“That’s right, so what’s the problem?” asked an irritable Clearchus.
“Well, it’s pretty simple Strategos, it isn’t there anymore. Spectral scans indicate the star went supernova three years ago. The three gas giants were obliterated.”
He stretched out his arms and pointed at the view around them of dust and debris.
“This is it, no gas giants and no fuel for the fleet.”
Clearchus took the small tablet-like device and examined the data himself. The images and scans were clear, as were the Artis routes on the navigation plan they had set out.
“This is correct?”
His deputy nodded but said nothing more. Kleandridas was correct, of course, but with such a significant problem, the Strategos needed to see the numbers for himself. They were stood on the command deck, the heart of the Titan and of the fleet. It was wide and large enough to house a hundred officers. Many of them were scanning everything within a parsec for raw materials the fleet could use. Banks of displays ran in columns, each attached to the ribbed inner skin of the ship. The light from the displays gave a bright shimmer to the command deck that was unlike any other part of the ship. It was the large-scale virtual observation system that really stood out. The entire inner surface of the deck was controlled at a molecular level to give it the characteristics of a flawless three-dimensional video display. Standing on the deck was like flying through space, and with the full ability to see outside of the ship, past the armour and into space itself.
“I never wanted to take these routes, but if we travel around the Maelstrom, we’ll be forced to extend our journey by four or five times.”
Kleandridas nodded in agreement and pointed to the starmap on the device.
“We’d also have to extend our time travelling through the border systems. The more time we spend there, the better chance the enemy will have of finding us and establishing our intent. We have to arrive in the Core Systems with the element of surprise on our side.”
He moved the display on the device to show a map of the main star systems. The Core Worlds were a great cluster of hundreds of star systems that themselves contained scores of populated worlds. He enlarged the view so that it focused down on the capital planet and star systems within a short distance.
“We need to arrive here and in force. Even with our combined Median and Terran fleet, we could still find double or even triple the enemy numbers upon our arrival.”
Clearchus looked surprised.
“You don’t think they already know we are coming? Artaxerxes is no fool. Don’t forget the information we have on him in our databanks. Cyrus was his mother’s favourite to become Emperor, and still he ended up exiled and thrown to the borders.”
Kleandridas nodded slowly in agreement. The information he had seen concerning Cyrus, the rest of his family and the constant intrigue between them, quite frankly irked him. It wasn’t as though the Arcadians were perfect, but this level of interfamilial bickering and bloodletting left him feeling sick inside. He shook his head and looked back to Clearchus.
“Well, only Tissaphernes knows we have travelled passed his territories, but he knows nothing of our mission. Neither Artaxerxes or any of the other satraps even know we passed the Cilician Gates.”
He stepped towards the nearest computer system and displayed the area of space between the Cilician Gates and the heart of the Median Empire. It was a fast gulf of more than a kiloparsec; an absolutely massive distance that would require over a hundred jumps. He pointed at each of the major Median starbases and naval commands, and a green line followed his finger as it snaked through the Empire. The route carefully avoided the major Median sites until making it to the edge of the Core Worlds.
“Surely, if we are careful and avoid any major Median settlements, we can make it through to the outlying worlds. At least this way, Artaxerxes won’t be able to call in his border commanders in time to help his fleet.”
“That is true, but with nearly Ten Thousand mercenaries, and double that number of Medes under Ariaeus, we have a lot of eyes and a great deal of mouths in this fleet. I can guarantee that at least one has talked already. If they’ve talked, Artaxerxes will already know.”
Kleandridas scratched his cheek as he considered the comments by Clearchus.
“If he knows, then he will be calling in his major warships and assembling his Royal ground forces. He has to strike hard and fast before they can mobilise.”
Clearchus nodded again in complete agreement.
“Yes, I have no doubt about the skill and expertise of our own forces, but even Terrans can only kill so many. We do not want to end up trapped in hostile territory with just our fleet to protect us. It will be a long and dangerous return journey if we are unable to achieve our objectives.”
He thought of the Medes representatives he had encountered so far on this campaign. Lord Cyrus appeared honourable, and more importantly, had treated the officers and men of the mission with respect. He had kept the target secret, but that secretive trait was one common with all the Medes he had met. Tissaphernes was a plotter and a schemer. He had no doubts the man would turn on his own family if it might better his position. Then there was Ariaeus, the next most significant figure and a man with the ear of Cyrus himself. Even Clearchus had seen very little of this powerful and shadowy figure.
“What do we know of Ariaeus? Lord Cyrus says he is his most trusted assistant, but does that mean we can trust him on this operation? My files show he has a long and colourful career, including quite a few entanglements with at least a dozen Terran colonies.”
Kleandridas brought up a detailed profile of Ariaeus, the second most senior Median commander in the Legion. Clearchus had only met him a few times, and the dislike they had for each other was obvious and unguarded. He snarled at the face, remembering the last time they had spoken. Clearchus watched him and remembered that his deputy and close friend had a painful secret; one only Clearchus and a few other high-ranking Arcadians knew of. He sighed, angry at himself for forgetting.
“I’m sorry, your family has had dealing with some of Ariaeus’ people. I know it can’t be easy for you to work with him or his force,” he said, doing his best to be as sensitive about the issue as he could.
It was true and a cause of great resentment to the high-ranking Terran officer. An infiltration team under the orders of Ariaeus had managed to start a revolution on one of the smaller Plataean moons, two decades earlier. It seems it was part of a plan to try and wrest the minor colonies of the smaller Terran factions away from the Laconian League, upon whom they were dependent. It wasn’t the first time it had happened, and it wouldn’t be the last. The Terrans were notorious for their infighting and mistrust of each other, and a weakness that was often exploited by enemies such as the Medes. The Mining Revolution, as it was known, had personal significance to Kleandridas, however. The Medes agents helped instigate a workers’ strike that quickly turned violent. Many citizens and workers had been killed while fighting government forces and atrocities had been committed on both sides. When the fighting was over, over nine hundred people had lost their lives, including both of Kleandridas’ parents. The involvement of Ariaeus was only found out years later.
“Strategos, I have Topoteretes Pleistoanax on the link. He wishes to speak with you,” said the ship’s auletes.
Strategos Clearchus smiled at the news. Pleistoanax was one of the few commanders in the fleet that he knew could be counted upon to come through when times were tough.
“Excellent, put it up on my screen,” he replied.
The video feed appeared instantly from the scout cruiser being commanded by the second topoteretes. The face of the man appeared, but his expression suggested bad news. From the angle of the feed, it was difficult to see what was going on inside the cruiser. He couldn’t see the red glow of emergency lighting though, and there were no signs of battle or distress in the crew.
“Topoteretes, I assume by your expression you don’t have good
news for me?”
There was a short pause, but it wasn’t clear if that was due to the distance, or simply down to the commander considering his response. Like Clearchus and Kleandridas, he wore his Laconian regalia, including full body armour and crimson cloak.
“No, Strategos, my scout group has performed a full scan of the area, and we can confirm the lack of resources due to the destruction of the planets. With most of the fleet down to less than half tanks, we need more before continuing much further into Median space. The next point is fifteen parsecs away, but there are no guarantees we will be able to refuel there, and that is a problem, a big problem.”
Clearchus looked confused at his last statement. Their route followed the standard Artis routes, and each point should be between five and fifteen parsecs away. They should be able to make at least one more, perhaps two more jumps with the remaining fuel.
“I don’t understand, why not?”
“The next location was being used as a stopover point for Median transports two years ago. There is a possibility that it is being used as a base of operations. The only other options are to expend all of our fuel in a single jump to one other sector. My estimates show that only half the ships in the fleet can make a jump of that distance. We’ll have to leave the rest behind and risk the remainder in one movement.”
“That isn’t acceptable. I must have the full fleet and all the Legion if this plan is to succeed. The jump to the site with a possible base is our only way forward. But if we are discovered this early on, we will have problems. We will never have the element of surprise when we reach the Core Worlds and could end up facing an insurmountable enemy force.”
“It’s worse than that.”
Clearchus sighed, bracing himself for whatever was coming next.
“Explain?”
“If we jump in and find the site contested, we will have enough fuel for a single short jump. We could make it back here, but for what? With this system lost, we will be unable to jump back any further and will be trapped, adrift in the wake of a destroyed star. Some of the ships could probably make it one further jump back, but we’d be strung out with some ships trapped here and around the dead star. It is a very big risk.”
Kleandridas tapped the large screen next to him and the commander. It was semi-transparent and almost three metres wide. It changed to show the immediate area around the fleet and the three projected routes they could take. One returned to the previous sector and two moved ahead. A symbol at the closest destination showed the potential position of the Median transit point. He pointed at the transit point.
“If there is no fuel, or we are forced to withdraw, we will end up trapped right here. We could always fight our way out, though?” he added.
Clearchus liked the idea of being able to fight their way through, but memories of the gruelling fight at the Cilician Gates returned. It should have been a simple operation and instead tied up most of the forces from an entire Titan. If they lost ships or warriors out here, they would have no way of replacing their losses; whereas the Medes numbers were unlimited. He looked back to the video feed where Pleistoanax waited patiently.
“Go on.”
“Yes, Strategos, assuming we can refuel at the next point, my staff have calculated three routes in case of future problems. We will have options that will allow us to work around such problems. For the duration of the journey, there will be only three more choke points that could be a problem. We can work around those when the time comes.”
“I see,” replied Clearchus. He considered but only for a few seconds. They could either go back and suffer no ill consequences, or push ahead with all the risks that entailed.
Kleandridas looked at the starmap before giving his opinion.
“If we turn back now, we could face mutiny. This Legion was assembled for the purpose of riches and adventure. If we return empty handed, our forces will have suffered a great humiliation.”
Clearchus nodded slowly, in partial agreement with him.
“True, I don’t like it either. But there is no glory in running out of fuel and being forced to stay in hostile territory. This is a fleet of warriors, not traders. I have a suggestion, however.”
Both of his deputies waited for his idea but thought they knew what he would offer them. If they were going to continue on this path, they would have to send something or somebody ahead to scout the lay of the land. Clearchus cleared his throat and started.
“We send a single ship, one with a skeleton crew of volunteers. They will jump ahead of the fleet and signal back the status of the location and availability of fuel. If clear, we will jump in, resupply the fleet and then select a new, more cautious route across the Maelstrom.”
His two deputies waited as they considered his suggestion. There wasn’t time to think any further, as Lord Cyrus and two of his guards approached from one of the side elevators. They were greeted by the watch officer before making their way to Clearchus. Cyrus stopped in front of Clearchus and started speaking, without even checking if the Terrans were engaged in conversation.
“Strategos, I have just been informed by Ariaeus that our Armada is being held back by lack of resources. It is my understanding that the next jump destination is the home of multiple gas giants, and the perfect point to refuel and plan our next course. Is this correct?”
Clearchus hid his irritation from the Medes commander well, but it was clear to his two deputies that he didn’t like being second guessed.
“Yes, that is correct. I am planning on sending a scout vessel ahead to assess the situation.”
Lord Cyrus looked both annoyed and nervous at his words.
What is he hiding this time? Clearchus thought.
“That isn’t necessary. I have already sent Ariaeus ahead with his forces to perform a full reconnaissance of the area. He will contact you when it is safe for your forces to make the jump.”
The last line almost made Clearchus’ blood boil with rage.
How dare this upstart think he can start throwing his weight around? This is a Terran operation, my operation!
He looked to Cyrus, but the expression on Kleandridas’ face told him to slow and calm down. Clearchus was aware he had a tendency to lose his temper. He still regretted some of his decisions on the border world of Bissus prior to meeting Cyrus. The fortress city was part of an independent league of planets nestled between the Terran and Median territories. It had been in his charge until a riot inside the city turned violent. His crackdown had been severe, but it did stop the revolt. There were still a good number of citizens that blamed him for excessive force on that day. He thought of that city and remembered what he had to.
Be calm, think long term and control yourself, he said to himself.
“Ariaeus and his forces should not be dictating when and where my forces can go. Don’t forget, this Terran Armada is under my control, and we will take orders from one person, and one person alone, and that is you, my Lord.”
Lord Cyrus looked at him and immediately knew he had gone too far.
They really are a proud and arrogant people. Why has it taken us so long to claim their worlds as our own?
“Of course, my apologies, Ariaeus and his forces will report to you and inform you as to the status of the objective. In future, I will ensure communication travels directly through me.”
The great Titan shuddered once more, and the Median nobleman was forced to recover his balance. Clearchus was well used to fighting or standing on unstable ground after years of training and war and simply grabbed the nearest pillar to avoid falling. He watched the Median noble alter his posture and was surprised, almost impressed, with both the speed and recovery of the man. He straightened up and turned back to Clearchus.
“I assume this is due to the debris in this area?” he asked.
Clearchus indicated for Kleandridas to explain.
“The star has gone supernova, but this isn’t the only issue. We can expect a variety of storms, debris and uncharted anoma
lies until we have completed the entire journey across the Maelstrom, a distance of just over a kiloparsec.”
Clearchus expected him to be surprised at the distance, yet the man seemed completely unfazed by the words. Not that it was always easy to tell what the Medes thought as their expressions were a mystery to many. He had to keep reminding himself that they were not human, even though they shared much in terms of build, language, even genetics. Cyrus noticed that he was being watched by Clearchus and had difficulty in identifying exactly what he was thinking.
Ah, the distance! He smiled at the Laconian. How small they think.
“A kiloparsec is nothing in the Empire. We have worlds a kiloparsec away at every border. Still, the gulf of space between the Terran border worlds and the Core is not an easy route. I will have the Medes navigators come aboard and along with their charts for this region. Would that help?”
Clearchus nodded.
“Very well, that will help. When can we expect to hear from Ariaeus?”
“Within the hour, I will contact you with the scout reports as soon as they arrive.”
The Median Lord nodded to Clearchus and walked away in the same direction from which he had arrived. The Laconian officers watched him leave without saying anything. As soon as the door shut, Kleandridas exploded in a fury that surprised even Clearchus.
“Can you believe the arrogance of these people?” he snapped.
Clearchus looked at his screen and the face of Pleistoanax who had remained hidden from the Medes for the entire conversation. His deputy looked almost as annoyed as Kleandridas.
“My brother Kleandridas is correct,” he said, using the common term in the Laconian military for those of the same or similar rank. They knew each other well having trained together often, as well as having fought in a myriad of bloody campaigns on behalf of the League.
“The Medes are not to be trusted. Ariaeus does as he pleases, and tells us nothing in advance. He commands a fleet that is double our size, and yet refuses to work under or even with us. If we are to head into dangerous enemy space, we must be cautious.”
Black Legion - The First Trilogy Page 33
