by G. P. Hudson
“Thank you, Prime Minister.”
“I assume that is why Admiral Pike hasn’t returned? He stayed behind to help with the relief effort?”
“No. He stayed behind to deal with the Juttari.”
“Oh? Are they still in the Sol System?”
“Not exactly,” said Kevin. “Do you remember how we freed the Chaanisar who showed up in New Byzantium?”
“Yes, of course. You used your AI to liberate them from Juttari control.”
Kevin nodded. “We did the same in the Sol System, and in multiple other systems. The Juttari had launched a massive invasion of Galactic Accord space, attacking multiple systems. Using the AI, we reversed their gains, freeing many Chaanisar in the process. Those Chaanisar are now part of Admiral Pike’s fleet.”
“How many ships are we talking about?” said Sallas.
“Over a thousand warships.”
“That’s incredible,” Sallas said in awe. “How many Chaanisar serve aboard the average Chaanisar ship?
“It varies from ship to ship, but it can be anywhere from five hundred to a thousand men.”
“Are you saying Admiral Pike has almost a million Chaanisar under his command?”
“Give or take.”
“It is unrivaled,” said Ilthos. “Nothing of this magnitude has ever been achieved against the Juttari Empire.”
“Admiral Pike is preparing to mount an offensive against the Juttari Empire as we speak,” said Kevin.
“Diakus has given its full support to Admiral Pike,” said Ilthos. “The attempted Juttari invasion was the first shot in a new interstellar war that threatens to envelop the entire galaxy.”
Sallas seemed to be having difficulty understanding the sheer scale of what he was being told. “But then, why have you come here? Why are you not helping Admiral Pike against the Juttari?” said Sallas.
“That’s what we need to talk about, Prime Minister,” said Kevin. “After what happened to Earth, Admiral Pike believes that humanity must become united. The Juttari know of you. They know where the colonies are. It is only a matter of time until this war reaches you. We need to make sure we can defend the colonies, and the only way we can do that, is by reopening the jump gate.”
“I’m sorry? What?”
“The jump gate, Prime Minister. The one the colonies shut down over five hundred years ago. We need to activate it, and Admiral Pike believes that you know where it is.”
Sallas sighed. “He’s right. I do. But there’s one problem.”
“What’s that?” said Kevin.
“There are a few hundred Kemmar warships surrounding it.”
Chapter 23
Kevin listened with growing anger. The Kemmar had invaded the colonies, conquering three separate systems. It didn’t matter that the systems belonged to the corporations that attacked New Byzantium. That was a problem of leadership, and leadership could be changed. What was important was that there were humans under Kemmar occupation. Kevin knew better than anyone how brutal the Kemmar could be. He hated to imagine what those poor people were enduring.
These facts didn’t change his mission, however. In fact, they made it all the more important. The location of the jump gate was in Amboss Corporation space. Amboss was the first to fall to the Kemmar. If that jump gate had been activated when the Kemmar came, those people could have been helped. Ships could have crossed through to defend those systems against the Kemmar. Now they were going to have to work backwards. They would need to somehow reactivate the gate while the Kemmar were still there, in order to bring reinforcements through.
“I don’t see how you can do it,” said Prime Minister Sallas, leaning forward in his chair, elbows resting on his knees. His face displayed a mix of skepticism and worry, yet his eyes seemed hopeful. He appeared to pray for a miracle, but discounted the possibility that one could occur.
“We’ve already defeated the Kemmar in one battle,” said Kevin. “I’m sure we can do it again.”
“I understand, Captain, but your ships have suffered substantial damage. Even those enormous Diakan warships need major repairs. You’ll be facing a much larger Kemmar force if you go in to open the jump gate.”
“Yes, but we wouldn’t need to defeat the Kemmar,” said Kevin. “We would only need to buy enough time to activate the gate. Once activated, we could cross through to the Sol System.”
“But then you would be leading the Kemmar to Earth,” said Sallas.
“There will be plenty of ships defending the Sol System,” said Kevin. “If the Kemmar dared to follow us through the gate, they would end up with a huge fight on their hands.”
“I don’t know,” said Sallas, shaking his head. “It seems very risky. What if the Kemmar destroy you before you manage to open the gate? With Admiral Pike attacking the Juttari, there will be no hope for us. The Kemmar will be free to take over the rest of the colonies.”
“I’m sure we’ll manage,” said Kevin, but he barely believed his own words. Sallas had a good point. If the Kemmar defeated his battle group before they could open the gate, the colonies would be lambs to the slaughter. But what else could they do? They had to try.
“I have a better idea,” said Sallas, his demeanor becoming instantly optimistic. The skilled politician suddenly showing up.
“I’m listening,” said Kevin, bracing for the pitch.
“You give us the jump system technology.”
“What? Prime Minister, you know I can’t do that.”
“Why can’t you? Things have changed dramatically since I had this conversation with Admiral Pike. Earth has been destroyed. The corporations defeated. And the Kemmar Empire threatens to swallow the rest of the colonies. If the Kemmar don’t finish us, there is a real threat the Juttari will.”
“Yes, Prime Minister, but I can’t just give you the jump technology.”
“Don’t you see, Captain. The jump system is the wild card. If you give us the jump system, not only will we be better able to protect ourselves, but we’ll also be able to help you open the jump gate. If humanity is going to be united, then we need to help each other.”
“May I offer an opinion in this matter?” said Ilthos, with a pronounced Diakan hiss.
“Go ahead,” said Kevin.
“I believe Prime Minister Sallas is correct. We should give New Byzantium the jump technology.”
“Really? And what if the Kemmar get their hands on it?”
“Yes, that is a risk,” said Ilthos. “But the benefits are greater. Diakus has spent centuries building up regional powers throughout the galaxy. This is the essence of the Galactic Accord. I believe we can do something similar here. If we give New Byzantium the jump technology, and we open the jump gate, we can turn New Byzantium into a regional power. The colonies will be easier to defend, requiring less of our military resources, in favour of their own.” Ilthos turned his attention to Sallas. “I am proposing New Byzantium’s entrance into the Galactic Accord. Of course, there would need to be treaties in place, Prime Minister. Breaking those treaties would result in very serious consequences for your world.”
“Major, we are facing the threat of Kemmar slavery. It doesn’t get any more serious than that,” said Sallas.
Sallas’s words struck a chord with Kevin. The thought of the Kemmar conquering New Byzantium was abhorrent. And Ilthos’s argument was sound. Things were different. They were no longer just one ship. Admiral Pike had over a thousand ships under his command, and Diakan support. The situation had changed, and he needed to be able to change with it.
Major Ilthos made a good argument, but the Galactic Accord was really just a thinly veiled front for a Diakan Empire. The Diakans used treaties, rather than conquest, to expand. It was smart, but Kevin knew full well that all members of the Accord were subservient to the Diakans. If New Byzantium joined the Accord, they would end up as just another Diakan proxy world. That was not what Admiral Pike wanted. He wanted to unite humanity, to help forge their own path. Humanity could be allied
with the Diakans, but not subservient. Not anymore.
Still, the Galactic Accord model was sound. Turn a world into a regional power, and control that region through them. Prime Minister Sallas was no fool, but he wasn’t just going to stand by and let the Kemmar take over New Byzantium. If that meant joining the Accord, then he would do it in a heart beat. That is, unless he had another option.
“Both your arguments are persuasive,” said Kevin. “But I don’t believe you should join the Galactic Accord.”
“Captain, Galactic Accord membership is really this world’s best option,” said Ilthos.
“What are you thinking, Captain?” said Sallas. “Because I must tell you that unless you come up with something better, the Diakan offer is pretty persuasive.”
“What if I agreed to giving you the jump technology?”
Sallas’s eyes widened in surprise. “You just said you couldn’t give us the technology. Why have you changed your mind?”
“Yes,” said Ilthos. “Why?”
“I will give you the technology on one condition,” said Kevin.
“Name it,” said Sallas.
“Major Ilthos mentioned the signing of treaties, and I agree with him. Admiral Pike wants to unite humanity, and I believe this is the perfect place to start. In our original agreement, Admiral Pike pledged our loyalty to New Byzantium in return for independence, amnesty, and ships. I now propose a new agreement. You will sign a treaty with Admiral Pike, allying New Byzantium with his fleet, and accepting his leadership in the greater cause of uniting and defending all of humanity. You will remain leader of New Byzantium, and when we liberate the colonies, you will be responsible for governing them as well. As commanding officer of the Vanguard and the battle group, I will sign the treaty on behalf of Admiral Pike. In accordance with Space Force traditions, I am well within my authority to do so.”
Sallas sat quietly, clearly contemplating Kevin’s offer.
“Really, Captain,” said Ilthos. “The Galactic Accord has existed for centuries. We know how to strengthen worlds better than anyone.”
“That is true,” said Kevin. “And Admiral Pike will be grateful for your expertise and support.”
“But Captain-”
“I’ll do it,” said Sallas. “I’ll sign a treaty with Admiral Pike in exchange for the jump technology.”
“Prime Minister, really, I don’t believe this is wise,” said Ilthos. “As I said, Diakus has been doing this for centuries. We know how to build up a world such as yours.”
“Are you saying that you will not give Captain St. Clair and Admiral Pike the benefit of your experience?” said Sallas”
“I did not say that. I merely meant that things would go much smoother if you joined the Galactic Accord. Your world would become part of an alliance that spans the galaxy.”
“I thought that Diakus pledged to support Admiral Pike?” said Sallas, impressing Kevin with his handling of the Diakan.
“Yes, of course,” said Ilthos.
“Then, by joining Admiral Pike we will also gain that support, will we not?”
“Yes, Prime Minister. You will,” said Ilthos, seeming to accept defeat.
“Good. Then it’s settled,” said Sallas. “May I suggest that we get started as soon as possible, time is of the essence.”
“Of course, Prime Minister,” said Kevin. “We can use the fabricator on the Ronin to create new jump systems. Major, are the Diakan ships equipped with fabricators?”
“They are,” said Ilthos. “We can employ them to produce the required parts.”
“Good. I’d like to combine engineering teams. It will speed along the retrofits. The more ships we get online the better.”
“Yes, Captain. We will provide whatever assistance is required,” said Ilthos. “Might I also suggest you use a Galactic Accord treaty as a template for your alliance? Through long experience we have ironed out most of the potential issues associated with this type of agreement.”
“Excellent idea, Major,” said Kevin, happy that the Diakan was now playing ball.
“Captain, I have another thought,” said Sallas. “The Diakans call their alliance system the Galactic Accord. It seems to me that if Admiral Pike is going to unite humanity that we need a name for the alliance too.”
“Good idea,” said Kevin. “But I don’t have authority to name the alliance.”
“No, of course not. But you could present the idea to the Admiral for consideration.”
“That I can do. Sounds like you have something in mind?”
“Yes, I have,” said Sallas. “I think that in order to name a human alliance, that we should refer to human history. On ancient Earth there was a period of about two hundred years known as Pax Romana. That is a Latin term that referred to the greatest years of the Roman Empire. While the Romans during this time still fought foreign wars, Rome itself, and the rest of the internal empire, did not experience any major incursion. Today, humans face threats on all sides, but I think we should look to a more optimistic future. One where human worlds no longer exist in fear of alien invasions. I believe this is what we are fighting for. Therefore, I propose that we refer to this new alliance as Pax Humana.”
“I like it,” said Kevin. “And I’d bet Admiral Pike will too.”
“Now that we have resolved these issues,” said Ilthos. “I have a request of my own.”
“Of course, Major,” said Sallas. “What can I do for you?”
“I understand General Tallos is on New Byzantium. You will take me to see him.”
Chapter 24
General Tallos surveyed his flourishing garden with approval. All the different plants were now thriving. They just needed a Diakan touch, he thought. While they couldn’t compare to his prize gardens back on Diakus, he was sure that they would now rival most on New Byzantium. At least there is this, otherwise I might lose my mind living here. How long will I have to live amongst these wretched humans? Years? Decades? The thought was almost enough to make him curse his long Diakan lifespan. But not quite.
He was still a Diakan, and Diakans were patient. Patience turned Diakus into one of the most powerful worlds in the galaxy. Patience, not human brashness. That patience would see him through his current predicament. He knew that he would eventually get off this planet. One day Diakan ships would arrive, and he would finally be free of this place. On that day, he would see to it that Jon Pike paid for his crimes.
“I see you can still grow lavish gardens, despite the variance in soil,” said an unmistakably Diakan voice from behind him.
Tallos wheeled around to see a face he hadn’t seen in years. A dangerous face. The face of Diakan Intelligence.
“Major Ilthos?” said Tallos, with genuine surprise. “What are you doing here?”
Ilthos strode up to a tall plant with vibrant purple flowers. He gently touched one of the petals, seemingly admiring it. “I am here with the humans. Much has happened since your disappearance.”
Ilthos’s tone set off alarms in Tallos’s head. “My disappearance? I assure you, Major. None of this was my doing.”
Ilthos let go of the petal and turned to face Tallos. “Wasn’t it, General? Were you not given oversight of the Hermes? Were you not tasked with ensuring its safety?”
“Yes, and I did my best to fulfill my obligations.”
“And yet you failed,” said Ilthos.
“Yes, that is true. I did fail,” said Tallos defiantly. “But Captain Pike is a formidable opponent. He is extremely unpredictable. In fact, his actions clearly indicate that he is insane.”
“You mean Admiral Pike, don’t you?”
“Admiral? I don’t understand. How is that possible?”
“Everything is possible in this new age, General. You should know that. New Byzantium granted him his own independent fleet. The rank of Admiral went with it.”
“Surely Space Force will not accept any of this nonsense,” said Tallos.
“That might have been the case before, but Space
Fore is no more.”
“No more? What are you saying, Major?”
“The Juttari have moved to intercept the prophecy. They recently launched a massive offensive that included a direct invasion of the Sol System. During that invasion, the Juttari destroyed all of the Space Force ships in the system, and bombarded the Earth with nuclear weapons. They laid waste to the surface, obliterating every major population center in the process.”
“All because of the prophesy?”
“Yes. We believe they have moved to terminate the humans, and prevent their rise.”
“It sounds like they have succeeded.”
“Do you have such little faith in the Great See’er?”
Tallos cringed. “No, of course not. I would never question the Great See’er. I merely wondered how the humans could rise to power if the Earth has been destroyed.”
“There are humans beyond Earth and the Sol System, General. As you have already stated, Jon Pike is a formidable opponent. The Juttari offensive captured multiple Galactic Accord systems. They in fact drove a wedge right through the center of our alliance, splitting it in half. Admiral Pike singlehandedly reversed all those gains.”
“How is that possible?” said Tallos, trying to grasp everything he was hearing.
“How indeed. The Juttari used legions of Chaanisar in their invasion. Admiral Pike discovered a way to liberate those Chaanisar from Juttari control. Over a thousand Juttari warships. Almost a million Chaanisar. All free. Imagine the scale of this accomplishment. As a show of gratitude, all these Chaanisar have pledged their allegiance to Admiral Pike.”
“By trying to intercept the prophecy, the Juttari have unwittingly triggered it,” said Tallos in amazement.
“Correct. The Great See’er is wise beyond comprehension,” said Ilthos, bowing his head in traditional reverence.
Tallos bowed his head as custom dictated, still trying to come to terms with what he had heard. The Earth had been decimated, and from its ashes Jon Pike had risen to create his own formidable fleet. A fleet full of Chaanisar super soldiers. His mind reeled.
