Fury to the Stars (Universe in Flames Book 2)

by Christian Kallias

Captain Saroudis arrived on the bridge of the SAD Cronos and happily approached his old friend, Admiral Thassos.

  “Admiral.”

  “Adonis,” she corrected him, “how many times do I have to remind you to call me by my first name?”

  “Very well, how are you, Ally?” Saroudis asked with a smile.

  “I’m fine. What about you?”

  “Very well, considering the last few months. You have no idea how much of a relief it was to see your battle group arrive.”

  “You had things under control. I’m sure you would have prevailed.”

  “Maybe, but that’s not what I meant.”

  “I know what you meant.” The admiral nodded slowly. “I’m very happy to see you survived as well.”

  “Any news of the home world? Maybe more ships survived?”

  “The Sixth Fleet protecting the home world fought to the death but they were overwhelmed by impossible numbers. They protected Alpha Prime as long as they could but… it fell.”

  Saroudis’ heart dropped. “Did you ever go back there to see if there were survivors?”

  “We’ve tried but Obsidian left a substantial amount of ships in orbit. In the end, I decided it was too much of a risk. At the time, the battle group had suffered too much damage for us to even attempt any kind of rescue.”

  “I understand. We were in bad shape ourselves.”

  “I bet. So I’m being told you allied yourself with a planet called Earth,” Ally said expectantly.

  “Yes, against my better judgment. But it has proven to be the right thing to do.”

  “Why against your better judgment?”

  “Technologically speaking, they really aren’t even space-worthy.”

  She nodded. “Ah, the first contact directive.”

  “Yes, but one of my trusted officers made a compelling argument at the time.”

  “I guess sometimes we have no other choice but to break the rules.”

  “Exactly,” he agreed. “How did the negotiations go with the Droxians?”

  “It’s still ongoing, but I simply couldn’t take it anymore. My second-in-command took over. Let’s just say they are in agreement with some reservations.”

  He smiled, knowing full well the drudgery of the legalese. “Well, since you just spent so much time negotiating down there, you must be tired of talking through it right now. Perhaps you’d like to tell me more sometime later. Over dinner, perhaps?”

  “That sounds like a good idea.” She smiled. “I just wish we could eat something different than rations. We’re running out of quadrinium even though the Droxians agreed to provide us with as much as we need from now on.”

  “Well, if you’d like to come onboard the Destiny, I think we can arrange something better than rations, Adm—sorry—Ally.”

  “That sounds like a terrific idea. But before we do, we should probably go back to Earth. I heard it got hit badly. Any news?”

  “We’ve received communications from our officers on the planet,” began Captain Saroudis. “It’s not pretty. There were a lot of casualties and quite a bit of civil unrest. We should indeed get back there as soon as possible.”

  “Agreed. For the time being, this is still your show. I’m not here to take control of your new Alliance.” She raised her hands innocently.

  “I appreciate that, but you should probably take command further down the road.”

  “We’ll see. You know me, give me a battle group and a target, and I’m happy.”

  Saroudis laughed. “Well, in that case you should feel ecstatic, because targets are not what we miss nowadays.”

  “I wouldn’t go as far as happy, but we certainly have lots to do and many battles ahead of us,” she replied.

  “Is your fleet capable of jumping back to Earth with us?”

  “Absolutely. As soon as our chambers are reloaded we can be on our way.”

  “Good. I’ll return to the Destiny and prepare my crew for the jump.” He suddenly hesitated. “Perhaps you’d like to come with me for that dinner? Make the jump onboard the Destiny?”

  “Yes, I guess there’s no reason for me to stay with my ship during the jump,” she said gratefully. “Give me an hour or two to finalize the preparations here regarding the quadrinium distribution and I’ll be there.”

  “I am really happy you’re alright, Ally.”

  “You said that already.”

  “That’s how happy I am.”

  * * *

  Back in the Destiny’s captain’s ready room, Admiral Thassos sat on her chair while Captain Saroudis pushed it under her.

  “Thank you, Adonis. Quite the gentleman. What smells so good?”

  “I’m told this is called Chicago-style, deep-dish, pepperoni pizza.”

  “I have no idea what that means, but I can’t wait to have some.”

  The captain walked around the table and took the chair facing his old friend. “I did some research and it appears this is a very ancient dish from Earth that evolved over the centuries. The original recipe included the flesh of animals.”

  “Yuck!” Ally said, unable to hide her disgust.

  “I know, but our food synthesizers just replicate the taste. I have to admit, I did try meat on Earth and it tastes delicious. But I prefer eating the synthetized version.”

  She gave him a look. “Alright, as long as no animal was injured in the preparing of this meal, I am happy to eat it. The smell is intoxicating.”

  “The taste is even better,” Saroudis replied, picking up his fork.

  Admiral Thassos took a bite and her eyes lit up immediately. “This is probably one of the best things I have ever tasted in my entire life.” She placed one hand over her full mouth to avoid being rude, but quickly cut another piece for herself.

  “Earthlings are very talented when it comes to making rich and decadent food. Their original recipes are not exactly healthy, but thanks to our technology, we can replicate the taste almost perfectly without the health problems of their originals.”

  “To tell you the truth, even if it wasn’t healthy, I don’t think I could force myself not to eat this right now. It’s just too delicious.” She smiled and took another bite.

  “Yes, that was part of their problem on Earth as well. It led to obesity and cardiovascular problems, and a host of other ailments within their population.”

  “But how do they feel eating the flesh of animals?”

  “They’ve been doing it for so long, centuries in fact, that I don’t think they think about it one way or another. There are people against it, of course, but this is a planet with many beliefs and different cultures and ways of life. Eating one animal in one religion is permitted, but could be construed as a crime in another.”

  “And do they get along with such diversity? That must have created conflicts,” Admiral Thassos inquired.

  “Before we arrived, yes, it did. In fact, there were small wars going on all over the planet. That being said, each country seemed fine respecting their own cultural aspects within their own borders. Actually, it’s more complicated than that, but I don’t want to bore you with such details. Let’s just say, the intervention of the Olympian Aphroditis changed all that,” Captain Saroudis added without thinking.

  Admiral Thassos dropped her fork. “What?”

  “Oh yes…” the captain backtracked quickly, “… that.”

  “Yes, that! Mind explaining? The Olympians exist?”

  Saroudis took a deep breath before responding. “They do. Look, here’s what happened. When we arrived in this area of space, we didn’t know where to go to mend our damaged ships. I wanted to go to an abandoned world.”

  “Logical choice. No surprises on an uninhabited world.”

  “Not exactly. Do you remember Chase? The one who asked you for an Omega fighter?” Admiral Thassos nodded. “Well, he was adamant that Earth was the key to our future. I had my doubts.”

  “What changed your mind?”

  “His explanation was… persuasive.
It certainly didn’t hurt that he had a gun to my head.”

  Her jaw dropped open. “You’re not serious?”

  “Well, he had been contacted by Aphroditis, who pretty much ordered him to do whatever it would take to make sure we went to save Earth.”

  “Save?”

  “Yes, our jump in the area attracted unwanted attention. We believe it was the reason why Earth was about to be attacked.”

  “Let me stop you right there, Adonis. You were convinced at gun point, by a guy who told you he heard a goddess talk to him? That sounds really ludicrous.”

  “I know how it sounds,” Saroudis replied, “but I guess you had to be there. There was something about him that was so sincere. And I’ve always been fascinated with the tales of the Olympian divinities, even though they lost traction with our people so long ago.”

  “Legends at best.”

  “Most legends are based on some sort of truth.”

  “So you really believe the gods of Olympia exist?” she asked.

  “They do exist, yes. Well, at least Aphroditis does. We haven’t had any communications with any other Olympian. They seem to be a more advanced species. Perhaps not gods, but at this point, I don’t really care. They came through for us, and forcing Chase’s hand to go to Earth was the right call.”

  “There goes your legend. It’s debunked itself. Why should we trust these people? I don’t like the idea of being controlled. They could be setting us up; have you thought of that?”

  He nodded seriously. “The thought had crossed my mind, yes, but the results speak for themselves. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have struck an Alliance with the humans of Earth, we wouldn’t have fended off their second attack, and we probably wouldn’t have regrouped with you.”

  “All well and good, but what if their game plan involves sacrificing us all for their own purposes later down the road?” she insisted.

  “Like I said, you had to be there. When she addressed the people of Earth, I felt her presence and I felt her intentions. Those didn’t reflect the work of a mischievous being.”

  “Or they did, and they use their superiority as a race better than you think.”

  “That sounds almost like paranoia.”

  “We couldn’t have stayed alive this long without a small dose of it, my friend.”

  “Still, I believe they are on our side.”

  “And for the sake of all of our lives, I hope you’re right. But if you ever relinquish power to me, please know that I will approach that particular subject with much more caution.”

  Saroudis held up his hands. “You can take power; I don’t have to relinquish it. In fact, it may be better for the troops if the chain of command was respected. I think you should give the order now.”

  She considered for a moment before agreeing. “I’ll do it for the sole purpose of appearances, but for the time being, I will let you decide our course of action—unless I see any reason for this to change. So sure, just report to me, and inform me of your intentions. How does that sound?”

  “That sounds great.”

  “Also, the humans are used to interacting with you, Captain Saroudis. But I would like to change one thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Nothing fancy, but I believe a rank change to Commodore Saroudis is more than deserved in your case.”

  He beamed back at her. “Are you serious?”

  “You deserve it. Heck, you deserved that rank way before all of this, if you ask me.”

  “Thank you, Ally. It means a lot that you would think so.”

  She smiled at him warmly and the two continued to eat their deep-dish pizza in a comfortable silence.

  C H A P T E R

  XII

  Sarah slowly opened her eyes and focused on Chase’s face. She blinked, partially because she couldn’t believe her eyes, partially to make sure she actually could, and felt every sensation in her body begin to come back to her once more. It was liberating beyond belief.

  “Chase, I’m so glad—”

  But then he was kissing her. She forgot herself entirely and lost herself in his arms, closing her eyes and melting against his body in sheer exhaustion and relief. All the tears Argos wouldn’t let her cry before came streaming down her face, and when she finally looked up, Chase was crying as well. They sat like that for a long time, just looking at each other, softly stroking each other’s hair.

  “I love you,” he said suddenly, causing even more tears to fall.

  The words were like a life raft, and she clung to them with every bit of strength she had.

  “I love you too.”

  Despite how many times Chase had thought the words while Sarah was away, no matter how many times she had imagined them during her brutal interrogation, it was actually the first time either one of them had said the words aloud.

  They embraced once more and Sarah shivered at his touch. She had pictured this moment happening so many times, now that she was finally in Chase’s arms, half of her was worried it wasn’t real.

  “I can’t… I can’t believe you’re actually here.”

  “Why is that?” Chase murmured against her hair. “You had to know I’d come for you.”

  “Yes, but Argos—”

  “Shh,” he soothed her, “that’s all over now. You’re safe.”

  She stifled a shudder. “Chase… is he really your brother?”

  Chase shifted uncomfortably. “I’m… not sure. We do have a few things in common—”

  “Yes, but he has incredible powers,” Sarah cut him off in rush. “He’s absolutely ruthless and he’s gunning for you, Chase, and—”

  “Actually… we fought just a few moments back and I think I got him pretty good.” He couldn’t help but feel proud. Proud and deeply satisfied. “That being said, I wouldn’t want to risk our lives if I’m wrong. I think we need to get out of here. Somehow I seriously doubt killing him would be that easy…”

  “Where is he?” Sarah looked around in fright. “Are we still in Hellstar?”

  “Yes we are,” Ryonna interjected. “I’m sorry to interrupt this private moments of yours, but I believe if we ever want to get away from here, now’s the time.”

  “Right you are,” Chase agreed. With incredibly gentle arms, he lifted Sarah up then delicately tilted her body so she could stand. “Can you walk?”

  She tested her weight gingerly and was surprised. “Yes, I feel perfectly fine. Better than ever, in fact.”

  “Thank the gods. Hang on a second.” Chase took a small device from one of his pockets and pressed it. “Chase to Iron Fire, we’re coming in soon, but I’m not sure if we will still be cloaked. Be ready to lay cover fire if needed and make sure you avoid getting in too close. Those ion turrets could rip the ship in two.”

  Lieutenant Rathos onboard the Iron Fire answered. “Glad to hear from you, sir; we were starting to get worried here. We’ll be staying just out of range of the ion turrets and will provide cover fire if needed.”

  “Also, the minute we’re onboard, execute a jump to Earth.”

  “Understood. See you soon, Lieutenant Commander Athanatos. Rathos out.”

  Sarah looked at Chase with a surreal smile, still unable to completely believe that the ordeal was over. “Chase, what cloak? What type of vessel did you come here with?”

  “I’ll have to tell you more about it, but some new kind of Alliance starfighter.”

  “Will we all fit in it?”

  He hesitated. “I admit I didn’t intend on having that many passengers.” His eyes flickered to Tar’Lock. “I hope we can fit everyone in the cargo hold.”

  Tar’Lock took a step towards Chase. “I understand if you need to leave me behind. Maybe I can find my own way out.”

  “No way.” Chase shook his head quickly, keeping a constant hand on Sarah the whole time. “Without your help we would most likely all be dead. I am not leaving you behind.”

  “That’s very honorable of you. My physiology allows me to
bend much more than yours, so maybe with some creativity, we’ll find something that works.”

  Chase nodded and motioned to the ship. “Alright, let’s not lose another second here. I’m sure more sentries and whatever guards they have will come back soon.”

  They went through the hole in the gate and started their run towards the landing bays. A few meters before reaching the wide double doors, some laser fire came from down the hall. Chase reacted instinctively, pushing both Sarah and Ryonna out of the way at the last moment, then started running towards the incoming fire, deflecting each new laser streak towards the walls with his hands as he did so.

  As he approached the source of the attack, he saw a humanoid inside a huge, armored machine, two powerful rifles at the tip of its arms. Probably a crowd-control type of defense system in case the sentries weren’t able to regain control of the facilities, Chase thought. It was beginning to be more and more difficult to advance, as the floor was layered with an increasingly thick layer of dead or dying convicts who had failed to escape. In fact, he realized as he got closer, he was soon going to lose enough speed that it was only a matter of time before he and his companions joined them.

  There was a split second’s pause, a brief moment of hesitation, then Chase let his instincts take over.

  He leapt up—up and onto the side of the wall. But he didn’t stop there. Without slowly his body for a second, he began sprinting reverted across the very ceiling.

  “Chase, what the—” he heard Daniel say, trailing behind him. But there was no time to explain. And to be perfectly frank, he didn’t understand it himself. All he knew was that time was running out and this was what he had to do.

  In no time at all, he was upon his foe. He joined both his hands together and used them as a hammer to strike the mech right in the face. It flew and crashed tens of meters away. Before it could get back on its feet, he lifted his hand and sent an ice-blue fireball flying its way. A second later, the mech had exploded. The guard crawled out from inside, still smoldering, and Chase was by his side in an instant.

  Using a bit of the same healing magic he’d conjured for his new insect friend, he revived the man just enough to get him breathing again.