Ghost Fleet (The Pike Chronicles Book 4)

by G. P. Hudson

  “So the Vanguard wasn’t destroyed?”

  “No, they impressively destroyed part of the station to escape. The Vanguard jumped away and we gave pursuit.”

  “Sounds like a quick thinking commander. But how were you able to pursue them once they jumped.”

  “We knew that their mission was to find out why the Hermes stopped deploying jump beacons. Since they did not stay in the Sol System to help fight against the invasion, we believed that they were under orders to complete their mission. We followed the Hermes jump path. That is how we discovered the Kemmar and the undiscovered jump gate.”

  “There’s one thing I don’t understand,” said Kevin. “The Juttari have built five jump ships already, and out here we’ve added jump systems to three ships, so why has Space Force only built two jump ships in total?”

  “Space Force considered your jump system experimental,” said Steeg. “The Juttari knew they had no time for experiments, and instead accelerated the building of new jump ships. The Juttari have built five jump ships, but I assure you, hundreds will follow. You must consider that your Space Force built the ships for peacetime, not war. You were sent on a mission of exploration.”

  “But it still doesn’t make sense,” said Kevin. “They could’ve easily sent us off to find the colonies and continued building jump ships, like they did with the Vanguard.”

  “I agree,” said Jon. “We’re missing something here, and I think I know who might have the answer.”

  “Tallos,” said Kevin.

  “Tallos,” said Jon, with a frown.

  “I’m sorry, Admiral. Who is Tallos?” said Steeg.

  “Tallos is a Diakan General who was on board the Hermes,” said Jon, still annoyed at the sound of the Diakan’s name.

  “You think the Diakans purposely held back Earth’s progress?” said Steeg.

  “Now that you mention it, I do,” said Jon. “The jump system is too much of an advantage. If they held back Earth’s production, while building their own ships, they could prevent Earth from getting too powerful.”

  “That’s why they sent us on this mission,” said Kevin. “Even without the attack by Colonel Bast, or the Kemmar, we’d still be away for a long time. Likely years.”

  “The Vanguard was then sent after the Hermes,” said Jon. “They put the Diakans on the Hermes, and there’s probably more on the Vanguard. It’s all been about control. All about making sure we don’t get too strong.”

  “Do you believe the Diakans are building jump ships covertly?” said Steeg.

  “Yeah, I’m almost one hundred percent certain,” said Jon.

  “An interesting strategy,” said Steeg. “The Diakans may have used the Space Force jump ships as decoys.”

  “That sounds like the Diakan thing to do,” said Jon. “Make the Juttari focus on Space Force, while they quietly build their own jump fleet. If the Juttari have spies throughout the Accord worlds, don’t you think the Diakans have spies as well? Hell, the spy on Earth could very well be a double agent, playing both sides.”

  “So the Diakans were playing us all along?” said Kevin, his tone dripping with suppressed anger.

  “Call it a hunch. At any rate, we can’t do anything about it out here, and we’ve got other matters to address first. Tell me, Colonel Steeg, now that you are free of Juttari control, what are your plans?”

  “We do not have plans,” said Steeg. “Only a burning desire for vengeance.”

  “I can relate to that feeling. And how much do you know about our little fleet?”

  “AI and Colonel Bast have provided some information. You are an independent force, but have pledged to protect New Byzantium. In return, New Byzantium has given you ships, personnel, and political asylum.”

  “That’s about right,” said Jon. “New Byzantium has many enemies. The other worlds are governed by corporations. As we speak a large corporate fleet is assembling to attack New Byzantium. All information indicates that this fleet will outnumber us. The jump system helps, but only so much. The Kemmar Empire has invaded the neighboring civilization, and I expect we will soon see attacks from them. And now there is the situation back on Sol. As you can see we have our hands full.”

  “It certainly sounds like you can use some help,” said Steeg. “Admiral, as I said before, we are eternally in your debt. We want to join your fleet, unless you are opposed to the idea.”

  “Opposed? Hell no. I’m more than happy to have you as part of the team.”

  “Good. I only have one request,” said Steeg.

  Jon raised an eyebrow. “Oh, what’s that?”

  “That after we are done here, we liberate Sol, and the rest of the Chaanisar.”

  Jon smiled. “You have my word.”

  Chapter 44

  “You’ve grown,” said Jonas, picking up Anki. “Who told you you were allowed to grow?”

  “Grandfather! I can grow by myself,” said Anki with a giggle.

  “You know, he’s not so bad for a crusty old Reiver,” Jon said to Breeah.

  “I heard that,” said Jonas, his eyes flaring from behind his long, unkempt gray hair. “Compliments do not suit you Jon Pike,” said Jonas, breaking out into a fit of roaring laughter.

  “I don’t believe it. The old bastard is actually in a good mood,” said Jon.

  “Anki tends to do that to him,” said Breeah. “Especially now that he doesn’t see her as much.”

  “Yeah, but it’s something more.”

  “It’s the destroyer. He gets to go into battle again,” said Breeah.

  “That’s it. It’s the combat. The old war monger loves going into battle.”

  “If you’re not careful, Jon Pike, I’ll show you what battle really is,” said Jonas.

  “Don’t forget that I outrank you now, Jonas,” said Jon with a smirk.

  “You can take your rank and shove it up your ass, Sir.”

  Jon rolled his eyes. He knew that Jonas would behave himself and follow chain of command when in battle, but all bets were off in here. He was Breeah’s father after all.

  “So we have four more ships now?” said Breeah. “Do you think that will be enough?”

  “To deal with the corporate fleet?”

  “Yes.”

  “I think so. That makes seven jump ships. And the test of the smaller prototype jump system was successful.”

  “Of course. The Chaanisar ships overshadowed that accomplishment. Will you have time to install the jump system into all the fighters.”

  “Probably not,” said Jon. “I’m going to focus on the bombers instead. We only have one squadron and they need to get closer to use their torpedoes. If we can get the jump system on them they can avoid a lot of damage by simply jumping near their target.”

  “Those corporate commanders are going to be squealing like babies by the time we’re done with them,” said Jonas, walking over to Jon and Breeah. “My Reivers will give them the spanking they deserve.”

  “Speaking of your Reivers,” said Jon. “I’ve been thinking that you might want to consider moving some of them to the Freedom.”

  “What? Why are you trying to poach my fighters, Jon Pike?” said Jonas, his smile gone.

  “I’m not trying to poach your fighters, Jonas. I’m thinking of protecting your culture. Almost all of the surviving Reivers are on board your ship.”

  “Of course they are. That is why it is named the Reiver. I’m sure even you can figure that out.”

  Ignoring the jab, Jon continued. “What if your ship is lost in battle? What would be left of the Reiver culture?”

  “He has a point, father,” said Breeah.

  “Nonsense. You two are conspiring against me,” said Jonas, his voice louder. “Reivers do not fear death. We are warriors, and we fight together.”

  “I never said you weren’t warriors, nor did I say you shouldn’t fight,” said Jon, his frustration growing. “All I suggested was that it might be prudent to spread some of your crew around. That way if something do
es happen, the Reiver culture can continue.”

  “No, Jon Pike. What you are suggesting will dilute my crew and their effectiveness. If I send my warriors to the Freedom, what will you send me? New Byzantium recruits? Ha! They would be only slightly better than useless on board my ship. Reivers know how to work together, and how to fight together. We would have to teach anyone you send me our ways. It will never work.”

  Jon could see he wasn’t getting anywhere with the old man. “Look, it was just a thought. In the end it’s up to you. I’m not trying to break up your crew. If you think it’s a bad idea, then forget it.”

  “You’re damn right it’s a bad idea. Didn’t I just explain that to you?”

  “You mentioned you will be going down to the surface?” said Breeah, changing the subject.

  “Yes. I’m going to see Prime Minister Sallas, and I need to have a little chat with Tallos.”

  “Tallos?” Breeah said with revulsion. She obviously hadn’t forgiven the Diakan attack on her on board the Hermes. “What do you want to see him for?”

  “I have some questions that only he can answer.”

  “I see. That’s unfortunate. Anyway, since you are going down to the planet, why don’t you take me and Anki along? We can visit the Seibens while you have your meetings. It would be good for Anki to play with Otka and Alina.”

  Jon hadn’t considered taking anyone with him, but he couldn’t say no. Anki didn’t have other children to play with on board the Freedom, and he didn’t know how long it would be until they could visit the planet again. “Okay. We leave in the morning.”

  “Great,” said Breeah. “I’ll message Darla and let her know we’re coming.”

  Chapter 45

  Tallos tended to the various flowers planted in his yard. While it could not compare to his gardens back home on Diakus, it still gave him pleasure. As far as planets went, New Byzantium was better than most. It had large oceans, even though they were trivial compared to the ones on Diakus. Still, water covered most of this planet, and while some would find that a problem, to a Diakan it was a blessing. Tallos loved the water, as did every Diakan, and for this world, the fact that four fifths of the planet surface lay underwater saved it from the over-colonization typically found on other expansion worlds. That meant a clean atmosphere, and a smaller population. Yet it was no Diakus.

  How long will I stay here? Tallos wondered. Prime Minister Sallas had given him this house, thankfully located in a remote location, away from curious human eyes. Sallas wanted to court favor with Diakus, which was wise, although his association with Jon Pike would hurt that aspiration. Nonetheless, Sallas seemed convinced that Diakus, or Space Force, would eventually find New Byzantium. The only question was how long it would take. It could be many years before then. Would this planet survive that long?

  New Byzantium had many enemies. Tallos had learned of the threat the other worlds posed, and that they planned to attack. Foolish humans. They squabbled amongst themselves while greater dangers lurked in the darkness. The Kemmar threatened too. Where an invasion from that Kemmar Empire could not be far off, these humans prefer civil war, instead of united defense. How could the Great See’er believe such creatures would rise to power?

  So this world stood alone. If contact had been made with Diakus, New Byzantium could be given Galactic Accord membership. They would be protected by Diakan might. Alas, it seemed that it would not survive long enough to enjoy that privilege. Sadly, that meant that he too would perish here, far from his gardens on the home world. He did not fear death. He simply wanted to see the home world one last time.

  A sound broke his train of thought. It came from the bushes outlining the perimeter of the property. He had noticed that there were a few scavenger species on this planet, and some of those animals had gotten into his garden as of late. They came and dug up his new plants almost daily. Apparently they liked chewing on the bulbs. Tallos figured it was time to teach the pests a lesson. He quietly walked toward the bushes, ready to dispense quick justice on whatever he found hiding there, when he realized someone stood behind him. He wheeled around to find Jon Pike standing no more than a foot away, smiling.

  “Hello, Tallos,” said Pike, then everything went black.

  Chapter 46

  Jon stared long and hard at the unconscious Diakan he had tied up to a chair. General Tallos. The cause of much trouble. Jon knew that there was a reason why Tallos was put on the Hermes, but up until now he didn’t know what it was. Jon was certain that the role of adviser was a ruse. But why? Why pick a Diakan General to masquerade as an adviser? Oddly he felt the creature’s contempt for Tallos.

  I thought you were a Diakan symbiont, thought Jon.

  Not anymore, it replied.

  Communication with the symbiont had improved over the last few weeks. Jon wondered whether it had the ability to communicate before, and merely ignored it, preferring to use pain instead. Now that it had no more power over Jon, it was forced to communicate. Somehow this made it easier to get along with. Was this the harmony Doctor Ellerbeck referred to? Jon felt its rising excitement, and knew it eagerly awaited what was about to happen.

  Jon reached out and slapped Tallos in the face. No reaction. He slapped him again, harder this time. “Wake up, Tallos. We have important matters to discuss.”

  “What… what is happening?” said Tallos, slowly coming back to consciousness. He shook his head from side to side, tried to move his hands, looking down at them when he realized they were tied to the chair. Raising his head, he focused on Jon. “You. You assaulted me. Why?”

  “Relax, Tallos. I didn’t touch you. I just used a neural agent to knock you out.”

  “Why? Why did you need to do all of this?” said Tallos, gesturing to the energy restraints binding him to the chair.

  “Let’s see. I knocked you out because I didn’t want you to call for help, and I tied you to the chair because I might need to torture you.”

  “What? You’re crazy.”

  “I’m not crazy, Tallos. You know that. You Diakans made me what I am. Remember?”

  “So this is about revenge?”

  “No, not revenge. I’m not emotional like that. I may not like you, but this is about information. Information that you probably won’t want to share.”

  “What information?”

  “We’ll get to that. First, tell me, how do you like New Byzantium?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “You’ve got a nice house here,” said Jon, looking around the room. “Looks very comfortable. And the yard looks great. Are you a gardener?”

  “You’ve lost your mind, Jon Pike. I cannot wait until the day Diakus catches up to you. I’ll be in the front row watching your execution.”

  “There he is. There’s the Tallos I know. And I thought all this domestic stuff had made you soft.” Jon had to admit he was having fun messing with the Diakan’s head, but playtime was over. “Now that the real Tallos has shown up, why don’t we get started?”

  “Did you know that Diakus has different types of executions, depending on the crime?” continued Tallos. “If you are deserving, they can make your death last for long, excruciating hours. Even days. Can you imagine something like that? You should get used to the idea, because that is what is going to happen to you, Jon Pike.”

  Jon pulled a small device out of his pocket, stretched out his arm, and pressed the end against Tallos’s neck. The Diakan instantly lit up with blue energy. Arching his back he let out a guttural groan, but to Jon’s surprise, he did not scream. “Impressive,” said Jon, pulling away the device. “I definitely had you pegged for a screamer. I guess I was wrong. Do you still want to tell me about Diakan executions?”

  Tallos took several shallow, gasping breaths, but didn’t respond.

  “Good. Now, tell me about what Diakus is doing with the jump system.”

  “The jump system? Why are you asking me that? You know the answer already. Diakus and Earth built the Hermes, and yo
u commanded it.”

  “Fine. We can go down this route. It’s related anyway. Then explain to me why Diakus put one of their generals on board the Hermes?”

  “You know that answer as well. I was supposed to act as an adviser.”

  “That’s bullshit, Tallos, and you know it. If that’s all they wanted they could’ve easily assigned another starship Captain to assist me.”

  “Regardless what you may think, I’m telling you the truth.”

  Jon reached in and pressed the device against Tallos’s neck, causing blue energy to arc through his body again. To Jon’s surprise Tallos still refused to scream. He’s tough, I’ll give him that much. Jon pulled the device away as Tallos gasped for air.

  “This is an interesting little device. The Chaanisar gave it to me. Can you imagine me using a Chaanisar torture device? I would’ve never dreamed it possible. Anyway, it has the ability to inflict pain without killing the subject. So, we can do this for as long as it takes. It’s up to you.”

  “I told you, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Tallos.

  Jon reached in again and pressed the device against Tallos’s neck. This time he held it there much longer, and Tallos howled in pain. “There’s the scream. I have to admit, you did impress me. But someone of your rank should know that everybody breaks. It’s just a matter of time. And we have time, Tallos. Time for a lot of pain and screaming.”

  “I was assigned to the Hermes to ensure you stayed on your mission.”

  “I already know that.”

  “No, it is more than that. The Great See’er saw you.”

  “The Great See’er? Isn’t she some kind of religious figure for you Diakans?”

  “She is the light that guides us on our journey.”

  “Uh huh. Okay, whatever. What did she see.”

  “She saw that the humans would rise to power. And she saw you as the force behind that rise.”

  Jon sat back in his chair, stunned. “What are you saying? She’s made me out as some kind of prophet?”