Alutia Rising, Anniversary Edition (Alutia Rising Series, Book 1)

by Craig Gerttula

  “Two hundred years passed,” she continued, obviously delighted to have such eager listeners, “and the research vessel never returned. The emperor, having just breached his third century, left a request with his son to dispatch a scouting fleet to search for the lost colony experiment before he passed. The new emperor, after having settled into the position, decided to heed his father's last wish and sent out a significant exploration force to galaxy 189 in the hope of finding traces of his father’s lost experiment. Less than 30 days into the voyage, the exploration fleet returned with a message pod found in a debris field of a destroyed NHA vessel only a few million kilometers from the return SJS gate. The message contained the location of the planet the colonist had been deposited, but nothing about the research vessels own fate. At the time, the young emperor, having decided on a more thorough investigation of the galaxies being discovered, became embroiled in a major conflict, now so elegantly referred as the War of Galactic Tears, and due to the unknown nature of the research vessels destruction, decided to lock the SJS gate until the dungar threat could be annihilated. Hundreds of years later, when the emperor died, the experiment was forgotten. Then, when the War of Galactic Tears ended, the gate to galaxy 189 was locked away with all the rest so as to not repeat the previous emperor’s mistake that lead to the most horrific of wars,” Lia'Sil paused again, glancing at the drinks on the table as she unconsciously licked her lips. Sasha, seeing this, sent a request to her servant and held up her hand.

  “So, if I gather this correctly. Earth was colonized 25,000 years or so ago with uneducated humans...so the emperor could study how they would evolve and grow?” Sasha quickly recapped what she'd heard, glancing up the moment an embarrassed servant entered the room, reminding her yet again of her nudity, and causing her to shift in a way that made the fact less obvious. Lia'Sil thanked the servant for the drink, taking a sip, before looking back at Sasha.

  “Thank you and that is correct, Your Grace. The emperor of that time was responsible for many great advances in the biological science, including the addition of the healing gene, and decided to prepare many long term experiments, including Earth, for his descendants,” Sasha found the entire thing mind boggling. An experiment that lasted 25,000 years was an incredible thing. “The whole experiment was forgotten until an emperor, about 5,700 years ago decided that resources were abundant enough for the simultaneous colonization of a group of promising galaxies that were discovered during the Great Galactic Discovery. During the process of unlocking galaxy 189's SJS gate, the records of the Earth project were released and an expedition was mounted. What they found was a pre-Industrial human society that had spread and slightly evolved, with minor changes in looks and skin coloring due to the varying environments on Earth, similar to what occurred with many of the early human's origin planets from galaxy 1,” Lia'Sil paused, making sure no one had a question, before continuing.

  “The emperor then decided to maintain the experiment, and during the early colonization of galaxy 189 he mandated the creation of the special protectorate of Earth, while establishing the Terra Space Battalion to research and protect the planet from outside influence. The TSB, as it's now called, has been monitoring and studying the fledgling planet ever since,” Lia'Sil considered for a few seconds before continuing.

  “That's about it, Your Grace, unless you had a question about the inner workings of the Terra Space Battalion?” asked Lia'Sil politely.

  “Yes, actually. You mentioned your fiancé was from Earth. Was he just assigned there or is he actually from there?” Sasha questioned, trying to fill in a gap. Lia'Sil blushed again at the word fiancé and Sasha realized she must not be accustomed to talking about him very often.

  “From, Your Grace. During its early years, enlistment in the TSB was very small, barely enough to maintain a large enough fleet to monitor incursions. So it was decided that orphans, mostly infants, would be plucked from Earth’s society and raised to serve in the TSB. More recently, since the world has advanced significantly enough, adults who have been discarded from society and pass a special evaluation have been recruited,” Sasha nodded, letting the information she had been provided sink in.

  She thought to herself for a time, gently petting the sleeping catillian, believing she had enough basic knowledge on the special protectorate of Earth to continue with Duke Zehman's message...and hopefully understand its contents.

  “Thank you, Lia'Sil. Let me return to the message and I will let you know if I have any additional questions.” Sasha accessed her BC node and located the message in question, noting that five more level one communications had arrived during the explanation. She queued the message and continued from the location where she'd paused.

  “A few days ago, the noble son of the Earl Timwa, and my representative to the Terra Space Battalion, was grievously assaulted by the two commanding officers of the TSB, and an Earthling of little value, during what is known as an enlistment trial. Sir Simwa, the affected party, was attacked by the Earthling, named Trent, with the assistance of the TSB Commander Quinn and TSB Vice-Commander Daiyu. This all occurred after Sir Simwa placed a formal request for satisfaction after having been verbally wronged by said Earthling,” Sasha scratched her head. She hated duels and had always wished they were done away with, but she knew that it was better to have two nobles fight personally, then their fleets. Except, even duals rarely worked out, the approval of the local galaxy king and a Program were required for its legal execution, meaning none had ever been “legally” performed within galaxy 189 since its inception.

  She started to continue, but found herself unable to ignore the giggles and whispers passing between Tiana and Lia'Sil, whose face had turned so red that Sasha had trouble figuring out where it ended and her uniform began. She smiled, knowing it would be her turn soon enough, then continued the message.

  “This is when events turned for the worse. The three assailants attacked, unprovoked, Sir Simwa, and during this encounter he was somehow able to wound two of the assailants before TSB Commander Quinn attempted to take his life. To make matters worse, Sir Simwa is currently being illegally detained at TSB Earth Base and his personal starship, the NHA Shuttle HZBF Golden Sun, which is under the ownership of the Hulk'Zif Duchy, is currently impounded at the TSB Fleet Base. This is a clear violation of the TSB mandate and the only acceptable course of action is the removal of the current command staff, as well as severe punishment for all parties involved.

  “To help expedite this process, I have allocated multiple Hulk'Zif Battle Fleet Battle Groups outside the Earth star system, under my personal command, awaiting your approval to allow me to personally deal with this most nefarious of crimes. I await your favorable response. Duke Zehman Hulk'Zif.”

  What on Origin is he thinking? Sasha questioned, beyond shocked and troubled by what she’d just read.

  She could understand the duke's concern, but to bring an entire fleet to bear to resolve this matter was completely irresponsible. At the least, he should have waited to consult with her, or even her father, before making such a rash decision. The last thought caused sudden anger to rush towards the surface as she realized what type of noble the duke must be, the type she hated the most...a traditionalist. But before the anger overwhelmed her, she took a deep, calming breath, noticing a post script attached to the message.

  “There is a record of the events in question, but due to certain TSB regulations put in place at its founding, it is impossible to release, even to you or I. I would recommend that Her Royal Highness Sasha not consider any provided records of the event seriously, for they are likely fabricated.” Sasha found this last part odd...why would there be such a restriction in place? She wondered, it making little sense.

  Intrigued, she scanned the rest of the level one messages for any from the TSB. But to her surprise, there were none. However, she did read through plenty of similar communications to the duke's, and quite a few that were almost identical. Then she remembered; the two special level militar
y messages! How could I have forgotten, she scolded herself.

  She quickly queued them up, finding the first to be a short message from the TSB Vice-Commander, Commander Daiyu, who Duke Zehman had named as one of the perpetrators.

  “My Grand Duchess Sasha Alutia, I hope my words find you well. You do not know me, but I am sure you have heard of me. If the knowledge that I send you in this letter finds its way to the ears of Knight Captain Quinn,” Sasha gasped as she was finally able to place the name she found vaguely familiar, releasing her BC node and looking straight at Lia'Sil.

  “Is he that Quinn?” she blurted the question, realizing, too late, she’d forgotten to properly place it. But from the look she received in return, she wouldn't need too.

  “Yes, Your Grace. He was assigned the TSB command as a means to protect him from retribution, and remove him from the spotlight,” Lia’Sil’s look turned dubious. “Even though he was pardoned by the king, your father, many nobles are still infuriated that his fleet did not follow the order to purge the Ele'Tal system, and the subsequent death of the Earl of Tl'Doom, who'd given the order,” Lia'Sil recovered, curiosity taking the place of dubiousness as she stared at Sasha with great interest, which of course, made her self-conscious of her nudity.

  The news that Knight Admiral Quinn had killed the Earl of Tl'Doom was all the rage in the galaxy 189 noble circles 30 years earlier, with most calling for his head. But when the facts started to come to light, it was obvious that Knight Admiral Quinn had acted in the right...or so anyone with a shred of sense would see.

  The Earl of Tl'Doom, like many traditionalist nobles, was obsessed that his people were turning against him and ordered the Planet Ele'Tal, with a common and petty population of 50 billion, to be destroyed as an example. When Knight Admiral Quinn, head of the Tl'Doom Battle Fleet, refused the order, the Earl threatened to have his family killed unless he obeyed. In response, the knight admiral, with the full support of his entire command staff, proceeded to blow up the Earl of Tl'Doom's personal starship....with the earl still onboard.

  The subsequent trial by the ruling traditionalist duke was a mockery and would have expelled Sir Quinn to dark space if not for Sasha's father intervening, with his massive fleets, to pardon the knight admiral. The story was still told to many young nobles, including Sasha, for differing reasons, depending on the storyteller's point-of-view.

  “Interesting...do you know why he goes by knight captain now instead of knight admiral? I find it odd,” Sasha asked.

  “I don't know, Your Grace, but it may have to do with trying to hide who he is...but more likely, if my memory serves me, I do not think the TSB has a rank higher then captain.”

  Satisfied by Lia'Sil's response, Sasha nodded her thanks and continued the message from Vice Commander Daiyu, ignoring the intent stare from Tiana, whose curiosity showed in her pleading eyes.

  “If the knowledge that I send you in this letter finds its way to the ears of Knight Captain Quinn, then I would most likely lose my position, so please keep this letter to your discretion. I have, for awhile, suspected a plot was afoot, and fortunately the creation of the Alutia Duchy seems to have stopped its perfect execution. I beg you to look beyond the words and listen to your heart.

  “The Knight Captain has done something you may find unprecedented, but it is the only way to bring the truth to light and protect my savior. At your service, always, TSB Vice-Commander Daiyu,” Sasha sighed, instantly noticing the difference in tone from this letter and the one's she’d been receiving from the assorted Hulk’Zif nobility.

  She quickly queued up the second military level message, and to her great surprise, found it was actually a Program, with the title: Star of Terra Recommendation. Sasha sent a message to one of her servants requesting a portable irradiated particle display unit be brought into her sitting room.

  “What is the Star of Terra?” Sasha asked casually as she released her BC node. Guard Lieutenant Lia'Sil's went stiff, all color fleeing her face as she forgot herself for a moment.

  “Has...has the ASU invade-” Lia’Sil caught herself, “...I'm sorry, Your Grace, I forget my manners,” she lowered her head in apology, though Sasha waved it off, being little concerned with such matters. “The Star of Terra is the TSB equivalent of the King's Nova and conveys all the same rights and rewards,” Sasha gasped with shock, and initially had trouble believing Lia'Sil's words.

  The King's Nova was the highest commendation, awarded by a king, for actions to protect the NHA, or its member states, through acts above and beyond what is normally expected. The only higher commendation in the universe was the Emperor's Boon, which could only be awarded by the emperor himself. The last time the King's Nova had been awarded, if her memory held true, was 400 years ago and had, to Sasha's knowledge, never been awarded outside of active wartime.

  A sinking feeling within her stomach told of what her mind took a little longer to grasp. That the first major decision she would have to make in her life could carry massive consequences, and that scared her immensely. She looked to the other ladies in the room, unable to hide her overflowing concern.

  “Could you let us know what's going on now, Sasha?” Tiana piped in while glancing at the servant placing the small, metallic, semi-spherical portable PDU on the coffee table before where they sat. Sasha looked at each in turn, realizing that, thankfully, she didn't have to make this decision alone, now grateful that Tiana and Regalia had not actually left earlier.

  “Yes, Tiana, but you all must swear total secrecy. Anything we discuss here will never be shared without my permission. Am I clear?” She glared at Tiana, who nodded excitedly, then Regalia, who provided a single crisp nod, then to Lia’Sil, who stood with the noble salute, all agreeing to her ultimatum. The servant, having finished her duty, rushed from the room, having overheard Sasha's previous statement.

  “I received a communication from Duke Zehman Hulk'Zif and about 160 other local ruling nobles about his representative to the TSB being assaulted by Knight Captain Quinn, the TSB Vice-Commander Daiyu, and an unknown Earthling. The representative, according to Duke Zehman, is being illegally detained by the TSB along with his starship, which the duke finds most troubling. The duke has also informed me that he is currently outside the Earth star system with an unknown number of HZBF battle groups, waiting for my permission to break out his representative with force and deal harshly with the parties responsible,” she looked to each of the three women in turn, letting her voice trail off. Regalia, still sipping her Etique, furrowed her brow in thought, trying to shake clear a piece of her straight blond hair that had fallen over her brow in a rather comical manner. Tiana stared at Sasha with noticeable pity, appearing to think it had little to do with her, while Guard Lieutenant Lia'Sil stared on with open horror.

  “What sort of response did you receive from the TSB?” Lia'Sil asked, quickly regaining her composure.

  “The TSB Vice-Commander sent me a private message that stated her concern of a possible conspiracy of some sort, and its execution only being delayed since Earth was transferred to my authority,” Sasha paused, trying to gain a feel of her companions. “The second TSB message is actually a Program, and contained the title, Star of Terra, which is why I asked the question in the first place,” Sasha considered for a moment...there’s something I’m missing.

  “Whatever happened, Your Grace, that made Knight Captain Quinn request that particular commendation, and to have the Program actually accept it, must have been quite remarkable,” Sasha nodded, agreeing with Lia'Sil's observation.

  “From the Duke's letter,” she started, recalling a part she hadn’t fully understood, “this all took place during what he referred to as an enlistment trial, which I assume was for this Earthling in question. He also stated that I should be suspect of any record of these events I receive from the TSB, since the official record is suppose to be sealed, even to me. Does this make any sense to you?” asked Sasha, hoping she worded the question in a way Lia'Sil could understand. Tiana
, unexpectedly, responded first.

  “Could it have something to do with hiding their activities? Could the TSB be doing something illegal and restricting the records so as to hide this fact?” Sasha was impressed by Tiana's deduction, but immediately recognized a few flaws in that line of reasoning.

  “They may be able to restrict certain records, Lady Tiana. But there are Programs on Earth who would ignore the TSB restriction if a high ranking NHA ruling noble requested the information. The only way they would be able to restrict a duke or duchess would be with a decree from the king or emperor,” Lia'Sil responded clearly before Sasha had a chance, then turned back to Sasha. “This may be the case, Your Grace. I've heard of certain circumstances where the emperor has required special proceedings to be recorded, but with the expectation that they would only be viewed by him, or with his direct permission.” Sasha shot up in a way that made her nudity very apparent to her companions. Seeing their blushes, she quickly corrected herself, trying not to disturb her catillian that once again, began to stir.