Maddox waited.
“I did what I did with Valerie and Keith. I’m not going to apologize about it, as I thought it was the right thing to do at the time. I’m also not going to divulge secrets that are none of anyone’s business. If you keep me caged like an animal, I will escape in time. You might not like the manner in which I do it, either. If you let me go now, I’ll remember you fondly, and maybe our paths will cross again someday. If you let me go now, I will consider aiding Star Watch again, but not if I have to escape from confinement.”
“Nice speech,” Maddox said. “But I’m not going to—”
“Hold it right there, my boy,” Ludendorff said as he whirled around, interrupting. “Don’t say something you might regret later. I’m going to tell you something now that might change your mind about me.”
“I’m listening.”
“I’ve thought about many things while confined. One thing keeps drawing my thoughts, and that is Lord Drakos. He abandoned the underground organization he’d set up in the Commonwealth. It was a strong organization that was achieving its goals. By leaving for the Beyond, by taking his star cruisers, he allowed Star Watch to begin successful actions against the underground. Drakos is no one’s fool. He is a cunning New Man with long-range plans. Yet, as I think about his strategy, I cannot understand how he hopes to accomplish his goals?”
“Can you be more specific?”
“I can and will,” Ludendorff said. “At best, Thrax will have one hundred and sixty-five attack saucers. Clearly, and for a variety of reasons, he will have less. Now, I do admit that Drakos can do plenty of damage with his Joint Fleet. I assume it’s heading toward the Commonwealth.”
Maddox nodded.
“Drakos is clever, as I’ve said. He must know that if he defeats our fleet, that Star Watch will gather every vessel left and hit him with an even bigger fleet inside the Commonwealth. That means, in the end, no matter what he does, Drakos must lose. While losing, he can still do Star Watch and the Commonwealth dreadful harm, but why is he doing this if he can’t win?”
“There’s something else to his strategy that we haven’t seen yet,” Maddox suggested.
“Ah, my boy, that’s good, very good. Clearly, there must be another player we do not yet perceive, one who is helping or will help Drakos soon. As I’ve sat here, brooding, I have perceived who the player must be.”
“Lisa Meyers,” Maddox said.
Ludendorff frowned, although he nodded a second later. “That is my own conclusion. I submit that Drakos has had interaction with Meyers or one of her confederates keeping watch on the Commonwealth for her.”
“And?”
“And I wonder and even expect Meyers to strike the Commonwealth with the second force that has to exist for Drakos’s actions to make sense.”
Maddox squinted thoughtfully, finally nodding. “I’ll pass that along to the Lord High Admiral.”
“Please do,” Ludendorff said. “And while you’re at it, perhaps tell the admiral that you should release me for giving Star Watch such a wonderful strategic insight.”
Maddox took his time. “I will,” he said.
Ludendorff expelled pent up air. “With that, I shall take a nap. Please tell me once you’ve heard from Cook.”
Ludendorff sat on his cot, kicked off his slippers and lay back on the mattress.
Maddox turned for the hatch. Thus, he missed the professor staring at him with intensity and curiosity. Wheels were turning in the professor’s brain.
Maddox exited the chamber, closing and locking the hatch behind him.
-5-
Five days later, the Patrol Fleet under Admiral Byron passed the border into the Beyond. Now, using a Laumer Point, as not all the ships had a star-drive jump, the fleet began appearing in the Meden System.
The process took time, too much time in Golden Ural’s opinion. The Throne World flotilla had arrived two days ago, using stealth equipment to remain hidden in orbit around the nearer of the supergiant Jupiter planets.
The system had a G-class star, 0.932 percent the mass of Sol.
Ural waited until the entire battle fleet had entered the star system before sending a message to the flagship, Bismarck-class Battleship Kaiser Wilhelm.
Too long of a time later, Admiral Byron appeared on Ural’s main screen aboard his Star Cruiser Boreas. They exchanged pleasantries as the two attempted to take the gauge of the other. Soon, each believing himself extremely polite, and each believing the other rather rude and almost insulting, they agreed to hold an operational session aboard Starship Victory.
The next day, Victory arrived. Maddox had already learned about the planned operational meeting through Admiral Cook. On the captain’s suggestion, Cook agreed to keep the meeting numbers small. The Lord High Admiral also agreed that he would relay to the other two the new conditions.
It was odd, having the Lord High Admiral handle communications back on Pluto through the long-range Builder com devices and also giving everyone continuing updates on the enemy fleet’s progress. The Joint Fleet was fast approaching, using a familiar route to Golden Ural.
Lieutenant Noonan kept everyone busy aboard Victory while preparing for the coming meeting. That left Maddox time to think and mentally get set.
Ural’s star cruiser maneuvered alone from the first oversized gas giant, heading for the ancient Adok starship while the Patrol Fleet’s flagship did likewise from the mass of vessels between the two super-Jupiters.
Maddox had placed Victory strategically between the two allied formations. “I hope we get through this phase without an incident,” Maddox told Galyan from his command chair. “Our combined fleet needs to maneuver in a supple fashion, not having to worry about stepping on each other’s toes.”
“Allied fleets working together almost always mean greater tension,” Galyan said. “It is the nature of the beast.”
The Boreas and the Kaiser Wilhelm parked two thousand kilometers from Victory, one on each side. The ancient Adok starship was bigger than either vessel. The Star Watch battleship was almost twice the size of the star cruiser.
At the same time, a shuttle from each flagship headed for the starship. Each shuttle landed in a different hangar bay. Soon, Ural and his aide marched through Victory’s corridors. They were tall New Men with gleaming silver uniforms and seethed with vitality like tigers.
Maddox met them in the conference chamber, having flipped a coin as to who would enter first. He rose from his seat as the aide entered and held out his hand. The astonishing thing was that Maddox had the same coiled energy as the two New Men.
Ural must have noticed, for the tallest of New Men stopped in shock upon sight of Maddox. He tested the captain’s grip and nodded.
“You’re different, Captain,” Ural said. “It’s quite noticeable.”
“Better, I hope,” Maddox said.
Ural searched the captain’s face. “More like your—” The New Man abruptly stopped speaking.
“Yes?” asked Maddox tensely.
“More like a New Man, as you are wont to call us,” Ural said.
“You were going to say something else.”
“Was I? How interesting you think so.” Ural looked around. “Is this Admiral Byron ready to enter?”
Maddox cleared his throat. “I learned just seconds before your aide entered the room. Otherwise, I would have notified you. Admiral Byron hit a snag. He will be delayed.”
Ural’s features did not change, but there was a tightening to him, and he seemed more dangerous, more tense.
“I realize the admiral is breaking the agreed-upon protocol, and for this I ask your patience,” Maddox said.
“For the honor of the Emperor, an apology is in order,” Ural said.
“Agreed,” Maddox said. “Perhaps the admiral will give one.”
“You could apologize in his stead,” Ural said. “I would accept that.”
For a moment, Maddox lost his Pilgrim Calm. He breathed deeply, focusing on mediating, on r
eturning to a more serene state. “I regret that is not possible,” the captain said. “I am, in a real sense, attempting to maintain neutrality between you two.”
“It is a fiction.”
“But a necessary one,” the captain said. “I am not inclined to destroy the diplomatic fiction due to Byron’s…”
“Yes?”
Galyan appeared in the chamber.
Ural’s aide dropped his gun hand to a weapon on his hip.
“Cease,” Ural whispered. “It is the holoimage.”
The aide nodded, letting his gun hand move away from the weapon.
“Admiral Byron is almost here,” Maddox said. “Perhaps he ran in order to arrive as soon as he could.”
“Did he run?” asked Ural. “That would be…interesting to know.”
“I said ‘perhaps.’”
“Ah,” Ural said. “I understand. You are being as gracious as your hatred of us can allow. In the interest of unity, I will stay a few seconds longer—”
A hatch opened on the other side of the chamber. Three aides marched through. Each of them wore a heavy blaster on his hip. They were obviously Space Marines dressed in staff officer uniforms. Lastly, Admiral Byron entered. He was tall for a human, but not as tall as Maddox and certainly not as tall as Golden Ural and his New Man aide.
Maddox made the introductions, dumbfounded that Byron had pulled a stunt like this, and then brought bodyguards as if he distrusted Ural. Was that a deliberate insult, or did Byron truly fear the New Men? Cook must have given the admiral instructions about this, instructions Byron had ignored.
Had Byron lost family to the New Men during the initial invasion? Did anyone know? He would have to ask the Lord High Admiral later.
“Gentlemen,” Maddox said. “I am going to change protocol.” He pointed at the Space Marines. “You three men will have to wait outside. Sir,” he said, facing Ural’s aide. “I will ask you to wait with the admiral’s men in a room Galyan will show you.”
Admiral Byron scowled. “I’m afraid, Captain—”
“That that is an excellent idea,” Ural said, interrupting. “I quite agree.” He motioned to his aide.
The New Man rose.
Byron scowled at Maddox, and he hunched his shoulders, looking as if he was going to disagree. “Very well,” Byron said. “If you insist, Captain…”
“I do,” Maddox said.
The three Space Marines stood. Both groups followed Galyan, who led them out of the conference chamber.
Byron glared at Maddox. Ural waited patiently.
“Good,” Maddox said. “I didn’t want them to hear this because I doubt any of us are going to repeat these words.”
-6-
“Golden Ural,” Maddox said, facing the Emperor’s representative. “I appreciate having you here. I remember when you stopped me from capturing Lord Drakos. I always thought that was a mistake and rather underhanded on your part.”
“Ah,” Ural said. “If you care to duel then and gain satisfaction, this would be the time to declare your intent.”
“No duel,” Maddox said.
“Do you call me underhanded and then refuse to challenge me? That would be a mark of cowardice on your part.”
Maddox’s eyes seemed to glitter. “I am attempting to be as diplomatic as possible. This is an important alliance. If I have spoken rudely to you, there is a reason for it.”
“My patience is not unlimited,” Ural said.
Maddox dipped his head, turning to Admiral Byron. “I must say, sir, you are acting the part of an ass. Is there a reason for that, or do you wish to sabotage our allied effort?”
Byron stiffened before leaning toward Maddox. “I am your superior officer, Captain. I am the leading commander of the United Fleet.”
“Oh?” Ural said. “I’m going to interrupt you. You have more warships. There is no denying that. The leading commander? Hardly. I am Golden Ural. I am three times stronger and have a vastly superior intellect compared to you. There is nothing leading about you, Admiral.”
Admiral Byron’s nostrils flared. “Well, I had expected this. I realize—”
“Gentlemen!” Maddox said in a loud voice. “This is why I asked your aides to depart. This is excellent.”
“What are you talking about?” asked Byron.
“The pretenses are dropping,” Maddox said. “You hate the New Men. I don’t know why. I have begun to suspect that your actions are a deliberate attempt to provoke them. If it is not deliberate, I am going to have to ask you to stop acting like an ass.”
Byron’s features burned red as he blushed deeply.
Maddox faced Ural. “New Men are inherently arrogant. Nothing has changed there. As an attempted neutral for this critical meeting, I am trying to give offense for offense lest I seem to be taking sides.”
Ural studied the captain. If it was possible, there was the tiniest upturning at the corners of his mouth, a half-hidden smile.
Maddox did not understand the reason for the New Man’s satisfaction. He sat back in his chair, watching both men at once.
Admiral Byron no longer blushed. He was looking away and stroking his chin. He appeared to be thinking, a good sign. He faced Ural abruptly.
“I apologize for being late,” Byron said in an ironic tone. “It shan’t happen again. Yes, Captain. Asking the aides to leave was clever. Golden Ural, I have the greater force. Whether I am the greater man—I do not make such a claim at this time. I will let events proclaim my greatness or the lack thereof.”
“That is acceptable,” Ural said, who sat ramrod stiff the entire time. “Captain, do you have further surprises for us?”
“None,” Maddox said, still wondering why Ural had smiled. “Instead, I have the latest Intelligence reports as relayed to me by the Lord High Admiral.”
The captain used holographic imaging to show the two commanders the approaching Joint Fleet. The enemy was coming on fast, having accelerated his pace.
“This is unlike Lord Drakos,” Ural said after the presentation.
“Can you be more specific?” Byron asked.
“He appears to be heading for slaughter,” Ural said. “Yet, he knows about the Builder Scanner. He understands about long-range Builder com devices. It is almost as if he’s daring us to attack…there.”
Ural tapped the Gomez System. It was a dusty, particle-rich star system with several Laumer Points.
“That’s the very spot the Lord High Admiral hopes we do battle,” Maddox said quietly.
“Lord Drakos is arrogant,” Byron suggested. “There’s your answer, the reason for his brash action.”
“Lord Drakos is proud and perhaps rash at times,” Ural said. “He is also cunning, with a noted skill at recognizing his enemy’s strengths and using them against him.”
Byron studied the holographic presentation of the Gomez System and then eyed Ural. “One of our key advantages is the Builder Scanner.”
“Yes,” Ural agreed.
“Could Drakos reasonably know we’re united against him?” Byron asked.
“It does seem strange that he would know without a doubt,” Ural said. “Could he have spies on Pluto?” he asked Maddox.
“That’s always a possibility,” Maddox said. “I don’t deem it probable, though.”
“Neither do I,” Byron said.
“Maybe Lord Drakos has gained intelligence or more internal energy like you, Captain,” Ural said. “Maybe he has become more dangerous in ways we do not yet perceive.”
Byron cleared his throat. “Could you be more specific?”
“Here,” Ural said, tapping the holomap of the Gomez System. “We must beware of Drakos here. I think he is more dangerous than we originally realized.”
“And yet here,” Byron said, meaning the Gomez System, “is a perfect location to implement the Lord High Admiral’s plan. I doubt there is a better star system for it.”
“Exactly,” Ural said. “That Drakos rushes to the Gomez System as this time indicates
greater intelligence on his part than he should possess about us. Or perhaps it shows greater reasoning abilities on his part than he has shown in the past.”
Maddox rubbed his jaw. Like Byron said, the Gomez System did seem like a good place to ambush the enemy fleet.
“Golden Ural,” Byron said. “We should continue to the Gomez System. It’s perfect for us. However, I certainly think we should implement safeguards.”
“Such as?” asked Ural.
Admiral Byron began to show them as he manipulated the holomap. And for the first time, Maddox began feeling something different toward the former Windsor League officer. He began to respect the admiral’s tactical sense. Maybe the Lord High Admiral had known something about Byron the rest of them hadn’t.
Ural must have felt likewise, for he only added two refinements to the plan.
“I like it,” Ural said later. “It is a good plan. Now, let us see if we can do as good a job implementing it.”
On that, Maddox couldn’t agree more.
-7-
Less than thirty light-years away on the Agamemnon, Lord Drakos strode down a corridor with his hands clasped behind his back. His gut churned with anticipation together with an emotion that might have resembled fear. He was approaching his hour of destiny. The first battle would be the great test. Everything could die in the Gomez System, or the beginning of his real greatness could be born in the cauldron of battle.
Would his plan of deception work? Would Star Watch and whatever Throne World traitors aided the submen take the bait? All the signs pointed in the right direction.
Drakos found that his mouth was dry. He knew why. He had to take another huge chance. That presumptuous star conqueror Supremacy Thrax wished to speak with him in person. Thrax had demanded he come aboard the attack saucer flagship. Drakos reviewed those among his crew that knew about the real plan. Could one of them have sold him out to Thrax?
He didn’t see how.
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