by Huw Powell
Jake was angrier than he had ever been before. He was angry with himself, angry with his implants and angry with Altian technology, but most of all he was angry with Kear Cutler. It had been eleven years since Kear betrayed his father, eleven years since their ship was destroyed, eleven years of not knowing who he was or where he came from. He had been through so much to find Altus, he was not going to give up now.
‘No more,’ he shouted at the shadow in front of him. ‘It ends here.’
Jake dropped on to his knees and groped around on the floor where his cutlass had fallen. His fingers touched its familiar leather grip, which he seized with both hands. He threw himself forward, putting his entire weight behind the blow. His blade sliced through the air and connected with something metal, his uncle’s sword, knocking it from his hand.
‘Hey,’ cried Kear.
Jake pointed his cutlass directly at the shadow, trying to think of a single reason why he shouldn’t run his sword through it. His vision cleared and his uncle appeared in front of him, cowering on the floor, nursing his wrist. Across the hall, Kella and Nanoo had Grimble pinned to the wall, his two-way radio smashed on the floor.
‘But you’re just a kid,’ said Kear.
‘That’s right, Kid Cutler.’
Kear forced a nervous smile. ‘You wouldn’t harm your old uncle, would you, Jakey?’
Jake raised his cutlass above his head. ‘You want to bet that throne on it?’
More Altians appeared in the doorway. The name Jake Cutler was spreading amongst the crowd. All of them looked astonished to see the thirteen-year-old boy and his gold pendant.
Jake kept an eye on Kear as he addressed the gathering crowd.
‘As the rightful ruler of Altus, I order you to arrest this man for crimes of treason,’ he said, speaking with as much authority as he could muster. ‘Kear Cutler has betrayed his brother and his planet. Andras was on a mission to protect Altus when the Interstellar Navy attacked his ship. If it hadn’t been for Kear sabotaging our weapons, my dad and his crew would still be here today.’
‘Yes, my lord.’ Rex signalled to his troops. ‘You heard him. Take Kear away and spread the word – Jake Cutler is back.’
The Great Hall erupted with cheers and applause. Kear’s reign of terror was finally over. It was a historic moment, the day the boy ruler returned to Altus and defeated his uncle. The jubilant sounds washed over Jake like warm water. He was finally back where he belonged.
Chapter 26
The Protectorate
It had been a month since Jake had returned to Altus. Kear had been hauled off to prison by his own guards and Jake was in charge of a world he barely knew. News of his return had spread quickly and Altians were travelling from all over the planet to Karmadon, hoping to catch a glimpse of their new leader and his heroic friends.
Over the last few weeks, Jake had been introduced to dozens of politicians, many of whom had been imprisoned for speaking out against Kear. Jake had used his new powers to release them. He had also met several distant relatives, who seemed nice enough, but they were little more than strangers to him.
Jake had found it difficult to know who to trust. He had realised that he needed someone strong to support him, someone with inside knowledge who could stop him from making obvious mistakes. With this in mind, he had appointed Rex Kent as his top general and adviser. Rex’s first suggestion was for Jake to ban two-way radios in order to protect his eyes.
While the Space Dogs enjoyed their hero status down in the city, Jake had moved into his old family mansion on the hill, not far from the Great Hall. It boasted white marble walls, huge windows, extensive grounds and a heated swimming pool. The house had been empty since his father left, his uncle having chosen to build a much bigger mansion nearby. In that time, Kear Cutler had ‘borrowed’ all of the luxury vehicles from the garage, leaving only an old hover-bike gathering dust in the corner.
Jake lay on a bed in one of the smaller rooms, studying his locket. The only other people in the mansion were Kella and Nanoo, who were staying on the far side of the building.
‘Ah, there you are,’ said Kella, putting her head around the door. ‘I’ve been looking for you everywhere. What are you doing in here?’
Jake was lost in thought and it took him a moment to register the question.
‘For the first time in my life, I felt the need to be alone,’ he said. ‘And this seemed like a good place.’
‘Here?’
‘It was once my bedroom.’ Jake pointed to his name painted on the wall. ‘I don’t remember sleeping here, but it feels sort of comforting.’
‘Do you want me to go?’ she asked.
‘No, it’s OK.’
Kella came further into the room and looked around.
‘It’s nice in here,’ she said and glanced out of the window. ‘Hey, there’s an orchard down there.’
‘Yeah, I know. That must explain why I like apples so much.’ Jake held up his open locket. ‘It’s the same window in the photo. My mum once sat where you’re standing.’
Kella walked over and perched on the edge of the bed. Her face was creased with concern, but before she could say anything, they were joined by Nanoo.
‘Hi, guys,’ he said. ‘What up, Jake?’
Kella looked annoyed at Nanoo’s lack of tact, but equally curious as to why Jake was hiding in his old bedroom.
‘I found out that it’s my birthday today,’ said Jake. ‘My real birthday.’
‘Why didn’t you say something?’ asked Kella. ‘We should have a party.’
‘It’s OK, I don’t feel much like celebrating.’
Nanoo seemed to guess what was on Jake’s mind.
‘How is ruler of Altus going?’
‘Terrible,’ said Jake. ‘I can’t understand half of what the politicians are saying. It’s like they’re speaking another language. Who knew politics was so complicated?’
‘And boring?’
‘Uh-huh. It’s not half as exciting as being a space pirate, but I have to make up for my uncle’s mistakes.’
‘Are you sure that’s what you want?’ asked Kella.
‘You think I’m too young, don’t you?’ said Jake. ‘Why would anyone listen to me?’
‘Garbish.’ Nanoo pointed at the gold pendant. ‘You born to lead. It in your blood.’
‘He’s right,’ said Kella. ‘There have been loads of child rulers in the history of the galaxy. You’re not the first and I doubt you’ll be the last.’
‘Would you follow me?’
Nanoo laughed. ‘We have already, Jake, across solar system and back.’
Jake stood up and surveyed the orchard. ‘I just don’t want to let down my dad’s memory.’
‘From what we’ve been hearing, he was a great man,’ said Kella.
‘You find photo of him?’ asked Nanoo.
‘No, not yet. It’s as though Kear wanted to wipe out any sign that he ever existed. How could someone hate their own brother that much?’
‘You know what they say.’ Kella joined Jake by the window. ‘You can choose your friends, but not your family.’
Jake sighed. ‘For as long as I can remember, I wanted to know who I was and where I was from, but now that I know, I don’t feel any different.’
‘Maybe what matters is not who you were or where you came from,’ said Kella. ‘But who you are now and where you want to be.’
‘I thought that I belonged here on Altus, but it means nothing without my parents.’ Jake looked beyond the orchard to the roof of the Great Hall. ‘They want to put up a gold statue of my dad, but I won’t let them.’
‘Why not?’ asked Nanoo.
Jake rested his forehead on the glass. ‘Because you only put up statues of dead people, and I’m not ready to accept that my dad is gone.’
Kella went to put her arm around him, when Jake heard the front door close. He spun around.
‘Callidus?’
‘I doubt it,’ she said. ‘He’s been back
on the Dark Horse since Kear was arrested. I think he’s helping Scargus and Manik to repair the ship. For someone who spent years searching for Altus, he doesn’t seem very happy to be here.’
Nanoo lowered his voice. ‘Nichelle reckon Callidus work on way to tow crystal moon through Tego Nebula.’
‘I’d like to see him try,’ said Jake. ‘I expect he’s planning his next adventure. It’s not like there’s anything to keep him here now.’
‘Hello?’ called out a familiar voice. ‘Anyone home?’
‘It’s Rex.’ Jake went to greet his general, leaving Kella and Nanoo in the bedroom.
‘Ah, there you are,’ said Rex, climbing the stairs. ‘My lord, you’ve been summoned to see the Protectorate.’
‘The what?’
‘The Protectorate. It’s a council of elders entrusted with keeping Altus a secret. Their job is to protect this world and its inhabitants from outsiders.’
‘Outsiders? You mean like my friends.’
‘I mean anyone who poses a threat to this planet,’ said Rex. ‘Your friends may not be dangerous people, but can they keep a secret? What if they were captured and tortured? Would they reveal our location? What if someone offered them money or power in exchange for information? Would they resist temptation? It’s up to the Protectorate to decide who can or cannot be trusted to leave this world.’
‘Is that not my decision, as ruler?’
‘No. Matters of planetary security are too important to be left up to one person. Therefore the Protectorate have the power to overrule you. Not even your uncle would dare to oppose them.’
‘But what if they decide my friends can’t be trusted? How do I tell Kella and Nanoo that they can never go home?’ Jake paced the floor. ‘The others won’t be happy about this either. I know you can’t trust a space pirate, or a fortune seeker, but can’t we make them swear an oath or something?’
‘The Protectorate’s decision is final,’ said Rex. ‘We know the Galactic Trade Corporation is searching for our crystal moons. They would mine them to the core, which would upset the gravitational balance and destroy Altus.’
Rex had a point, but Jake didn’t like the sound of this secret council. None of the crew had said they were ready to leave yet, though he doubted they wanted to stay forever. Jake asked the general to wait downstairs while he changed into more formal clothes. He rushed back into the bedroom and closed the door.
‘What going on?’ asked Nanoo.
‘I don’t have much time,’ whispered Jake, ripping off his top and trousers. ‘I’ve been summoned to a secret council. They want to stop you and the others from leaving Altus. Wait until I’ve gone and then gather everyone back at the ship. Tell the crew to prepare for an emergency launch.’
‘What about you?’ asked Kella.
‘Don’t worry about me.’ Jake pulled on a crisp Altian uniform, complete with tassels, stripes and a customised sheath for his cutlass. ‘I’ll let you know once a decision has been reached.’
‘OK,’ said Nanoo. ‘We spread word.’
Kella handed Jake his sword. ‘You certainly look like a ruler in that outfit. I can’t believe you’re the same boy I met in Papa Don’s.’
It was early evening and the crystal moons were setting as Rex Kent escorted Jake through the orchard to the Great Hall. Instead of using the main entrance, they walked around the side to a small wooden door. Rex used a long key to open a rusty lock, before leaving to attend to urgent military business. Jake entered alone and descended a stone staircase to a candlelit room below.
‘Greetings, Jake Cutler,’ said a voice in the gloom.
Jake’s eyes adjusted to the low lighting. He made out twelve people sitting around a large circular table, each of them wrapped in a hooded crimson robe and wearing a glowing crystal medallion.
‘You must be the Protectorate.’
‘Yes, that’s correct.’ The woman who spoke looked twice as old as Granny Leatherhead. ‘We’ve been selected as the wisest of the Altians to keep this planet safe.’
‘It’s a great honour to be chosen,’ said another woman, squinting at Jake with faded, bloodshot eyes. ‘The council has been in place since the first refugees founded Karmadon city. We feared that Kear Cutler would sell us out to the Galactic Trade Corporation, but your return has prevented any such plot.’
‘Refugees?’ Jake was confused. ‘I thought Altus was discovered by explorers.’
‘Not quite,’ said one of the oldest men. ‘Captain Alyus Don was on the run from the Interstellar Navy. His ship was full of outcasts from Zerost, their families slaughtered by naval troops. In desperation, the crew hid inside the Tego Nebula, which is when they stumbled across Altus. He believed that Altus was a reward for him and his crew, a gift from the universe to make amends for their hardship.’
‘But that means . . .’ Jake’s brain took a few seconds to catch up. ‘I must be a descendant of Zerost, the same as Granny Leatherhead. My ancestors were space pirates.’
‘Yes, but that doesn’t mean we can trust your shipmates to keep our location a secret, whether on purpose or by accident.’ The old man sat back in his chair. ‘It has already been decided – they can never leave Altus.’
‘No, you’re wrong,’ said Jake. ‘We can trust them.’
‘How can you be so sure?’ asked the woman with bloodshot eyes. ‘Are you prepared to risk the entire planet?’
‘It’s not like I want them to go.’ Jake approached the table. ‘But they are my friends and I owe them my life, which is why they must be allowed to choose for themselves.’
‘I’m sorry, but it’s too late,’ said the old man. ‘General Kent is on his way to seize the pirate ship.’
‘What!’
Jake turned his back on the Protectorate and sprinted up the stone staircase. He had to warn his friends. As far as he was concerned, they had earned their freedom by helping to save Altus. He had to get to the Dark Horse before Rex.
Ignoring the outcry below, Jake grabbed the door handle and turned it, but the door refused to open. It was old and probably stuck, he told himself. He rammed it hard with his shoulder.
‘Ouch!’ Jake bounced off the wooden surface.
He was trapped.
Desperate to escape, he unsheathed his cutlass and hacked furiously at the old timber, but the door was too thick and his sword barely made a mark. Jake’s speed meant nothing, when it was strength that he needed.
‘Help,’ he cried. ‘Let me out.’
It was pointless. Who would hear him?
‘Hello?’ called a voice on the other side. ‘Hold on. The door’s blocked.’
Jake could hear something heavy being dragged along the ground. The handle turned and the door swung open. Two figures stood in the darkness. Jake held up his cutlass ready to defend himself.
‘What’s going on?’ asked one of them.
‘Why door barricaded?’ asked the other.
‘Kella? Nanoo? Is that you?’ Jake lowered his sword. ‘What are you doing here?’
‘We couldn’t go without knowing you were OK,’ said Kella.
‘What about the others?’ asked Jake.
‘It OK,’ said Nanoo. ‘They wait on ship.’
Jake led Kella and Nanoo quickly away from the Great Hall and back towards his family’s mansion. Only the ruby moon remained in the sky, bathing the city in blood-red light.
‘I’m glad to see you guys,’ he said, as they hurried through the orchard. ‘But we’ve got to get you off the planet, before it’s too late.’
‘How are we going to do that?’ asked Kella. ‘The ship is miles away.’
Jake stopped outside the garage. ‘Have either of you ever ridden a hover-bike?’
Kella and Nanoo opened the wide metal doors, while Jake fetched the hover-bike key from inside the mansion. By the time he returned, they had dragged out the dusty old contraption, which looked like a giant hairdryer resting on an upside-down bathtub. Jake swung his leg over the cracked leather seat a
nd slipped the key into the ignition. He gripped the handlebars and kicked down on the starter lever, causing brown smoke to spew out of the exhaust pipes with a bang. The engine rattled a few times and fell silent.
‘I thinking no one ride bike for long time,’ said Nanoo. ‘It not even lunar-powered.’
‘Are you sure you know what you’re doing?’ asked Kella.
‘Yes, of course,’ said Jake. ‘A friend of mine on Remota used to let me ride her hover-bike. It’s our only hope of beating Rex back to the Dark Horse.’
‘Give another try,’ suggested Nanoo.
Jake placed his foot on the starter lever and paused. There were voices and footsteps coming from the Great Hall.
‘Altian troops,’ said Kella, her eyes as wide as palm grenades.
Jake kicked down hard and the engine rumbled promisingly for a few seconds, before cutting out again. The voices drew closer and shapes could be seen moving between the apple trees.
‘Hurry,’ said Nanoo.
Jake stamped on the starter lever with his entire weight. ‘Come on, start!’
The hover-bike roared to life, emitting further bangs and clouds of brown smoke.
‘Quick, get on,’ he shouted, revving the engine and blasting the ground with high-pressured air.
Kella and Nanoo climbed on to the rear and held on tight. The motors whined as the hover-bike lifted off the ground and wobbled in the air. Jake saw several armed figures emerging from the trees. He squeezed the accelerator and the bike shot forward, speeding through the open gates and on to the road.
‘More troops,’ warned Nanoo, spotting two maroon vehicles.
Jake swerved the hover-bike off the road and down the side of the hill, parting the grass as they hurtled towards the city below. His fast reactions were tested to their limits as he wrestled with the handlebars, struggling to control the bike, while the others held on for their lives.
‘Mind that tree,’ screamed Kella. ‘And that bush . . . and those vehicles!’
The hover-bike was heading straight for a busy street at the bottom of the hill, and there was no way it was going to stop in time.