by G. P. Hudson
“Enemy ships are on a collision course,” said Petrovic.
“Ensign Richards, I don’t want any of those bastards touching this ship.”
“Yes, Sir,” said Richards, maneuvering the Freedom away from the approaching ships.
“Contacts!” said Petrovic.
“What? More jump ships?” said Jon.
“They’re friendly, Sir. It’s our jump squadron.”
Jon held his breath when he looked at his tactical display. The jump squadron had jumped in ridiculously close to the Juttari ships. Jon couldn’t believe that they hadn’t landed inside the enemy hulls. Someone over there was either very lucky, or very stupid. Likely both.
With their added firepower, the Juttari didn’t stand a chance. Yet they pushed on, trying to get to the Freedom. But as their ships began exploding, even they must have known that their objective was hopeless.
Jon’s comm display flickered to life and Jon saw the Reiver leader, Jonas Viken, looking back at him with a rare smile.
“How did you like that entrance, Admiral?”
“Was that your idea, Jonas?”
“Of course.”
“You crazy old bastard. You could’ve gotten everyone killed.”
“A Reiver does not fear death. You should know that by now. And as you can see, it worked.”
“It did, but I don’t know how.”
“You know, you might try showing a little more gratitude.”
“You’re right, Jonas. Thank you for not getting yourself killed. I would hate to have to explain this to your daughter.”
Jonas’s smile disappeared, and his eyes turned cold and murderous. “Next time I will let you die, you ungrateful son of a bitch. And I won’t have any problem explaining it to my daughter!” Before Jon could reply, Jonas disappeared from his screen.
Jon glanced over at Konos, who had clearly overheard the conversation. “In-laws,” said Jon, with a shrug.
Chapter 60
With hull breaches riddling the Freedom’s hull, they were in no position to fight anymore. So Jon hung back in the relative safety of the gate defenses, coordinating the rest of the battle, all the while despising himself for it. During the wars, he had trouble respecting the admirals who sent men and women to die in battle, while they remained safe and comfortable. He would be damned if he ever turned into someone like that. If there was a battle to be fought, he would be in it with his troops, putting his own life on the line just like everyone else.
Thankfully, the fleet didn’t need him. Now that AI had come back and taken control of the battle station, the fleet could concentrate all its efforts on the Juttari ships. The Juttari had sent a sizable force through the gates to defend the Triangle, and their fleet rivaled Jon’s. But they didn’t have the station, and their jump ships were gone.
The station appeared worse off than the Freedom, but it still packed a punch. His fleet hadn’t managed to fully destroy its formidable firepower. AI now used the remaining weapons to rake the enemy lines, as they battled the allied fleet. Taking the station had been costly, and they had lost well over a hundred ships in the process, but now that they had control of it, the advantages were clear.
“AI, have you succeeded in freeing any Chaanisar in the enemy fleet?” said Jon.
“No, Admiral. While my attempts yielded promising initial results, the Juttari have adapted, and have implemented a more dynamic authentication protocol, that changes regularly.”
“So you’re saying that what you learned about the Chaanisar when you took the station is already old news.”
“Correct, Admiral. Although the knowledge has proved fruitful in other ways. For example, taking the planets will be much less challenging now.”
“You’ve got control of the orbital defenses?”
“Yes, Admiral. It turns out that this battle station was not merely built with system defense in mind. It was also used for system governance. The planetary defenses are controlled by the station, rather than the planets.”
“Probably due to the non-Juttari races down there. The Juttari were prepared for rebellion.”
“A reasonable assumption Admiral.”
“Does the station control anything else in the system?”
“Yes, it also controls all the gate defenses. I had taken that control away from the station at the first gate, but the other two gates remained under Juttari control.”
“Until now.”
“Correct, Admiral. All gate defenses are now firmly under my control. They will fire on any Juttari vessel that comes through those jump gates.”
Jon allowed himself a smile. “That’s great, AI. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Actually you do know, Admiral. I was not available for a period during the battle.”
“True enough. What about the smaller stations in the system?”
“A connection exists between them and the battle station. I have used that connection to launch electronic attacks, and now control them as well. There are Chaanisar on each station, and since they interface directly with the station, I have not had the same difficulty freeing them. Since then, those Chaanisar have terminated any Juttari on board.”
“Well done, AI. Thank you.”
“You’re most welcome, Admiral.”
The smaller stations had concerned Jon from the start. They weren’t as intimidating as the main battle station, but they had defenses, and any attempt to take them by force would have cost many ships. Between them, the orbital grids, and the gate defenses, there was a real risk of getting bogged down in this system for some time. Now all he had to worry about were the populations on the planets. He figured the non-Juttari inhabitants would side with him once they realized that his forces had taken the system. The fact that the orbital defenses could be trained on the surface would also be a motivating factor if required.
He turned his attention back to the battle between the two fleets, to see that his ships had clearly gained the upper hand. The jump bombers were pouncing in and out, dropping their hull piercing payloads, and the jump squadron was causing chaos on the enemy flanks. With no hope of reinforcements coming through the gates, it was now just a matter of time.
He wondered how much fight the Juttari had left in them. They had lost two highly strategic systems, and several thousand warships. Jon was not naive. He knew the Juttari were far from defeated, and had many more surprises up their sleeves.
Nonetheless, there was no way these setbacks didn’t hurt. He wondered if the Juttari saw it for what it was. The beginning of the end. The Juttari Empire may have ruled half the galaxy for centuries, but all empires fall. The Juttari would be no different. He would bring about the fall of the Juttari Empire if it was the last thing he did.
Chapter 61
Grand Sovereign Tsogt, leader of the Kemmar Empire, studied the creatures standing before him. They were large, intimidating beasts, with green skin, and long, threatening looking claws. They had used intermediaries first to arrange a meeting. Those intermediaries had promised a mutually beneficial arrangement, but had also warned against treachery. They said they represented the Juttari Empire.
Tsogt had seen intelligence reports regarding this species. He didn’t possess a lot of information on them, but from what he saw, they were quite powerful. It occurred to Tsogt that this meeting might be a prelude to invasion. A way to assess Kemmar defenses. That fear increased when their ships arrived, and were strikingly similar to the vanishing ships that had plagued his forces of late. Some of those same ships were even responsible for the Kemmar defeat in human space. Something entirely unexpected.
Now the creatures stood before him, and Tsogt couldn’t help but wonder what that green flesh tasted like. He toyed with the idea of simply falling on them, and sinking his teeth into their throats. He glanced at their claws again and thought better of the idea.
These creatures were not like the humans. Their bodies had natural defensive capabilities, and Tsogt didn’t relish the
idea of those talons tearing at his hide. Besides, the failed invasion of human space had been a severe setback. Replacing those ships would be costly. The Empire might benefit from cooperation with these creatures. He needed to keep an open mind.
“The Juttari Empire has seen fit to offer you the privilege of an alliance,” said one of the Juttari.
Tsogt felt his anger rise. “Privilege? Do you have any understanding of who you are speaking to in this manner?”
“Yes. You are Grand Sovereign Tsogt, of the Kemmar Empire.”
“And you dare speak to me with such disrespect?”
The Juttari glanced at each other, and Tsogt noticed ripples run across their lean, muscular flesh. Likely too tough to make a decent meal.
“The Juttari Empire conquers. We do not normally accept allies.”
Now things were getting interesting. Tsogt sensed potential leverage. “Yet you offer the Kemmar an alliance. Why?”
“We have mutual enemies. The humans. We know of your recent defeat. An alliance would be beneficial to both.”
“The humans? Your ships have sided with the humans against my forces. Why do you now turn against them?”
“Those ships are rebels. They will be destroyed.”
“What do you offer the Kemmar Empire in return for its assistance?”
“You will have the privilege of an alliance with the Juttari Empire. That is more than enough.”
“Again, I don’t see the advantage. I am sure your empire is powerful, but this is Kemmar space. You do not rule here. I do. Kemmar space borders human space. Juttari space does not. In fact, your species is unknown in this region of space.”
“We are legion,” the Juttari said in a menacing tone.
“Not here, you are not. So, I ask you again. How does an alliance benefit the Kemmar?”
The Juttari looked at each other once again, as if silently debating the issue. The lead Juttari looked back at Tsogt and said, “We possess advanced technology. We are willing to share some of that knowledge with the Kemmar.”
“There is only one type of technology I am interested in. Give me the secret of the vanishing ships, and we will become your allies.”
The Juttari conferred with each other again in silence, and then seemed to agree on a response.
“We agree to your terms,” said the lead Juttari. “We will give you the jump technology.”
VANQUISH
Book 6 of The Pike Chronicles
G.P. Hudson
© 2018
Chapter 1
Former freighter captain, Roderick Seiben, sat comfortably on his back deck, overlooking the calm ocean waters. He had a problem, though. He was running out of ale. Soon, he would have to get up and get himself another. Then he’d have to fire up his grill, and cook some of that fine seafood waiting inside.
“So much work to do,” he said, chuckling to himself.
He couldn’t think of a better way to live. No stress. No struggles. Just good food. Good drink. And plenty of time with his family.
It certainly beat the hell out of the years he spent doing those damn long haul freighter runs. Nope. All that was behind him now, and all he cared about was settling into a comfortable early retirement.
And getting another ale.
He leaned back in his lounger, with a content smile on his face. His mind drifted to his friend Jon Pike. He pondered over their many adventures together. A part of him even missed the excitement of it all, except maybe the part about being shot.
“Never a dull moment with Jon Pike, that’s for sure,” he said to himself.
“What did you say, Roderick?” came his wife Darla’s voice from inside the house.
“Nothing honey,” he answered, laughing. “Damn, I’m starting to talk to myself like some crazy old fool.”
“What?”
“Nothing dear. I was just saying I need another beer.”
“Then get up and get it yourself. I’m not your servant.”
Seiben laughed again. “That’s what we’re missing. A servant to get me my beers, then everything would be perfect.”
“Didn’t I just tell you to get your own damn beer?!”
“Yes dear. Don’t worry, I’ll get it myself.”
As Seiben moved to get up, a flash of light caught the corner of his eye. Turning, he focused on the fiery objects streaking toward the surface.
His smile vanished.
Seiben jumped to his feet, still staring upwards as the beer slipped out of his hands and shattered.
“Roderick, what in the stars are you doing out there?” shouted Darla from inside the house.
“It can’t be,” he muttered. “It can’t be.”
But as the blazing objects drew nearer, bolts of light shot up from the surface crashing into them. Seiben put his arm up, shielding his eyes from the blinding detonation, as he stumbled backward.
Looking back up, the fiery plumes racing toward the surface had multiplied.
He had seen enough.
Seiben ran into the house. “Darla! Darla!”
“What is it Roderick? Why are you shouting?” said his wife.
“Where are the girls?” Seiben said urgently.
“In their rooms. Why? What’s wrong?”
“Otka! Alina! Come down here right now!” Seiben turned to his wife. “We have to go. Now!”
“Go where? You’re scaring me. What in the stars is going on?”
Seiben seized his wife by the shoulders and locked onto her panicked eyes. “They’re bombing the planet. We have to get out of here.”
Seiben’s daughters appeared and he picked up Alina, his youngest, and ran for the door. “Come on!” he yelled over his shoulder.
Darla, grabbing Otka’s hand, ran after her husband.
Outside they headed straight for the vehicle parked in front of his house.
“Doors open. Engine on,” he yelled, and the vehicle’s doors slid open in response, while its engine quietly began to hum. “Computer override, switch to manual control,” said Seiben as they jumped inside.
He grabbed the control stick and pulled the craft up and into the air. Darla searched the sky franticly while both little girls whimpered with fear.
The craft wheeled around accelerating rapidly toward the sea. It quickly surpassed its pre-set ‘safe speed’ limit, and streaked further away from shore.
Seiben had hacked the craft’s navigation system early on, overriding its pre-set safety features. A lifetime pilot, and ship captain, Seiben could not tolerate the idea of a computer telling him how fast he could fly.
“Oh no,” said Darla, looking back toward shore.
“What’s wrong?” said Seiben. “What do you see?”
Darla looked at her husband, her face filled with terror. “Mushroom clouds.”
Chapter 2
Flanked by two guardsmen, Governor Sallas stepped onto the massive deck. A security detail had already disembarked, sweeping the hangar bay before allowing Sallas to exit the shuttle. They were joined by a third group of guards who had arrived earlier to ensure his security on Colonial One.
Captain Markus, the ship’s commanding officer, stood in front of him in salute, while a contingent of the ship’s Marines stood at attention behind him.
“At ease, Captain,” said Sallas He returned salute and began to survey the cavernous hangar bay. The ship’s size and armaments were impressive on approach, and from inside he found himself in awe.
It was a familiar feeling. The pace of change over the past year seemed to be accelerating, although he couldn’t quite understand how that was possible. Since the activation of the Sol-Amboss jump gate, everything moved at light speed. Warships and munitions were coming off the assembly lines almost daily. All colonial industry, once only serving the corporations, now solely served the war effort.
Markus dropped his hand to his side, but his body remained ramrod straight. “Welcome aboard Colonial One, Sir.”
“Thank you, Captain. Your ship is tru
ly incredible.”
“That she is, Sir,” The captain’s eyes glistened with pride. “The Diakans have been very generous with their technology.”
That was an understatement. Diakan technology had revolutionized almost all aspects of colonial life, most importantly the production of weapons and warships.
“Good. We’re all in this together now. And the jump system?”
“The jump system has been thoroughly tested, and is running at peak performance. Our trip to Amboss Prime will take seconds once initiated.”
Sallas shook his head. “I’m still having trouble wrapping my mind around it.”
“You’re not alone, Sir. Even after the tests we’ve conducted, the concept of folding space still leaves me somewhat baffled. I’m just grateful that it works.”
“You and me both, Captain.”
Sallas scanned the hangar bay once more, his eyes landing on numerous clean rows of fighters.
“Jump fighters, Sir,” said Markus. “Each one with its own little jump system. They can’t match Colonial One, but they can still jump five light years at a time.”
Sallas nodded. It was Chief Engineer Singh who’d created the fighter jump system right here in New Byzantium space. That seemed like ages ago now. So much had changed, and there would surely be more.
This move to Amboss Prime was a perfect example. When he’d agreed to be Jon Pike’s colonial governor, he had not anticipated leaving New Byzantium. However, with the opening of the Sol-Amboss jump gate, it made more sense to govern from there.
The Amboss system would become far too important, and whoever governed Amboss would quickly become very influential. If Sallas stayed in New Byzantium, how long would it take until questions were raised about his relevance?
He had always been a practical man, not to mention ambitious. He liked his new title, and knew full well that if he did not make the move to Amboss Prime, at some point in the future his position would be undermined. It was just how things worked.
