Annals of the Keepers - Deception

by Christiaan Hile

  “I’m surprised he let you live, knowing his background.”

  “He wouldn’t have, but I have your people to thank for that.”

  “I see.” I didn’t know where this was going, but that’s all the crazy talk I had time for. Now down to business, “So what’s this contact you have?”

  “That’s the question, isn’t it? Her name is Panu.”

  “So, she’ll lead us to these Ancients?”

  “No. She knows a Merashyn who knows the Holmloskk that knows an old Vrae woman, which supposedly knows the whereabouts of the Three. Unfortunately she’s a Vrae contact.”

  I wasn’t amused, “So I am going on some wild tamerak chase here.”

  Mistuuk beamed, “Oh, I had a tamerak once. They make good pets. A little annoying, but still good pets.”

  “A little annoying? You don’t say?”

  “Actually, what make better pets are ceenees. Now those are loyal pets. They smell, though. Do you have pets, Rels?”

  I didn’t answer the Cuukzen. I was beginning to rethink this mission, as he continued carrying on with his non-informative pet rant. I’ll just let him yak away. I’m hoping it will tire the little yapper out at some point.

  I grabbed my hat, covered my face, and kicked my feet up on a crate. I’ll just sleep here.

  With this guy around, I’m going to need all the rest I can get; and, just think, this mission was just getting started.

  Data Cell 21

  The planet is amazing to look at from this distance, Parejas thought.

  The mag-shuttle system he road on gave the best view from the Keres One Station. The command structure he had just left was connected to another structure five kilometers away. The entire Keres One Station was made up of six hubs, with the seventh command structure at the center of the top.

  The shuttle transportation system ran between the hubs via a triangular truss. The bottom point of the triangle was where the mag-track proceeded. Each side of the truss had large, triangle viewing windows that ran the full length of the system, giving spectacular awe-inspiring observations of spaceflight activities; as well as the planet Janus beyond.

  Parejas sat in an open mag-sled with seats that ran horizontal to the direction of travel. He rested with his legs crossed, enjoying the peace and quiet around him, since he was the only passenger on the transport to the next section.

  He brought up an image of Earth on the holo-pad resting on his lap. The difference of the planets was not lost on the commander. They were far from the same, but both still home.

  Janus was similar in size to Earth. Her surface was only fifty percent liquid water compared to Earth’s seventy percent. Janus also only had two major continents to Earth’s seven. Together, the two continents made up the other fifty percent of the planet’s surface and were located near the equator.

  He thought of Earth now because he was trying to make the connection to why his fiancé and all those called Earthiests wanted to go to a planet they knew nothing of, except what they read about in the Annals. He understood the historical nature of retaking the Earth; but, more as a symbol of Humanity, not as a home. Janus had always been home. He knew it ran deeper than in his thoughts and heart on why they wanted to go back and terraform the dying planet. It was the planet of our origin. He still did not like the idea of a scientific force going with no security, over a vast distance, away from the safe harbor of the Mydian system. But, that decision had already been decided by the Assembly and the consensus of the Precept.

  His shuttle arrived on Section Three of the massive station. It entered the terminal concourse and came to rest. He departed as civilians boarded. They acknowledged the commander’s rank as he passed, nodding in his direction.

  Parejas found the lift to take him to the departing level the Erudition Seven was docked at.

  As he exited the lift, he could see the historic ship and the cargo loaders finishing their work outside the station’s concourse viewing windows.

  He walked to the docking hallway just before the entry door to the ship. Several crew members moved through, carrying containers and the remaining supplies located near the ship’s entrance.

  He knew the significance of the ship he now stood before and the mission his fiancé was about to undertake. He didn’t agree with it, and had lost his argument in front of the Assembly. Nevertheless, he knew the importance of it, especially what it meant to her.

  He thought of the Erudition ships that fled the Sol system all those years ago. How they had arrived in the Mydian system, unloading their precious cargo of Humans and provisions on the new planet. Even though this was a day that many had wished for, now was not the time to argue his point further.

  Parejas contemplated the events to come as the last of the supplies were loaded aboard. The one thousand meter ship would depart with a crew of only fifty thousand. Of those, only three thousand were security for the Earth contingent. The compliment of arms was limited, as this was a science mission. They had a dozen Storm Tac fighters and several assault shuttles, but nothing in the way of large armaments or major defenses. They would be on their own.

  The commander’s thoughts were redirected.

  Approaching the commander from the airlock door was Director Bowlan. She walked towards him with her arms behind her back.

  He caught her smile as she approached, “Trying to leave without saying goodbye, Director?” Shenta playfully smiled.

  “I don’t think I could leave undetected under the security blanket you’ve set up, Commander.”

  They stood face-to-face, a few centimeters away from one another.

  “You couldn’t even flinch under my blanket,” he declared.

  She smiled broadly, “Oh, really?”

  “Yes. Really.”

  They stared at each other for a moment until they embraced in a passionate kiss. They held their posture, not wanting to release for the inevitable goodbye. The moment was right. It was a moment that they could share together, for it was not lost on the commander that many Humans two hundred and sixty-seven years ago were not able to share a goodbye.

  The seven Erudition starships fleeing Earth only carried one hundred thousand survivors each. They left only three days after the Kryth attacked Sol. Many families were not able to say their final goodbyes, as time was not given by the events brought on by the Kryth.

  Today, the reversal of those events are by sacrificed choice, not governed by an enemy.

  Shenta was first to step away. He looked deep into her eyes and smiled.

  “It’ll be a while before we do that again,” he said.

  “That’s why I wanted to see you one last time before I left.”

  Shenta smiled, “Is that why you moved up your departure time. To get me down here quicker?”

  Shawna laughed, “No, but it worked anyways, right?”

  “It did. So, why are you moving the departure up?

  “I thought less fanfare and ceremonies would be better; a quiet send-off. I didn’t want to draw in the political strife many have had with this mission.” Her eyes caught his for a reaction before they lowered back down. She knew that one was a bit pointed, since he was one of those against this journey. “I don’t mean to bring it up. I just wanted –”

  His hand raised her chin to look at him again, “Don’t say anything. You don’t need to convince me of what your heart desirers, Shawna. You know where my heart is. It’s with you. I will support you in all your dreams and ambitions. This means a lot to you and I respect that.”

  Her mood lifted, “Thank you.”

  Drawing her head in, he kissed her on the forehead. “Now, Director. You’ll send pictures?”

  They laughed.

  “I will, Commander.”

  “I love you.”

  “I know,” she said, “I love you too, Shenta. I love you so very much.”

  They kissed one last time.

  Shawna rubbed his arm, fighting back her emotions, “I’ll conference you as soon as we
arrive,” she told him, walking backwards.

  “I look forward to it. Safe journey to you and your crew.”

  She smiled, turning before her emotions betrayed her.

  The commander watched his fiancé walk through the hull door of the Erudition ship.

  It closed and sealed shut behind her.

  Shenta walked over to the window and had a seat.

  His mind was on her, not on the significance of the mission, as the ship moved from her berth. The ship’s old, metal side showed her age as it filled the viewing window. The insignia rolled by. Her windows were lined with her crew, gleaning a last glimpse of the planet of their birth, Janus.

  Shuttles and other various craft flew next to the Erudition Seven, giving them a farewell escort out of the inner system.

  The ship’s engines glowed, moving beyond the station. Shenta retreated from his seat and began his walk back to the shuttle and the Keres Ones operations center.

  A historic moment that most Mydians would not witness, saved for the Annals.

  DATA CELL 22

  Lintorth stood alone on the cold, stone floor of the Chamber Lore. Xoma Si had departed first, surrounded by her ever watchful Tactis guards. Lintorth had bowed low as she and her retinue had passed, in respect to the Red Throne, but also to hide a smile from the crowd of onlookers in the tiers above the floor. She had whispered “You please me greatly, my warrior of the Domain,” for his ears only. He was pleased as well. His plan to stall his brother, Sontar Jal, from rash stupidity and premature engagement against the small contingent of Human scout ships had worked.

  Lintorth now held control of a sizable armada of ships assembled for the sole purpose of tracking down the Humans. He was tasked with neutralizing the threat to the Kryth Mahr Domain quickly and thoroughly. Generals Poth Kar and Turlon Ti had approached him and asked what the new fleet commander required of them. He gave them the proper authority and guidelines to ready the force for his disposal before dismissing them brusquely.

  “By the gods, those two wear on my patience,” Lintorth grumbled to the empty arena.

  “Yes, they certainly do,” concurred an amused reply from behind him.

  Lintorth chuckled and shook his head in mock reproof. “Ah, it would be you, of course. I wondered if you had taken leave of this whole farce.”

  Bruntok Gar let slip the slightest of smiles before resuming his neutral expression. “I assumed the whole spectacle was premeditated for the benefit of the Red Throne and yourself, since the decision had already been made.”

  “Yes, it has been decided that I would lead any expedition to find the Humans. My way is cautious, but imperative for the good of the Domain,” Lintorth said benignly. “The Human military capabilities are still largely unknown to me,” he admitted. “I had to forestall the powerful factions from doing something rash and detrimental. We cannot commit to a military offensive that might degrade our means to hold our territories.”

  “The Humans,” Bruntok Gar reiterated, “You still have not discovered their source of power? Where they live? The strength of their forces?”

  “I have not, my friend,” answered Lintorth. “I have deployed all of my considerable resources within and outside the Domain. I have gathered scant information so far, but am confident that I will discover the knowledge I need to proceed strategically. I have many leads, and some are very close to fruition,” he said with a look that showed he would not reveal any more information at the present time.

  Bruntok Gar dipped his head. “I will take my leave, Lintorth Sar, and leave you to your considerable task. Until our enemies are but flame and ash,” he turned and walked towards the large, stone doors at the far side of the Chamber Lore, his footfalls fell silent on the hard surface as he departed.

  “Lintorth Sar,” said Bruntok as he continued walking without looking back. “I thank you for regaining my Korin Shai our rightful place behind the Red Throne of Draneous Kor. I owe you a debt and am glad of it.”

  “It favors us both,” Lintorth said gladly. “Until our paths cross again, may you see the approach of your enemies.”

  ∞∞∞

  Voskal Lat felt the powerful thrum of the Exendoth Destroyer’s engines underneath the soles of his boots, standing three levels above the propulsion system of the Kron Hyr or “Star Glass”. The heavily modified destroyer was one of Lintorth’s personal starships. It boasted increased speed, armaments, and shields. It was also a vessel capable of matchless stealth capabilities and had no peer in its class within the Kryth Mahr Domain. The Kron Hyr could disappear amongst the stars and could cripple starships much larger than itself.

  He and Lintorth Sar had been discussing the most recent developments and intelligence. Lintorth was in great spirits after derailing Sontar Jol’s plans.

  “There has been a significant increase in wormhole activity in multiple sectors,” Voskal Lat explained, “We finally have confirmation of these rare appearances and they do leave a signature of Gashnee technology. I studied the old data you provided from the ancient texts from the Lore and experts confirmed that the propulsion systems the Humans use are not entirely Gashnee technology themselves, but instead a hybrid,” he concluded.

  “How much of an advantage does this give the Humans?” Lintorth asked, already reconciled to the answer he was certain would not be favorable.

  “The Humans have a capability to travel at a factor much greater than our warships,” Voskal began with some distress, “It gives them an extreme tactical and strategic advantage,” he finished.

  “I am aware,” Lintorth agreed with his subordinate, “It also grants us a way to track the Humans’ movements, which could be detrimental. I will provide you with assets to track sightings of their signatures where they may appear,” he decided. “With luck, we might be able to start predicting their movements.”

  Voskal Lat grinned like a predator. “They will inevitably make a mistake and you will flay them for their grievous offenses.”

  “Now that I have the full authority to command our fleets, the current state of engagements against the Humans will be altered,” Lintorth promised matter-of-factly. “The Domain will bring them to battle. We can use subterfuge to lure them to a battlefield of our choosing and defeat them. If that is not enough,” he said, noticing the look of uncertainty on Voskal Lat’s face before continuing, “we can overwhelm them with our might if need be,” he amended.

  “What of the warriors, my Lord?” Voskal Lat interjected. “The Reavers,” the word sounded odd in the Kryth language as he finished, “they seem to plague us at every turn.”

  Lintorth moved over to a large table positioned to one side of the room, next to a metal wall. Tactical displays, troop movement, warship routes, and other layers of information flashed around the screen. He was quiet for a few moments before he spoke.

  “I am constructing a plan to eliminate the Reavers as a threat to the Domain. They are but one part of the Human war fleet. It is called the Ordinance, I have recently discovered through my contacts in the Vrae Empire,” he explained, continuing, “The Reavers might be the key that allows us to discover the secret location of their new home world. The one you retrieved from the Comondons has revealed much about their physiology and biotechnology. I thank you, Voskal, for your exemplary judgment and swift action,” he appraised.

  “You are too kind.” Voskal smiled. “I serve you and the Red Throne to the best of my abilities.”

  “Your abilities have caught a great prize; but, now we must try to capture more of his brethren,” Lintorth confided. “We must know what information they hold. I must know what they know about the Kryth Mahr. We cannot blunder in the darkness any longer.”

  “They must learn their fellow warrior is imprisoned and alive, must they not,” Voskal concluded, shrewdly.

  “Yes.” Lintorth balled his hands into fists. “They must learn one of their own is alive and under our ministrations. They have a bond not unlike the Korin Shai. They will come for him and blaze a
path of blood. And when they do, it will be their doom.”

  Data Cell 23

  The morning came fast. I was up before the Cuukzen. It was time to go meet our first contact, another Cuukzen he knew named Panu.

  “Get up!” I yelled.

  My first instinct was to just flip over my bunk he was sleeping on and drop the little pudge on the floor. It was the least I could do, after what he did to my pillow during the night. I’ll just get a new one.

  The light from the morning star was just making its way over the mountains on Aba-Qun Ta. I wanted to get going, as the markets in the districts would soon be buzzing.

  My first stop was the weapons locker. You can never have too many weapons when meeting unknown contacts. And I didn’t trust the little midget quite yet.

  “I have my own pistol, Rels.”

  “You don’t say.” I didn’t bother with the Cuukzen’s statement as I readied the refill cartridges for the girls, my trusty side arms.

  “Do you like, Rels.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Looks good.”

  “You didn’t even look.”

  I better get this over with or this pudge won’t stop until I do.

  I turned around to glance at the side arm he was so excited to show me. I could only imagine what he was carrying. Hopefully, it had a bio-lock on it. Something else I couldn’t trust him with.

  I knew the piece as soon as I saw it. It was a Tri-Deck Slammer pistol. Both rare and unique.

  “Well, well. I’m actually surprised here, Mistuuk.”

  I reached out to take a closer look.

  The Slammers were unique because they were only used for one thing, close quarters blasting. I mean, real close, about ten meters. But, they packed a punch. The Tri-Deck fired three slug rounds in a spread formation. In close quarters, all three rounds could hit. You were guaranteed of at least two that would hit, even if you weren’t that good of a shot. As the rounds fanned out at a distance, it was less likely they would find their recipient. But at close range, even with a moving or bolting target, the spread fired in front of the moving mark would again guarantee a better chance of a hit.