by T. R. Harris
Other units were just now reaching the energy facilities and manufacturing centers on Oannan and Bal. With so many dependent on the energy modules and generators produced at these locations, chaos would soon reign throughout the Expansion, and when the Kracori revealed their own reserves of modules and generators, penitent races would come crawling to them, begging the Kracori to help them maintain their decadent lifestyles.
These early victories were significant and satisfying, yet Jonnif’s true goal lay just ahead, as he watched the blue and white planet of Juir grow ever larger in his forward viewport.
There were dozens of defenders grouping between the planet and his forces, but they would be inadequate. The Klin-designed ships were of a superior style and weaponry than the Juireans, and much of the local defenders were just a hodge-podge of hastily culled together ships of all classes and function. Even as he watched, intense bolts of energy lashed out at these ships from his forces, firing even before his own ships came within the range of the defender’s weapons batteries. The bulk of his attacking forces barely even slowed down before entering the atmosphere and zeroing in on their assigned targets.
Jonnif had reserved the Malor Complex for himself, along with the twenty ships in his squadron. He swung in low over the Southern Sea, and then climbed for altitude, attempting to avoid the ground-based defenses that were still a danger on the homeworld of the Juirean race. Three of his ships disintegrated even before he could see the form of the Kacoran Plain rising up in the misty distance.
His energy bombs were smaller than those of the orbital release variety, their power more concentrated. These were building-busters, not city crushers. Jonnif would take his time on the Kacoran Plain, where a number of iconic structures where located. These were the symbols of the Expansion, monuments to the power of the Juireans.
Jonnif activated his ship’s vid recorders; he wanted to document for all time the destruction of these structures, including the giant pyramid that was the seat of power for all the galaxy. Legend was what determined a Kracori’s placed in history. After this day, the name of Jonnif Vinn would be Legend for as long as the last Kracori breathed.
Chapter 11
Hydon Ra Elys was, above all else, pragmatic. So just before Adam departed the Elder’s office, he stopped the Human with a question.
“Would you agree, Mr. Cain, that at this point both of our self-interests are intertwined?”
Adam was becoming accustomed to the odd way the Juireans spoke, so all he did was stop and answer. “Yeah, pretty much. Unless you’ll give us a ship to get off the planet, it looks like we’re both stuck here no matter what happens.”
“Exactly my thoughts.” Hydon approached Adam, towering almost a full head above him. “I would agree to have you and your companions join me in the bunker below us, but on one condition.”
“What condition?”
Hydon grinned – sort of. “I admit that your race is superior to my own in regards to strength and durability, and you have proven time and again that you are very proficient fighters—”
“You’re wasting time, Lord Hydon. What do you want?”
“I will agree to arm you and your fellow Humans if you agree to serve as an additional layer of bodyguards for me and my entourage. You must promise, however, not to turn these weapons against me. Together we might be able to survive.”
Again, Adam was stunned. This was indeed a strange turn of events.
Hydon continued, “It will be unlikely that the attackers’ bombs will penetrate to the level of the bunkers, so they will have to affect a ground assault to capture or kill us. I cannot think of a more potent force of defenders than you and your fellow Humans. Would you agree?”
“Yeah, fine. But we don’t have much time. Can you get my people over here post-haste?”
“I do not understand—”
“Quickly! Can you get them here quickly?”
“I am the Council Elder. It will be done on my command.”
“Then do it! We have to get underground as soon as possible.”
Councilmember Wydor met Hydon and Adam on the main floor of the giant pyramid, as hundreds of aliens of all varieties hurried about in near-panic mode.
“I will be staying with you, Lord Hydon,” the senior Elite stated firmly.
“No you will not,” countered Hydon, just as firmly. “Upon my decree you are now Acting Elder. You must assume control of the Council and serve in my stead.”
“There are others equally qualified.”
“Granted, but none I trust as much. There is a chance I may be able to hold out against the Klin forces until the Human fleet arrives.” He looked over at Adam. “With nothing left to destroy, the Humans will serve only as a deterrent to the Klin, and drive them away. At that point – if he survives – then Mr. Cain may convince the Humans to join us in a counterstrike against the Klin and rid the galaxy of their scourge once and for all. In that event, I desperately need you to organize our remaining forces and coordinate with the Humans, if and when the time comes. Even if I do not survive, I believe we know now the face of our true enemy.”
“That is assuming the Human has been telling the truth concerning the relationship between the Klin and his race. And there is no proof that this new invading force is not made up of Humans and Klin, and not some mysterious race that has never played a role in galactic politics before.”
“I tend to believe him at this point. However, once these invaders arrive, we will have our definitive answer.”
Wydor bore a laser-like stare at Adam, the hate as lethal as any weapon. “I will go, my Lord, yet I am still not convinced that all of this is not just another ruse perpetrated by the Human barbarians.”
Adam simply returned the stare with an amused grin. There was nothing he could do in this short time to win over the Juirean to the truth as Adam knew it. Besides, even if he did, he wasn’t sure he cared enough. The Juireans – for good or bad – were about to get their asses kicked, and whether or not the Klin were ultimately responsible for the war, the Juireans were getting pretty much what they deserved.
Soon Wydor was hustled away by his own entourage of Juirean Guards and other accompanying white-haired Elites, while Adam and Hydon entered another securely-guarded elevator and began a long descent far below the pyramid. He was sure the same existed under nearly every important capital building in the galaxy – including on Earth – and the Juireans would be better-prepared than most, considering their capital had been in place for four thousand years.
Adam had witnessed the effectiveness of energy bombs before and knew them to have very little penetrating power. They were primarily designed to eliminate surface targets through a combination of heat, concussion and fire. Hydon and his entourage should survive the initial attack without a problem, hunkered down beneath the surface. But then the ground assault would begin, and the Klin, with their Kracori henchmen, would come looking for them.
“Where are my people?” Adam asked Hydon as they exited the elevator and hurried down a long, sterile, metal-lined corridor.
“They should only be a few minutes behind us. They—”
Just then they heard the first distant rumbles of the Klin attack far above them.
Adam looked more urgently at the Elder. Hydon could see the concern in Adam’s expression, so he leaned toward one of his assistants and barked out a command. A moment later the assistant responded. “They are in the elevator, my Lord. They entered just before the first strikes occurred.”
Hydon looked at Adam but said nothing; Adam gave him a curt nod of thanks.
The intensity of the explosions above them grew to a deafening level, shaking the very bedrock surrounding the series of corridors they rushed down. Adam noticed several strategic cutouts, defensive fortifications and reinforced buffers, all being manned by serious looking green-hair Juireans. He saw no other aliens this deep into the labyrinth. The defense of their Elder – as well as whatever else was hidden in these chambers – wa
s too important to left up to second-stringers.
Adam was hoping it would be enough. He had seen a Kracori face-to-face, and even though he had yet to meet an alien the equal of a Human, he was sure the Klin didn’t pick their allies without purpose. Adam had long believed Humans couldn’t be the only heavy-gravity beings with speed and coordination. The Klin had found the Humans and employed them as their muscle; he was sure the Kracori were just as deadly.
A large metal door stood open at the end of the last corridor, as formidable as that of a bank vault, easily three feet thick. Anxious-looking Juireans were waiting, ready to push the door shut once the Elder entered. Hydon stepped inside then turned to the guards.
“Wait. There are others coming.”
The Guards looked at each other nervously, but complied.
Hydon moved into the chamber beyond the door while Adam waited with for his team.
Two minutes later, Adam was relieved to see Lt. Tobias appear around a faraway corner and enter the last corridor before the vault – followed by the other SEAL’s, Sherri and all the rest, including McCarthy and his men. Kaylor and Jym brought up the rear. None of the Humans had been armed yet. Part of him wanted to tell Hydon not to supply weapons to McCarthy and his men, but he thought better of it. If Hydon detected distrust by Adam for members of his own team, he might reconsider giving weapons to any of them. He hoped he wouldn’t regret his decision.
Adam waved them through the doorway and the Juireans closed the heavy door, securing it from inside when the last of them was through. Immediately, Adam felt his ears pop, as the pressure inside the room was increased. This increased air pressure would add even more resistance when attempting to open the door.
Of course, the Klin would probably just blow it….
They were all in a large foyer area shaped in a semi-circle. Three doors were placed in the curving far wall, and positioned between each door were formidable metal barricades manned by six Juireans each. The Guards were encased in full body armor, including helmets, and each gripped the largest hand-held flash rifles Adam had ever seen.
A Juirean was motioning for the group to follow him through the doorway on the left. Without a word, they all followed. They entered a larger chamber, rectangular in shape, with a ceiling over twenty meters high. Assembled around them were a number of squads of Juirean Guards, as well as Hydon and about half of his support group.
Adam walked up to the Elder, his own group standing behind, looking unsure what to do next. After a moment, Hydon took notice. “Commander, supply each of these creatures with a flash rifle and sidearm, along with ample charges. Then find a barracks for them, somewhere not too far from my quarters. They are now part of my personal guard. Is that understood?”
Adam could see that the Guard commander recognized Adam and his companions as Humans, the very enemy they were currently waging war against – and for all he knew – were attacking Juir at that very moment. Apparently only Hydon and his closest advisors knew the truth.
“My Lord?” the commander said, “are you sure that is wise?”
“They can be trusted, commander, and soon we may need their assistance. Do as ordered.”
“Yes, my Lord.” The Juirean Guard moved up to Adam until he was only a few inches from him, towering a head taller. He looked down at the Human with undisguised contempt before finally saying, “Follow me. There is a place where you can find quarters.”
The room they were taken to was large and utilitarian, consisting of only a row of bunks, a bank of lockers and a communal grooming station at the end. Since all Juirean fighters were male, there was no need to have separate quarters for men and women.
Two Juireans wheeled a large cart into the room, filled with protruding barrels from a dozen or more flash rifles, plus MK’s and satchels of assorted charge packs for the weapons. Without a word, all the military personnel in Adam’s group swarmed the cart, snatching up weapons and ammo with gusto. They each admired the feel of the weapon in their grasp, as if it were a long-lost love. Adam armed himself as well, and after going so long without holding a weapon in his hands, he felt almost a drug-high sweep over him.
Sherri was no exception. She confidently selected a rifle and MK of her own, but soon the thrill had passed. “Adam, what’s going on now? We have Juireans giving us weapons – and the whole damn place feels like it’s being blown apart.”
“You’re right about that, Sherri,” Adam said as the group assembled around him. “The Klin found a way to get here sooner than expected. The Juireans are going to be creamed.” He showed his best Cheshire Cat smile. “It looks like we’re now part of Supreme Leader’s elite personal bodyguard, complete with weapons of our own.”
“And where are we exactly?” asked Chief Rutledge.
“Somewhere below the big pyramid, that’s all I know.” Then his face turned serious. “The buildings on the surface are going to be incinerated, and then they’ll come down here looking for us. It’s Hydon’s plan to hold out here until our fleet arrives. I have no idea what the Klin are going to bring against us.”
“This Juirean Hydon could have left with the other bigwigs,” McCarthy said, stepping forward. “Why didn’t he?”
“I think it’s symbolic, McCarthy. Seems like there’s something he thinks is worth dying for—”
“Like his planet and his people,” Petty officer John Tindal said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
McCarthy ignored the remark. “We’re not sacrificing ourselves for these alien bastards, Cain. Just get that straight. If we see a way to get out of here alive, we’re going to take it.”
“Well, seeing that we’re probably a mile beneath the surface of Juir, and undoubtedly the only Humans within a thousand light years, good luck with that. But right now we have to keep the Klin from getting in here and taking us all out.”
Adam began to turn away, but then he had another thought. “And seeing that I’m the only one here who has the ear of the all-mighty Juirean leader, I think it’s about time you and your men start following my orders.” His voice was a growl as he spit out the last syllable.
Adam wasn’t the best at reading alien body language, yet it didn’t take an expert to see the tension and sadness on the faces of all the Juireans in the underground bunker. For hours now the bombardment on the surface had continued, and with each blast the natives knew their world above was being torn apart. Adam could relate, having lived through the bombardment of Earth by this very same race of aliens. And yet at the time, Adam had been more concerned about saving his own life, along with those of wife and daughter, than with any planetary legacy issues. Also at the time, he truly believed the Klin would stop the destruction – as they eventually did – but only after so many people had died.
Yet on the surface of Juir, the destruction was continuing unabated. It was evident by the frequency and intensity of the explosions that the Klin had eliminated any Juirean resistance, both in space and on the planet, and now had free reign to cause all the death and destruction they could deliver. The only limitation would be the capacity of their energy generators, and with constant rechargings, the bombardment could continue for weeks, if not months.
In a way, Adam felt sorry for the Juireans. They had to stay sequestered in their self-imposed prison far below the surface while their entire world was being destroyed, along with countless generations of Juirean history. When the Klin were through with Juir, all that would be left would be smoldering monuments to a once great race of beings.
Adam was sure the Klin already had detailed schematics of the maze of tunnels and chambers under the great pyramid. For hundreds, if not thousands of years, Klin spies had infiltrated Juirean culture and government. Each target would have been carefully delineated and scheduled for destruction, including the underground labyrinth. But first they had to gain control of the surface, and as the occupants of the bunker began to hear the slow, yet very clear, decrease in the frequency of the explosions above, they knew that time was dra
wing near.
After all, Adam thought, you can only bomb a building into ashes for so long. More than that and you’re just being a dick.
Adam knew that if he survived to ever walk the surface of Juir again he would find a completely alien landscape, unrecognizable from the one he had only the briefest memory of. It would be a scene right out of his vision of Hell. And for the non-religious Juireans who managed to survive, it would be the new standard from which they would forever associate with their own concept of Hell.
Chapter 12
Jonnif had his Klin-designed flying saucer land next to the smoldering remains of what had once been Malor Tower. All that was left now of the once-massive structure were a few tall, twisted sections of the east and south facing skeletal supports, now blackened from the intense fire and smoke that had consumed the building.
Jonnif was greeted by a passing cloud of dense, black smoke when he exited the shiny silver pedestal that supported the saucer above. He took in the fragrance of death and destruction, savoring every last moment. All around him were piles of still smoldering debris; some structural material, some the charred remains of the thousands of creatures whose lives had ended on this very spot – and by Jonnif’s hand.
The Kracori commander looked up into the sky, patched now with a combination of white clouds and smoke from the thousands of fires still raging across the area. He was almost in tears – tears of joy. He was standing on Juir, at the very center of the universe, the planet where it had all started. And where he stood wasn’t just any location on the planet, but high atop the Kacoran Plain. He looked to his right and across the sweeping panorama all the way to the Southern Sea. Before him lay the metropolis of Juir City, the very place where the Juireans had taken their name. The city was now just a dense cloud of black smoke, penetrated here and there by flickering towers of yellow fire, raging uncontrollably, consuming the entire area.
