The Last Praetorian (The Redemption Trilogy)

by Mike Smith

  With space surrounding the Eternal Light now blanketed by ‘noise’ on the entire electromagnetic spectrum, the two missiles that had been closely targeting the ship suddenly found it far harder to ‘see’ the ship though all the interference. The missile that was furthest away from the ship lost its target completely and went harmlessly spinning off into space on completely the wrong trajectory. However, the second missile that was closer had a stronger lock on the target, and managed to continue on-target aiming for the rapidly closing shuttle.

  Meanwhile on the Eternal Light Jon was monitoring the progress of the two rapidly closing missiles, relieved to see that one lost its track but the other was still closing fast! Quickly calculating the distance to the asteroid field and the estimated impact time of the missile, he was disappointed to determine that the missile was going to impact the Eternal Light several seconds before he reached the cover of the asteroid field… With a hiss of frustration and a quick prayer to whichever God might be listening he brought the ships limited point defence systems on-line.

  Point defence systems or PDS as they are commonly referred to had not changed significantly over the past 600 years since they had been first invented. They all worked on the simple principle of targeting the incoming object – be it missile, torpedo, ship and keeping shooting at it as quickly and as long as possible. One of two things would happen next, either the PDS would destroy the incoming object or it would get blown to hell along with the rest of the ship when the target hit the ship. The PDS system on the Eternal Light was much smaller and less capable than those found on larger warships but worked on exactly the same principle. Two small hatches near the aft of the ship, one on the dorsal, the other on the ventral, to give a 360-degree field of fire, slid smoothly open to reveal the concealed guns. Both guns slid forward on their mounts into their armed positions and spun around to target the incoming missile. Having achieved a lock they simultaneously opened fire.

  Scientists and engineers had been working on the concept of space-based weaponry since the early days of spaceflight. Human initiative works on the principle of ‘How do I travel through space?’ Closely followed by the thought of ‘How do I shoot somebody else who is trying to travel through my part of space?’ Guns would not work in space as the propellant would require oxygen to combust and hence push the shell down the barrel. Hence the earliest space base weaponry was based on the concept of a Rail Gun. This simple weapon, invented late in the 20th century used electro-magnets to accelerate and propel a projectile out of the barrel. The two point defence guns on the Eternal Light worked in much the same way as these early weapons but approximately a hundred times quicker. While the first space based Rail Guns could fire one round, usually solid depleted uranium, per second. The guns on the Eternal Light could fire almost one hundred rounds per second. As these were propelled by electro-magnets and fired from space: where heat dissipation was really, really good it could keep firing until it ran out of ammunition. Which the guns promptly did 4.8 seconds later…

  *****

  Miranda watched in open mouth disbelief as the shuttle sent the first missile spinning uselessly out into the void followed a few seconds later by the complete destruction of her second missile. “No way!” She cursed, “No fucking way!” As she watched the shuttle slip into the quickly approaching asteroid field ahead. With a roar of anger she kicked the fighter into full thrust and followed the shuttle into the asteroid field, at far too high a speed for any sort of safe navigation of the field.

  *****

  What followed for the next ten minutes was a dangerous game of cat and mouse among the asteroid belt, the Eternal Light used them for cover to the best of its ability; while Miranda constantly cursed that she was unable to get a good shot or a target long enough for her remaining missiles to get a target lock.

  Meanwhile Jon had long since come to the conclusion that he had a problem, a serious problem. The pilot in the pursuit craft was good, very good. Not as good as him… but almost. His slight advantage in piloting skills however, was completely offset by their respective ships. While the Eternal Light had been heavily upgraded and no shuttle could match her, not even the old navy heavy assault craft, she was still a shuttle, while behind was a heavily armed fighter designed for speed and manoeuvrability. The only reason that he and the Eternal Light were still in one piece was the cover given by the asteroids. While he had to be lucky every single time, it was only going to take one lucky shot or a missile. His point defence guns were now out of ammunition, and he was going to be smeared across one of these asteroids. He needed a plan and he needed one quickly!

  Deciding that he only had one shot at this, Jon started slowly to reduce velocity to close the gap between himself and the fighter already close on his tail. He then activated his own weapon systems on the Eternal Light. A small part of him had hoped that his opponent would just decide to call it a day and retreat. However, as time went by and the shots got closer and the armour more and more damaged, he came to the conclusion that the other ship was not going to withdraw and it was going to be his life or the other’s. Therefore it was with no regret that Jon armed the concealed missile and waited for confirmation from the targeting computer of a lock. Once the computer confirmed a solid lock Jon reduced velocity even further praying that the armour would hold up just a few seconds longer. Finally when the enemy ship was almost on top of the ‘Light, Jon hit the launch control to release the missile and put the ship in a steep dive.

  *****

  Miranda froze when she heard the scream of the threat-warning panel announce the launch of a missile from the shuttle…

  Impossible, she thought. Why would he have waited so long if his ship were armed?

  Even more strange was that her targeting computer was reporting the missile racing away from her ship on the same heading as the shuttle and her fighter, in close pursuit. Glancing back up at her target she was just in time to notice the shuttle drop into a deep dive when the explosion of the missile temporarily blinded her. Trying to blink away the stars that had appeared in her sight from the explosion she desperately tried to determine what he had hit. It was only a few seconds later when her sight finally cleared enough that she realised the horrifying truth and made a desperate grab for the emergency ejector.

  *****

  Pulling up from the steep dive and ensuring that the engines were at full thrust, Jon watched the ensuing spectacle on the aft scanners with a degree of regret; although he recognised that, in the end, he had no choice…

  The missile had hit exactly on target, one of the larger asteroids in the field and caused the asteroid to disintegrate into thousands of fist sized chunks spreading out in all directions at hundreds of kilometres per hour. The effect was similar to a dozen shotgun blasts in multiple directions. With the Eternal Light and her heavy armour travelling away from the explosion the effects were minimal, with a few of the smaller, faster fragments impacting on the hull. For the much smaller, lightly armoured fighter, still travelling into the explosion the effect was much the same as being hit by multiple shotgun blasts at point blank range. Catastrophic.

  Jon watched quietly as the aft sensor reported the fighter disintegrating in the hail of rocks before disappearing completely from the sensors. With a deep sigh, and after determining that the ‘Light was at a safe enough distance from the destroyed asteroid, Jon brought the ship to a halt to catch his breath and wait for the field to stabilise before he could safely leave the belt.

  Jon had no desire to cause additional deaths. He had seen enough killing and death to last a person a lifetime during the war. His issue had not been with that ship or its pilot but those who had sent them to kill him. He was sure that the fighter and pilot had been sent by the Syndicate to kill him so they could take over the last independent company in the system without a fight. It made him even more determined to put an end to this group and their killing spree before it cost any more lives.

  Finally deciding that the field was stable en
ough to attempt to exit, he was preparing to power up the engines when the sensors reported that it had detected a faint energy signature within the field. Deciding to check out the signal first, Jon tentatively navigated the ‘Light among the still unstable asteroids until he came to the source of the signal - the escape pod of the enemy fighter seemed to have survived the explosion. The ship’s sensors were designed to detect energy signatures not life signs, so he had no idea if the pilot was still alive or, if so, how badly injured he might be. Based on the weak energy signature it was obviously not going to be detected by any other ships passing this remote portion of the system. Jon was no murderer and had already regretted the necessary destruction of the other ship, hence, opening the starboard cargo hold, he gently navigated the Eternal Light to capture the escape pod before setting a course back to Transcendence; he was late for his appointment. The pod could wait until he got back to Terra Nova where the medics could open the pod in case the pilot required medical attention. Engaging the main engines, the battered but proud Eternal Light pulled away from the asteroid belt, bow pointing once again towards Transcendence.

  Let’s hope that this trip goes better than the one last time, Jon thought to himself recollecting those memories he had buried years before…

  Chapter Four

  Five Years Previously

  Transcendence Station, Zeta Aquilae System

  With the jump into FTL the silence in the cockpit of the Eternal Light was deafening, both occupants lost among their own thoughts. The insistent beeping from the flight computer roused Jon from his contemplation of their fate. The ships self-diagnostic system was reporting a minor power fluctuation in the ship’s port energy distribution grid. While the fluctuation was still within the ship’s tolerances it was continuing to grow and would soon overload the power-grid, dumping them out of FTL in the middle of nowhere… It was obvious that they were not going to be travelling directly to Eden Prime.

  Bringing up the star-charts of the adjoining star systems, Jon reviewed their options. Frowning he reviewed the short list for a second time. While there was a number of Imperial bases, outposts and repair and resupply stations dotted across the near star systems, how many were safe? How many had joined Harkov in his insurrection? They could have escaped one trap, only to fly directly into another! No. Jon eliminated all the Imperial military facilities and instead focused on the purely civilian operations. This far out on the rim, their options were severely limited, most were of dubious origin where an Imperial ship was more likely to encounter a hail of weapons fire than open arms. Finally Jon was forced to settle for one of the larger civilian stations. According to the flight computer, it was a large port with hundreds of docking births, a major trade hub in this sector; it was called Transcendence. Hoping that he was not taking them out of the frying pan and into the fire Jon uploaded the new destination into the navigation computer.

  *****

  The abrupt change from FTL, an empty endless grey void, back into “real” space awoke Sofia from her stupor. “Have we arrived?” she asked disorientated.

  “No, we took some damage to our power-systems during the escape; we need to stop here to make repairs.”

  “Where is… here?” Sofia inquired curiously, looking at the fast approaching station.

  “According to the navigational computer, a civilian station called Transcendence, a regional hub for the Zeta Aquilae System.”

  “Have you been here before?”

  “No,” Jon replied. “I was posted to an Imperial outpost in this system when I was a young Lieutenant, but never visited this station.”

  Sofia tried to imagine a younger Jon Radec, only having recently joined the fleet, having just received his wings. Eventually she gave up. She was only able to picture Jon with his stormy grey eyes, in his white navy uniform with his sword at his side. “Why here and not one of my father’s military facilities.” As soon as she uttered the words she fell still, having for a brief moment forgotten about her father.

  “It’s too risky,” Jon insisted. “I have no idea how far ranging this plot of Harkov’s is. Better to disappear here among the crowd.” Letting his eyes linger on Sofia he briefly wondered how they would disappear in the crowd with her at his side, she stood out like a beacon of light in a thunderstorm. Her complexion was still too pale, but that was understandable, considering what she had just been through. He also recognised the signs of shock slowly starting to wear off. He needed to find somewhere to let her rest while he saw to the repairs of the ‘Light.

  After what seemed an inordinate amount of time, but in reality was probably only a few minutes they got authorisation from docking control to go-ahead and dock at one of the outer-docking rings. Having ensured that all the docking clamps were securely attached, Jon powered down the ‘Light before glancing once again with a concerned expression at Sofia who had once again ‘spaced-out’

  “Sofia,” Jon said softly giving her a gentle shake on the arm. He realised that he was getting far too comfortable using her name, but what was the alternative? He could hardly walk around the station continually referring to her as ‘Princess.’ Once he noticed that her eyes had focused on him again, he suggested “Lets find somewhere for you to rest while I oversee the repairs to the ‘Light.” Noticing that she still seemed a little unsteady on her feet, he gently slipped his arm under hers and the two of them exited the ship.

  Having requested a remote docking bay Jon was relieved to see few people during their journey through the station, and those that they did cross, paid the couple little attention, obviously used to seeing fleet officers with opulently dressed escorts hanging off their arms. Jon had thought it probably best not to inform Sofia how most of the stations occupants viewed her. Lust showing from the male admirers, jealously from their female companions. Arriving at one of the guest quarters that he had chosen at random from the station computer he faced their first challenge as the clerk looked up at their arrival, his eyes lingering on Sofia for a few moments longer than necessary.

  An abrupt cough from Jon brought his eyes away from Sofia and he focused on Jon. “You have a reservation for Captain Smyth… and companion,” Jon put just the right amount of arrogance and leer into his voice to distract the clerk from asking any more questions. Jon knew for a fact that there was no reservation, seeing that he had just invented the name and only chosen this location a few minutes earlier. Hence as the minutes dragged on and the clerk’s tapping on his computer became more frantic, Jon started an insistent tapping on the desk, to which he quickly added a sharp tapping with his foot.

  Trying to time the exact moment, Jon finally interjected. “Blast it man! Find the damn booking in your own time, I have more important things… to be getting on with.” He directed a lascivious look at Sofia, who in turn was giving Jon an inquiring look back, which he just knew was going to demand an explanation at a later date.

  “Yes sir, sorry sir,” the poor clerk mumbled frantically tapping on his computer.

  Deciding to give the man a final push, Jon responded in his best command voice. “Captain. You address a fleet officer by his rank. The key. Now,” he demanded. The clerk gave the Commander an excellent impression of a fish out of water, when he nodded and quickly handed over an entry-card. Jon simply shot the man a disgusted glare and spun around in the direction of the rooms with Sofia still on his arm.

  Finally entering their assigned room, Jon slumped into the nearest chair in relief. While it had been less than a day from their departure from the Imperial Star; Jon felt like it had been a lifetime. Recognising the inquisitive look from Sofia regarding his strange actions in front of the clerk and having no energy to come-up with a telling lie, he interjected before she could ask. “Why don’t you go and freshen up? You can then stay here and rest while I oversee the repairs to the ‘Light.”

  Sofia seemed disappointed at the clear dismissal but nodded her head and disappeared into the adjoining washroom.

  Jon was dead-tired and wanted
to just let his eyes close and rest, right up until he heard the sound of running water for the shower. At which point his imagination went into overdrive with vivid impressions of a naked Princess in the shower, separated from him only by a thin wall. With a groan of anguish he let his head fall back against the chair.

  Some time later, after the shower had shut-off, the door to the washroom re-opened and Sofia glided out. Jon noticed that the colour had returned slightly to her cheeks; it looked like the shower had gone some way to restoring her natural beauty. Giving the large bed a quick glance she moved across the room and sat next to Jon in the large, well, let’s be honest, ‘love-seat’. Letting her head rest lightly against Jon’s shoulder, she let out a gentle yawn, before she buried herself in his arm to make herself more comfortable.

  Jon inhaled a whiff of what he assumed was her shampoo or soap, some fruity citrus favour that seemed to set-off all his synapses firing at the same time.

  “So what was all that about in-front of the clerk?” she asked sleepily.

  ”Hmmm…” Jon responded, distracted by her fruity scent.

  “Me strong warrior… you weak female,” Sofia replied with a giggle.

  “Oh that,” Jon replied desperately trying to engage his brain to come-up with a suitable response. Suddenly in inspiration he replied, “I wanted to distract him from who you were, so I implied that you were my consort.”

  Sofia seemed to mull that one over for a few moments before replying. “You mean in the same way that Senator Rione’s son asked me to accompany him for lunch last week.”

  This was the first that Jon had heard about the incident and suddenly just breaking the boy’s nose did not seem good enough. He knew he should have followed his first instinct and run the boy through with his sword.