“It’s only a short trip to the factory,” Brale informed them.
Dylan settled in and relaxed as the aircar lifted off and headed toward the outskirts of the city. Still looking around, Dylan thought everything seemed so normal. The fact that everything had stayed unchanged for the nearly one-thousand-year rule of the Druins pointed to the Confederation’s interference on a massive scale. Probably very little had changed in the city itself. The same technology and the exact same architecture were still being used. That was how it had been on Lydol Four as well.
“What does your world have to furnish the Confederation?” asked Dylan. All Human worlds had to furnish the Confederation some product.
“We have a crop the Confederation is highly interested in,” replied Brale. “They take 70 percent of that particular crop every year.”
“What if you can’t make the quota?” asked Hastings.
“We don’t dare risk that,” replied Brale. “We keep a hidden surplus just in case we have a crop failure. If we fail to make the quota, no doubt we would lose one or two of our cities.”
“Has that happened before?” asked Dylan. From orbit he had seen no signs of bombardment.
Brale nodded. “Yes, but it was over two hundred years ago. A terrible disease infected the crop, and we lost nearly 80 percent of it. When the Druins came for their share, we didn’t have it. They dropped a fusion missile on our second-largest city.”
Dylan took in a deep breath. While on Lydol Four he had heard of some of the atrocities committed by the Druins. It seemed it was pretty common throughout the Empire.
The aircar landed in the parking lot next to a very tall factory. Brale led them inside and down several hallways. He stopped before a bank of elevators. “This elevator will take us where we need to go.” He used a keycard to open the elevator, and all three of them entered.
Brale pressed one of the buttons, and the elevator immediately began its descent. Dylan noted they were going deep beneath the surface. He wondered what he would find when they got to where they were going.
The elevator finally stopped, and Dylan found a group of men and women waiting for them.
“Admiral Cleemorl,” said one of the men in a military uniform. “I’m General Clements, and I’m responsible for this base.”
Dylan shook his hand and then was introduced to the others.
“I’m not a member of the new resistance council, but I’ve been instructed to cooperate with you. I understand you have a secret base outside of the Empire with a large fleet of ships at your disposal.”
Dylan nodded. “That’s correct. However, we are not yet ready to move against the Druins or the Confederation. The people I represent want to get a general idea of what the Human Resistance bases have to offer and what they can do when we eventually launch our attack.”
General Clements nodded. “I can understand that. For many years we have looked to find some way to attack the Druins. We saw your own attempt at Lydol Four fail and what the consequences were. We need some hope to work for in the future. The new council believes you can furnish that hope.”
“We’ll do all we can to assist,” replied Dylan. “May I see your base?”
“Of course. I’ve been instructed to show you everything.”
General Clements took them down a long corridor to another bank of elevators. Entering one, they descended once more. “The base is located deep beneath the city. We’re going down over two kilometers. That deep beneath the city, it pretty well blocks any scans the Druins might attempt to take.”
The elevator eventually came to a stop, and they all stepped out. Dylan came to a halt, amazed at what was before him. A massive cavern stretched out for several kilometers. Across the floor of the cavern were numerous buildings and what looked like factories.
“We have nearly ten thousand people working here,” Clements informed Dylan. “This base was established just before the Druins attacked the Empire. Other bases were established at that time as well, and we have built more since then. In this base, we have the capability of building some spacecraft parts. When we have the parts finished, they are shipped out. I don’t know where their final destination is, but we do have several hidden bases capable of building battlecruisers and other support ships.”
Dylan nodded. He knew that both Bratol Three and Cleetus Three had that capability as that was where Dylan’s ships assigned to him to defend Lydol Four had come from. “What about military personnel?”
“Nearly half the people here are in the secret military. We have around eleven hundred soldiers, if we need them.”
“Where does everyone live?”
“We have living quarters here as well as in a section of the city. Great care is taken to ensure the existence of this base is not revealed.”
General Clements led them down to the floor of the cavern and through several of the factories and troop training centers and also a number of research labs, where scientists and engineers were busy working.
“While our science up above is limited, our research here is not,” explained the general. “We have made a number of discoveries that can greatly advance our civilization. Unfortunately, because of the Druins, those discoveries cannot be put into practice.”
Dylan was impressed by what he saw. “There is some concern about the people of the Empire forgetting there ever was a Human Empire.”
Clements let out a deep sigh. “Yes, the Druins have ordered all references to the Human Empire be removed from our history books. All media of any type is restricted from broadcasting or speaking of the Empire.”
“We can’t let the people forget,” said Dylan, concern in his voice. “Even if we have to send people around the planet to spread the word by mouth.”
Clements looked at Dylan in surprise. “We have spoken about that in some of our meetings here inside the base. We’re just not sure what we need to say.”
Dylan understood the dilemma. There was so much to tell, but they didn’t have the resources to do it. Anything put down on paper or broadcast could bring retaliation from the Druins. “I’ll speak to the council and see what we can come up with. We just need to keep the memory of the Empire alive, until we’re ready to move. Once we do, we’ll take care of the rest.”
-
For the next several hours General Clements showed Dylan around the base, explaining what many of the facilities were for. After a while it was evident that the base could easily hold twice as many people as it currently contained.
Clements let out a deep sigh. “We have to be careful in our recruitment. We decided long ago that the current size of the base and its workforce is best to keep it secret. However, once we know when an attack is scheduled to attempt to free the Empire, we can quickly take the base up to its full complement of personnel.”
“If you would provide the council with a list of any supplies or military equipment you need, we may be able to furnish it. I can set up a regular supply run of one of our cargo ships to bring whatever you require, particularly technical equipment that you might not be able to build.”
“We could use a number of items,” admitted Clements. “I imagine that’s true of many of our bases. Do you have the necessary resources to handle all the requests you’ll probably get?”
“Yes, resources will not be a problem.”
Clements nodded. “Numerous items could be useful in our research as well as building up our military.”
Admiral Cleemorl nodded. “Fine, that’s the reason for coming here to get a feel for what we can offer. You’ve been a great help, and I’m very impressed with your base. I think it’s time now for me to return to my ship.”
-
Later as Dylan flew in the aircar back to the spaceport, he couldn’t help but think about what he had learned today. The base had been impressive. If enough of these bases were around the Empire and if their activities could be coordinated by the new council, it opened up a multitude of possibilities.
-
/> Stepping back into the Command Center of the Draxon Hauler, Dylan noted everyone was busy at their stations.
“Cargo is unloaded, and the station is currently loading our return cargo,” reported Captain Fulmar. “The Druin battleship returned about an hour ago and is back in orbit. It did scan us, but I understand that’s routine.”
Dylan nodded and sat in his command chair. “How long will the loading take?”
“Not long,” replied Fulmar. “They’re pretty efficient. How was your visit to the surface?”
“Enlightening. I suspect the bases will offer far more than we expected. If we can provide them with some of the equipment they are short of and specialized electronic items, they can provide considerable assistance when we strike the Druins.”
Cheryl stepped through the hatch and motioned for Dylan to come with her.
Dylan frowned but followed her out the hatch to a small briefing room. “What is it?”
“While you were gone, I went on board the space station. I have a contact in the command staff, and we spent some time talking. There are rumors the Druins will be increasing the number of Humans they conscript for the Confederation. If that happens, there will be considerable unrest throughout all the Human worlds.”
Dylan leaned back and folded his arms across his chest. “It almost seems as if the Confederation is provoking a response. I wish I knew what the Confederation was doing with all the people they’re taking. We’re talking about millions of young people every year.”
Cheryl hesitated and then made a suggestion. “Since this ship has stealth capabilities, maybe we should make a detour and examine several Confederation worlds.”
This was not what Dylan had expected to hear. “It’s too dangerous. We have a vague idea of the technology the Druins possess, but the other Confederation races are a big unknown. Our stealth fields might be completely useless. Not only that but we’re not even sure how far actual Confederation space extends. We just don’t know enough about their worlds.”
“I understand,” replied Cheryl, disappointed. “When we return to Earth, we should speak to the council and to Admiral Bract. I think sometime soon we need to investigate the Confederation and see what is happening to the Humans they’re taking. We need to know more about the Confederation and its capabilities anyway.”
“It would be dangerous, but I agree. We need to find out more about the Confederation. I’ll go with you to speak to the council.”
“If the Druins continue to take Humans and continue to increase the number they are taking, someday it could cause the entire Empire to revolt.”
Dylan had to agree with Cheryl. He didn’t like the fact the Confederation was taking so many Humans from the Empire. Even more worrisome was the fact that, once they were taken, they were never heard from again. Also, if the Empire revolted, the Druins would cause tremendous damage in retaliation. They could conceivably destroy entire worlds. Something must be done, and Earth might not be able to wait eighty or one hundred years.
Chapter Three
Six Months Later
Druin Admiral Kreen was over the Human world of Xnea Two. The planet was supposed to have delivered four hundred thousand young Humans to be taken to the Confederation. Instead the planet had refused to hand over any of their quota.
“Pick out four of their larger cities,” ordered Kreen, as he gazed at the viewscreen showing the planet. “Exclude the capital as we will need to deal with them once the bombardment is over.”
This was the seventh planet to refuse to hand over their young Humans. Xnea Two would be taught the same lesson as the previous Human worlds. When the lesson was over, the Humans would gladly turn over their quota of young people. These primitive worlds would learn not to disobey the Confederation, or they would continue to pay a stiff penalty.
-
On the surface of the planet in the capital city, the governor was arguing with the planetary council. “We must turn over our young people. If we don’t, they will bomb our planet, killing millions.”
“They can’t bomb every planet,” argued the councilor from the southern region. “If enough of us resist, at some point, they will give in.” Several other councilors nodded in agreement. “We can’t keep turning over hundreds of thousands of our young people every year.”
The governor shook his head. “We are talking about the Druins. They care very little about Human life. They won’t hesitate to bomb our planet.”
“We disagree,” replied the southern councilor, irritated. “Inform the Druins we will no longer turn over our young people to them. They must find some other product to take instead.” Even as he spoke, the conference table shook. A loud rumbling could be heard.
“What’s that? An earthquake?” said one of the other councilors, as he stood, with a frightened look on his face.
The governor looked sadly at the gathered councilors. “Unless I’m mistaken, we have just lost one of our cities.”
The councilor from the southern region turned pale and could find nothing to say.
-
In orbit, Admiral Kreen watched as four mushroom clouds rose up from the surface of the planet. Beneath each cloud a firestorm of destruction spread. For twenty kilometers in every direction from the epicenter, all buildings and all life were being destroyed. Kreen knew he had just killed millions of Humans. However, what did it matter? The Humans had one thousand inhabited worlds with massive populations. What were a few million here and there?
Kreen continued to watch as the atmosphere above the stricken cities turned dark with ash and smoke. No doubt shortly a message would come from the Humans, agreeing to turn over their young.
-
Within the hour Admiral Kreen received a message from the planetary governor, stating the Human quota would be met. Admiral Kreen nodded in satisfaction. It was as it should be. All species were meant to serve the Confederation. However, sometimes the more primitive worlds had to be taught lessons in obedience, such as the one today.
“Inform the Human governor that, in one week, our ships will arrive to pick up their Human cargo. If they are one Human short, we will return and extract additional punishment upon their world.”
With that, Kreen ordered his fleet to leave orbit and to head to their next destination. Other worlds had refused to fill their quotas of young Humans. Those too would be punished.
A few minutes later the Druin fleet made the transition into hyperspace.
Three Years Later
Admiral Cleemorl and Cheryl Bannon stood in front of a pair of cryo chambers. Both had decided to go into cryo and to be a part of the future war against the Druins. Over the past few years they had spent much of their time traveling in the Empire, and, after seeing so many atrocities committed by the Druins, they decided they had to take a more active part. Cheryl had turned her business over to Captain Tucker, who had assured her that he would take good care of everything.
Dylan stood, holding Cheryl’s hand, waiting for the doctor and several medical technicians to finish the preparations for their cryo sleep. They had stayed up late the night before, discussing their plans and their feelings for each other, which had grown and had turned into something very special.
“It will be just like going to sleep,” explained the doctor, as he gave both of them a cup containing a liquid they were to drink. “You will close your eyes, and, when you awaken, the designated time will have passed.”
“It will be time for the war,” said Dylan, looking at Cheryl and squeezing her hand. “Are you ready for this?”
Cheryl nodded. “As long as I’m with you, I’m not afraid.”
The technicians came over and injected both of them in the arm. At the same time the lids to the two cryo chambers slid open.
“I’ll go first,” volunteered Cheryl.
Before she could enter her chamber, Dylan pulled her close and kissed her deeply. “I’ll see you soon, and I love you.”
“I love you too,” replied Cheryl softly.
She then turned and lay down in the chamber, the lid sliding shut. She closed her eyes as the glass cover frosted over.
“She’s in cryo,” reported one of the technicians. “Everything’s working properly.”
Extremely drowsy, Dylan lay down in his chamber. As his eyes closed, he felt a slight chill, and then there was silence.
-
“They’re both in cryo,” reported one of the technicians, as she checked the cryo chambers.
The doctor nodded. “We’ve done over two hundred of these the past month. So many people, particularly in the military, want to fight the Druins. It’ll be interesting when we finally awaken them all.”
-
Admiral Bract was currently on board the Titan with Rear Admiral Johnathan Turner in orbit around the Moon, checking the defensive grid, which had just been finished. Also in orbit were four hundred small satellites, all armed with energy beams capable of taking out any inbound missiles.
In addition, there were fifty large missile platforms protected by their own energy turrets, and twenty large ODPs—Orbital Defense Platforms— armed with missile tubes as well as fusion energy beam turrets. On the surface of the Moon were fifty PDCs—Planetary Defense Centers—all armed with missile tubes and fusion weapons.
“I would say we’ve turned the Moon into a fortress,” commented Rear Admiral Turner, as he gazed at the defenses on the viewscreens. “When you add in the two hundred interceptors based at the Luna City spaceport, the Moon will be a hard nut to crack.”
Admiral Bract had to agree. “We’re still adding defenses to Earth. We have to do everything we can to ensure the Druins can’t reach the surface. Let’s set a course for Mars. I want to inspect the new space station that we finished last month.”
For the past four years the Imperials on Pallas and the Humans on Earth had worked frantically to set up defenses throughout the Solar System in case the Druins made a surprise appearance. The military shipyard around Earth now produced Imperial warships on a regular basis. Some of these were put into stasis for future use, while others were put into active service.
The Forgotten Empire: Earth Ascendant: Book Two Page 3