The Pike Chronicles - Books 1 - 10

by Hudson, G. P.

  “The Chaanisar are hunting them now. They don’t have long.”

  “I see. Do the Chaanisar understand what has happened?”

  “Yes, Admiral. They understand everything.”

  “And will they join us?”

  “Yes, Admiral. The Chaanisar have agreed to join your fleet.”

  “Congratulations, Admiral Pike,” said Ilthos. “It appears your fleet has grown considerably.”

  “But at what cost?”

  Chapter 65

  Jon sat in the briefing room with Kevin and Commander Konos. He stared at the wall screen in disbelief. On the screen more than one hundred faces looked back at him. The commanders of every Chaanisar ship that had occupied the Sol System.

  The ranks of his fleet had now swelled to one-hundred-and-twenty-eight ships, consisting mostly of Chaanisar. These men, who had been enslaved their whole lives, now pledged their loyalty to him. And they did so freely. They would willingly follow Jon into battle, and Jon would see to it that the galaxy was purged of the Juttari Empire.

  “There are over one hundred warships occupying the system on the other side of the Sol jump gate,” said one of the Chaanisar commanders.

  “And you’re certain that the Juttari were not able to send a warning through the gate?” said Jon.

  “Yes, Admiral. But we need to move fast, for soon they will cross through to find out why they have not received any communications from us.”

  “Agreed,” said Jon. “AI, do you exist on all the Chaanisar ships?”

  “Yes, Admiral,” said the AI.

  “If we send one of the Chaanisar ships through the gate, would you be able to infiltrate the ships on the other side?”

  “Yes, Admiral. I will access each ship, and each brain chip, in the same fashion as before. The Juttari would not suspect a Chaanisar vessel crossing through the gate. It would give me the time I need to successfully liberate the Chaanisar.”

  “You say there are over one hundred ships in that system?”

  “Yes, Admiral,” said the Chaanisar on the wall screen.

  “That would double our numbers,” said Jon.

  “And we liberate two star systems,” said Bast

  “The question is how many can we liberate before the Juttari figure out what we’re doing. We need to move fast. Two hundred ships is a good start, but not near enough to take on the Juttari Empire. As Colonel Steeg said, we need to conquer them from within.”

  “Once I have gained access to the Chaanisar brain chips in the neighboring system, I advise dispatching multiple ships to different systems simultaneously,” said AI. “That would be the most effective approach.”

  “Agreed,” said Jon. “The Juttari will eventually figure out what we’re doing and take measures to block the tactic. We need to gain as much ground as possible before that happens.”

  “With all due respect, Sir. The crew needs closure. They need to find their families. We need to let them go down to the surface. They need time.”

  “We don’t have time. We need to act, or we’ll lose our advantage.”

  “But, Admiral, they need answers. We all do.”

  “Fine. What are we doing to help the survivors?”

  Kevin seemed to regain his composure. “It seems the Juttari targeted many of the major cities, but some were spared, as were the more rural communities,” said Kevin. “But radiation levels are high across the planet. It will take time to clean it all up. Major Ilthos said Diakus will help with the cleanup once they are able to reach the Sol System. As for the population, Doctor Ellerbeck is preparing to fly down to the surface and distribute biobots that can combat radiation poisoning. Chaanisar medical teams are also heading down to assist with distribution.”

  “Very well. Those who want to go down to the surface can do so, but we won’t wait for them.”

  “Understood,” said Kevin.

  “Earth will have to rebuild again,” said Jon.

  “Admiral,” said one of the Chaanisar on the wall screen. “I want to repeat that we are all united in our regret over the bombing of Earth. Many of us remember our childhood, and are horrified at what the Juttari have done. If we had the means to resist their control, we never would have allowed this atrocity to take place.”

  Jon looked at all the faces on the screen. All of them former enemies. Every one of them now loyal to him. “I do not blame any of you. Only the Juttari. They will pay for their crimes. This I promise you. The Juttari will know our wrath.”

  Book 5 - Interstellar War

  Chapter 1

  Captain Rickards turned in his command chair, cracking his back, and sighing in relief as the pressure on his spine dissipated. They had been out on patrol for forty days now, well past the typical three-week mark. Under the terms of his contract with the Amboss corporation, he and his crew were entitled to two weeks off after three weeks of active duty. Yet here they were on day forty, still out on patrol. Of course, they would make a killing on overtime pay, but he was tired. There was something about being out in space for prolonged periods of time that messed with his head.

  This was the fault of the fools in head office, and the attempted invasion of New Byzantium. Not only did it fail, but these idiots lost the bulk of their fleet in the process. Now, there weren’t enough ships available for the necessary rotation, which left him stuck out on patrol indefinitely. Head office continued to remind him of all the money they would make, as if that made everything right. Those damn executive types thought they could simply buy anyone off. Sure, he liked money as much as the next guy, but he’d also like the chance to spend it.

  Forced savings, he thought. They’re probably doing you a favor you dumb bastard. If you save enough you might actually retire one day. Maybe even open a business of your own. This almost made his assignment bearable. Of course it could have been worse. They could have assigned him to that fool invasion. Patrol duty might be boring, but at least he was still alive, which was more than he could say for many of those who attacked New Byzantium. Rickards shook his head. New Byzantium. Who would’ve thought that they could defeat a combined corporate fleet? And the rumors were fantastic. He heard talk of ships with miraculous technology. They could vanish and reappear at different locations, sometimes even light years apart. Even more fantastical, there was talk that the vanishing ships were from Earth, of all places. Imagine being defeated by ghosts and legends.

  He didn’t know what to believe, but he knew that there was something big going on in the New Byzantium system. To top it all off, the planet wasn’t under corporate rule. They had a democratic government, and everyone could vote, not just the shareholders. Rickards rolled his head around, trying to relieve the tension in his neck. The movement produced a couple of satisfying cracks, temporarily loosening the tightness. He wondered what retirement on New Byzantium would be like. He hated to admit it, but age had crept up on him. He had to start thinking of these things now. He needed to put a plan in place, and New Byzantium was starting to look a lot better from where he sat. The stories depicted the planet as an oasis. It wasn’t just the political system. There was sunshine all year round, and more beaches than people. Why not enjoy his old age on a sandy beach? He could only hope that he would be allowed to emigrate when the time came.

  “Picking up multiple contacts on long range scans,” announced the tactical officer.

  Rickards sat up straight in his chair. “Contacts? How many contacts?” He feared the answer. They hadn’t seen a single ship in forty days.

  “Two-hundred-and-fifteen.” The tactical officer looked up from his console, his face pale. “They’re Kemmar warships.”

  “On main screen,” said Rickards, jumping out of his chair. The bridge’s main screen switched to tactical, displaying a cluster of red threat icons advancing toward their position. Rickards stared in disbelief. The Kemmar were invading Amboss space. And after the attack on New Byzantium, Amboss was powerless to stop them.

  "Sir?" said the helmsman, who had tu
rned around in his chair to face him. "What are your orders?"

  Rickards glanced from the display to the helmsman. He could see the fear on the young man’s face, and he couldn’t fault him for it. He realized the entire bridge had fallen silent, as they all looked to him for a decision. What should we do? thought Rickards. What can we do?

  "Turn this boat around, Ensign,” said Rickards. “Get us the hell out of here."

  "Yes, Sir. Setting course for Amboss Prime," said the helmsman, visibly relieved to be leaving.

  "We’re not going to Amboss Prime, Ensign."

  "But, don't we need to warn them, Sir?"

  "Warn them of what?” said Rickards, raising his voice. “That they're about to become Kemmar slaves?”

  “Sir?” The helmsman gave Rickards a look and he bristled with guilt.

  “Fine. Send a communication advising them of the situation.”

  “But, Sir, aren’t we obligated to return to base?” pleaded the helmsman.

  “No Ensign. Amboss Prime is finished. Nothing we do can change that."

  "But shouldn't we do something?"

  "Do you want to become a Kemmar slave, Ensign?"

  "Uh, no, Sir"

  "Neither do I. Let's get the hell out of here now."

  "Yes, Sir. Destination?"

  "Set a course for New Byzantium." Let’s hope the rumors are true, he thought, as he sat back down in his command chair.

  The helmsman nodded, returning to his control panel. "Setting course for New Byzantium."

  Chapter 2

  Franz Stumpf, CEO of Amboss corporation, stood on the tarmac with a handful of executives and security personnel, watching the Kemmar shuttles land. The Kemmar fleet had advanced on Amboss Prime unopposed, and Stumpf had been careful to ensure that none of the Amboss ships took an aggressive posture. He had sent the Amboss corporation’s unconditional surrender the moment the Kemmar ships appeared. Opposing the Kemmar would be hopeless, and could also provoke punitive strikes against Amboss Prime.

  The Kemmar fleet now had control of the Amboss system. All remaining Amboss starships had been seized and boarded. Several Kemmar ships had taken position in low orbit around Amboss Prime. Now, hundreds of Kemmar shuttles landed across the planet, bringing with them the Kemmar occupation force. The moment he struggled to prevent had arrived.

  As he waited for the Kemmar troops to emerge, he wondered if things would have been different had the New Byzantium invasion succeeded. The Kemmar had promised to leave them alone if they delivered the vanishing ship technology. Would they have done so? Even if they hadn’t, Amboss would still have its fleet, and some hope of defending themselves. Instead, they were left praying for mercy. He hoped that mercy could be bought. Amboss was the richest of the corporate planets. A smart Kemmar commander could become incredibly wealthy by merely taking a cut of Amboss commerce.

  Five large shuttles landed on the tarmac, and their hatches swung open, dropping heavy metal ramps to the ground. Within seconds, Kemmar soldiers in full, jet black combat armor poured out of the shuttles and began to fan out, like ants defiling a wedding cake. A contingent of Kemmar soldiers immediately surrounded Stumpf’s party, weapons shouldered, their black visors reflecting the terrified faces of Stumpf’s executives.

  “Just stay calm, everyone,” said Stumpf, in a quiet voice. “They will not harm us.”

  “Why do you think that, Mr. Stumpf?” said one of the Kemmar, stepping up to Stumpf and removing his helmet.

  Stumpf immediately recognized the alien. “Lord Koft,” said Stumpf. “It is a pleasure to see you again.”

  Koft snarled at Stumpf, flashing his razor sharp teeth. “Do you find this pleasurable, Mr. Stumpf?”

  “It is always a pleasure to see a familiar face,” said Stumpf, doing his best to keep from trembling.

  “Curious. Now tell me why.”

  “Forgive me, Lord Koft, but I don’t understand.”

  Koft let out a short, low growl. “Tell me why you think we will not harm you.”

  “Oh, I see. Well, my lord, we have surrendered, and offered no resistance to your occupation of our planet.”

  “Do you think that we should be grateful for your cowardice?” said Koft.

  “We are a practical people, my lord. We have no hope of defeating your fleet. Attempting to repel your invasion would cause unnecessary losses on both sides. Is it not better to avoid those losses with a peaceful transfer of power?”

  “Do you think we fear battle?”

  “What? No, of course not.”

  “Yet you claim that the Kemmar fear casualties.”

  “No, my lord. That is not what I meant. I merely suggested that a practical approach would save resources on both sides.”

  “You deprive my men the glory of battle, and expect us to be grateful. Is that not correct?”

  “I apologize, my lord. I meant no disrespect,” said Stumpf, a bead of perspiration stinging his eye.

  “Do you still think we won’t harm you?”

  “Amboss Prime is now under your control, my lord. This is a wealthy planet. We have been its administrators for some time. Permitting us to continue in our function would ensure no disruption of commerce, providing substantial profits to the Kemmar Empire.”

  “Who is this man?” said Lord Koft, pointing at one of Stumpf’s executives.

  “This is Mr. Shuster. He is Amboss corporation’s Vice President of Finance.”

  “Step forward,” Koft ordered.

  “Uh, yes, my lord,” said Shuster, his voice cracking as he walked forward a few steps.

  “Closer,” Koft barked.

  Shuster took a few more tentative steps.

  “Here,” said Koft, pointing to the ground directly in front of him.

  Shuster acquiesced, taking several more steps, until he stood directly in front of Koft.

  Koft studied the man, growling and baring his teeth. “Are you afraid, Mr. Shuster?”

  “Yes,” squeaked Shuster.

  “Honesty. How refreshing.” Koft suddenly lunged at Shuster. The terrified man futilely tried to get away, but tripped, and fell backward. Koft was on him before his back hit the tarmac. The Kemmar’s sharp teeth clamped down on the screaming man’s neck. Shrieks gave way to gurgles, as Koft relentlessly tore apart the man’s throat.

  Stumpf looked away in horror. A few moments later and Shuster was silent, leaving only the sound of Koft’s grunts, crunching cartilage, and the frightened whimpers of the Amboss executives. Stumpf only hoped that Shuster was dead, and no longer suffering. He morbidly wondered if Shuster was the lucky one.

  Koft spent several gruesome minutes feeding on Shuster’s lifeless body before rising to face Stumpf again. Blood was smeared across the Kemmar’s face, and dripped down the front of his black armor. A strand of pink flesh still clung to Koft’s chin. Bile burned the back of Stumpf’s throat. He fought to keep it down.

  “Do we understand each other now?” said Koft.

  “Yes, my lord,” said Stumpf, cold dread filling his belly. “We understand each other.”

  Chapter 3

  “You’re sure about this?” said Prime Minister Sallas, the leader of New Byzantium.

  “There can be no doubt,” said General Calledonius. “The Amboss Captain’s report has been confirmed by his ship’s logs, and through our covert sources. The Kemmar Empire has invaded the Amboss corporation.”

  Sallas exhaled sharply as he leaned back in his chair. “I suppose it’s only a matter of time now. How long do you estimate we have before the Kemmar attack us?”

  The old General stood rigidly straight in front of the Prime Minister’s desk. His face remained stoic, betraying no hint of emotion. “We believe we still have time, Prime Minister. The Kemmar took over Amboss Prime unopposed. This was largely a result of our forces destroying their fleet. They simply could not defend themselves. The other corporations also suffered major defeats against us. We believe the Kemmar will opt for the low hanging fruit first, and inv
ade the other corporations before coming for us. That gives us some time to prepare.”

  “It gives Admiral Pike time to return,” Sallas said hopefully.

  “If he returns,” said Calledonius.

  “What do you mean, if he returns?”

  “Admiral Pike has been gone for weeks. We don’t even know if he is alive.”

  “I understand your concerns, General. But I don’t believe Admiral Pike is dead. He doesn’t strike me as someone who is easy to kill.”

  “That may be true, but we still don’t know what has happened to him. Earth is over a thousand light years away, and the Chaanisar reported that the Juttari had invaded the Sol System. There are many possible reasons why he hasn’t yet returned, and none of them are good. We have to assume that he won’t be here to help when the Kemmar invade, and prepare accordingly.”

  “General, I know you’re a proud man, but you have to admit that we wouldn’t have defeated the corporate invasion without Pike’s help. How can we hope to stand against a Kemmar invasion without Pike’s jump ships?”

  Calledonius’s face turned red. Clearly Sallas had angered him. “We’ll just have to muddle through, Sir.”

  Sallas knew the General was loyal to New Byzantium and its government, but the old man had a big chip on his shoulder when it came to Jon Pike. Sallas could only assume Calledonius saw Pike as a threat, which was foolish. General Calledonius commanded New Byzantium’s armed forces. Pike commanded his own ships. There was no reason for this petty rivalry. “General, don’t take this personally. You know as well as I do that we need the jump technology. That is what gave us an edge against the corporate fleet, even though we were outnumbered. And that is what will give us the winning edge against the Kemmar.”

  “Of course, Sir. I understand,” said Calledonius, his face returning to stone. “But we still need to prepare for the likelihood that Admiral Pike will not return in time to help us.”