Ep.#14 - A Line in the Sand (The Frontiers Saga - Part 2: Rogue Castes)

by Ryk Brown

  “So a few days?” Nathan asked.

  “We still need to replace about a dozen jump emitters and then do some calibration testing before we can clear her to jump. So a week at the most.”

  “Good work,” Nathan congratulated. “I know you’ve been running your people hard.”

  “They’ve gotten used to it,” Vladimir assured him.

  “Lieutenant Commander,” Nathan said, turning to look at his intelligence officer. “I’m hoping you have plenty to report. Let’s start with local intel. What have we learned about the attack on Haven?”

  “We have confirmed that it was a missile attack, and that those missiles came from the Takar system.”

  “No surprise there,” Jessica commented.

  “Surface or ship launched?” General Telles wondered.

  “They appeared to be surface launched based on trajectory, but we couldn’t confirm that without sending our drones deeper into the system. We didn’t think it was important enough to risk provoking another attack.”

  “Good thinking,” Nathan agreed. “Any idea why they attacked them?”

  “The official word for the people of Takara is that the Haven Syndicate made overt threats against the empire, and the empire responded in order to protect Takara,” the lieutenant commander explained.

  “Takarans have never much liked Haven,” General Telles added. “So they probably accepted the explanation as fact.”

  “It may have been factual,” Lieutenant Commander Shinoda opined. “The Haven Syndicate has used force or threat of force against those who could not defend themselves in the past. So it’s not beyond belief that they might see the Dusahn, in their current state, as someone they can bully.”

  “That was a mistake,” Nathan commented.

  “Indeed it was,” the lieutenant commander agreed.

  “It may be the motivation we need to get the syndicate to join our alliance,” Jessica suggested.

  “I wouldn’t count on it,” Lieutenant Commander Shinoda told her. “The Haven Syndicate has always been very independent. They don’t trust anyone, not even their own.”

  “I think I might be starting to like them,” Jessica joked.

  “If they’ve already been hit hard, what are you planning on offering them as an incentive to join?” Cameron asked Nathan.

  “Same as everyone else,” Nathan replied. “Protection, access to the Data Ark files, and use of an interstellar cargo and ferry system that will give them access to trade with all the other worlds of the Alliance.”

  “A ferry system?” Cameron wondered.

  “We’re going to turn the Glendanon into a long-range jump ferry,” Nathan explained. “Smaller ships that don’t have jump drives can land inside and be ferried to any point on the circuit. This lets all worlds, even those without interstellar travel capabilities, trade with others.”

  “Such access should stimulate the economies of all worlds in the Alliance,” General Telles surmised.

  “It should increase their standard of living as well,” Nathan added.

  “Most of the worlds in the Pentaurus sector already have cargo ships with jump drives or were serviced by ships such as yours before the Dusahn arrived,” Jessica reminded Nathan.

  “Once the Dusahn arrived, their ships either joined us or were confiscated by the Dusahn for their own use. Currently, all those worlds are isolated, with no way to get the necessary items they cannot produce themselves. That’s why we need to offer to reestablish that connectivity.”

  “Will the Glendanon be enough?” Cameron asked.

  “In the beginning, yes,” Nathan replied, “but not for long. We need to get all our medium cargo ships upgraded to long-range jump drives. Between them and the Glendanon, we should be able to handle the shipping needs of all worlds for at least the first few years, until something more robust can be created.”

  “And the Glendanon will continue to be available to us?” Cameron asked.

  “That will be up to the Glendanon’s owners,” Nathan admitted, “but we’re working on it.”

  “It’s going to be a huge logistical challenge, coordinating the shipping between so many worlds so far apart, and it’s only going to get more difficult as the Alliance grows,” Cameron warned.

  “We have no intention of maintaining the system forever,” Nathan explained. “I’m hoping that Abby’s jump-gate concept will eventually replace it.”

  “Jump-gate?” Vladimir asked, having never heard the term.

  “She thinks it might be possible to create a gate that would apply a jump field and initiate the jump event on a ship passing through the gate,” Nathan told him. “If she’s right, we could build a network of gates connecting all the worlds of the Alliance.”

  “That would be amazing!” Vladimir exclaimed. “But how could she possibly make it work?”

  “I didn’t waste time talking about the science,” Nathan told his engineer, knowing Vlad would have a million questions. “Most of it would have gone straight over my head anyway. Besides, it’s all just theoretical at this point. She hasn’t even started computer modeling. Assuming it is possible, I expect we’re looking at least a decade before the first gates are up and running.”

  “I would think that SilTek’s AIs and their automated fabrication capabilities could speed things up,” Cameron commented.

  “Hopefully,” Nathan agreed. “However, the Subvert volunteers seem to think the SilTek AI engineers are bound by too many procedural limitations and are not true AIs in the sense one would think.”

  “That’s Nathan’s long-winded way of saying that the SilTek AIs don’t know how to ‘think outside the box’,” Jessica explained.

  “Assuming it does work, it will change the human interstellar landscape even more than the jump drive,” General Telles opined.

  “Imagine being able to commute between worlds hundreds of light years apart using nothing but a personal STO shuttle,” Nathan commented.

  “It does boggle the mind,” Cameron admitted.

  “Anyway,” Nathan said, ready to change the subject. “What have we learned about the current status of Earth? We need to know what to expect before we go.”

  “The Falcon returned yesterday, after a three-day cold-coast of the Sol system,” Lieutenant Commander Shinoda began. “They were able to penetrate to within forty light hours, which is pretty good considering how heavily patrolled the system is these days.”

  “Galiardi has over a hundred Cobra gunships at his disposal,” Cameron added. “He doesn’t trust long-range sensors, so he probably has them patrolling around the clock.”

  “The Falcon had to execute several micro-stealth jumps to avoid detection,” the lieutenant commander continued. “But they collected a lot of good intel. It seems that Galiardi has been taking out Jung assets on a regular basis. He started with military targets: shipyards, armories, fuel depots, that sort of thing. He must have managed to get some good deep recon, because he’s been picking off Jung warships within Jung space. Some of them on the far side of Jung territory.”

  “Those ships would take decades to reach Earth,” Jessica commented. “He’s just trying to piss them off so they’ll try to strike back. Then he’ll have an excuse to wipe them out.”

  “Actually, he’s being quite smart about it,” Cameron corrected.

  “He’s acting as if the Jung already have jump drive technology,” Nathan surmised.

  “Or might soon acquire it,” Lieutenant Commander Shinoda added. “That’s what the pundits on the netcasts are saying. At least the ones who support Galiardi.”

  “That’s pretty much everyone, isn’t it?” Jessica surmised.

  “Not everyone,” Cameron corrected.

  “Actually, according to the netcasts, the people of Earth are pretty much split, and it’s causing a lot of problems for Galiardi. Rememb
er, he’s had the entire planet under martial law for months now, making himself the de facto leader of Earth, and therefore the entire Sol Alliance. That alone made most people dislike him. In fact, his successful attacks against the Jung are what have been winning the hearts and minds of his supporters.”

  “But he’s picking off unsuspecting targets and killing them from a distance,” Jessica insisted. “How can that be inspiring?”

  “He may be killing targets in a cold, disconnected fashion, but his propaganda videos show otherwise.”

  The lieutenant commander picked up a remote and pointed it at the large view screen on the wall. A series of images that looked as if they were straight out of a recruitment campaign appeared without sound. Precise missile strikes; bridge crews in tense battles, brave young men and women fighting evil-looking Jung soldiers in dazzling firefights as Sol Alliance forces mowed through black-and-red-armored enemy soldiers.

  “Jesus,” Jessica exclaimed. “What was the name of that vid-flick? The one starring that blonde guy and that scary bitch?”

  “Star Commandos,” Nathan recalled.

  “Star Commandos!” Jessica exclaimed. “That’s the one. That’s what this looks like!”

  “That’s about as real as any of this footage is,” Lieutenant Commander Shinoda confirmed.

  “It looks very convincing,” General Telles commented. “I am certain the public believes every second of it.”

  “Fifty-fifty,” the lieutenant commander replied. “Like I said, half the population hates Galiardi and doesn’t believe anything coming out of his mouth.”

  “Good to know not everyone on Earth is brainwashed,” Cameron said.

  “There have been quite a few calls for armed resistance,” Lieutenant Commander Shinoda continued. “There have even been attacks against Earth-based Alliance assets. The pro-Galiardi netcasters insist these resistance groups are fronts for Jung covert ops.”

  “No doubt fed that line by Galiardi’s people,” Jessica concluded.

  “No doubt,” the lieutenant commander agreed.

  “How much of an impact are these attacks having?” Nathan wondered.

  “Minor, but they are happening all over the planet, so it’s not just a few locals here and there. Everyone seems to think that they’re globally organized, but so far, no one is offering any proof of that claim.”

  “If Galiardi is taking out Jung targets with ease, then why are so many people against the attacks?” Nathan wondered.

  “Opposition started when Galiardi decided to postpone the election of a new president until after the war. Some believe he is just using this war, dragging it out to solidify his power. They say he is preparing to run for president himself, as the man who destroyed humanity’s greatest enemy. Others fear that he’s backing the Jung into a corner, leaving them no choice but to strike with everything they have left. Many believe the Jung have already launched their attack via long-range FTL weapons, and that long after they are defeated, those weapons will reach Earth and destroy it. They argue that technology has gotten to the point where interstellar war is no longer a matter of winners and losers, but rather who dies quickly, and who dies slowly.”

  “There may be some truth to that,” Nathan agreed.

  “This may work in our favor,” General Telles suggested. “If the Jung are being routinely attacked and see no way of beating Galiardi, they may be more amenable to your request for assistance.”

  “They’re going to want something for it,” Jessica warned.

  “I’m not giving them jump drive technology, if that’s what you’re asking,” Nathan was quick to proclaim.

  “Just checking.”

  * * *

  Edom stared out the window of the vehicle as it pulled to a stop. It had been years since he had been to the Coulthard residence. Although he barely remembered what the property looked like, he was certain it was not as he’d expected.

  “Are you certain this is the place?” his driver asked.

  “This is the place,” Edom replied.

  “Looks like it’s vacant. A shame, such a nice property.”

  “It’s not vacant. There’s a vehicle in the drive, and there are a few lights on.”

  “Huh, I didn’t even notice,” the driver chuckled. “I guess that’s why you’re a captain.”

  “Can you wait long?” Edom asked.

  “As long as you need, Captain. I’d rather sit here than scrub thruster burn off the tarmac.”

  “I remember those days,” Edom told the young man as he opened the door. “I don’t expect to be too long.”

  “Take your time,” the driver urged, holding up a small bag. “I brought a snack.”

  Edom turned and took another look at the place. The house, once an impressive mansion of polished concrete and colored trim, had lost its luster. The yard was not as manicured as one might expect, although it was obvious that it had not been completely ignored. Overall, the property served as a solemn reminder of how much the Corinairan economy had suffered under Dusahn rule.

  Edom headed through the gate and up the stony, moss-covered path to the front door. The vines weaving through the latticed awning, side panels, and around the entrance to the front porch showed signs of recent trimming, further supporting his belief that someone still resided here.

  Edom rang the bell and waited. After a time, the light on the porch camera flickered on. Edom straightened, facing the camera directly as he gave a polite nod. A moment later, there was a click, and the large door slowly creaked open.

  On the other side was a middle-aged woman. She appeared worn, as if life had been abnormally difficult for her as of late. But she carried herself with confidence and nobility, as if she refused to succumb to the hardships that life had thrown her way.

  “Forgive the intrusion,” Edom began politely. “I am looking for Ross Coulthard.”

  “And you are?” the woman asked, eying him with suspicion.

  “Edom Gullen.”

  The woman did not recognize his name.

  “I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage.”

  “I am Annabel Coulthard.”

  “Then this is still the home of Mister Coulthard?”

  “What is the purpose of your visit?” Annabel asked.

  “I was hoping to speak with Mister Coulthard about the future of the Glendanon. He is the majority shareholder.”

  Annabel sighed. “I’m afraid my father isn’t taking visitors these days.”

  “Your father?”

  “I would refer you to his business manager, but I’m afraid we haven’t been able to reach him for some time.”

  “Of course,” Edom apologized. “I would have called before coming, but communications at the public level are still spotty at best.”

  “Edom Gullen,” a man’s voice called from a connecting room. “It’s okay, Annabel.”

  Annabel immediately turned toward her father, who was standing in the connected study, still in his robe. “I told you to stay in bed,” she scolded, moving toward her father.

  “And miss an opportunity to hear stories from the captain of the Glendanon?”

  Annabel shrugged and sighed, stepping aside. “Please come in, Captain Gullen.”

  Edom entered the foyer, spotting the open office door to his right. Inside was Ross Coulthard, founder of Coulthard Industries, one of the largest manufacturing firms on all of Corinair. Once a tall, proud man, he was now of failing health. Just like the home in which he lived, the old industrialist had seen better days.

  “Captain Gullen,” the old man greeted, easing himself into his office chair.

  “Mister Coulthard.”

  “Please sit,” the old man insisted. “I heard the Glendanon had escaped. But when your wife was executed, we feared the worst for your daughter. Is she…”

  “My da
ughter is safe,” Edom assured him. “She is living on a world called Rakuen.”

  “Never heard of it,” Mister Coulthard stated.

  “I’m not surprised. It is over three hundred light years from Corinair, in the Rogen sector.”

  “Never heard of that, either, but no matter. I am happy your family is safe.”

  “They wouldn’t be, were it not for Captain Scott and the Karuzari.”

  “Then it is true,” Mister Coulthard commented. “All the stories we’ve heard about Captain Scott, that he is alive and in command of the Aurora.”

  “It is true; he is alive,” Edom assured him. “I spoke with him only yesterday.”

  “I won’t ask how that could be. The tale is likely a long one.”

  “I don’t rightly know all the details myself,” Edom lied.

  “Nevertheless, I am happy to learn that you are alive, and that the Glendanon is still around. She is still flying, is she not?”

  “She is indeed, and she is doing better than you could imagine.”

  “You do not know how happy I am to hear it, Edom,” Mister Coulthard said. “That ship is the last asset I have to pass on to my daughter upon my passing.”

  “That’s what I came to speak to you about, Mister Coulthard. “The Glendanon’s future.”

  * * *

  It had taken direct orders from Lord Dusahn, repeated twice, to convince his Zen-Anor detail to stay behind on the ship. Their opposition to the use of a small, unarmed cargo ship to transport their leader into potentially hostile territory had also fallen on deaf ears. The mission was too important to the empire, and their leader insisted on carrying it out himself.

  The leader of his security detail was the only person in the empire who was allowed to refuse a direct order from his leader, if he felt it put his leader’s life in undue jeopardy. Because of that, Lord Dusahn had been forced to agree to let the sergeant and one other soldier accompany him, on the condition that they dress appropriately so as not to raise alarm.

  Palee was not the most attractive world. Its surface was mostly covered with rocky, mountainous terrain and vast oceans. There was very little flat land, most of which was used for agriculture. Like most human-inhabited worlds, Palee had only one major city, surrounded by several smaller towns. Because of its terrain, and because its pockets of flat land were spread out all over the planet, it surrounding villages somewhat scattered, each surrounded by small fields of feed grains and disjointed pastures for grazing livestock. Dollag, their primary source of protein and nutrition, was the planet’s greatest export. The near-constant shifts between rain and sunshine provided the richest, fastest-growing grasses and produced the healthiest, best-tasting dollag. Both Palean dollag meat and the animals’ various byproducts were prized by most of the worlds in the Pentaurus sector, including those of the Dusahn Empire. The fact that Palee had refused to trade with the Dusahn would be a blow to Takarans, as their dollag meat was far less marbled and tasty. Lord Dusahn was just happy that he had enough of the quality protein in cold storage to last him for years, until he could convince the Paleans to trade with the empire one way or another.