cruisers were escorting the flagship in toward the planet. Glancing down at the plotting table, it also showed six space fighters flying CAP around the three warships.
As they neared the blue-white globe that was steadily growing on the viewscreen, Hedon turned toward Jason and Greg. “We have a small settlement on the planet. From what I have been told there are currently 2,300 people living on the planet below.”
The viewscreen suddenly switched to show a large space station under construction in orbit. It was obvious the StarStrike was moving to match orbits with the station.
“Why is that here?” Jason asked. It was clear that a lot of time and effort had been expended to build the station. “This system is a long ways from Earth. What if the Hocklyns stumble across it?” Looking at the screen, he could see that the finished section of the space station looked to be heavily armed. There were numerous weapons turrets and what he guessed were some type of missile platforms.
“That’s why it’s here,” Hedon replied in a determined voice. “This system is between Earth and the Hocklyns and far enough away so that the Hocklyns should discover it before reaching Earth. We keep the StarStrike and four light cruisers in this system at all times. We have a squadron of long-range stealth shuttles that we use to monitor the systems farther coreward for any signs of the enemy. Hopefully, we’ll have an advance warning before they arrive here.”
“You’re not sure about the 268 years, are you?” Jason said, realizing why this system was here. “You built this base to hold up the Hocklyns if they come too soon.”
Hedon let out a deep breath. “You’re very observant, Commander. We feel pretty comfortable about the 268-year figure, but one of their supposed trading scouts could arrive sooner. If they do, we’ll make it disappear. We won’t make the same mistakes we made last time.”
“What exactly are your plans for this system?” Greg asked. He was intrigued by the planet below. What would it feel like to set foot on another world besides Earth?
“We’re going to fortify it to the maximum,” Hedon replied, determinedly. “It will also serve as a training center for the fleet that I hope we can build with Earth’s help. There will be a very powerful defensive grid placed around the planet consisting of railgun and missile platforms. There have also been some suggestions about minefields, but we don’t know how effective they might be against Hocklyn ships. We’re going to make this system into a death trap for the Hocklyns.”
The viewscreen returned to a view of the peaceful planet below them. Jason could see oceans and even clouds. In many ways, it resembled Earth. He thought about Fleet Admiral Streth’s words. Here was a man that had led the fight against the Hocklyns for the Human Federation of Worlds. A Federation that no longer existed. Jason hoped that same fate wasn’t in Earth’s future.
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Early the next morning, a large shuttle landed on the edge of the small spaceport next to the human settlement on New Tellus. Jason and Greg stepped out onto a new world never before touched by humans from Earth.
Greg took a deep breath of the fresh air. In the distance, he could hear what sounded like birds calling. He could see a few flying in the air, but they were unlike any birds he had ever seen before. A gentle breeze blew. He could see numerous trees in the distance. Some looked just like trees back on Earth and others were very different. This was like a dream come true. He had actually made it to another world. At that moment, Greg felt as if he was on top of the world. Never in his life had he expected to experience something like this. He looked over at Jason and smiled. He was glad he had made the trip to Ceres.
Hedon looked over at the two Earth humans, guessing what they were experiencing. He would let them enjoy this day. There was so much to show them on this beautiful world. In many ways, it was like Tellus. In the back of his mind, he would always remember the day that his own people had been discovered by the Hocklyns and later how their worlds had met their end. He would do everything in his power to make sure Earth didn’t suffer the same fate.
Jason looked around, breathing in the fresh air. The Fleet Admiral and he had spoken quite a bit on the trip to New Tellus about the current situation on Earth. Both had agreed that the governments of Earth should reveal that an advanced spacecraft had been discovered on the Moon. They would say there were no survivors and that it had crashed there a long time ago. That would allow the technology from the ship to be spread slowly across the planet. There would be no mention of the Hocklyns or the survivors from the Human Federation of Worlds.
Once the people of Earth began to get used to the idea that there could be other races out in the universe, they would begin constructing Earth’s first true spaceships. They would be smaller than the Federations and would serve as training platforms. For a few decades, they would be allowed to explore the neighboring stars. Fleet Admiral Streth had mentioned to him that there were ten systems with habitable planets within twenty light years of Earth. These ten systems could be colonized and eventually prepared for the coming conflict with the Hocklyns. Given enough time and resources, the Hocklyns when they arrived would face a well armed and determined human race.
Jason hoped they had the time and fortitude to do what was necessary. The Federation people would help, but for the time being it would be behind the scenes and secretive. No one outside of a few carefully chosen people would know about the Federation base inside of Ceres or here on New Tellus.
Jason knew he had his work cut out for him over the next few years. The diplomacy would be left to the politicians, but the Avenger was another matter. Once the surviving section had been repaired, Fleet Admiral Streth had suggested expanding the Avenger base. It would make an ideal training center for Earth’s future space force. The Fleet Admiral had made it clear that he wanted Jason in charge of that base. He also mentioned that Ariel would demand it anyway.
Looking over at Greg, Jason could see the excited look on his friend’s face. They had made it to another world! Someday Greg’s son might also be standing here on New Tellus if he joined the future space forces. Jason had a strong suspicion that he would. However, for now, all of that was in the future. They were the first Earth humans to set foot on a new world, and he wanted to take advantage of that. For the next few hours, he didn’t want to worry about the future.
Hedon felt pretty sure he knew what Jason and Greg were thinking, and he had no intention of spoiling this moment. He watched as the two walked over and stood on the grass next to the landing field. He walked down the ramp and out to where they were standing. “I’ve arranged for an atmospheric transport to take us around. This is only the second time I’ve been on this world.” Then, with a smile on his face, he added, “Let’s explore it together, there’s a lot to see.”
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Turn the page to see other books by Raymond L. Weil.
For updates on current writing projects and future publications go to my author website. Sign up for future notifications when new books come out on Amazon.
Website: http://raymondlweil.com/
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Other Books by Raymond L. Weil
Find Raymond’s Books on Amazon
Dragon Dreams
Dragon Dreams: Dragon Wars
Dragon Dreams: Gilmreth the Awakening
Dragon Dreams: Snowden the White Dragon
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Star One: Tycho City: Survival
Star One: Neutron Star
Star One: Dark Star
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Moon Wreck: (The Slaver Wars Book 1)
The Slaver Wars: Alien Contact (The Slaver Wars Book 2)
Moon Wreck: Fleet Academy (The Slaver Wars Book 3)
The Slaver Wars: First Strike (The Slaver Wars Book 4)
The Slaver Wars: Retaliation (The Slaver Wars Book 5)
The Slaver Wars: Galactic Conflict
(The Slaver Wars Book 6)
The Slaver Wars: Endgame (The Slaver Wars Book 7)
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Galactic Empire Wars: Destruction (The Galactic Empire Wars Book 1)
Galactic Empire Wars: Emergence (The Galactic Empire Wars Book 2)
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Turn the page for a quick description of The Slaver Wars: Alien Contact.
BONUS CONTENT
THE SLAVER WARS: ALIEN CONTACT
CHAPTER ONE
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The Slaver Wars: Alien Contact is a stand alone novel. Alien Contact describes the Human Federation of Worlds first contact with the Hocklyns and the ensuing war. Follow Fleet Admiral Hedon Streth as he tries to save his worlds from destruction.
The Slaver Wars: Alien Contact
Chapter One
The 1,200-meter battle cruiser StarStrike slid quietly through empty space. The ship was a Conqueror Class Command Cruiser, one of the most powerful warships ever built by the Human Federation of Worlds. There were only four of the powerful ships of war in the Federation’s entire fleet. The StarStrike and its small fleet were on a fact finding mission deep within suspected enemy territory. The 1,500-meter Galaxy Class Battle Carrier Victory was above the StarStrike, along with its four light cruiser escorts. Several small fighter craft flew around the small fleet keeping a constant vigilance for any incoming threats. Two space destroyers were ahead of the fleet scanning for any potential enemy targets. It was essential that the human fleet remain undetected until it had completed its reconnaissance mission.
Fleet Admiral Hedon Streth sat at his command console watching the main viewscreen on the front wall of the Command Center. He was of medium build, and his dark hair was just starting to turn gray on the sides. The admiral was forty-two years old, and the worry lines on his face showed that he had been through a lot the past few months. Months he would like to forget. It had been a trying and desperate time for the entire human race.
The viewscreen showed unwinking stars ahead, and the scanners and long-range sensors were free of threats. The Command Center was in the shape of a rectangle, and its twenty-crew personnel were efficiently going about their jobs. At the reinforced security hatch, two heavily armed marines stood guard. No one entered the Command Center without the proper clearance. Two more similarly armed marines stood just outside the hatch in the corridor. Security now was much more obvious than a few short months ago.
“Still nothing,” Colonel Amanda Sheen, the executive officer, spoke. She was standing next to the holographic plotting table, which showed the present fleet disposition and the CAP fighters that were flying their routine patrol routes. She was currently checking the large tactical screens above her as well as the information appearing on the table.
“Confirm mission status,” ordered Admiral Streth, letting out a deep breath and shifting his gaze from the viewscreen to his executive officer.
They had picked this system hoping it would be clear of enemy activity. Their mission was extremely sensitive, and the security of the Human Federation of Worlds depended upon its success. Hedon felt the full weight of that responsibility on his shoulders and knew that this mission just had to succeed. Failure was not an option. The entire Federation was in extreme danger, and this mission might well determine the future of mankind in the galaxy.
“Navigation, I want a position status report,” Colonel Sheen barked, her blue eyes turning toward the two officers sitting at the main navigation console.
“We are currently one hundred and eighteen astronomical units out from the target system’s primary. Fleet is currently moving in system at eighteen percent speed of light on sublight engines,” replied the chief navigation officer.
“What do we have on the long-range sensors?” Sheen asked over her mini-com, glancing over at the large scanning and sensor console, which was manned by two fleet officers. She wore a small communications device in her right ear, which allowed her to contact any station on the ship in an instant.
“System has two planets,” Lieutenant Stalls reported smoothly as he checked the latest information coming in on his computer screens. “Both are gas giants in distant orbits. No asteroid fields or moons detected. System is absent of any artificial emissions.”
“System is as we had hoped,” reported Colonel Sheen turning to face the admiral. “There are no signs of any enemy vessels, and the system has no significant resources to attract any type of mining or scientific activity.”
Admiral Streth nodded his head in acknowledgement. He knew that Amanda was a highly qualified officer graduating in the top ten percent of her class at the fleet academy. She was a brunette with a trim figure and thirty-two years of age. She was also a firm disciplinarian. The crew respected her, and she was everything he could ask for in an executive officer.
“Get me the Victory, I think it’s time we get some information about this area of space,” ordered Admiral Streth, reaching a decision. They had been moving steadily deeper into suspected Hocklyn space for the last eight weeks. “It’s time we launch the stealth scouts and find out what’s out there.”
Colonel Sheen nodded. This was their mission and she was ready to get it started. Glancing back at the sensor and scanner screens, she noted that they were clearly empty of any hostile threats. That needed to continue for several more days if they hoped for any chance of success. Looking around the Command Center, she could sense the heightened vibrancy in the crew at the admiral’s announcement to begin the actual mission.
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On board the Victory, Commander Adler listened as the admiral ordered the launch of the stealth scouts. The Victory had six of the highly advanced scout ships on board, which were nearly undetectable to normal methods of scanning. It was hoped that the Hocklyns would have no way to detect the small surveillance vessels. Their entire mission and the safety of their fleet depended on it.
Adler ended the communication with the admiral and turned to his executive officer Major Timmins. “I want all six scout ships ready to launch ASAP. Mission is a go.”
“Finally,” responded Major Timmins letting out a deep breath and then announcing over his mini-com, “All stations stand by for scout ship launch. Mission is a go. Flight bay, begin launch preparations.”
Instantly the tension and excitement in the Command Center notched up. This was what everyone had been waiting for. It was time to find out just how large the Hocklyn Empire was and how big a threat they were to the Federation.
Commander Adler turned toward the lieutenant in charge of Navigation. “I want a list of the twenty nearest stars that are capable of supporting life-bearing planets.”
“Yes, sir,” the young blonde replied as she began entering commands into her computer.
Lieutenant Ashton was rated as one of the top navigators in the entire fleet. She also held an advanced degree in Stellar Cartography. She had written an impressive thesis on deep space navigation her senior year at the fleet academy on Tellus.
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Down below in the main flight bay, the six scout ships were brought up on elevators from their secure hangers beneath. The ships were covered in a layer of dark composite material that the scientists swore would be impervious to Hocklyn scans. Power sources were muffled, and the ships were built to present a minimal profile to enemy ships.
Each scout could carry a six-man crew and were capable of operating independently of the fleet for eight to ten days. They had FTL drives as well as powerful sublight engines. The ships were wedge shaped with gentle curves. Each was twenty-two meters long and twelve meters wide. Weapons consisted of six Hunter anti-fighter missiles hidden inside the wings and two medium lasers in the nose. The nose lasers were a recent development and had been added at the last minute to the scouts. The pilots were still arguing whether the lasers were an improvement over the 30 mm cannons they had replaced.
Technicians quickly checked over all six ships, making sure they were ready for their missions. The ships had been kept on standby for nearly tw
o weeks. A quick check and all the scouts were deemed ready for immediate launch. The deck chief notified flight control that all six scouts were mission ready.
Flight control was at the far end of the massive flight bay. Large reinforced glass windows looked out over the bay allowing the controllers inside to see the activity in the bay. Inside flight control was a hum of busy activity as men and women watched their consoles and kept track of all the activity going on inside the bay as well as outside. The CAG was standing next to the flight operations officer at the main control console. Across the back wall, numerous viewscreens depicted activity inside the bay. Several large scanner screens showed the flight space around the fleet and the current locations of the CAP fighters that were out on patrol.
Activating his mini-com, the CAG gave the order for the flight crews to board their scouts. The technicians were finished, now it would be up to the highly trained crews to begin their mission and bring home the information the Federation so desperately needed.
The waiting crews quickly made their way into their respective vessels. They had been in the pilot’s ready room, hoping this star system would be secure enough so they could start their covert mission. Nerves had been getting on edge and tempers had been flaring as they moved farther away from the Federation and deeper into what was suspected to be Hocklyn controlled space. They all felt relieved and energized that it was finally time to launch the mission.
Captain Karl Arcles settled down into his pilot’s seat in one of the scouts and looked over at his copilot, Lieutenant Lacy Sanders. The young twenty-six-year-old blonde looked slightly pale. It was one thing to train for this type of mission; it was another to actually do it.