“What do you think?” Rear Admiral Barnes asked. She was sitting next to Jeremy anxiously waiting to hear something. The council had interviewed her earlier about the events at the peace conference. “Do you think they’ll expel us from the Dyson Sphere?”
Jeremy let out a deep sigh. “I don’t know. They were very unhappy about the death of Councilor Bartoll. I can’t say I blame them. I promised to keep him safe and failed.”
Kathryn looked toward the closed doors. “It was their own people who killed him. The Defenders of Zorn did something none of us could have predicted. How goes Major Wilde’s search for their hidden base.”
“We may have a lead,” Jeremy answered. “We’re certain it’s one of the facilities listed in the hidden communication center we located here at the Hub. We know the fleet came from Galaxy X-128. According to the records in the communications center, there are seventeen hidden stasis facilities on that Dyson Sphere. Major Wilde has already surrounded all of them and is in the process of seeing what’s inside. We should know something shortly.”
The door to the Council Chambers suddenly opened and Councilor Roan motioned for the two of them to come inside.
“I guess we’re going to find out what they decided,” said Kathryn as she followed Jeremy into the large room.
Stepping inside, Jeremy saw Governor Barnes and Grayseth both seated at the conference table. A large chair had been brought in for his Bear friend.
“Have a seat and I will inform you of what we have decided,” said Councilor Castille, gesturing for them to sit down.
Jeremy and Kathryn sat down and waited looking expectantly across the table at the four Originators.
“Before Councilor Bartoll left on this peace mission he asked us to promise him to implement certain items if he were not to return,” Councilor Castille said with a look of great sadness on her face. “I believe he suspected all along this request for a peace conference was a farce from the Eternals. He also had a strong belief that the future of our race had become intertwined with the three Federation races who had come to live here at the Hub. He wanted to make sure that was not endangered in case he died at the hands of the Eternals.”
Jeremy’s eyes widened in surprise. He wondered what Councilor Bartoll had arranged.
Councilor Castille looked at Jeremy and then smiled. “The three Federation races will continue to live here at the Communications and Transport Hub. Not only that we will be increasing the size of the council. It will have ten Originators, three Humans including Governor Barnes, two Altons to be named at a later date, and one Carethian.” Councilor Castille looked over at Grayseth. “We have already chosen the Carethian Councilor.”
Grayseth bared his large incisors in the Bear’s form of a grin.
Jeremy felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Everything would continue with the three Federation races actually having a voice on the council. It was far more than he had ever hoped for.
“By a unanimous vote you will continue to be the head of our fleets and help set our policy in dealing with the Eternals.”
Ariel suddenly appeared in the Council Chambers. “I’m sorry to intrude but we just received word from Major Wilde that they’ve located the hidden stasis facility of the Defenders of Zorn. Her Marines and combat robots are entering the facility now.”
Jeremy looked at the four councilors. “What will we do with Zorn if he’s captured?”
Councilor Trallis shook his head frowning deeply. “That will pose a problem. Since he is technically a councilor we can’t remove him from that position.”
“You mean he may end up sitting at this council table?” asked Kathryn in dismay.
“No,” Councilor Roan replied. “His actions have resulted in the death of a fellow councilor. As a result, he will be isolated and not allowed contact with other Originators. He will still be a councilor but without any power.”
Jeremy looked over at Ariel. “Keep us informed of any developments.”
-
On the Dyson Sphere in Galaxy X-128, Major Wilde was descending down a wide well lit tunnel to the hidden stasis facility. A concealed hatch had hidden the tunnel from view.
“We’re nearly there,” said Sergeant Metz, gripping his assault rifle tightly in his hands. Behind him were two squads of Marines and four squads of combat robots. “We’ve set charges on the hatch that leads into the facility and will blow it as soon as we arrive. All of the combat robots are armed with stun guns as we want to take anyone inside the facility alive.”
Brenda nodded. She had orders from Fleet Admiral Strong to capture both Alvord and Councilor Zorn. They had crimes they needed to answer to.
“Zorn’s people will be fanatical,” warned Leeda. “We must be on our guard at all times.”
-
After several minutes they reached the metal hatch, which was preventing entry to the stasis facility. It had already been wired with explosives.
“We can blow it at any time,” said Sergeant Metz as he handed Brenda the detonator.
“Let’s do it,” she said, making sure everyone was a safe distance away. Pressing the button several loud explosions rang down the long corridor. When the smoke cleared, the metal hatch hung loosely from its hinges. Several combat robots stepped up and easily moved it out of the way.
“Send the combat robots in first,” ordered Brenda.
“That won’t be necessary, Major Wilde,” a voice spoke from inside. Moments later Commander Alvord and his four crewmembers stepped out. “We surrender.”
“Where’s Councilor Zorn?” asked Breda, peering past Alvord and not seeing anyone else.
Alvord looked at his four crewmembers and then answered. “He went back into stasis to be awakened after the war between the Originators and the Eternals comes to an end. By then our people will recognize him for the leader that he is.”
“We’ll see,” said Brenda as she motioned for her Marines to take Commander Alvord and his crew into custody.
Entering the facility, she found half a dozen stasis chambers in the Control Center. All were occupied. From the descriptions she had been given, she recognized one of them as Councilor Zorn.
“We could end this now,” suggested Sergeant Metz. “All we have to do is kill the power trapping them inside.”
Brenda took a deep breath. She had instructions to bring Commander Alvord and Councilor Zorn back to the Hub. “No, we’ll arrange for transport and take these chambers back with us. What about the others?”
“They’re empty,” Leeda said as she came back from another hatch that led out of the Control Center. “These six are all that remain.”
“How many are missing?”
“Eight hundred,” Leeda replied.
Brenda shook her head. Those eight hundred could be anywhere making them nearly impossible to find. Councilor Zorn had been clever. By sending his people out to mix in with the other Originators, they could begin rebuilding his power base. With a deep sigh, Brenda knew what her future job was going to be. It appeared she was doomed to always be looking for missing Originators.
-
On the planet Gardell, the Eternal Council was once more in session.
“This war cannot go on,” said Second Leader Queexel. “This latest battle has cost us over one hundred thousand ships. Not only that, the Originators must have used some unknown weapon to impair the fighting ability of our vessels. The long-range scans from our second fleet indicated many of our vessels behaving erratically. Several of our scientists have claimed the crews must have been knocked out as many of our vessels seemed to be under computer control.”
“I said from the very beginning it was a mistake to go to war against the Originators,” said Second Leader Fehnral. “This war against the Originators has greatly set back our expansion across this universe.”
“What are we to do?” asked Second Leader Barrant.
Fehnral looked slowly around the huge stone table where all the Eternal Councilors sto
od. “We ask for an armistice. We agree to leave Originator space alone, and they agree to leave our space alone.”
“What about the rest of the universe?” asked Second Leader Tarmal. “Who controls it?”
“We fight for it,” replied Fehnral, folding his arms across his chest. “The armistice will not extend past our current territories.”
“So our empire could still expand,” said Second Leader Nolant, looking thoughtful.
Fehnral nodded. “Yes, we can continue to grow our empire. I’m sure the Originators will resist us at every point. It is their way.”
“I approve,” said Second Leader Tarmal. “The Originators and these Humans will make fine adversaries to train our shock troops against.”
The others all voiced their consent as well. An armistice for the immediate future. Perhaps in a few thousand years, they could try once more to conquer Originator space.
-
A few days later Jeremy was in his office speaking to Councilor Barnes. “I understand Alton Ambassador Tureen is coming to take a spot on the council.”
“Yes,” replied Barnes. “I can think of no one better to fill one of the two Alton councilor seats.” Then a look of seriousness spread across Councilor Barnes’ face. “What do you think of this armistice the Eternals are proposing?”
Jeremy frowned. “We leave their space alone and they leave ours alone.”
Barnes nodded. “They must be wondering what you did to their fleet to be able to defeat it. Dazon Fells says it makes perfect sense to him. They know we will not break the armistice and it allows them to continue to expand their empire.”
“We can’t let thousands of other galaxies fall to the Eternals,” replied Jeremy. “If we don’t resist them, someday this entire universe will swear allegiance to their empire.”
“They know that,” answered Councilor Barns. “I’ve seen the document they sent to the Dyson Sphere in Galaxy X-938. Armed combat outside of our two spheres of influence is permitted. They expect us to resist their continued expansion. Fells says the Eternals are looking at the long-term. At some point in time, they may once more try to conquer Originator space but it won’t be until their empire is considerably larger. Dazon says we are probably talking about thousands of years in the future.”
Jeremy stood up and walked over to the large window gazing out over the city. It was the start of the night cycle and the city was brilliantly lit up. It was an awe inspiring sight seeing the slender towers and narrow walkways all lit up with different colored lights. “So, what are we going to do?”
“The council has decided to continue to build up our fleet and train Federation crews to operate them. Several Originators, including Damold Brim the ship construction expert, are suggesting we build a new and larger battlestation. Something in the range of forty kilometers in diameter. It would be armed with dark energy cannons and the blue energy spheres. These could be deployed to protect any new fleet bases we build in contested galaxies.”
“Conflict unending,” Jeremy said softly. “This war will never end.”
Councilor Barnes seemed startled. “I guess that is true. But at least we will survive. The Communications and Transport Hub is safe and so is the Federation.”
Looking out into the distance, Jeremy could see two more cities lit up with lights. These were the new cites for the Human colonists that were starting to arrive. “I thought someday I would see this war end. Then I grew afraid it would become our children’s responsibility. Now it seems it will be the responsibility of our future great great grandchildren.”
“Maybe,” replied Councilor Barnes. “Keep in mind the Originators medical science can greatly extend our lives if we choose to do so. We could still be around in a few thousand years.”
A troubled look crossed Jeremy’s face. He had no desire to spend several thousand years fighting the Eternals. However, a life that long with Kelsey and the others at his side did sound tempting. It was something he would have to discuss with Kelsey at a later date. For now, it was time to go home and check on his wife and son.
-
Councilor Barnes watched as Jeremy left the Tower to go home. He knew that even though Jeremy might not wish it to be so. He would always have a hand in guiding the Federation races here at the Hub. It was what made him who he was.
-
Rear Admiral Massie Tolsen was on board the WarHawk visiting with her brother. They were both still at the damaged Dyson Sphere.
“This explains what Fleet Admiral Streth prophesized,” she said as she read the latest report about the proposed armistice. “He said Jeremy would never win this war.”
Race nodded. “Yes, it all makes sense now. This war will continue with neither side ever able to completely defeat the other.”
Massie stood up and poured herself a glass of tea. “What about us?”
Race smiled. “We have a job to do. We’ll go wherever Jeremy sends us.”
Massie nodded. She looked at a viewscreen on the wall in Race’s quarters. It showed a view of the interior of the Dyson Sphere. It was so beautiful and awe inspiring. Maybe when she had time, she would do a little exploring. It was something she had always wanted to do.
-
It was a joyous day for the Special Five. They were all gathered in the massive construction bay that held the recently completed super exploration dreadnaught. The ship was five thousand two hundred meters in length and the most powerful ship the Originators had ever built. It was armed with twenty-four dark energy turrets as well as four primary dark energy cannons on her bow. Other weapons covered the hull adding to the dreadnaughts awesome firepower. In addition, the ship was equipped with the blue energy spheres as well.
Councilor Barns, Rear Admiral Barnes, Ariel, and Clarissa were only a few of the large group that were standing waiting for the name of the ship to be revealed.
“This is exciting,” said Katie, elbowing Kevin in the ribs. “It took Kelsey, Angela, and I weeks to find the appropriate name.”
“You could have just named it hamburger,” suggested Kevin with a sly grin as he stepped back far enough to dodge Katie’s elbow.
Kelsey looked around the group of close friends and fellow officers. “This ship is designed for exploration. We will not go out looking for a fight, but if we have to we can defend ourselves. I think everyone here will find the name appropriate.” Kelsey nodded toward several AIs who then signaled for the large cover over the ship’s name to be dropped.
Jeremy’s eyes widened as the name came into view. A tear formed in his eyes as he realized what Kelsey and the others had done.
“I give you the super exploration dreadnaught New Horizon,” Kelsey said as she gestured toward the ship. “The New Horizon was Earth’s first interstellar ship. While the ship was destroyed on its maiden voyage, it was where the five of us came together and realized we would never be apart.”
“It was the birth of the Special Five,” said Ariel. “It was the beginning of what would become the Federation.”
Rear Admiral Barnes,” said Kelsey, standing formerly in front of Kathryn. “I give you your new ship.”
Kathryn stood for several long moments looking at the massive exploration dreadnaught. Then she looked over at Kelsey and the others. “No, it is our ship!”
Everyone started applauding and cheering. For several long minutes there were excited conversations as the gathered officers and friends discussed where the new ship would go first and what it might discover.
“It’s a good name,” Jeremy said to Kelsey as she came back over to stand next to him.
“It is the right name,” Kelsey replied. “If not for the first New Horizon we would never have come together as a group.”
Jeremy grinned. “Let’s go on board and inspect your new ship. I’m sure you have a million things to show me.”
“At least,” replied Kelsey as she linked her arm in Jeremy’s. “You will be going with us on our first exploration mission, won’t you?”
; “Of course, I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” Walking arm in arm, they started heading toward the ship followed by the rest of the crowd. This was a day for celebration and the beginning of a new age for the Special Five. The age of exploration.
-
Ariel and Clarissa followed behind with wide smiles on their faces. For the first time in hundreds of years all five of their friends would be leaving on a ship together. Granted Jeremy would be taking a fleet of dreadnaughts along, but he was expected to spend most of his time on the New Horizon.
“We did well,” said Clarissa as she watched her smiling and laughing friends. “With everything we’ve been through, they are still together.”
“Of course,” replied Ariel with a pleased smile. “After all, they are the Special Five!”
The End
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I have received numerous emails and requests not to end this series. Currently, the series is sitting at fifteen books, which is more than I planned in the beginning. As I was writing this book, I realized there are still a lot of stories left to be told. I am in a quandary as to what I want to do. I am considering writing a set of books called The Originator Wars: Explorations. This would deal primarily with the super exploration dreadnaught New Horizon and its future adventures. Each book would be a complete story with no cliffhangers. There may also be a few shorter stories tying up a few loose ends dealing with the Federation, the Hocklyns, Borzon, Ralift, AIs, and the Defenders of Zorn. None of this is set in concrete, it’s just something I’m thinking about. If I do, The Originator Wars: Explorations (Book One) will come out around June or July of 2018. I’m going to wait and look at the reviews and my emails before I make a final decision. I want to thank everyone who have read all the books in this series. It has been a fun and exciting ride for me as an author.
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