Gates of Cilicia bls-1

by Michael G. Thomas

  “Good work. News on the FTL drive?” asked Dekarchos Ezekiel.

  “Another three minutes until we are out of range of the gravity well.”

  Another beam flashed nearby, but the helmsman expertly avoided it with a spin of the ship across its length. It was a flashy manoeuvre and avoided the impact by a matter of just a few metres. Three flashes appeared in front of them, and only the skills of the crew enabled them to avoid smashing into the path of three more warships. These were even larger than the ship that was pursuing them.

  “Sir, signal from the new ships. It is their commander. They wish to discuss our surrender,” said Auletes Sarjek.

  Anaxandros shook his head.

  “Jam them, put all reserve power into the shields. We have to get through!”

  The warships unleashed a torrent of plasma fire, sending hundreds of superheated projectiles hurtling towards the small ship. Even the skill of the crew couldn’t withstand the ferocity of the bombardment. Multiple strikes to the centre section of the ship severed the fuel cells and started a number of massive fires. Alarms announced the critical damage, and emergency crew ran about, each trying to minimise the damage caused. Anaxandros watched the destruction and knew it was over. They were a scout and not a warship, and they were already outnumbered. They were never going to make it out of here. He just had one last job to do.

  “Get me through to Clearchus and the Armada, quickly! Before it’s too late!”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Laconian Titan LLS Valediction, Tarsus Assembly Point

  Cyrus, the tall and enigmatic half-brother of the Emperor watched the fleet review with a mixture of excitement and pride. It had taken many months of subterfuge and cunning to bring together so many people from such diverse parts of the human domains. From his position on board the Laconian flagship, he had the perfect few of his Armada. The Tarsus system was the last area of neutral space between the worlds of the humans and his own race. Just a short distance from there were the feral borderlands, occupied by a mixture of humans, Mulacs and a myriad of other races. For the last two hundred years, this area had become one of the most important bridges between the empires of the humans and the greatest power in the region, the Median Empire. The two great civilisations had moved into the same territory at the same time, with bloody consequences. In total, the Terran worlds contained only a fraction of the planets and inhabitants of the Empire, yet they flourished when they should have been consumed centuries earlier.

  The interior of LLS Valediction was unlike any of the other heavy warships in the fleet. A Titan was something out of the ordinary as it was, but this vessel was even more unusual. Valediction was the oldest of the Titans, and the most famous ship in the Laconian fleet. She had been present at the great battle of Sala when the combined Terran fleets had smashed the invasion force sent by the Median Empire. It was an epic battle of which scores of poems, songs and plays had been constructed to celebrate the achievements of humanity. With hundreds of decks, many corridors and untold rooms, the ship was more a society in space as opposed to an actual vessel of war. Cyrus has listened with interest days before when a human, an old engineer from the supply fleet, had explained to him about the Titan. He had said that to Terrans, the Titans were mobile colonies, more a marching polis than a ship of war. Each Titan contained enough citizens, warriors and supplies to operate for years. They were fully self-sufficient and could function in deep space without even an escort.

  What I would give for my own fleet of these behemoths, he wished.

  The command deck was wide and large enough to house a hundred officers. Banks of computer displays ran in columns, each one attached to the ribbed inner skin of the ship. What really made this ship special was its large-scale virtual observation system. The entire inner surface of the deck was controlled at a molecular level to give it the characteristics of a flawless three-dimensional video display. Standing on the deck was like flying through space, with the full ability to see outside of the ship, past the armour and into space itself. It was as if only the command deck itself existed, and there was no more to the ship. Lesser versions of the technology were used on frigates and cruisers but nothing on such a grand scale. Dozens of officers moved about, some checking the scanners, others leading security patrols throughout the ship.

  Cyrus watched the scores of Laconian military personnel and smiled inwardly.

  So many warriors, all so dedicated to a cause they don’t even know yet.

  He looked to the inner skin of the command deck and noted the positions of the many ships, great hulks of Titans, long and slender cruisers plus the small but deadly wings of destroyers. In a much larger formation above the Armada was his own fleet of Imperial ships. Unlike the rough, angry looking shapes of the human ships, the ships of the Median Empire were small, sleek and looked incredibly fragile. What they lacked in brute strength, they more than made up for in sheer numbers. Each vessel was crewed by contingents of completely loyal automatons, the artificially created slaves used throughout the Empire. Cyrus thought of them pale and weak compared to humanity; but they could drown the human colonies in numbers they couldn’t imagine.

  Humans, he thought. They prefer Terrans, don’t they? I have to remember. They are never happy when referred to as humans, a strange people, very strange. Too many people and too many customs. This will change when my mission succeeds, I think.

  He looked out at the assembled ships and tried to hide a smile. As well as the four mighty Titans, there were scores of other Terran ships. Cruisers, battleships and transports waited in formation for the order to move. Their vessels looked crude and ungainly compared to his own, but he knew their strength and had no doubts what would happen if a Terran capital ship faced off against a Median vessel. Even so, a quick glance to the sides of the fleet showed even more ships from his own worlds. Over fifty Median cruisers had answered his call, and twice as many smaller vessels moved about the fleet in small groups.

  Terran muscle and Median finesse, an interesting combination.

  Cyrus, like most Imperials, shared a common but uncertain link with the Terrans. At some point in the distant past, there had been a crossover of genetic material. Scientists, scholars and ministers of various religions had all proposed different hypothesis. No matter who was asked though, the inarguable conclusion was that the two races shared a common heritage, and one that seemed to draw them together in the most unlikely of scenarios, but never in peace.

  Will this be enough? he thought, watching the vast fleet before him. I have the Terrans, their Titans and my own forces. Can I do what must be done, or should I wait and build up my forces? If I wait, I lose the element of surprise.

  He watched the Laconians move about their business, each moving efficiently, but never stopping for idle gossip or conversation. One officer approached him and stopped directly in front. He saluted and handed a document, a simple sheet with a list of captains in the fleet. Cyrus nodded, glancing at the man before he moved away. The Laconian was strong certainly, but he moved with a sluggish pace, so different to his own species. Outwardly, Cyrus appeared of a similar build to a human man, but with a few significant differences. Due to his race’s more sophisticated development, they had modified themselves to increase both their lifespan and tolerance to disease and illness. His features were smaller, almost feminine, and his skin was tighter and smoother than an equivalent human. He looked like a man in his prime rather than over ninety years old. Clearchus, the Laconian commander stepped forward.

  “My Lord. The Armada is assembled and awaits your command.”

  Cyrus nodded, but said nothing. He looked at the human with a mixture of awe and dismay.

  He sighed. They are so strong, so powerful, and yet their lives are short. They burn brightly before fading forever. Tragic, but for me, useful. If they could ever do the things we can, the Empire would be torn apart.

  Clearchus was a famous General, possibly the most famous human leader in the last hundred yea
rs. As a Terran male, especially a Laconian, he was the exact opposite of the elegant, almost beautiful-looking Cyrus. A little shorter, at two metres tall, his torso and arms were thick and toughened by continuous training and conflict. Stood next to each other they gave the impression of a warrior and a dancer, in terms of their physique and stature. Clearchus tapped a device on his left arm, and a model showing the entire fleet appeared as a detailed, digital projection.

  “Every kentarchos is ready.”

  “Thank you, General Clearchus. Just a few more minutes, I am waiting for one last contingent before we make way on our adventure. What is the status of your own contingent? I understand you have been busy while waiting for my arrival?” asked Cyrus with a smooth, elegant voice.

  “Yes, Tissaphernes implied that the situation at the gates required our attention, and that you had already promised our services to him. We were attacked by a number of raiders before you arrived.”

  “Yes, that is what I heard. I will be discussing this with him shortly. Tissaphernes is a strong friend and ally of my brother, the Emperor. But do not let this fool you. He is a lord and mighty ruler in his own right. My brother may rule the largest domain in the galaxy, but he does so with the co-operation of his Satraps. Each has control of many worlds, soldiers, even ships. It is through the support of the local Satraps that he wields his power. But Tissaphernes is something else. Do you know what he did when my brother became Emperor?”

  Clearchus fidgeted uncomfortably. Court and political intrigue was something he really didn’t enjoy. He’d come from a state that valued military service and loyalty above all else. That had not stopped him being exiled from his own people after his victory over the Alliance. It seemed the one thing they feared back home, even more than defeat, was a victorious general. He’d managed to miss the end of the war with the Alliance and been left to rot in one of the League’s many border stations. Strategos Lysander, one of his archrivals, had won acclaim in that war, and he wouldn’t forget the betrayal. Cyrus watched him, intrigued by the man’s change when the subject shifted from combat to politics.

  “Well, the short version is that Tissaphernes implied that I was against him becoming Emperor. We almost came to blows, even as my father lay dead but still warm.”

  “That is why you forced yourself into involuntary exile to your own borders?” asked Clearchus.

  “In part, yes. Watch Tissaphernes. His interests lie in one place only, himself. He would sooner kill either of us than see his own position affected.”

  He looked out at the assembled Armada. It was a mighty force, but he could also see the precarious position they were in. Unlike the Terrans, he knew the size of the enemy. Even Clearchus couldn’t comprehend the numbers arrayed against them if they were not quick. He turned back to Clearchus.

  “As it stands, we cannot start the campaign along the border until we have established a series of staging posts. We are not fighting one fleet but a co-ordinated series of attackers. The last thing I want is to end up trapped and with limited supplies. We need substantial fuel and supplies before making the next series of jumps, and this area is the only place within ten jumps that can provide this.”

  “Why the urgency?” asked Clearchus.

  Cyrus watched him, waiting before answering. The General knew the basic plan and the mission, but did he want to give him the details for his real objective? The longer he withheld the specifics, the harder it would be for the Armada to turn away. There was a chance they would simply turn and leave if he told them the truth.

  A little truth will hide the lie. A smile formed on his face. He knew well the strengths and weaknesses of most of the Terran factions. The Alliance was proud and easily angered. The Laconians were quiet, stoic but irresistible in battle and violence. It would be easy to goad them into battle when it suited him.

  “We have a large fleet, but even the most foolish of enemies will have scouts and spies. The longer we take, the greater the chance he will have to bring in more forces. I am just worried we will increase the difficulty by waiting, that is all.”

  “Numbers don’t concern me,” said Clearchus with a strong sense of pride.

  They should, my young friend. Cyrus almost felt pity for the man’s hubris.

  “The Armada is in excellent shape. You have done your work well. The Terran contingents alone are already enough to provide over thirty bandon. I do not know of any ground force that could stand to their number or quality.”

  “You think this, even of your non-Laconian troops?” asked Cyrus, somewhat surprised at his comments.

  “They may not match my Laconians, but they are still strong, well drilled and trained. With your coin, we have sufficient quality weapons and armour to equip the entire force. Every Terran here has military experience and training and are more than a match for any Medes, Mulac or even Mycona.”

  “I see, and your ship?”

  Clearchus nodded at the question.

  “As you would expect, my Laconian infantry are fit, trained and ready for battle. They are itching to get stuck into the enemy, my Lord. What of this contingent? Do we not already have enough troops?”

  Cyrus smiled at the General.

  These Laconians, they seem simple with their constant training and desire for conflict. Yet there is something about them, something simple perhaps to admire. Their courage, or is it the simple pleasure they take from doing something well?

  “I’ve heard about your ship, one of the last twelve Titans still in existence amongst your people. My father tried to destroy them all, you’ll recall? They proved somewhat difficult. As for the contingent, they are a last minute addition from the Ionian Realm, and they have their own special talents.”

  Clearchus smiled, but due to a small scar above his lip, it looked more like a snarl. He had no great vendetta against the Empire, but he did wear that self-satisfied expression worn by most Laconians because they all knew, man for man, they had no equal.

  “I see. Yes, the Ionians are probably the best shipbuilders and engineers we’ve yet encountered. Still, I don’t see what use they will be in this expedition. I’m sure you have your reasons.”

  He waited, but Cyrus said nothing. It was clear he was not interested in discussing it any further. Clearchus might be officially in charge, but Cyrus held the purse strings, and in a mercenary adventure such as this it was all about the money. He thought back to his comments about his ship.

  “Lord Cyrus, your people in the Empire may have infinite resources, people and ships, but none are a match for a Terran Titan and her crew. A hundred Median vessels would be hard pressed to even board a Titan. And why would you ever want to board one? Especially one protected by Laconians!”

  “Quite. You would do well, young Clearchus, to not become too smug about your position with the Terrans. Your people and your ships are strong, but nobody, not even Laconia, is invincible. Perhaps if you had a few more people of your own, your own planet wouldn’t be in such a poor position. A few earthquakes and a slave revolt, and suddenly you are without money or manpower. Remember my offer, The Median Empire is prepared to make a sizable offering of our own automatons to help your people. They may not be as strong and durable as your own slaves, but they are numerous and loyal.”

  Clearchus snorted with derision at the prospect of having Median automatons toiling the lands that his ancestors had protected and built.

  “Never. We are not perfect. I will give you that. But we will rebuild, and with the money from this expedition, the Laconian League will become the strongest and dominant empire amongst all Terrans. Don’t misunderstand our use of indentured workers in our society. They are treated well and are able live long and stable lives on Laconia. The use of artificially created life is outlawed on every civilised Terran world.”

  Cyrus nodded as if agreeing.

  He cannot see it. The weakness that he feels is his people’s strength.

  “The slave revolt on your planet would suggest otherwise, though?�
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  He watched the General’s reaction and quickly regretted his words. It was critical that the Laconian general would command his forces in battle. He might be an able politician and administrator, but there was no doubt who the true masters of war were. He looked at Clearchus and spotted the tension building in him.

  They are so quick to anger, so passionate and so willing to fight.

  “I’m sure your friends in the Alliance will be glad to hear that Laconia will once again be powerful and well resourced,” laughed Cyrus, doing his best to calm the situation and avoid a possible confrontation.

  Clearchus was no fool and noted the change in Cyrus’ voice. The Median nobleman had clearly realised he had overstepped his mark. He avoided the earlier comments and smiled, at least as close to a smile as he could muster. Cyrus relaxed a little, glad that they were back on neutral territory, for now.

  “It amazes me how with all of the worlds and empires run by you humans, you seem to spend more time fighting each other than a common enemy.”

  He crossed his hands in front of his body and smiled.

  “Not that I am complaining, of course. Because of your constant fighting, you have produced the finest fighting men and women in the known Galaxy.”

  He turned and looked out through the thick, reinforced window.

  “And that is no easy feat, when you see some of the warriors in my brother’s Empire.”

  Clearchus laughed out loudly.

  “Trust me, we’ve thought about that. Luckily for you, we have enough to worry about with the rest of the Terrans to have any designs on your own empire…” he said, and then paused for effect, “…for now!”

  Cyrus laughed, but the comments did hit home. He was beginning to think the same thing. The Terrans were an asset, but they also posed a grave risk, and one he would have to manage carefully. He watched the ships for a moment, the number and size of them was impressive, but it was the Titans that really caught his eye. In his many years he had seen them, sometimes in battle, but most of the time waiting at some starbase. Only once before, had he been able to witness three in one place. Now there were four of them in formation, each surrounded by hundreds of smaller cruisers and destroyers. It was a force capable of destroying entire fleets, possibly even empires. He smiled inwardly as he thought about his plan and turned back to the General.