“It bothers me knowing she’s so close, and yet I have no way to speak to her.”
Admiral Cross nodded. “It has to be that way. We have no idea how long the Druins will keep monitoring us. It would not surprise me if they set up some permanent monitoring system, just to make sure we stay primitive.”
“Other Humans are on this planet,” said Aiden. “In time we will need to contact them and to see about bringing them out of barbarism.”
“It will have to be gradual. We don’t want to bring to the Druins’ attention that we’re manipulating this planet’s Humans.”
Aiden looked toward Captain Brunson and his officers, who were gathering different groups of people to work on the projects they must complete in order to survive on this world. Most people seemed receptive, though a few looked at Captain Brunson in shock and disdain at what he was saying.
Aiden sighed. “We need to find a way to preserve our knowledge and our technology. We have to pass it down to future generations.”
“We shall,” promised Admiral Cross. “We have a few of our more renown scientists in the Royal Court with us. We also managed to sneak a few books as well as some primitive weapons into our supplies. Some of those crates have false bottoms. The Druins scanned for power sources and metals. They didn’t scan for books and wooden crossbows. We’ll wait a few weeks, or even months, before we remove them. There are a few other items we managed to sneak through as well.”
“They did allow us to bring some axes and other basic tools,” said Aiden. “At least we can build a decent settlement.”
“It will take time.” Admiral Cross looked where several doctors and nurses were inventorying their medical supplies. “Our normal lifespan with the life-extension drugs we have all taken is well over two hundred years. In future generations our children will be lucky to live to see one hundred. It could be even less.”
Aiden sat down on a small crate that contained food rations. “I wish I could live long enough to see the Confederation and the Druins get what’s coming to them.” He still felt extreme anger at what had been done to the Empire and to his family. He wanted revenge, but the Druins and the Confederation were permanently out of his reach.
Admiral Cross looked around. “This world could do just that someday. It’s up to us to sow the seeds for that future. True, we won’t live to see it, but our distant ancestors will.”
Aiden looked at the admiral. “Where’s the nearest Human settlement?”
“None are close,” replied Cross. “We chose this location for its isolation. We’re on a very large island with massive continents north and south of us. We need to give our people time to acclimate to their new surroundings. Once we’re ready, we can send out teams to help the locals.”
“We’ll need to be careful,” Aiden replied. “Any sudden advances could bring the Druins back.”
Admiral Cross nodded. “Once we get our settlement built, we can gather some of the more knowledgeable among us to decide upon the best ways to advance the Humans of this world, without drawing the attention of the Druins. We can teach the locals many things to make their lives better and more productive.”
Aiden looked to where Lieutenant Maya Breams was organizing a team of able-bodied men and women to set up some of the large military tents. For the first time Aiden noticed the lieutenant was a very pretty woman. Aiden let out a deep sigh; fortunately over 30 percent of the people marooned on this planet were young women. It wouldn’t be long before their population began to grow.
Standing back up, Aiden decided to go lend a hand. They had a lot of work to do, and, for all of them, the war against the Confederation was over. At least for now.
-
Princess Layla stood in the massive ship-construction bay of Project Exodus. Four new large dreadnoughts were in the process of construction. Most of the work was being done by robots and automatic construction machinery.
“What good is this fleet if we can’t use it?” She was confused by what she was seeing.
“We have four construction bays, such as this one,” answered Captain Masters. “All are highly automated and require little Human supervision. Humans man the Control Centers for each bay, but they’re the only ones involved in the construction here.”
Krista looked around in awe. She couldn’t believe all that had been done here. “How did all this get built?”
Captain Masters smiled. “It was all part of Prince Starguard’s and High King Starguard’s contingency plan, in case the Confederation ever attacked the Empire. They realized the Empire’s continued expansion could some day illicit a response from the Confederation, though your father thought the possibility of an actual Confederation attack was very low. This place has been under construction for years. It’s still not quite done, but enough of the installation is finished to allow us to use it.”
“How many people are here?” asked Layla.
Captain Masters frowned. “The Confederation moved faster than we thought possible. The base is designed to hold a working population of nearly two hundred thousand. We only have 68,000 here.”
Layla watched as robotic arms put in place a large sheet of battle armor on one of the ships. “So what will we do?”
Captain Masters took in a deep breath. “This base has numerous cryochambers. Most of the personnel will be put to sleep, with just enough awake to finish the base and to keep an eye on the ship-construction bays. When a ship is finished, a stasis field will be placed around it.”
-
“What’s a stasis field?” asked Krista.
“It’s a new development,” explained Captain Masters. “Anything inside a stasis field will stay unchanged, as long as the field is active.”
Krista felt a cold chill pass over her. “How long can these fields be used?”
Captain Masters looked directly at Krista. “Hundreds even thousands of years, if necessary. If we put a stasis field around my cruiser and came back to it one thousand years from now, it would look the same as it does today.”
Krista felt overwhelmed by everything. So much had happened in the last few weeks. She was thankful that Layla was here with her.
-
“Why are we going into cryosleep?” asked Layla. She had read about it and had even seen a few experiments done at the Imperial University.
“We know of one planet in this system with primitive Humans. They have not developed any measurable technology. We’ll stay in cryo until such a time as they’ve advanced to the point where they can provide the crews for our ships. Then we will return to the Confederation and free the Empire.”
“But that could be hundreds or even thousands of years away,” protested Princess Layla, her face turning pale.
Captain Masters nodded. “However long it takes for the primitive planet in this system to become civilized. We anticipate one thousand years at the earliest, to avoid added interest from the Druins. With the Druins and the Confederation in charge of the Empire, there will be little change in its technology or civilization. The Confederation will not allow any more technological advances. The Empire will stay static and unchanged, as long as it’s controlled by the Confederation.”
Layla realized that everyone she knew would be gone when she was reawakened. “What about my family? Do we know what happened to them?”
“I’m sorry to say the High King, your mother, and a few others, including Admiral Vexx, were executed to set an example. The executions were broadcast across the Empire. I can also assure you, it was quick and painless.”
Layla felt faint. With her father, her mother, and her brother gone, it made her the highest-ranking member of the Royal Family. She was now the High Queen of the Empire. However, her Empire technically no longer existed. Layla felt Krista’s hand on her arm, steadying her.
“Your father wanted us to get you away to safety. We have a future ahead of us, though it might be some years before we fully realize just what that future is.”
“What about my brother?
Was he killed on the Vindicator?” In some ways Layla was relieved that her brother had not lived to see what had happened to the Empire and to their parents.
“What about my parents?” asked Krista.
Captain Masters seemed to hesitate. “Prince Starguard is still alive, as are your parents, Krista. They’re all on the primitive planet in this system. The High King managed to work out a deal, allowing most of the members of the Royal Court to be banished to this system, with the caveat that they could not take any technology or power tools.”
“They’ll die!” cried out Krista. “We must rescue them!”
Captain Masters shook his head. “We can’t. The Druins have ships in orbit around the planet, looking for such a rescue attempt. Even my stealth cruiser might be detected. If that were to happen, then everything we’ve worked for here could be put in jeopardy. Aiden and your parents would not want that.”
Layla squared her shoulders. Technically, with Aiden still alive, that made him the High King of the Empire. However, with him marooned on the planet, it left her and Krista as the only free members of the Royal Family. For all intents and purposes that made her the High Queen. It was up to her to set an example for her people. “Captain Masters is right. We can’t risk a rescue, which might expose our secret plan to attack the Confederation in the future. We must allow our families to live out their lives on the primitive planet, no matter how much we love them. As they no doubt must let us live out ours in Sanctuary, mostly in cryo. It’s what must be done, if we want to free the Empire from the Confederation some day.” It was painful for Layla to say that. Her heart felt the loss of her parents, as well as knowing her brother was so near but out of reach.
Krista looked at Layla and nodded. Her eyes were wet. “You’re right. I must remember who we are and why we are here.”
Layla took in a deep steadying breath. “Captain Masters, I believe there is more to this installation you wanted to show us.”
-
Captain Masters continued with the tour, taking the girls through much of the base, except the uncompleted sections. Work was ongoing, as the robots built tunnels and added workstations. It would still be another two years before all the work was complete.
“How soon do we need to go into cryosleep?” asked Krista. “Does it have to be soon?”
“No,” replied Captain Masters. “We can wait a few weeks, or even months, if you want. We still have a lot of work that needs to be finished before many of our people can be put into cryo.”
“You said earlier that some people would stay awake,” said Layla. “How many?”
“About four hundred,” replied Captain Masters. “That’s the minimum number our psychologists recommended. Each group will work for five years, and then a second group will be awakened to take their places. In case of an emergency, more can be brought out of cryo if needed.”
“I believe we’re ready to return to our quarters,” said Layla. “Krista and I have a lot to talk about.”
“As you wish, my ladies,” replied Captain Masters. “If you need anything, you can use the comm unit in your quarters to summon me. Someone will find me, and I’ll the there as soon as I can.”
“Thank you,” replied Layla. “You have been very helpful.”
-
On the planet, Prince Starguard was hard at work. They had cut down some trees and were now sawing the trunks into manageable pieces for some permanent structures. Several of the Imperial Guards had indicated they had built such structures in the past for hunting cabins. Captain Pinal had taken over supervising them.
“Everything’s going pretty well,” reported Captain Brunson, a satisfied look on his face. “There was some grumbling at first from a few people, but, when I told them, if they didn’t work, they wouldn’t be allowed to eat, they fell into line. They’re not happy, but they’re pulling their share of the work.”
“We’ve also removed a few of the crossbows,” Captain Pinal explained, “from the hidden compartments in a few of the crates. Due to their construction, I’m pretty certain, if the Druins detect them, they’ll just assume we made them ourselves out of local materials.”
“We’ve given them to members of the Imperial Guard, as they’re responsible for our security,” added Admiral Cross. “The nearest Human settlement is about eighty kilometers from here, so we don’t expect any problems from that source. Our hunting parties have spotted a few medium-size cats and some smaller animals, but nothing considered extremely dangerous. A lot of birds are here, as well as some other animals that should be good sources of protein.”
“What about fishing?” asked Aiden. “We’re not that far from the ocean.”
Captain Brunson nodded. “Once we have the settlement finished, we’ll see about building some small boats. We have no idea what might be in that ocean. I will feel better if we have some decent-size boats for us to use before we get out on the water.”
“We have found some edible fruits and berries,” added Admiral Cross. “We also have seeds we brought from home. Some of those should be compatible with this environment. It might be a good idea to get some people busy working on some gardens.”
“Rabbits are here as well,” said Captain Brunson. “It seems as if those small animals are found on nearly every Human world.”
Aiden watched several men place a log in place on a stone foundation. They had already experienced several rainstorms since their arrival on the planet, and they had been quick to set up a rustic rain-barrel collection system. Now it was essential they get the cabins built to provide better protection. “We’ll need some underground storage rooms to store some of our provisions.”
“Already thought of that,” replied Captain Brunson. “As soon as we get enough cabins built, we’ll start on that as well. We’ll need a smokehouse for meat, and there are some local animals we can capture and place in pens. We could breed them and have a steady supply of protein.”
Aiden was satisfied with the progress they were making. He was anxious to get the settlement done and to begin the process of helping this world advance its civilization.
-
Later Aiden stood outside his tent, looking up at the stars. Not near as many as back home on Golan Four. Still there were enough to form some star patterns, though none were recognizable. With a deep sigh, he wondered what Layla and Krista were doing. He knew they were in Sanctuary, which was built as part of Operation Exodus. He also knew they were here in this system nearby. Aiden took a deep breath as he thought over the plans for Sanctuary. It wasn’t quite finished, but it was far enough along to serve its purpose.
Someday the people of this planet would find Sanctuary and would realize their future destiny. It would be up to them to free the Empire from the clutches of the Confederation. Aiden wished he could be a part of that, but it was not in his future. His future was ensuring the people with him survived and that future generations worked toward the goal of advancing the Humans on this world. “I love you, Layla,” he whispered quietly. Turning he went inside his tent to get some sleep. Still a lot of work needed to be done here, and a good night’s rest was calling. He had also been spending some time with Lieutenant Breams. He was surprised at how much they had in common.
-
Several days later Princess Layla stood in front of a cryotube, along with Krista and Captain Masters. “I don’t know if I’m ready for this.”
Captain Masters smiled in understanding. “It’s perfectly safe and will be just like falling asleep. We’ve already put several thousand families into cryo.”
“It’s not that,” replied Layla, a sad look on her face. “It’s just knowing that Aiden and many others will be long dead when I wake up.”
“I’ll be here,” said Krista, taking Layla’s hand.
“So will I,” added Captain Masters. “I’ll be going into cryo in a few more months.”
Layla nodded and turned to the medical personnel, who were standing near them. “I guess we’re ready.”
Dr. Sharma stepped closer. “We will give both of you several injections to help your bodies handle the cryosleep. Let me assure you that it’s perfectly safe. We’ve kept people in cryo for nearly one hundred years with no measurable side affects.”
“But this might be much longer,” said Krista worriedly.
“Won’t be a problem,” assured Dr. Sharma. “We’ll wake people up periodically to study the effects of long-term cryosleep. We’re not expecting any problems. There will always be few medical personnel awake, just in case a problem does occur.”
Layla and Krista climbed into the two cryotubes set aside for them and the only two tubes in the room.
“I’ll see you when we wake up,” Krista said, as she closed her eyes, and the tube slid shut.
Layla felt her eyelids grow heavy, and she soon found herself drifting off to sleep.
-
Captain Masters watched as the tubes were activated and the lids frosted over.
“It’s done,” said Dr. Sharma, as he checked some readings on the control panels on the end of each cryotube. “Everything’s working properly. Computers will monitor all the cryotubes in the facility. If any problems arise, the medical personnel on duty will be notified immediately.”
“Nearly all of us will be in cryo soon,” replied Captain Masters. “I wonder what we’ll find when we all wake up.”
“A new world,” replied Dr. Sharma.
Captain Masters nodded. He knew, when they woke up, it would be time for war. War against the Druins and the Confederation. He wondered what the people of the world Aiden Starguard had gone to would think about that.
“What do the primitive people of the planet call their world?” asked Dr. Sharma.
“Earth,” replied Captain Masters. “They call it Earth.”
Chapter Four
Admiral Kalar of the Druins stared down at the ruins of the Human world below his fleet. The world of Dorman Three was on fire. The world was in the Haven Nebula and had refused to accept the rule of the Confederation. As a result, antimatter missiles had been dropped on all cities with a population greater than 250,000. Huge mushroom clouds rose into the air, marking the destruction of the huge metroplexes.
The Forgotten Empire: Banishment: Book One Page 4
