by J. K. Mabrey
“I knew it would be too good to be true,” Zavik said. “It’s too remote a possibility to rely on. Let’s get to Earth, get you some medical attention. Then we can tell the ambassador what’s happened.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Brax said. “Let’s go find a dock at Earth to land on,’ he said to Vask. “Those fighters should all be back by now.”
“Who authorized the fighters to help you?” Zavik asked.
“Some Lieutenant Colonel, Snyder, I believe it was, very interested in your well beings.”
“Yeah, he’s good like that,” Zavik said.
Plot
Traval tried to stand, his left leg throbbing where a large section of mortar collapsed on it. He was stuck in the hallway, the lights were flashing off and on, and cracks widened as they ran down the inside of the walls. He turned back to head to the holding cell, urgently needing to find Varin. The attack was one of the worst ever suffered at one of Red Moon's compounds. They were completely unprepared for such a well-coordinated assault. Their location was supposed to be secure. This would require a strong retaliation.
He stumbled down the hallway, making his way to the holding cell the two humans were in. The whole complex was in disarray, there was a mad scramble for medical attention, and to reinforce areas that had been hit the hardest. The order that was so regimentally established at Red Moon was gone.
Traval made it to the cell and saw Varin lying trapped beneath rubble, and a large hole blown out of the exterior wall. Eager to help his leader he grabbed hold of him and suddenly felt a surge of electricity course through his body. He pulled back instantly and collapsed to his knees realizing the torturous rodschtok was wedged against Varin's side. He removed it and threw it against the wall.
“Varin!" he cried. "Wake up! Can you hear me?” Red Moon could not lose their leader in an attack like this. It would decimate the organization.
Slowly Varin began to move, mumbling incomprehensible groans.
“Varin! I’m going to get you to the medical bay.”
“No!” he yelled with absolute authority. “I don’t need medical attention.”
“Don't be ridiculous, you were being shocked at full strength for a long time.”
Struggling to stand, he said, “That fool human wedged the rodschtok against my side, but most of the electricity was absorbed by my chest insulator. I never use the rodschtok without putting it on. That thing’s unreliable enough, I know. It'll just as likely shock the user as well as the intended target.”
“What about your leg?" asked Traval as he ran a hand down the lower half, feeling for a break. "How bad is it?”
“It will heal, it’s not broken," he said as if it was nothing more than a minor nuisance. Redirecting the conversation to business, Varin demanded, “What the hell happened? How did they get past our defenses?”
“It was an Earth fleet. They brought a large force, but they were mainly here to distract, while that smuggler’s ship, the Rinada, rescued them.”
“They tracked them with his watch," Varin said in disgust. "What happened to the Earth vessels?”
“I don’t know yet. The bombardments just now stopped.”
They left the holding cell, surveying the underlying damage as they discussed Red Moon's next move. Varin did not believe the two captives had identified him. The Chokmnd who rescued them, though, may have. As Traval pointed out, if that was the case, Varin's cover could be blown. They could convince Earth of Red Moon's plans easily, the Council would be another matter. They would need to act quickly to ensure his identity remained hidden.
“We'll have to eliminate them immediately," Varin said. "I want everyone in the galaxy to be after that ship. Send word to every bounty hunter in the galaxy. A million credits, I don’t care if they’re killed or captured.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I want reinforcements sent here immediately. This is the only base they know, they may come back eventually, and I want to be ready.”
Traval agreed and said, “I fear we are headed to open war with the humans. That was not part of the plan.”
"We may have no choice but to engage them in battles," Varin said.
“Perhaps if we can turn this situation against the humans, it will buy us some time,” Traval said.
“What are you proposing?” he asked.
“Convince the Council that this attack by the Earth forces was a direct assault on Theros’ sovereignty, that it had nothing to do with Red Moon.”
They continued down the damaged hallway, Varin walking more and more under his own power. “Yes," he agreed. "Earth attacked Theros to push their agenda, frighten them into offering more supplies. I like that. I must get back to my office and work out the details and create evidence to give to Paquiko and the Council."
Varin and Traval made the trek up to his office. The attacks had damaged it extensively. Many of his pieces of art were destroyed or damaged. He stood silently for a moment taking in the ruins of his collection, and wondering what effect this unfortunate set of circumstances would have on his plans.
“I ever tell you, Traval," Varin said picking up a piece of rubble from the collapsing ceiling and crushing it into dust in his hands, "how much I hate humans.”
“Yes, sir,” Traval said tentatively.
He sat at his terminal that surprisingly still operated, and contacted his Head of Defenses to get a brief on the situation. He informed him that Red Moon had lost seven RA’s, to which Varin deemed pathetic. Luckily for the Head of Defense, he made the correct choice not to pursue the ships back to Earth. They undoubtedly had a defense prepared if they did. Varin did not wish to lose any more ships.
After the briefing, Varin sat in silence while Traval worried himself over Varin’s next move. “I cannot accept this,” Varin said. “The humans have defiled my base, and taken my prize. They now have more power over the situation than I do.”
“We can only hope the Council will be influenced by your statements.”
“No,” Varin said. “I need to make preparations for a contingency I have not seen coming.”
“What do you fear, my friend?”
“I fear I will be exposed before it is time. My father will expel me and take back his fleet. I need to secure Red Moon’s fleet far away from the Council or my father’s grasp.”
“What do you mean?” Traval asked.
“I need you to active the portal to the Dark-sector.”
Plan B
The Rinada blasted through the portal. U.E.F. ships were stationed just outside the exit, waiting for any pursuing ships. “I can’t believe I’m voluntarily coming to Earth, again,” Brax said.
“You’re telling me?” Vask responded back. “A High Secretary at Earth, might as well be treason.”
Zavik entered the cockpit. “Glad to know you guys think so highly of us.”
“Oh, uh, it’s not you personally. It’s just humans are so…” Vask struggled to finish his sentence.
“So…what?” Zavik pushed, still dwelling on his prior confrontation.
“So misunderstood by our people,” Brax finished. “It really is our fault for that mistrust.”
“Right,” Zavik said. “Are all you Chokmnds such good politicians?”
“Yes, we are,” Vask said.
“Where are we landing?" Zavik asked.
“The station with the Lieutenant Colonel," Vask said. "I couldn’t tell you which one, your numbering system is beyond ineffective. There’s no logical rhyme or reason for it.”
Zavik rolled his eyes and turned to leave. “Just land on the right one, and try not to scratch her, ok.
“Aye, aye, Captain,” Brax said.
The Rinada docked on station DF-002. Mike had relocated there after the strike force was sent to Theros. Zavik immediately took Dani to the medical wing, despite her protests otherwise. Mike met them there. “Zavik!" he shouted as he entered the room. Noticing Dani being tended to by the doctor, he said, "My god, Dani, what happened to you?”
“She was tortured," Zavik said, "by a Chokmnd, the leader of Red Moon.”
“You ok?” he asked.
“I’ll be fine," she said, "once Zavik stops worrying so much.”
“We’ll do all the necessary tests," the doctor tending to her said, "just to be sure there’re no hidden problems.” Zavik nodded his thanks.
“Who the hell are these two?” Mike asked without addressing them.
Brax and Vask stood erect, paying no attention to the insult. “This is Brax Miro," Zavik said. "He used to work for Red Moon.”
“Used to?” Mike questioned.
“Yeah, he helped us rescue Canderon Vask, here," he said addressing the Secretary. "He’s the Chokmnd Secretary of Fleet Engineering.”
“What the hell are you doing rescuing him for?”
“Ambassador Hains thought he might be able to identify the ships that attacked Earth," Zavik said.
“Did she now? And you going around starting intergalactic conflicts is part of that plan?”
“No," Zavik admitted. "We weren’t supposed to get caught.”
“Do you know how much weight I had to pull to authorize your rescue? And all based on the words of two Chokmnds, who wouldn’t land on any of our stations," Mike said pointing at Brax and Vask.
“They were questioning why we had the Rinada, they thought it was a trap,” Brax said.
“Damn right we did.”
“We finally convinced them to contact the ambassador," Vask said.
“She vouched that you had gone to rescue a Chokmnd for her," Mike said. "She said we should do what these two said. Taking direction from two Chokmnd didn't go over well, mind you, especially since it was to rescue you.”
“We’re grateful," Dani said as the doctor proceeded to draw blood from her arm.
“Damn well better be," Mike lashed out. "Now where’s this proof that Red Moon's behind the attack on Earth.”
“I’m afraid I haven’t been able to analyze the data Zavik and Dani collected yet,” Vask said.
“Wait a minute," Mike said rubbing his eyes with his forefinger and thumb as if to relieve a growing migraine, "we’re basing this proof off of your analysis? This keeps getting better. I thought there was hard evidence.”
“Lieutenant Colonel," Brax said, "I realize your experience with Red Moon is limited, but believe me, they don't leave behind hard evidence."
“So we’re supposed to convince the Earth’s Council, much less the Galactic Council, that we believe a pro-Chokmnd terrorist group is responsible for the attacks, based on a Chokmnd Secretary’s professional opinion?”
“Well, I wouldn’t call them a terrorist group,” Brax said. The room went silent as everyone turned to stare at him. “Well, at least I wouldn’t,” he added under his breath.
“This will never fly, Zavik. Without concrete proof, we will look like the aggressors on Theros. If the Council doesn’t believe the ambassador, they could turn against us.”
“Especially considering Bragko's running Red Moon,” Brax added.
“Who?” Mike asked.
“Varin Bragko, he’s Paquiko’s Chief of Staff-"
“And the Supreme Emperor’s son,” Vask added.
“Just keeps getting better," Mike said. "Are you saying the Chokmnd councilor is taking orders from Red Moon?”
“I wouldn’t think so,” Vask said. "Paquiko actually likes humans, from my understanding.”
“Why the tone of surprise?” Mike asked.
“No tone, well, yes, ok, a little tone. I mean come on," Vask shrugged and stayed silent.
“Enough of this,” Zavik cut in. “You’re saying Paquiko doesn’t know Varin is leading Red Moon?”
“I very much doubt it,” Brax said. “I worked for Red Moon, no one knew who was running the whole show. The ‘Leader’ was always a mystery. If he wants to be a mystery to his organization, he’s not going to reveal himself to too many others. And for such a pro-human like Paquiko to know would be highly illogical. He wouldn’t keep him around this long.”
“Brax is correct," Vask said. "Varin’s just using his position to manipulate Paquiko where he can.”
“He means for us to start a war," Zavik said, "so he can usurp control of the galaxy.”
“We may have just unwittingly fired the first shot," Mike admitted.
“Do you think Red Moon will try and use this attack to make Earth look bad?” Dani asked.
“Varin will try and use this any way he can," Vask said. "If he can show the Council that Earth attacked another planet, and mask that the real target was Red Moon, it could look very bad.”
“Do we have any way of discrediting Varin?” Zavik asked.
“You’ll have to prove that Varin is the leader of Red Moon," Brax said, "and a traitor to the Council’s cause.”
“Doesn't sound easy,” Zavik said. “Can we count on any help from Earth?”
“Me?” Mike said outraged. “I already risked a lot rescuing you two. Do you know how many treaties and resolutions we just violated? We may have just put Earth in the direct sights of an angry Council.”
“You knew the risks when you authorized assistance,” Brax spat.
“Yes, but I thought we had real proof of Red Moon’s involvement, not some theory that the ships were similar. Now you have to make this right.”
“What we need to do," Zavik said, "is finish what we started with Varin.”
“Might I suggest, Captain Khan,” Vask said interrupting Zavik's thought, “that you not worry about going after Varin directly. You managed to escape his grasp once, that is a matter of luck I would not want to test again.”
“I would tend to concur with Vask,” Brax said. “You’re all ready, no doubt, at the top of his hit list. I recommend you hide somewhere, for a long time.”
“All I want right now is to bring him down. We need to finish this,” he said to Dani. “Are you with me?”
“Always.”
“Good-“
“I’m in too!” Brax said as they stared at him. “What can I say? I like your passion.”
“Good to hear," Zavik said, "but aren't you worried about being seen with us?"
"Only slightly," Brax admitted, "but he gives us all a bad name, and needs to be stopped."
"Ok, you're with us," Zavik said.
“Wait!” Mike interrupted. “So, what exactly are you going to do to prove that this, Varin guy, is Red Moon’s ringleader?”
“We haven’t gotten that far yet,” Zavik said. “But, at least we know what we need to prove.”
“My confidence is growing,” Mike said.
“We need to find someone who is high up enough to know Varin,” Brax said.
“That should be easy,” Zavik said, “seeing as we’re their most wanted people in the galaxy.”
“Yes, well, small challenges," Brax said. "The real trick is deciding who we want to get to know a little better.”
“You have ideas?” Zavik asked.
“Some. I know some of the structural ladder of the organization. The galaxy’s divided into six regions and each has their own structure, with a commander in charge of all operations. They will all most definitely have knowledge of Varin's identity.”
“So we just have to walk in there and demand to talk to the commander in charge?” Zavik asked.
“We’ll need to present an opportunity to Red Moon, have something of value to them," Brax said.
“We’re valuable to them,” Zavik said.
“I was thinking something more along an economic value," Brax said. "I don’t see the need to put you two, or myself for that matter, at risk any more than we have to.”
“How thoughtful of you," Zavik said. "So what did you have in mind?”
"We present an opportunity to advance their goals of galactic domination."
“Look!" Mike shouted. "We have more pressing issues right now than Red Moon’s dreams of galactic domination.”
“What do you mean?” Zavik asked
.
“The Earth Council is discussing plans to attack a convoy in order to secure the supplies we need.”
“Attack a convoy?” Dani asked. “Whose convoy?”
“That’s not been decided yet, and even if it were, it would be top secret. All I know is that it’s not set in stone yet, but it is being very seriously considered. The Earth Council is tired of waiting on the Galactic Council to provide more aid. They're tired of the Chokmnds especially," Mike said glaring at Brax.
“Don’t look at me,” Brax said. “I don’t decide foreign relations.”
“Why are you telling us this, Mike?” Zavik asked.
“Since we don’t have direct evidence, I think it would be better if you could help stop us from attacking the convoy. It's more urgent than exposing Varin Bragko right now. If what you said is true about him, our attacking another innocent target could be the start of his war.”
“You don’t think the Earth Council will listen to our story about Red Moon’s war delusions?” Zavik asked.
“I thought you had evidence," Mike said looking at Brax, "but by the time you go through this charade and find some, it may be too late."
“That’s true,” Brax agreed. “If we can stall this attack, it could buy us time to investigate Red Moon further. It will not be a quick find. I fear that if Earth attacks, unprovoked, it could send you into a war with the other races. It would be near impossible to get the Galactic Council to hear reason on Red Moon, even if you were able to find proof.”
“Can’t someone else do this errand?” Zavik asked. “We should be going after Varin again. He’s weakened and vulnerable. If he suspects we can out his identity he will get sloppy and make mistakes. This is the best chance we have, we should take it.”
“Zavik,” Dani said softly. “I know you want revenge for what he’s done, but we should focus on the big picture here. This situation is much bigger than us. Thousands of lives are at stake. We cannot be selfish here. Please, let’s help Mike now, and focus on Red Moon later.”
“You’re right, Dani,” Zavik said. “We will help how we can for now. After that, he’s mine to go after. Do you have any suggestions to delay the raid, Mike?”