Victory in the Stars (Marston Chronicles Book 6)

by D Patrick Wagner

  “He can resign his commission.”

  “Nope. I’m not going there. What happens if every Federacy spaceman resigns to go to work in the private sector? That’s one snake pit I want to stay away from. But you might be on to something. Igaklay, could you get me Feldmarshal Rosser?”

  After a moment, Corry’s voice came out of Igaklay’s com pyramid.

  “Hey, Hawk. What’s up”

  “Question. Within a week, we are going to have three large freighters armed to the teeth and ready to rock. We need crews. You said that you have a lot of ex-spacers. How many of them want to get back into space?”

  “I’m not sure. I’ve got our entire defense force on file. I’ll do some sorting.”

  “I’m looking for captains, especially. And bridge officers. And mechanics.”

  “Now who’s growing oak trees? I’ll get right on it. Give me a day.”

  “Will do. Later.”

  Just then, Mistress Analyn entered, followed by Sir Mahajani, Vidhee and four Guardsmen.

  Everyone rose and slightly bowed.

  “Welcome, Mistress Analyn, Honorable Vidhee.”

  “Thank you, Ambassador Suzume. Commander Marston.”

  “Please, have some refreshments. Be seated.”

  Mistress Analyn looked at a chair she wished to occupy. It immediately reconfigured to handle her tail. Sitting, she set her eyes and ears on the seated group, placed her paws on the table and waited.

  Keiko began.

  “Mistress Analyn, ten days from now, Vice-Admiral Weiskoff is taking three converted Mortek war ships and attacking the Mortek fleet in Bridgelen.”

  “I have been studying Ballisonian and Human history. Isn’t Bridgelen the hub to all of your planets in the Federacy?”

  “That is correct. We have been watching that fleet and it is growing. Vice-Admiral Weiskoff believes that he needs to make a pre-emptive strike.”

  “With only three ships? Is this a standard Mortek fleet?”

  “Larger.”

  “He will be committing suicide. Commander Marston, why do you not stop him?”

  “I am not his Commander, Mistress. He is the highest-ranking officer in the existing Federacy. I am no longer part of it.”

  “Then, as you explained about Griffin, why do you not dissolve the jump drives?”

  “The political fallout would be terminal. We would lose him and every Federacy person under his command.”

  “Then, you must allow him to kill himself and destroy three of your ships?”

  “Unfortunately, that is what the situation demands.”

  “What can be done to offset this coming tragedy?”

  “That is why we have asked you here, Mistress. We have three large freighters converted to war ships. Vassal Gopai has indicated that he has been approached by various Elonians. They wish to become spacers.”

  “We are a free society, Commander. If they wish too, they can do so.”

  “We will have three ships-of-the-line available, plus Griffin, Gazelle, and the Stingers. The three line-ships need crews.”

  “As I said, we are a free people. How may I help, Commander Marson?”

  “From my experience, Mistress, ships are very rigid in their promotion ladders. Every ship that I have ever served on has people who are overqualified in the positions which they hold. And they are frustrated. I suspect that there are Elonians on Wisdom Seeker who are stuck in those circumstances.”

  “That is very astute, Commander. I will discuss this issue with Captain Kakkarna”

  “As an added thought, this will further integrate Elonians and Humans. This will strengthen our inter-species relationships.”

  “That is a very important benefit, Ambassador.”

  “We need some quick decisions. The sooner we get the pilots and crews together, the sooner we can get them trained.”

  “I shall contact Captain Kakkarna immediately, Commander.”

  “Let’s meet back here, mid-afternoon, tomorrow. Go from there.”

  “Until then.” Mistress Analyn spoke this as she stood.

  All others rose in respect and waited for her, Sir Mahajani and her guard to leave. Once done, they sat and began the discussion of the minutia required to get three ships into space.

  Aboard Ravage Maker – Bridgelen

  The massive Mortek flagship floated above the huge fleet of war ships. Within its conference room, War and his primary subordinates stared at their tablets, taking in the majestic view of Mortek power.

  Breaking way from the view, War began his query.

  “Science, the nuclear missiles. Status?”

  “With Weapon’s help, we have come up with a design which will prove effective against those blue clouds.”

  “Explain.”

  “As you know, those clouds protecting the soft skin jump-ships disperse and dissolve the particle and laser beams. The importance is on the particle beams. Those beams fire ionic particles at just slower than the speed of light.”

  “So?”

  “They have measurable mass. Very small, but mass. Firing something with greater mass at the blue cloud will also be dispersed into its molecular components.”

  “Are you saying that our nuclear missiles will not reach their targets?”

  “No, My Overlord. I am just explaining the problem. Working with Weapons, we have arrived at a solution. From analysing the data during previous engagements, we have discovered that, where the beams strike, for a brief click, the blue cloud is weakened.”

  “What is the solution?”

  “A two-stage missile, My Overlord. This is Weapon’s concept. A brilliant one. We fire a single missile at the target. The missile will have two stages. The front half will be nothing but guidance, heavy mass and a booster rocket. The back half will contain the nuclear weapon along with its own guidance and propulsion.”

  “I see. A single missile approaches. At the point of contact with the soft skin blue cloud, it separates. The forward section punches an opening. The rear section passed through and detonates. Will it work?”

  “In theory, yes. In truth, we will not know until we actually try it.”

  “Production, where do we stand with producing these two-part nuclear missiles?”

  “Every ship in the fleet, including the frigates, currently has one missile ready for firing. We are rushing to build up our inventory and get as many distributed as possible.”

  “Make sure that you supply the dreadnaughts first. Then cruisers and down the line.”

  “At your command, My Overlord.”

  Chapter 25

  Ballison HEB Alliance HQ

  After a quiet morning, Krag and Keiko made their way to the ground floor of the massive pyramid. Reaching the conference area, they each made more morning drinks and waited for Mack and Sue.

  Those two came through the pyramid’s portal, followed by three people in Federacy uniforms. Approaching, Mack and Sue immediately headed for their own morning drinks. The two Federacy Software Specialists and Platform Operator came to attention then saluted. Krag returned one of his own.

  “At ease, Gentlemen, Lady.”

  “Go, get some drinks,” Keiko kindly commanded.

  The three followed Mack and Sue, where a rapid discussion ensued, with hand waving, finger pointing and drink ordering.

  “Nerds.”

  “Be nice, Krag. They don’t get to talk with their own kind very often.”

  The five returned.

  “Has Mack told you what’s going on?”

  “Yes, Commander,” Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Carter spoke for the three of them. “You are having us settle into the HEB Alliance Headquarters.”

  “You’ll be bunking on Mack’s and Sue’s level.”

  “Won’t that create a conflict with the Federacy? Vice-Admiral Weiskoff?”

  “I don’t think so. After you spoke up back on Tolimar, he wanted you three out of his sight. He did say that he is loaning you to us.”

  “He c
ould call us back”

  “Not anytime soon, I suspect.”

  “If I may ask, Commander, what happens now?”

  Now, Ensign Baker, you three get a cram course in Elonian and Ballisonian technology.”

  “Oy, Cap. In staying with your ideas of making committees for everything, and since the number of us engineers keep growing, we need a committee.”

  Everyone watched Krag as he thought.

  “The HEB Alliance Science and Engineering Group.”

  “What do you think, Love?”

  “It works for me.”

  “I want a patch. The Leopards got a patch.”

  “Okay, Mack. You can have a patch. Figure something out. As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, you will be learning whole new technologies and sciences. Get started.”

  “Sir, yes, sir!” three voices enthusiastically shouted.

  “Mack, Sue, get them settled in. teach them how to construct their quarters.”

  “Already started, Cap. You heard our fearless leader. Let’s go play.”

  Mack, knowing that he would get one, caught Sue’s look and head shake.”

  Krag and Keiko watched the five eggheads walk off, again chattering like magpies.

  “A moment of peace,” Keiko commented with a sigh.

  “Few and far between. Breakfast?”

  “We need a screen room. I feel like eating outdoors.”

  “I can make it!” they heard from the walls. “There is a design for a screen room, called a lanai, in the Human data base.”

  “Perfect. Could you build it close to the conference area, Igaklay?”

  “Colors?”

  “soft greens and whites.”

  Krag and Keiko watched through the large, transparent wall-section as the pyramid nanites swarmed. First, s silvery foundation formed. Then supports grew from the ground up. A translucent ceiling crawled across the top, like multiple spiderwebs weaving until it became solid. Finally, a fine mesh enclosed the structure, creating a naturally lit screen room.

  “Beautiful, Igaklay. Furniture?”

  “I was thinking about a sitting area and an eating area. For, at the most, six beings,” Igaklay replied.

  “Perfect. You are doing so well, so far. Go ahead.”

  When Krag and Keiko finally finished their breakfast orders, they saw a doorway leading to their newly constructed breakfast nook.

  “Shall we?” Krag asked while waiting for Keiko to lead the way.

  For the remainder of the morning, the two enjoyed their morning drinks, their quiet time and each other’s presence. At noon, they turned their attention back to their duties and began planning for the coming meeting.

  v v v

  Mid-afternoon. Krag and Keiko found themselves sitting at the conference table. Mack and Sue were the first to arrive, with the three Federacy crewmates in tow.

  “Oy, Cap. Sue and her code-head friends are ganging up on me and Ortiz.”

  “Just remind them, Mack. If you and Mr. Ortiz don’t make the computers, they will have nothing to play with.”

  “Hear that Love?”

  “Quit whining, Lug-Nut.”

  “See, they’re mean to us,” Mack complained with a twinkle in his eye.

  “So, you three. How are you settling in?”

  “This technology is incredible, Commander.”

  “Yes, it is, Lieutenant.”

  “The Ballisonians are so far ahead of us that it’s like we’re in the stone age,” Ensign Baker opined.

  “Wait until you see Preceptor Igaklay’s fabrication plant.”

  Everyone turned as the pyramid’s iris opened. Mistress Analyn entered, followed by Sir Mahajani. What surprised the group was Lord and Lady Kaporine following, trailed by the three Elders and Captain Kakkarna. As the entourage approached, multiple chairs reconfigured to fit the Elonian physique.

  Krag and Keiko stood. Bowing, Keiko, spoke.

  “Welcome to the HEB Alliance Headquarters, Lord and Lady.”

  “A very fitting name, Ambassador. Thank you for allowing us to enter your home and center of operations.”

  “Please, everyone. Order whatever you wish. I suspect this will be a fairly lengthy meeting.”

  Lady Kaporine led. Everyone else followed, ordering drinks and, in some cases, snacks. Once they finished, they all began milling back towards the conference table.

  As they milled and talked, Buster, Igaklay and Vidhee arrived.

  Keiko gestured towards the opposite end of the table. Lord Kaporine sat. the rest found their own spots and sat.”

  “Lord Kaporine. Since you felt that your presence is required, please, begin the discussion. Is that acceptable, Mistress Analyn?”

  “Yes, Ambassador. Father?”

  “Now, the reason we are here. Nephew Gopai has created quite a stir.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes.” Lord Kaporine performed his freeze, unfreeze. The Iris opened and Gopai proudly marched in. following him were more than a hundred Elonians of both sexes, all sizes and ages.

  “Keiko leaned over to Krag.

  “I’m glad that the pyramid is so big and that we decided to keep the open space.”

  “That’s a lot of Elonians,” Krag whispered back.

  Gopai arrived and snapped the back of his paw to his furry forehead.

  “Vassal Gopai reporting with one hundred and nineteen volunteers, Commander.”

  Krag rose and returned the salute.

  “Relax, Gopai.”

  Gopai relaxed.

  “You did well, Gopai. They’re all from the lower village?”

  “Yes, Commander.”

  “They all know how the nanite tech works.”

  “Yes, Commander.”

  “You got this group together. You’re in charge. Get them up to an empty level and have them build their quarters. Only bonded mates can share. Everyone else, separate.”

  “Understood, Commander.”

  “You have today. Tomorrow, the interviews start. Go.”

  “Sir, yes, sir.” Gopai smartly saluted and turned to his group.

  As Gopai began giving orders, Krag turned to his own crew.

  “Mack, Sue, Buster, Igaklay. Starting tomorrow, you get to be the interview board.”

  “Ah, Cap. We arna office help. Give it to those three.” Mack pointed at the three Federacy crewmates.

  “Nope. You four. You have two days. By then, Feldmarshal Rosser should have his volunteers up here and ready to go.”

  “You’re a real slave driver, Cap.”

  “You’re right, Mack. Do as he says.”

  “You too, Wee-One.”

  “Next, Lord Kaporine?” Keiko asked.

  “Commander Marston, you accepted Dame Desinal’s parole. As part of that acceptance, you agreed to her retrieving her family from Elonia. Where do we stand with that?”

  “Dame Desinal has taken command of a small freighter which she has named ‘Reprieve’. She has accepted two crewmembers from Jewel of the Stars, a pilot and a gunnery officer. She plans on setting sail for Elonia either tomorrow or the next day.”

  “You are comfortable with her taking this voyage alone, without escort?”

  “She needs to be tested, Your Lordship. This will be a good test.”

  “What happens if the Senate decides to seize the ship and her crew?”

  “I was thinking of sending Buster along. With Reprieve’s upgrades and weaponry, there is nothing in Elonia which can stand up to her. I do not think that anyone will attempt to seize Reprieve.”

  “What about if or when someone leaves the ship?”

  “That’s why I was thinking of having Buster along.”

  “Bond-mate, if I may?”

  “Of Course, My Beloved.”

  “As I understand, Dame Desinal’s bond-mate and her cub currently reside in Clan Chikuno’s territory. Their senator, Senator Sanjinan, led the uprising. If that is the case, Buster’s presence will only ignite an already fiery
situation.”

  “You speak wisely, Lady Kaporine. What is your solution?”

  “Thank you, Ambassador Suzume. I believe that the solution is political, not military. One of our Kaporine Elders should accompany Dame Desinal. He should be the one to retrieve her family.”

  “That is an excellent recommendation.”

  “I agree, My Lady. However, I still believe that Buster should be onboard. He stays hidden unless his skills are needed.”

  “The best of both. I agree, Commander Marston.”

  “Thinking about the future, and adding more political weight to the problem, Igaklay, what do you think about taking a trip to Elonia?”

  “My Avatar has never been to Elonia! I would love it!”

  “Yes. With Preceptor Igaklay having assumed Kokali’s appearance, his arrival will definitely cause confusion and, possibly, a lack of action.”

  “Buster, is that okay? You going to Elonia?”

  “Yes, Oh Commander. I have nothing to do at this time.”

  “Igaklay, just in case, could you get Buster a change of clothes?”

  “I already have the design done, Commander. The one we are using on Tolimar. The heavy, outdoor clothing.”

  “With the jump-pack?”

  “Yes, Commander. I just need to resize the design to fit Buster. Since I already have the schematics for his new shell, it will be no problem.”

  “Thank you. Buster, go fleshy.”

  Buster responded by activating his covering nanites and changing from the silver android to the very human Mr. Morris.

  “Astounding.”

  “You keep saying that, my Bond-Mate.”

  “Every day brings new wonders.”

  “I will contact Dame Desinal and explain the new plan for her trip,” Krag stated.

  “Does that answer your questions concerning Dame Desinal?” Keiko asked.

  “Yes, Ambassador. Next on my list is Wisdom Seeker. Captain Kakkarna has agreed to the second shift leaving to command one of your large freighters. All shifts will be promoted. Wisdom Seeker will take on thirty trainees.”

  Keiko turned to Wisdom Seeker’s Captain. “Thank you for your support, Captain. We already have a large freighter ready for flight. Would it be possible that you have the volunteers transported to their new ship?”

  “It will be done, immediately, Ambassador.”