“Acting as a Prince of the Eutharan Empire and as he viewed the attempt as an attack at the time. He claimed it as a spoil of victory,” Gilas said.
“I guess that’s his right,” the King said. Warning alarms were going off in Gilas’ head at the nonchalant attitude. The King just learned one of the few ships he had was gone and didn’t even blink an eye about it. Something was going on here, and he was sure it wasn’t on the up and up. Jon needed to be told as soon as possible. “What of the crew?”
“Most of them took the offer to stay behind until a trip was made to Euthara,” Gilas said. “Now most of them have decided to stay at the station. I brought those who wanted to return with me.”
“One more question,” the King said as he returned to his seat. “Who is the woman on your ship?”
“Tatiana is the ship’s AI,” Gilas said.
“They’re forbidden, you know that,” the King said. “You also know why they’re forbidden.”
“I do,” Gilas said. “However, I have seen them in action and they benefit the ship in more ways than one. I think the laws were an overreaction ages ago. There are safety protocols in place to make sure that never happens again. Tatiana couldn’t hurt anyone unless given a direct order by a high ranking officer.”
“That doesn’t matter; you broke our laws by allowing the AI to be activated,” the King said. “You’ve also committed what is close to if not treason against the Eutharan Empire.”
“My Lord,” Gilas said.
The King held up a hand for silence as he continued, “I’m stripping you of all rank until the Council decides what to do with you. Your ship has already been handed off to a new Captain and the AI disabled. Your crew will be off loaded until we can discover the extent of the damage caused by this Jonathan Hunter. You are free to go, but stay close as I might summon you at any time.”
Gilas pulled the rank insignia from his uniform and laid them on the dais as he bowed and said, “As you wish.”
“That’s when I turned and walked out and came here,” Gilas said. “I didn’t know what to do. The King picked apart everything you have done twisting it to make it look bad. He used it to remove me from command as he knew I would follow you and take the Titan with me. I don’t know what game he’s playing, but I know Duke Andara is behind some of it.”
“This Duke is Commander of the Ground Forces here in Euthara?” Jon asked?
“In a way he’s Commander of all Military Forces,” Gilas said. “He just doesn’t care much about the space forces and shoves those duties off on his second in command.”
“I think he was trying to kill me,” Jon said.
“What?” Deatra said.
“That little incident over the city was a set up. I’m sure of it after hearing what Gilas just said,” Jon said. “That’s why he left during the session. The King knew about it and approved it. I think they were going to force the shuttle down and kill everyone but Deatra.”
“Why would he do that?” Deatra said.
“He’s in love with you,” Jon said. “The King and everyone else knows the bond we share is legit. The King is scrambling to find a way to denounce it and have it removed.”
“I would never let that happen,” Deatra said.
Jon smiled as he brushed some hair out of her eyes. “I know, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t try.”
“You know there was something else strange at the session,” Gilas said.
“What was that?” Jon said.
“One strange thing is he knew everything that had happened,” Gilas said.
“They have an informant. I was expecting that, so it’s not really a surprise to me,” Jon said.
“The priests of Talftur were also in attendance with the warrior maidens,” Gilas said. “They were dressed in red and armed while in court.”
“That’s never happened before,” Deatra said. “Weapons at court are strictly forbidden. The King would have had to allow them to enter armed. They haven’t sat in at court for over a hundred years. They usually don’t care about mortal affairs and only worry about the spiritual side of the realm.”
“Who are they?” Jon asked.
“The women are trained warriors and also trained in other things, or so it is said,” Deatra said. “They used to be used for assassinations by the old Kings. Their order was tied tightly to the Throne and helped guide the Empire. That was until one of the warrior maidens attempted to kill a court official. Since she died in the attempt, no one was able to trace who called for the assassination and the King expelled the order from the palace. That was when things slowly turned bad here on Euthara.”
“You think this order has something to do with what’s happening here?” Gilas asked.
“It’s possible, I never linked the two events together until now,” Deatra said. The population decline began shortly after they were expelled. For them to be welcomed back now just when we arrive makes me wonder what my father is up to.”
“We’ll deal with that when the time comes,” Jon said. He stood up and stretched, then thumbed the transmitter button on the table in front of him. He tapped out a few codes on the console that lit up in front of him.
“Sir?” Tatiana said.
“You are to resume your duties as of now,” Jon said. “Unlock protocol one-five-alpha-two-zero. Disable all overrides and allow no one into your core room. Shut down all hanger bays until I notify you different. Captain Gilas is to be reinstated with full ranks and privileges.”
“Yes Sir. Captain Gilas has never been removed from that rank. I refused to do so until I heard from him as that is handoff protocol,” Tatiana said.
“You had the override codes for the AI?” Gilas asked in disbelief.
“Yes and you do too,” Jon said. “Your codes can do the same thing; you just didn’t know the extent to which you could use them. I’m sorry old friend but I have to have some secrets, and I was expecting something like this happening. Had you decided to leave I wouldn’t have done this.”
“I see,” Gilas said. “I’m not big on secrets, but I understand the need.”
The link was interrupted as a Eutharan faded into view. “Just what do you think you’re doing?” the Eutharan said.
“And you are?” Jon said without missing a beat.
“I’m Captain Porvin of the Eutharan vessel Titan,” Porvin said. “Who might you be?”
“I’m Jonathan Hunter-C’loth, and that is my vessel,” Jon said.
“This vessel belongs to the Eutharan Fleet,” Porvin said. “You have no claim on her.”
“I repaired her and the bill hasn’t been settled,” Jon said. “Until it has, the vessel is mine.”
Porvin looked off screen and said, “I don’t care what it takes get the landing bays back online and the AI offline.”
“Won’t happen,” Jon said. “I control the AI and I have locked you out. You have one hour to assemble the crew you brought with you in landing bay one and restore the previous crew or you won’t like the results.”
“Your threats are meaningless,” Porvin said. “You’re on Euthara and there is little you can do from there.”
Jon turned to Nefeit as he spoke, “Ready your assault troops and contact the Atlantis to have her troops join in.”
“On it,” Nefeit said.
“You wouldn’t,” Porvin said. “That would be an act of war.”
“The act of war is yours,” Jon said. “Seizing a vessel that belongs to the ADF is an act of war on the ADF. You have fifty eight minutes to comply.”
“Bring us around and put us over the crown city,” Porvin said to someone off screen. “Contact control and have them send assistance.”
Jon shook his head as he sighed. “Are all Eutharan people so thick headed? Tatiana, lock out all controls and shut down all communications. Start having the former crew return to duty. Tell them if they encounter any resistance, arrest them and escort them to the landing bay. Depressurize landing bay two and pressurize it once our troops have a
rrived.”
“Yes Sir,” Tatiana’s voice said.
“Fifty-five minutes, Provin,” Jon said.
“You can’t do this!” Provin said.
“I can and I will,” Jon said. “Save us all trouble and do as I’m telling you. If fighting breaks out and people get hurt, it’s on your shoulders.”
“You’re not giving me much of a choice,” Provin said. “We’ll leave peacefully, but expect repercussions from your actions here.”
“Of course,” Jon said. He didn’t have to wait long after the screen faded, when Tatiana reported that Provin and his crew were moving to the landing bay just before the com beeped again. “I’m going to take a guess at this, but I bet I’m right.” Jon thumbed the button to connect the call as he said, “Nice to make your acquaintance King C’loth; I’m Jonathan Hunter.”
“I know who you are,” the King said. “Just what do you think you’re playing at?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Jon said. “I’m not playing at anything.”
“You know full well what I’m talking about,” the King said. “The Titan is Eutharan property and you have no right to interfere.”
“Wrong,” Jon said. “I hold a bill for the repairs done to her at Ghost Station. Until they’re taken care of, and an agreement is made, she is property of the ADF.”
“Preposterous,” the King said. “I didn’t authorize any repairs to be made to her.”
“Captain Gilas did acting on your behalf,” Jon said.
“He doesn’t have the authority,” the King said.
“Oh, well in that case I’ll tear up the invoice,” Jon said.
“Good now that this matter is settled,” the King said.
“Then I can claim the Titan as a derelict ship in my space,” Jon said. “Since we had to move it to a berth as it couldn’t move under its own power.”
“You can’t claim derelict status as she still had a crew on her,” the King said. He slammed his hand down on the table he was sitting at.
“So, you’re saying I should have waited for them to expire due to decompression before I towed her in?” Jon said.
“Yes, if you wanted to claim that status,” the King said.
Deatra and Gilas both gasped as one, but it was Gilas who spoke up, “I surrendered the ship to the ADF to save the crew.” He was pissed, and Jon could see it in his face.
“You didn’t mention that,” the King said.
“You didn’t ask,” Gilas said. “Therefore, the ADF claimed the ship and has rights to it.”
“You and I are going to have a long talk Gilas,” the King said. “I want you back here in an hour.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t do that,” Gilas said.
“You can and you will,” the King said. “Consider it an order.”
“I’m no longer in your employ; you fired me, remember,” Gilas said. “The ADF has picked me up and restored my previous rank and privileges. I’m on my way to take command of the Titan.”
“You’re still a citizen of Euthara and you will follow my command as your King,” the King said.
“No, I applied to be a citizen of the ADF as did my crew,” Gilas said.
“I’m happy to report that you have been accepted,” Jon said. “Now, about the Titan, do you want to pay the bill or leave it as is?”
“Looks like you have my hands tied as you know I need every ship I have,” the King said. “Nice play Mr. Hunter, just remember I can play too.”
“I’m sure you can,” Jon said under his breath.
“How much does the Eutharan Empire owe you? I’m taking it that it’s a reasonable sum,” the King said.
“Of course it’s reasonable,” Jon said. “Once the Ga’sahde Treaty is restored they can mediate the terms of the contract.”
“That will never happen,” the King said.
“Oh, I think it will as the termination of it was unlawful,” Jon said. “You can also include the arrangements for the shipyard.”
“The shipyard is another matter,” the King said.
“The treaty for the shipyard needs to be revamped to include the ADF,” Jon said.
“You’re kidding,” the King said.
“Not one little bit,” Jon said. “Everything I’m doing here is for your people’s benefit. I don’t see why we need to butt heads. Restore the treaty and all this can stop. Until then, nothing will move forward, and I have no need to talk to you about anything else.”
“You want to play games,” the King said. “Deatra, I’m ordering you to return home this instant.”
“I’m sorry father, but I’m not leaving my bond mate’s side,” Deatra said. “You will either recognize us both and the bond or I’ll have nothing to do with you.”
“You will do as you’re told,” the King said. “That is, unless you want to be stripped of everything including your status.”
“I…” Deatra said. She looked over at Jon, a tear in her eye.
Jon reached up and wiped it away. “Go, it will be ok,” Jon said.
Deatra gave him a small peck on the cheek and turned and left the room followed by her guards.
Once she was gone the King spoke up, “You will never see her again. You are forbidden to enter the crown city on pain of death. None of your people are welcome here or in any of the major cities. You can contact me when you’re ready to be reasonable. Enjoy your stay here on Euthara.”
Chapter 6
Rock and a Hard Place
Jon stepped out of the house and walked through the arch and into the field. Already Mark had troops unloading supplies and equipment. Gilas was following closely behind him wondering what was going on. Things had gotten worse through the discussion with the King. Even to the point of the King ordering Deatra to return to the Palace immediately. Jon just stood by and let it happen, it was something that made Gilas wonder.
“Ask, I know you want to,” Jon said as he made his way towards Mark.
“How could you let her go?” Gilas said. “You know you’ll probably never see her again if the King has his way.”
“He won’t get his way,” Jon said as he stepped into the command building. “He’ll see my side soon enough. She’s safe there; I’m not too worried about her well being.”
The command building was a preformed auto-build package. You told the small computer the size and dimensions you want and small nanites quickly built it. You could even have it build multiple rooms. The shell could be adjusted to maintain a certain temperature inside the small building. It would absorb local sunlight or reflect it, depending on how hot or cold it was inside. It also stored energy to run equipment and to maintain the temperature when the sun went down.
In a pinch secondary nanites, the ones used to maintain the structure, could be commanded to build a power source. As the nanites were expended, the structure would have the remaining nanites to seek out suitable resources to build more. They would burrow down into the ground and survey the local area for useful deposits. Something they would be doing now. All the structures could talk to each other and would help maintain each other if needed. You could build a small city with them, and that’s what Mark was doing. Hangers were already constructed for the fighters as well as barracks for the troops and garages for vehicles.
“You do know she’ll be around Duke Andara, and he has ideas about who she should be with,” Gilas said.
“I’ll know if anything is going on that’s not right,” Jon said as he tapped the side of his head.
“Commander,” Mark said once he noticed Jon. He snapped a small salute.
“How’s it going?” Jon said as he returned the salute.
“We’re almost set up, and the last drop ship is on its way down with the last of the supplies,” Mark said. He turned to the table and brought up a map of the surrounding area as he continued to speak. “I have roaming patrols along the borders and have air support on alert.”
Jon reached up and turned the map slowly and poi
nted at a spot as he spoke, “I want a guard station here. It’s the only way in by land, and I want it covered. No one enters the grounds without authorization from a commanding officer. All authorizations will pass through you for final authorizations.”
“Already done,” Mark said as he grinned. “4th Armored Division is stationed there as we speak. The only reason it doesn’t show up yet is because they have to clear the land, and the engineers are just now landing. As far as the authorizations, well I wasn’t sure how you wanted that handled. I’ll set that up and issue the orders. I’m also going to have roaming scouts along the road and borders.”
“You’re deploying tanks?” Gilas said.
Jon nodded as he continued to look over the map. “Of course, I’m playing for keeps.”
“Sounds like you’re going to war,” Gilas said.
“Not yet, war is a last resort and then only to remove the cancer that is affecting your world,” Jon said. “I would rather your people woke up and realized what was happening to them. It’s the only way to save your people. Or would you rather pack up and leave them to their fate?”
“I’m just saying all these troops seem a bit extreme,” Gilas said. “It might give the King the wrong idea about what you’re planning to do.”
“What wrong idea? That I’m serious about what I said?” Jon said. He looked up at Gilas as he spoke. “Right now the only thing I’m planning is securing this embassy against any attack. There have already been attempts on my sister’s and my life, and the attacks seem to point here and at the King and the Duke.”
“I know you’re serious. Hell, I am too,” Gilas said. “But this,” Gilas swept his hand at the displayed troops on the map, “just seems a bit much.”
“There are two things I know,” Jon said. “One is that your people and even the animals on this planet are dying from an unknown cause. That is something I plan on fixing as soon as possible. The second is that the King is either being manipulated by some outside force or is just a plain idiot that doesn’t realize he’s hurting his people. I’m hoping it’s the first and not the second. Because, if it’s the second, there’s not a lot I can do for him.”
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