Everything was moving a bit fast as Amanda tried to understand what was happening. “Hold on a minute, Supreme Commander. Am I to understand that I’m the chosen one?”
“Are you not the one wearing the Amulet of the Gods, Amanda Williamson?” replied Granthaxe.
“Um, yes,” she said. “But it was a gift from your mother, the queen. There was no mention of being the chosen one.”
Supreme Commander Granthaxe moved closer to her. “No, my child. It was an honor bestowed upon you by the queen. And to answer your question, yes, you are the chosen one.”
Amanda noticed that Ryan had a crooked smile on his face. She didn’t know whether to laugh or scream at him. Considering the current situation, she did neither.
“So,” she said, “what do I do as the chosen one?”
It was Kyron who answered. “You must lead us to the Ship of the Gods.”
“And once we find the ship you are speaking about, then what do we do?” asked Amanda.
This time it was the supreme commander who answered. “You must lead our forces to victory,” he said matter-of-factly. “As it was foretold throughout the ages. For generations we have been told that one day the evil demons would return. I never once imagined that the opportunity to be the one in charge would befall me. Now if you will excuse me, I must return to Altarra immediately and prepare our forces for a battle to the death.”
Amanda fell back and looked up. “Isn’t this special?” she said sarcastically. “Of all the people in the universe to be chosen, I’m to be the one who has to find the Ship of the Gods. And then once we find it, I’m to lead a battle against an evil and powerful force that is hell bent on annihilating both of our species. And I’m the lucky one?”
Kyron smiled at her, baring her fangs. “Yes, Amanda Williamson. It is very special. You should be deeply proud of yourself.”
Obviously, thought Amanda, Altarrans didn’t quite grasp sarcasm.
Ryan entered the conference room. His head throbbed as he tried to make sense of all that had transpired in the last few hours. He was concerned for Amanda. He saw his father talking on his slider, he assumed with the fleet or maybe the president. Also in the room was Admiral Williamson along with Granthaxe and Kyron. His father closed his slider and motioned for him to take a seat.
“Any news from the fleet, Da-Admiral?” asked Ryan.
Admiral Thompson smiled briefly. “Nothing. However I have put the fleet on alert status one.”
Ryan nodded. Alert status one was the closest thing to a full-blown alert, and considering the news they had just heard, it made perfect sense. “Understood, sir,” he said. He turned to face Granthaxe. “Supreme Commander, have you heard anything since the last report?”
Granthaxe stood up and started pacing back and forth. At his size, it didn’t take him long to cover the room. “Our probes inform us that the Karang are less than two weeks away from Altarra,” he said. “As soon as we conclude the meeting I am returning home and sending our entire forces to meet these demons. I shall send them back whence they came from, or kill them all. Which of course would be my preference.”
At that moment Amanda entered the room. Doctor Basha was with her. “I’m only going to say this once, admirals,” said the doctor. “For the record, I’m opposed to having Ms. Williamson attend the meeting. She has just sustained a serious mental trauma and it is my opinion that she should still be under observation. The only reason I’m allowing her to attend is that the situation is so grave. I’ll be right outside the door. Any sign of trouble, you can expect me to be in here immediately.” All of five feet tall, she placed her hands on her hips and paused as she glared at each of them, one by one. “Is that understood?”
Admiral Thompson knew her all too well. “Understood, Doctor. Thank you. You’re dismissed.” The doctor spun on her heels and left the room.
“That little one speaks with fire,” said Granthaxe.
“Indeed she does,” said Admiral Thompson. Now let’s get down to business. I have our fleet on high alert. I’ve also been in contact with the president and have requested a meeting of the Global Council. We will meet in two weeks. In the meantime, Supreme Commander, if you need any supplies please do not hesitate to ask me. Any questions so far?”
Ryan stood up. “Sir, we are going to stand with the Altarrans, aren’t we? I mean their fleet is still not back to full strength. And that’s partially our fault.”
“Some things never change, Ryan. I knew you would point that out. You think it’s that easy? I just walk into the president’s office, say the word, and poof, off we go? Remember chain of command. I have called a meeting with the Global Council for that very reason. I intend to request permission to assist the Altarrans.”
“But, Admiral,” said Ryan, “they’re politicians. They have no sense of reality. And sir, if I may be honest, I don’t trust any of them.”
“Leave that part to me. Of all people you should know that when I go after something, I usually get it.” Then, turning to face Granthaxe he said, “Find me a reason to convince our world leaders to join you in your fight. If you can do that, it will make my job all the easier.”
Supreme Commander Granthaxe placed his right fist to his chest. “I shall do my very best, Admiral Benjamin Thompson. Of that you can rest assured. Now I must take my leave. I will remain in contact with you.” Facing Kyron, he continued. “Stay with Amanda Williamson. Find the Ship of the Gods. By the words of Altarraxe the Great, we will most certainly need it if we wish our way of life to prevail.” And with that he left the room.
“Okay,” said Admiral Thompson. “Here’s the game plan for now. Amanda, I want you to have a complete physical. Regardless of whether you are cleared for light duty or desk duty we will return to Earth. As soon as we arrive your father will lead a mission to the Sentinel Islands with you. You will return to the caves that housed the queen all those years. Kyron will also be part of the team. Obviously she is the expert on the subject at hand. Find out all you can about the ship that is supposed to be hidden somewhere on Earth. I am also including Commodore Laurent as part of your team. Since she is the head of our R&D department, I’d like her with you if and when we find the ship. Your mission is of the utmost importance. Considering that both our fleet and the Altarrans’ are sorely depleted, it is imperative that you succeed. Without that ship, we don’t stand much of a chance to stop them.”
Turning to face Ryan, he continued. “Ryan, see to it that all the cadets’ ships are prepared for departure. You have two weeks to get everything in order. I am leaving for Earth immediately and will get everything lined up for our next move. That’s all for now. Let me know the minute the doctor clears Amanda. Are we all clear about our orders?”
“Aye, sir,” said Ryan. “Crystal clear.”
“Yes, sir,” said Amanda.
“Good,” said Admiral Thompson. You’re all dismissed.”
Ryan said goodbye to his father. He waited for Amanda to finish talking with Admiral Williamson. When they had concluded their talk, Ryan came to her side and asked how she was.
“I’ve had better days,” she said. She smiled. “Just when I thought things were going to settle down and get back to normal, look what happens. Seriously, Ryan, I feel like the weight of the entire world is resting on my shoulders.”
“Things happen for a reason. Obviously you’ve been chosen for a very interesting career path,” he said.
Kyron nodded. “You should feel very special, Amanda Williamson. This path was to be the duty of an Altarran king or queen. You have been given the utmost honor that any Altarran could ever wish for.”
“Lucky me,” said Amanda.
Still oblivious to human sarcasm, Kyron nodded her head in agreement. “You are indeed a very lucky child. I am envious of you!”
She smiled at Amanda, baring her four-inch fangs. “Yes,” said Amanda. “When you put it like that, how could I resist?”
Ryan felt chills run through him again. He’d come
to the conclusion that he would never get used to seeing those large, deadly incisors that graced all the Altarran females. In fact, he wondered how the Altarran males even dealt with it. Trying to keep things light, he said. “Absolutely, Amanda. You’re destined for greatness. Now what do you say we all get a good night’s sleep? We have a long two weeks ahead of us.”
As he walked Amanda back to the infirmary, he wished he could feel the confidence he had just displayed. Instead, he had a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.
Supreme Commander Granthaxe had heard the legends of the Karang as a child, but never did he think he would be the commander to do battle with them. So be it, he thought. If all were to go well he would be revered, his name remembered for eternity. Songs would be sung about him. If things should not go their way, there would be nobody left. Not a very pleasant thought. At least his recent battle against the humans had taught him some valuable lessons: most important, never underestimate one’s enemy. Fortunately his people and the humans had been able to rectify their issues and were now allies.
Now he was back in his system with an advance scout fleet preparing to intercept the Karang. It was time to defend the Altarran people and insure their survival. These were the moments a true Altarran leader lived for: to defend his people and their way of life. If he should perish doing battle for these reasons, he would willingly pay the price.
The voice of his weapons officer snapped him out of his reverie.
“Supreme Commander,” said the Altarran. “I have six unknown vessels heading towards our system.”
“Do they appear to be warships?” asked Granthaxe.
“Negative. They are much too sleek and small. They appear to be scout vessels, Supreme Commander.”
“Such arrogance,” said Granthaxe. “They show us no respect coming in such small vessels. Show me their projected flight path.”
“As you wish, Supreme Commander. I am forwarding their projected course and speed,” said the weapons officer.
Granthaxe studied the Karang’s projected flight path on his monitor. After a few moments he saw an opening and a plan came to him. “There,” he said. “We will take refuge behind the third moon of Oxus. Its magnetic core will mask our presence. Then we shall pounce on them. I want all of them obliterated, with the exception of the lead vessel. I want that one damaged only. Inform the fleet of our plan and tell them to leave the lead ship alone. That one is mine.”
“As you wish, Supreme Commander. I am sending your orders to the fleet,” said the communications officer.
Granthaxe paced the bridge as his fleet carried out their orders. His heart pounded. The Karang scout ships would arrive in less than thirty minutes but the wait seemed like an eternity. Ever since childhood he had heard stories of the evil ones and had always envisioned himself involved in a masterful battle against them. Now his wishes were coming true.
“Supreme Commander,” said his weapons officer, “they are within range.”
Granthaxe hissed as he gave the order. “All ships attack.” Turning his attention to his helmsman he ordered, “Take position behind the lead vessel. And if you value your existence, do not let him outmaneuver you.”
“Yes, Supreme Commander. He shall not get away,” said the helmsman.
The Karang vessel was flying close to the moon, trying to shake Granthaxe’s ship. “Lock on forward cannons and target the aft engine,” said Granthaxe. “Set detonation at fifty yards. I want the engines damaged. Do not destroy that ship.”
“Weapons locked on target. I have a firing solution, Supreme Commander,” said the weapons officer.
Granthaxe stood directly behind his weapons officer and in a booming voice said, “Activate forward view screen and fire forward cannons!”
The ship recoiled like a giant snake attacking its prey as the weapons fired. The forward screen erupted in a variety of colors as the missiles exploded close to the enemy vessel. The Karang ship’s rear engines shut down as the gravitational pull from the moon pulled it towards the surface.
“Follow them down to the surface,” bellowed Granthaxe. “Stay with them.”
“Yes, sir,” replied the helmsman. “We are right with them.”
The Karang ship was able to fire its thrusters to slow down and make a controlled landing on the surface of Oxus. Granthaxe’s ship landed within twenty-five feet of the downed vessel. He was already at the main exit hatch along with four of his crew, who were heavily armed. “No matter what happens,” said Granthaxe, “I want at least one of them taken alive.” They acknowledged his orders. “Let us proceed,” he commanded.
The hatch opened and the five Altarrans exited. Within seconds they had surrounded the scout ship. It was about forty feet long. As soon as the hatch opened two of the Altarran soldiers tossed in concussion explosives. The grenades detonated. They waited a few seconds and three of them stormed inside. Granthaxe stood outside with the other two crewmembers. Within a couple of minutes the three Altarran warriors had exited the hatch. They had two Karang soldiers in tow, both unconscious and bound in shackles. They were taking no chances.
“Bring them inside the ship,” ordered Granthaxe. “I want them stripped of their gear and placed in separate cells. Keep them chained and under heavy guard. The moment they awaken I am to be notified.”
Dragging their two prisoners along with them, the Altarrans returned to their ship. Within thirty minutes the guards told Granthaxe that one of the Karang had awakened. The supreme commander made his way to the detention area. The prisoner was in chains and flanked by two heavily armed Altarran security officers.
Granthaxe walked directly to the prisoner and stopped inches from his face. He looked him up and down and hissed in his face. He was surprised to discover that they were the same size as he was. That was about where the comparison ended, though. The Karang had green skin and their heads were almost demonic. They had razor-sharp teeth and long serrated claws on their hands. Making them even more daunting was their muscular build.
“I am Supreme Commander Granthaxe of Altarra,” said Granthaxe. “You will answer my questions or I shall make you wish for death.”
The Karang stared directly into Granthaxe’s eyes. “We do not scare. Nor do we fear death. You think you have done something exceptional by bringing down our scout ships with your battleships?” He laughed. “Our warships are coming. Hundreds of them. We will annihilate your species and then when we are finished with you, we will destroy your puny human friends.”
Granthaxe smiled at the Karang officer and slammed him in the face with his massive fist. The Karang officer’s mouth was bleeding but he laughed again. “If you think you can torture me you are badly misinformed. Needless to say, I have nothing to hide. Our fleet will be here along with ground forces within thirty of your days. We will exterminate your species like the insects you are and then we will take all your planet’s resources.” He spit on the floor at Granthaxe’s feet.
Granthaxe had heard and seen enough. “Throw him back in the cell and keep two guards on him at all times.”
The Karang officer yelled out, “Do not waste your time with my crewman. You can torture him all you like. He will go to his death before he talks. He will tell you nothing. Our kind does not speak to our enemies.”
Granthaxe turned around and stopped inches from the Karang’s face. He had to draw on every ounce of his inner strength to keep himself from gutting his prisoner, cutting off his head, and mounting it on the wall. “I have no intention of questioning him. I intend to execute him.” Granthaxe turned and headed towards the bridge.
Upon entering the bridge he prepared a report of the encounter with the Karang, which he sent to his mother, the queen. “Send an encoded message to Admiral Benjamin Thompson of Earth,” he said to his communications officer. “Inform him that I have captured a Karang officer and I have information that the Karang intend to attack their domain as well.”
“Yes, Supreme Commander. Sending encoded message now.”
/> Turning to his helmsman he said, “Set a course for Earth. Maximum speed. It is imperative that we get there in time to join Admiral Benjamin Thompson when he meets with his planetary leaders.”
Granthaxe sat back in his command chair and thought about all that had transpired over the last half year. If he had been told back then that he would be asking Earth to join forces with Altarra to battle the Karang he would have thought the speaker to be insane. Now he was on his way to try and convince Earth’s leaders to do just that. The universe could certainly be maddening.
The past two weeks had been a blur. Ryan was tired, both physically and mentally. This should have been a time of joy and basking in all the cadets had accomplished. Instead he was concerned about their future. Not to mention that they were facing many unanswered questions.
As he entered the hanger bay he saw some of his bridge crew awaiting him.
“Hail mighty King Ryan of the planet Earth,” said Tanner. “Your humble servants await thee.”
Tanner could always bring a smile to his face. “Hey, Tanner. Are we ready to ship out? All the crew accounted for?”
“Sure are,” said Tanner. “Paul is in engineering giving the shiny new engines a final checkup, and your queen, Amanda, is running last-minute diagnostics on the bridge.”
Ryan glanced at Nicole and Jill. “Good to see you guys. I wish it was under better circumstances.”
Jill answered first. “Come on, Ryan. Isn’t this what we signed up for? What’s to worry about? We’re all together and you have your own command.”
Nicole, not to be undone said, “Sure thing. What more could we ask for?”
“We could ask that no monstrous evil aliens are coming our way,” quipped Tanner.
Nicole smacked him in the back of the head. “When we want your opinion, we’ll ask for it.”
“Ow,” said Tanner. “That hurt.” He turned and whispered to Ryan, “I think she likes me.”
Cadets: 2 The Ship of the Gods Page 2