HADRON Revelation

by Stephen Arseneault

  Chapter 25

  *

  Johnny came over the comm. “You better get back up here. The Dellus just showed up with their Muhatha ships.”

  Mace frowned as he stood, choking down the last of his nutrient bar. “We’ll have to continue this later.”

  As he walked on the bridge an image of a Muhatha was visible on the wall display. “What we got?”

  Johnny said, “They jumped right into this space. They’ve hailed Tellak’s ship. I expect them to turn this way any moment.”

  Mace said, “Let them come. Let them make their demands. They can’t do anything to us.”

  Johnny turned around. “They have those nuke ships. They already tried to use on us.”

  Mace replied, “That was in their territory and with us out of sensor range of their planet. They can’t use one of those here where the rest of the Union can see they have them.”

  Johnny scowled. “You’re counting on them following the rules?”

  Mace asked, “What would you have us do?”

  Johnny replied, “How about let’s be preemptive for once. We go in and blast the launching bays of those two ships before they send those monstrosities out.”

  Mace held up his hand. “Nobody wants to do that more than me. But we have to remember, we’re not looking to start a war with official members of the Galactic Union. That would give them an excuse to fully invade Earth. At the moment we have no way to protect her. They’re keeping their ships away from Earth because they want us to join with them.”

  A Dellus ship turned and raced toward the Rogers, slowing to a stop when it was within comm range. A hail from the Gantero was accepted by Johnny.

  Dellus Commodore Barisk’s face covered the wall display. “Mr. Hardy, I would ask that you turn over our prisoner and return Duke Wellit to our custody.”

  Mace replied, “Dlukov and the Duke are free to leave whenever they like, Commodore. We aren’t forcing them to do anything. This ship is under our command and at the moment both men are seeking asylum. If we determine those requests not to be worthy, we’ll return them to your custody.”

  The commodore was silent for several seconds. “We will have to take that aspect of this discussion up another time, Mr. Hardy. The Karthians have attacked Sarkesian space with a major force. All Union ships are being called to duty. I had hoped to offer both the Duke and Admiral Dlukov an opportunity to clear their names. Both are desperately needed and I was to offer both the dropping of all charges brought against them. The Karthian force is advancing rapidly, Mr. Hardy. I’m only attempting to do what’s right here.”

  Johnny said, “Didn’t see that coming.”

  Mace turned to Jordan Crawford. “Mr. Crawford, can you bring Wellit and Dlukov to the bridge?”

  Jordan nodded as he walked their way.

  Mace asked, “Commodore, you said a large Karthian force. How large are you talking?”

  The Commodore frowned. “More than a thousand ships. And with them comes a parade of ground assault ships loaded with Marines. For years we have feared this invasion, Mr. Hardy. Already, two of the eighteen Sarkesian colonies have fallen. We are attempting to take a stand at Harkoza III.”

  Mace asked, “How many of the Union ships are you taking?”

  The commodore replied, “All of them. All Muhatha, Callista, Dauntless and cruisers. All soldiers of the Union are being called up as well. If we don’t stop the Karthians at Harkoza, they will stroll through the other colonies as if no defenses were there.”

  The commodore looked away as one of his crew yelled. “And, Mr. Hardy, your king Stark and his ships are joining the fight as well.”

  Duke Wellit and Admiral Dlukov walked onto the bridge.

  Mace gestured toward the display. “The Commodore has something he wants to say.”

  “Duke Wellit, the Union has been invaded by a Karthian force of over a thousand ships. The Emperor has asked that all potential charges against you be dropped, and that you report home with us for assignment elsewhere. He has signed a statement offering his forgiveness for any and all transgressions against the Empire. You are free to come home.

  “And Admiral Dlukov, you have been pardoned of all crimes and your commission has been fully restored, again by the wishes of the Emperor. We need your leadership in this fight. The Emperor trusts no one but you to direct the Dellus fleets. I will be stepping aside to see that you are given everything you need to prosecute this fight. I will need immediate answers from both of you.”

  Dlukov bowed. “Commodore Barisk, I would be honored to return and to lead our fleet into battle.”

  Duke Wellit followed, “Yes. I will join the fight as well. Mr. Hardy, I am asking to be released.”

  Mace said, “You aren’t being held. And Dlukov. The information you have given, can I trust in it now in a time of war?”

  Dlukov nodded. “What I told you is true, Mr. Hardy. General Hamok has the answers you seek.”

  Jordan walked the two Dellus citizens to a shuttle. A short flight had them both aboard the Gantero. The group watched as the entirety of the Mawga fleet, including her soldiers previously garrisoned on the ground, riding in transports, passed through the wormholes opened by the massive Muhatha ships.

  The commodore opened another comm channel. “Mr. Hardy, as I told you, King Stark and all his ships are joining the fight at Harkoza. We will be traveling there to open a wormhole when we are finished here. If you have a need to talk to him, you should do it now.”

  Mace thanked the commodore for the news. The Muhatha ships moved through the open portals, and seconds later were gone from the Rhombia system.

  Johnny shook his head. “There goes the general with the information we seek.”

  Mace replied, “I think we might be paying a visit to Harkoza. If the general dies, the whereabouts of our future may die with him.”

  The others agreed and a jump was made.

  As the Rogers came to a stop an hour’s distance from Harkoza III, Liam offered a reminder. “We only have gatrellium for four round trips left, Mr. Hardy.”

  Mace nodded. “Understood. Mr. Geerok, who would we contact in the Mawga army if we wanted to speak with General Hamok?”

  Geerok replied, “The flagship of the Mawga Army transport fleet is the WarLadden. Find that ship and you will find Field Marshal Kerrak. He would know. However, I don’t know what incentive he has to talk to us.”

  Mace smiled. “I have an idea for that. Johnny, raise Stark on the comm.”

  A silhouetted image popped onto the wall display. “Mr. Hardy. I can’t say that I expected to find you here.”

  Mace replied, “There’s a Mawga General by the name of Hamok. He has information about our stolen embryos. We need to talk to him before he’s sent into battle. If he dies, we may never find our stolen future.”

  Stark nodded. “And what is it you want of me?”

  Mace said, “Have you been given direction as to where you are going to fight in all this?”

  Stark shook his head. “I told them I would choose when and where I would join. Why?”

  Mace leaned forward in his chair. “At the moment, Hamok has no incentive to tell us anything. But if we were to promise that you would fight side by side with his troops, I’m certain he would jump at the chance. From what I hear, other than Humans, the Galactic Union soldiers don’t do well in battle. Survival numbers are low. If they were fighting beside you, however, their victories might be grand.”

  Stark thought for a moment. “I’m familiar with Mawga strategies and tactics. If you think this will yield the information you seek, I’m willing to offer our services.”

  Mace replied, “If I could high-five you through that display right now, I would do it. I’ll contact the Mawga and extend the offer. And thanks for doing this. Without those embryos we Humans may not have a future.”

  A comm was opened to the WarLadden. An image of an old, gray Mawga filled the display.

  Mace said, “Field Marshall Kerrak. I un
derstand your time is quite valuable, but I have an offer I believe you will find more than acceptable.”

  The field marshal stroked his solid white whiskers. “Go on, Mr. Hardy. Will you be joining us in the fight?”

  Mace replied, “I’m afraid not, sir. However, King Stark would be willing to fight by your side should you choose to make one of your generals accessible to us. We would like to talk to General Hamok. If he cooperates, I have the assurance of King Stark that he would join with your troops.”

  Kerrak sat up. “Stark and his men would fight alongside us? What need have you of General Hamok?”

  Mace answered, “He has information that we consider vital and of the highest importance. As I said, if he cooperates, King Stark will join you in battle. If not, Stark will pick when and where he and his men join the fight.”

  The field marshal nodded. “Do you need to speak with Hamok in person?”

  Mace replied, “That would be preferable.”

  Kerrak wet his old dried lips with his tongue. “Give me a minute, Mr. Hardy. I’ll see that you have our cooperation.”

  A spokesman for the field Marshal filled the display. “Mr. Hardy, I am Field Marshall Kerrak’s assistant, Captain Rukant. General Hamok is located on a transport named the Bowika. I’m forwarding you the coordinates. The General will be expecting you.”

  Mace nodded. “Thank you, Captain.”

  The comm closed.

  Mace stood. “Johnny, I think it’s just you and me this time. No need for any others.”

  A short walk put them on the shuttle. Twenty minutes of flight had the shuttle docking on the Bowika. Another short walk, this time escorted, had them meeting with the general in a private room.

  The general stood as Mace entered. “Mr. Hardy. I’ve been following some of your exploits. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

  Mace replied, “Skip it, General. We know you’ve been trafficking in the embryos of my people. I’m here to tell you that either you come clean, or I’ll see to it that this ship and all who are on it will be the first ones into the fight. And from what I hear, the Karthian force is superior in number. You and all your men will likely be dead on the first day. However, if you cooperate, I can promise King Stark will be fighting alongside you. And I’m sure you’re familiar with his previous battles. So the choice is yours. You tell me where I can find the Human embryos you stole, or you take your chances with fate.”

  The general held up a hand. “It is true. I have been involved. But I am not the one you seek. That would be Rafasek Rassek. He’s a powerful businessman back on Rhombia. His company produced and sold the nutrient bars used in the Earth campaign. You find Mr. Rassek and you’ll find your embryos.”

  Mace said, “So that’s it? That’s all you’ve got? Because if I find out different, I will seek you out and kill you personally. That would be after I have my friend Johnny here work you over for a few days. And if King Stark finds out first, well, all I can say is you had better hope he doesn’t.”

  Johnny leaned in, attempting to act tough. “The last guy… I cut off two of his fingers. Yours look pretty frail. I’d bet they would snap right off in my hands.”

  Mace shook his head as he asked, “So what will it be, Mr. Hamok? Are you with us or against us?”

  Hamok replied, “Other than the supplier, Mr. Rassek, my only dealings were to sell the embryos for research on Reddack IV, Marigon III, and the dual facilities at Manijess VII. The Manijess colony is on the outskirts of Zinka space.”

  Mace returned a skeptical look. “Can you provide coordinates for Manijess?”

  Hamok sighed. “I can. And I can say that, while I profited from this venture, it has weighed on my conscience. Once Rassek sinks his sinister claws into you, he doesn’t let go. I was in process of negotiating a deal with the Quelli. They are an eerily stoic lot.”

  Mace said, “Where do we find Rassek?”

  Hamok replied, “On Rhombia. He has tremendous property and business holdings there. He also frequents events with the Emperor, although the Emperor knows nothing of this venture. Rassek is an ruthless person, Mr. Hardy. Be careful of your business dealings with him.”

  Johnny talked as they walked back to the shuttle. “You think he’s telling the truth?”

  Mace shrugged. “Who knows. I do know we can check out the Manijess colony and this Rassek fellow. That’s better than what we had when we came here.”

  On the shuttle ride back, word was passed to Malcom Stark to cooperate with the Mawga Field Marshall. Coordinates were entered for the Manijess system and a wormhole opened. The Rogers and Gerty quietly left the Harkoza system.

  The Manijess image showed as another ocean world. Its thick, cloudy atmosphere offered a dull gray appearance upon approach. Below the banks of clouds, the landscape was one covered with wide swaths of giant, red-flowered lily pads, floating on calm seas.

  Liam said, “Taking us down to ten kilometers for Mr. Mallot’s search.”

  An hour passed before Humphrey’s efforts paid a reward. “Looks like another submerged structure, Mr. Hardy. Not unlike the last one.”

  Mace, joined by Johnny, Jenny, and Jeff, soon found themselves docked in another underwater bay. The four walked down the ramp of the shuttle.

  Jeff commented, “We’re deeper here than on Marigon. I can feel the pressure on my suit. We’re at four atmospheres because of that water pushing up into this bay.”

  Mace said, “There’s an airlock over here. I suspect it will be better on the other side.”

  Past the airlock, the facility opened into two vast areas. The pseudo-uterus stations stretched our for half a kilometer in each direction. The stations had once again been emptied.

  Johnny sat at a console and again began his analysis of the logs. “Nearly three million embryos this time.”

  Mace said, “If the Rassek lead doesn’t pan out, we should follow the manufacturer of these stations. Somebody has to be making a tidy profit off them.”

  Jenny poked the tip of her plasma rifle into the dead skin sack of one of the units. “Umbilical’s been cut again.”

  Jeff commented. “From the blood drippings and smears on the floor, I would venture to say we are looking at another episode as we saw on Marigon. The infants were removed and tossed into the bay out there.”

  Johnny pulled up the video logs. “That’s exactly what happened. Last time they kept four infants out of eighteen thousand, this time, only six out of three million. All of them more than 90 percent Human.”

  Mace asked, “Any indication of flight logs, of what ships visited and when?”

  Johnny shook his head. “The last two were unregistered shuttles, just like before. The first took out the six they kept. The second was the cleanup crew. And I don’t see anything on here that says the Zinka were here.”

  Jeff said, “Could be they were just the customers and this whole operation was being run by Mawga working for Rassek or whatever his name is.”

  Jenny scowled. “Looks like another dead end, Mace.”

  Johnny nodded. “Give me a minute to collect the data.”

  Mace said, “Spread out. Check to see if any were left.”

  Johnny raised a finger. “Hold up. This facility was the first constructed. Those infants were full term. The harvest or whatever you call this was six weeks ago. You can look, but I doubt you’ll find anything left alive out there. Oops. Got one more tidbit. We have the DNA of the Zinka who was used for these. We might be able to track them down from that. Maybe a trip to the Zinka capital world is in order.”

  A search of the remainder of the facility was put underway.

  Jenny yelled out. “Hey! Think I might have something over here.”

  The others joined her.

  Mace said, “What is it?”

  Jenny pointed at the floor. “Those look like little footprints to anyone else?”

  Jeff said, “Indeed. Other than the toe area, it appears to be a Human heel.”

  Jenny gestured w
ith her rifle. “Looks like they were running all over this area.”

  Mace said, “At thirteen months? Is that even possible?”

  Jeff shrugged. “We were told the infants at time of birth were the equivalent of a one-year-old or more. It’s not impossible.”

  Jenny looked around several of the stations. “How would it even survive without getting cut down by whoever cleaned this place out?”

  Jeff replied, “Perhaps it was fast, or highly intelligent. Young animals are known to instinctively run and hide; I suppose an intelligent hybrid Human could do the same.”

  Johnny yelled from the console. “Got the data!”

  Another hour was spent searching in and among the stations. No other indications of survivors were found.

  Jeff joined the others. “Could be that one got away and was later caught. I didn’t see any other tracks.”

  Mace pointed at the airlock. “Let’s go. Maybe the Zinka or Mr. Rassek have what we’re looking for.”

  Chapter 26

  *

  The foursome moved through the airlock to the shuttle.

  As they began to walk up the ramp, Jenny turned. “Did you see that?”

  Johnny replied, “See what?”

  Jenny pointed. “There. It just dove down.”

  Jenny stepped off the ramp, leaning over the edge of the platform, scanning with her eyes for movement. A splash and motion to her left had her plasma rifle raised. A mostly Human girl, looking to be close to two years of age, stood on the deck of the docking bay with a fish wiggling in her mouth.

  Jenny said, “Please tell me I’m seeing things.”

  Mace walked up beside Jenny. “Look at her footprints. They look just like the ones we saw in there. Those toes are heavily webbed. I’d say she evaded the cleanup crew and has been out here living off the fish.”

  Jenny replied, “She’s practically a toddler still. How on Earth is that possible?”

  Johnny stepped up. “We’re not in Kansas any more.”

  Jenny bent down on one knee. “Hello.”

  The little girl, taking the fish from her mouth, replied, “Hello.”