by John Walker
This assignment involved getting close to the worst murderers in my people’s history and before this is done, I will have to contend with my own contribution to such things.
Trellan clenched his fists as they boasted throughout the ship about their victory but things started to go bad when they tried to board their prey. Apparently, the human vessel had some fight left in them and before long, fighters thwarted their docking attempts and the human ship was able to hit them with a couple of pretty major blasts.
When the humans disabled them, Trellan became alarmed and really started to worry about whether or not he’d survive long enough to meet up with Krilan. If these fools died, he’d lose his chance again. They had to make it…or at least he did. Even if it set him back a few months, he’d come too close to simply be snuffed out by poor tactics and idiot commanders.
He tried to access the central computer database in engineering from his current location but the terminal was too locked down. Something closer to the source might get him what he needed, which meant leaving the room. Considering the fact these men were likely going to die, he didn’t see any reason to stick around.
Trellan slipped out of the room and moved back toward the engineering section where he’d helped them install the special weapon. Chances were good this whole place would go up and that meant they’d lose their advantage, at least for a while. He stumbled when something hit them, leaning against the wall as one of the men rounded a corner.
“You? What’re you doing?” The man seemed more confused than accusatory. Trellan didn’t have time to explain, lashing out and punching him in the throat with enough force to crush his larynx. The man gurgled, eyes wide as he fell to the ground and choked out. As life left his eyes, Trellan shook his head.
It’s become far too easy for me to kill. This assignment has done me no favors.
Back on task, he rushed down the hall. An alarm blared overhead, lights flashing to indicate the severity of their situation. He burst into the engineering section where men were frantically working. None of them paid him any mind, they were all too busy trying to keep the place from exploding.
Trellan moved over to a computer and typed away. The encryption took him less than twenty seconds to penetrate and he was able to download the schematics to the weapon to one of many external drives installed in the terminal. He pulled it out and stuffed it in his pocket, turning to leave.
“Hey, who’re you? Did you just mess with that computer?” The questions came from the man he remembered as the chief engineer. He didn’t acknowledge him, moving for the door and picking up the pace. “I’m talking to you! Stop!”
The moment Trellan cleared the door, he ran back down the hallway toward the living area. Escape pods were just down the way, a remnant of the ship’s purpose before it became a raiding vessel. People pursued him but he wasn’t sure he’d have to deal with them. Another explosion made the whole place shake and he barely maintained his footing as he arrived at the first pod.
“He’s trying to escape!” Someone yelled.
“Yeah, he’s got the right idea!” Came the response. “We should get out of here!”
A gun went off. Trellan winced but didn’t feel any pain. He crawled into the pod, noting that the Orion’s Light men were fighting amongst themselves. As he sealed the door behind him, he strapped in and punched the release. Rockets compelled him away from the ship, far from the action. He’d have control in a few moments, enough to navigate obstacles at the very least.
Behind him, a bright light flashed and he knew that it had to be the ship he’d just been on being destroyed. Only a few moments to spare. That was pure luck. You’re a fool for relying on it, Trellan but it got us by another day.
The next step was to get to safety and continue his search for the Orion’s Light. Somehow, he’d get their attention. The schematics in his pocket might be the way. By the time they even thought about building another one, their leader would be dead and he’d be back on his way home.
If only I truly believed it would be so simple.
Epilogue
Clea and Gray left the medical bay feeling considerably better about the entire conflict. There were several injuries but the secret weapon didn’t end up killing anyone. As planned, it knocked the crew out. Apparently, novalat planned to take prisoners, not murder everyone on board. They’d hoped for peaceful resolution to conflicts when they designed the thing.
The Behemoth returned to port at the novalat home world where a ceasefire had been called. Rebel commanders met with military officials and though tensions remained high, everyone seemed confident that the evidence brought to light would end the conflict. Concessions would need to be made by both sides, but they were close to an agreement.
They both committed to helping the alliance with the final battle so regardless of the outcome of their own troubles, the armed forces returned to the real fight.
Repairs would take no more than a day or two for the Behemoth and they sent a message back to high command letting them know the outcome of all their actions. They’d prevented sabotage that would’ve destroyed an entire region, saved a space station and halted a massive bomb from taking out government property.
Coupled with ending the Orion’s Light influence in the area, the mission turned out to be fairly successful. They left with some casualties, a few of the marines in particular but all around, the losses were minimal. Considering what they had done, it felt like they came away fairly lucky.
No one had any illusions that the battle against the real enemy would be so easy. The large scale action loomed and tension settled over the ship. Everyone, from the captain down to the lowliest deck hand, knew how dangerous the action might be. Even with allies, the chances of coming back unscathed were next to none.
They retired to Gray’s office and opened a secure link to the intelligence division bouncing it through the FTL relays of novalat for near real time transmission. It was voice only but that would be enough to let them know that the intelligence agent seemed to be alive and very likely in the hands of Orion’s Light.
Siva’s voice crackled over the speaker. “Thanks for looking into the matter. We’ve received a message from our operative though with a full breakdown of everything that’s happened. He’s got quite the story to tell…but I appreciate you looking into it.”
“Wait, he contacted you?” Gray frowned. “From where?”
“Escape pod,” Siva replied. “He was onboard one of the vessels you were fighting and had to get out. Apparently, you folks blew up his ride. Set him back a bit but he’s confident that he’ll be able to make contact again. He’s got the schematics and he intends to give them to Orion’s Light.”
Clea slapped the table. “He can’t do that! That weapon’s dangerous!”
“Relax.” Siva’s tone dismissed Clea’s concern outright. “He sent it to us too. We can counter it now but we have to be cautious about how we do so. After all, he needs the bargaining chip for us to finish off our prey.”
“How’re you going to counter it?” Gray asked. “With who?”
“I’m transmitting them to you now,” Siva said. “I thought Durant might have a go at it. I figure you guys have first hand experience with it now and might as well see it to the end, am I right?”
Clea still didn’t look happy but she grudgingly agreed. “We’ll certainly work on it as quickly as we can.”
“Splendid!” Siva sounded too happy. “I look forward to your return to base. I’ve got more work for you when you get here. Repair and rest up. We’re not done yet…and the attack on the enemy home world is getting close. I’m hoping we can make sure everyone’s prepared. After all, a culture changing event is on the horizon. I trust we’ll all have a part to play…in the end.”
The line went dead and Clea sat back in her chair, looking grumpy. Gray grinned. “I guess she rubbed you the wrong way.”
“She’s too flippant. This is crazy…what she suggests. And more work for us? What ar
e we, a special operations ship now?”
“That’s what we’ve been doing, isn’t it?” Gray asked. “Took back the space station from the pirates, saved that research at the facility…all our missions have been off the beaten path of military action. I can see how we got worked into it. The question really becomes whether or not each thing we’ve done has been directed by Siva.”
Clea’s eyes widened. “You really think they’ve been guiding our action this whole time?”
Gray shrugged. “It’s more than possible but ultimately academic. We’ve done a lot of good, regardless of who wanted us to. This intelligence agent though…he’s insane. If he truly believes he can still infiltrate those maniacs who are quite content to commit suicide for the cause? He’ll need a lot of mental help when he’s all done.”
“True…” Clea sighed. “I suppose we’ve got a lot of work to do so we can get back home, huh?”
“Home’s relative,” Gray replied. “I think we’re going to yours. Earth’s still somewhat far off from our list of destinations. But you’re right, let’s get those schematics to Durant, coordinate the rest of our repairs and get moving. Novalat doesn’t need us anymore but the next few days…what we’ve got going…I think we’ve reached the turning point for us in this war.”
“Time to see it through to the end then,” Clea said. “I’ll see you on the bridge later…hopefully after a nap.”
“Totally agree, Clea. Totally agree.”
FREE Prequel
Humanity has always looked to the heavens, curiosity urging them to take flight. After a failed mission to go beyond the borders of Earth’s solar system, a new fleet has been built ready to tackle any threat they may discover. But sometimes danger seeks out victims and just as they are preparing to depart, two ships arrive on the edge of their space.
Unsure if these invaders are friendly or hostile, the Behemoth, the flagship of the fleet and only real military vessel, prepares for battle. When one of their space stations is destroyed, they must come to terms with the possibility that they may be outmatched and outgunned for these intruders seem intent on violence. After no answers to requests to talk and seemingly no offer for quarter, humanity must face the very real possibility of extinction.
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