Empire of Bones

by Terry Mixon

  The man himself was dressed in a colorful tunic shirt with some kind of emblem on his left breast. His hair was dark and tied back in a loose ponytail. Whatever he was saying, he looked cool and confident.

  “I think we’ve tapped into the evening news vid,” Kelsey said. “That speaks for a relatively high social and technological standard right there. As opposed to some of the entertainment vids I’ve seen at home.”

  He laughed. “True. If the first thing an alien civilization saw about us was the strange reality vids making the rounds I wouldn’t blame them for dismissing us as primitive savages.”

  “The audio is somehow tied into the video,” Zia added. “The signal is complex and redundant. Definitely not primitive. I can probably figure it out with a little more time.”

  Jared considered his options. At the very least, nothing was near the flip point. Going over was a slight risk, but the more powerful passive scanners on his ship could draw down a lot of data fairly quickly.

  “Pasco, move us into the flip point and recover the probe. We’re going over.”

  “Aye, sir.”

  The ship assumed a position in the center of the flip point and as soon as they recovered the probe, he ordered the flip.

  Thankfully, it was a normal transition and nothing like the terrible flip that brought them into this sector of space. Everyone recovered in a few moments.

  Then the alert klaxon went off. “Missiles detected, Captain,” Zia said crisply. “Ships in motion on the gravitic scanners. About an hour away at maximum acceleration. No immediate danger to us.”

  “Put the system diagram on screen.”

  The basic system layout appeared. The weapons fire was located clockwise around the plane of the ecliptic from Athena. The gravitic scanners were getting data on the ships and missiles. They were nowhere near danger.

  “Stand down from battle stations, but keep us on alert status. Where are the major communication sources?”

  Five flashing yellow dots appeared. One of them was at the point of the battle.

  “There were no transmissions from that location earlier, sir,” Zia reported. “They must’ve started as soon as the battle began. There were no indications of ships in motion there earlier. I’m picking up non-Fleet distress beacons. I’m also detecting numerous vessels accelerating at high speed.”

  Operations had already began mapping them on the screen. “Do we have any feel for who is shooting who?”

  Zia tapped her controls. “There are a large number of missiles being fired from hundreds of ships leaving the general area. I believe there is a flip point and the fleet of vessels transitioned less than ten minutes ago. Probably just before our probe returned. I’ve designated them force alpha.”

  “Where are those ships going?”

  “Their course suggests they are moving toward the strongest transmission source in the system.” Zia highlighted another communications hub in the system. “ETA just over three hours. There is a large fleet of vessels moving from there to intercept them. I have designated them force bravo.”

  “What’s happening?” Kelsey asked. “Obviously a battle, but who are the good guys?”

  “I doubt we’ll be able to figure that out while the shooting is going on. Zia, can you crack any of the transmissions? We could use some audio now.”

  “Working on it, sir. I’m only detecting encrypted transmissions from the battle scene. Also for force bravo. I’m not picking up any transmissions from force alpha.”

  The man they’d been watching earlier replaced the images on the screen. He now showed a video of scores of ships appearing in space and opening fire with missiles. They blasted a huge space station, knocking massive holes in its hull that gushed atmosphere and debris. Intense counter fire wiped out a number of the attacking ships before the feed they were watching died. The battle scene faded back to the man’s image.

  The audio suddenly kicked in. The man spoke Terran with a strange accent, but his words were clear enough. “That was the scene in the interdiction zone just fifteen minutes ago. This station’s observation vessel went off the air and we must assume it lost with all hands. We salute our brave reporters and mourn with their families.

  “Royal sources tell us that a significant invasion force managed to break through, but that Royal Fleet Command remains confident that all will be destroyed before they become a danger to the Kingdom. However, we urge all citizens to retreat to their shelters for the duration of this emergency. This station will continue to transmit news of the attack as it comes in.”

  Zia muted the audio and turned in her seat. “I’m picking up several vessels moving in our direction at high acceleration, sir. They’re coming from the area they called the interdiction zone.”

  “Have they spotted us?”

  “I don’t think so. It looks like two of the attacking vessels have split off to pursue another ship.”

  The absolute last thing he needed to do was get involved in a local war. “What can you tell me about those ships? And how long do we have to flip back before they could reasonably expect to detect us?”

  The officer shrugged. “Without knowing the quality of their scanners, I couldn’t say. We wouldn’t detect a stationary ship like ours at this range for another forty minutes or so. The first ship has an audio only transmission. I’m putting it on the overheads.”

  “…any vessel that can assist,” a male voice said in a similar accent to the one on the news report. “We are being pursued by Pale Ones. We are carrying women and children. Any Royal Fleet vessels in range please respond.” The message repeated. The man’s voice held a note of panic.

  Kelsey stepped next to Jared. “We must rescue them.”

  “Look, I’d love to, but that would be the height of irresponsibility. We don’t know anything about these people at all and we have civilians to protect.”

  “Wrong,” Kelsey said in a hard tone. “We know the attackers have absolutely no problem chasing down a ship full of women and children. We cannot allow that to pass, Captain. The Empire does not stand by while non-combatants are murdered.”

  She gestured at the system schematic. “And look at that attacking fleet. Do you think they’re moving toward an inhabited planet at high speed to wave as they go by? No. Even I know that there will be a bombardment. Tell me you haven’t been to the spaceport memorial site. The rebels killed almost a million people from orbit on Avalon. Are we to stand by and let that happen right in front of our eyes? Could you live with doing nothing?”

  Jared knew she was right. He didn’t want her to be, but she was. Even if they couldn’t do anything about the ships attacking that planet, they had to act.

  He straightened in his chair. “Thank you, Ambassador. I wasn’t thinking of the entire picture. Besides, it would be hard to request help from these people if we don’t give some when they need it.”

  Kelsey inclined her head.

  “Zia,” Jared said. “I need more information.”

  “The vessels pursuing the single ship haven’t fired, but they’re closing range slowly. They must already be inside missile range.”

  “Can we transmit in the format the locals are using?”

  Zia nodded. “It’ll take me a few minutes to set things up, but we should be able to.”

  “How about the angle to that ship? Could we tight beam a transmission to them without the other ships getting it?”

  “Yes, but we can’t be certain they’ll receive it.”

  “It’s worth a try. Let me know when we’re ready. How far are the pursuers from our weapons range?”

  Zia examined the readings. “I could make some long range shots in half an hour if we don’t move. Effective range will take ten minutes longer.”

  “Do they have that long?”

  She shook her head. “Not realistically. If we intend to save that ship, we need to boost at max. The closing vectors will bring everyone together a lot faster. We’d be in effective range in less than ten minutes. I t
hink I’m ready to transmit, Captain.”

  “Pasco, take us in. Max acceleration. Zia, open a channel.” He stared at the screen, knowing his image was going out as though he was staring right into the vid.

  “Vessel in distress, this is the Imperial Fleet destroyer Athena. Change your course toward our position. We are coming to assist you.”

  For a few seconds nothing seemed to be happening. Jared imagined that there was a lot of additional consternation over there right now. A strange ship had popped up in their system with no warning at all in the middle of an attack. They’d probably have difficulty accepting that Athena wasn’t part of the attacking forces.

  The screen cleared into an image of a small bridge with three men on it. They wore tunics in light green. The man in the center was balding and sweat ran down his face. “Whoever you are, we’re changing course. Help us. The Pale Ones will take us soon.”

  “We’ll do everything in our power to help you. Athena out.”

  “Why did you cut the transmission,” Kelsey asked.

  “They have more important things to do besides talking to me. We can chat at length if they make it. Sound general quarters, Zia.”

  Once again, the alert klaxons sounded from the overheads. Jared touched the communications controls on his console. “All hands, this is the Captain. Prepare for combat operations. This is not a drill.”

  He closed the channel. “When will we be in maximum range, Zia?”

  “Fourteen minutes, Captain.”

  “Open fire on the targets as soon as you can. Get them focused on us.”

  “Aye, sir.”

  Kelsey cleared her throat. “Do I need to go somewhere else?”

  He shook his head. “You’re as safe here as anywhere. Sit back down and make sure your straps are tight.”

  The smaller civilian ship had changed course to meet them and the pursuing vessels had matched course. It became a race to see who would get in range first. Time slowed to a crawl.

  “Commencing missile launch,” Zia finally said.

  The tactical plot on the screen lit up with missiles as Athena opened fire. The missiles were small and relatively fast. The odds of a hit at this range were very small, but the enemy couldn’t afford to ignore them.

  Yet that’s exactly what they did. They seemed so focused on the smaller ship that they ignored the incoming missiles. Athena’s opening salvo of four all missed, but not by much.

  “They don’t have any countermeasures, Captain,” Zia said. “They didn’t try to screw with our missile guidance at all. Launching four more missiles with the guidance packages devoted to targeting.”

  “That’s insane,” Jared said. “What the hell are they thinking?”

  “They may not be human,” Kelsey said. “Just because the old Empire never met an alien species doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Perhaps their outlook is so different that they don’t worry about individuals.”

  “That kind of matches what video we saw of the invasion,” Zia added. “The attackers didn’t seem concerned about the losses as they broke through the fortifications. They seemed willing to take any damage in exchange for breaking through. And it’s a sure bet that the attackers on the way to the planet won’t make it back home.”

  “Salvo two coming on target,” Ramirez said. “Multiple hits. One ship has ceased acceleration and seems to have broken up. The other has shifted course to come directly after us. They’re going to pass close to the…the civilian vessel just braked hard!”

  Jared grinned. “Ballsy. That’ll get them clear of the fighting.”

  “Launching salvo three,” Zia said. “The enemy is launching missiles at us. They look large, but slow.”

  “Point defense stand by,” Jared snapped. “Evasive maneuvers, Pasco.”

  Their missiles reached the enemy ship first. It glowed on the display and then a red circle appeared around it.

  “Target destroyed,” Zia said. “Missiles incoming. Point defense at maximum!”

  Something got through because Athena lurched and the damage control board on his console lit up. Two compartments were open to space.

  “One missile exploded just short of the ship,” Zia said. “Some fragments have breached the hull. No impact on combat worthiness. Damage control and medical personnel en route. Internal scanners show five crewmembers in the compartments. Condition unknown.”

  Jared’s heart was racing. This was the first real combat that he or any Fleet officer based out of Avalon had ever experienced. It was both exhilarating and terrible. With the oxygen masks on the battle stations vests, the trapped crewmembers might still be alive. He hoped so.

  “Zia, get in contact with that other ship. I want their status. Prepare rescue teams.” Jared looked at Kelsey. “I want you there when they start coming aboard, Ambassador. It’s time to earn your keep.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  The marines refused to allow Kelsey to accompany them on the rescue mission. While she understood why, it made her anxious. The opportunity for misunderstandings was very high.

  She was waiting with Doctor Stone and the medical team in marine country. The overheads came to life and Jared’s voice echoed out. “We’ve reentered the flip point and the pinnaces are almost back to the ship. If we need to flip, we’ll give you plenty of warning, but let’s get the refugees aboard. Mertz out.”

  Running away with the rescued people probably wasn’t the best idea, but neither was getting themselves shot to pieces if more hostile vessels attacked Athena. Kelsey was grateful the pinnaces had boarding locks that could mate with almost anything. Otherwise, they couldn’t have gotten the people to safety nearly as quickly.

  Athena trembled as the pinnaces docked and the medical teams were opening the hatches as soon as the lights turned green. Civilians spilled into the chamber—men, women, and children. Most wore tunics and leggings, but some wore what looked like colorful sheets wrapped around themselves.

  “May I have your attention?” Kelsey shouted. “You’re safe now. Please move to the rear of the compartment so that the medical technicians can make sure you aren’t hurt. Keep moving so the people behind you can get out of the pinnaces.”

  The marine assembly room was large enough for all thirty marines in battle armor. It proved inadequate for the flood of people. Thankfully, it looked like most people only had bumps and bruises. A man in a deep blue tunic began ordering the frightened people to do what they were told and quickly restored order. The three men in green she’d seen on the bridge deferred to him.

  He turned to Kelsey. “I am Oliver Williams, Engineer First of the Royal Fleet of Pentagar. Thank you for saving our lives.”

  She shook his hand when he offered it. “I’m Ambassador Kelsey Bandar of the Terran Empire. It was our pleasure to help you. Is anyone in your group badly injured?”

  “I don’t believe so. Our abrupt maneuvers bruised a few people, but nothing serious, I believe. The Terran Empire, you say. Are you the old fables come to life, then?” His voice held a combination of disbelief and hope.

  Kelsey shook her head. “No. Our people survived the rebellion and have only recently begun expanding from the world the rebels drove us to. The young Emperor was with us so we believe we have the right to use the name. His line is unbroken.” At least until this generation, she thought.

  The man stared at her with an open mouth for a moment, and then snapped it closed abruptly. “What an amazing tale! I hardly know what to say. This is the most important moment for our Kingdom since the destruction of the Empire. The other Empire.”

  He shook his head as if trying to clear away cobwebs. “No doubt the Kingdom and your people have much to discuss and learn from one another. Might I ask how you got here?”

  She had to assume they knew what flip points were though they might call them something different. “We came through the flip point near where we called you from. We’re on an exploratory mission.”

  “Flip point? You must mean the space-time brid
ges. We do know of them, but the system on the other side is a dead end. The map of the Empire tells us so.”

  “You have a map of the Empire? That’s wonderful. We lost even that. I’m not certain how to explain it properly, but there’s a different kind of flip point that our ship used to get there. The only regular flip point there leads to your system.” She didn’t mention that they couldn’t get back through the weak one. That wasn’t helpful.

  He scratched his head. “And this other space-time bridge leads to your worlds? That is good news, though I’m worried that the Pale Ones might find another way at us through one. Are they easy to detect?”

  “I’m told they’re not obvious at all. We should step away from the chaos and let the medical teams do their work. We’ll find somewhere to put your people after we see to their medical needs and get them some food. You’re not prisoners here.”

  Oliver smiled. “That is reassuring indeed. I am the only Royal Fleet officer with our group, so I am automatically the senior leader. If you have some food and chamber facilities, I would appreciate both. We have much to discuss.”

  “Chamber facilities?”

  “Ah…where one takes care of private functions.”

  She flushed a little. “Of course. Come with me.”

  Kelsey stepped out into the corridor to lead him to the officer’s mess. Two marines followed.

  “You don’t need to accompany us,” she said.

  Senior Sergeant Talbot shook his head. “I’m sorry, Princess. The Captain has instructed that you and any of our guests be accompanied at all times, for their safety and yours.”

  She was going to have to have words with Jared about this, but now wasn’t the time. She turned back to Oliver. “I apologize.”

  He bowed slightly. “If our roles were reversed, I have little doubt that Royal marines would dog your steps. We know one another not. Let us address this deficiency with haste.”

  Once the Royal Fleet engineer was in the head with one of the marines to show him how things functioned, Kelsey called Jared.

  “How are things going?” he asked.