The Hope Island Chronicles Boxed Set

by PJ Strebor

  “Sir, respectfully, that’s an E boat. Her sensor suite is far more powerful than ours. They’ll see what we’re doing.”

  “Then do it quickly.” Orson’s uncompromising tone left no question as to his intent.

  The pilot looked at him and for a long moment. Orson could tell that he contemplated questioning his order. His shoulders slumped and he turned back to his flight controls.

  “Aye, sir,” he said glumly. To the tech he said, “Let me know as soon as you identify the contact and I’ll get us out of there.”

  “Amen to that,” the tech said.

  ***

  “I’ll be damned,” Willet said from the tactical station. “He’s closing the range with us.”

  Nathan snorted. He found it difficult to believe that Saxon would be so foolish. He hoped the Pruessen would act rashly but didn’t expect it. Saxon’s obsession with apprehending Nathan had proved to be his Achilles’ heel.

  “How close?” Nathan asked, although he could feel Saxon’s presence growing.

  “He’s still outside of our torpedo envelope but he’s getting closer.”

  Nathan slowed the boat’s speed by a half notch on the throttle.

  “Come on, you fucker,” Nathan whispered, “just a little closer.”

  Nathan sensed Saxon, steadily closing the range.

  “Rudi?”

  “He’s sitting on the edge of our envelope,” Willet said. “He’s just scanned us.”

  “Right.”

  Nathan push his throttles to zero and rolled the boat over in a vicious turn that pressed the crew over to port. He pushed the throttles to flank speed to rapidly slow the boat and close the range with the courier boat.

  “Skipper, he’s just inside our envelop, now.”

  Nathan fired a torpedo. At extreme range he doubted it would reach the courier boat but considered it worth a try.

  With his boat travelling at such a slow pace, braking at flank speed dropped their speed dramatically. However Saxon’s boat couldn’t say the same.

  “Captain,” Willet said, “he’s in range.”

  “Gotcha.”

  Nathan fired two more pulsar head torpedoes.

  ***

  “Confirmed,” the tech said. “She’s an E boat.”

  The pilot rolled the boat over so fast that Orson smashed into a bulkhead.

  “He’s rolled over,” the tech said. “He’s braking fast. Oh shit, torpedo fired.”

  The pilot attempted to bleed the courier’s momentum by pushing the throttles to maximum. Caught off-guard by the sudden deceleration Orson was flung into the back of the tech’s seat. Struggling to his feet, he stood behind the pilot’s seat.

  “Can you evade?” Orson asked.

  “Like I’ve said, sir, we are not a warship,” the pilot said through gritted teeth. “If he doesn’t fire another one we have a slight chance of -”

  “Torpedoes fired,” the tech screamed. “Two torpedoes inbound.”

  “Do something,” Orson yelled.

  “I can’t overcome the laws of physics,” the pilot said. A resigned tone, quiet and detached. “Congratulations Commander, you’ve killed us all.”

  Orson’s mind raced. No, I’m not meant to die. I have a greater destiny. I refuse to die.

  Fleeing the flight-deck, and its defeated crew, Orson fitted his helmet, strode to a locker, got the equipment he needed and stepped into the airlock. He overrode the safeties, took a deep breath and opened the hatch. His body flew into space, tumbling as he did. He caught a glimpse of the courier boat fading into the distance. Gradually it dwindled to a spec and Orson was alone, floating in the vastness of interstellar space.

  The darkness turned to brilliant light by dual explosions in the far distance, as the courier boat disappeared from existence in a brief flash. Orson immediately cut his mental link with Telford.

  His E boat would be here in less than three hours. Orson waited an hour before activating the mobile transponder.

  “No, Telford, it’s not over yet.”

  CHAPTER 75

  Date: 29th December, 326 ASC.

  Position: Approaching the planet. League space.

  As soon as the courier boat, together with the troublesome Saxon, vaporized, Nathan turned the E boat on a course out of the Ebony Corona. After two days of pushing his boat east, they were half way to the rendezvous with Adroit, Odenwald and Deception on Cimmeria.

  He would find no safe harbor on the planet Lucifer. Except for a few mining crews clad in rigorously designed survival suits, the aptly named planet was unpopulated. No one visited the planet and only the abundance of precious minerals attracted the intrepid miners.

  Two days with no enemy activity had Nathan feeling cautiously optimistic. Still the lingering doubt remained. Saxon had survived two hollow points to the chest. Then he resumed his insane pursuit. What kind of a creature was he dealing with? A man who could walk around inside his mind and recover from wounds that would kill any normal human being. The Pruessen organization Commander Spotiswood had mentioned was unlike anything Nathan had encountered. How do we fight someone like that?

  He finished dressing and stepped onto to the bridge. Lt Cmdr Krause looked up from his console as Nathan approached.

  “Good morning, Captain,” Krause said around a smile.

  “Good morning, Werner.”

  Krause’s overall demeanor had taken a sharp left turn since Nathan had destroyed Redemption.

  “Status, please,” Nathan said.

  “Shield buffers are recharging nicely. We should be ready to go in two hours.”

  “Very well. Keep me updated.”

  “Yes, Captain.”

  Taking an access shaft to deck two, he stepped into the mess a minute later. As an indication of his improved status some of the crew said ‘Mornin’ Skip’ while others smiled and nodded.

  Petty Officer Blass had done such an outstanding job in the mess that Nathan had made him the full-time chef. He loved the work and was a natural at it. Not only had he risen to the challenge, his meals were always first class.

  “What can I get for you, Skipper?” Blass asked.

  “Something that doesn’t make yack.”

  Blass grinned. “How about some nice porridge?”

  Nathan didn’t know, nor did he want to, what Blass did to the navy porridge, but he’d transformed the usually bland mess into something sensationally good.

  “I guess it’ll be easier to throw up.”

  He grabbed a coffee and hoped that whatever Blass added to it would make the usually sour blend taste a little more palatable. He took a seat opposite Commander Ryden.

  “Mornin’ Skipper,” Ryden said. He too had opted for the porridge.

  “Good morning, Ernst.” He took a sip of his coffee. “What is that? Cinnamon?”

  “Hmm. Makes it almost drinkable.” Ryden pondered over his porridge for a moment. “So, two days without contact. I’m starting to think that we might actually make it.”

  “We’ll make it.”

  “Then what?”

  “Ernst, please believe when I say that I’ll do everything in my power to have the crew processed as painlessly as possible. But this is so unprecedented, I just don’t know what will happen. Pruessens changing sides? That’s a big one. Regular Pruessen navy? Wow.”

  “So, it could be a problem?”

  “I know someone who holds a very powerful position within the Athenian navy. He owes me one, so – ” Nathan half-shrugged.

  “I suppose that’s something,” Ryden said.

  “It’s a big something. Oh, you and the crew will have to jump through some hoops but I think you were expecting that.”

  “What kind of hoops?”

  “Military intell is a given. I’m sure there are people who would be very interested to hear what you and the crew have to say. That will go a long way to showing that your desire for asylum is sincere. You’ll p
robably be truth tested so that will also help your case.”

  “That sounds a bit more optimistic,” Ryden said.

  “One other thing, Ernst. I wasn’t here and you’ve never heard of me. You’ll have to say that you surrendered to Lieutenant Okuma after your escape from the prison.”

  “You’ve evaded capture for five months and saved Odenwald’s crew and mine. Plus you destroyed three PLF warships which, if left unchecked, would have caused more death and misery. You deserve a medal for all that you’ve done.”

  “Medals don’t mean anything to me. I’m on a top-secret mission that I can never talk about, so as far as you and the crew are concerned, I was never here. The same goes for Adroit and Odenwald.”

  “That’s a lot of people to keep quiet. And you should get a medal anyway.”

  Nathan smiled. “I’ve already got some medals.”

  Ryden returned his smile. “Good to hear. So this guy, what’s his name? Saxon?”

  Nathan nodded.

  “Is he dead this time?”

  “Sure.”

  In all honesty, Nathan couldn’t be certain of anything when it came to Saxon.

  CHAPTER 76

  Date: 29th December, 326 ASC.

  Position: Preparing to enter the Cimmerian system. League of Allied Worlds space.

  Krause asked. “Will they open fire at us?”

  “If they do my wife will be really upset,” Nathan said. From the helm station Nathan glanced over his shoulder. Krause didn’t look in the least amused. As usual, Ryden wore a blank mask.

  Nathan checked his board. “The boat is at dead stop,” Nathan said. “Commander Krause, as soon as we egress into normal space, you will drop the shields. And no active weapons.”

  Krause took a short hissing breath. “Captain, respectfully, we’ll be totally defenseless. If they fire on us -”

  “I’ve taken note of your concerns, X-O. Now carry out my orders.”

  A paused followed by a uneasy, “Yes, Captain.”

  In fairness, Nathan didn’t know if the Cimmerians would fire on his boat, or not. Their hatred of Pruessen had been indelibly etched into their collective consciousnesses after the attack on their world from four years ago. It was a calculated chance.

  He heard Ryden whispering something to Krause. Probably something like shut the fuck up and listen to the Captain.

  “Yes, sir,” Krause said in reply.

  “Egressing, now,” Nathan said.

  The perforation opened a portal through which E 692 passed through at dead slow speed. Once into normal space Nathan keyed his larynx mike.

  “Cimmerian naval vessels, do not fire,” Nathan said. “I am an Athenian naval officer aboard a captured Pruessen E boat. My shields are down and my weapons inactive. Do not fire. Respond to my signal.”

  Sweat moistened Nathan’s collar as the interminable seconds ticked by. Then his comm beeped.

  “Athenian naval officer, I am aware of your status.” The voice was firm yet welcoming with a distinctive Bretish accent. “Captain Okuma arrived four days ago and told me to expect you. I am Captain Joan Garner, commander of the Cimmerian Navy, outer marker picket. You are always a welcome guest to this world Te… ah, Captain.”

  “Thank you, Captain,” Nathan said. “May we proceed?”

  “Certainly,” Garner said. “We are activating the approach beacon now. Please dock with my boat when you get here.”

  “I can’t do that, Captain Garner,” Nathan said. “Quarantine regulations forbid such interaction.”

  “We will be fully suited-up and shall follow the strict letter of the regs. All right?”

  “We could both get fried for this, Captain Garner. But very well.”

  He signed off.

  “Captain, is that normal?” Ryden asked. “I’ve heard southerners are paranoid about plague contamination.”

  “That we are, Commander.” Nathan snorted. “I think Captain Garner wants to check on me. If you see my point.”

  Krause frowned.

  “Ah, yes, of course,” Ryden said, nodding. “She wants to make sure that you’re safe from a boatload of blood thirsty Pruessens.”

  “Something like that.”

  Locking onto the beacon, Nathan covered the distance to the picket in minutes. In the last four years the Cimmerians had greatly improved the basic design of their Kamora fighter. This model was easily ten times the size of the original. Considering the firepower carried by the prototype, these new ships would present a formidable challenge to any attacking force.

  “Wings?” Ryden said.

  “She’s a multipurpose warship,” Nathan said, “equally capable of operating in space or atmosphere. I had a chance to fly the prototype and I can tell you, kilo for kilo they’re a dangerous proposition for any navy to deal with.”

  “But wings?”

  “Look again, Commander,” Nathan said. “Under those wings.”

  Ryden took a moment to examine the ships again. “Weapons pods?”

  “Yep.”

  “Okay, I’m impressed,” Ryden said around a chuckle.

  Behind the picket four warship were parked. Escort ships from the planet?

  His comm beeped. “Captain,” Garner said, “please dock with the first Kamora and use the port stern airlock.”

  “Very well.”

  Once docked with the huge warship, Nathan approached Ryden.

  “With me Commander,” Nathan said.

  They made their way to the starboard airlock, stepped inside and Nathan sealed it. Opening the outer airlock hatch he was greeted by the Kamora’s sealed hatch.

  Minutes passed before the hatch opened, revealing three Cimmerians wearing V suits. The hatch leading to the ship’s interior remained sealed, as per the quarantine protocols. The Cimmerians had the characteristic broad build and intelligent amber eyes, yet were no taller than Nathan.

  The captain stepped forward and offered her hand.

  “It is an honor to have you aboard my ship, Captain.”

  “Please, call me Nathan.”

  “Joan.” Once again she, like most Cimmerians, stared at him as if he were a legendary figure from mythology. She broke from her spell and stared at Ryden. It was not a friendly gesture and even more so from a face resembling an intelligent ape.

  “This,” she said, of an older officer, “is our doctor. Would you mind if he examined you, and, ah, your Pruessen?

  “Of course.”

  Nathan remained still as the doctor ran his scanner over him. Nathan presented his thumb for the blood sample. Scanning the sample brought a brief smile to his face. He followed the same procedure with Ryden. The Commander had obviously never seen a Cimmerian before but covered his shock in his typically stoic manner.

  “They’re clear of any infection,” the doctor told Garner. “Regulations still state that the airlock must be sanitized, captain.”

  All of the Cimmerian officers removed helmets and gloves. Garner gestured to the remaining officer.

  “My First Officer, Commander Ferguson.”

  Ferguson pumped Nathan’s hand until he cut off the circulation. “Such an honor sir. Such an honor.”

  Nathan nodded until Ferguson disengaged.

  “My First Officer, Commander Ryden.”

  To his credit Ryden held his ground as the Cimmerians attempted to vaporize him with their hostile, glaring eyes. Ernst kept his expression neutral, which was a neat trick considering he had never encountered a Cimmerian before. Let alone Cimmerians who would like nothing more than to rip his arms off and beat him to death with them.

  “Joan, I know how you and all Cimmerians feel about Pruessens, and I understand. I held the same view. But Commander Ryden and his crew are seeking asylum, not conflict.

  “Defectors,” Ferguson said around a curled lip.

  “That’s enough, Angus,” Garner said.

  Nathan ignored him. “Joan, I noticed you have some
backup ships. Escort warships from the planet?”

  The Cimmerian broke eye contact with the Pruessen. “Yes, Nathan. Two battleships, courtesy of Francorum and Bretain, an Oceanian destroyer and a Caledonian frigate. Plus we have another two squadrons of Kamoras due within the hour. A decent picket force.”

  “Let’s hope they won’t be needed,” Nathan said.

  “You know us, Nathan,” she said. “We don’t back down from a fight.”

  Nathan nodded. “You have a fine ship, Joan. The last time I took a Kamora up they were much smaller.”

  “Yes, I was on Cimmeria when you battled our enemies. The mark one Kamoras were a good boat in their day, but not what we need for picket duty. This is a mark four version and I’ll put her up against anything shy of a heavy cruiser. So if your friends turn up in E boats, my squadron with tear them to pieces.”

  “Good to know. Captain Okuma?”

  “After quarantine checks, she was ordered planet-side for debrief, but is on her way here as we speak. Odenwald is in quarantine and the bureaucrats are deciding what to do with them.”

  “And Commander Spotiswood?”

  “Who?”

  That’d be bloody right. “Never mind, and please forget I mentioned that name.”

  “What name?” Garner said.

  They shared a short laugh.

  Nathan’s comm beeped. He held up a hand and keyed his external comm.

  “Captain.”

  “Just checking in, Captain,” Lt Cmdr Krause said.

  Nathan shook his head. “Everything’s fine, Commander. Captain, out.” The Cimmerian’s faces held curious expressions.

  “My First Officer, checking in,” Nathan said by way of explanation.

  “Checking on us?” Ferguson shook his head.

  Again, Nathan ignored him.

  “I’d like to take a tour of your ship some time,” Nathan said, “but for now, I have a boat of my own to attend to.”

  “I’d be delighted to give you a tour.” Garner glanced at Ryden. “But only you.”