Invasion
Page 28
After he landed, Fleet Captain Kel’Bey reported to his commanding officer, who praised him for a job well done and accepted delivery of the hundred thousand human brains he had aboard the ship. The Romani had been wrong about the other ships being there to harvest brains from the Brandenburger Corporation. Only the fleet captain’s ship was harvesting brains, while the others were there to protect the planet. With the usual Saltic arrogance, no one even gave a thought to the possibility that the fleet left behind no longer existed. Had they known that their colony in Brandenburger space was also destroyed, they may have been less complacent. But they knew they were untouchable by any other race, since they were the most intelligent and they were the masters of the universe.
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The month’s passed with no word of any more Saltic incursions. There was also no sign of them back at the Brandenburger home world, which would stay fatally radioactive for at least two human generations. Romani mobilization continued as did the mobilization of the corporations. They all now knew of the danger and they also knew of the Romani. Times were changing and the Romani were putting revenge against the corporations on the back burner to deal with the common threat to all humanity. For now, Nova Romae was working its magic on the new arrivals and old friends. Young Christopher and Ann were now a couple and seemed very much in love. Slone’s son loved the Romani home world and was fitting in nicely, which made the Slones very happy. He adored his sister, Olivia. She could never replace the sister his mother had with his adopted father. He saw her grown into a preteen before they were all killed in an attack by Brandenburger Corp that started the last corporate war. Though he wanted that corporation punished, the Saltic attack was beyond anything he would wish on any enemy.
Six months after the return, both Consuls came over to the lake house to discuss a mission with the Slones. The Marshals and the remnants of the Andromeda 7 were also asked to attend. Neither of the Consuls came in their official capacity, but only as friends and family to keep the meeting casual, but the Slones could both see that there was something serious behind it. They all had a fine meal and then Juan Lorenzo began the discussion.
“Christopher, as you know, I have a year and a half left before I give up my office and hand the responsibility over to you. Before I do that, I have one last mission to send you on. Since it is a mission from which you may not return, I and the senate are asking a lot. Ironically you are the most qualified to carry it out.”
Slone poured himself another drink as they all sat comfortably in the living room. Most of his family and friends were there and they had all been through great adventures together. “Ok, Juan, now that you’ve buttered us up by telling us how qualified we are, what is the mission?”
Juan Lorenzo continued, “All has been quiet as far as the Saltic are concerned. They seem to think their infestation of the Brandenburger home world is coming along nicely. Eventually they will learn the truth, but for now we seem to be safe. The corporations are all mobilizing together and there is to be a meeting of all corporate heads one year from now to discuss our next move. The meeting will be taking place on Earth, as neutral ground. What we need is more information. We have the location of all of the main bases and the home world of the Saltic in the Andromeda galaxy, thanks to the Urk’Radi. By the way, they have been moved to the methane moon in New Wales space and they are mining crystals for us at a high rate. What we need is someone to travel to Andromeda and give us solid information and that is you and those here who have been in that galaxy before. I know it is a lot to ask, but anyone else would be shocked to even consider leaving our galaxy, and you have. Can the Romani count on you?”
Every one of the remaining crew of the Hayden was ready to do their duty. They owed everything to the Romani and were willing to do whatever was necessary to ensure the safety of the human race, especially the Romani. As Slone looked around the table, they all nodded, even his son and daughter who were present by virtue of living in the house. “I think I speak for all here when I say we stand ready to do our duty.”
“Excellent, you will leave in a week with Captain Artok’s ship again aiding the mission. In serpent space we have secretly build a planetary wormhole drive that is always charged. It can hurl you to the Andromeda galaxy without waiting for the three day charge. You will have to use your own drives to get around in the galaxy and get back here.”
“The Romani have been busy then. We will be ready to leave as ordered. Tomorrow we’ll see to getting everything aboard the ships we might need for the mission, since resupply is not going to be an option. For now, let’s enjoy the last evening of our shore leave,” Slone replied.
The rest of the night was spent enjoying each other’s company and wondering if they would ever come together like this again. When all had left, and young Christopher had gone over to Ann’s to tell her he was shipping out in a week, the Slones again found themselves sitting on their veranda overlooking the lake they loved.
“Well, Hon, in a week we will be leaving for the adventure of a lifetime, the exploration of a different galaxy. I just wish it was under different circumstances.”
“At least we will have all of our loved ones with us, no matter what awaits us. Let’s turn in and let the future take care of itself. Between managing the resupply of our ships, I want to spend the next week enjoying some sailing on the lake and not worry about war or the Saltic.”
“I agree,” Slone said as he looked at his wife with ever increasing love. No matter what the future held, they would face it together as they always had. “Let’s turn in and get an early start. We can watch the sun rise from the middle of the lake.”
They kissed and walked together into the house with all thoughts of the future put aside to enjoy the present.