Cadets: 2 The Ship of the Gods

by Edward Miller

  “Many thousands of years passed without any contact being made. Then when they were checking one of the planets they had seeded, they found that it had been destroyed. All life gone. Completely stripped of all natural resources. What had been a beautiful planet with newly formed life was now a barren wasteland.”

  “What did the Semina Vitae do when they discovered the destruction?” asked Amanda.

  “They did what any civilized species would do. They went to the evil ones and demanded answers. The wretched beings told the Keepers that they would destroy any and all planets they found as such. They had the audacity to threaten the Keepers, saying that if they continued giving life to planets they would destroy them as well.”

  Amanda listened with interest. She was engrossed in the story and could see that Jill and Nikki were as well. “So what happened next, Kyron?”

  “The Keepers went to their leader and told them of the threats and destruction caused by the evil ones. The leader himself attempted to reason with them to no avail. The demons headed towards Earth and almost caused the destruction of the planet with a massive weapon. Most, if not all, life was destroyed.”

  “That must have been when the dinosaurs were rendered extinct,” said Jill.

  “What did the Semina Vitae do after that happened?” asked Amanda.

  Kyron continued. “The Keepers do not condone the taking of life. They tried to reason with the demons one last time, but they wouldn’t listen. A powerful weapon was developed and with no other recourse, a massive vessel was built and used to destroy the wretched evil ones.”

  “The Ship of the Gods,” said Amanda.

  “Yes,” said Kyron. “Though legend says that a few of the demons survived. Apparently the few that managed to survive took refuge. So the Keepers, in their ultimate wisdom, hid the ship and created the amulet that you wear now, Amanda Williamson. The very amulet that will protect you and lead us to the Ship of the Gods.”

  “Wow,” said Nicole. “That’s one hell of a story.”

  “Sure is,” said Jill.

  “Indeed,” replied Kyron. “Though it appears to be more than just a story. It seems as if it is very real.”

  Amanda looked at the group and sighed. “Well, it’s time to meet with the admiral and prepare for what comes next. Let’s get going.”

  The girls and one very large Altarran female made their way towards Admiral Thompson’s office. While Amanda found a newfound sense of hope in Kyron’s prophecy, she truly hoped that she could pull off her mission. All that was resting on her shoulders was the fate of two worlds, Earth and Altarra.

  Ryan’s mind was racing a mile a minute. There were so many variables to consider and way too many unknown factors to deal with. Plus he didn’t like the fact that he was going to be separated from Amanda. The cadet fleet had returned to the UEDF base just ten hours ago. He’d had a restless night and was lucky if he’d gotten two hours of sleep. Then there was the global meeting. He had to admit, Supreme Commander Granthaxe sure as hell knew how to drive home his point.

  He called out to Paul and Tanner, “Are you guys ready? We have less than thirty minutes before my father begins the briefing and I’d very much like to be early.”

  “Relax, Ry,” said Tanner. “I’m ready and raring to go. Paul’s getting dressed and will be out in a few minutes.”

  “Okay,” said Ryan. “I’m just a bit antsy. I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

  Paul entered the living room. “I’m ready, guys. Let’s get this show on the road.”

  Ryan nodded and the three of them made their way to Admiral Thompson’s office. The silence along the way underscored the gravity of the situation. Upon reaching the admiral’s office, he knocked on the door.

  “Enter,” said his father.

  Ryan walked in, stood at attention, and saluted. “Captain Ryan Thompson, reporting as ordered, sir.” Tanner and Paul also snapped to attention.

  His father looked up at them. “At ease, gentlemen. Take a seat.”

  As they were sitting down Amanda, Nikki, Jill, and Kyron arrived. Admiral Thompson acknowledged them and had them sit as well, with the exception of Kyron. There wasn’t a chair big enough to accommodate her, so she stood behind the rest of the crew.

  Ryan watched as his father stood up and began to pace. “As you already know, the Global Committee has authorized the UEDF to assist the Altarrans. I’ve already started preparations. We have a total of twenty-five fully operational battleships.”

  “Don’t forget our thirteen ships, sir,” said Ryan. He knew he couldn’t convince his father to change his mind, but he would damn well try.

  “I’m aware of your ships, Ryan. In fact I’m counting on your fleet to keep Earth safe and be our last line of defense.”

  “Begging the Admiral’s pardon,” said Ryan, refusing to give in. “Wouldn’t it increase our odds of winning if our ships joined in the battle?”

  “Ryan,” said the admiral, “I’ve given the situation much thought. And I have my reasons for your assignment.”

  “What reasons?” asked Ryan. He was trying to contain himself but could feel his blood starting to boil.

  “Listen to me, son,” said the admiral. “Your ships are older and we need more time to get the Altarran shields working on them. And we’re not sure if they can handle the power drain needed for the shields. Furthermore, time is not on our side. My plan is for our fleet, along with the Altarrans, to slow the Karang down. This will buy time for Commodore Laurent to hopefully get the shields installed on your ships, because without the shields you guys wouldn’t even be able to approach the Karang ships.”

  Admiral Thompson paused. Knowing his father all too well, Ryan could tell that the real reason was about to be revealed. “And then what, sir?” he asked.

  “Listen, Ryan. Hear me out,” said his father. “I may be hard-headed, but I’m no fool. Even with the shields our fleets are grossly outnumbered. We need Amanda and Kyron to find that weapon. Considering that we are sorely outnumbered, the probability of us defeating the Karang is negligible at best. In the event that we are defeated, which is a very real possibility, it will be solely up to you and your fleet to hold off the enemy while Amanda searches for that ship. If we all go out there and are defeated, there will be no last line of defense to impede the Karang’s progress.”

  Ryan stood up and saluted his father. As much as he hated to admit it, he was one hundred percent right. “You can rest assured, Admiral. In the event that happens and we are all that stands in their path, we will not let you down,” he said.

  The rest of the cadets all stood up and saluted as well. Ryan felt a deep sense of pride. Mixed in with that feeling were some other emotions, though—fear and anxiety for starters. It wasn’t a fear of dying that bothered him. It was a fear of failing. Being the son of the youngest Fleet Admiral ever, not to mention one of the most successful, had always made life tough for him. Living in his father’s shadow was no easy task, and he had a lot to prove.

  “That’s all for now,” said Admiral Thompson. “We all have much to prepare for.” He paused and stared Ryan dead in the eyes. Ryan could see the pride in them. “You have your orders, Captain Thompson. Dismissed.”

  “Yes, sir,” said Ryan as he returned the salute.

  He and the rest of the cadets, with Kyron in tow, left the room in silence. They had their orders. Ryan turned and looked back at his father’s office. He hoped this wouldn’t be the last time he would see him. After all that had happened, they finally had a real father and son relationship and he’d be devastated if he lost the man now.

  Amanda must have sensed he was troubled as she took his hand. “Don’t worry about your father,” she said. “He’s quite capable of taking care of himself. This isn’t his first rodeo. He knows what he’s doing.”

  Kyron, as always, jumped into the conversation. “What is a rodeo?” she asked. Obviously her statement broke the tension as everyone laughed.

  “Wait a second,”
said Tanner. “If anyone is going to be the comic relief around here, that’s my job.”

  “Don’t worry,” said Ryan. “Competition is a good thing.” They all laughed again as they continued back to their barracks.

  Ryan kept up his calm bravado, but he still couldn’t shake an impending feeling of doom. He looked up to the sky and said a silent prayer.

  Amanda finished packing a few personal things to take with her on the first leg of their journey. Not that she didn’t want to return to the Sentinel Islands at some point. She just hadn’t thought it would be so soon, or under such dire circumstances.

  She heard a knock at her door. When she opened it, to her surprise Ryan, Tanner, and Paul were standing there.

  Ryan had a cake in his hands. “Happy Birthday!” he yelled.

  Amanda turned around and saw Jill and Nikki with stupid grins on their face. “You guys knew about this?”

  “Of course we did,” said Jill. “It was our job to keep you here until the cavalry arrived.”

  Amanda smiled. “You guys do know my birthday isn’t until next week?”

  Tanner was the first to reply. “Yes, we know. But we wanted to see you before you embarked on your all-expense-paid vacation to the Sentinel Islands. We spared no expenses. We’ve arranged a nonstop flight, courtesy of the United Earth Defense Fleet. You and your guest,” he said pointing to Kyron, “will enjoy a full week of fun and sun. All meals are included. Especially the delicacy known as UEDF K rations—obviously the best-kept dining secret in the universe.”

  Amanda couldn’t help laughing. At least for the moment her friends were able to put a smile on her face. She noticed Ryan had put the cake down. He handed her a small box and kissed her. “Happy birthday, Mandy,” he said. “I know it’s not until next week, but I wanted to give you your gift in person.”

  She took the box from him and opened it. Inside was a beautiful emerald ring. The emerald was surrounded by diamonds. Her hands started to tremble. “It’s beautiful,” she said as the tears stared to flow. “Damn you, Ryan Thompson. You made me cry.”

  Kyron looked at the ring and put her massive arms around Ryan and Amanda. “This is a wondrous occasion. I assume the ring means that the two of you are betrothed. This is so very exciting. As your personal bodyguard I get to give you away.”

  Jill and Nicole didn’t know what to say. Of course Tanner was never one to miss a beat. “Well Ry, as captain of the ship, you can perform your own wedding ceremony. It should be a classic.”

  Amanda strained her neck to look up at Kyron. “I don’t know how you get engaged on Altarra, but here on Earth there is a special kind of ring and the one inside the box,” she said pointing to it, “is not that type of ring.”

  Kyron released Amanda and Ryan and almost looked embarrassed. “Forgive me, Amanda Williamson and Ryan Thompson. I meant no disrespect. It just seemed appropriate that the two of you should become mates. You are perfectly suited for one another. Your offspring would be smart and strong, as well as great warriors.”

  “Yeah,” said Tanner. “Kyron is right.”

  “I agree completely,” said Paul.

  “She does have a point,” said Jill.

  “I love weddings,” said Nikki. “And we get to be bridesmaids as well.”

  Amanda saw Tanner laughing. “What’s so funny?” she asked.

  Tanner, as always, was right on cue. “I was just imagining the look on the poor girl at the bridal shop when you came in with your entourage.”

  Amanda started to blush. “Enough talk about betrothals and marriage. We’re too young to get married, Kyron.” She then smiled devilishly at Ryan as she winked at him. “Isn’t that right, Ry?”

  Ryan winked back at Amanda as he put the ring on her finger. “Let’s worry about surviving the next month before we think about anything else.”

  The next couple of hours were filled with conversation and enjoying the rest of the night. As the hours passed Tanner and Paul left and returned to their quarters.

  Nicole and Jill also called it an evening and went to their rooms. Ryan looked at the time. “Well, Mandy, I have to get some rest,” he said. “Tomorrow the fleet is going to finish installing the shields and then they are heading to Altarran space. I’ll be on patrols with the cadet fleet in our system.”

  “I know,” said Amanda. “I wish I was going with you. Come on, I’ll walk you back to your quarters.”

  Kyron started to get up to go with her. Amanda turned to her. “It’s okay, Kyron. I know you’re my personal bodyguard, but it’s just me and Ryan. And speaking woman to woman, I’d like some alone time with him, if you understand.”

  Kyron smiled, baring her fangs. “I understand all too well, Amanda Williamson. Go and enjoy the company of Ryan Thompson. I have the utmost confidence that he can keep you safe. Do not stay up late. We have a long and wondrous journey ahead of us.”

  Amanda thanked Kyron for her understanding and left with Ryan. They walked hand in hand until they reached his room. “Thanks for the cake and the ring, Ry,” she said. “It’s really beautiful.”

  “So are you, Mandy. I’m going to miss you. Be careful out there,” he said. He pulled her close and kissed her.

  Amanda’s mind was racing. She didn’t want to be separated from him, but she knew it had to be done. When she finished kissing him she gazed into his eyes and said, “I love you, Ryan Thompson. And don’t you worry about me. I’ll be fine. Not to mention that I have a pretty good bod guard watching my back.”

  “Yeah,” said Ryan. “She’s pretty impressive. I certainly wouldn’t want to take her on.”

  Amanda looked at the ring once more. “I love it,” she said. “The stone looks very familiar.” Then it hit her like a ton of bricks. “Oh my,” she gasped. “This was your mother’s ring. I remember the unique shape of the stone.”

  “Yes, it was,” he said. “I wanted you to have it. Of course I had the setting changed, but I’m sure my mother would approve.”

  “I will keep it safe. Just promise me one thing.”

  “What’s that?” he asked.

  “Come back in one piece.”

  “Only on one condition,” he said.

  “And that is?”

  “You do the same Mandy. I don’t think I could take it if . . .”

  She placed her hand over his mouth. “Shhh. Don’t you worry about that. I’m coming back. You don’t really think I’m going to let you off the hook that easy?”

  Ryan smiled at her and said goodnight. Amanda waited until he had closed the door and headed back to her room. She only hoped she could keep the promise she’d made to him.

  Fleet Admiral Thompson had a feeling of deja vu. It wasn’t that long ago that he had been preparing to meet an unknown alien force. One glaring difference between then and now was that instead of a fleet of fifty-five ships, there were now just twenty-five. On a more positive note, these ships had energy shields, thanks to Supreme Commander Granthaxe and the Altarran scientists.

  He was deep in thought while reading the intel about the Karang. It wasn’t much, but it was everything the supreme commander and Kyron could come up with. There was the brief encounter with Captain Naribe, and the Karang prisoner that Granthaxe had captured and then executed. That sure didn’t make Thompson feel any better about the situation. In his brief encounter with the Karang, he had found them to be full of hatred towards all other life forms. They were also merciless and ruthless.

  His thoughts were interrupted by his friend and first officer Niles Thames. “It seems as if you got us into another fine mess, Admiral,” said Niles. “And I was just getting used to relaxing and being bored to tears.”

  “That will teach you to relax,” said Thompson. He smiled briefly. “Come now, Niles. Isn’t this what you signed on for? Furious life and death struggles? Battles between good and evil? The opportunity to be a hero?”

  Niles laughed. “No,” he said. “Not really. I signed up for the free food, living quarters, and healt
h care. On a more serious note, is there anything interesting, or more important, useful, concerning the Karang in those files you’re reading?”

  “Not really,” said Thompson. “But I can tell you from what I saw at the global meeting, and from Amanda’s visions, I’m certainly not feeling all warm and fuzzy about them. They seem to be one hell of a nasty bunch.”

  Niles nodded. “Then we’d best get this show on the road, sir.”

  Thompson sat back in his command chair. “That’s a very well thought out and sound idea.”

  Thompson turned to his communications officer. “Ms. Barnes, inform the fleet to prepare to move out. Set course for the Dyson Wormhole. Standard formation.”

  “Aye, sir,” came the crisp reply from Barnes. “Message sent. Awaiting confirmation from all ships.”

  “Lieutenant Romano,” said Thompson. “Inform me when you have the course set and are ready for departure.”

  The helmsman replied almost immediately. “Course laid in. Ready to engage light speed at your command.”

  “Ms. Barnes,” said Thompson, “see if we have a green light from the chief to engage light speed.”

  Barnes replied immediately. “Sir, Chief Fowler confirms we are green for light speed.”

  Thompson was proud of the competence and attitude of his bridge crew. They certainly were the best of the best. “Ms. Barnes, open a channel to fleet.”

  “Channel opened, sir.”

  “This is Fleet Admiral Thompson. As all of you know, we are heading into harm’s way. From all accounts, it appears that we will be greatly outnumbered and facing a fierce and unrelenting enemy. This will be no easy task. We have faced adversity before and responded with great courage. This time we will have the Altarrans at our side.” He paused. “We know the Altarrans will stand with us. And we will stand with them. I am deeply proud and honored to fight alongside each and every one of you. Let’s give ‘em hell! Thompson out.”