Outriders

by Ian Blackport

“Yet the transmission from your facility on Kanaloa changed our perception and forced us to accept a temporary ceasefire. Our enemy is not the Confederacy, or even one another, but the criminals running Triaxus Corporation. Every life lost in this unnecessary war is on their head, and we mean to exact retribution for these crimes.”

  “The Confederacy navy and its leadership was likewise duped by Triaxus. Admiral Kalawai’a and I have discussed the situation and come to an agreement.”

  “What agreement is that?” asked Genevieve.

  “We wish to conduct a summit between all three parties on neutral ground: the CSV Constellation.”

  “You want to hold talks on my warship?”

  “Despite learning our governments were manipulated, animosity remains between Elatha and Delbaeth,” explained Kalawai’a. “Animosity born from decades of dispute and hostility. Enough to be wary of using either flagship for a parley. Your frigate is uniquely positioned to host the discussion.”

  “Do you have the authority to speak for your home worlds and militaries?” Genevieve inquired.

  “For the moment, yes. Our fleets are the largest in Tuatha that can be deployed elsewhere. No warship stationed near Elatha or Delbaeth will be transferred until the war formally ends. A ceasefire is not enough to justify weakening our home defenses. Of course this exercise is irrelevant if you aren’t authorized to negotiate with non-aligned worlds, Captain.”

  “I have full jurisdiction over all Confederacy warships, personnel and operations in this sector. I’m permitted to broker peace and oversee discussions as I deem appropriate.”

  “Excellent. Then do you endorse our summit?”

  “I do, Admiral,” Genevieve responded. “Each delegation is permitted to arrive in one unarmed shuttle and will be granted access to our primary hangar. You may each bring two soldiers for security. Additional personnel will not be allowed to leave the hangar, and all weapons apart from those carried by your escorts will be confiscated.”

  “You’re asking us both to assume considerable risk,” stated Gelashvili

  “My terms are designed to protect the safety of everyone present. My marines will assume responsibility for security.”

  “If this is a complicated ruse, what’s to prevent you from imprisoning or assassinating two high-ranked enemy admirals?”

  “The suggestion to hold a summit was yours, Admiral,” Genevieve asserted. “You trusted me to host, but not enough to guarantee your personal safety?”

  “We presumed you would permit a larger escort for us both.”

  “Your combined fleets outnumber my warships more than ten to one. I’d need to be either suicidal or remarkably ignorant to risk harming either of you.”

  “Rare is the captain who can project authority over a superior officer and impress me,” declared Gelashvili. “I’ll voluntarily comply with your conditions.”

  “As will I,” Kalawai’a said. “Our fleets will rendezvous with yours in three hours, once we’ve all had the necessary time to personally review and familiarize ourselves with the data transmission.”

  “I look forward to meeting you both in person,” Genevieve said. “Docking instructions will be provided once your shuttles are on approach. Good day, Admirals.”

  She terminated the communication and faced her bridge crew. From their expressions alone she knew they understood the gravitas and significance of this meeting.

  “Flight Control,” Genevieve instructed, “assemble our pilots and launch all starfighters once again in order to make enough room for two shuttles in the hangar bay. Have our fighters assume stationary flanking positions to bow and stern of us.”

  “At once, Captain.”

  “Lieutenant Yacoby, instruct Lieutenant Galanos to position one-third of her marines as an honor guard in the hangar and station the rest at regular intervals leading to my quarters. We’ll conduct the negotiations in my conference room.”

  “I’ll handle the arrangements, ma’am,” Noam answered.

  “Navigation, make the Constellation ready for immediate faster-than-light travel and direct the Nightwatch to do the same. If even one weapons battery from a single Elathan or Delbaethi warship fires on us, you’re under strict command to flee this system, whether I’m able to give the order or not.”

  Genevieve returned to the Communications Technician and stopped behind his chair. “Did you connect to our agents based in Tuatha during the broadcast?”

  “I did, Captain.”

  “Good. Transmit my authorization rendering all operations void. It’d be poor timing to have an Elathan or Delbaethi city go dark while I’m hosting their military leaders.”

  *

  Genevieve stood at respectful attention in her private quarters as the entry opened to admit the two visiting Tuathan admirals. Though Confederacy regulations forbade her from saluting or otherwise deferring to foreign officers, she wanted to convey respect for their rank and seniority in terms of years spent serving the military. However, this warship was under her direct command and she would not tolerate dissent on any issues pertaining to the vessel or its crew. As the sole representative for her government in this negotiation, she was under no obligation to relinquish authority and intended to remind these visiting dignitaries that her words carried equal weight in this room regardless of her junior rank.

  The officers filed into her chamber with their armed escorts close. Despite the presence of her own marines posted in the corridor beyond, Genevieve felt a ripple of unease at the sight of soldiers from non-aligned worlds permitted weaponry on her ship. The situation was unusual and required a flexible interpretation of Starfleet protocols, though within limits she intended to soon explore.

  Genevieve nodded her head in a courteous greeting. “Welcome aboard the Confederacy Starfleet Vessel Constellation, Admirals.”

  “Thank you, Captain,” replied Rear Admiral Lehua Kalawai’a. “This frigate is a fine, well-constructed warship. More heavily armed than normal for a vessel of this class and size.”

  “The Confederacy understands the benefits of outfitting all warships to be capable of standing in the line of battle. Even our smaller vessels.”

  Lips rimmed in a black goatee parted to reveal a lopsided smirk. “I’m uncertain whether to consider that a wise precaution or threatening gesture.”

  “Depends on where a person is standing.” Genevieve beckoned the officers into her modest conference chamber and directed them to one table. “Gentlemen, your security detail is invited to remain outside during our discussions.”

  Though all four soldiers wore a full face plate shielding their head, Genevieve glimpsed reluctance in their mannerisms and body language. Shoulders tensed, boots pivoted for stronger traction, gloved hands gripping assault rifles tightened. These were professional troops though, waiting for instructions from their respective commanders. Genevieve did not know enough about Elathan or Delbaethi special forces and elite units, yet ventured these bodyguards were no common rank-and-file soldiers. They earned caution from her if nothing else.

  “You’re demanding we acquiesce to an unacceptable risk,” responded Admiral Mikheil Gelashvili.

  “I must insist. Our conversation will be of a sensitive nature and likely include information beyond the clearance of your soldiery. You’ll notice my own marines remain outside at the moment. I also don’t want to risk a regrettable incident between three separate governments who were enemies only hours ago.”

  “You believe us to be that temperamental or incompetent?”

  “On the contrary, I afford you the highest respect. But I couldn’t avoid noticing your soldiers’ weapons have their safety parameters disarmed. Be grateful I haven’t chosen to take offense at the gesture. If no troops are present with us, we lessen the chances of an accident capable of inciting further violence. Raised voices will be the gravest threat to our persons.”

  “I suppose a measure of trust is imperative to our cause.” Admiral Kalawai’a waved one hand above his shoulder as tho
ugh shooing an insect. “My escorts will remain outside for the duration of our meeting.”

  Gelashvili grumbled and wandered toward a seat, his features dark and suggesting dissatisfaction with the direction. “As will mine.”

  Each trooper turned without voicing complaint or acknowledgement, departing from the quarters to stand alongside their brethren in the stark, white-washed hallway.

  “With that unpleasantness behind us, we can turn to our business,” Genevieve declared. “Would either of you care for refreshments? Our provisions are stretched at the moment, though I’d suspect we can scrounge something for our guests.”

  Kalawai’a claimed one chair at the table and declined with a shake of his head. “Thank you, no. Better that we focus on the task at hand.”

  “As you like.” Genevieve sat in the final chair opposite Kalawai’a. “What reason did you have for requesting this summit?”

  “You’ve read the files transmitted to our fleets via the Tangaroa communication relay?”

  “I have.”

  “Then you know a large contingent of Triaxus and Confederacy warships have marshalled in the Magh Tuireadh star system in preparation for invading our territory. We intend to destroy their capability to threaten us, and punish those responsible for this conflict.”

  “How do you propose to accomplish that aim?”

  “By launching an immediate assault against our adversaries,” Gelashvili asserted.

  Genevieve lifted a restraining palm. “I’d urge caution. We don’t know their full composition or numbers. Vice Admiral Baliarsingh will be arriving with the Ninth Fleet in mere days or less. I recommend we wait for her arrival to bolster our forces before beginning the offensive.”

  “The transmission from Kanaloa was not distributed to the rogue warships in Magh Tuireadh. They remain unaware their location has been compromised, but only for the time being. Waiting will strengthen their position at the expense of ours, since a prolonged delay might mean they learn about the data leak and flee. They likely have their own spies and moles stationed throughout Tuatha. Once their ships scatter they’ll be able to slip away to various patrols and assignments. Those responsible may never face judgment for the blood on their hands.”

  “And if we jump to their position only to discover we’re dangerously outgunned?”

  “We’re not averse to tactical withdrawals when needed. If the situation is unsustainable we’ll retreat. But at least we’ll have identified the warships, which we cannot do by remaining here. All war requires risk; this choice is no different from many others we’ve all made.”

  “I only have one damaged frigate and corvette under my command,” Genevieve said. “Hardly enough to tip the balance of power if we face considerable opposition.”

  “Perhaps not in a conventional manner. Your presence among us is what matters. You might be able to convince the rogue Confederacy warships to stand down.”

  “Unless they believe me to be an enemy collaborator.”

  “True enough. Call it a calculated gamble. We lose nothing in the attempt. Even if your role fails, we have an officer with us who knows Confederacy tactics, vessels and weaponry.”

  Genevieve removed her arms from the table surface and leaned backward. Their opinions had merit, whether motivated by a burning desire for retribution or genuine yearning to see justice served. Declining their offer for an alliance would achieve nothing and merely prompt the admirals to attack without her support. Perhaps her presence among the allied fleets could result in modest concessions and guarantee a positive influence. The Constellation’s involvement might limit potential bloodshed, a worthy objective in exchange for cooperation.

  “If I consent to this,” she said, “I need assurances from you and the fleets you command. On your honor as officers and emissaries of your governments.”

  Kalawai’a tented his fingers and leaned closer, his eyes inquisitive though hopeful. “Such as?”

  “These are the individuals and organizations guilty of inciting the Tuathan War, so I understand the temptation for vengeance. But I cannot permit ruthless behavior. If a Triaxus or Confederacy vessel surrenders and submits to our authority, you will both respect the conventions of war and honor its terms. No warship from our fleets will fire on anyone whose surrender has been accepted. There can be no exceptions or attempts to circumvent this agreement.”

  Gelashvili’s distaste was palpable as his dark eyes narrowed to hostile slits. “You ask us to show the perpetrators of war crimes – and make no mistake, these are indeed war crimes – a measure of leniency they don’t deserve.”

  “I ask you to trust the judicial system will serve its purpose. No one will escape punishment because they chose to stop resisting.”

  “This argument may be academic if our adversaries refuse all entreaties to surrender.”

  Genevieve held his stare and demonstrated her own. “Nevertheless, I still require both your assurances in order for me to commit my forces. If you want Confederacy reinforcements, which may eventually include an entire battle fleet, you’ll agree to my terms.”

  “Those who capitulate will be held in Elathan custody until the Ninth Fleet arrives,” Kalawai’a promised. “No harm will come to those who wish for an end to the conflict. I give you my word.”

  Outvoted by his allies, Gelashvili brushed imaginary dirt from one black sleeve trimmed in red. The Delbaethi fleet needed Elathan and Confederacy support in this operation, and Gelashvili seemed too shrewd a military officer to let personal dissatisfaction jeopardize the mission. His mannerisms suggested considerable reluctance, though his voice and eyes continued to hold an edge of defiance. “Then I also accede to your limitations. But any vessel that refuses to yield or attempts to flee will be met with lethal force.”

  Genevieve bristled at the menace in his tone. “Those are Confederacy naval warships you’re threatening—”

  “With respect, Captain, they are not. We’re standing aboard a Confederacy naval warship. The ones assembled in Magh Tuireadh are traitors, criminals and rogue elements hiding under the authority of your navy’s banner. They will be granted no concessions if they don’t seek amnesty.”

  “Need I remind you how little the typical crewmember understands about their missions? Only the highest ranking officers on those Confederacy vessels are likely complicit in orchestrating this war. Thousands of others must believe this operation is sanctioned by Parliament and Starfleet Command. I will not allow the senseless slaughter of naval personnel who are only guilty of following orders.”

  “Then you’d better pray their superior officers feel the same way and choose to surrender. Because if they refuse, I’ll order my cannons to burn their hulls into molten debris.”

  Genevieve exhaled a weary breath. “If they refuse, we’ll be defending ourselves. I can’t fault any commander who’s forced into that situation.”

  “Good. With our terms of engagement decided, we should turn our attention to logistics and strategy.”

  “Quite right.” Kalawai’a stroked his goatee between thumb and forefinger. “But first I must ask, Captain. Is it true your Parliament declared war on Elatha and Delbaeth? We’d heard rumors but found confirmation difficult to acquire.”

  “Yes,” answered Genevieve. “But only because we believed Delbaethi warships violated interstellar treaties and ambushed my task force. With the evidence from Kanaloa the declaration will be rescinded.”

  “I can assure you no ships from my navy attacked you,” Gelashvili claimed. “As a gesture of goodwill and cooperation between our forces, can you provide me with the data you have available on your phantom attackers?”

  “I’ll send the information to your flagship. Several warships didn’t broadcast a transponder, but two Sickle frigates did: the Warspite and Saber.”

  “Both are stationed in the Cailleach system and engaged in bitter fighting. Neither has left in more than two weeks.”

  “Confederacy naval intelligence told me the same thing.” />
  “I expect we’ll find these imposters among the Triaxus forces in Magh Tuireadh.”

  “They’ll be given the same terms as all other warships and face a court of law.”

  Gelashvili bared his teeth and Genevieve half-expected a snarl to emerge. “Their crews were under no illusions about their mission while impersonating my countrymen.”

  “Those crimes killed members of my crew and destroyed a corvette under my command. I well understand the unforgiveable acts they perpetrated, so don’t condescend to me about their culpability or what’s at stake. But I will not turn my guns on living crew when surrender is an option. My entire purpose in the Tuatha system was mediation. I won’t dishonor the spirit of this assignment with wilful murder.”

  “Nor will I,” concurred Kalawai’a. “Mikheil, if our worlds were willing to conduct war against one another according to proper conventions, despite all the animosity and distrust between us, then surely we can undertake this engagement in the same manner. Even when we believed your government guilty of atrocities and unprovoked assaults, we chose not to retaliate in kind. We can and should extend the same courtesy to our enemies now.”

  “As you wish,” Gelashvili relented.

  “I have your word, Admiral?” questioned Genevieve.

  “Though I believe this stipulation to be restricting and foolhardy, yes, you have my word.”

  “I’ll hold you to that.” Genevieve permitted herself a smile and crossed her legs beneath the table. “Now we can focus on developing the proper tactics for ending this conflict, Admirals. If we’re victorious, the outcome might mean enduring peace between all our worlds.”

  Chapter 32

  “Reverting to realspace,” announced the Helm. “Brace for deceleration.”

  Genevieve steadied her footing and gripped a railing as the Constellation dropped from faster-than-light travel. A swollen blue supergiant star cast its intense, blinding luminosity throughout the Magh Tuireadh system, despite their extraordinary distance from the star.

  One sensor personnel turned in his chair to face Genevieve. “Admiral Kalawai’a and the Elathan Maelstrom Fleet remain in position alongside us, ma’am.”