Annals of the Keepers: War 267 (Book 1 in the Gashnee Saga)

by Hile, Christiaan

  Shenta Parejas continued.

  “Today we have taken the first step of a long journey in putting Mankind’s history back in order. Today will be remembered by Human and Kryth alike. The difference will be felt by the Kryth as it’s time for them to find unyielding answers. We will continue to remind every species in every sector in every system that massacring 22 billion humans will not go unanswered. Their lore kin will feel the repercussion of their actions for centuries to come.”

  Shenta Parejas finished and walked off towards the command platform.

  The Keeper knew the time was approaching to retake the Earth, as the remainder of the command staff exited the bridge lift for a last-minute update to the mission.

  The command staff arrived and met the Keeper up on the forward viewing platform.

  Alon noticed Kason and Commander Jeson Takkar chatting as Nevlen followed from behind.

  “Hello, gentlemen.” Alon nodded at the men.

  Kason was first to acknowledge his friend. “Hello, Alon.”

  Commander Takkar was next followed by Nevlen, who seemed agitated as they greeted the Keeper.

  “These last-minute mission adjustments are getting annoying and in the way of my final preps,” Nevlen complained.

  Commander Takkar just shrugged his shoulders and shook his head at Nevlen’s comment.

  Alon jumped in. “I believe it to be important, or your superiors wouldn’t have called you at this last minute,” Alon said.

  “We shall see how important, Keeper,” Nevlen said.

  A flash of light, the hum of electronics, the holo-projectors activated and came to life. The circular raised disk protruding from the floor and ceiling beamed the image of the Earth, moon, and Kryth military holdings as if they were in the room all viewing from a distance.

  Each officer began to study the image.

  Commander Parejas approached.

  “We have an update on the Retribution mission.” Parejas circled his index finger near the image of a large Kryth space station around Earth.

  A highlight circle appeared where he touched; he pulled his hand wide, zooming in on the space station, which was the primary target for the mission.

  The commander continued. “Over an hour ago, we received intel from our imbedded surveillance drones around Earth. They detected another gift from the Kryth.”

  Each man looked at the ship that was docked near the station.

  Jesan Takkar spoke first. “Is that what I think it is?”

  Parejas acknowledged, “Yes, it’s the new Legion Flag command ship. She’s on her shake-down run and showed up the last hour unannounced.”

  Parejas expanded the image out to full view to show all Kryth assets around the Earth.

  “Have they been alerted to our presence?” Nevlen said with an accusing tone.

  “No. So far, the Kryth home worlds are just receiving reports from the survivors from Dalyth Point and every sign shows they are still confused.”

  “Does it include the Kryth around Earth? What about them?” Nevlen shot back.

  “The constellation camouflage screens are still giving their sensors the impression that all is right aboard Dalyth Point. You, Commander,” looking at Nevlen, “should have more confidence in our abilities,” Parejas said.

  Jesan spoke up to avoid any tensions that may be brewing. “This would be a great asset to capture.”

  “Agreed, Commander Takkar, this is why an adjustment to the mission parameters has been made and the reason all of you are called here now,” Parejas said as he continued on with the briefing. “Kason’s Reaver team will enter here aboard the Legion Flag and disable the reactors.” He motioned on the holo-projection to the massive Kryth station the ship was docked at. “Nevlen, you and your troops will take the far end of the station and work your way to the center and hold, awaiting Kason’s team meeting you half-way.”

  Nevlen interrupted. “Wouldn’t it be easier for my troops to take the whole station while Kason’s team took the ship?”

  Parejas adjusted the holo-image to close in on the ship docked around the station.

  “A legion of Si Troops is posted at this end of the station near the docked ship. They arrived with the Legion Flag. We do not know their contingency size. We considered that approach, Commander Nevlen, but figured it best to divert their attention to Kason’s team aboard the Flag, while your team takes the station up to this point.” Shenta knew Nevlen wanted to interject, but continued before he could utter another word. “The Kryth may send more troops your way, with Kason’s team disabling the reactor they will then proceed to clear and meet you in the middle section here. This will pinch the Kryth until further back-up arrives,” Parejas finished.

  “With all due respect Commander, my troops are quite capable of taking the whole station without any support. I want to make this clear for the record,” Nevlen said.

  “Your troops are capable, Commander, but this is the strategy we will implement. And Commander,” Parejas looked at Nevlen, “it’s clear for the record.” Parejas continued. “Commander Takkar, your fleet will engage all the Kryth vessels including a large service platform off away from the station.”

  “Understood, Commander. What of any other ships not of Kryth origin? What shall we do with them?” Takkar asked.

  “You are not to attack unless engaged upon. Our fight is with the Kryth. I will leave it at your discretion on what is considered a threat.” Parejas then turned to Kason. “Captain Bender, your team will have limited information on the Legion Flag. The reactors are upgraded versions of the ones found on Exendoth destroyers. We have updated your tactical profile on the vessel. Have your team read up on what we have. Our goal here, gentleman, is to disable and capture the Legion Flag, station, and as many assets as possible.”

  Commander Parejas looked over each of his officers.

  “Gentlemen, we have come a great distance in history for this moment. There is no doubt you and your forces will perform with certainty. In a few short hours, humankind will celebrate its victory back in the Mydian system. Let’s not let them down. You’re dismissed,” Parejas finished.

  His officers left the bridge for the final preps before Retribution.

  Commander Parejas turned back around to look at the sun in the far distance. “Let the clock strike twelve and we shall have our vengeance.”

  Data Cell 11

  The lights on the bridge were dim. The low hum of the great ship’s heartbeat of machinery is the only thing that broke the eerie silence.

  This is the moment we have all waited for, Alon thought. Mankind is returning home today to the place of his origin, the planet of his birth.

  Alon struggled with his emotions, not wanting them to cloud his perception of the events ahead, which in moments would begin.

  He moved from his seated position next to the command consoles. He walked up the short flight of steps towards the forward viewing platform on the Orion’s Rage.

  The jump into the center of the system, which would soon commence, would only take a fraction of a breath.

  He watched out the bridge’s window as the fleet moved into position.

  His ears were just waiting for the order issued from Commander Shenta Parejas to begin the Retribution mission to retake the Earth.

  Alon’s heart palpitated as he sensed the uneasiness of the bridge crew; noting the historical aspects of such a moment would cause most to pause and contemplate the great importance of such an event.

  The Keeper’s mind went to his good friend, Kason, wondering what emotions he was feeling as the Reavers lay in their pods, ready to launch.

  Commander Shenta Parejas sat in his chair high above the bridge. His cool, calm features betrayed not a hint of eagerness the Keeper observed.

  Parejas stared straight ahead at the bright star near the center of the system. He then glanced around at his crew.

  They were ready, everyone was ready.

  The moment was at hand as Lt. Commander Temin spoke
up. “Ordinance Fleet, this is Orion’s command. Sector is clear. Status is a go. All systems are functional… Stand by.”

  Droe finished her prep commands as the rest of the bridge came to life with overlapping voices.

  “Fighters are in formation…”

  “Copy. All battle cruisers are in position and proceeding with…”

  “Stormtac group five is holding and waiting…”

  “Reaver team ready for launch, continue with status updates…”

  “Flashpoint, you are clear to enter firing position…”

  Droe swiveled in her chair to face Parejas, who sat behind and above her position. “All preliminary tasks have been performed. The fleet is in position, Commander.”

  “What’s the status around Earth, of all Kryth positions?” Parejas asked.

  “Every scan and sweep are clear, sir. The camouflage sphere continues to block all evidence of our activity around Dalyth Point. The enemy has no idea we’re out here,” Droe finished with a justified smile.

  “Very well.” Parejas stood. “Lieutenant Commander, have the fleet stand by for my command,” he ordered.

  Droe turned around in her chair and activated an icon on the glass panel to her front. “The fleet is connected to the bridge, sir.”

  Commander Parejas placed his hands behind the small of his back. “To all Ordinance forces, this is the day the human race has waited for. The loss of our system and way of life, two hundred and sixty-seven years ago by the Kryth Mahr Domain has come to an end. All ships, prepare for the re-conquest and invasion of the Sol system, on my command.”

  Shenta Parejas paused for the briefest of moments to take in his most important command to date.

  “All Ordinance forces commence. . . Retribution!”

  The space outside the great ship blurred to an intense white light as the fleet jumped into hyper-space.

  The space between the Earth and the moon began to ripple. A massive fissure opened up and outpoured the Ordinance fleet.

  Alon watched as the Orion’s Rage dropped from hyper-space, passing through the fissure at the other end of the enveloping intense point of light. The light only lasted a mere breath as it receded to a pinpoint back to the stillness of space.

  Alon’s face froze as his eyes caught the view of the Earth for the first time.

  It was not what the Annals data cells showed from the planet’s past, with its pristine blue oceans and wisps of white clouds.

  What awaited his stare was a brownish gray planet.

  What looked to be a thick blanket of brown clouds covered two-thirds of the surface, with only the poles showing from the ground to the atmosphere. Parts of North America and Africa were also visible, but the rest of the continents were shrouded in a hazy choking layer; no doubt the poison the Kryth used to eradicate life from the planet 267 years earlier, Alon noted.

  Alon’s attention was diverted by a massive ion wave fired from Commander Takkar’s ship, the Flashpoint, followed by two other waves.

  He was blinded for a bit as his eyes strained then recovered.

  Alon saw the first wave strike the large Kryth space station, their main objective, four times the size of Dalyth Point.

  He marveled at the way the wave impacted the metal surface and cascaded over its length.

  Next, he caught the other wave strike a group of vessels anchored near what looked to be a service platform. The last and third wave struck the Legion Flag.

  It was almost too much for Alon to take in, as the assault for Earth had begun.

  Streaking past the command ship, he saw groups of Stormtac fighters launch from the carrier Forcel, beginning their run on the defense batteries around the station.

  Small, circular ripples began bubbling up around the station in waves as the fighters’ weapons found their marks.

  To Alon’s right, he caught an Ordinance cruiser fire a massive-beamed weapon that sliced through the service platform with grim efficiency.

  Heavier mass cannons thundered from the Flashpoint, battering all Kryth ships which docked around.

  Space soon filled with explosions and shock waves in all directions.

  One such explosion shifted Alon’s mind towards Kason. The Reavers were no doubt already onboard the Legion Flag engaging the enemy at this moment.

  Data Cell 12

  The piercing whine of Reaver weapons came to a halt.

  The red strobe lights along the walls continued sounding their warnings as Kryth corpses littered the corridor onboard the Legion Flag command ship.

  Kason communicated with his team. “I have the reactor room fifty meters ahead.”

  “Copy that, Reaver Lead. I have three inbound Kryth approaching,” Keelen signaled as he awaited his helmet’s coordinates on the enemy. “Left corridor adjacent. Range is 30 meters and closing.”

  Kason looked over at Jens. “Jens, the door.”

  “This lock system is a stubborn bugger,” Jens said.

  “How much longer?” Kason queried.

  Jens was holding a slicer pack against the data pad near the archway. “I need a minute more, boss.”

  “Time’s up. You handle the door and the Kryth.” Kason directed towards Jens. He turned towards Maddox. “Maddox, lead the way to the engine room.”

  Maddox lifted his gyro-cannon parallel to the hallway as he moved.

  Kason and Keelen followed, pistol weapons drawn.

  Jens kept one eye on the red triangles approaching his position next to the door and the other on the splicer.

  “Let’s go, I haven’t got all day. I have many doors to splice.” Jens spoke to himself, willing the splice to complete.

  The foot-falls of the Kryth were getting closer as they picked up their pace, approaching Jens’ location.

  The counter on the lock showed four out of five triggers complete.

  “Not enough time. Oh well, have to do it the fun way.”

  He left the splicer in the panel opening and spotted three Kryth through the hull wall, just about to his position.

  With his helmet’s display, he activated his weapon choice. “System, kodachi blades, release.”

  Two kodachi handles popped out from atop his shoulders from within his back armor.

  Reaching his hands over, grasping the handles, he pulled the blades forth and to his front.

  The three red triangles rounded to his location.

  Lunging, Jens found the first Kryth, driving his blade through his chest armor letting the soldier’s momentum carry him past.

  The second Kryth raised his weapon only to be met by Jens’ second blade, severing his arm, while the last Kryth reeled back releasing a burst of plasma bolts from his weapon, which struck his own comrade in the torso, sending shards of blood flying through the corridor.

  Jens ducked and released the first blade from the falling Kryth soldier, swiping at the leg of the third. He missed.

  Jens moved up to block the Kryth weapon now coming down towards his head.

  Boom!

  The weapon discharged again just as Jens stopped it, inches from his helmet.

  The next blade found its mark. The Kryth doubled over, only to have Jens throw his head back, sending the corpse to the hard deck, as the blade slid back out from where it had entered.

  “Interrupt my splice.”

  His door splice complete, Jens ran down the hallway towards the main engine room and the rest of his team.

  ∞∞∞

  The Kryth soldiers on the station were falling back as Commander Bossarios’ troops advanced from the hangar bay. Explosions erupted from nearby canisters, sending debris and Kryth body parts flying through the air.

  The shower of material blanketed Nevlen’s covered position behind a large disabled Assault Mech.

  Nevlen was glad that the four mech units were disabled, or out of commission. Their robot armaments were enough to cause havoc amongst his troops, if they were to engage them. He was glad they stood silent, as it would make his team’s assault mu
ch easier.

  Another explosion erupted close by.

  Nevlen winced at the explosion, knowing full well his troops’ body armor was nothing like that of the Reavers.

  A scowl came across his face, eyes narrowing.

  The Ordinance troops were well-trained and their armor was sound, but Nevlen considered them hand-me-downs and far inferior to those the vat-babes wore.

  No matter. He would prove, once and for all, that his troops were the Reavers’ equal if not their better.

  “Bravo Squad, I want you to advance as fast as you can to the center objective. Charlie Squad, follow up with flank defense for Bravo. Delta, you will hold the hangar,” Nevlen said, looking over his troops. “Let’s do this. Move out!”

  The squads moved on his command.

  The hallways leading from the hangar bay were larger than normal. They led into other hallways and hangars to move cargo and equipment around, Nevlen noted.

  Nevlen’s troops ran down towards their objective as the Kryth soldiers fled, falling back to the center interior of the station.

  Just as Nevlen’s Alpha squad approached Bravo, enemy fire opened up further down the hallway to their front, which was now narrowing to a smaller corridor. Nevlen’s troops took cover behind archways.

  The troops returned fire as plasma bolts impacted walls and floor.

  The Kryth seemed to be well covered, as Nevlen surveyed their positions. “Panther,” he yelled, calling up a troop with a shoulder weapon, “scatter charge, go,” Nevlen ordered.

  The trooper launched a projectile round, which roared down the center of the hallway towards the Kryth.

  The Kryth weapons’ fire zipped past the incoming round streaking towards them. The long arrow-like projectile spun, releasing hundreds of small pellets, flinging them throughout the Kryth positioned in the hallway.

  The ripples of multiple explosions engulfed the corridor in an inferno of fire and screams.

  Nevlen’s troops continued towards their objective through the smoke unimpeded until...

  Nevlen cleared some canisters and a Kryth soldier leaped out from the smoke and tackled him.