by Sarah Noffke
“Enough to kill a small moon,” interrupted Julianna.
“Holy shit,” breathed Eddie.
He pulled the ship back and took aim at the largest asteroid he could find.
“Now we’re talking!” exclaimed Eddie, getting ready to fire.
“Hold on,” Julianna’s voice stopped him. “Do you have any idea what’ll happen if you blow up an asteroid that size?”
Eddie looked at the massive asteroid, and then at all the smaller ones surrounding it, realizing he could cause a chain reaction.
“Oops.” He scratched the back of his head. “Good call.”
“Don’t worry,” she said. “I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities to use these guns in the future.”
He grinned. “Now you’re speaking my language.”
Chapter Five
General Lance Reynolds’ Office, Onyx Station, Paladin System.
“Welcome back, Captain,” said Lance.
“Thanks for the joyride,” said Eddie.
Lance nodded. “Have a seat, would you? There’s something we need to discuss. Oh, before we get started, I watched your training exercise. You did well, Captain, but you’ll need to be even better. Understand?”
Eddie nodded, then pulled up a chair and sat across from the General. “I do, sir.”
“Good, because the next few weeks will be extreme. Julianna is going to put you through the wringer. The two of you will fly in the morning, then spar in the afternoon, every single goddamn day. I need you at your peak, son; I can’t stress that enough.”
Julianna had been standing at the back of the room. She now shut the door and joined the two men, taking the remaining seat.
“It won’t be easy, but I’m confident he’ll adjust,” she opined.
“Fighting and flying for two straight weeks?” asked Eddie. “Sounds like heaven to me.”
“That’s what I like to hear,” said Lance. He waved his hand, motioning for Julianna to toss him her pad. She did, and he caught it effortlessly. With a flick and a swipe, he pulled up an image.
He turned the pad around, revealing a document containing various redacted sections. “We have intel that one of our colonies is being attacked by a rogue group of Kezzin pirates. You’ll no doubt remember the species as the same one you ran into at the bar where we met.”
Eddie nodded. “Tall and red. Sure, I remember.”
“They’re largely isolationists, only initiating fights within their own territory. In the past, if we stayed out of their space, they wouldn’t bother us. It seems that has started to change.”
“You mean how T’turk was raiding human ships?” asked Eddie.
“Exactly so,” responded Lance. “But there’s more to it.”
Julianna looked at Eddie and elaborated on the General’s point. “We believe there’s a network overseeing these attacks. A hierarchy of pirates, as it were.”
“You’re saying they’re all part of the same group?”
“Correct,” she said.
Lance tapped the pad again. “We didn’t have the intel until yesterday, so I wasn’t entirely sure about it when I recruited you, but we now believe they’re all answering to the same individual—a Kezzin by the name of the Ox King.”
“The what?” Eddie asked for the second time that day. “The ‘Ox King’?”
Lance nodded. “Funny name, I know.”
“Does he look like a cow or something?”
“Oh, so you know what a cow is?” asked Julianna, smiling.
“Cows are on tons of farming worlds,” said Eddie.
“I just wasn’t sure, since you’ve never seen a cat or heard a dog bark.”
Eddie glared at her. “Just wait until I find out all the things you don’t know.”
“Good luck,” she said, twisting her lips into a smile. “I know everything.”
“Anyway,” continued Lance. “No, he doesn’t look like a bovine. Not even remotely.”
“Why is he called the Ox King, then?”
“ ‘Ox’ is a word in their language that means…” Lance swiped his pad a few times, searching. “Ah, here we go. It translates to ‘the courageous one, surrounded by enemies, who never flinches or yields’.”
“That’s a long definition,” observed Eddie.
“And his actual title is ‘King of the Ox’, so you can see how it gets complicated.”
“Okay, so he’s not an ox or a cow. Got it.”
“Still alien, though,” remarked Lance. He turned the pad around, showing Eddie a picture. Like T’turk had been, Ox King also had scaled, red skin, yellow eyes, and sharp teeth. The real difference came in their body size. Where T’turk had only been a little larger than Eddie, Ox was significantly bigger. His stats said he was over two meters tall and weighed 170 kilos.
“Definitely alien,” confirmed Eddie.
“Ox and his cronies are working to squeeze out all the human settlements in this region, killing whomever they find. They pillage every Federation ship they encounter, which has caused a serious decline in settlement volunteers,” Lance explained.
“You mentioned that the Kezzin were isolationists, but that they are moving beyond their own territory now?”
“That’s right,” said Lance. “They’ve become uncharacteristically invasive. The Federation has colonies near the Kezzin border, but not inside it. For whatever reason, Ox and others like him seem to be intent on striking first in a non-existent war. Perhaps they believe our two sides cannot coexist, or perhaps there is another reason we don’t know about.”
“Where do I fit into all of this?” asked Eddie. He’d been wondering this ever since Lance and Julianna first approached him, back in that bar, but the answer still wasn’t clear.
“Due to the current politics involved in the Federation, a military response is not possible. Not a sanctioned strike, anyway.”
“What does that mean?”
“Humanity assured its allies that we would only use our remaining forces to defend our borders, not invade or attack other species. You have to understand, Eddie, the Empire no longer exists, not in the way you knew it. We’re a united Federation now. Our agenda is to have peace among worlds. But you and I both know that sometimes peace isn’t the answer. Sometimes, in order to keep people safe, you have to get your hands dirty. That’s why I brought you in, because you’ve always understood how messy war can be. Ox is invading colonies along the border. He’s killing our people. I could authorize a strike against his stronghold and take him out openly with a small fleet, but all that would do is bring unwanted attention and make us look like the aggressors. I don’t want that.”
“He’s a pirate, though, isn’t he? What’s so bad about taking him out publicly?”
“He’s hiding somewhere inside the Kezzin Empire. The Kezzin are already xenophobic and in the middle of a complicated political situation. You can see how things might get complicated if we invade their territory, I’m sure.”
“You want it taken care of quietly, is that it?” asked Eddie. “If we go in on our own, no one will know the Federation is responsible. They’ll think we’re working independently.”
“Exactly so,” confirmed Lance. “What’s more, I need to know who is pulling that bastard’s strings. There’s more to this story than just the Ox King. Of that, I have no doubt. We’ll need to get in, learn what’s going on, and get out, all so we can go after the guy at the top. If anyone discovers the Federation is behind your operation, we could lose our chance at finding the true culprit. The people responsible could slip away and start their shit somewhere else. I can’t have that.”
“I see,” said Eddie.
“The squad we’re putting together will be a hidden arm of the Federation. The tip of the unseen spear, so to speak. You, along with Julianna, will be leading this team. That’s why you’re here.”
“Are you up to the task?” asked Julianna, looking at Eddie. “It’s a lot of responsibility.”
Eddie stared at the Gen
eral, a serious look on his face. “If what you’re telling me is true, then Ox is the guy responsible for killing all those people.”
“That’s right,” answered Lance.
“In that case, count me in, sir.” Eddie rose to his feet and extended his hand. “When do we start?” asked Eddie.
“Right away.” Lance took his hand and shook it. “You’re going to have your work cut out for you, soldier.”
Eddie raised his eyebrow. “Oh?”
“Did you notice how large the Q-Ship was when you were flying it?”
“Yeah, it was big enough to fit half a dozen people. Maybe a few more.”
“Exactly,” responded Lance. “This team is going to be big. You two are just the beginning. There are going to be more soldiers to fight the good fight, and you two are going to find them. But not yet—not until you’re ready. Not until we’ve taken care of Ox.”
“So, what’s our first course of action?”
“I’ve got intel that says Ox is aiming to take out a human colony on Praxus III in two weeks’ time.”
“Two weeks?” asked Eddie. “Is that why you wanted me to train around the clock with Julianna?”
“That’s correct, Captain. Do you think you can bring yourself up to speed by then?”
Eddie gave the General a sideways grin. “Sir, leave it to me. With Julianna and a Q-Ship on my side, I could probably take down a small armada.”
“Well said, Captain,” Lance affirmed with a chuckle. “Let’s make those assholes pay.”
Cargo Hold 02, QBS Atticus Finch, en route to Alabaster System.
Eddie and Julianna stood together in the cargo bay, having just received their mission brief. The training had gone quicker than anyone could have anticipated.
The Ox King would possibly attack Praxus III in two weeks’ time, according to a recent intelligence report.
Less than two weeks to stop a well funded, highly motivated terrorist organization, Eddie thought. Shouldn’t be a problem.
Intelligence indicated that the pirate’s crew had recently been spotted in the Alabaster system, not far from Praxus III. It was a good place to start.
After gathering their gear and securing the Q-Ship onboard the QBS Atticus Finch, they set a course for Alabaster. They’d arrive out of the gate near the most distant planet in the system, giving Eddie and Julianna the best chance to sneak in.
The Q-Ship was built with stealth in mind, its cloaking technology was second to none. They believed that it would be sufficient to get them close to the pirates without being detected. They could gather intel, then regroup to plan their real attack.
“We’ll be arriving soon,” said Julianna, once the two of them had their gear out on the deck. “I hope you’re prepared.”
“I’m ready,” said Eddie.
“We’re only going to investigate. Try not to kill anything, if you can help it. Keep it in your pants.”
“If we get attacked, I make no promises.”
“I assumed as much.” Julianna twisted her mouth back and forth as she studied the pilot, knowing exactly what he’d do once the shooting started. “Just follow my lead, and things won’t get messy.”
“You know, considering we’re both supposed to be in charge of this team, you sure do enjoy giving me orders.”
“We don’t have a team yet,” said Julianna, winking.
The QBS Atticus Finch arrived within the hour, taking position behind the system’s gas giant, Alabaster VI. Eddie climbed aboard the Q-Ship and strapped himself in. To his surprise, Julianna was standing on the other side of the bay.
“Hey, are you coming?” he called.
She turned to look at him. “We’re not taking that one.”
“Huh?”
“Come over here,” she told him.
He climbed out of the ship and jogged to the other end of the bay. “What’s going on? I thought we were leaving.”
“We are, but not in that one.”
“Then, what? I don’t see any other ships.”
She withdrew her pad and tapped the screen. “Pip, bring out the Alpha-class Q-Ship.”
“Right away, ma’am,” said Pip.
The floor opened beside the first ship, and a second one rose from beneath. It was older-looking, and seemingly thrown together. Wires and tubes ran along its sides, and the paint was scratched.
“What the fuck is this thing?” asked Eddie.
“Our new ride,” replied Julianna as they approached it.
“You can’t be serious.”
“Just because it’s ugly doesn’t mean it’s not good,” she countered.
“Did you get that from a fortune cookie?”
“Why don’t you try the ship out before you judge it?” she asked.
He cocked his brow. “If this is our ship, why did you let me practice in the other one?”
She laughed. “Because we couldn’t risk you blowing this one up. It’s one of a kind and state-of-the-art.”
Eddie was skeptical, but climbed into the ship. He strapped in while Julianna took a seat beside him.
“If this hunk of junk blows up with me in it, I’m coming for you,” he told her.
“Just hit the ignition and let’s go,” she said, giving him the stink-eye.
He did, and the engines ignited instantly. He pushed the stick forward, and the Q-Ship took off through the cargo bay shield, sending them into open space.
Eddie’s head pressed back into his chair as the ship accelerated. “Holy shit!” he exclaimed.
He flew them a few hundred kilometers away from the QBS Atticus Finch, then let the ship settle before pressing forward again.
“Take your time to adjust. We want to make sure we’re ready.”
“You know, since you’re familiar with this ship, you might want to take the controls.”
“I will if I have to,” she promised, tapping the stick in front of her. “We’re copilots. Don’t forget that.”
They headed straight for the planet beyond the nearby gas giant. It was encircled by a large ring and orbited by several moons. Eddie took the ship around the planet, getting his bearings.
For whatever reason, the controls in this ship were far tighter and more refined than the one he’d trained in. These felt more natural to him, and he was somehow in touch with the way the vessel moved. The design was immaculate.
Eddie glanced over the controls. “Where’s the cloak? I didn’t get a chance to mess with it in the last ship.”
Julianna tapped a button between their seats—a small green one, inconspicuously placed. “Here.”
Eddie saw the wings quickly become transparent. However, the inside of the ship seemed to stay the same. “Did it work?”
“The cloak is generated about twenty centimeters outside of the ship, so anyone outside of that bubble will only see empty space.”
“In other words, we can move in, fly around a bit, and hang out without worrying about anyone spotting us.”
She nodded. “Right.”
Eddie gripped the controls, which had an old leathery feel to them. “What say we check that pirate base out, then?”
“Does that mean you’re all done playing?”
“I never said that,” remarked Eddie with a grin.
As Eddie brought the ship further into the system, Julianna proceeded with a detailed scan looking for nearby movements. She quickly discovered several ships near the second planet’s moon. “Looks like a base of some kind,” she said, studying the data.
“Anything on the planet itself?” asked Eddie.
“Not that I can tell. It appears to be an ocean world. No land to speak of. The moon seems to be habitable, however, with an oxygenated atmosphere, although I believe it’s artificial.”
“Someone terraformed it?”
“Looks that way,” she said.
“Maybe we can blow the terra-generator while we’re there,” he suggested, referencing the device that kept an artificial atmosphere intact, once it was ter
raformed.
“Let’s not get too eager,” said Julianna. “We’re here for intelligence gathering.”
“Fine, fine.” Eddie shook his head as he tried to come to grips with a mission of stealth and observation. He liked the action.
He preferred action.
The Q-Ship, now cloaked and approaching the second planet, began to slow. The moon was bustling with activity, with a dozen Kezzin ships surrounding the base. There didn’t appear to be many defenses, except for a single cannon, mounted near the entrance to the base.
Eddie just needed the word, and he’d blow that base to hell. “Are you sure we can’t try out these cannons?”
“Pretty sure,” Julianna replied, glaring. “A nice conversation with a compliant Ox King would be optimal, see if he’s dancing to someone else’s tune.”
“If we blow it up and that doesn’t end it, we’ll just get to go blow something else up. I don’t see the issue. If you haven’t figured it out yet, I like blowing shit up.”
“Intel, dumbass!” Julianna barked. “Next time, we might not get a heads up, and then we don’t catch them before they attack. Innocent people will die, and we’re the protectors of jack shit. No free beer, no passing Go, no continued service. Back to the cesspool for you. Is that what you want?”
Eddie didn’t have a good answer, so he kept it simple. “No.”
Sadly, justice would have to wait.
The Q-Ship approached the moon base and hovered over the top of the largest structure. “Scanning the area,” reported Julianna. “This shouldn’t take long.”
“No one can see us, right?” asked Eddie. “Take your time.”
“There’s always a chance,” she reminded him. “You never know what the enemy might have up their sleeve. We cloak the ship and stay for as short a time as possible, give the fucksticks as little opportunity as possible to see us.”
Eddie observed the ground beneath them, watching as several dozen people, guns on their backs, walked together along a large street. Each of them were Kezzin pirates, clad in armor, shouting as they marched, like they were preparing for war.
He wondered how many of them actually hated humans and the other races comprising the Federation. Were they all xenophobic like that or were some simply in this because they had to be?