Dawn of a New Age

by Rick Bentsen

  “And here comes the cavalry!” he called.

  K’Itea came running across the warehouse and wrapped her arms around him. She kissed him tenderly as Thane picked the locks on the manacles that were holding his wrists fast.

  “I was worried about you,” she said.

  “I was worried about me too,” K’Alan quipped. “But it’s all right. I’m all right. You’re all right. And K’Orin Thamur is about to find out what it’s like to be on my bad side.”

  “Here’s your energy bow, Kal,” K’Itea said as she pressed the small black box into his hand.

  “So,” K’Alan grinned as he checked the charge on his energy bow. He slammed the extra cartridges onto his belt. “Who wants to go hunting with me?”

  6.2.2125

  1927

  Duterius Prime

  A dead end alley

  K’Orin Thamur was cornered, and he knew it. He didn’t know how the Star League officer had gotten free, but it was obvious to K’Orin that that was who was chasing him. And what was worse, was that the Star League officer had managed to corner him. K’Orin didn’t like this turn of events. No, he didn’t like this at all.

  “K’Orin Thamur,” called the voice of that damned officer. “You are surrounded. There is no escape. Come out and no harm will come to you. You will have to atone for your actions, but you will be afforded every courtesy.”

  “And if I don’t come out?” K’Orin shouted back.

  “Then we will come in and get you,” K’Alan shot back. “And we’ve been authorized by the Gentlewoman of the Braga Valley province to use whatever force is necessary to bring you out. You will come out willingly, or we will be forced to open fire.”

  “Fat chance,” K’Orin yelled. “I still haven’t gotten what I wanted. I can’t lose now.”

  “You’re not going to get what you want either,” K’Alan shouted. “What K’Itea and I have is a true bond. That’s something you could never offer her.”

  “She will still come to love me in time, once I’ve removed you,” K’Orin snorted.

  The only response was a lance of energy from an energy bow that slammed into the wall just over K’Orin’s head.

  “That was a warning shot, K’Orin,” K’Alan called. “We will give you five minutes before we come in. I don’t think you can take all of us out before you are taken down.”

  “We’ll see,” K’Orin sneered. “We’ll see just how good you really are, soldier boy. And your little trinket there doesn’t really frighten me. I’ve never really understood the fascination some hold with the energy bow. I think it’s overrated, personally.”

  In response, a bolt from the energy bow slammed into the wall. The bolt exploded against the wall, creating a good sized hole in the wall, and sending chips of stone and brick everywhere. K’Orin paled slightly as he looked at the damage the bolt had done.

  “That wasn’t even the highest setting, K’Orin,” K’Alan admonished. “Imagine what that would do to your head though.”

  “I’m still not impressed,” K’Orin snickered. “Besides. How would your precious K’Itea feel about you killing someone in cold blood?”

  “She probably wouldn’t like it,” K’Alan said. “But she’ll forgive me for it if it comes to that. Personally, I’d rather take you back alive to face a trial.”

  “I’m sure you would,” K’Orin said dryly.

  “Your time’s up, K’Orin,” K’Alan called. “Are you coming out or not?”

  “I’m thinking…. Not,” K’Orin announced as he fired out towards the area where K’Alan was talking. He could tell by the sounds outside that he’d missed everybody.

  A squadron of royal guards, led by K’Alan, headed into the alley, lining up shots as the picked places of cover. K’Orin shot at some of the guards, felling several of them. While K’Orin was firing at the guards, K’Alan lined up a shot with his energy bow.

  “Drop the laser, K’Orin. It’s over,” K’Alan called.

  “Not yet it isn’t,” K’Orin bellowed as he brought his laser to bear on K’Alan.

  It would have taken a very fast draw to line up and take a shot when his opponent already had a bead on him. K’Orin wasn’t nearly fast enough though, and K’Alan fired his energy bow long before K’Orin had a shot on K’Alan lined up. The bolt hit K’Orin square in the chest, and the lieutenant was dead before he hit the ground.

  Swearing to himself, K’Alan stood and headed back towards the street where K’Itea was waiting with J’Anai and Thane.

  “I’m sorry, Kit,” K’Alan sighed. “I was forced to fire on K’Orin. He’s dead.”

  “That’s all right, Kal,” K’Itea said softly, touching his cheek. “You gave him every opportunity. I saw the whole thing. I’m just glad that it’s over.”

  “Yes,” K’Alan nodded, smiling slightly. “It’s over. Let’s go back to the Great Hall and get ready to finally go on that picnic.”

  6.4.2125

  1258

  Duterius Prime

  Braga Valley Great Hall

  The Great Hall was decorated with all manners of colors and banners. Crowds of well wishers lined both sides of the main aisle and smiled as the two officers walked down the aisle in full dress uniform.

  “I’ve never been to a Duterian wedding before,” Captain Starlos noted.

  “They’re not too much different from an Earth wedding. Well, there are some minor differences, of course. But it’s not too different.”

  “Fair enough.”

  The two officers stood before the priest. The priest wore long, elegant white robes. He was very plain, his pale skin almost as white as his robes.

  “Which one of you is the intended?” he intoned.

  “I have that honor,” K’Alan said boldly.

  “Have you proven yourself?” the priest asked.

  “I have walked through fire and flood. I have breathed where no air exists. Through it all, my love remains. I have conquered great giants. I have helped the simple lion. Through it all, my love remains,” K’Alan recited the words, a feeling of calmness and peace flowing through him.

  “Then walk where there is light, my child. Take comfort in the one you shall share your life with. Become one with her.”

  “This I would gladly do,” K’Alan bowed.

  “I see. Where is this man’s betrothed?”

  “I am here,” K’Itea called from the end of the aisle.

  K’Alan turned slightly so that he could see K’Itea. He bit his cheeks to keep from dropping his jaw in awe. As beautiful as he had always found her, K’Alan had never seen her looking so beautiful as she was this day. Her golden ringlets of hair were swept back and held in place by a circlet of gold. Inset in the center of the circlet was a dazzling green gemstone, the same shade of green as her eyes. It was a haunting effect that gave her the appearance of having a third eye.

  With the way they had spoken to each other with their minds, the idea of K’Itea having a third eye was even more intriguing. In a way, he mused. That is what the bonding is truly about. It gives each of us that innate sense of the other.

  “And has he proven himself to you?”

  “He has won my heart with kind words and with fierce battles. He has roped the moon for my chariot and the stars for my steeds. He has built my castle and torn down the mountains that upset my view.”

  “Then join him here and take comfort in he whom you shall share your life with.”

  K’Itea walked down the aisle and stood next to K’Alan. She did not look at him. She looked straight at the priest and stood straight, her hands clasped in front of her.

  “These two come before the gods of Duterius to be bonded for life and beyond. They have proven their worth to each other and to the gods. They are about to embark on a journey that only they can go on. Should anyone disapprove of this bonding, speak now or forever hold your peace.” The priest waited a few minutes before continuing. “K’Alan Ilan Bryce, will you honor and protect this woman? Will you walk throu
gh fire for her? Will you walk through darkness for her? Will you stay with her through all time?”

  “I will,” K’Alan said, looking at the woman he loved.

  “K’Itea Alana Bilso, will you honor and obey this man? Will you follow him though fire? Will you follow him through darkness? Will you stay with him through all time?”

  “I will,” K’Itea smiled at the man she was bonded to already.

  “Take each other’s hand.” He waited until they had complied. He took a blue and red scarf from the altar and began to slowly bind their hands together

  “Through all time, these two shall be bonded. They shall be able to feel each other across the vastnesses of space and time. They shall be together for all time. This is witnessed by the gods. Let their love be a beacon for all Duterians for years to come. This ceremony is concluded. Go in peace.”

  The priest turned around and walked out. K’Alan and K’Itea started towards their quarters.

  6.4.2125

  2017

  Duterius Prime

  K’Itea Bryce’s Quarters

  K’Itea lay snuggled up next to K’Alan, her head on his chest. She sighed a contented little sigh and looked up at K’Alan.

  “Thank you for being able to be here, my love,” she said. “I really didn’t want to wait for this moment.”

  “Neither did I, Kit,” K’Alan chuckled. “And this night was definitely worth the wait.”

  “I’m glad you agree,” K’Itea chuckled as she snuggled closer. She gently ran her fingers over his chest. “You have no idea how happy I am at the moment.”

  “Probably no happier than I am,” K’Alan smiled at her. Just at that precise moment, his wristlink beeped from the small table beside the bed, eliciting a groan from K’Alan. “Why couldn’t I have disobeyed orders and left the damn thing on the ship?” he muttered.

  “They certainly seem to know when it’s the worst time to use it,” K’Itea sighed. The wristlink continued to beep insistently. “You better answer them, Kal. I don’t think they’re going to go away whoever they are.”

  “Ensign Bryce, go,” he sighed as he tapped the contact on the wristlink. “And this really had better be important. I’m on vacation.”

  “I’m sorry, Ensign,” Thane Starlos said on the wristlink. “I really hate to do this to you, but I’m afraid I need to recall you to active duty. The fleet was just recalled. You need to be back on board as soon as possible.”

  “I don’t suppose you could just offload my fighter and I could catch up to you?” K’Alan groaned.

  “I’m afraid not, Ensign,” Thane saidy. “I’m not happy about this either, K’Alan. I’d like nothing more than to give you two the time to enjoy yourselves. The best I can do is promise to get you back to Duterius Prime as soon as possible. Tell the Gentlewoman that I am sorry for taking you away from her.”

  “That’s all right, Captain,” K’Itea said. “I understand that this is the way things will be for us.”

  “I wish my wife was as understanding sometimes, my lady,” Thane chuckled.

  “Captain, how long do I have until the shuttle comes to retrieve me?” K’Alan asked.

  “Most I can give you is two hours, Ensign. I hope that will be enough time to say good bye appropriately.” There was a touch of amusement in the Captain’s tone. “Enjoy your slight reprieve. I’ll see you on deck when you arrive.”

  “Thank you, sir,” K’Alan grinned slightly as he cut the connection. He turned to K’Itea. “It seems I still have a couple hours to spend here…”

  7.7.2125

  1158

  Duterius Prime

  Courtyard in the Braga Valley Capitol Building

  It had been a month since K’Alan had left Duterius Prime after the wedding. He’d called a few times, but it didn’t look good that he’d get a chance to come back home anytime soon. The Quintanilla had been hit hard in the battle that had ensued after they left Duterius, and Captain Thane Starlos had been killed. K’Alan had been devastated when he told K’Itea the news about his friend’s death.

  And now, K’Itea was worried about her husband. He was able to call once a week or so, so she knew he was all right, but it didn’t alleviate her worry.

  So she sat on this particularly sunny day watching the birds in her courtyard, silently thinking about her husband.

  “You’ve been very quiet lately, K’Itea,” S’Era Bryce said as she soundlessly walked into the courtyard behind K’Itea.

  “I’ve been worried about your brother, S’Era,” K’Itea responded without turning. “I hope he comes back to me safely.”

  “I do too, of course,” S’Era said, gently placing her hands on K’Itea’s shoulders. “He is my brother after all.”

  “I know.” K’Itea turned to face S’Era before continuing. “Which makes what I’m about to ask you that much harder. I must have your word that you will not tell K’Alan what I am about to tell you unless I tell you to. He’d give up his career if he were to find out, and I can’t do that to him.”

  “You have my word, K’Itea. You know that,” S’Era nodded. “But it must be quite a secret if you’re that worried about his reaction.”

  “I’m with child, S’Era.”

  “An unexpected turn of events,” Kiara said as the holosphere faded to black. “A child complicates things a bit.”

  “It will be a son,” Michael said, his eyes closed in deep meditation. “And he will not know his father. Yes, this child will complicate things, but it will also make some things easier for K’Alan.”

  “Is he the one we seek, Commander Roberts?” Kiara asked. “Is he the one that is spoken of in the words of Ugata?”

  “It is difficult to see, Kiara,” Michael intoned. “But yes, K’Alan is the one spoken of. Things have begun to be set into motion…”

  To be continued…

  Blitzkrieg

  A Gamma Strike Short Story

  6.5.2125

  0815

  SLS Quintanilla

  Main Conference Room

  K’ALAN Bryce strode into the briefing room, wondering why he was being called into the senior staff meeting. He took a seat at the far end of the table and waited patiently.

  “Now that we’re all here,” Captain Thane Starlos grinned at K’Alan. “Let’s begin. In two days, the Argus will be leading an attack wing to try to liberate the Corathi system from the Brentax. We’ve been assigned to the attack wing. It’s important that we get this system back because of how close in proximity it is to several key systems in the Star League, including the Duterius system.”

  K’Alan started at the mention of his home world which he had just left. He locked eyes with his Captain as if to say that he’d do anything to keep his home world from harm.

  “What kind of force are we dealing with here, Captain?” Commander Stephanie Westphalen, the second in command on the Quintanilla, asked.

  “All we know is that a large body of Brentax forces is currently holding the Corathi system,” Captain Starlos said softly. “We don’t even know the nature of the ships holding the system. Every ship we send to do reconnaissance doesn’t come back.”

  “This doesn’t sound like a good tactical situation for our side,” K’Alan pointed out. “I’m guessing that Commodore Bonetti is counting on the element of surprise?”

  “Yes,” the captain nodded. “But from what I gather surprise won’t be easy to achieve.”

  “So what is our assignment in this glorious battle?” Colonel John Jameson, the ship’s tactical officer asked. “Is there a specific quadrant we’re supposed to be attacking?”

  “Our specific battle orders will be coming in soon. For now, we just need to be prepared for anything.” Captain Starlos turned to K’Alan before continuing. “You will not be going out in a fighter this time, Ensign. As part of your training, I want you on the bridge. You’ll act as my second-in-command during this battle.”

  “Sir?” K’Alan asked, surprise evident in his voice. “Are you s
ure?”

  “Yes, Ensign. The command staff has discussed this and it was felt that you should get the experience,” Thane smiled. “Of course, you’ll need a promotion to go with it. Can’t have an Ensign acting as my executive officer, can I? No, I’d think you’d need to be a Lieutenant at the very least.”

  K’Alan wasn’t sure how to react to this. Certainly it was the last thing he was expecting when he walked into the briefing room. He looked around at the rest of the officers in the room. Each one was smiling at him.

  “Are you sure, sir?” K’Alan asked, trying to grasp why this was suddenly happening. “I’m not overly sure I’ve earned this.”

  “I’m quite sure. Your performance evaluations have been exemplary, and I have to take what happened on your shore leave into account.”

  “I’m not sure you should, sir,” K’Alan frowned. “I did kill a man down there.”

  “Yes, but it was in the line of duty,” Thane smiled. “I’d consider saving a prominent member of your government as being in the line of duty. Besides, everyone at this table is of one mind about this. Face it. You’re being promoted whether you want it or not.”

  “Yes, sir!” K’Alan grinned. “I just hope I won’t disappoint you.”

  “You wouldn’t be getting this promotion if I thought you’d disappoint me, Lieutenant Bryce,” Thane grinned. “Your main duties during the battle will be coordinating the fighter squadrons. After the briefing, coordinate with Commander Westphalen about the squadrons.”

  “Yes, sir,” K’Alan nodded.

  “If no one has anything else, then this briefing is concluded. We’ll meet again when we have more concise orders regarding our involvement in the coming battle.”

  The other officers nodded and started to shuffle out, smiling and offering their congratulations to K’Alan as they walked out.

  6.5.2125

  1127

  SLS Quintanilla