An admiral stepped up behind the Kaachi diplomat. “Mr. Hardy. My name is Admiral Alfoss Bole. I am the commander of the Kaachi fleet in the Dimean sector. What exactly are you asking of us?”
Mace said, “I need ships. I can have a hundred or more crews fully trained in three months. Give me the ships for them to crew and I can knock Malcom Stark from his position of power and bring the Mawga to heel. As I’ve said, Mr. Bole, my goal is to defend Earth. Firstly, that will be from the Mawga. Secondly, from the other Humans. And you ask, what is it the Kaachi get out of the deal? Well, you get a strong ally and trade partner, and you take away the warriors the Mawga would use against you.”
Mace sat back. “And … we want repair docks. We need to be able to make repairs as necessary. We need enough docks to support the number of ships you give us.”
Daavis took the conversation back. “Mr. Hardy, should we provide these ships and weapons to you, you do realize they would have a price attached to them. Perhaps some future goods or service, something of equivalent value?”
Mace smiled. “We will make good on any debts we incur, Mr. Houka. Just let us know what you believe to be fair and we’ll go from there. And, gentlemen, the sooner we act on this, the better chance we have of controlling Stark. He already has four ships to our two, and the Mawga seem eager to get him more.”
Alfoss Bole took center camera. “Mr. Hardy, you mentioned a hundred crews. With that many being trained, would your king not see that as a threat? What’s to stop him from attacking you to put an end to his competition?”
Mace replied, “I think we have an advantage with our crews at the moment. We’ve been in a fight. And we know the vulnerabilities of the Mawga ships. We’re already taking steps to better protect ourselves. I believe we have the upper hand at the moment.”
Bole pursed his thin lips. “And if I was to tell you that the Mawga just delivered another six ships into his possession?”
Mace took a deep breath. “Then I would say the time to act is now.”
Bole leaned in. “Instead of us sending ships to you, would you be willing to send your crews to us? We have the facilities to house, feed and train them. Imagine sending through a hundred ships and their crews all at once, without the threat of an attack by your king.”
Mace thought for a moment. “That’s an interesting concept, Admiral. That hadn’t crossed our minds. I suppose that would allow us the element of surprise. If we train back on Earth, we are vulnerable to Stark and his spies. I’ll have to run that by my people.”
Daavis took back the camera. “Mr. Hardy, there was mention of a rescue of one of our crew. May we see him?”
Mace turned. “Bring in Mr. Klept.”
Seconds later, the Kaachi crewman stood beside Mace. “Mr. Bole, this is Gnaga Klept. He was found in one of the ship remnants your people left behind. He’s in good health and we’d like to send him home the first chance we get. He has been of great help to us, and is a major reason we are having this conversation. I had asked him to not speak during this initial conversation, but I see no harm in that now.”
Gnaga bowed his head. “Director, Admiral, it is good to see a familiar looking face. The Humans have treated me well. I realize it is not my place for an opinion, but I think an alliance with these Humans would be wise. They appear to be fair-minded and capable.”
The admiral replied, “Duly noted, Mr. Klept. I must apologize for having left you behind. The loss of our flagship to Mr. Hardy was a surprise to us all. As was the outcome of that battle.”
Mace said, “Admiral, I’m certain you would like some time to discuss things with your people, as I would with mine. Perhaps we meet back here in two hours to continue this conversation?”
The admiral nodded. “Very well, Mr. Hardy. Two hours from now.”
The comm closed, followed by the portal. Mace let out a breath.
Johnny said, “I’m floored by how you handled all that. Calm and cool. I don’t think I would have come across that way. You might have only been a sergeant in the Army, but sitting in that chair now is right where you should be.”
Mace shook his head. “Don’t let the smooth talk fool you. My guts are in knots. I know what it is we want. The rest of this I’m just winging.”
Johnny laughed. “Well, keep flapping is all I can say.”
Jane asked, “What are your thoughts on sending crews to them for training?”
Mace turned to face her. “On one hand it would certainly solve our problem of Stark knowing what we’re planning. I have to believe his spies would find out that people have left, but he wouldn’t know to where or for what reason. If we train them here, he will know. Mr. Daughtry, what do you think of the idea of sending your countrymen through a wormhole? It will be a lot to ask of them, but I believe it to be our best option.”
Coran nodded. “I think they could be convinced. I would say 90 percent of our military came through this event. From that pool alone, we should have no problem fielding our hundred crews.”
The discussion continued for the allotted two hours. A comm portal opened and an image stream appeared on the holo-wall.
Mace said, “Director, Admiral, what decisions were made on your end?”
Bole replied, “We believe the alliance with you to be of benefit to the Kaachi. Therefore, we will provide weapons and ships, the details of which will be worked out over the coming days. What is the decision on your end?”
Mace smiled. “I think we’re both going to benefit from this, Admiral. We will make every effort to assemble a hundred crews for training. We believe your option of training them there to better suit our needs. That begs the question, how do we transfer these crews to you?”
Bole clasped his hands together. “We have already discussed this, Mr. Hardy. We will provide a transport at the time of your choosing. This will be a ship capable of moving twelve thousand troops at once.”
Mace nodded. “That should cover it. When could you have this transport ready? I’d like to start rounding up crews today if possible.”
Bole held up a hand. “Before we go further, please understand the expense we must go through to provide this ship, Mr. Hardy. Opening a portal, even to pass through a single ship, costs us extremely valuable resources. The ship will be delivered to you there and will not be picked up again until it is full.”
“Understood. Can you have a transport here in three days’ time?”
The admiral nodded. “I will make that happen, Mr. Hardy. A representative of Mr. Houka’s will be on hand when the transport is delivered, for the formal signing of an alliance.”
Mace stood. “Admiral, I realize the level of trust we are both bestowing on each other with this agreement. I assure you I will do my best to see that it is honored.”
The admiral smiled. “As will I, Mr. Hardy. I look forward to the expansion of an alliance with the Human species.”
The comm was closed, and with it, the portal. The six-hour ride back to Earth was filled with discussion and excitement. A Human fleet was forming. A fleet to counter the will of Malcolm Stark.
Chapter 10
*
Mace turned to Coran Daughtry. “Coran, I’m already hating myself for doing this, but I believe it to be our best option. I’m promoting your to admiral, and I want you to be in charge of the recruitment and training of your Australian brothers and sisters. I think we’ll get better cooperation if they feel they are reporting to one of their own.”
Coran crossed his arms. “I don’t see where I really have a choice, Mr. Hardy. We’re about to ask men to travel through a wormhole to who knows where. That word coming from me will be much better received than if it came from an American.”
Mace nodded. “That’s what I’m counting on. I think you have the best shot at pulling this off. I hate to lose you as my second, but I can’t see a hundred Australian crews passing much loyalty on to me, at least not at first. And we need full cooperation from everyone.”
The Rogers ca
me to a stop a kilometer above Sydney. Shuttles made their way to the surface and back as volunteers joined the ranks of the Earth Alliance. They were told of a special mission to save mankind from enslavement, a mission to defend the Earth from invaders. No mention of the Kaachi, or of another alliance with them was made. On the third day, the first two thousand of the planned ten thousand volunteers were shuttled up to the Rogers.
A six hour ride, once again losing a Mawga tail, had the volunteers aboard a Kaachi transport. Five additional trips over the week that followed saw the ten-thousand-strong Human force aboard the transport. A portal was opened and the ship began to pass through. The crew of the Rogers anxiously watched on their displays and monitors.
Johnny said, “Sure hope we’re doing the right thing here.”
Mace replied, “We’ll know in about six weeks. I had doubts we would pull this off given the stance the two Australian leaders were taking, demanding to know all the details of the mission.”
Johnny said, “I think we did the exact right thing. Both could easily be feeding information to Stark.”
Mace nodded. “That’s the impression they left me with as well. I still have to wonder what made so many decide to take up with him.”
Liam said, “While on the ground, I got wind of one of his speeches. He’s very convincing. He talks of Human pride, of how we could be the dominant species in the galaxy, how it’s time for man to spread to the stars and push our values. He knows how to get a crowd worked up, that’s for sure. After what our civilization has just gone through, he makes you once again proud to be Human.”
Jeff stood with his hands clasped behind his back. “If you study history, you’ll find that the leaders who could motivate their people were the ones who established great empires. A handful of the pharaohs, Alexander the Great, Roman emperors—even Hitler, for all his evils, was an impressive motivator. I also think that’s what we’re seeing in Stark. His words have passion and determination. He’s making things happen.”
Mace frowned. “Well, let’s hope we’ve set enough in motion to bring him down. He’s a dictator, and I have no desire to answer to such.”
The transport disappeared as the wormhole closed. The Rogers was soon at a hover back above the cave.
A comm came in from Malcolm Stark. His face remained obscured on the display. “Mr. Hardy, it would seem that you’ve convinced a few thousand Australian citizens to take up sides with you.”
Mace shrugged. “What’s it to you?”
Stark replied, “What it is to me, and to the Australian leadership, is that they are returned. There has been a change in allegiance, Mr. Hardy. One that I’m certain you will find troubling.”
Mace gestured toward the screen. “Spit it out, Stark. I don’t have all day.”
Malcolm Stark moved into a shadow where only his mouth was dimly visible. Bright white teeth gleamed in the darkness that surrounded his silhouette.
“Mr. Hardy, it seems the Australians have decided to move over to the Stark team.”
Mace sat forward. “They what?”
Stark grinned. “Yes, a vote was taken. The Australians, including the crew of the Lousy, are now members of my military.”
Johnny clenched a fist. “I knew we should have kept that ship close by.”
Stark continued: “It is unfortunate that you did not participate in the war games over the past week or two. I believe you would have seen the light, joining our organization as one united force. With the addition of the Lousy, our fleet has grown to eleven. And with news from the Mawga this morning, I was easily able to convince the Australians that joining with us was the right thing to do.”
Mace waved his fingers in a give it to me gesture. “What’s the news, Stark.”
The silhouette again went completely black. “Ah. I would have thought you already knew. You really must get to work on an information network, Mr. Hardy. It’s a necessity that you’ll find you can’t live without.
“The Mawga have not only promised more ships, but this morning they delivered. Another twenty cruisers will be under my command by this afternoon. That makes a thirty-one ship fleet, Mr. Hardy. With the addition of your ship, that would be thirty-two.”
Mace took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Good for you, Stark. I hope you’re satisfied with them. If it’s all the same though, I’ll hold on to the Rogers and my crew. I think we’re happy just where we are.”
The silhouette leaned forward. It is only a matter of time, Mr. Hardy. Your joining with us is inevitable. One ship cannot possibly stand alone.”
Mace crossed his arms. “We still have the support of the Mawga as well. We have a signed alliance with them, Stark. It puts us on equal footing with you.”
Malcolm Stark held up a silhouetted finger. “I believe that over the coming weeks you’ll find that standing with them has become ever more slippery. They have chosen sides. Perhaps it’s time for you to do the same.”
Jasper Collins stepped into the camera. “We aren’t joining up with any coward who won’t even show his face. Your followers will see through your schemes soon enough. You’re nothing more than a puppet to those little rat-faced aliens.”
Johnny put his arm around Jasper’s shoulder, escorting him out of the camera image.
Stark laughed. “I take it that’s one of your senior staffers? Maybe your chief advisor? Anyway, my identity remains hidden for my own reasons. There are those who would want me dead, and they would use whatever leverage they could to make that happen. With my identity concealed, those who know me are kept from danger. Besides, who doesn’t love a little mystery?”
Mace replied, “If you’re worried about us, don’t be. Not the way we roll.”
The silhouette of Malcolm Stark again leaned forward. “I know all about how you roll, Sergeant. I have several of your former army-mates who have given me all I need to know about you. I have nothing to fear from a failed soldier, even if you were special ops. Your decision making failed you then, as it will fail you now.”
The image of Malcolm Stark went black as the back-lighting was turned off. “Take your time with your decision, Mr. Hardy. There’s no rush.”
The comm channel closed.
Johnny looked at Jasper. “What’s wrong with you, old man?”
Jasper snorted. “You idiot, it’s called psychology. I was trying to get him to show himself. The way he holds himself tells me he ain’t gonna be rattled by somebody spouting off to him. He didn’t answer in a hurry, which tells us the type of person we’re dealing with.
“Frankly, that tells me he’s nuts. That’s the type of person who will do whatever he wants, whenever he wants. The loyalty of the people following him is mostly based on their fear of what he might do.”
Jeff Moskowitz chimed in. “Mr. Collins is right. This is not someone we can negotiate with. He has his agenda and he’ll stick to it. Our time as free citizens is limited. He knows it. And he knows we know it.”
Jane said, “So what do we do with ourselves now? We can’t leave the ship or we risk losing it. We’re fully stocked on food, but I have to question whether what we have is enough. What happens when the Mawga decide it’s time to cut us off?”
Liam replied, “Montak and the admiral both said we have a binding, ironclad agreement. If they violate that agreement, we could take it up with the Galactic Union.”
Mace returned a sarcastic smile. “Who here thinks they submitted that agreement to the Union like they said? They have the original, we have a copy. All they have to do is say it was forged. I think what we have to do is to stay on the move. Can someone bring Gnaga in here?”
Gnaga Klept was escorted onto the bridge. “You asked for me?”
Mace nodded. “We have three more reactors sitting in the docking bay. What are the chances we can get those connected to our power grid?”
Gnaga thought for a moment. “We only lack the conduits to make that happen. We could salvage them from other parts of the ship, but that wou
ld be at the cost of other systems.”
Mace pointed up. “What about those other ship parts left over from the battle?”
Gnaga shook his head. “I fear you may have removed the ones that would have been useful to us when you destroyed the ship remnants.”
Johnny said, “We didn’t destroy them all. Only the ones where we salvaged the reactors. Could be the parts we need are up there waiting for us to collect.”
Mace turned. “Mr. Hobbs. We have the locations of those remnants in the nav computer, do we not?”
Liam replied, “We do. Would you like waypoints to those locations activated?”
Mace nodded. “Take us away, Mr. Hobbs. And, Mr. Klept, go with Johnny. Get yourself fitted with an exosuit. You’ll be assisting us on this parts run.”
Johnny walked with Gnaga as the Rogers lifted up through the atmosphere. “So, why didn’t you go back to your people on the transport?”
Gnaga replied, “I was ordered to stay, to facilitate the relationship and to assist you where I could. And I have to say, I am both excited and terrified about the prospect of a cruiser running with eight reactors. It is something that has only been possible in my dreams. The Galactic Union would have us dead if they knew we had connected a fifth. That marker has already been passed. Adding three more would not make us more dead than we already are.”
Johnny laughed. “Those rules you are all forced to live by, they’re ridiculous. You all answer to dictators, nothing more.”
Gnaga sighed. “It is a fate we were born to, Mr. Tretcher. We have neither the power nor the means to change our circumstances. The founders have spies within all our empires. We cannot group together lest we be found out and crushed. Should we attempt to build up our fleets, again the spies within our own ranks would see to it that we were dealt with swiftly. Our choice as to how we live is limited, but it is still a choice.”
Johnny asked, “When we get our hundred ships back, what’s the chance your people will sell us more reactors?”
HADRON Incursion Page 9
