Karla nodded, wondering how she would have reacted if she'd been in that position. “And now, after all these years, the war is finally coming to an end. Either we win in the next ten months or everyone in the galaxy dies.”
Hedon took a deep breath and looked up toward the unblinking stars above. “I didn’t come this far and through all of these years to lose. I have a plan for the Hocklyns and by the time it’s needed, I’ll have one for the AIs.”
Karla smiled to herself. Who was she to doubt Fleet Admiral Streth? Everyone knew from shortly after they were born that the great Fleet Admiral Hedon Streth would be awoken from cryosleep to save the Human race. Karla just prayed those old legends were true.
Chapter Eight
Nine months until doomsday.
Commodore Zeth looked at the viewscreen of the blue-green world the IronGlory was orbiting. Upon the surface of the planet were numerous Hocklyn settlements teeming with Hocklyn families. Most of the settlements were quite new and still being expanded.
“What if the AIs find out?” asked War Leader Danth with a hint of concern in his voice. “They've prohibited us from establishing new colonies. Have we discarded our honor by disobeying our masters?”
“Our former masters,” hissed Zeth, looking intently at his second in command. “They have abandoned us, and due to their refusal to allow us to develop new and more modern weapons over the years, our Empire is falling to the Humans. Every day the Humans take over more of our worlds and all of our truly large shipyards have been destroyed. In hindsight, it was a mistake to place all of our major shipyards in just four star systems.”
“Surely the Humans cannot take the core worlds?” Danth asked, a shocked look upon his face, his dark eyes growing very wide. “There are thousands of ships defending our home planets.”
“High Leader Nartel is not sure or he wouldn’t have done this,” spoke Zeth, pointing toward the large viewscreens on the front wall of the War Room. Many of the viewscreens were focused on the planet below.
“So this is where the new weapons research program is located,” mused Danth, wondering what type of research was being done. He knew great importance had been placed on developing antimatter missiles with sublight drives. Since the AIs had withdrawn, their stockpile of those missiles was almost depleted. Only a few ships in the home systems still had a supply of the deadly missiles.
“Upon the planet’s small moon,” replied Zeth, gesturing toward a viewscreen that was focused on the dark, desolate moon that orbited the planet. “For months now, High Leader Nartel has been sending transport ships loaded with Hocklyn families to this planet to set up the new colony.”
“I’m surprised the High Council approved this measure,” commented Danth, looking at the commodore. “I would've thought that several would have been opposed to anything that might anger our masters. There are rumors that several councilors are fearful that the AIs will return and look with displeasure at some of the things the council has done.”
“I don’t believe the AIs are coming back,” Zeth replied. “They’re obsessed with whatever they’re building at the galaxy’s center.”
“I hope you’re correct,” Danth responded. “I just hope the council knows what it’s doing and the risks they’re taking.”
Zeth didn’t reply. Even though it went against his honor, he thought it best not to reveal to Danth that the rest of the council didn’t know what was being done here.
“Perhaps this is best,” Danth said after a moment, gazing at the main viewscreen and the planet being displayed. “It will ensure that our Empire survives and can begin anew if the Humans overcome the core worlds.”
Looking at another viewscreen, Zeth could see the beginnings of the new orbital shipyard. Unlike most other Hocklyn shipyards, this one would be heavily armed and would possess a powerful energy shield. The station crews he'd brought with him, as well as those that had been moved from Kenward Seven were quite sufficient to build the massive structure being planned. It would be the largest shipyard the Hocklyn Empire had ever built.
Already the bones of the structure were taking shape. While most of the workers were being kept on the planet until needed, it wouldn’t be long until the shipyard was ready to begin constructing the next generation of Hocklyn warships. There were also several nearby slave worlds, which could be used to furnish new workers as needed. Mines would need to be established on some of the smaller moons and asteroids in the system for the raw materials the new shipyard would need. Then later, a new spaceport would have to be constructed on the surface of the planet.
Sometime in the next few days, Fleet Commodore Caltrin was due to arrive with even more warships as well as cargo ships carrying both supplies and more Hocklyn civilians. There was no doubt in Zeth’s mind that sometime shortly after that, High Leader Nartel would be making an appearance.
-
On Calzen, High Leader Nartel had just finished with the latest council meeting. High Councilor Ruthan was demanding an emissary be sent to the AIs to request their immediate return to help defend the Empire. Several other councilors had agreed and Nartel had barely managed to muster the votes he needed to turn down the motion. While he doubted the AIs would return, he couldn’t risk the slim possibility they might. Even worse, by sending an emissary it could anger the AIs and they might return and raze the Hocklyn home worlds.
He walked over to the balcony of his office and gazed down at the busy city below. Thirty-two billion Hocklyns lived in the crowded warrens of the planet, most in very questionable living conditions. There was barely enough food to go around and it took hundreds of inbound cargo ships each day to supply the basic needs of just this one Hocklyn planet.
There were twelve star systems inhabited by the Hocklyn race. Every world, moon, and asteroid in each system was densely packed with Hocklyns. Even the space above was crowded with artificial habitats that held billions more. Already the population pressure was about to shatter the delicate balance that allowed Hocklyn civilization to survive. Due to the Human and Alton attacks, shipments to the home systems had been reduced by nearly thirty percent. In a few more months, massive shortages of food and other basic necessities would begin. When that happened, Hocklyn civilization would start to collapse and Hocklyn would turn against Hocklyn. The honor system that had been such an integral part of their history would be swiftly forgotten.
Nartel had already made arrangements for Protectors to be placed at key points upon all the planets, moons, and asteroids as well as a large number of the major orbital habitats. They would be used to maintain order and ensure that a semblance of Hocklyn civilization would continue. If it worked out as planned, he would be able to save twenty percent of the Hocklyn race and most of its key infrastructure. Those deemed unworthy or not able to contribute would be allowed to die. The population needed to be reduced and he could use the war with the Humans as the excuse to allow many to die. Most Hocklyns served very little purpose anyway other than as breeders for more Hocklyns. If he failed to preserve a significant fraction of the population at least he had his bolt hole ready at the distant edge of the Empire, far away from the Humans.
Looking about, he noted how dim the day was. There were so many habitats in orbit that a large percentage of the sunlight was prevented from reaching the surface. Calzen lived in an eternal gloom. Only in the large agricultural domes scattered about the planet was there still abundant plant or animal life. Most of the rest of the planet was dead from past pollution and the industries needed to run an Empire.
“What are you doing?” questioned a rasping voice from behind Nartel.
Turning, he saw High Councilor Berken standing there. “What do you mean?” He hadn’t heard the councilor come in.
“I have my sources,” Berken spoke his cold eyes focused on Nartel and his right hand touching the hilt of his knife. “Your family habitat and a number of others have been evacuated. It seems that recently promoted Fleet Commodore Caltrin left weeks ago with an undisclo
sed number of warships. No destination was filed as to where they were going. There have also been some unconfirmed reports of large numbers of cargo ships not returning to their worlds after being unloaded. I want to know where they went and why!”
High Leader Nartel allowed his hand to stray to just above his knife. He hadn’t fought a duel in many years, but he still practiced on a regular basis. High Councilor Berken was one of the more resourceful councilors and he also wasn’t a fool.
“I have sent them on a secret mission,” Nartel spoke in a calm and steady voice his large, cold eyes focusing on Berken. If Berken told the other council members, all of his plans could come crashing down. There was no way he could allow the councilor to leave this office alive.
“I have done some discreet research and made some inquiries to certain individuals who owed me favors for helping them improve their honor and rank in the Empire. It seems that, including the families missing from your habitats, there are an additional twelve million Hocklyn families unaccounted for. I am speaking of scientists, technicians, and other individuals of importance.”
“They are at the new weapons research facility,” admitted Nartel, wanting to see Berken’s reaction to the news. At the first sign of hesitation, he would strike swiftly. He moved a little nearer to Berken as his hand edged closer to his knife.
“The research facility that no one knows the location of but you,” responded Berken, taking his knife out of its protective sheath and running his fingers along the blade.
Nartel’s breathing quickened as his own hand moved down to grasp the hilt of his knife. “What do you want?” He would rush Berken and try to take him by surprise; it was obvious the councilor had figured out some of what was being planned.
Berken looked intently at Nartel. “Take my family with you, and I will keep your secret! Together, we can keep the other council members from suspecting anything is wrong.” Berken replaced his knife in its sheath and moved his hands away from his waist.
“Sit down,” Nartel said, breathing easier. “We have much to discuss.”
-
War Leader Jaseth looked toward the primary viewscreen at the world the dreadnought Viden was orbiting. Calzen was the capital planet of the massive Hocklyn Slave Empire. The planet looked dark, with only sparse areas of sickly green around the equator. Even the small oceans looked grim and foreboding as the life that once teemed in their depths had long since vanished. He stood upon the Command Pedestal, drinking in the feeling of ultimate power he felt.
On several smaller viewscreens, other Hocklyn warships were being displayed. He had ten other ships assigned to his fleet. There were two warcruisers, the Warhoof and Blade of Honor, as well as eight escort cruisers under his command.
“I would recommend we shift to a higher orbit,” suggested First Leader Barelle. “This one is crowded with habitats and orbital factories as well as an overabundance of shuttle traffic.” He folded his powerful arms across his dark gray battle armor and shifted his unwavering gaze to the young commodore. Barelle had been one of the few survivors from when the Viden had been nearly destroyed by the upstart Humans. He still found it hard to accept that Fleet Commodore Versith was gone and Jaseth was now in charge of the mighty dreadnought.
“Do it,” Jaseth ordered in a calm, nearly cold voice. “Contact Calzen Orbital Control and request a higher orbit. I don’t like the nearness of so many habitats; if we had to maneuver for battle they would be in the way.”
“So you believe the Humans will attack here?” questioned Barelle. He couldn’t imagine anyone daring to attack one of the Hocklyn home systems, least of all this one.
“Look about,” commanded Jaseth, gesturing toward the viewscreens. “There are ten planets in this system and forty inhabited moons, with many of our people living in massive domes very vulnerable to attack. Take into account the thousands of artificial habitats in orbit around the planets and the sun and there is too much to defend. If the Humans come to this system, they will destroy much of what we've spent thousands of years to build. And mark my words, they will come and attempt to destroy us; it is what I would do if I were in their place.”
“This war has very little honor,” hissed Barelle in his cold reptilian voice. “Too many things have changed in the last few years; I fear the Hocklyn way of life will never be the same.”
“It’s for the better,” answered Jaseth. “Our outdated honor system has cost us the lives of too many valuable warriors.”
Barelle nodded and moved off across the War Room toward Communications. He didn’t doubt Commodore Jaseth’s words. They were frightening to hear and he wondered how there could be any honor in the war they were now fighting. He greatly feared that the only honor for a Hocklyn warrior these days was in death.
Jaseth watched First Leader Barelle as his hand drifted unconsciously to the hilt of his knife. He still greatly desired to see his blade covered in Human blood, and he firmly believed his life had been spared so that day could come about. Someday, he would meet the Human vermin in hand-to-hand combat and only then would his quest for revenge be satisfied. This fleet would give him the weapon he needed to make that desire come to fruition.
Looking at the tactical screen, Jaseth could see hundreds of Hocklyn warships in orbit around Calzen and a thousand more orbiting protectively over the other planets and on patrol in the system. When the day came that the Humans finally launched their attack on the home system they would pay a heavy price, and Jaseth was determined that the price would be steep indeed.
-
Fleet Admiral Streth was visiting the Tau Ceti system, and for the first time in many years, he felt unusually nervous and unsure of himself. They were going to the planet Horizon, which orbited Tau Ceti Five. When the New Horizon mission came to Tau Ceti, they'd discovered two large moons orbiting the planet. Each moon was nearly the size of Earth and had an Earth normal atmosphere. The twin planets had been colonized and named Twilight and Horizon. The planet Horizon was similar to Earth with its surface covered by sixty percent water. It was two million kilometers from Tau Ceti Five with a population of two point four billion. It was one of the more densely populated planets in the Federation.
Looking over at Hedon, Janice allowed herself to smile. She could tell he was nervous about meeting her parents and sister. Over the past several weeks, Hedon had been in numerous meetings with Federation officials and military leaders, even a few with some of their alien allies, particularly the Kessels and the Darvonians. This was the first opportunity she had to pry him away for a few days before they started their four-week trip back to New Providence.
Looking out the viewport, Janice felt a sense of well being as she gazed down upon her home planet. She'd been born and raised on Horizon before qualifying for the Fleet Academy. The comforting blues and greens of the planet were a welcome sight. She couldn’t wait to walk in the door of her parents' home and introduce them to Hedon; her sister would probably faint!
-
A few hours later, Hedon and Janice were standing in front of a big home in the countryside just outside of one of the larger cities on the planet. The home was a tall, two-story structure made out of native wood and stone with a quaint country look about it.
The door opened and an older man stood there. Alvin Duncan had been in the marines when he was younger and was still a large man, even in his late sixties. Of course, with modern medicine, the late sixties were now considered to be the prime of life. He peered intently at Hedon for a moment as if taking measure of the man standing in front of him. Even though he was the Fleet Admiral, he was here as his daughter’s guest and Alvin wanted the best for Janice.
“Hello,” Alvin said, reaching out to shake Hedon’s hand. He then turned and gave his daughter a big hug. Releasing Janice, he smiled. “Let’s go inside, I’m sure you want to sit down and have something to drink after your long trip.”
They went inside and Janice quickly introduced Hedon to her mother and sister. Linda just stood s
taring at Hedon in disbelief. “You really are Fleet Admiral Streth!” she finally got out, her eyes so wide they seemed about to pop out of her head.
Hedon allowed himself to laugh. “Call me Hedon.”
“Yes, Sir; I mean Hedon,” Linda stammered.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you,” Janice’s mother said in a pleasant voice. “Janice has spoken highly of you. If everyone will sit down, I'll bring us some tea to drink. I just made it so it’s nice and fresh. Do you prefer sweetened or unsweetened?”
“Unsweetened,” replied Hedon, politely. A cold glass of tea sounded great and refreshing at the moment. For some reason, his throat felt very dry.
They all sat down and for the next hour or so they talked about life on Horizon and what it had been like on the old Federation worlds. Hedon found it surprisingly easy to talk to Janice’s family
“What was it like to finally go back home?” asked Linda, curiously. She was sitting across from Janice and Hedon next to her father and had been listening intently to every word the admiral spoke.
“It was strange,” Hedon admitted slowly, recalling the first time he'd set foot again on Maken. “The cabin my brother and his wife built was gone, and the lake was nearly dry. It was an eerie feeling standing there knowing so much time had passed.”
“Will you settle there when the war is over?” asked Alvin, curiously.
“Possibly,” Hedon said, glancing over at Janice, who smiled back. “I programmed some work robots several months ago to begin repairing the lake dam where the cabin once was. I’m hoping that by the end of the year it'll be full of water again. It was really a beautiful place to spend time away from the hectic life of the Federation.”
“Will they be opening up the old Federation worlds for colonization when the war is over?” asked Linda. She wondered if Janice would settle there with Hedon. It was obvious to her that her sister was completely infatuated with the admiral. They were sitting next to each other and Janice’s eyes very seldom moved away from Hedon.
The Slaver Wars: Endgame Page 11
