by J. K. Mabrey
“Red Moon? That is why you are here?”
“Yes.”
“And what did they do to you that warrants such interest in their leader?”
“Red Moon is standing in the way of Earth reaching self-sustainment," Zavik said. "They hate humans and want to suppress us from galactic life."
“Hate to break it to you, but they aren’t the only ones who hate humans.” The room was silent for a second. “Well, not me," he said indignantly. "I don’t hate humans, don’t have much use for them either, though. So, because of this, you are trying to take them down? Just the four of you?”
“It’s not just because of that," Zavik said. "We had a run-in with their leader, and he wants to take over the whole galaxy, and he may be nearing his goal. We have to stop him.”
“You met their leader?” he asked a little more enthusiastically than before. “And lived to talk about it? Are you sure?”
“Very sure,” Zavik said.
“How very impressive. Who was it?”
“That part isn’t important,” Zavik said. “We can’t even prove his identity.”
“And that is why you are here? You think that the Blue Blazes can help you identify him?”
“We were hoping you would have something on him,” Alberan said.
Bragavick laughed and said, “No one has anything on him. That is why he succeeds so well. We're not even sure if he’s a he. The Red Moon leader keeps his secret hidden very well, and he has for many years. You’re chasing a ghost.”
“There have to be people out there who definitively know who he is," Zavik said.
“While that is for certain, I am not one of them. If I was, I would have already made sure that he was out of commission. See, as leaders of these large organizations, we all have many enemies, even within our own ranks. It’s a cutthroat business. Kill-or-be-killed, I believe is the term. Anonymity helps us survive. I can fully understand his insistence on staying in the shadows. I tried. Unfortunately, far too many people discovered who was running the Blue Blazes during our conflict with the Iriquios. Now, as you know, I am relegated to overseeing operations from this platform. It is sufficient, but when I do travel abroad, I must take certain precautions against my enemies. Most systems care little for what we do. My operation has changed since those conflicts; we are not a warring organization anymore. Profits are our main concern. They always were, we just lost sight of that for a while there. My greatest enemy now is Red Moon. We threaten their profit margins, and they, ours. I would like nothing more than to see their stature in the Galaxy diminish.”
“Their goals are greater than that now,” Brax said. “Red Moon is aiming to take control of the entire galaxy, replace the Council with their own form of rule.”
“Please," he said waiving off such ambitions. "Every organization of their size has aspirations for galactic control. It doesn’t mean they can do anything about it.”
“What if they were to absorb the Chokmnd fleet into their own?” Brax said.
Bragavick stared at Brax for a moment, and then said, “Now that would mean something. Are you saying that Red Moon means to have the Chokmnd’s rule the galaxy, with them as the string pullers?”
“Yes," Brax said, "the leader wants to end the Council’s rule and position the Chokmnd’s as a new empire. He would take the throne.”
“Of course, that makes sense,” he said leaning forward. “A Chokmnd would run a pro-Chokmnd organization. If he plans to take up as emperor of his new rule, he would have to be a person everyone knows already. Someone already positioned high in the Chokmnd world. A figurehead. Paquiko perhaps? No," he said to himself, "he blatantly supports humans too much, no offense. I’m sure that is to the detriment of his Chief of Staff…Varin Bragko. Hmm…he would be a good candidate. He does obviously hate humans. Everything out of the Council in the last fifteen years that has hindered Earth has come from him, and he is the Chokmnd High Emperor’s son. Adored by many on Chokmna who see his vision for a future dominated by the Chokmnd as the gold standard of where their race should be.”
“Not everyone agrees with his vision,” Brax said.
“Clearly,” Bragavick said. “You are here, and not helping put that vision into place. Judging by the silence and stoned looks on your faces, I will surmise that I am correct, or very close to it, that Varin is indeed the leader of Red Moon. But, like you, I cannot prove it. Hence the dilemma still exists. However, you are correct, it is common knowledge to people of my stature, that the leader of Red Moon’s identity is known to quite a few others.”
“If we can find someone who knows his identity, then maybe we can get them to reveal it to the Council,” Zavik said.
“It’s not as simple as that, I am afraid," Bragavick said. "You see there is a reason he is so well concealed. I have heard rumors that the leader of Red Moon has a list of everyone who knows his identity. On this list, supposedly, is every detail about them, and their encounter with him and Red Moon. You reveal his identity and he has everything he needs to destroy you and everything you care about. That, my friends, is loyalty you can’t buy.”
“A blackmail list?” Brax asked.
“Precisely.”
“What if we could get our hands on this list?” Dani asked.
Zavik, looking astonished that she would suggest such a brazen thing, said, “That would be dangerous, to say the least, but it might be the best option we have to proving who Varin really is.”
“I agree,” Bragavick said looking amused at the suggestion. “A bold undertaking indeed.”
“Where would we even start, Zavik?” Brax asked. "We don't have anything to go on."
“I don’t know,” Zavik admitted. “We could try and go back to Theros.”
“Theros?” Bragavick asked. “What’s on Theros?”
Zavik looked at Brax who gave a slight nod. “We ran into a Red Moon base there. That is where we met Varin.”
Bragavick sat there for a moment thinking. “How interesting. I hear many things about Theros from my spies. It is a large central operation for Red Moon, a very remote system, with sparse civilizations. I’ve had scouts going there for years, but we’ve never found a location for their base. Do you have coordinates for it?”
“We might," Zavik said. "What are you suggesting?”
“I was thinking you could infiltrate their base, and locate Varin’s office,” he said bluntly.
“And just hope he has a copy of this file lying around?” Brax asked.
“If it’s on his computer, I’ll find it,” Dani said.
“See," Bragavick said, "I knew you could find a way if you put your mind to it."
“How are we supposed to get into his office, just walk right in?” Zavik asked.
“Precisely,” Bragavick said. “My organization would be happy to give you cover for this mission. You give me the coordinates and we launch a surprise attack on their base. In their mad scramble for defense, you can get in and retrieve the information. You see, this will mutually benefit us both. You get to help Earth and stop a takeover by Red Moon, and we get to decimate one of their main bases, and hopefully you will bring about their eventual downfall with the information garnered.”
“If we fail, they will come after you,” Zavik said.
“It’s a high-risk, high-reward business I run. I like the odds.”
“Sounds flawless then,” Zavik quipped.
“It usually isn’t,” Bragavick said. “Our attack will provide an adequate amount of confusion to the base. You should be covered enough to get in, depending on how large the base is."
"It's large, believe me," Zavik said. "Our problem will be finding the office."
"I remember, when we rescued you," Brax paused to glance at Bragavick who was taking considerable interest in the details, "you were in a tall building situated in the center of the compound. It stood out from the rest. If I were to bet anything, it would be that that is the building Varin placed his private office."
"Sou
nds like as good a place as any to start," Zavik said. "How long will your people provide cover support?"
"I can only guarantee you cover for your infiltration. We don't know what type of defenses they will have. I won't risk all of my men to your cause."
"Fair enough," Zavik said. "Dani will upload the coordinates when we get back to our ship."
"Then we have an understanding," Bragavick said as he extended his hand across the desk. He shook their hands and said, “If this works out to our mutual advantage, please feel free to indulge me in good conversation in the future. Alberan knows how much I enjoy good conversation, right?” As he shook Alberan's hand he said, "Alberan, my old friend, your friends are welcome, but, I don't ever want to see you back here again, understand?"
Alberan stared into the quickly turned, cold eyes. He took them in for a moment, squeezing his hand tightly, then nodded his understanding.
They left the office and headed straight for the Rinada. Once on board, Dani sent the coordinates of Red Moon's base to Bragavick. He told them that it would take only a short time to get his ships ready for the assault. The crew decided to detach from the station and await the signal to head to Theros.
Once settled, Zavik turned to Alberan and asked, "What the hell was all that about?"
"I told you," Alberan said softly, "I infiltrated his group for my government. They were attacking our colony, and we had no way of stopping them. My mission was to find the leader and assassinate him. It required me to get deep in cover. We became close, friends even. Then I almost killed him, would have too, but I missed."
"He seems to hate you," Brax said.
"I would," Alberan said, "if I were him. I developed his trust, and then betrayed it."
"For your government," Zavik said, "and your people."
"Yes," Alberan said, shaking to clear his head, "your right."
"If you need to talk about it, we're here," Zavik said.
"Thank you, my friend. Perhaps someday, when we aren't so stressed for time, I'll explain what happened."
"Fair enough. Let's get back to Theros."
Dani glanced at Brax, who had taken a seat next to her in the cockpit. He said dryly, "Oh, joy. My favorite place."
Phalanx
Mike stepped through the door of the bridge. A sudden clamor filled his ears. Straight ahead stood the captain of the EU-73 space station. All around him, uniformed officers were scrambling to organize their stations. A final check of the systems was underway. He walked up to the captain to apprise him of the situation. Mike had spent the last two days recalibrating the defense tracking systems, hoping they would be adequate for the anticipated retaliation. "Captain, our defenses are about as good as they're going to be in the near future," he said fully believing it, but not inspired.
"I appreciate everything you've done in the recent months for all of our stations, Lieutenant Colonel." The captain, Jasper Rindel, knew that Earth needed to bolster its defenses to peak capacity. The recent unauthorized raid by Earth would surely raise the ire of the Council. Earth was now vehemently preparing itself for an impending assault from the Council Fleet. "I will inform Admiral Hansen that you have completed what you can in the time allowed. And I will tell him you did the best job possible under the circumstances."
"Thank you, Captain Rindel."
“We just got a report of a small fleet massing near Saltium,” the captain said. “They can’t hide their assault build up from us.”
“I don’t think they care to. It’s only a matter of time before they attack.”
"What chance do you think we have of holding off any Council led assault?" the captain asked. "Be honest."
Mike sighed and said, "Fortunately, with most of our fleet ordered to stay in-system, I'd say we have a good chance of repelling any initial assault. We just can't hold out forever, that's for sure."
"The Admiral will need to find a way to convince the Council that we did what had to be done."
"They won't listen to reason," Mike said. "They're being manipulated by behind the scene forces. We need a miracle, otherwise, the Council will crush us, and the majority of the galaxy won't care."
An alarm suddenly went off on the bridge. "An unresponsive ship is entering Earth space," a cadet shouted across the bridge.
"Where's its origin?" Mike asked.
"Cedona!"
"Dear God! This is it," the captain said anxiously.
"They certainly didn't waste any time," Mike said, "but why only one ship? They're not trying to surprise attack us."
"No," the captain agreed. "They'll attempt to reason with us first, hope we surrender on their terms. When we refuse, that's when the fireworks will start."
"Attention EU stations!" a voice on the station comm yelled. "We are going to patch you into the Earth Central Station so you can understand the situation as it develops."
"I don't like this", Mike said. "If they want everyone to listen in on high-level negotiations they already know it won't end well."
A strong, heavy voice rattled through the comm. "United Earth Defense Force, this is General Trasser of the Galactic Community Grand Fleet. The Council has deemed you in violation of numerous intergalactic treaties against unprovoked hostilities for your raid on Extrera. It has been decided that Earth Space will be placed under Council rule, and the portals around Earth will be absorbed under the control of the Council Fleet until further evaluation of your transgressions has been complete. The United Earth Defense Force will be decommissioned until such investigation is complete. The terms of Council Occupation are nonnegotiable. Please acknowledge your understanding."
"This is Admiral Hansen of the U.E.F., speaking for Earth's elected Council. We are not prepared to surrender our sovereignty to anyone. The Council has forced our hand, and the 'hostilities' you speak of were the only option left to us by the Council. We will not comply with your illegal seizure of our space and portals, and will defend ourselves if that is necessary."
"Admiral Hansen, it would be wise to inform your Earth Council that we are prepared to carry out the Galactic Council's orders to the fullest, even if that requires military force, and loss of life."
"They are well aware of what you will do if necessary. My orders are still standing.”
“Unfortunately, Admiral, you are leaving me no choice.” Suddenly dozen’s of ships entered Earth Space from multiple portals. Large cruisers and dreadnoughts flowed in from portals all around Earth, encompassing the planet in a blockade. The massive ships began to move in closer to Earth, cutting the fleet off from its own portals.
"They're surrounding us," Rindel said.
“They knew we wouldn’t just cave to their commands,” Mike said. “This is about to get very ugly.”
General Trasser came back on the comm. “As you can see, your planet is being surrounded by my forces. We will control your space and portals," he said. "The only thing you have to decide is how many of your men will perish because of your stubbornness.”
“General Trasser,” Admiral Hansen replied, “I employ you to withdraw your forces immediately. Failure to do so will result in severe losses to your forces.”
Trasser gave a hushed laugh and said, “Admiral, we have scouted your defenses for years, and are well prepared to withstand any fortifications you have in place. This will be just an act of futility, and while it should be commended, it is just a waste of time. But, if that is what you wish. Move in!”
The Council fleet began to advance on the Earth space stations tightening the noose they had formed. With the portals blocked by fleet ships, Hansen was left with no choice but to order his men to engage the more powerful Council ships.
“All stations,” Hansen said, “fire at will on the Council fleet. Do not let them penetrate our stations' perimeter.”
The Council fleet was made up of a myriad of ships from the different Council races. The largest contributor to the fleet was the Chokmnd Empire. Typical Council deployment groups were comprised of almost fifty pe
rcent Chokmnd dreadnoughts. This invading force was no different. The other races made up smaller percentages of the fleet's force, but their ships were no less dangerous. Earth’s saving grace was the near one hundred defense stations that orbited Earth. The recently upgraded artillery and hanger bays would prove invaluable against a force this size. Admiral Hansen had recently ordered the Earth Fleet vessels to return from whatever mission they were on to consolidate around Earth. The fleet ships were individually weaker than most other races’ ships, but the sheer number of ships in commission could overrun any other race’s fleet one-on-one.
The Chokmnd ships were large oblong-shaped ships that were heavily fortified for assault missions. They carried two-dozen bays of turbo lasers as well as a half dozen torpedo bays. In the center of the ship was a hangar capable of carrying land or space vehicles. If fully stocked of spacecraft they could hold over ten-dozen RA sized ships apiece. The Chokmnd design placed the bridge towards the front and provided heavy shielding for the forward section of the ship. The rear was vulnerable, but the Chokmnd never attacked with their rear, and their philosophy never let them retreat from battle.
“Fire turbo lasers at the nearest targeted ship,” Captain Rindel said. “I don’t care what race it belongs to. Keep the hanger closed for now. I only want our artillery to engage.”
The space stations around Earth began bombarding the Council fleet with heavy artillery shots. The shields of the distant dreadnoughts flickered under constant strain from the stations' fire. An advantage for Earth was that the artillery's effective range was almost fifty percent farther than what most fleet ships were capable of. For the time being the ships were unable to accurately engage the space stations. Mike’s station locked targets on a Chokmnd dreadnought that was moving towards them. The station was armed with four artillery cannons, firing high explosive rounds that detonated on impact, devastating to any unshielded structure. Also equipped were eight turbo laser batteries that were very capable of weakening the shields of oncoming ships. The turbo lasers fired against the forward shield of the Chokmnd dreadnought, forcing it to correct course and turn away. The dreadnought sought a diagonal route to the stations to give the front shields enough rest to recharge. The move provided a larger target for the station, but the starboard side shields were well equipped to take a sustained beating. As the dreadnought came within range of its own offensive weapons, it began to rain down fire of its own. Earth’s stations were designed to specifically be capable of withstanding an invasion assault. The station shield generators were substantially better equipped than the ships of the Earth fleet or the Council’s. The shields barely flickered.
