Ambush

  “No, that will not be necessary, Jan will contact me if he feels it necessary. But to answer your question. Casualties were surprisingly light, very light, but we have Zeke to thank for that. I am telling you Meghan; it could have gone south very fast if not for him. The Chohish are crazy, but formidable. Zeke, though, seems to understand them better than anyone else, even Hawke. Well, I have got to run, I want to check on Zeke, he hurt his ribs in the enemy ship. He was going to medical and have Dr. Preruet check him out.”

  Disconnecting, Jeanne, laid back on her bed where she pulled her pillow up so it rested behind her head against the wall. She needed a few minutes more to sort everything out. Looking around, Jeanne admired the way they had brightened the rooms. Reaching out, she ran her hand over the wall. ‘Has a unique feel to it, but not quite, like rubber. I like it. I wonder if it goes on like paint, maybe we can use it in the Fox at some later time. The colors are very soothing to the eye. Much better than the gray paint in the Fox. Whoever came up with gray?’

  Sitting up, stretching, Jeanne felt a sharp pain in her lower back. Rubbing it, she looked at her open closet trying to pick out an outfit that she wanted to wear. “The black pants suit with the red stripes down the seams looks appropriate. But first, I need to take a quick shower. I do not want to meet Governor Reynolds not being fresh. Besides, I want to look my best for Zeke. Geez, what has come over me?”

  Groaning, she pushed herself off the bed and made her way to the bathroom. Running the sonic cleaner on her teeth, she thought about the last few hours.

  Stepping into the sanitizer, Jeanne luxuriated in the feeling of the grime and grease being removed. It felt like ages since she last felt clean. Shaking her hair so to assist the sanitizer, she reveled in the feeling of the unit along with the light water spray. Adding some shampoo, Jeanne lathered her hair into a soapy foam. ‘They sure did a good engineering job here. The water option, even as light as it is, sure makes a difference. Much better than just a sanitizer alone.’

  Taking the time to listen to more of the reports from the ground action while in the sanitizer, she was a bit surprised by what she heard. She had been warned what the atmosphere was like, but to hear it described in first person was terrifying.

  “We were lucky, really lucky. Jan and Masson described a horror in their report, at least from what I was able to listen to. Their flight with the sleds was unlike anything experienced at home, let alone the battle in the cave. And if Zeke had been wrong, we would have been overwhelmed on that ship. We have been through hell since this all started and even as bad as it has been, we have been extremely lucky overall so far. How long can this last? Odds are, we are going to have something hit the wall hard. And when it does, it will not be pretty.” mused Jeanne.

  Toweling herself dry, Jeanne noticed the many bruises scattered over her body. Some were reddish in color, others bluish-purple while even still more were blackish. ‘Am I a sight or what? Well, at least nothing too bad on my face, although that looks to be the only place not covered in them.’

  Ping… ping… sounded from the wall communicator. “Damn…”

  Punching the button, Jeanne answered “Jeanne here.”

  “Captain de Clisson, this is Isolde, Captain Kinsley asked that you join him on the bridge when you get a moment.”

  “I was going to go to the medical bay to check on Zeke, has he been released already? Do you have an update on his status?”

  “Per Zeke, he has bruised ribs, but cleared to go. You know Dr. Preruet, if he thought Zeke was compromised, he would have held him in medical until he cleared him personally.”

  “Ok, let Zeke know I will there shortly. I am in the middle of cleaning up and want to finish listening to the report from the Fox and crew, Jeanne out.”

  While finishing up dressing and applying some light makeup, Jeanne listened to more of the report from Jan and Meghan before she made her way out of the room that had been assigned to her. Tired and aching, she had thoughts of stopping by and visiting Dr. Preruet to get some stimulants until she could get some decent rest. But decided against it, for the moment anyway, afraid of pushing too hard now when there was nothing too pressing that required her to be fully alert.

  Making her way to the bridge, she was just in time to meet Hawke, who was about to enter himself.

  “Well, well, me bucko, how are you doing? Excellent work with the fighters. Meghan tells me she watched some of your footage where she believed your maneuvers were some of the best she has seen, and coming from a prior fighter pilot from Tortuga, that is saying something.”

  “Hi Jeanne, thanks, but actually I am not that unique. All Sorath’s are just as good, most are better. I am not exceptional on my planet. I am better at ‘socializing’ with outsiders, hence why I was assigned to join the RGN. Due to our history of meeting other races, namely the Chohish, Sorath’s as a rule, do not trust outsiders. Because of our flying heritage, we have several unique glands located in both our head and back. These glands, working in tandem, minimize any sudden directional changes that may impact blood flow, so tight turns do not have the same impact on us physically as they do humans. Our reflexes are a bit faster too.”

  “Well, no matter what, you are good. Let’s go see what Zeke is planning for us now. If recent history is any indication, better buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life.” With that, both Jeanne and Hawke made their way onto the bridge.

  The bridge was a bustle of activity centered around the captain’s chair. As Jeanne got closer, she was shocked speechless when she saw Zeke. His complexion was pale, black circles surrounding his bloodshot eyes, dark bruises covering the majority of his face and neck with pain etched heavily in his facial expressions. Her heart lurched in panic on seeing his condition. From the gasp she heard from Hawke, she knew he mirrored her concerns.

  Looking around, she saw Isolde was also looking at Zeke in concern, but there was something else in her gaze, something that she could not identify positively but would swear it looked a lot like despair. What could make Isolde despair? Did something happen to Gunner?

  Will, who was next to the captain’s chair, upon seeing them enter the bridge, gestured with his head to go to the small bridge conference room. It was obvious from the way Will hovered over Zeke; he was trying to alleviate anything he could before it could reach him.

  Making their way to the conference room, Jeanne and Hawke paused to stop by Isolde’s workstation. It was obvious something major was bothering her, but Jeanne still could not tell what. Assuming it was Zeke’s condition, Jeanne bent down close to Isolde’s ear. Whispering so as not be overheard, Jeanne quietly asked Isolde “What happened? I thought Doc released him.”

  “I asked the same question when Zeke arrived on the Bridge. He said it looks a lot worse than it actually is but I am having a hard time believing that. I looked at the video splicing put together by the ships AI of the battle on the Chohish ship from all the different helmet recordings. Zeke hit that pillar awfully hard let alone when he went through all that equipment.”

  “It was all my fault. If I had not attacked the Chohish, Zeke would not have been hurt. Not an excuse, but when I saw that large shape standing so tall and arrogant, all I could think of was all the family and friends I would never see again. I was weak, I should never have let my emotions control me.”

  “As would I have done, my friend, as would I. Do not blame yourself, you do not know what would have happened if you have not attacked the Sovereign as you did. Your sudden attack surprised them. Zeke, yourself, or others may have perished if you had taken no action.” Hawke commented.

  The words from Hawke rang with truth behind them, but it did little to alleviate her feeling of guilt. That feeling was made even worse while watching Zeke rise from his chair obviously in great pain.

  Wanting nothing more than to run to Zeke and assist, Jeanne was guided by Hawke grabbing her arm toward the conference room. “Don’t, we all want to help but I know Zeke, it is not something h
e needs right now. Ignore it for the moment, you will know when, if, it is time to jump in.”

  Glancing back at Isolde just before entering the conference room, she saw Isolde glance nervously around the room, locking her gaze on Jax who had just arrived. Pausing her stride, she watched as Jax walked with purpose, forcibly passing through everyone around Zeke. Whereupon, once Zeke saw Jax coming towards him, signaled for all to give them room. Jax and Zeke then engaged in a private conversation where it was quite obvious that Zeke was at times arguing fiercely with his chief engineer. Finally, Jax looked to the ground, where, with a sigh of resignation, he shook his head in concurrence. When she saw the expression on Jax’s face, as he raised it once more to look at Zeke, it caused her heart to beat frantically.

  She had seen that same look hundreds of times. It was how her own face stared back at herself in her mirror after being told someone she loved was going on a mission they did not expect to return from. Jax did not expect to see Zeke again, and it was going to happen very soon. Looking around, she could now tell something major was amiss. You could see and feel it reflected in the mannerisms of the bridge crew of the Lucky Strike if you looked hard enough. Something has changed, and not for the good.

  Gently grabbing Jeanne’s arm, Hawke pulled her into the conference room. “Sorry young lady, Zeke wanted to get this meeting started quickly.” Snagging a seat near the front, she lowered herself to sit while looking at Hawke closely. If he was concerned or upset in any way, Hawke did not demonstrate it. He had the normal smile he always did. Maybe he did not know?

  Hardly had they sat when Gunner, Isolde, Jax and Caspian entered together where all sat except for Jax. Jax stood leaning against the wall with an unreadable expression on his face.

  “Gunner looks fine, so that was not what was bothering Isolde. But she knows something.” mused Jeanne.

  All eyes were on Zeke, followed by a concerned looking Will, as he limped his way in and sat gingerly in the center seat that had been reserved for him next to Jeanne. The smile she received from Zeke along with his hand on her shoulder for a few seconds did little to alleviate the concern she felt. Her feeling that there was something going on that she was not aware of, was even more pronounced than ever before.

  “Ladies, Gentlemen, if you please, make yourself comfortable. I have asked for some refreshments to be brought in, which should be here presently. Isolde, can you bring Governor Reynolds on?”

  “The Fox, along with Captain Kennedy, are already connected Captain. I am bringing on Governor Rayna and Corporal Alexandre Algernon now. Putting them all visually on the left-hand screen in a split mode. All yours, Captain Kinsley.”

  “Governor, Corporal, good you could join us. Your missiles may have been old, but they sure packed a punch and did the job. Thank you.”

  “I glad they helped, although a good quarter of them failed firing. But I believe it is us that should be thanking you all. We are humbled by the sacrifice you and yours have had to take. We wish there was more we could do.” responded Corporal Algernon.

  Governor Reynolds interrupted Corporal Algernon. “I would like to notify everyone that I have promoted Algernon to General. Alex has been working tirelessly and leading with great skill since the invasion. It was time to make it official.”

  “Major Richards, Master Sergeant Reaney, you and your Marines are the heroes that go unsung so many times. But you will not be forgotten by us. We understand you are not the only ones, that many have risked and sacrificed their lives for us, but my people need something or someone to focus their hopes on right now. After watching the fight on both the ship and the underground cavern, they now have hope, they believe you are the ones that can save them.”

  “We are honored Governor, but as you said, we were just a small part, a very small part. But we also understand the need to have hope so if it helps, more the better.” responded Khaleesi echoed with the same by Karter.

  It was only then, that all heard the loud gasp from Governor Reynolds. “Captain Kinsley, excuse me, but only just saw you more closely. Excuse my bluntness, but you look horrible, are you ok?”

  “Hi Governor, yes, appearances besides, just very sore and stiff, but I will survive. Well, I had hoped to get down there to visit with you and General Algernon, but we need to take the time we have to work on our ships. Both ships have taken terrific damage which requires our immediate attention. But that does not mean we should not go over what we have learned and review our next steps. With that, I would like to kick it off with what we know and any deductions we may have.”

  “If you do not mind, I am going to stay seated for this. Let’s start at the beginning. I am not talking about the action here, but several millenniums ago with the Sorath’s. Hawke, I have a few questions for you. Before you answer though, I want you to take a minute and think about it before responding. Ok?”

  It was easy to see Hawke was surprised.

  “Your people had settled several planets outside the home system before they met the Chohish. Why did they settle on those planets versus others?”

  It was a question that took Hawke by surprise. Looking around, he could see everyone expecting a detailed answer that he did not have a real answer for. It was not something that he had ever put much thought into.

  “Hmm… well, I wish I knew. Normal reasons, I guess. Look for planets with an atmosphere that can be terraformed. The closer the new planet is located to our home system, the better, as they will need to be supplied resources for many years. And of course, the new planet must have some natural resources to support a colony.” answered a surprised Hawke. “Why?”

  “What type of natural resources? Are you familiar with what was being grown or mined on Anveter?” inquired Zeke.

  “No, they were only just beginning their colony when attacked. I know they had several mines going but could not tell you exactly what they were mining.”

  “Isolde?” Turning to a controller, Isolde brought up a map of all the Sorath systems. The systems made odd twists and turns around this arm of the galaxy.

  “As you can see, the systems you settled in are definitely not in a straight line or surrounding circle. And if you look at some of the planets in the systems you bypassed…” upon which Isolde highlighted multiple systems and brought up the statistics on planets within those systems on the screen to the far right. “These would have been better planets to colonize than some of the ones you did decide on. Why did you bypass these planets?” questioned Zeke to an obviously mystified Hawke.

  “Sorry Zeke, I cannot answer. I paid attention on the war with the Chohish, but nothing on colonization. I wish I knew.” Hawke responded while shrugging his shoulders.

  “From your expression, you were surprised by the question. I would have been too, so do not let it bother you. I have been researching this since we ran into the Chohish. And it was going through the colonization records that led to some interesting data.”

  Nodding to Isolde. “Again, Isolde? And before I go on, I must apologize, I am not the only one who has been researching this, Isolde’s assistance has been invaluable and has done most of the legwork. Without her, well, I would never have competed my hypothesis.”

  Bowing her head in thanks, Isolde now replaced the main screen with a layout of the Human systems. There were now many more systems than the Sorath’s, but again, they went on a squirmy random looking path through the galaxy with a lot of unsettled systems close by.

  “And if you looked at the other two known races, they would follow a similar path on colonized worlds. All, have one thing in common. Can anyone guess? Governor Rayna, can you tell us since you are more recent with reasons why certain planets are colonized over others.”

  “Well, the same reasons Hawke mentioned were key to why our system was picked those many centuries ago. And… of course the special resources needed to pay for terraforming a planet. The costs associated with that process are astronomical. I guess that would be key, the system must have the resources
to supply and pay for developing the planet being terraformed. Those resources being on a planet, such as ours, or on bodies such as asteroids within the system. I am not sure what you are asking for specifically though.” a puzzled Governor Reynolds replied.

  “Well, what Isolde and I did was to compare every single planet in our database to find out what was the unique commonality for all the planets picked. Only one thing stood out. Out of all the systems and planets, only one thing was common to all.”

  The tension in the room was palpable when Zeke stopped and waited quietly. Finally, Zeke nodded to Isolde with a smile on his face. “Lieutenant, if you would be so kind.”

  All watched as the screens cleared until only the center screen lit up again with a picture of a lump of ore.

  It was General Algernon, who recognized it first. “Lendolium, that is Lendolium! This is all about Lendolium?”

  “I believe so. Think about it. What is integral with traveling faster than light and transitioning through slipstreams? We could not find a system that was colonized that did not have Lendolium present in large quantities. It makes a lot of sense. Lendolium is not limited to just space travel. It is also used as a main power source in most of our major cities along with almost every gadget used by our society.”

  You could hear the hurt in Hawkes voice as he whispered out loud. “Many millions of my people died over this? Ore, a bunch of rocks? Why did they just not ask for it?”

  “Because I do not think the Chohish ask for anything. It is not in their social makeup. I think their evolution was based on fighting for survival. Could be their home planet was very hostile and they had to fight hard to stay alive each day, for every generation that came along. And once they survived long enough, they then had to survive each other. First singly, then other families, next would be clans, then villages, cities, nations, and finally other worlds. That is why death does not bother them, it has always been present. Why I saw no escape pods. Humans had periods of war somewhat similar to this and almost went down the same road. And sometimes, it seems like we are still on the same path.” explained Zeke.