Dangerous Rainbows

by James Ashman

Dangerous Rainbows

  by

  James Ashman

  © 2010 by James Ashman

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the author. However, if this was purchased electronically, the purchaser may modify, convert, or copy the file for their personal, non-commercial uses.

  All questions, comments, concerns, or requests for information should be addressed to the author at:

  James Ashman

  togetherwithsilver@gmail.com

  https://www.jamesashman.com

  Dedicated to Fiona. Blame her for the silly title!

  Chapter 1

  The last time Alquin had seen a real sunset was the last day of his life on Exoquis. He watched the gradual orange and red cut through the deep blue sky. The clouds added life and mystery to the otherwise dull sky. The hues mixed and danced, slowly. Alquin hummed while watching the masterpiece of daylight.

  "Commander," a voice said, interrupting Alquin's silence. Alquin sighed, and then he answered the unseen voice.

  "What is it?" Alquin asked.

  "Sir, the third garrison has collapsed. Your orders?"

  "I'll be there momentarily. Have the remnants of the third, if any, join the second's flank. I don't care if they are too damaged, have them join."

  "Yes sir."

  Alquin sighed again. He stood up and watched as the virtual sun made its way over the holographic mountain. He put his hands in his pockets, turned around, and walked down the hill.

  "End program." The simulated sunset disappeared, replaced by the familiar walls of the recreation room. A black and gold uniform replaced his simulated jeans and t-shirt. Crests and adornments were scarce on his jacket, but the ones that had won their way onto his chest were prominent and recognizable from a distance.

  Alquin came upon the bridge's entrance after walking through several corridors. He sucked in some air, puffed-up his chest a bit, and then exhaled.

  The sliding bridge door revealed a massive center of noise and commotion. Alquin took a seat in the commander's chair.

  "Sir," said the voice from earlier. It belonged to a young man, no younger than Alquin, who bore the same air of pride and dignity that Alquin had walked in with.

  "Any change, Relos?"

  "No sir. It's becoming a static exchange."

  "Relos, the sir isn't necessary with us."

  "Alquin," Relos said, "while on duty, it would be better if the others didn't think our friendship was getting in the way of work."

  Relos had said it quiet enough for only Alquin to hear. Alquin nodded, and made a mental note to remember Relos' words.

  "Good," Alquin said. "Our numbers are superior, a one-to-one exchange is fine. Keep at it. Why was I interrupted for this? The third garrison wasn't so important."

  "That's not all, sir. The third garrison wasn't destroyed by the main fleet. A roaming band of ships suddenly attacked them from the flank, destroying them before they could respond."

  "What? Where is the band?"

  "I'm sorry sir, they are already gone."

  "Blast. I'll want a full report later. If nothing else, I'm retiring until the battle is complete."

  "Yes sir."

  Alquin stood up, saluted the dozens of soldiers in the room, and then walked out. He took refuge in his private room, where he discarded his uniform, laid on his bed, and then stared at the ceiling.

   

  "For winning the fourth battle of Jenes, we award Alquin Tor Rinard this medal of fourth honor. May he keep winning, for the glory of the Ingrid! Hail the Ingrid Empire!"

  An official placed a medal around Alquin's neck while he bowed. Around them, the sounds of thousands of cheers rose, eventually becoming a deafening cry. While no one could see his expression, Alquin smiled. He stood upright, his face solemn and stoic. The crowds cheered even more as Alquin raised a hand in salute. He turned and saluted the admiral who had placed the medal on him. The admiral replied in kind. Alquin then walked offstage, holding himself high and proud. Only a few minutes passed while he made his way to a waiting car.

  "Tired?" Relos asked from inside the car. Alquin entered the long car and sat next to Relos.

  "Yes. Another award. The ceremony always drags on, that's the only problem." Alquin reached into a side compartment and removed a bottle of wine.

  "Aren't you glad?" Relos opened a compartment on his side of the car and pulled out a couple of wine glasses.

  "Ecstatic. Another day, and another step closer. Cheers, my friend." Alquin poured the red liquid into two glasses. A brief clang, and then each of them took a drink.

  "How about Charlotte?"

  "Don't speak of her here. Anyways, I should think that award ceremonies should be a bit briefer. Honor the person worth honoring, and do away with the fanfare. Give me what I deserve, and let me decide how to spend my time."

  "Of course. But Alquin, just what do you deserve?" Relos asked. A playful smile revealed what Alquin already knew.

  "Have you secured my meeting with Lord Benyon?"

  "It's at three on the fourteenth."

  "Good."

   

  "Yue? Yue? Are you there, Yue?" The woman's voice didn't elicit any response. She knocked at a door a few times. "Yue? Answer me. Wake up!"

  The young woman waited for a while. She tapped a foot, crossed her arms, and scolded under her breath. The sound of the door unlocking was heard after several minutes had passed.

  "Oh, it's Miku," Yue said. He had opened the door slowly, revealing a man older than Miku by a few years. He was dressed in only a shirt and shorts. His dark hair was a mess. He rubbed his eyes while wishing he could sleep longer. Miku took a brief look at Yue, and then pushed him aside as she entered the room.

  "Oh, Yue. This place is covered in old clothes again. Why don't they give you more rest? Every time, I come to find you've let this place go in just a day and a half."

  "I get enough, Miku."

  "No, it's not. I woke you up, didn't I? It's already past noon! You've been on leave for two days already. You're too tired."

  "I chose to stay up late, strategy. It's not their fault."

  "I swear, you'd work in your sleep if you knew how. Unbelievable. Here, just let me help. You keep sleeping in the other room."

  "It's all right. Coffee?"

  Miku sighed and walked about the room, cleaning as she went. Yue stood back and poured a couple cups of coffee. Four sugar cubes and two tablespoons of cream went into one cup.

  "How do you take yours?" Yue asked.

  "Black."

   

  Alquin Tor Rinard sat at the back of a black limousine. Four others were there as well, all in black and gold uniforms, each one more decorated than Alquin's was. The various generals spoke in turn, each describing the new development in the war. Finally, it was Alquin's turn.

  "My battalion can handle that defense. Planet Tindal's defense, that is. Please rest assured, Lord Benyon," Alquin said. The three other generals each murmured something under their breaths. Lord Benyon, the oldest and most decorated of the bunch, nodded his head approvingly.

  "Alquin, was it? Your battle at Grip has made waves in the ranks. Your last battle, won splendidly, wasn't it?" Lord Benyon asked.

  "You flatter me sir. It was nothing to brag of. If anything, it was just an exchange of ships. I won with no more brilliance than what was required to outnumber the enemy," Alquin said. The other generals again murmured among the three of them.

  "Your strategy?" asked one of the generals.

  "Sir, the same as always. Do my utmost with trust in my men and the emperor's ships," Alquin said, his smile appe
aring serene and complacent. The general turned away from the handsome face, unable to voice a response.

  "Excellent. I look forward to it," Lord Benyon said. The limousine stopped and the generals exited the car. A few moments passed, after which Relos arrived. He took a seat across from Alquin. The limousine started moving again.

  "How did it go?" Relos asked.

  "Miserable. But perfect," Alquin said.

  "The ship is ready. We can go at anytime. Are you sure you want to go now?"

  "At once. I have to tell her."

  "But sir, think about it. Won't it raise suspicion?"

  "I don't care Relos! We will see Charlotte! I don't care what that general said, he won't deny me now that I'm in Lord Benyon's favor."

  "But you are not in his favor." Relos held out a closed fist and slowly opened it. Inside was a small bracelet made of pearls and gold threads.

  "Did you see her?"

  "No. She sent this, alone."

  "Blast. Fine. Verify the ship's course to the battlefield. Blast."

  "I already did, sir."

  "Thank you, Relos. I was rash, I apologize."

  "It's alright, Alquin."

  The car stopped at the spaceport. A short while later Alquin boarded a ship and made his way to the bridge.

  "Commander Alquin! The fleet awaits your orders, sir," said a dark-haired youth.

  "We're advancing on Tindal. We won't lose it, for our empire," Alquin said.

  "Yes sir," the youth said. He gave a brilliant smile and began to turn.

  "Wait. Your name?" Alquin asked.

  "Yes sir. Terv. Terv Rend. An officer cadet. Thank you, sir."

  "Good. I like you. Continue your duties," Alquin said. The youth gave an even wider smile, briefly flashing his teeth, unable to bear his joy. He gave a salute, turned sharply on his heels, and then walked away.

  "That was?" Relos asked.

  "He was good. And young, unformed. He exemplifies what I need," Alquin said.

  "I see. I understand," Relos said.

  Alquin took his seat in the commander's chair. Relos stood a little behind and to the side of Alquin, his hands behind his back. After giving a command to the navigator, the ship took off. Behind Alquin's ship was the fleet he commanded, hundreds of ships with thousands of people on each. Soon they had gotten some distance from the planet. They accelerated to near-light speeds, reaching the nearby relay after a few minutes. They used the relay to travel faster-than-light to the relay near planet Tindal. After a few minutes, they had arrived at the battlefield.

  The randomly appearing specks of light were the signs of battle a distance away from where the ships had stopped. They approached slowly as Alquin gave directions to the fleet, setting up the strategies and formations.

  "Five minutes, sir," the navigator said.

  "Begin battle preparations. Be prepared to attack at first sight. We're running in, take them by surprise," Alquin said.

  "Yes sir."

  In relation to the rest of the fleets, Alquin's fleet acquired a triangular formation when viewed horizontally, but each ship was on a different vertical plane. Heeding Alquin's commands, the fleet sped into the already-progressing battle.

  The allied fleet received the message to retreat only a few moments before Alquin's fleet arrived. The additional ships that were lost by the empire in the retreat had the effect Alquin was looking for. The enemy advanced on the empire's ships, though they were aware of Alquin's advance.

  Alquin reached the coalition ships a moment before they would have breached the newly formed line of empire ships. Alquin's ships fired blasters and missiles all at once, creating a brilliant sight. Tens of coalition ships fell as Alquin's advance cut through them. He sat back and grinned as the disoriented ships tried turning to counter him, to no avail.

  The battle advanced smoothly, from Alquin's point of view, for about ten minutes, during which dozens more ships fell, most of them coalition.

  "Commander, we have an issue," one of the operations officers handling logistics said.

  "What is it?" Alquin asked.

  "Our fleet is advancing. Excuse me, not your fleet, but the general that was already here. He isn't heeding the warning and is advancing. No, his ships are starting to mingle with the coalition ships in front of us! Sir, we have to stop or we will attack our own men," the officer said.

  "Blast, tell him to retreat," Alquin said.

  "Sir, he said he can't. His ships are being forced in. There is a group of ships at his flank! Sir, your orders?"

  "At his back? How did that happen? Blast. Regroup!"

  The dance of ships and attacks continued as the empire and coalition ships slowly separated, forming two distinct groups. The coalition had come with a large force to begin with, but the battle had reduced its size to two-thirds the size of the remaining empire forces. The two separately commanded fleets on the empire's side created confusion, which led to the coalition soon having an advantageous, though outnumbered, position.

  A while later the battle ended. The coalition left first, cutting their losses. The empire was still able to fight without issue, but the number of ships lost was more than Alquin had planned. Nevertheless, the empire won the battle. Afterwards, Alquin sent a message to the allied general, asking what had happened.

  "First, I'll thank you for your help. We wouldn't have won as fast without you. But, second, because of your confounded strategy, I lost some good officers. You didn't account for the enemy driving my flank forward. That's all," the general said, and then he ended his transmission.

  "At his flank? How did that happen? That wasn't the situation when I arrived. Relos!"

  "Yes sir?"

  "Get me what information you can on what happened to the general," Alquin said.

  "I've already tried. But it appears it was a detachment of ships, separate from the main fleet, who had appeared from the far side of the planet," Relos said.

  "So were they waiting for us to attack before I even arrived?"

  "Possibly. I'm not sure, sir."

  "A detachment, odd. Well, good job anyways," Alquin said.

   

  "Yue! I heard about it, another job well done."

  "Thank you, sir," Yue replied. He tapped his glass against the man's, and then took a drink.

  "You'd think they'd give you more to work with, now that you've gone and done it again. What are they calling you these days?" the man asked.

  "Nothing that I'd care to repeat. I'm just doing my duty," Yue said.

  "Nonsense. Don't let the Comet of Helt tell you he hasn't done much." A man a little older than Yue arrived and put a hand on Yue's shoulder.

  "Oh? Comet of Helt? That's a good one, I like it," the first, older man said. He laughed heartily and then took a drink. He gave a short wave, and then walked off into the crowd of the party.

  "So what has our hero been up to, hiding in the shadows at the party being held for him alone?" the man asked.

  "I don't do so well with crowds, you know that," Yue said. He gave a slight smile while looking around.

  "Learn to love them. You'll be seeing more and more of them as you rise. Right?"

  "I don't need to rise."

  "He's too modest," Miku said. She had withdrawn from the crowd and taken her place at Yue's side.

  "Lovely, as always, Miku," the man said.

  "And you to, sir," Miku said while keeping her expression flat for a moment. She then smiled.

  "Ha! Much better, much. For all his brilliance, I still think Yue Fei here is a boorish man."

  "You're probably right. You are. Yue, you aren't offended? That's a bit boorish itself," Miku said.

  "Thank you Miku. There is nothing better for me to be, right now," Yue said.

  "I'm joking. See, even I have trouble telling if Yue is being serious or not. What do you think, sir?" Miku asked.

  "I think I'm going to see whether that girl in the green dress wants to dance or not. Excuse me." The man emptied his glass, gave an
other wink to Yue, and then left.

  "Dance with me," Miku said.

  Without a word, Yue Fei obliged. Together they danced, in a room full of military personnel in celebration mode. They danced in celebration of Yue's work and achievements, and let the night pass away.

   

  The fifth battle of Londir went well in Alquin's opinion. Londir was an artificial asteroid in a key sector, so winning the fifth battle, and subsequently securing the sector, was a great achievement. The emperor rewarded Alquin appropriately for being the only commander to produce more than the usual stalemate regarding Londir.

  "It was great," Relos said. He and Alquin sat in the house of a general, surrounded by old admirals and their would-be counterparts.

  "Yes, yes it was," said an old admiral who hadn't been in combat since the second battle of Londir, twenty years ago. "I saw it played out. Fine strategy for one so young."

  "Thank you sir. To be honest, I was simply using a mix of strategies from the past. Elements of your battle there as well, were used in my ultimate plan. I cannot take much credit," Alquin said.

  "No, no, it was wonderful. You're a great lad," said a retired general. "In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if your next win ended up with a social promotion, not just military."

  "I'm still too young for that. But thank you for your mention, it is appreciated," Alquin said.

  "No, you should consider it," the former general said. The other old men in attendance also nodded in agreement.

  Alquin smiled and nodded at the man's words. He didn't need to say anymore. He knew that these old generals and admirals, though retired, still held extreme importance in the empire. They were instrumental in deciding what kinds of promotions people received, though it was secret knowledge that they had such power. What they didn't know was that Alquin had found out about that secret long ago.

  "Thank you sirs, it has been a pleasure, as always. Admiral, I truly appreciate you letting me borrow those records. I'll be back to continue our banter later, after an outpost is secured in a fringe sector. Thank you, gentlemen," Alquin said.

  Relos and Alquin left the men to their usual boredom and reminiscence. It had been productive, as always, for Alquin to speak with men who had done works of greatness that still exceeded his own. Though he had an objective, he did enjoy speaking with them.

  "Was it enough?" Relos asked.

  "It's never enough. But it's a start," Alquin said.

  "I have the names now. The first one will be the worst of it," Relos said.

  "Then we will head to him first," Alquin said. He gave the driver a message, and soon they were on their way to a new objective.

  The car stopped at the gates to a mansion, and waited as the driver conversed with someone over an intercom. Eventually the gates opened, letting the car in.

  The marquis was waiting for Alquin before the car arrived. Marquis Jaces von Brut was middle-aged, tall, and had black hair. With a glass of whiskey in hand, the robe and slippers he was wearing did nothing to diminish his dignity.

  "Well, it really is the Alquin. And the ever-present right-hand man, Relos. I've heard much about you, come in," Jaces said. Alquin and Relos obliged without hesitation. They soon relaxed in a private room where they could discuss things without interruption.

  "Thank you for seeing us without prior notice, sir," Alquin said. Jaces frowned.

  "Drop the pretense and start talking about why you're here. Although, from the way your man was snooping around, I've already suspected much. Well?" Jaces asked.

  "I need support," Alquin said.

  "For what?" Jaces asked. His brow was straight.

  "To join the aristocracy," Alquin said. Jaces' expression didn't change, but he did take a drink of whiskey.

  "Have you been nominated yet? No, that's not possible. Even if you were, why come to me?"

  "He will be, soon," Relos said. "But he still needs the approval of enough pure nobles. Especially to become a pure."

  "Ha!" Jaces lost his frown and smiled. "You're dreaming. We're called pure because we were born to nobility. You cannot go back and change your birth, no matter what achievements you get."

  "True as that is, it doesn't change that it's still just a title. It isn't unheard of, for a pure designation to be given by the emperor," Relos said.

  "Do you really think it's that easy? Quiet, I'll speak with Alquin himself," Jaces said. He returned to his frown.

  "Of course it's not easy. But with support, it's possible," Alquin said.

  "I'll be dead before I give you my support. I don't want to be one to taint the designation given to me, naturally," Jaces said.

  "Hear me out. Think of what you could gain from my ascendance," Alquin said.

  "What are you talking about? I cannot gain anything from anything you do. Why are you wasting your time here?" Jaces asked.

  "You're still listening. Is this room secure?" Alquin asked.

  "Of course."

  "Neville," Alquin said.

  Jaces' expression changed. He set his glass of whiskey aside. He closed his eyes, held his head in his hands, and then took a few deep breaths.

  "How do you know that name?" Jaces asked after a while.

  "Not how. But why. In this thing, we have a camaraderie. Why should they be stolen from us, simply because someone more important wants them?" Alquin asked.

  "That's how it is, that's why. Don't give me a false hope. Even if you rise further, it won't bring back Neville. She's gone," Jaces said.

  "Then change the system," Alquin said. "Make the empire a place where your daughter, my friend, and others can choose to love freely."

  "That's the problem, it won't change!" Jaces said. He brought a hand to his face and wiped his cheeks.

  "It will if I force it. That's why I need to start here, with you. Think about it for a moment," Alquin said.

  "Ridiculous. You can't force it. The only person who can force it, that would be the emperor," Jaces said. He shook his head in disappointment for a moment. "Wait. Wait, what are you thinking?"

  "Do I have your attention now?" Alquin asked.

  "I don't know how you could do it. Wait, I'm assuming things. I'm sorry, you wouldn't do that. Would you? I cannot speak of what I think. This, this is too much," Jaces said.

  "Rebellion. Overthrow the emperor. Take forceful control over the empire. Remove the obscene privileges of the aristocrats. Pour resources into the war, winning it once and for all. End our feud with those in higher positions who think they can buy people as merchandise. Yes, I would. And I can. It starts with your support. Are you scared of what they can do to you, should we fail?"

  "They can do nothing worse than they already have. Even a pure noble should have some decency. I'll give up whatever title I have to restore decency. And Neville," Jaces said. He stood up, walked over to Alquin, and held out his hand. Alquin stood and shook Jaces' hand. A while later, Alquin and Relos left the estate, leaving Jaces to himself.

  Jaces wandered the hallways of his mansion, quietly contemplating what had happened. When he looked around to see where he had ended up, he nearly cried in realization. The picture of his lost wife hung on the wall. He reached up and traced the outline of her face.

  "Juliette, I've failed to protect your Neville. I swear; I'll redeem myself. Or I will die trying. You cannot hold her hand anymore, but the day will come when she will see your picture daily. I'll tread through blood to see that day. I'm sorry, I won't be worthy of you after that."

  Nearby was another bottle of whiskey and several glasses. His hands shook as he poured himself a drink.

  "The last one. No more," Jaces said. He then drank the last drop of alcohol he would have in his life.