by G. P. Hudson
Jon felt the fire recede, if only a little. He wanted to kill this man. The creature wanted to kill this man. The Chaanisar had killed his mother, his wife, his daughters, and here sat the man responsible, submitting himself to Jon for judgment. He wanted to slaughter him many times over, but he couldn’t. For all the crimes this man had committed, deep down Jon knew he wasn’t responsible. This man was merely another weapon the Juttari had wielded. “No repayment is necessary. What was done to you, and all the Chaanisar, is an atrocity. I am happy to have helped free you from Juttari enslavement.”
Brock bowed his head once again. “I am yours to command.”
Taking a few long, deep breaths to calm his frayed nerves, Jon took his seat. “Tell me, does a Chaanisar of your rank have access to greater information than the others?”
“Yes, Admiral. I think you will find that I have gained a sizable amount of knowledge over my many years. Some of it may be useful to you.”
“You mean as in Juttari secrets?”
“I have heard some secrets over the years, and have made many observations.”
“What type of observations?”
“Take my brothers in the Chaanisar, for example.”
“What about them?”
“For all the species in the galaxy, how many make up the Chaanisar ranks?”
“I don’t know.”
“What have you seen?”
“I’ve only seen humans. I always assumed that they just used human Chaanisar to prey on their own kind. A twist of the knife, so to speak.”
“No, Admiral. I can tell you with certainty that throughout the galaxy, the Chaanisar are exclusively human.”
“Why?”
“Indeed, Admiral. Why?”
Chapter 15
Jon studied the holographic display of the known galaxy compiled by the Diakans. Allied regions were shaded blue, and Juttari sections in red. Kemmar space was colored orange, and the rest was considered neutral. Interspersed throughout the hologram were all the known jump gates, updated to include the one discovered by the Hermes. Assembled for the strategy meeting were First Colonel Brock, representing the Chaanisar contingent, General Dathos, for the Diakans, Captain Viken, for the Reivers, as well as Commander Konos, Jon’s XO, Colonel Bast, Colonel Steeg, Kevin, and Major Ilthos.
“The target with the most strategic value is this section here,” said General Dathos, pointing at a region of Juttari controlled space.
“The Widow’s Triangle,” said Jon, understanding the significance of the region. The Widow’s Triangle was a strategic region of Juttari space that possessed three jump gates. The jump gates were positioned in such a way that to look at them on galactic map one saw the perfect shape of a triangle. Each of these gates were connected to Juttari controlled regions of space. If they could take the triangle, they would isolate these regions, driving a wedge through the middle of the Empire. “But we don’t have access to the Triangle.”
“No,” said Dathos. “But we have access to the Meybaris System.” General Dathos touched the jump gate in the Meybaris System, and two white lines appeared on the hologram, one linking it with one of the jump gates in the Triangle, and the other connecting to a jump gate in allied space. The Meybaris gate was a two-way conduit, allowing ships to choose which way they wanted to travel.
“That’s going to be one hell of a fight,” said Jon, studying the gate.
“General Dathos is correct,” said Brock. “Taking these two systems will break the Empire in two. The Triangle is a natural chokepoint, and the only way to access these regions.” Brock pointed at the Juttari gates the Triangle linked to. “For that reason, the Triangle is heavily defended, as is the Meybaris System. It will be challenging to dislodge the Juttari.”
“Challenging, but not impossible,” said Jon, studying the hologram.
“No, Sir. Not impossible. But the Juttari have gone to great lengths to fortify these systems. There are numerous autonomous defense systems in place to guard gate access to Meybaris. These defense systems will fire on anything coming through the gate without a Juttari signature.”
“Don’t Chaanisar ships have Juttari signatures?” said Kevin.
“They do, but the Juttari are certainly aware of our defections. Those systems will have been reprogrammed.”
“Agreed,” said Jon. “We’ve made great gains because we caught the Juttari off guard. This is not the time to get careless. Besides, there are other ways to access the system.”
“The jump ships,” said General Dathos.
“Yes. More specifically, I’m thinking of the Freedom’s bombers. I can jump into this region of space here,” Jon pointed to an empty region of space near Meybaris. “From here my bombers can bypass the gate and jump directly into Meybaris, where they can launch a few very high yield nukes, and jump out before the Juttari figure out what happened. We should then be able to send the fleet through the gate.”
“That will get you through the gate, Sir,” said Brock. “But there are secondary defense systems in place. Behind the gate defense systems lie a string of heavily armed space stations. The Juttari also have a fleet of warships in place as a further line of defense.”
“I see,” said Jon. “What about the planets?”
“Meybaris is a buffer system. Its planets were depopulated long ago.”
“Depopulated?”
“Yes, Sir. The Juttari exterminated the native population as they were deemed unuseful. The main planet is now used solely for military purposes.”
“Would there be any Chaanisar in the system?” said Jon.
“Yes, Sir. Although, as with the defense systems, the Juttari will have likely altered the security protocols of their brain chips. It is doubtful that your AI can successfully liberate them.”
“AI, what are the chances you can gain access to the Chaanisar brain chips?”
“Slim, Admiral. First Colonel Brock is correct. If the Juttari have realized what we have done, they will have changed their authentication protocols. Those protocols allowed me to gain access to the Chaanisar brain chips in the first place. Without this knowledge, I would be denied that access.”
“Is there not a way to work around the protocols?”
“Perhaps. If I can compromise one of their ships I might be able to use it as a back door. I can advise you better during the engagement.”
“Understood. Thank you, AI.”
“You’re most welcome, Admiral.”
“That is the way to go,” said Jon, his mind made up. “My bombers jump in, take out the weapon systems guarding the gate. Once their destruction is confirmed we can bring our ships through the gate. Our jump ships can also jump into the system to keep the Juttari in line as the fleet comes through. We’ll have to slug it out to take control of the rest of the system. It’ll be tough, but we have the numbers to pull it off. Any objections?”
“No objections, Admiral,” said Dathos. “The jump ships give us the advantage we need to succeed.”
“Good. First Colonel Brock, can you provide information on the deployment of the weapon systems and the space stations in Meybaris?”
“Yes, Admiral. I have detailed information on their locations. I believe AI can easily transfer the information to your systems.”
The hologram shifted, zooming in to show a close up of the Meybaris System. In addition to the system’s star and planets, the hologram now showed the deployment of the weapon systems and the space stations.
“Transfer complete,” said AI.
“This connection between your AI and the Chaanisar is truly remarkable,” said General Dathos.
“Yes,” said Jon. “It does come in handy from time to time.” Dathos simply stared back at him with those unblinking eyes. Jon turned his attention back to the hologram. “My bombers can jump in right on top of these systems and drop their payloads. Our jump ships will then move in and take the place of the weapon systems here,” he said, pointing to the holographic weapon systems. “You said th
e space stations were well armed. I’m assuming they have missiles?”
“Yes, Admiral. That is correct.”
“So, once they discover the incursion, they’ll likely launch missiles at us, and scramble their warships. The missiles will hit us first. If we jump away, the missiles will target the ships coming through the gate. We’ll have to take them out first.”
“We can jump some cargo ships into the system with us, like we did at New Byzantium,” said Bast.
“Use the cargo ships as countermeasures.”
“What if we use the bombers again?” said Konos. “We can arm them for a second strike against the space stations.”
“There is a high probability the bombers would be destroyed,” said Brock. “The stations are heavily fortified. Their weapons would fire the second the bombers appeared. I do not believe your bombers can withstand the attack.”
Jon agreed. “We’re going to need the bombers to attack the Juttari warships.”
“Those space stations will cause problems,” said Brock. “They will be difficult to destroy, even with nuclear weapons.”
“What if you don’t destroy them,” said Kevin.
“What are you thinking, Captain,” said Jon.
“If we do enough damage to their weapons, we might be able to board the stations. AI will have an opportunity to gain access to their network. Maybe even free some Chaanisar.”
“If AI can take over a space station, we can use its weapons against the Juttari,” said Jon. “AI, what do you think?”
“If I am able to interface directly with the space station’s systems, I can launch a brute force attack.”
“Would that give you control of its systems?”
“It depends on the station’s electronic defenses, Admiral. As I have said, by distributing myself across the Chaanisar brain chips and the numerous ship systems, my power and ability has increased dramatically. I do not believe the space station’s systems would be capable of mounting a successful defense. It is not a question of if I can gain control, but rather how long it would take me.”
“I can put together a strike team,” said Brock. “My Chaanisar would be best suited for this mission.”
“On the contrary, I think a Diakan team would be the more efficient option,” said Dathos.
Brock cast a violent look toward Dathos. “My men do not compete with yours, General. We Chaanisar are naturally more familiar with Juttari systems. We also carry the AI in our brain chips. My men are clearly the logical option.” Brock paused a moment. “That is unless you do not trust us.”
“I am sure you have the best of intentions,” said Dathos. “There is, however, a risk of your brain chips becoming compromised once on board.”
“There is very little risk of that,” said AI.
“A little risk, is still a risk,” said Dathos.
Jon didn’t need his heightened senses to notice the anger rising in the room. General Dathos’s reaction didn’t surprise him. The Diakans had fought the Juttari for centuries. Trusting the Chaanisar, freed or not, would be challenging for them. He knew how arrogant the Diakans could be, and that arrogance could destroy the entire operation. Both sides would have to compromise and learn to work together.
“Both will go,” said Jon.
“I don’t understand,” said Dathos.
“Nor do I,” said Brock.
“You two need to learn how to work together. So we’re going to start with this operation. The strike teams will include Chaanisar, Diakans, and Humans. My Marines will be part of each strike team. You will all learn to work together. We are fighting the Juttari, not each other. I will not tolerate these ridiculous rivalries.”
“As you wish, Admiral,” said Brock, bowing his head.
Dathos remained silent. Jon knew Diakans weren’t used to taking orders from humans. They could say whatever they wanted about prophecies and the Great See’er, but, in the end, they expected to call the shots. Jon decided that now was the perfect time to quash those notions. “Is there a problem, General?”
“No, Admiral. No problem. We will contribute the necessary numbers to the strike teams.”
“Excellent,” said Jon, smiling. “I’m glad we all understand each other.”
Chapter 16
“Battle group’s jump systems are synced with Vanguard’s, Sir,” said Ensign Balian, the navigation officer. “All ships reporting jump ready.”
In the days that had passed, Kevin’s jump battle group had taken shape. The arrival of the Diakan fourth fleet had brought with it a contingent of Diakan jump ships, two of which were now assigned to Kevin’s group. The Diakan, Major Ilthos, remained on board the Vanguard to act as liaison between Kevin and the Diakan ships. The Diakans had agreed to follow Admiral Pike, but they still remained sensitive when it came to following human orders. While Admiral Pike had given battle group command to Kevin, it was felt that a high ranking Diakan liaison like Major Ilthos would be useful in smoothing out any potential misunderstandings. The truth was Kevin didn’t mind the help. He knew he lacked experience commanding a starship, let alone a battle group.
He also had two Chaanisar heavy cruisers with him, commanded by Colonel Bast and Colonel Mace. He was happy to have Colonel Bast coming along. Since their rescue from the Kemmar prison planet, he had spent a lot of time with Bast and had learned to trust his judgment. The battle group was rounded out by the Reiver destroyer, under the command of Captain Jonas Viken, Breeah’s father. The Reivers were all exceptional fighters, and were definitely assets on this mission.
Kevin glanced at Commander Hurley. The old scrapper watched the bridge crew from his station, ensuring everyone stayed at the top of their game. Kevin was sure that Hurley kept an eye on him too.
Standing silently beside Kevin was Major Ilthos. He knew the Diakan scrutinized his every move. It was Major Ilthos who had relieved Captain Pierce, the Vanguard’s previous Captain. But, Space Force had given the Diakan authority to do so. Kevin knew that Admiral Pike would never authorize that. Like Hurley, Kevin felt that Ilthos would work to help, rather than hinder his command. Between Hurley and the Diakan, Kevin felt confident he had matters well in hand.
Kevin tapped his console and Admiral Pike’s face appeared. “We are ready to depart, Sir,” said Kevin.
“Understood,” said Admiral Pike. “Good hunting, Captain.”
“Thank you, Sir,” said Kevin. Jon’s face disappeared from Kevin’s screen, switching it back to the default tactical display. “Helm, initiate jump.”
“Initiating,” said Ensign Hayes, the helmsman.
On the main viewscreen the stars shifted as the computer announced, “Jump complete.”
Kevin looked down at his tactical display and watched the rest of the battle group appear. “Report,” said Kevin.
“We have successfully landed at our first way point, fifty light years from Sol. All battle group ships are accounted for and reporting jump ready,” said Ensign Balian.
“So far so good,” said Commander Hurley.
“Let’s hope it stays that way,” said Kevin, recalling the Juttari ambush of the Hermes at this way point. “Let’s keep moving. Helm, initiate second jump.”
“Initiating,” said Hayes.
The stars shifted again as the computer announced their second jump had completed.
“We’ve successfully landed at our second way point, one hundred light years from earth, all battle group ships accounted for, and reporting jump ready.”
The battle group successfully completed two more jumps, reaching the maximum jump system range of two hundred light years, before needing to be recharged. The battle group had landed in a system dominated by a giant red star. None of the planets showed any signs of life, and the no enemy ships appeared on the scans. Kevin knew that things could change in an instant, however. The Juttari knew this route, and would eventually send ships out this way to deal with the colonies, and probably the Kemmar too. He knew the Juttari had just suffered a major set
back, but he still needed to remain vigilant.
The battle group spread out, taking a defensive formation. The two giant Diakan ships launched a few fighter squadrons, to establish a perimeter around the group.
“I didn’t realize these Diakan ships were carriers,” Kevin said to Major Ilthos.
“They are a hybrid design,” said Ilthos. “More battleship than carrier, but their large size allows them to carry several squadrons of attack craft.”
“Should be useful against the Kemmar,” said Kevin, pondering their next move.
“It is a reasonable assumption that we will encounter the Kemmar again,” said Ilthos.
“I fully expect to encounter them next jump,” said Kevin. “They’re determined to control that jump gate.”
“It is of great strategic value,” said Ilthos. “Giving up control of the gate leaves their territory vulnerable to attack.”
“Yeah, they’re just going to have to get over it. If we don’t take control of that gate, the Juttari will.”
“I agree, Captain. The system will require a permanent presence in order to hold the gate. We will also need to secure the territory on the other side of the gate.”
“That’s in Kemmar space. The Kemmar won’t like that very much.”
“As you say, Captain, they will have to get over it.”
Kevin laughed. He wasn’t used to Diakans making jokes, which made Ilthos’s comment that much more amusing. “You might be right, Major,” said Kevin, rising from his chair.
“Commander Hurley, you have the bridge,” he said, walking toward the door. He had an itch, and he knew exactly where he could get it scratched.
Chapter 17
Kevin strode into the Vanguard training center. Crewmembers used the massive facility to work out and keep themselves at peak performance. He scanned the cavernous room and spotted what he was looking for at the far end. There, he eyed a group of Marines sparring and training in various forms of combat. Kevin turned in their direction, his pace quickening. Crewmembers paused their training to salute him as he passed. He hastily returned the salutes without breaking stride.
