by J W Murison
CHAPTER 48
Grand commander Pan Lo Tae´, son of President San Lo Tae´, sat frozen in his command seat. The ships carrying the engines had arrived just moments before, and now he had the cold hard muzzle of a pistol stuck behind his ear.
Alarms began to sound on his ship. Bewildered crew men barked in alarm.
‘Tell them to calm down. Order your ships to raise their shields but not to charge their weapons.’
Outside a large Human fleet jumped in and surrounded the battle group. The loading platform had been moved to the centre group of asteroids and had forced the Humans to change their plans slightly. In fact, the change had made the Human’s plans easier.
‘Now!’ His aggressor ordered.
It took a bit of shouting but his captains and crew finally calmed down and obeyed.
There were two exits to the bridge. Lewis and a Japanese engineer ran a gel round the edges of the doors and a few seconds later they set it off. A bright light ran round the edges and the doors were welded shut.
‘I am going to presume you are Human.’
‘Correct.’
‘Do you know who I am?’
‘Grand Commander Pan Lo Tae´, son of President San Lo Tae´.
‘Dey doors are sealed Charlie’ Lewis shouted over.
‘Thanks Lewis. Keep an eye on them.’
‘Will do.’
The pistol in Charlie’s hand roared and an operator who was reaching for something screamed as his hand disappeared. Another operator had leapt to his feet but a solid kick from one of the Japanese special forces knocked him out cold.
‘NO ONE MOVE!’ Charlie roared.
‘Do as you are told.’ Growled Pan Lo Tae´. ‘If they wanted us dead we would already be dead.’ He sat back. ‘May we attend that man?’
‘Of course you can. If you have a medical kit on the bridge here.’
Pan snapped out an order and one of the operators rushed for a med kit. He was keenly aware of the amount of weapons that tracked his every movement.
‘What is the meaning of this outrage?’
‘Can the bullshit, Grand Commander. I’m not interested in a dialogue where you try to deny that you are planning to fire a shitload of asteroids at our planet. We are very aware of what you and your allies are up to. As we are not at war with your people, you are being spared, but one false move on your part and that will change in a heart beat.’
‘I had better just shut up then.’
‘That would be wise.’
On board Ico, Komoru was dropping off the assault teams that would commandeer the freighters. The last was just being dropped off as the fleet arrived. Tensions ran high while they waited on reports from her teams.
Within fifteen minutes life pods began to erupt from the freighters. A few minutes later life pods began to launch from the loading platform. She sent a signal to Charlie.
‘Grand Commander, I have just received a report that your people are beginning to evacuate the freighters and the platform. Would you like to despatch a vessel to pick them up?’
Pan looked up at Charlie. The heat from the barrel of his weapon had dissipated. ‘I will send them to one of my destroyers.’
Charlie nodded and stepped back.
‘Communications Officer. Direct all life pods to rendezvous with the Renar´ and ask its Captain to take on all life pods.’
‘Yes sir.’
The life pods had almost finished loading when half the Human fleet, along with the freighters, disappeared. The Grand Commander saw a chance. Before he could take another breath the muzzle of Charlie’s pistol pressed in behind his ear.
‘Are we having naughty thoughts commander?’ Pan froze. ‘If I was you I would wait a few seconds more before trying something stupid.’
As if on cue, another Human battle fleet, larger than the first, appeared. Pan sat back in his seat again.
‘Can you read minds soldier?’
‘I was chosen for this task because I am adept at reading body language. You tensed up as if poised for positive action. I assumed that, as you had just seen half our fleet disappear, you saw an opportunity to turn the tables on us.’
‘It must be extremely difficult to lie to a person with your talent.’
‘I can assure you it is.’
‘What do you intend doing with us?’
‘I have no idea sir, I am only a sergeant. You would have to speak to my commander.’
That probably infuriated Pan more. ‘May I speak to your commander then?’
Charlie raised his head. ‘Lieutenant Satto. The Grand Commander would like a word.’
Satto came over and bowed low. ‘How may I be of assistance sir.’
Pan sighed. ‘I wish to know what you are going to do next.’
‘You will be allowed to withdraw soon. We have no intention of firing unless you give us no other choice. We are not at war with your planet, nor do we wish to be.’
‘You do not consider this a hostile act?’
‘Of course we do. However, as yet you have been unable to carry out a direct attack. Therefore we do not as yet consider yourself an enemy. Our true enemy, the Albany, has already been destroyed.’
‘So your people are trying to keep ourselves and the Catataracs out of this conflict.’
‘I believe so.’
‘Of course you are. If you attack us, it would turn others against you and harm your bid for citizenship.’
‘I am only a soldier, not a politician. I cannot answer that question.’
Charlie leaned forward. ‘That would be a very bad decision.’
Pan froze. ‘What would be?’
‘To try and force our hand.’
‘Are you reading my mind again?’
‘Your posture has become aggressive. It doesn’t take a genius to work out the thoughts behind it. You would die first, before you could even reach that button on the arm of your chair that you keep looking at. A few seconds later, everyone on this bridge would be dead. A few seconds after that, everyone in this entire fleet.’
‘Better to die than live in disgrace.’
‘No it isn’t. Besides, what would your father say if gave your life needlessly?’
‘What do you know of my father?’
‘I have met him. I think he rather admires us.’
‘Impossible.’
‘We shared a shuttle ride once. I also saw him at the big celebrations. He seemed very impressed by our elephant.’
‘What is an elephant?’
‘Why don’t you ask him?’ Charlie stood and addressed the Japanese officer. ‘Sir, would it be permissible for the Grand Commander to contact his father?’
Satto blinked. ‘I am not sure Sergeant. I will ask. If, of course, the grand commander wishes to do so.’
Pan was looking up at Charlie. ‘Yes why not. What was that name?’
‘It is an Earth creature called an elephant.’
It took a few minutes for Satto to get the link established. ‘You have permission to contact your father. Voice only from this side.’
Pan turned to his Communications Officer. ‘Get me through.’
‘Yes sir.’
It didn’t take long. President San Lo Tae´ appeared on screen. ‘Is that you Pan? What’s wrong with your screen?’
‘Just a little technical difficulty father. Nothing serious. An acquaintance has asked me to ask about a creature called an elephant.’
His father sat up straight and made a noise that was strange to the Human’s ears. ‘An elephant is a wondrous creature from the planet Earth. If I could, I would wish to have it brought to our planet to show our people. It is unfortunate that circumstances will not allow that. It is larger than anything you have ever seen in your life. Majestic in appearance and grace. I will send you a picture. How are things there?’
‘Not good. We have lost contact with the Albany commander.’
‘That is not good. What about everyone else?’
‘Nothing.’
‘Send a reconnaissance party. If our allies are under attack then help as much as you can. If they have been destroyed then get the hell out of there and return home as quickly as possible.’
‘Are you sure father?’
‘Positive. If the Humans have discovered the Albany plans then you and our people are in grave danger. Latest intelligence on the Humans puts their numbers much greater than your combined numbers. As yet no one has had a real chance to study their tactics and provide countermeasures. To remain where you are would be suicide. In fact, withdraw out of sensor range and send in destroyers to scout our allies’ positions. You will know what course of action to take by what you find. Good luck son. I will not detain you any farther.’
‘One last question father.’
‘Quickly.’
‘Are you sympathetic to the Human cause?’
There was a momentary silence. ‘I wish our circumstances were different. Is that enough?’
‘Yes father.’
Communications were cut and his crew looked to their leader. ‘Lieutenant Satto?’
‘Yes Grand Commander.’
‘May I do as my father suggests and send a destroyer?’
‘Wait please.’ Satto talked to Komoru. ‘There is no need. We can show you if you wish.’
‘Yes please.’
It soon became apparent that the Albany had been completely destroyed. The Catatarac were in exactly the same position as he was. He had seen enough.
‘Lieutenant Satto, I wish to withdraw my forces.’
‘Our orders are to detain you until told otherwise.’
‘So we cannot go to the aid of the Catataracs or try to retrieve the freighters?’
‘Correct.’
‘May I speak to my captains?’
Satto looked to Charlie, who nodded. ‘Yes sir.’
Pan sat forward. ‘Listen in, this is a general order. Stand down from battle stations but keep your shields up. We have received orders to withdraw, and will do so shortly. When we have withdrawn to a safe distance, reconnaissance parties will be sent out to ascertain the condition of our allies and pick up any survivors. I can tell you now that the Albany contingent have been wiped out while the Catatarac contingent are in a similar predicament to our own. As soon as the reconnaissance parties return, we will be returning home.’
Pan sat back. ‘You can remove that cannon from my ear, Sergeant. What is that thing anyway?’
‘It’s called a Desert Eagle. I borrowed it from a friend. They are referred to as firearms.’
‘They seem pretty primitive. I am still half deaf.’
‘They are very primitive compared to the weapons you use. The psychological effect they have, however, is priceless.’
‘Self-guiding.’
‘No, you have to aim.’
Pan regarded his now unconscious soldier but kept his mouth shut.
Time dragged by but eventually Satto ordered his men into the centre of the room for pick up. Pan had a parting word for Charlie. ‘I will find you and kill you for the humiliation you have inflicted upon me today.’
‘Blah, blah, blah. Finding me probably won’t be all that hard. As for killing me, ask your father about the Human that shared the shuttle ride with him to the space docks, before you do anything stupid.’
‘Sergeant!’ Satto snapped.
Charlie joined him and they were beamed on board Ico. Satto wasn’t finished with Charlie. ‘Did you have to provoke the Grand Commander like that just before we left? He could still cause us problems if he decides to retaliate.’
Charlie took a deep breath and bowed. ‘I apologise sir. I tend to react badly to threats against my person.’
Satto relented a little. ‘I believe I can understand why Sergeant. Yet you must garner that hostility. To my eyes your reaction was positively childish. You should have kept your mouth shut and simply bowed. That would have been enough to let him know you understand his motives and accepted the challenge.’
‘I didn’t know that sir.’
‘Of course, why should you? I am the one who has been studying their culture. You did really well today. I initially doubted the wisdom of your participation. However, after seeing the results I am most impressed. You truly have a remarkable gift. Next time just can the shit, OK.’
Charlie bowed again. ‘I will sir. Thank you for your patience.’
Satto returned it and turned to the rest of his men. ‘Dismissed. Return to your stations.’
Charlie had no station to return to so was one of the last out. Lewis hung about. He laughed. ‘Hey Charlie, you just got your damn butt kicked by Satto.’
Charlie laughed back. ‘Sure did Lewis.’
‘Wanna go for a cup of Java?’
‘Why the hell not.’
CHAPTER 49
Pan Lo Tae´ ordered the withdrawal of his ships to a safe distance. He then crossed deck to one of the destroyers, against the wishes of his senior commanders. By the time they reached their original position, the Humans had already destroyed the asteroids and left.
They moved on to where the Humans had surprised a battle fleet of the Albany. Dust and debris from the asteroids floated amongst the wreckage. Here and there a lone life pod flashed in the deep black of space. They quickly began to move towards them. They came in a variety of sizes, from singles to those that could carry a dozen or more. A quick scan told him that very few of them were full. Thousands of Albany had perished. Pan left a single destroyer to pick them up and moved on to the next location.
Here and there minor explosions shot out into space. By far the biggest Albany fleet had been deployed there to protect the mining platform. Pan checked all the monitors and couldn’t distinguish between the wreckage of the platform and that of the Albany battle fleet.
His pilot weaved them in and out of the remains. ‘I am receiving distress signals sir.’ An operator reported to his Captain. The Captain looked to Pan who simply nodded.
‘Take us there.’ The Captain ordered his pilot. Coordinates were fed in from the communications station, and the pilot changed direction.
There was quite a collection of life pods. As they approached, another operator raised his voice for attention. ‘Sir we have a small number of vessels approaching at sub light speed. They have identifiers.’ He paused for a second. ‘They are Catatarac destroyers.’
‘Probably on the same mission as us.’ The Captain mused.
‘Hail them as soon as they arrive.’ Pan ordered.
A few minutes later Pan found himself staring at Admiral Valachean. He smiled. ‘Hello Val. Still alive then you ugly bastard?’
Valachean laughed. ‘As are you. What happened to my hammer?’
‘We have always been the hammer and the anvil, haven’t we? I’m afraid this time your hammer had some kind of a cannon stuck behind its left ear by a Human who seemed to know what I was thinking before I did. What about you?’
‘Oh, I was treated to a rather lavish buffet and something delightful called root beer.’
‘You jest!’
Valachean held up an odd-looking bag. ‘Fancy trying a granola bar and a root beer? Courtesy of Admiral Baxter of the planet Earth.’
Pan didn’t take long to come to a decision. ‘Come over and we will leave our subordinates to pick up the survivors.’
The Captain’s cabin in the destroyer was fairly spartan, though he did have a small lounge area. Pan took a healthy swig from the bottle and let out a long loud belch. ‘Wow. That hit the spot.’ He studied the bottle and the label. He couldn’t read the words. ‘What did you say they called this?’
‘Root beer.’
‘So how come you didn’t get a bloody great cannon stuck behind your ear?’
‘A massive Human fleet suddenly appeared and fired warning shots across our bows. I got the message fast enough.’ Valachean sniffed loudly. ‘I think Admiral Baxter is a lot smarter than he was making out to be.’
‘How so?’
‘He s
aid he didn’t know who I was. Yet he somehow knew that I would get the warning. He took you out, however, before his ships even appeared.’
‘He realised that I would have attacked, regardless.’
‘You wouldn’t have attacked regardless Pan. You would have waited for an opportunity before attacking.’
‘Bollocks. So what did you do to Baxter? Talk him to death?’
‘I engaged my equal in conversation, to try and gather useful intelligence that would help me defeat him in the future.’
‘I was right. You tried to talk him to death. But I don’t understand how you were invited over for afternoon tea?’
‘I was trying to provoke him, and it worked.’
‘Find out anything useful?’
‘Too much. In fact, if we don’t get out of this pact and the Albany succeed in destroying Earth, we are all going to be in deep shit.’
‘I think you had better explain Val.’
It took a while but Valachean explained everything he had seen. He also added his own conclusions. Pan was silent for a long time as he digested the new information.
‘Do think they will carry out their threat to destroy our planets?’
‘I have absolutely no doubt. After all, they will have nothing to lose. Their assets are all off world. We can’t touch them. Their home fleet is twice the size of the one that defeated the Albany. It isn’t beyond reason that they could wipe out our main planets and then invade our minor ones.’
‘You mean steal them from us? They wouldn’t get away with it.’
‘I think they would. The Humans have a lot of races behind them now. Their bid is well supported. They have enough assets off world to reseed their planet or any they take.’
‘Yes, but their bid has not been accepted yet.’
‘Maybe not, but we know it will be. What we are doing may not be illegal, but it is unusual. It is a loop hole that many have tried to plug in the past. If the fleet they have with the Modlochs is joined by their home fleet, it would take a galactic force to stop them.’
Pan took a sip of root beer. ‘That’s not all you are thinking.’