Admiral's Throne

by Luke Sky Wachter

  “While it’s good to have you back, Bob, for those of us who didn’t finish therapy and immediately decide to take our family to three-month-long vacation at a private resort on Tracto, this is not news,” ribbed Rear Admiral Druid.

  “It’s still a good question though. Why are they only coming to us about this now?” cut in Commodore Laurent.

  I nodded in his direction.

  “You’d have to ask them,” I replied with a shrug.

  “I keep coming back to… is this really our fight, Sir?” asked Captain Rampage.

  “Let me answer it this way. If all if those worlds were deliberately targeted, and considering this Sector’s history I can’t imagine this is anything but a targeted attack, then someone has to respond. At the same time, it makes a lot of sense to start pushing out patrols in and around Tracto Star System. Where we go from there is still up in the air but that’s why we’re here. So that we’re ready,” I said.

  Heads nodded.

  “I’ll get right on it, Sir,” Laurent and Kling said at the same time and then looked at each other.

  “We’ll work out the details later,” I said.

  I swept the room with a gaze before landing back on the eyes of Captain Rampage.

  “The truth is, the Confederation Fleet is out of position… it is out of position and under strength,” I looked down and took a breath before looking up again.

  “Meanwhile, the rest of the Spine fiddled while winter came,” growled Captain Jackson.

  “Unfortunately, as I have been reminded multiple times, if we don’t do something, billions of people will die,” I said, twisting my face into a sneer to show just what I thought of the so-called leaders who had allowed this to happen.

  “We’re with you whatever you decide, Sir,” Spalding said loyally.

  “And I appreciate that,” I said gratefully.

  “However, this situation means that, I—no, strike that—we, have a few decisions to make. Do we sit back and do nothing and receive the rightful condemnation of watching while entire worlds die? Or,” my eyes slitted as a dangerous expression skittered across my face, “do we take action and enrich ourselves, our planet and future generations yet to come?” I said, holding Quentin Jackson’s gaze before sweeping the rest of the room until landing on Captain Eastwood.

  “Now that’s what I’m talking about!” Chief Fleet Gunner Lesner exclaimed with satisfaction.

  “Trust me when I say, after I’m done with them, they’ll rue the day they sold us out,” I said.

  “Music to this engineer’s tired old ears. When they need a hand, aren’t we grand… but we help and where’d they go?” Spalding growled.

  “That about sums it up,” Lesner snorted.

  “I can’t say they’re wrong, Jason,” Akantha couldn’t help but put her two centi-creds in.

  Spalding nodded.

  “While I’d hate to see the 400 warships my engineers have been busy turning from scrap metal back into fighting warships sit idle, I’d like it even less if we junked them without a thing to see for it but another smack to the face.”

  “These people obviously never dealt with a Montagne before,” I said.

  Spalding nodded and sat back as did Lesner.

  “Now turning to other business, I’ve received a credible report from the Gorgon Front,” I said. I could see the hesitation in the room. There was a pause.

  “Aren’t we worried about bugs, Sir? I don’t see how the Front has anything to do with us. If the Empire wins, all well and good; if they lose, then in some ways, even better,” Captain Eastwood interjected, surprise on his face, an emotion echoed by just about every other officer in the room.

  “You’re not wrong but hear me out,” I said, lifting a hand, “as we now know or suspect, every major world in the Spine is about to come under massive bug attack. Considering the anemic Flotillas the Confederation assigned to each Sector, this is proof of genocide straight up. Anyone with eyes and two brain cells to rub together can link these attacks right back to the Imperial 5th Fleet and Admiral Magnus Davenport.”

  “It’s a shame,” Spalding sighed.

  “I’m not sure what we can do. Other than the obvious, and destroy the bugs,” Eastwood said doubtfully.

  “I am not inclined to let the Empire get away with this,” I paused and then asked, “are you?”

  “I honestly don’t see what the one has to do with the other,” Laurent said finally, “even if we accept that the Empire is responsible for these attacks. They’re too big. We’ve got enough people to man half a fleet, barely, and enough ships for a full fleet. The Empire has a dozen fleets and the ability to build more besides.”

  Druid nodded in grim agreement.

  “The full power of the Spineward Sectors wasn’t enough to deal with one imperial fleet and we don’t even have that,” he said.

  “We have enough ships to take that fleet right now,” I said sharply.

  “But not the crews to man them or am I wrong about that, Sir?” asked Chief Gunner Lesner.

  “You’re not wrong about that,” I admitted.

  “The Regional Authority in the Spine may have decided to ‘unilaterally disarm’ to save some taxes and rebuild devastated economies but we’re made of sterner stuff. The MSP has never shirked in the face of danger,” Spalding declared loudly.

  I nodded, happy for the support.

  “Taking on the Empire directly, well, some would call that a fool’s errand,” Laurent said.

  “They are very big, Sir,” agreed Eastwood, “we’ve got a big punch but they’ve got the staying power. No doubt about that.”

  “To face the Empire on our own ground and in a defensive action is one thing, but are we seriously considering taking the war to them directly, Jason?” Akantha asked in surprise.

  I was starting to become fed up with all the nay-saying. The worst part of it, though, was they did have a point. The Empire was big and nobody’s fool. Taking it on would not be easy but it was possible.

  Fortunately, I had a plan.

  “Listen up, people; I’ve got a way to put a spoke in the Empire’s wheels in a manner they’ll not soon forget,” I said, rapping the table for emphasis.

  “We’re not just going to forget about the people of the Spine, are we?” Lesner asked uneasily.

  “I admit the Empire stole a march on us. No. We’ll help the Spine, both because it’s where we live and also because they’ll pay through the nose for it, and not incidentally funding our real goal. That’s not to say stopping these bugs isn’t a very real goal—it is—but the proceeds of Operation Bug Hunt are to pay for our next move,” I said

  “Proceeds?” Several members of my staff shared knowing looks.

  I smiled.

  “It sounds like the Little Admiral is back, Sir. And I have to say, despite my reservations, it’s long past time they paid for what they did,” Laurent admitted, holding out an open hand, “but what’s this plan, Sir?”

  “I’ve heard some rather disturbing news, people. Disturbing for the Empire,” I said with an upturned corner of my mouth and then I laid it all out for them—the rumors of imperial victories on the Front and a desperate delegation of Stalwart, members of the same race as the Sundered who had arrived after an epic journey to present me with proof of intelligent non-violent, non-terran and most specifically alien life as well as multiple instances of documented planetary genocide.

  “In short, while we’re still verifying many of these claims, it seems that when the Imperials say to the galaxy that mankind and their genetic creations are the only intelligent life forms in the known universe, what they really mean is that’s only true because they worked hard to annihilate every other form of sentient life they’ve come across,” I said sardonically.

  The officers in the room stirred, several of them taking the time to peruse the information before looking up at me.

  “I’m not sure what we can do, Admiral,”
Chief Lesner said frankly, “we might have repaired most of those capture warships but they’re a mishmash of classes, hull types and quite frankly, we just don’t have the bodies to man all the ships we could put into service!” He paused, adding, “with respect, Sir.”

  “And I have a plan to get us those bodies, Chief,” I said calmly.

  “Is this really our job, Sir?” asked Captain Rampage.

  I gave him a disappointed look.

  “Anyone who doesn’t like the idea of risking their lives on the other side of known space can stay here on bug patrol. I suspect the Davenport and the Empire have left many little surprises seeded throughout the Spine to keep us busy, even after we defeat their main push and if they haven’t, nothing’s stopping them from dropping off a few more Swarms in the future,” I said.

  “You’ll be free to do good work right here in the Spineward Sectors and finish cleaning up before reverting to home fleet duty,” I said.

  “But as for the rest of us, I think it’s high time the Empire learned what happens when you mess with the Spine,” I said.

  “Yes, but what’s to stop them from retaliating once they realize we’re on the other side of the Empire?” he asked.

  “Our attack will be twofold. First, we’ll tie them up with a PR attack using the evidence of genocide as our shield. While that’s still sinking in is when we’ll go for the jugular and make a stab at tipping the balance of power on the Front against the Empire once and for all,” I said.

  “Of course, they’ll dismiss the evidence and trot out the usual talking heads to refute it but the very fact it’s true will make it take them longer to successfully suppress. Unfortunately for them, any attempt to take the fight to us in Tracto will be seen as proof positive that we were right and turn all of humanity against them. If everything works out as planned, they can’t move against us without turning the entire galaxy against them,” I continued.

  “If we toss in a cursory attempt to hide our identity, they won’t be able touch us in the Spine. The Front will be another matter,” I added.

  “Why do you think they’ll be able to suppress the news? Don’t you don’t think people will be smart enough to see the truth?” asked Rampage.

  “According to the Stalwart, the ‘truth’s’ been out there for some time now and it hasn’t gotten out yet. Why would our information be seen any differently?” I asked sardonically.

  “That’s pretty cynical,” sighed the Captain.

  “That’s life. Or haven’t you been around for the past five years?” Spalding snorted.

  “As for me, I say this could work and it’s past time the Empire got a good punch in the nose!” he growled.

  “Hear-hear!” said every officer in the room, even the ones who seemed the most hesitant over involving ourselves in yet another campaign before the one in front of us had even started to be dealt with.

  I raised a hand to calm the room.

  “Now we’re not going to launch ourselves half-cocked. As the Chief Gunner has rightfully pointed out, we need to man all our ships and work on our supply situation before heading off to the Gorgon Front. Plus, the PR effort’s going to take some time to set up properly. We’ll need to have all our ducks in a row before we can even start to really think about this kind of move. In the meantime though, we need to help rid the Spine of this bug uprising; that has to come first,” I warned.

  “Sounds good to me, Sir,” Rear Admiral Druid said.

  “Our first step in this plan involves us going to Capria. I want the Fleet mustered and ready to go ASAP,” I ordered.

  “Aye-aye, Sir,” said Spalding quickly echoed by the rest of the room.

  Chapter 10

  Isaak’s Last Run

  “The information you provided better be accurate, Freely,” Simpers said, coldly.

  “It is! I swear on my life,” vowed the man known as Freely.

  “Good that you understand the stakes in this,” Simpers said.

  Freely shifted uneasily and likened the other man’s gaze to that of a deadly snake or reptile.

  Suppressing a shudder, he pasted on his best smile, one practiced countless times in the past. It was meant to convey sincerity and inspire confidence at the same time.

  That smile wilted in the face of Simper’s disregard.

  “The favors I had to call in with the Censor’s Officer were considerable. Each Censor is a Senator on the verge of retirement with an outstanding record worthy of lauds from the entire Senate, and Senators are elected for life, meaning these men are nearly impossible to sway. If my investment proves flawed, do not expect your end to be as simple as that recently-deceased fool from the Spine, Ignatious,” he said, eyes boring into the other man.

  Freely bristled.

  “I was framed! Set up to take the fall. There’s no calling me by that ridiculous—” he snapped and then choked as Simper’s eyes narrowed.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Ignatious,” Simpers said through slitted eyes, “but I would weigh every word that comes out of your mouth from this point forward as if it were gold.”

  Freely swallowed.

  “Ignatious Percival Freely; couldn’t you have selected a better name for my cover, Simpers?” he finally said, looking down at the floor mutinously.

  “You can call me, Boss,” said Simpers.

  “B-boss?” Freely sounded confused while Simpers just smiled benignly.

  “Good; even a rustic like you can learn,” Simpers approved before turning serious and piercing Freely with his eyes.

  “Now you were saying how you felt Imperial Witness Protection leaves something to be desired, were you, Mr. Freely?” Simpers asked, cocking his head.

  “N-n-n-no not at all! It’s good. All good! I have no complaints,” Freely finished firmly.

  “If you’re sure,” Simpers said placidly.

  “Of course,” Freely said hastily.

  “Boss,” reminded Simpers.

  Freely stared at him then at Simper’s go-along gesture, realized what he was supposed to do.

  “Boss,” he added bitterly.

  “Now that’s out of the way, you were about to tell me everything you know. Then you’re going to tell me everything you think you know and we’re going to go over it again and again if necessary until I find myself completely satisfied,” said Simpers.

  “No more chemical interrogation?” Ignatious Freely asked cautiously and then at Simper’s reproving look, added, “Boss.”

  “No, I.P.,” Simpers smiled, “I hope you don’t mind I call you I.P.?

  Freely grit his teeth.

  “It’s your world, Boss,” he said shoulders slumping.

  “It was very wise of you to take your people’s anti-interrogation package. Making yourself deathly allergic to most known forms of chemical interrogation is generally reserved for secret agents. A moment of rare foresight in a life otherwise marked by travesty and failure,” said Simpers.

  Freely glared at him.

  “Fortunately for you, our doctors were able to save you on the operating table and unfortunately for us, we don’t have the time it would take to take to desensitize you. So we’re both going to take a leap of faith, I.P.,” the Imperial Agent said.

  “You’re going to lead us to the Core Fragment. You are not going to pass Go, you are not to Collect 200 Credits, nor are you to mislead us into a star system possessing something you think might be tempting enough to sway us from executing you, if and when your information proves faulty. The only thing that matters now is the target you have provided. Capiche, I.P.?” asked the Imperial Agent.

  Freely gave him a calculating look.

  “Understood, Boss,” he said finally.

  “Good! Now understanding the chair you are sitting in possesses the latest in lie detecting technologies, why don’t you take it from the top?” said Simpers.

  He hadn’t yet finished talking when monolocsium restraints snapped
into place around Freely’s arms and legs, and a pair of gloves slid themselves over the fingers of his hand.

  Chapter 11

  Jason Watches CNN

  It had taken a significant amount of work to stir a fleet continually short of personnel and which had sat at space dock, minus a few maneuvers, for the better part of two years. But it looked like we were finally over the hump.

  Picking up the remote control, I flicked on the new model 3-D holo-projector and scrolled to the latest news.

  “Welcome back to the Cosmic News Network. This is Mathilda May reporting,” said the News Anchor as the news feed began to roll at the bottom of the screen.

  She flashed a thousand-watt smile before assuming a downcast expression.

  “Today, we here at the Cosmic News Network are forced to bring you the grim news that hundreds of worlds across the Spine, planets and star systems previously committed to giving peace a chance and unilaterally reducing tensions with the Empire are beginning to waver in their convictions. Even as we speak, a number of these worlds are gathering together and threatening to call a halt to the unilateral disarmament of their System Defense Forces.” Her smiled turned into a frown.

  “This shocking move has supposedly been precipitated by a series of isolated incidents and in this reporter’s humble opinion, greatly overblown bug attacks,” she grimaced and the screen flickered. “Watch as the Cosmic News Network brings to you the latest such incident to happen in the Spine.”

  On the holo-vid, a mid-tier star system appeared followed by a series of clips and cut scenes. As the viewers watched, the system’s defenders opened fire and after a hailstorm of fire drove off a bug attack, entirely annihilating the Swarm with only minor losses.

  “As you can see, our worlds are ready to deal with the typical bug attack by themselves, let alone when you factor in the Flotillas that have been stationed in our sectors and paid for by our tax credits,” she continued.