Cadets

by Edward Miller

  Within minutes they had reached the security checkpoint at the research and development complex. The guard at the gate recognized the admiral and waved him through. Upon arriving at the building, Thompson made his way inside. Laurent and Osaki were waiting for him. Osaki looked none too happy to be the new commander’s subordinate. Thompson ignored him, looking directly at Laurent.

  “Okay, Commodore,” he said. “What have you got for me?”

  Laurent smiled at him. “Good day to you as well, Admiral. Come to the monitor and I’ll show you.”

  He followed her to the large monitor.

  “This is a video of the weapon we tested late last night,” she said.

  She turned on the monitor, and immediately a video appeared showing a room full of electronic equipment. It looked like a small warehouse full of every type of electronic device imaginable. They were all activated, with lights blinking everywhere. In an instant, a beam of light flashed throughout the room, and immediately all the devices malfunctioned. It was as if someone had pulled the master plug. Some of the smaller devices began smoking.

  Laurent turned off the monitor. “Not only have we duplicated Ms. Williamson’s weapon,” she said, “we’ve made it perfectly safe. The only drawback is that it can hold only three charges. After that, you must come back to the base and recharge it.”

  “Great work,” said Thompson. “When can you install these on our remaining ships?”

  Laurent grinned. “I thought you’d never ask. I’ve taken the initiative already and had them installed today. All your remaining ships have the weapon. Powered up and ready to go, sir.”

  Osaki stepped forward. “Admiral,” he said, “I must protest. This weapon has not been tested on an actual ship in actual battle conditions or in the vacuum of space.”

  “I don’t care, Captain.”

  “Sir, according to proper protocol, this weapon has not been deemed safe or properly tested and cannot be used.”

  Thompson leered at him. “You’re forgetting General Order 61.”

  “General Order 61, sir?”

  “General Order 61. It allows any senior commanding officer to override any and all regulations when engaged in planet-threatening situations without a clear line of communication.”

  “Indeed, Admiral,” said Osaki, “but we have a communication device available to us.”

  Thompson looked at Osaki and then over to the communications console where a nervous-looking young ensign was trying to pretend he wasn’t listening.

  Pointing to the console, Thompson said to Osaki, “You mean that communication system there?”

  Osaki followed his gaze. “Yes,” he said. “I think you should contact the defense minister immediately.”

  The admiral walked closer to the console. “Ensign, please stand up and move away from the console.”

  “Yes, sir.” The young ensign jumped up and moved a good twenty feet away.

  “You know something, Osaki? I think there’s something wrong with that system. I don’t think it works.”

  Thompson smiled at Laurent. She was grinning from ear to ear. He was beginning to like her. The fact that she was attractive didn’t hurt either.

  Osaki gave him a strange look. “There is nothing wrong with that system. It works fine.”

  Thompson removed his sidearm and fired his laser at the communication system. Sparks jumped out from it and a gaping hole appeared dead center of the console.

  He looked at Osaki. “It looks to me like it has a big hole in it. I’d get that fixed.”

  Osaki looked at him in disbelief. “You can’t do that.”

  Laurent was trying to suppress her laughter, but wasn’t doing a very good job of it.

  “Do what?” said Thompson. “All I saw was a horrible malfunction.” He looked at the poor ensign, whose legs were now shaking. “Isn’t that what you saw, Ensign?”

  “Y-yes, sir,” said the young officer. “A malfunction.”

  Thompson turned to Laurent. “All nine ships are locked and loaded and ready to go?”

  “They’re at your beck and call, sir.”

  “Good. I’m going to round up the crews and prepare to leave as soon as we can get our ships manned. Good work, Marie. In fact, if we make it back alive, I owe you dinner.”

  Laurent smiled at him. “You’re not getting away from me that easy, sir. You’re going to need me on board with you in case any problems arise.”

  Thompson laughed. “Oh, so that’s how it’s going to be. Okay, you’re with me. Let’s move out.”

  Thompson left the building with Laurent and had his driver take them to the hangars. He was feeling more upbeat by the minute. Not only did they have a chance, but they could actually win this war. A far cry from his thoughts when he’d woken up this morning.

  Chapter 41

  A New Plan

  Ryan was groggy when he came to. His head felt like it weighed a hundred pounds. He looked around and saw that he was in the infirmary. Then it all came back to him: the near torpedo miss, the sensor console exploding on the bridge, falling to the floor and reaching for the amulet. Amanda! Last he remembered she’d been knocked to the ground. He sat up. When the room started to spin, he closed his eyes.

  “Feeling a bit woozy?” said Doctor Basha.

  “You can say that. How long have I been out?”

  “A little over fourteen hours.”

  “Amanda?” He was almost afraid to ask.

  Basha looked at him hesitatingly.

  “I need to know,” he said. “How is she?”

  “She fared better than you did,” said Basha. “She’s fine.”

  “Thank God. Are we still in Mars orbit?”

  “Not anymore. We’re orbiting Jupiter.”

  “Jupiter? What the hell are we doing there? My last orders were for the fleet to regroup at Mars.”

  “First of all, Cadet Thompson, I may be a doctor, but I’m also a captain in the defense fleet. Please try to remember that when addressing me.”

  “I’m sorry, Doc, but my head’s killing me and I need to know why we’re in a completely different place from where I ordered our crew. No offense.”

  “You have second degree burns on your chest and your forearms. You also have twelve stitches above your right eye and a low-grade concussion. Under normal conditions, I’d have you rest for a couple days. But today’s your lucky day.”

  “Yeah, it sure feels like it. Why lucky?”

  “Considering the current state of affairs, I’m declaring you fit for duty.”

  “And just what is the current state of affairs?”

  “I suggest you ask your crew. I’m just the doctor. Now I’m leaving you with some meds for the pain and salve for the burns. If your vision becomes blurry, get back down here immediately.”

  “Anything else?” he said, taking the medication from her.

  “Yes. If we’re still alive in twenty-four hours. I want you back here for a checkup.”

  He tried to muster a smile. “Thanks, Doc,” he said. “For everything.”

  “Don’t thank me,” she said. “Thank Cadet Williamson.”

  “I’ll do that now.”

  “Well, that may be difficult,” she said. “Your crew will explain.”

  “What do you mean difficult?”

  “Your crew will explain.”

  Ryan knew he wouldn’t get any further with Basha. He lifted himself off the bed and left the infirmary. He still heard a slight ringing in his ears as he made his way to the bridge.

  As he entered, he was surprised to see Tanner sitting in the command chair and Amanda nowhere in sight.

  Tanner made eye contact with Ryan. “Ry! How the hell are you feeling?”

  Something wasn’t right. Ryan could sense the tension in Tanner’s voice, and it was odd how quiet the bridge had got when he had walked in. “I’ll live. But I’m confused.”

  “Well, you did get hit pretty hard,” said Tanner.

  “No, I mean about what�
��s going on here. First, why are we orbiting Jupiter instead of Mars? Second, why is Rawlings manning the sensor array? And last, where the hell is Amanda?”

  “Very good questions, Ry. To answer, we’re orbiting Jupiter because Amanda ordered the fleet here. Rawlings is currently filling in for her. And, well, the reason for that is that Amanda decided to meet with the Altarran commander.”

  “She what? Meet him where? When?”

  “On his ship. She took the amulet and a transport and left about six hours ago.”

  “How the hell could you allow her to do that?”

  “There was nothing I could say or do to stop her, man. She was captain. You were unconscious in the infirmary.”

  “But you couldn’t talk her out of it?”

  “Well, after we realized the troop carriers could still rebuild their engines, and seeing how the odds were so much against us, it seemed like the only choice left. We agreed with her, Ry.”

  Ryan took a deep breath to process everything. He was torn between anger and concern for Amanda. One thing he knew for sure. He wasn’t going to sit around and do nothing. He was going after her.

  “Jill,” he said, “inform the fleet that we’re moving out in thirty minutes,” he said.

  Jill hesitated, then said, “Contacting the fleet now.”

  “Ry,” said Tanner. “There are a few things you need to know.”

  “You mean there’s more?”

  “Well, yeah. We ran diagnostics on all the ships and Paul has been checking the data. The light-speed engines are in rough shape. We may get one more trip out of them, but if we try to overload them again, they’ll blow.”

  “So what are you saying?”

  “I’m saying we can’t take down their shields anymore.”

  “Well this just keeps getting better by the minute, doesn’t it?”

  Ryan wondered what kind of chance they’d have against the Altarrans without being able to take down their shields. The answer was . . . not much.

  “Well,” said Tanner, “I do have a bit of good news.”

  “What, that we’ve all been given superpowers?”

  “Close. We still have my nukes. In fact, we have more than the two onboard our ship.”

  Ryan couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

  “How many more?” he said. “And when were you gonna tell me this?”

  “A lot more,” said Tanner. “Listen, I didn’t want you to take the heat for my idea. I got together with the rest of the weapons officers about a week before we left and told them about my plan. Just to be safe, we put one on every ship.”

  “You’re telling me every one of our ships has nukes?”

  “Uh . . . yep.”

  “Do you think they can break through their shields?”

  “Are you kidding me? Well, I don’t know for sure but I’d bet all I had on it. Then again if I was wrong I wouldn’t be able to collect, so no. But I mean yes, I think it would definitely break through their shields.”

  Ryan thought about it for a minute.

  “Well, at least this gives us a fighting chance,” he said. “Now all I have to do is figure out a way to get Amanda back. Nicole, set a course for Earth. One-tenth light speed.”

  “Yes, sir,” she said. “Setting course and speed. Ready on your mark.”

  “Jill, have all the ships replied that they’re ready for departure?”

  “Affirmative. All ships report ready.”

  “Put me through to Paul in engineering.”

  “Patching you through now, sir,” said Jill.

  “Paul,” said Ryan, “Tanner tells me our light-speed engines are just about gone and the reactors can’t contain another overload.”

  “That about sums it up. We’ve got one more trip left in these old engines. So if we’re gonna do this, it’s now or never.”

  “Well, let’s do it then.”

  Looking at Jill, he said, “Inform the fleet we’re moving out. Once we’re out of orbit, we’ll be going to one-tenth light speed.”

  “The fleet is on standby,” she said. “They’re waiting on your orders.”

  “Take us out, Nicole.”

  “Affirmative, sir. Taking us out of orbit now.”

  As the ship took off, Tanner approached Ryan. “If you don’t mind,” he said, “I want to head down to engineering. Paul and I have been trying to find a way to view those old microchips from the amulet. We’ve got a few hours before we meet up with the Altarrans and I’d like to put them to good use.”

  “Good idea. Maybe we can get some answers before we get there. If we can show something to the Altarrans that may vindicate us, maybe we can put a stop to all of this, just like Amanda wanted. And get her back safe and sound.”

  Ryan watched as Tanner left the bridge. He hoped Amanda was right. They could use a break right about now.

  “Sir,” said Nicole, “we’re out of orbit and clear of Saturn’s moons.”

  “Take us to one-tenth light speed, Nicole.”

  “Yes, sir. Engaging now.”

  It seemed as if the ship hesitated briefly before springing forward. Ryan looked at Nicole. “What was that?”

  “The helm control seems sluggish,” she said.

  Ryan nodded. “I think we’ve pushed these old ships way past their limits. We’re definitely only gonna get one more shot at the Altarrans, so this better work.”

  Ryan sat back and wondered if Amanda would still be alive when they got there. He wasn’t the religious type, but he held his head down and silently said a small prayer. Not only had he made a promise to her father, he’d made one to himself—a promise never to let anyone he cared about be taken from him again. And especially not her. They had a three-hour flight ahead of them. Somehow he had to figure out a way to get Amanda back before they were left with no choice but to send the Altarrans into oblivion. It all depended on what they could find on those microchips. The one thing he prayed wasn’t on there was evidence the missing envoys were tortured or killed. Then all bets were off.

  Chapter 42

  Supreme Commander

  Granthaxe

  Supreme Commander Granthaxe was alone in his quarters, deep in thought. The events of the last two weeks had not played out as he had envisioned. This plan, his plan, had been in the works for twenty-five years. Confounded humans. Since his scientists had developed sunlight drive and powerful energy shields, he had planned this mission along with his father, King Morthaxe. They all said if anyone could avenge the queen’s capture by the humans it would be his son. Now, after what had seemed like an easy victory, the prospect of failure loomed ahead.

  The troop ships had not yet arrived. He was beginning to fear that they had been destroyed by the humans. Each carrier was bringing with it one hundred thousand warriors, not to mention countless weapons and vehicles, enough to destroy a planet ten times Earth. But now, Granthaxe, Prince of Altarra, could very well go down in history as the fool who had lost an entire armada—not to mention half the Altarran military—in an effort to save the queen.

  His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

  “Enter,” he said. The door opened, and he acknowledged Chief Science Officer Kyron, who bowed her head and knelt to the floor. “What information do you have for me concerning the amulet of the gods?” he said.

  “Supreme Commander Granthaxe,” said Kyron, “I have confirmed the legitimacy of the amulet. Not only is it authentic, but the queen aligned the gemstones before parting with it.”

  “And what do the gemstones tell us?” said Granthaxe.

  “The amulet was entrusted to the bearer in friendship,” she said. “But,” she continued, “the planetary leaders are . . . not to be trusted, sir.”

  “As I thought,” said Granthaxe. “While a scant few of these humans may be of good conscience, their rulers are nothing but malicious scoundrels. And all of them bear the mark of deceit. Bring Amanda Williamson to me.”

  Kyron stood. “As you wish, Supreme Commande
r. I shall bring her personally.”

  Granthaxe was growing impatient as he waited. Why had the human lied to him and not revealed that she had helped the queen? She must know the whereabouts of his missing envoys, or at the very least, where and when they had last been seen alive. He heard the approach of footsteps and opened his door. He looked down at the frail child-like being in front of him, her skinny arms held by Kyron and the guard. How could a species so small and weak be capable of defeating him and his armada?

  “Take the irons off her,” he said. “There is no reason to fear her. So said the amulet of the gods.”

  The guard removed the chains from Amanda’s arms and legs and pushed her down to the floor. “Kneel in the presence of royalty,” said the guard.

  Granthaxe watched as Amanda fell to the floor. “Enough! Leave us.” The guard and Kyron bowed and left the room.

  Granthaxe looked down at the delicate female and offered his hand to her. She looked frightened, and was staring at him in shock. “You are safe for now,” he said. “Why do you stare at me?”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you looked like . . . like—”

  “Never mind what I look like. I have questions you must answer.”

  Amanda looked at him. She seemed strong and determined despite her size. “I will answer all of your questions to the best of my ability,” she said, “as long as they are not of a military nature or about our fleet.”

  “Your loyalty is admirable but unnecessary. If I wanted answers concerning your military, I can assure you we would obtain them from you one way or another. That is not why you are here. Why did you not tell me that you had assisted our queen?”

  “I didn’t,” she said. “I’ve never met your queen.”

  “You wore the amulet around your neck. The gemstones were aligned to trust the wearer. Unlike humans, the gemstones do not lie. And yet you betray this trust.”

  “It was given to me by my father,” she said. “Our family has had it for over one hundred and twenty years. My great-great-grandfather was its original owner.”

  “Ah. The bloodline.”