-
In the Great Hall of the Council of Overlords, a special meeting was being held by the twenty members of the Kleese council. Xatul, the Supreme Overlord, gazed with disdain at the worried members standing at the massive stone table. Word had just been received of the Zaltule’s successful defeat of the main Strell battle fleet, which meant the Strell Empire was now a part of the Kleese domain. Already, several hundred thousand Zaltule warriors were on their way to the home worlds of the Strell. The Strell Queens would be fitted with metallic obedience collars to ensure there would be no future rebellion to Kleese rule.
“No conscripts are being sent to the Strell Empire?” Keluth asked in a voice showing great concern. “I’m not comfortable with the Zaltule having complete control in this matter.”
“Nor am I,” added Overlord Hymtal. “The Zaltule are assuming too much authority in our Empire and using far more resources than necessary. Already, control of many valuable star systems have been taken from the council. The Zaltule are using these systems to rebuild their war machine.”
“The use of conscripts has been a cheap and efficient method for us to expand the Empire for generations,” stated Raluth as he addressed the council. “The Zaltule go through resources as if they are water. Many of the planets we control are being strained to supply the war materials the Zaltule are demanding. It's been necessary to send large numbers of conscripts as well as Kleese to keep these worlds in line. We must restrain the
Zaltule before the Council of Overlords finds itself in a weakened position due to a lessening of power. The more power the Zaltule seize, the more Kleese look to them for guidance. Very soon, the Zaltule will be the ultimate power and authority in our Empire unless we do something.”
Xatul remained silent. Hammock was on his way back with his warfleet and Xatul was nearly certain the Zaltule leader would demand a greater representation on the council. Most likely, the Zaltule leader would want several of his people to take over key positions. He wondered cynically just how many of the other Overlords realized that.
Bixutl stood next to the large stone table gazing at the other council members. For untold eons, the Council of Overlords had represented the most powerful Kleese in the Empire. Advancement on the council was done through open challenges, and if the council agreed the challenge was legitimate, then a battle to the death was arranged. If the challenger won, they would take over the council position of the slain Overlord. It ensured the council was controlled by only the most powerful and ruthless of the Kleese.
There was little doubt in Bixutl’s mind that if any of the Zaltule wanted a position upon the Council of Overlords there would be nothing they could do to prevent it. In recent weeks, with the war with the Strell coming to an end, Bixutl had taken precautions to ensure the Zaltule didn’t challenge him for his spot on the council. He strongly suspected Xatul had done the same thing.
“Kaluse has requested an additional increase in special metals for ship construction at the Zaltule shipyards,” Bixutl reported. Bixutl didn’t mention he'd already ensured the necessary materials would be sent. It was part of his agreement with Kaluse to ensure Bixutl’s continued status on the council.
“More warships!” grated out Raluth his multifaceted eyes looking around at the other arachnid council members. “We have our exploration ships, which have served us for centuries in taking over thousands of star systems; why do we need such a massive Zaltule warfleet?”
“I agree,” Hymtal added in a cold and angry voice. “Our conscripts have served us well and now that the Strell have been defeated it’s time for the Zaltule to go back to sleep. They are no longer needed!”
“I don’t think it will be as simple as that,” answered Xatul, rising to full height on his six legs and placing his hands upon the stone table. “The Zaltule will not return to deep sleep.”
“Why not?” demanded Hymtal, challengingly. “They have served their purpose.”
Xatul looked without emotion at the other council members, knowing what he was about to say would mean the deaths of a number of them when the Zaltule returned and demanded positions on the council. “The Zaltule were dying in their sleeping chambers.”
“Dying?” uttered Raluth, looking with suspicion at Xatul. “What do you mean they were dying?”
“It began a number of years ago,” Xatul responded. “I was notified by the garrison commander that the Zaltule were starting to die. Over the years, the number of deaths began to increase rapidly. In order to preserve the warrior caste, it would have been necessary to wake them even if the Strell hadn’t become a threat.”
Several council members shifted uneasily on their feet, realizing the potential threat the Zaltule could represent. A few began thinking about taking trips to the outer reaches of the Empire.
“Then the Zaltule are here to stay,” Bixutl stated in a calm voice. He was pleased he had made the deal with Kaluse to supply metals to the shipyards.
“They will attack the nonaligned worlds,” Raluth predicted in a cold voice. “The Zaltule will not allow any world to exist which doesn’t obey the Empire.”
“It would have had to happen eventually, anyway,” spoke Bixutl, swinging his triangular head toward Raluth. “The nonaligned worlds become more powerful every year. Their advancements in science and technology have always posed a threat.”
“Bixutl is correct,” Xatul commented in a steady voice. “The nonaligned worlds will be the Zaltule’s next target before they move out past the borders of the Empire in their conquests.”
“Many Kleese will be opposed to such rapid expansion,” Raluth spoke. “Our method of using exploration ships to find new worlds and then sending our conscripts to conquer them has worked well for centuries with little strain on our resources. It will no longer be so with the Zaltule.”
“Many Kleese in the outer regions of our Empire have become weak,” Xatul pointed out. “The Zaltule will not tolerate such weakness. I strongly suggest that if you want to preserve your council position you begin making preparations.”
“We cannot fight the Zaltule,” Martule replied in a cold and dark voice. “I fear the warrior caste may soon dominate this council.”
-
Later, Xatul stood at a window looking out over the sole city on the planet. A cold wind was blowing and the sky was dark and threatening. The city ran the Empire and soon it would answer to the Zaltule. Several years back, Xatul made a deal with Harmock to ensure he would remain as the Supreme Overlord of the Kleese. Unfortunately, a number of the other Overlords on the council would soon die. This meant little to Xatul as the council had always favored the most powerful of the Kleese race.
The Zaltule would be the instrument Xatul used to ensure the continued dominance of the Kleese as the supreme race in the galaxy. Those that stood against the Kleese would either capitulate or be destroyed. It would also be necessary to drastically increase the number of conscripts taken to serve on newly conquered worlds. They would be needed to maintain control as the Empire was expanded. The warriors of the Zaltule were too valuable to serve as garrisons.
Thinking about the conscripts, Xatul wondered what had become of the Humans. At one time, they'd seemed to pose a threat to the Empire but they hadn't been heard from in a number of years. Perhaps it would be wise to send out an exploration cruiser to check on the Humans to see if they had died out or decided to stay inside their paltry little star system. They had served once as excellent conscripts. Perhaps if there were any survivors they could do so again.
Chapter Two
Second Lieutenant Ryan Nelson looked apprehensively at the small mountain in front of him. He was in one of the training domes on Centerpoint Station and wearing a Type Three battlesuit. He'd finished four years at the Officers' Academy inside the asteroid Vesta and two additional years of combat training. He was now in the process of learning how to handle one of the Type Three suits in a combat situation. Ryan was one of a handful of Human officers who had volunteered for
a special operations program.
“Damn, that mountain’s steep,” complained Corporal Casey Hunter as she looked at the nearby peak. Casey was one of the Human clones that had also volunteered for this special project. She'd never been hesitant to volunteer and exceeded at everything she tried. Casey had dark brunette hair and hazel eyes along with a childlike innocence. “And we’re supposed to make it to the top and press some type of button to turn off all of the hidden weapons.” She turned her head to gaze curiously at Lieutenant Nelson.
“Yeah,” Ryan said, grinning. He and Casey had gone through the Academy and combat training together. She was a very bright young woman approximately the same age as he was, though with the way the clones were grown it was difficult to ascertain their exact physical age.
“I spoke to others who have gone through this training,” commented Private Rios from just behind the two officers. Rios was a Human from Luna City and had attended the fleet training center there. He spoke with just the barest hint of a Mexican accent. “No one has ever made it to the top in less than four attempts. Those damn hidden weapon emplacements supposedly pop up and start blasting away when you least expect it. The guys I talked to said the stun beams hurt like hell!”
Ryan nodded. His brother, Colonel Wade Nelson, had casually mentioned that this part of the training would be particularly difficult though he had only smiled knowingly when Ryan asked how he had done on the mountain drill.
“The drill has been modified slightly in recent years,” Ryan said, recalling what he'd been told in the morning briefing by Major Winfrey. “The energy beams have been changed to stun guns that supposedly just sting and make your body feel as if it’s on fire. The RG rounds have been adjusted so they just put dents in your armor rather than blow a hole completely through your arm or leg.”
“Glad to hear that,” Rios commented as he glanced down at the RG rifle he held in his metal arms. “This training is supposed to be for a special project. Either of you two have any idea what it is?”
“No,” answered Ryan, shaking his head. “The brass wanted a well-trained group of marines and space force officers for this project.”
“I’ve heard rumors it might involve the new Type Four battlesuits,” ventured Corporal Hunter. “They’re reportedly ready for trial deployment.”
“I’ve heard those rumors for several years,” Ryan replied with a frown. Everyone knew that the Human military research department, in conjunction with the Kiveans, was developing a new battlesuit. It was supposed to be a full generation ahead of the current Type Three battlesuit and meant to give them an edge in combat operations if they had to fight the Zaltule in a ground operation.
“Here comes the major,” commented Casey as another Type Three battlesuit strolled purposely toward the waiting marines and fleet personnel.
Major Dylan Winfrey smiled to himself as he walked up to the twenty men and women in battlesuits waiting for him. Dylan had assumed the role of a trainer for the last few years as the active combat role for the marines had decreased considerably. Military operations against the Kleese had come to a stop with the advent of the Kleese-Strell war. His four platoons of British Special Forces were still active and currently assigned to Luna City. This group would be particularly interesting as it was comprised of nearly half clones and the rest normal Human born. It was also made more intriguing since Colonel Nelson’s younger brother was the platoon leader.
“Alright, volunteers,” Dylan spoke with a slight British accent as he looked at the two lines of battlesuits. “You have volunteered for a special project the R&D boys have been working on. If you want to be a part of this, you have to make it to the top of Charring Mountain. Dylan turned and gestured toward the two thousand foot tall peak behind him. “There are hidden popup weapons on the slopes and other areas that are set to prevent your successful ascent. You should know the best any platoon has done in the years I’ve been here was to reach the summit on the fourth attempt. For that platoon, only three members were still active when the deactivation button was depressed.”
The assembled platoon shifted uneasily on their metal feet. The ten-foot-tall nearly black battlesuits made one feel invincible, but Major Winfrey was making it quite clear the suits might not be as much protection as the wearers thought. They wondered nervously just what was waiting for them on the mountain and how painful this drill was going to be.
“The weapons on Charring are set to inflict pain,” continued Winfrey, grimacing slightly recollecting his own experiences on the dreaded peak. “They will serve as a stark reminder of what it feels like to be shot by the enemy. For today’s drill, you’re allowed to use your RG rifles, energy cannons, and RG explosive rounds. Major suit explosive rounds are not permitted.” Dylan paused and gazed intently at the assembled platoon though he knew they couldn’t see his face through the visor of his battlesuit. “You’re using live weapons. I don’t want to see anyone injured or killed due to friendly fire. If someone is injured, the drill will continue and I will send appropriate medical personnel to handle the situation. Your battlesuits are capable of handling most medical emergencies until proper medical care can arrive.”
Dylan paused as he slowly walked down the double line of assembled battlesuits. “You have six hours to make the ascent and press the red button on the pedestal on top of the summit of Charring Mountain. If time runs out, then you lose. Your time starts now!”
-
Ryan turned toward Corporal Hunter as his eyes shifted to the young woman. “I want two scouts out front with another two skirmish lines behind them. The scouts will be used to draw out the hidden weapons and hopefully we can annihilate them before they take the scouts out.”
Casey nodded as she looked at the assembled soldiers. Mentally she thought about who best deserved to die first on the mountain. There was no doubt in her mind that the first two scouts wouldn’t last long. When the hidden weapons disabled a battlesuit, it was considered a death. Then her eyes fell on Privates Alexander Parker and Lauren Adams. The two of them had gotten into a fight in the mess hall the night before arguing over who had the best RG target score. She grinned wickedly as she made her decision deciding this would be good punishment for the two.
“Parker, Adams the two of you have the point. Move out!” she ordered.
“Crap!” uttered Alexander, glaring at Lauren. “Now we’re both going to get killed.”
“Shut your mouth and let’s go!” Lauren grated out.
If Parker hadn't grabbed her arm in the mess hall, she wouldn’t have popped him in the jaw. There was no doubt in her mind that they were being punished for that incident, though it had felt good to see the shocked look on Alexander’s face after she'd punched him.
The two set out holding their RG rifles at the ready. The rest of the platoon formed up into two ragged skirmish lines and began following close behind. In only a few moments, they entered the heavy woods that marked the beginning of Charring Mountain.
Ryan was watching the twenty green icons on his HUD in the helmet of his command battlesuit. Currently, all were undamaged and had begun the treacherous ascent up the mountain. The HUD showed the exact position of each battlesuit in relation to Ryan’s position.
“Keep your eyes on the lookout for popups,” he warned as he used the enhanced vision abilities of his suit to scan the terrain up ahead. All he could see were tall trees, brush, and boulders. “Adams, Parker use the trees for cover, try to stay out of open areas which make you an easy target.”
“Easy for him to say,” mumbled Parker over the private suit com he had established between his battlesuit and Adams. “I doubt if any of the weapons will target a command suit.”
“Don’t bet on it,” Lauren responded as she slipped behind a large tree trunk to gaze up ahead. “I was told the popups don’t distinguish between one type of suit and another.” She had scarcely stepped behind the protection of the massive tree when she heard numerous projectiles impacting the bark. “Damn, there’s an R
G popup somewhere up ahead!”
“Stay behind the tree,” Alexander ordered as he bent down behind a stony outcrop, which offered some protection. He used his suit’s advanced sensors to quickly pinpoint the hidden weapon. The suit’s sensors picked up the inbound rounds and traced their trajectory back to their point of origination. Alexander changed his com frequency back to the normal platoon one. “Popup RG weapon sixty meters up the mountain on the right side of that tree with the busted limb.”
“Can you take it out with explosive rounds?” Corporal Hunter asked as she motioned for the troops in her skirmish line to go to the ground. A ten-foot tall battlesuit was not something easy to hide.
“Affirmative,” Alexander replied as he switched his RG rifle to the indicated round. Taking careful aim, he placed two shells where he thought the popup was. Two resounding explosions threw debris up high into the air causing some rocks and dirt to slide down the mountain. A flash of fire and rising black smoke indicated the popup had been hit.
Alexander studied the impact point for a moment before being satisfied that the popup had been destroyed. “Weapon’s been eliminated.”
“Very well,” Hunter replied as she stood back up. “Continue to move up the mountain. I suspect the higher up we go, the more weapons we’ll come across. This isn’t supposed to be easy.” Casey began moving back up the slope using her suit’s augmented vision optics to scan for possible weapons. She could feel herself breathing faster and knew her heart was racing.
For another hundred meters, everything was quiet, and then a pair of twin stunners popped up and fired, striking a battlesuit directly behind Private Parker. The soldier screamed in agony as the painful stunners immobilized his suit. The soldier then collapsed to the ground and lay still. On Ryan’s HUD one of the twenty green icons switched to red.
“Stay alert!” Ryan warned as he gestured for everyone to hold their positions. “I want that ridge in front of us scanned. If you see anything, report it. We can’t advance until that weapon is taken out.”
Galactic Empire Wars: Rebellion (The Galactic Empire Wars Book 3) Page 2
