Caleb then walks over to the lift that goes to his quarters above the Bridge. He levitates up, leaving the lift below, carrying his daughter with him.
Jackson then takes the command chair, sitting down as the ship moves through hyperspace at top speed. Doctor Qui Shi then makes her way to the Bridge with Commander White directly behind.
"Colonel," White says, "I’ll take the com sir, it is my shift now anyways."
Colonel Jackson stands up and says, "Ok Reg, I’m sure I can find something to do between now and my shift. Perhaps the good Doctor would care to join me for some dinner.” Wow she looks good enough to eat, been a while since we have had some alone time.
Qui Shi smiles and says, "Colonel, you invited me to dinner two days ago, and you still haven’t shown up. I think you should know better than to keep a lady waiting for so long. I think you can eat your dinner alone tonight." She says to herself, as she walks away, "I am not here for your beck and call Andrew. You will have to learn this."
With that, Qui Shi leaves the Bridge, hiding her smile as she exits the Bridge onto the lift.
Jackson eyes go wide open, and his mouth hangs low as he looks to White and says, "Did I just get schooled Reggie." Wow, she’s… Wow. I don’t think any woman has ever done that to me. I think I’m really falling for her.
White snickers and says, "Schooled, spanked, and set in the corner sir. I suggest you find a way to make it up to the good Doctor."
Cooley, who hears this walks by, saying, "Well, my shift is over too, but then again luv, some people need more schooling than others."
White shocked has the same dumb look on his face, as Cooley leaves the Bridge. He says to himself as he looks at duty roster, "What? No way would I have done this, I couldn’t have."
Jackson smiling looks to White, saying, "Reggie, you do set up the shift rotations don’t you?" Reg, I think we both need some alone time, with Benton and his hidden stash of Tennessee whiskey.
White quickly looks at the duty roster, and sees that he has indeed set up the schedule, and put Cooley on break during his shift. I can’t believe I did that. How stupid am I? He thinks to himself
Jackson smiles, and leaves the Bridge, saying, "Good luck Reggie.” We both have our plates full here with women trouble, but somehow I think his is more immediate, and definitely more dangerous. Cooley is one tough lady, but then again Qui Shi is smarter than I am and knows how to play me like a fiddle at this point.
For weeks the trip is uneventful, as T-Challa ships avoid Paladin’s course. Currently, Paladin is only ten to twelve days from being able to have a two-way conversation with Earth.
Later in that day, Kitanna sensors alert her.
"Colonel, sir.” Kitanna says, "I am picking up something about two weeks out."
Jackson concerned asks, "What can you tell about it Lieutenant?"
Kitanna replies, "I’m not sure sir, it’s not moving, it’s very large, and it has no metallic signature. However, I am picking up a lot of residual radiation."
Jackson concerned asks, "How far ahead are we from that large T-Challa fleet?"
Kitanna replies, "According to what information you gave to Bach, and their current course and speed. We should be just seven months ahead from this point. However, we can intercept them, should we change course, in just under a month."
Jackson says aloud, "It’s a good possibility, that this unknown ship ahead was what we saw while onboard that Super Dreadnought."
Paladin says, "Colonel, I have a possibility on what that ship may be."
Jackson says, "Well Paladin, please share."
Paladin says, "Diteronome, or if you prefer a Diter for short. They were a living space creature, similar to the great blue whale of your oceans, but significantly larger, and just as docile. The T-Challa used them as fast movers. They could travel faster than any ship in their fleet. However, the T-Challa would attach their control collars to them, and they would then hollow out parts of the poor creatures by eating parts of the Diter’s inner body to create a ship inside them.
This eventually would kill the Diter over time. It was believed that the entire species were killed off, some five hundred years ago."
Jackson says, "Well, this must be one that survived up until now.” Wow, these T-Challa are a desperate race if they risked one of their last surprises to get here first.
A week later, Kitanna says, "Caleb sir, I have picked up a huge fleet about three weeks away from the Diter, and they have a gateway with them."
Caleb says to White, "Looks like that Diter was carrying the gateway, it must have died along its way. That fleet is only six months from the Earth.” Damn, I should have known it.
White says, "We're still three days out from the Earth communication limit. What are you thinking?"
Caleb replies, "What I always think. Kill the T-Challa anyway we can."
Three days later, Cooley yells, "Colonel Jackson, I have the Earth on com!"
Jackson then sends a message, "To whomever can hear this message, this Colonel Jackson of the Earth Battleship Paladin. We are approximately six weeks away, and in pursuit of a very large T-Challa fleet. We have calculated their current speed and heading, and estimate they will reach the Earth in six months."
Several minutes pass, when a message comes over the com. "Colonel Jackson, this is Secretary-General Chan, and your President Angela Baker is with me. Your message is currently being relayed from the Earth battleship Yinglong. We are very proud, and excited to hear of your return."
Then there is much cheering and great rejoicing from the entire ship, which carries on for several moments.
Caleb lowers himself with Carla in his arms to the Bridge below. Most of the command crew rush to the Bridge.
Jackson smiling responds over the jubilant crew, "Great to hear from you, sir. We’re currently in pursuit of some two hundred T-Challa warships, and will be in combat range of them in just a few weeks. What is the current status of the Earth fleet?” Damn, it’s good to hear from home.
Baker answers, "Hello Colonel, we have had a few setbacks on building the fleet. We currently, have only been able to create thirteen ships, six from China. The United States has created four, and Russia has constructed two, while the European Union has only built one. However, we do have in the States three more that will be ready in a few weeks. China has four more as well, in similar situations. Russia has one, as well as the European Union has two, for ten additional ships. They should be ready in a few weeks, to a little over a month. However, we have a few nations that are holding out essential resources and this is now delaying their completion."
Caleb angry, asks, "What the hell are you saying? They’re people stupid enough to risk the entire planet for personal gains?” I knew this would happen, immature bastards putting their own personal needs in front of the good of our planet.
Chan replies, "Hello Caleb, it is good to hear from you again. Yes, unfortunately, some governments are holding out. My government, and that of the United States are looking at possible military options to release those resources, but this will only further delay the building of those ships. I am hoping that perhaps you may have a better chance of persuading those governments to listen to you?"
Caleb, confused asks, "Why would I be any better than you? I am no diplomat, and you have more than enough ships to force them?” Why would they need me to talk to them? No one knows who I am.
Baker replies, "Caleb you have become a hero in every nation. Your image, your name is such that you could possibly persuade these governments to release those resources, which we need to complete the ships."
Caleb frowns, then passes Carla over to Val, and says angrily, "What moron ever told the world I was a hero?" My god no, now Val’s family is at. . . Damn it, now any chance of trying to give Carla a normal life is over. Those stupid bastards. Caleb sits down on the command chair and shakes his head, saying, "Set up a meeting with me and the leaders of those countries. I will speak with them, but don’t expect
me to very diplomatic."
Caleb goes to the lift, and floats back to his quarters. Sorry Jackson, I know you won’t like what follows.
Forty minutes pass, during which time, much of the past two years of information is passed back and forth between the Earth and Paladin.
Jackson is surprised as he sees Benton, who is wearing a PCD, and Anders push a nuclear warhead on an anti-grav sled to Caleb’s quarters.
Jackson a little uncomfortable and definitely shocked, asks, "Mr. Anders, why is there a nuke on my Bridge?" What the hell are you doing Cale? We were just starting to click too. I know I’m going to regret whatever it is he is doing.
Anders replies, "Caleb’s orders, sir."
Benton and Anders access the lift to Caleb's quarters with the nuke. Jackson just sits and stares as they ascend.
Cooley says, "Colonel, sir, he has been on a closed channel with the leaders and diplomats of those countries since he went to his ready room. Paladin has also accessed several channels that I never even knew existed before."
Jackson reluctantly asks, "Can you get any feeling how the conversation is going?"
Cooley replies, "Well, sir, I did overhear one of the leaders tell Caleb that he wanted three Paladin class ships. Several billion euros, and a seat on the U.N. defense committee, and then another wanted China to turn over one of their southern provinces. Caleb’s responses are very brief, one or two word answers."
Jackson puts his hands over his face, and then tilts his head back asking Cooley, "Is he saying anything agreeing, or disagreeing?"
Cooley answers, "No, sir, basically commenting on their upbringing, and mental status. Afterwards, he sent for Benton and Anders to come to his room, and told them to bring a PCD, and a K1 nuke."
Jackson groans.
Kitanna says to Jackson, "Sir, I have been able to determine a lot of the T-Challa ship designation. We have at least ten Dreadnoughts, and another Super Dreadnought."
Jackson turns stunned and asks, "A Super Dreadnought? Are you sure?" I thought they only had that one prototype. This just got a lot harder.
Kitanna says, "I can’t get a confirmation on the exact number of Medium, and Heavies at this range, but the bigger ships I’m positive of sir."
About ten minutes later, Anders comes down laughing. Jackson turns, and asks, "Something funny Mr. Anders?" This is very bad.
Anders smiles and says, "No, sir, sorry sir, just that Caleb’s style of diplomacy was very uhmm. Let’s just say to the point."
About five minutes later, Benton pushing the K1 nuke on the anti-grav sled comes down laughing aloud.
Jackson turns and says, "Gabriel you mind sharing the joke." Because I’m sure, I’m the one that’s going to be the punch line.
Benton says, "We’ll I’m sure he will let you see the holotransmission when he sends it, but I would have to say the last thing I would ever do is get that man upset."
Anders comes over smiling, and the two push the Nuke back to the armory.
Shortly thereafter, Caleb descends the lift. He goes to Cooley passing a data crystal to her, and says, "Lieutenant, please send this message on channel six-six-four-three, and address it to the United Nations, as well as the nation’s currently withholding the required resources."
Jackson regretfully asks, "Care to share Cale?" And don’t give me that executive privilege crap either
Caleb smiles and says, "You won’t like it, but I tried to be nice for a minute." Sorry Jackson.
He continues off the Bridge.
Jackson yells back, "I haven’t found much I do like about your speeches Cale." Oh, what the hell, maybe I’ll get lucky and get killed fighting the T-Challa.
Cooley reluctantly asks, "Should I play it for us first?"
Jackson grits his teeth and says, "No, just send it, but go ahead and play it for us as well." How bad could it be, really?
The message starts with the image of a human child playing with her pet. The image quickly changes, as a T-Challa warrior appears behind, and kills the child and then her pet, devouring them both. This image is in very graphic detail, and shortly following this image is the diplomats from the countries withholding resources. All of whom make statements showing their greed, and malcontent even for their own people, which they claim to represent. Then an image of Caleb shows, and he speaks,
"The images you are seeing will happen in the next few months, unless those greedy nation’s leaders, which are currently withholding the resources, release them now. If they are not released and you continue to use the current situation to gain political strength for yourself, then let it be known this is a K1 nuclear device, and this is a Marine in my service. The device he has on allows himself to become invisible and completely undetectable by any device on Earth." Benton then goes invisible.
Caleb continues. "I have hundreds of these devices, and I can cloak the K1 as well. This Marine and his men have standing orders to deliver these nukes to the leader’s homes of the nation’s currently withholding those required resources, so as I am not part of any single government, and no longer human I really don’t care what you think you can threaten me with, it will be an empty threat. You have less than twenty-four hours to release those resources, and if I don’t hear back from the United Nations that the situation has been resolved. I will send out my soldiers, and no one can stop them."
The image clears and the message fades.
Cooley, shocked, says, "Colonel, sir, that message went out to every holo and audio receiver on the planet. My god that went global and I didn’t do it."
Paladin replies, "I did it Lieutenant, Caleb and I agreed that although the leaders may try and hold the resources back, that their people would see the alternative as less than desirable."
Jackson shakes his head, saying, "I doubt they will be looking at him as a planetary hero anytime soon." This was much, much worse than I thought. I can’t believe he did this. Hell, I can’t believe I let him do it.
Cooley wide-eyed, turns and says, "Secretary-General Chan is on the com sir. He sounds real upset."
Jackson puts his hands over his face again and says, "Please Cooley, put him through." Of course he’s upset, why wouldn’t he be and of course Cale isn’t here to get yelled at, so guess who gets to be the diplomatic punching bag once again.
Chan angrily asks, "Colonel Jackson, where is Caleb?"
Jackson replies, "Anywhere he wants, it’s his ship." Just shoot me please, anyone, please. He looks angry. Imagine if he knew I was banging his daughter. Yeah, that would not be good to divulge right now.
Chan says, "Please inform him that the level of panic he created is highly uncalled for. We have nations threatening to invade those nations that are holding back the resources, and now we just received reports that there is civil unrest in those nations as well. Somehow, even in areas without communications Caleb’s holomessage appeared. This kind of “help” is completely uncalled for."
Paladin interrupts, stating, "Mr. Secretary, you yourself clearly stated that your own governments were preparing for a military option. This way has over a forty-eight percent chance of complete success, and over a seventy percent of at least four of the six nations will follow Caleb’s request."
Chan coughs and drinks a sip of water. Exasperated, he says, "We will see about these probabilities Mr. Paladin."
Caleb then appears with his daughter in his arms back on the Bridge. He smiles, as he sees Chan’s holoimage, and following closely behind Caleb is his Chan’s daughter, Doctor Qui Shi Chan.
Caleb says, "Hello Mr. Secretary, I am guessing you have contacted us for more of my political and diplomatic input into Earthly problems." Dumb asses, I never asked for any of this.
Chan grumbling says, "Caleb, what you have done will cause worldwide panic. You could have been much more diplomatic. These nations would have been more co-operable with you, but not now."
Caleb, annoyed, says, "It is time the people of the Earth realize their future is now in their own hands. No one
can save them from themselves, but themselves, and I am not a diplomat. Hell, I wasn’t even a soldier anymore until I was forced into my current role, and I am anything but a hero. The heroes are the people that are on this ship, and those that died trying to save those that would rather use their positions to better their own lives, than those they claim to represent.” I don’t need to be lectured by someone whose mind isn’t even one tenth. Wait, what am I saying? Oh no, I’m doing it again, I have to remember who I am.
Baker says, "Caleb, you can be sure that we will not ask you to do this again, but we have other issues to discuss."
Chan asks, "Caleb we are going to send five of our ships out to help intercept the T-Challa fleet. We however have figured this will take over a month, while in comparison your ship will intercept the enemy fleet in a week."
Caleb responds, "Hold back your fleet, if we fail, they will be the only hope the planet has. We will be slowing down their fleet, and hopefully, we can prevent them from going any further."
Jackson whispers to Caleb, "You have a plan Cale?" Cause so far your diplomatic plan sucked.
Caleb turns and says, "Yeah, I’ll piss them off, and make them chase me, blah, blah, blah." What else do I know how to do.
Jackson says a little louder, "Ahhh yes plan ‘A’, I see we’ll be sticking with plan A." Well, it’s gotta work better than his diplomacy.
Baker says, "We feel it would be better if you returned to the Earth, and then coordinated with the fleet here."
Caleb says, "I am sorry, Madam President, but I don’t feel that way. Should they get that gateway any closer, they could easily unleash their entire armada on the Earth.” Man, I can feel the contempt I have for them. I really need to hold back on how I feel, I know I have the wisdom of entire species, and that is so far, more advanced than Earths, but I have to remember it’s not me.
Caleb continues, "No, I will be taking out their gateway, and slowing down that fleet first.” Keep it under control.
Caleb then walks to his lift with his daughter, and levitates to his quarters.
The Ocoda Chronicles Book 1 Paladin Page 28
