“Sire, if anyone is listening, it is probably too late to try and hide.”
“I know. But we have to try.”
“We can create some cryptologic programs to hide our words, but we will have to talk, otherwise we cannot coordinate and move the fleet.”
“I know, Tabitha. Randolph, help accomplish this in any way you can. We arrive home tomorrow. We need to have a plan in place by then.”
56.201.09
Once they arrived the smaller ships began shuttling people to the surface. Solon remained on board, wanting to continue to read the journals. Kare, Edric and Helen also stayed. They were sitting in the bridge, when a sensor beeped, and a technician said, “Sire, an unknown ship has appeared in our space and is approaching the planet.”
“Edric, man the weapons system, Helen, notify Tabitha and then take the communication station, Kare, man the pilot’s station.”
As they waited, a voice was heard, “Hail, starship in orbit above that planet, identify yourself.”
“This is the Starship Courageous, flagship of King Solon of Outer Sea. Who are you?”
“This is the Imperial Starship Vectron, sent to investigate possible water on planets in this region. It seems this is accurate. We do not recognize a King in this region. Why are you here? Why have you not reported this vast resource to the Empire? The Empire is desperate for water.”
The ship was now very close to theirs.
Solon turned and spoke quietly to Edric, saying, “Edric, when I say, destroy that ship.” Then to the Vectron, “This water is ours, not the Empire’s.”
“We’ll see about that.”
Before anything else could be said, he told Edric to fire. He fired all phasers and a proton torpedo and destroyed the Imperial ship.
“Sire, I had no time to argue, but do you think that was the best move?”
“I don’t know. We’re not ready to fight an Empire. But I had to do something. Perhaps this will slow them down while we organize. Tabitha, bring everything here. If he managed to report back, he informed them we were here.”
“Yes, Sire. Might I also suggest you begin bringing provisions onto the ships, in case we need to make a run for it, we will have food.”
“Yes, make it so.”
“How long do you believe we have before someone appears?”
“Well, as we are well outside the center of the galaxy, and assuming whoever comes out here comes from halfway to the center, I would hope we would have at least a couple of weeks.”
“Okay, we will get the fleet here as quickly as we can and see what we can do to learn maneuver. But sire, we are not equipped to fight warships.”
“I know, Tabitha. Let’s make as ready as we can. We can at least put on a good show.”
56.202.11
Jeffrey and Heather were enjoying some time with the kids. Kathryn was ten, while the youngest, their second set of twins, were age two. Their nine children kept them busy, and as usual, Auntie Stephanie was there playing as well.
“You know, Stephanie, I am not sure anyone would believe you are the Empress of the Milky Way Galaxy if they saw you on your hands and knees giving pony rides to some four-year old’s.”
“No, they wouldn’t! Which is why we never tell anyone that this is what the Empress does for fun!”
They all laughed. Heather brought the two youngest, who thought it should be their turn to ride the pony and Auntie Stephanie complied.
“Can you believe our bodies are sixty-seven years old?”
“No, I still feel like my body is in its twenties.”
“I know, it’s awesome.”
As they were enjoying their time Lanica entered the room, saying, “Here, grandpa, one of your aides dropped this off for you. He is waiting for a response.”
He read it, and said, “Well, looks like we have some kind of issue at the end of a spiral arm. Somebody destroyed one of our ships making a peaceful call on a new kingdom.”
“Where exactly?”
“Oh, it’s at the tip of the Earth spiral. We never traveled that far out exploring, figured there was nothing out there we needed to see. Looks like we were wrong.”
“Why is this important?”
“Remember when I told you about that traffic we heard where someone was talking about planets of water? Well, this is the same story. I suppose I should take a few ships out and investigate.”
“Oh no you don’t. Every time we get busy with the kids you find a reason to run away.”
“Dear, I never look for a reason to run away, but sometimes, duty calls. Remember last time this happened, it was all about Lakelyn? That turned out pretty well, and I was not gone that long.”
“When will you leave?”
“Oh in a few days. No reason to rush out the door.”
“Good, because I have a special surprise for you.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes. Stephanie and I were invited by Lakelyn and will be going to see that tree in Haldinare you spoke of. We leave in the morning and should be back soon.”
Stephanie smiled, and said, “Yes, so if you don’t mind, Fleet Admiral Archduke Jeffrey Wilson, you can stay home and watch the children until we return.”
Jeffrey laughed. “You two are impossible. Okay, I will wait until you get home, but I think this is important, so I do think I will send someone out to investigate.”
Heather walked over and kissed him, saying, “Yes, dear.”
He chuckled, and said, “Lanica, please tell him that we will discuss this tomorrow morning at standup.”
“Yes, Grandpa.”
56.205.18
Solon gathered the entire fleet, five fighting ships, thirty-five transports, ninety-four smaller starships.
Edric began, “We do not have enough to repel a large force of warships.”
“I know, but at least we can show we resist their takeover of our system. We can show we are united.”
“Yes, but right now we don’t even know how to work together as a fleet.”
Tabitha said, “Well, we have been training, and we are better than we were by far. But I share the Prince’ perspective. We aren’t strong enough to put up a real fight.”
Solon responded, “I know, Tabitha. But we have to do what we can. It at least may get us into a better position to negotiate.”
Edric laughed. “Well, Sire, I am not sure taking out their first starship was a good negotiating tactic.”
They all laughed. “Yes, yes; I know that was both wrong and a true regret. I just didn’t know what else to do at the time. It was a survival reaction.”
“We understand, Sire. But this time we truly do need to negotiate, not shoot first and take what they give us.”
“I agree. Tabitha, have you conducted any drills for the entire fleet?”
“No, we were planning a fleet drill for tomorrow morning.”
“Very well, let’s practice hard for the next week. I don’t think it will be much longer than that before someone shows up. In the meantime, Kare, Edric and Helen, please join me in my cabin.”
Once they were settled, he began, “Look, I am not sure how all this goes. But if what I read in the journals is correct, the Empire will simply take our planets and if we resist, we will be killed. However, there was also some interesting comments about independent traders who still refused to bow to the Empire.”
“Do you think these journals are valid, Solon?”
“Yes, I do. So far everything they talked about has happened or are things we have discovered. Based on this, I think we need to plan to find some independent traders and see if there is still a rebellion taking place. If there is, we could barter our water for help. If not, well, then we are stuck with whatever the Empire gives us.”
“What about if Edric and I plan to go find these traders you talk a
bout? Do you have any specific planets we should go to?”
“Yes, that is a good idea, and yes, I do. I think, though, we should wait to see who arrives from the Empire. If it is only one ship, maybe we aren’t as important as we think, and our negotiating position is better. But if it is several strong ships, you should be prepared to launch.”
“Okay, we will get one of the smaller starships and provision it for a longer trip for the two of us. Also, when the starships from the Empire do arrive, we shouldn’t be seen departing from here. So, we will depart tomorrow for the far side of the planet and await events.”
“Very good. Helen, there is another specific action we should take. Even while we are looking for traders and possible rebels, we also need to see if there is a way to get to the Emperor and present our case. I want you to also take a starship and provision it, but if needs be, I want you to go straight to their home planet, Meladeran, and get to the Emperor and plead our case. Maybe that will help our cause.”
“Of course, that is a very good idea. But I believe it would be a little intimidating, trying to sneak into the presence of the Emperor.”
“Maybe you don’t need to sneak. He must hold court where people can present their grievances or ideas. Try to get inside for one of those sessions and get noticed.”
“I will do what I can.”
“Very good. Then we have a plan. Now we wait to see what happens next.”
56.212.14
“Sire! There are fifteen Imperial warships approaching!”
“Very well. Let us hope they do not simply blast us before they speak to us.”
“Hail, unknown starship. This is the Imperial Cruiser Tigress. Who are you?”
“This is the Starship Courageous, Flagship of King Solon of the Outer Sea system.”
“Very well. We had sent a ship here, the Starship Vectron, and it was destroyed. Have you heard of this?”
“Yes, they surprised us and since we are only learning how starships and weapons work, we accidentally fired upon it and destroyed it.”
“I see. Perhaps a meeting between our people would help clear up confusion. Who is in command of your starship?”
“I am, King Solon.”
“Very well, Your Majesty. I am Vice-Admiral Landon Wilson-Jackson. Would you come to visit me, or would you prefer I come visit you? I offer complete safety and guarantee your safety during the visit.”
“Perhaps it is best if you come visit me, this first time.”
“Very well, I will board a shuttle and come over.”
Solon turned to Tabitha and said to prepare for boarding. He also walked over to the communication console and sent a quick message to Kare and Helen to execute their plan.
Landon dispatched several ships to survey the stars in the system for planets, and to report back immediately.
Landon’s shuttle entered the hangar and settled, waiting for the outer doors to close. Once they closed and air was provided, he opened the door and exited. Tabitha, along with an honor guard, met him.
“Greeting to you, Vice-Admiral Wilson-Jackson. I am Marchioness Tabitha, Commander of our fleet. It is good to meet you.”
He took her outstretched hand, and bowed slightly, placing a kiss on her hand, saying, “The honor is all mine, Lady Tabitha.”
Tabitha had not felt the attention of a man since her husband passed away years earlier. She nearly blushed.
“Would you come this way? Tell me, where are you from?”
“Originally from a planet called Earth, but we left there when I was a toddler. More recently I am from the Imperial Planet Meladeran.”
“Oh? What is it like?”
“Hard to say, My Lady. It is very big and very grand, but truly, my favorite place is our personal home planet, Xena. It is still uncrowded and feels more relaxed.”
“Please call me Tabitha, Admiral.”
“Please call me Landon.”
The elevator doors opened, and Solon was waiting. “Good day to you, Vice-Admiral Wilson-Jackson. Welcome to our flagship.”
Landon stopped and bowed slightly, saying, “Good day to you, Your Majesty.”
“So, tell me, what do you think of our little ship?”
“Your Majesty, it is a very interesting warship. I believe you and your Fleet Commander would enjoy a visit to my ship, so you can see the differences.”
“I would like that, but for now, please come with me and we will retire to my cabin for conversation.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty.”
“Tabitha, please join us.”
“Sire.”
Once in the cabin, Solon asked if he would like something to drink. Once they had received their beverage, he began.
“So, to begin, please explain why you are here, other than the reason you gave to follow the Vectron.”
“Very well. I am here because the Empire has heard there are planets of water located in this star system. You must understand, water is of critical importance and we lack sufficient resources closer to the center of the galaxy. If there are, indeed, planets of water, these would be both a very valuable resource and a necessary resource.”
“I see. So why did you not simply ask if we can sell you some of the water?”
Landon smiled, and said, “Your Majesty, the Empress does not buy what her people need.”
“Empress? You mean the leader of the Empire is a lady?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. She is a lady, although she is quite a fighter as well.”
“Very well then that she is concerned about her people. But what about my peoples need?”
“Ah, there is the rub. All the people in the galaxy are her people, so you create a situation where there is a conflict. But Your Majesty, I would prefer we talk about you and this wonderful planet covered with water. I mean you have multiple planets covered in water. What is it like to live in oceans of water?”
Solon was irritated at the change of subject, but didn’t press the issue. “Well, it is the only thing we have ever known. We lived on one island for hundreds of years. Actually, each planet that is settled has several islands on them, and each one has a separate family. We only discovered there were more people than those of us on our island, Quadlibet, recently. But since then, over the past year, we have learned so many things and discovered not only that there are more of us, but starships, space travel; it is a bit overwhelming, actually, nothing like sailing on the ocean surface.”
“Amazing. Do you still have these ships you used to sail across the ocean?”
“Oh yes. If you would like, Tabitha can take you to one and you can experience it firsthand.”
“I would love that!”
He thought this would buy time, so said, “Very well. Tabitha, would you please take the Vice-Admiral for a journey by sea?”
She smiled, and said, “Of course, Your Majesty.”
They took his shuttle to Azulon. “There, land the craft at that castle. That is Castle Flintholm, my castle and ancestral home. It was severely damaged in our recent battle of unification, but it has been repaired and is in good working order now. As you can see, it sits on a bay. It’s a lovely place, and sailing the sea is a passion of my people.”
They made their way to the harbor where several ships and boats were docked. “Here, let’s take this forty-foot sloop. It should give you the feel of the water but is not too big for one person to handle.”
They boarded, and she raised the sails and began to maneuver the boat into the bay and into the wind. They gently made their way out of the harbor and finally were in the open water.
He was exhilarated! “Oh my God, this is incredible! I love it! The splashing of the waves on the hull, the water in my face and wind in my hair; even the feel of the ship in my feet, and the smell of the water! This is magnificent!”
But as invigorat
ing as this ship ride was, what truly made his heart beat wildly was the woman standing beside him sailing the ship. He loved the shape of her ears and the way the wind blew her deep auburn hair. Her nose was so cute and her lips, her smile, they were intoxicating. Her eyes, he could get lost in her dark brown eyes. She was just beautiful.
“So, tell me Landon, have you never sailed?”
“No, Tabitha. This is the first time I have ever felt something so in your face exciting!”
“Then what do you do for excitement?”
“Nothing like this. I think I have been kind of a nerd.”
“Nerd? I am not sure what that means, although it feels icky.”
He laughed loudly, and said, “Yes, you are right. It is an icky word. My dad was a nerd and I think I just picked it up from him. I mean someone who spends far too much time observing, and not enough time living. How about you? Have you always sailed?”
“Yes, sailing has been my life. My parents loved to sail, and I have loved it since I was a little girl.”
“And now you sail the oceans of space.”
“Well, I am not sure of that. All I have seen are a few of our planets out there, and from what I gather, in old, antique starships. But it is interesting. I would love to see the Imperial Palace.”
“I would love to show it to you. Maybe one day, once we figure out the concerns of your King. In the meantime, I believe I have learned something very important on this journey.”
“What is that?”
“Life is there for the living, not the watching. I owe this lesson to you, Tabitha. Thank you.”
She blushed, and replied, “You are welcome, Landon. Hopefully there will be more opportunities for us to learn more lessons together.”
They returned to Castle Flintholm, and Landon said, “Tabitha, is it possible to stay here for the night instead of going back to a starship? I would love to sit in your great hall, with the fire and wine,” he blushed, “and you, and relax, enjoy the evening without worrying about politics.”
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