Johnny sighed. “Sounds like he doesn’t have much confidence in their fleet.”
Mace replied, “If you look at the experience we’ve had against them, all those stupid rules… do you think they stand a chance?”
Johnny cringed. “You don’t expect them to be fighting under those rules, do you? That would be suicide!”
Mace sat back in his chair. “No. I only meant they had no experience at using real tactics and strategies in a battle. That will cost them. Captain, thank you for the information. I wish you all the luck in the galaxy with your fight.”
The comm was closed and the portal with it.
Mace said, “I guess that means we ride out the next two weeks here. Mr. Hobbs, send the order down to those bunkers to close up. We won’t be moving until we know if our UF friend will deliver as promised.”
A week passed, and a second comm portal was opened to Harkoza. The species known as the Dunden Heap, along with their minions, moved another hundred sixty warships forward to the raging battle. A scout ship had brought word that losses on both sides were heavy, and that the battle was raging on. The second week of wait passed, with no reply from general hails to Harkoza.
Humphrey turned from his console. “Mr. Hardy, we have two ships approaching. They’re coming from the direction of the warstation.”
Johnny replied, “Do we know how big they are? What types?”
Humphrey pushed the live sensor feed to the display wall. “One matches the signature of a UF dreadnought. The other is unidentified, but larger.”
Several tension-filled minutes passed before the ships were within comm range of the Canto colony. Johnny accepted a comm, passing it to Mace. An image of Frado Knuttin filled the display.
Mace said, “Welcome back. I hope you bring good news.”
Frado smiled. “Product delivered as promised, Mr. Hardy. I would ask where to leave it but I’ve decided to gift you the transport as well. I am ever grateful for your assistance from our last encounter.”
Mace nodded. “Thank you. The transport is a much-needed gift. I assume you have crew on there to take back with you?”
Frado replied, “The ship is automated. General maintenance was just performed before this voyage. She’s a reliable ship and shouldn’t be a problem for some time. I’ll leave you with a full hydrogen store as well.”
Mace asked, “Any discussion of possibly opening trade with this part of the galaxy?”
Frado rubbed his chin. “I’m afraid any talk of that has been put on hold. My industries, as well as many others, are being asked to join in a massive defense buildup.”
Mace winced. “Because of your fight here?”
Frado laughed. “Goodness, no, Mr. Hardy. My ventures here are a private matter. It seems some of our outer territories are under threat from a new species. We captured a single ship involved in a pirate raid of one of our colonies. The occupants confessed to being members of a much larger force, with technologies that we aren’t adequately prepared to defend against. It will be a profitable time for my corporation, but a stressful time for our people until we reach our goals. How goes it on your own world?”
Mace smiled. “It goes well right now. We’ve managed to recover items stolen from us, and the occupiers of our system have withdrawn, so things are looking up at the moment.”
Frado replied, “Excellent. Perhaps as our issues settle, we will be able to discuss the trade between our peoples. You have proven to be a reasonable and fair species, a people the UF might just be able to get along with.”
Mace half frowned. “I wish I could say we were all like the people on this ship, but we have our greedy and power-hungry citizens just like everyone else.”
Frado nodded. “Yes. It seems the universe is in a constant struggle between the forces of good and evil. As to the United Front, I am of the belief that the forces of good have triumphed now for several centuries. Our people are largely happy and content. However, there have been signs of a backslide over the past several decades. Most are hoping this call to arms will reunite us, putting any discord among us to rest.”
Frado continued, “I am curious, though, Mr. Hardy. I expected there to be Mawga or Dellus ships in wait. Have you convinced them to stay away?”
Mace replied, “The ships that fought with you before were from a rogue outfit. That outfit has been dismantled and is no longer a threat. If you had any interest in having diplomatic relations with the Mawga, I could probably set that up.”
Frado scowled. “Given our current military mindset, I don’t think that would be a good idea. Perhaps once our buildup is complete.”
After several hours of friendly discussion, the UF dreadnought turned back toward WarStation 56. The bunkers on Canto were opened and the embryo-laden transports brought forth. A wormhole was opened to Earth and the small but growing cavalcade of ships slipped quietly through. A scan of Earth space was completed, and the transports brought into close orbit.
A comm was opened to Stark’s command center. “Mr. Hardy, the King told us to expect you.”
Mace said, “We have the stolen embryos. We believe this to be all of those that remain. I’d like to separate the ships so our future is not all sitting at a single location. Tell us where to park them and we’ll disperse embryos back to the centers they were collected from for storage.”
The first of the transports dropped through the atmosphere on its way to the Washington D.C community center for dispersal from there; the second group of embryos would begin its journey from Paris, the third from Johannesburg and the last from Sydney. A rough estimation placed the time to complete the deliveries at five weeks.
The Rogers settled at Organ cave, along with the ore hauler full of gatrellium. The ramp lowered. Tres and Vanessa were the first on the ground with their triplets in tow. Johnny and Jane followed with Zax and the newly named Fina.
Mace smiled as he set foot on the Earth. Swaths of breezy, cool fall air were followed by moments of warm sun.
Gnaga cautiously stepped onto the grass of the field, reaching down to stroke it with his hand. “Fabulous. Your world is every bit as beautiful as the forests of Dinket.”
Mace replied, “Dinket the Kaachi capital?”
Gnaga shook his head. “My home world. Parikan is our capital. Or I should say, is the Kaachi capital. I suppose Earth is my new home.”
Mace smiled, “We’re a world full of individuals, Mr. Klept. Some will hate you, while others love you. But don’t take offense to the haters, just ignore them. They tend to hate everyone who doesn’t look and believe exactly as they do. And they aren’t the majority. While most may not be accepting of who you are or what you believe, they are tolerant of the difference. You should be fine.”
Gnaga nodded. “I will make every effort to remain near the ship until such time as I know your ways, Mr. Hardy.”
Bontu Montak stepped off the ramp. “I do love the smell of your planet, Mr. Hardy.”
Mace laughed. “It’s your planet now too, Mr. Montak. Make of it what you will.”
Tres was the first up on the porch of the old gift shop. He pushed on Jasper’s rocker, watching it with angst as it moved back and forth.
Johnny said, “Once we’re settled, we need to go out to look for him.”
Mace stepped up behind him. “It’s on my agenda as well. I’m just hoping we aren’t losing the war at Harkoza.”
Johnny said, “We should open another comm and get a status. I mean, I’m no fan of the Union or its methods, but at least we have an idea now of what we’re dealing with. From the sound of the Karthians, the Galactic Union would be the lesser of two evils.”
Mace glanced over at the cave. “I’m thinking we take some portion of the gatrellium and stuff it in there. The rest we take out and portion up at our food storage sites.”
Jeff replied, “I don’t know that to be the best idea any more, Mr. Hardy. This substance can be found with a scan, even if buried. We will need some type of shielding to keep it
hidden.”
Mace pointed up at the ore ship hovering just above them. “Not a problem. Frado said the containers are shielded. So long as we don’t open them until we need to, they won’t be detected.”
Jeff nodded. “I guess I missed that little tidbit of important data. Still, I would like to have Mr. Mallot do a scan just to make certain. The rest of the Union has the same sensors, so if it passes that test, we should be in good shape.”
After a morning and afternoon on the ground, and a test of the gatrellium shielding, a quarter of the new stockpile was unloaded and carried into the cave. The Rogers, with a minimal crew aboard, lifted skyward with the ore hauler following.
Three other sites received a quarter share, hidden from above, before the Rogers returned to the cave. The evening was celebrated with a bonfire, a new alcoholic brew from Tres, and fire-toasted nutrient bars. Rock music played over a loudspeaker as the crew danced, drank, ate and sang.
As the evening settled and the nighttime temperature dropped, most of the members of the crew returned to the safety of the ship they now called home. Others, determined to find real Human beds, instead walked off into the moonlit darkness. Mace settled back on his bunk, his fingers clasped behind the back of his head, thinking how good it felt to be home.
As he began to doze off, Humphrey came over the comm. “Mr. Hardy, I think you need to get up here. Three dozen ships just showed on the sensors.”
Mace rolled over to his side, facing his arm pad that now sat on a stand next to his bunk. “Is it Stark?”
Humphrey replied, “Don’t think so, sir. Two of the ships appear to be Muhatha.”
Mace sat up, “Crap. Be up there in a second. Send out a general comm calling everyone to their stations. And for those not aboard, tell them to get their asses here pronto or they get left.”
Mace pulled on the hardened leggings, stepped into the locking boots, backed into the half-torso hanging on the wall and then swung around into the front half. Two steps had the exosuit latching itself to his battlesuit. Picking up his helmet was followed by a quick jog up to the bridge. Liam and Hans arrived just behind.
Mace said, “Has everyone off-ship reported in?”
Humphrey shook his head. “Seven of twelve are on their way. The Dowdas have not replied.”
The comm sounded, “This is Tres. What’s happening?”
Mace asked, “Where are you?”
Tres replied, “We took the kids to the center in Ronceverte. I left my comm in the other room and didn’t hear it right away.”
Humphrey said, “We have two Muhatha, two Callista, four Dauntless and twenty-eight cruisers coming our way, Mr. Hardy. They’re flying the banner of the Quelli. Will be in comm range in less than a minute.”
Mace took a deep breath. “Anyone not aboard in two minutes gets left. I can’t believe their intentions are anything but hostile, given most of the rest of the Union is at Harkoza. Mr. Mueller, make sure those wells are fully charged.”
Hans replied, “We’re ready, Mr. Hardy.”
Johnny rushed onto the bridge. “Jane’s putting the kids in a room. What are we looking at?”
Mace said, “It appears the Quelli decided they want Earth. We’re going up to meet them.”
Johnny sat at his console. “They’re within range. Want a comm?”
Mace nodded. “If they don’t reply, we know why they’re here.”
Humphrey said, “We have everyone aboard, Mr. Hardy. Closing up the ramp.”
Mace said, “Mr. Hobbs, get us out there. Johnny, open a comm to Stark’s HQ. Tell them what’s coming if they don’t already know. Doubt there’s much they can do from down here, but at least they can try.”
The air around the Rogers’ hull burned white hot as she rocketed up through the atmosphere. The repeated hails to the Quelli ships went unanswered.
Mace looked around the bridge. “We have the superior shields, we have the firepower. Mr. Hobbs, take us in close to those Muhatha first. Johnny, get Jane and the two of you get on that shuttle. If we get a chance we’ll drop you where you can board one of those ships. Jeff, you take over the comm console.”
Mace cinched his lap belt tighter. As the ships came within range they opened fire. The hull of the Rogers rumbled with each strike. The first cannon shot from Hans ripped through the shields and hull of a cruiser. A violent explosion followed. Two additional cruisers felt the power of the Rogers’ cannons as the Quelli fleet closed.
Mace said, “Keep us on target for those Muhatha.”
Humphrey replied, “We have several smaller ships emerging! I think they are the nuke ships!”
Mace scowled. “Crap. Mr. Hobbs, take us right in to those Muhatha. They won’t detonate beside their own ships.”
Humphrey said, “We have another problem, Mr. Hardy! The other ships are heading toward Earth!”
Mace yelled, “Stick to the Muhatha! If we move away those nukes will get us!”
The Rogers circled tightly around the lead Quelli Muhatha. The second continued toward Earth, reaching high orbit before slowing for a long decent. The cruisers and other ships dropped through the atmosphere one by one.
Humphrey said, “I have cannon fire! They’re attacking the ground!”
The Muhatha they circled pulled to a stop.
Mace yelled, “Mr. Mueller! Please tell me you can take out those nukes without killing us!”
Hans replied, “They’re too close, Mr. Hardy. The radiation would likely kill us.”
Mace asked, “Mr. Moskowitz? Would it leave us alive long enough to take out those other ships?”
Jeff replied, “From this distance, doubtful.”
Johnny came over the comm. “Say the word and we’ll board that ship. If that’s the fleet commander, he might be willing to call off the nukes.”
Mace replied, “Do it! People are dying down there!”
The shuttle left bay one. As she approached the massive Quelli ship, her grapple was extended. A last second plasma blast from a cannon damaged the hydraulics, rendering the grapple useless.
Jane yelled out, “We’re gonna try manual! If they move they leave the shuttle behind!”
Jane maneuvered the small ship as close as she could. The ramp was lowered. She and Johnny made the jump across to the hull, their boots snapping in place as they made contact.
“We’re on!”
The Muhatha lurched forward. The shuttle banged against the dampening field before popping away as it spun. A relentless barrage of cannon fire saw the shuttle destroyed from the inside out. The ramp had remained open.
Mace said, “You OK?”
Johnny replied, “We’re safe, but Jane lost her torch!”
Johnny sparked his plasma cutter. “Gaw! My cutter won’t light!”
Mace drew a deep breath.
Humphrey turned. “Those ships are pounding positions on the ground, Mr. Hardy. What do we do?”
Mace said, “Johnny, Jane, see if you can find something to hang onto. We’re taking out the Muhatha drive. After that we’re making a run for Earth.”
Jeff said, “Those nukes will follow.”
Mace replied, “We can’t just let them kill everyone.”
Jeff shook his head. “You set one of those nukes off in our atmosphere and we just might be killing them all ourselves. If those are the same as we’ve seen before, could bring on a nuclear winter.”
Jane said, “You do what you gotta do, Mace. Don’t let us stop you.”
Mace gripped the arms of his chair. A decision had to be made.
Humphrey yelled, “We have a wormhole opening! Almost in orbit! We have incoming ships! I’m reading Targarian banners!”
Mace released his grip, slumping back in his chair. That’s it, then… we’re finished.”
Hans said, “They’re attacking the Quelli ships!”
Mace sat up.
Humphrey pushed an image of the battles to the wall display. “I have three Targarian Muhatha! They’re all coming this way!”
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The two nuke ships raced away, heading for the approaching Targarian attackers.
Mace yelled, “Mr. Mueller! Take out those ships when we reach a protected range!”
Hans replied, “The Tretchers are still out there, Mr. Hardy.”
Mace banged his fist. “Mueller, hit that Muhatha drive! Hobbs, take us in, bottomside facing the side of that hull. And drop the ramp when we get there. Mueller, take out those near cannons after that drive!”
A heavy cannon charge ended any Quelli chance of a run. Six well placed shots followed, taking out the close-in starboard cannons. The ramp lowered as Liam Hobbs guided the Rogers in close. The Tretchers jumped, floating for twenty-five meters before their boots locked onto the metal of the rampway. A short run had them safely aboard.
Mace yelled, “Get after those nukes!”
Humphrey said, “We have another small ship exiting the Targarian vessels! They’re turning away!”
A bright flash saw the end of the Quelli nukes. The Targarian ships attacked the remaining ships in a relentless barrage of fire.
Liam asked, “Mr. Hardy? Orders?”
Mace scowled, “Take us in, Mr. Hobbs. Mr. Mueller, target that Quelli Muhatha first!”
As the Rogers approached, a wormhole opened. As the Targarians pursued, the remaining Quelli Muhatha slipped through, followed by a Callista. The wormhole closed before the Rogers arrived.
Mace said, “Mr. Mueller! Target those Targarian Muhatha!”
Jeff turned. “Mr. Hardy, we have a comm hail!”
Mace hurriedly replied, “Push it to the wall!”
An image of a Targarian filled the screen. “Our commander demands an audience. And you will turn over Johnny Tretcher immediately!”
Mace replied, “What? We don’t answer to the Targarians! You’ll be sorry you invaded!”
The Targarian on the display was pushed to the side. A hulking figure in a polished black battlesuit stepped into view. The tinted shield on his helmet slid back.
HADRON Revelation Page 26
