by Rick Bentsen
“Understood.”
Tom nodded and smiled to himself. His crew would get them there in one piece. Then it was up to Mario.
2.12.2136
1215
SLS Creighton
The Gym
“All right,” Mario said. “The shock grenade is a special weapon. It will incapacitate several enemies at once, but it can incapacitate yourself as well, so you need to be careful. Before you activate the grenade make sure your auditory and visual sensors on your battle helmets are dampened. Otherwise you’ll be as stunned as your enemies.”
“What does the grenade do?” Ensign Hawthorne, who was the ensign that had criticized the amount of equipment earlier, asked.
Mario nodded at the Ensign, thinking it was a good thing the Ensign was asking questions rather than keeping his attitude about the extra stuff.
“Basically,” the colonel said. “The shock grenade emits a loud auditory pulse as well as an extremely bright light. The light causes temporary blindness, and the sound can cause hearing to fail temporarily. The end result is that the people affected are stunned and unable to act for a period of time. They have been very effective against the Brentax in the past.”
“Great,” Hawthorne said. “So we have to make sure it doesn’t stun us too. Good to know.”
“Ensign, I’ve used them before,” Jack sighed, exasperated. “They’re kind of fun.”
“Fun?” Mario chuckled. “You’re sounding more and more like Masha all the time.”
“Yes, but would she have thought of making the proton torpedo tubes do an auto rapid-fire?” Jack asked.
“She probably would, but I bet the Captain nixes it,” Mario laughed. “Anyway, back to practice, gentlemen.”
2.12.2136
2037
SLS Creighton
The Bridge
“Captain, we’re entering the Brentax system,” the officer at the helm station announced. “We should arrive at Brentax III in under an hour and a half.”
“Good,” Tom said. “Let me know as soon as we make orbit.”
“Understood.”
Chapter 55.
2.12.2136
2102
Roid Skimmer Ganthus
“K’ALAN, look!” Crovax called from where he was monitoring the scanners. “The Brentax vessels are pulling away.”
“Let me see!” K’Alan said. He looked closely at the scanners. “There’s another ship out there. Can you get me more information about that new ship?”
“Looks like a Star League vessel. Pegasus class,” Crovax said. “I’m getting a fix on the registry now. SL-2166.”
“That’s the Creighton!” K’Alan exclaimed. “G’Kiron, prepare to send that message as soon as the Creighton’s in range.”
“Have you figured out what you want to say in the message, K’Alan?” G’Kiron asked.
“Endeavor,” K’Alan said. “Captain Keevan will know what it means.”
“I hope so,” G’Kiron nodded as he began to prepare the message.
“It’s the first ship we served on together,” K’Alan explained. “He’ll know that it means I’m here and he’ll know I know who’s out there.”
“The message has been sent, K’Alan,” G’Kiron said as he finished tapping out a series of commands on his console.
“Now we wait.”
Chapter 56.
2.12.2136
2105
SLS Creighton
The Bridge
“CAPTAIN, three Duhari class cruisers coming up fast,” Jack reported. “They have their weapons primed.”
“Our weapons are hot, Captain,” Mario added from tactical station 2. “Ready to sweep targets on your orders.”
“Steady, Colonel,” Tom said. “Give me full defensive screens and a tactical holo.”
“Defense screens full, Captain,” Mario said.
“Tactical holo up now, Captain,” Kim called from the comms station. “Captain! We’re receiving a low frequency communication. It’s in code.”
“Decode,” Tom said. “Where’s it coming from?”
“From a small ship on the asteroid the Duhari class vessels came from, Captain,” Kim said. “Decoding message, now.” After a moment, she looked up and exclaimed. “Captain, it’s an automatic computer message. The message is just one word. Endeavor.”
“That’s Captain Bryce!” Tom shouted excitedly. “Helm, put us between the Duhari class vessels and that asteroid. Kim open a channel to that vessel. Mario, start targeting the Brentax ships. Engines and weapons only please.”
“You got it, Captain!” Mario said as he began to track the three vessels. “They won’t know what hit ‘em.”
Chapter 57.
2.12.2136
2111
Roid Skimmer Ganthus
“K’ALAN, we’re receiving a communication from the Star League ship,” G’Kiron said.
“Are we able to do a holo on this ship?” K’Alan asked.
“No. Audio only,” G’Kiron said.
“All right,” K’Alan said. “Let me hear it.”
“Patching it through now, K’Alan,” G’Kiron nodded.
“This is the Star League vessel Creighton,” Tom Keevan’s voice came over the speakers. “To the ship on the asteroid, if Captain Bryce is on that ship please respond.”
“This is Captain Bryce,” K’Alan said. “Good to hear your voice, Tom.”
“Good to hear yours too, K’Alan. President Jameson sent me to pull your arse out of the fire. Seems like that’s what I do a lot, buddy.”
“And I appreciate it, Tom,” K’Alan laughed. “President Jameson sent you herself, eh? I didn’t know I rated so highly. Anyway, can you keep those Brentax off our backs while we launch?”
“Sure,” Tom said, chuckling. “We brought a few surprises for them. Head straight for the landing bay. We’ll lower the screens when you get here long enough for you to land.”
“Much obliged,” K’Alan said.
“Hey, I’m not doing this for you,” Tom laughed. “I expect a big kiss from your exec when I get back.”
“See you on the deck shortly, Tom,” K’Alan laughed. “Captain Bryce out.”
“I hate to remind you that there are three Duhari class starships out there,” G’Kiron said.
“I know,” K’Alan said as he buckled his seat restraints. “You both might want to buckle in. This is likely to be a rough ride.”
K’Alan’s hands flew over the control panel and the roid skimmer’s engines flared loudly to life. He grabbed the control stick and nudged the ship spaceward. The first fifteen minutes of the flight were uneventful, but K’Alan knew that such easy flying would not last long.
“Fighters!” Crovax called.
“Great. I see them,” K’Alan said as he began to initiate some evasive maneuvers.
He watched in horror as two Brentax fighters started to bear down on the roid skimmer. The next second the two fighters had become a ball of flame as several proton torpedoes arced from the distant Creighton and plowed into the unsuspecting fighters, turning them into small fireballs.
“What the..?” Crovax started.
“Whoever’s manning the weapons on that ship is a madman,” K’Alan said simply as he straightened course towards the Creighton.
With interest, K’Alan noted that the Creighton managed to hold off any attackers from getting to the roid skimmer while still keeping themselves from being pulverized by the Duhari class vessels. K’Alan knew they wouldn’t be able to last long and tried to coax a little more speed out of the old vessel.
Soon, though, the roid skimmer reached the Creighton.
“The defense screens are down,” Crovax called as they approached the Creighton.
“Good. Let me get us in quickly then,” K’Alan said as he concentrated on getting the roid skimmer landed.
As soon as the roid skimmer touched down on the Creighton’s landing bay, K’Alan closed his eyes and let out a huge sigh of relief.
2.12.2136
2202
Gamma Epsilon Staiton
Admiral Bonetti’s Office
“YOU wanted to see me, Madam President?” John said as he indicated the seat across from his desk for her to sit.
“Yes, I did, John.” Kerrin sat in the offered seat. “I have a proposition.”
“I’m listening,” John nodded.
“You sent me a memo some time ago outlining a proposal on how to use the White Knight. Especially about how to use the City as it is now being called.”
“I remember,” John nodded. “What do you have in mind?”
“After this peace conference is over, I’d like to form an advisory council,” Kerrin explained. “I’d like all six core races of the Star League as well as the Brentax Empire to all have seats on this council. Hopefully, by being able to mediate disputes through such a forum, we’ll be able to keep something like this from happening again.”
“Agreed,” John nodded. “And you’d like to use the White Knight for this?”
“Well that was the original purpose of The City before the Duterius Prime incident,” Kerrin nodded.
“I will request that proper support ships be permanently assigned to the White Knight in the case of some kind of emergency, Kerrin,” John said.
“That’s reasonable,” Kerrin nodded. “Have Captain Bryce select two ships when he returns.”
“Of course,” John nodded, deciding not to pursue that particular issue. “I have a feeling I know one of the ships will be the Creighton.”
“A good choice,” Kerrin smiled. “I will see you at the conference session tomorrow.
The President of the Star League smiled and strode out of his office, leaving John shaking his head at her back.
Chapter 59.
2.12.2136
2237
SLS Creighton
The Bridge
“THEY’VE landed, Captain,” Jack said.
“Screens up!” Tom ordered.
“Screens are full,” Mario announced.
“Strafe those Duhari class cruisers, Colonel,” Tom said.
“Aye, Captain. I am beginning a strafing run now.”
As Mario’s hands flew across the tactical board, torpedo after torpedo shot out of the Creighton and impacted against the Duhari class cruisers inflicting minor hull damage to each.
“I think that got their attention, Captain,” Jack said. “And I think they’re mad.”
“Helm, get us the hell out of here,” Tom ordered, leaping to his feet.
“Initiating getting the hell out of here maneuver,” the helm officer said.
“Best speed back to the jump gate,” Tom said. The only response from the helm officer was a grunt and a nod.
Minutes ticked by as the tactical holo showed the Brentax ships slowly falling further and further behind.
“We’re losing them, Captain,” Jack announced.
K’Alan stepped on the bridge at that point. Tom saw him and smiled.
“Welcome aboard, Captain Bryce,” the Creighton’s skipper chuckled. “You look a little the worse for wear.”
“I could be a lot worse. Thanks, Tom,” K’Alan smiled.
“You had us all worried, Kal,” Mario said.
“Mario? What the hell are you doing here?” K’Alan laughed.
“Who do you think the President sent to bail your arse out?” Tom shrugged. “Join me for supper, Captain. There’s much I want to talk to you about.”
“Sure,” K’Alan laughed.
“You should take a shower first, Kal,” Mario said as he sniffed the air. “You smell like a Brentax.”
2.12.2136
2357
SLS Creighton
The Mess Hall
Some time later, K’Alan emerged in the mess hall, having cleaned up and put on a fresh uniform.
“I’m afraid the food here isn’t that great, K’Alan,” Tom said as he, Mario and K’Alan sat at a table in the corner of the mess hall.
“Tom, I’ve been living on Brentax K rations for the last five days. This is going to be a feast.”
“I can imagine,” Tom sighed. “It couldn’t have been easy for you on Brentacchia.”
“If it weren’t for G’Kiron and Crovax, I wouldn’t have made it,” K’Alan kept his voice soft. “I hope your crew is treating them with respect.”
“They are,” Tom nodded. “Crovax told us how he helped you escape the prison. A little thing like that tends to get people to treat him a bit better.”
“How’s Gamma Strike holding up, Mario?” K’Alan asked.
The colonel had been sitting in silence since he sat down at the table. Now he looked at K’Alan and smiled a slight little smile.
“I think it’s safe to say a lot of us are mad at you for getting caught,” Mario said simply. “Masha, uh, kind of got drunk and wrecked a punching bag.”
“Oh, Lords,” K’Alan rolled his eyes. “Erin must have had a fit.”
“She’s probably the person most mad at you,” Mario smiled wryly. “I don’t think she likes command.”
“Oh, joy,” K’Alan slumped in his chair and sighed. He took a bite of the chicken and shook his head. “I can just hear her when I get back. I told you not to go. I told you it was a suicide mission. Don’t ever leave me in command of this unit again.”
“I imagine it will go something like that,” Tom said. He was distracted, but K’Alan did not immediately pick up on it.
“How did Kit take my disappearance, Mario?” K’Alan asked quietly.
“Well, she already knew you weren’t on the shuttle.” Mario put his knife and fork down. “It probably has to do with the bond you have. But she took it better than I did. She’ll be very happy to have you back.”
“I owe Elam a baseball game,” K’Alan smiled.
Chapter 60.
2.13.2136
1137
Gamma Epsilon Station
Main Briefing Room
“I demand the Star League cede the Khrinnus system to the Brentax Empire!” M’Bek Tarmos thundered.
“The Khrinnus system has been inhabited by the peoples of the Star League for fifty years!” John Bonetti roared. “It belongs to the Star League!”
“Nevertheless, I demand that it be ceded to the Brentax Empire,” M’Bek Tarmos stood. “This is a point we will not waver over, Madame President. If we do not receive the Khrinnus system, then this peace conference will not work and I will walk out that door.”
“Ladies and gentleman,” Thorrin Jade spoke suddenly, his quiet voice cutting through all of the discussion. “We need to stop fighting and stop threatening to walk from this table—“
“Admiral Bonetti,” John’s wristlink sounded, interrupting Thorrin’s words.
“Admiral Bonetti here,” John said, tapping his wristlink.
“Sir, the Creighton has just docked in bay 18,” the woman on the other end reported.
“Understood. I’ll be with you shortly. Bonetti out.” John tapped his wristlink and the comm line closed. “Ladies and gentleman, I must take a brief recess.”
“This conference shall recess until 1330 hours,” Thorrin Jade announced. “At which time, we will discuss the Khrinnus system situation.”
Without waiting for further conversation, John stood and bolted from the conference room.
2.13.2136
1148
Gamma Epsilon Station
Docking Bay 18
John Bonetti rushed into the docking bay as K’Alan Bryce, Mario Bonetti, and Tom Keevan were leading a few other people out of the airlock.
“I see you were successful, Captain Keevan,” John smiled. “Good work.” He turned to face K’Alan. “Welcome home, Captain Bryce.”
“Good to be back, Admiral,” K’Alan smiled. “Admiral, would it be possible to go speak in your office? There’s an urgent matter that I must bring up in regards to the peace conference.”
“Absolutely,” John nodde
d. “Meet me in my office in half an hour, Captain.”
“Yes, sir.”
2.13.2136
1153
Gamma Epsilon Station
A corridor
Tom Keevan fidgeted outside the door to the quarters that had been assigned to Erin Sykes. Extremely nervous about seeing her, the captain of the Creighton took a couple deep breaths and knocked on the door.
There was no response to his knock, and Tom knocked a little louder.
“Erin?” he called when his knocking still received no response.
“Oh, she’s not here, Captain,” a passing officer said. “Last I saw she was heading towards the White Knight.”
“Thank you, Ensign,” the captain said.
He wasn’t sure if it was relief or dread that we was feeling.
2.13.2136
1215
Gamma Epsilon Station
Admiral Bonetti’s Office
John was sitting by his desk when K’Alan came in escorting G’Kiron and Crovax. He stood and gave K’Alan a quizzical look.
“Admiral, may I introduce two of the people responsible for my escape from Brentacchia Prison?” K’Alan said.
“By all means,” John said, sitting behind his desk.
“This is Chancellor G’Kiron,” K’Alan said, indicating the Brentax official. “He was the person Mario and I went to meet on Brentax III. He was instrumental in planning our mission. If it weren’t for his help, we never would have succeeded. He had been arrested by the Brentax Militia. I couldn’t leave him there, so I went to find him and release him. That’s when I was captured.”
“I tried to tell K’Alan I was fine and that he needed to take care of the mission he came to Brentax for,” G’Kiron said. “But K’Alan proved to be more stubborn than many Brentax officers I’ve worked with. He would not leave without me. Even when he was making his escape, he refused to leave without setting me free first.”