by G. P. Hudson
“Identify,” said Jon, reorienting his tactical display to focus on the gate activity.
“They’re Diakan, Sir.”
“On viewscreen,” said Jon.
The viewscreen shifted to display the Diakan ships coming through the gate. Many times larger than the giant Diakan battleships, these new ships seemed to take forever just to clear the gate’s field.
Konos stared at the viewscreen with mouth agape. “What in the stars? I’ve never seen anything that big before.”
“They are a sight, aren’t they?” said Jon. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen a Diakan siege ship.”
“A siege ship?” said Konos, still wide eyed.
“Yeah. General Dathos requested them from Diakus,” said Jon. “He only recently advised me that Diakus had approved the request. They are used for jump gate assaults.”
“They’ll be handy for the invasion of the Widow’s Triangle.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
The Widow’s Triangle was roughly eight-hundred light years away from Meybaris, making the jump gate connecting the two systems essential to the invasion. Unfortunately, it also meant Jon’s fleet would have to face a gauntlet of defenses waiting on the other side. Given the distance between the two systems, using the jump ships was possible, but not most practical option, as it would take several days for the jump ships just to get into position. Jon didn’t want to wait that long. Speed was vital. They needed to keep the Juttari on the defensive. That meant doing things the old fashioned way, with a direct assault on the gate.
The gate would be heavily defended, making any attempt to cross through very costly. Both the Diakans and the Juttari had built siege ships to deal with such a problem. Siege ships were heavily armored super battleships of monstrous proportions. They were typically at least one hundred kilometers long, and clad in armor too thick for most warship designs. Built for one purpose, a siege ship was designed to bully its way through an enemy jump gate. Its size and armor allowed it to withstand the initial pounding from the gate defenses, while its numerous weapon systems softened the enemy, making way for the rest of the fleet.
The cost of building a siege ship was naturally prohibitive. Even races with vast empires, like the Diakans and the Juttari, only had a handful of the deadly vessels. The fact that Diakus dispatched not one, but two of the behemoths greatly impressed Jon. It proved that they were ‘all in’, and committed to victory.
Following closely behind the siege ships were several hundred standard Diakan warships. They were sent to defend Meybaris once the invasion was underway, and to stand by as reinforcements if needed. As Jon watched the display of power, a comm request came in from General Dathos.
“I’m sure you’ve noticed the ships coming through the jump gate, Admiral,” said Dathos, his unblinking Diakan eyes locking onto Jon’s.
“Yes, General. I’m glad that Diakus took your request seriously,” said Jon.
“Diakus believes in you, Admiral. Your desire to continue deeper into the jump gate network, after taking the Triangle, is favored by Diakus. We believe two siege ships will be sufficient to complete this task. We also have access to more resources if needed. Diakus will provide whatever support is necessary.”
“Forgive me General, but I still find the generosity Diakus is bestowing quite a surprise.”
“You think we are being deceptive?”
“No. I wouldn’t say that.”
“Yet you still question our commitment. I understand, Admiral. It is a logical reaction. As we have mentioned, the Great See’er has foretold of these events. She has seen your rise. And She has seen our support. We are merely playing our part in the prophecy.”
“What if she’s wrong?”
“The Great See’er is never wrong. You are not Diakan, so you may question Her visions. For a Diakan to do so is blasphemous. We are all that we are because of Her wisdom.”
“So she says you have to support Jon Pike, and you do as she says?”
“Yes, Admiral. Our future is intertwined with yours.”
“If you say so,” said Jon, still uncomfortable with the new found Diakan hero worship. “Our repairs are almost complete. Now that the siege ships have arrived, I don’t want to waste anymore time. Once the Freedom is ready, we invade.” Jon figured there were probably worse things in the galaxy, so he might as well try and accept the new Diakan attitude. It wouldn’t be easy, though. He spent too many years despising the Diakans to just change overnight. Nonetheless, a few more victories would go a long way to helping him change his mind.
“Of course, Admiral. I also have news from the colonies for you,” said Dathos.
“Oh? What news?”
“We have received word from one of our ships that the colonial jump gate has been successfully activated.”
You did it Kevin. Good man. “That’s great news. But why didn’t Captain St. Clair just come tell me himself?
“It seems the Vanguard needs extensive repairs. They faced stiff resistance while completing their mission.
“What kind of resistance?”
“From the species known as the Kemmar. They invaded the colonies while you were absent.”
The goddamn Kemmar. I should’ve known. “Have they taken New Byzantium?”
“No. New Byzantium has not fallen, but many of the other systems have. The jump gate itself is in a system that the Kemmar control. Captain St. Clair had to engage the Kemmar there to activate the gate. He was successful, but, as I said, his ship sustained heavy damage. A combined Diakan and Chaanisar task force has been sent through the gate to dislodge the Kemmar.”
“We need to take the Kemmar seriously. They’re an aggressive, expansionary species.”
“The task force will endeavor to secure the jump gate first. Then we can work to remove them from the colonies.” Dathos paused for a moment. “There is something else, Admiral. I am told that Captain St. Clair has shared the jump technology with New Byzantium.”
“What?”
“Yes, Admiral. From what I am told, the Kemmar were threatening to invade, and he required more ships to complete his. They struck an agreement. Captain St. Clair gave New Byzantium the technology, in return for a signed treaty where they pledge their allegiance to you. Prime Minister Sallas is now not only the leader of New Byzantium, but also of the colonies.”
“I’m sure he doesn’t mind. I’ll have to speak with Captain St. Clair about all this. What’s done is done. And the other ships in the battle group?”
“The Chaanisar and Reiver ships are on route to Meybaris, and should be arriving shortly. They did not sustain as much damage as the Vanguard. I understand they fully intend to take part in the invasion.”
“Of course they do. I wouldn’t expect any less of them. Is that all the news from the colonies?”
“There is one more thing. I’m sure you’re familiar with General Tallos.”
“Yes, how could I forget Tallos.”
“He came through the gate on one of our ships. He has asked to be part of the invasion of the Widow’s Triangle. Diakus has agreed. He will be arriving shortly.”
“You’re joking.”
“Admiral, Diakans do not joke.”
“Of course not.”
“Admiral, I understand that there was some conflict between you and General Tallos in the past. I assure you that there is no reason for concern. General Tallos is a loyal Diakan. He will do what is asked of him.”
“We’ll see,” said Jon.
Chapter 45
Anki ran to the door as it slid open to reveal a tall man with long gray hair and beard encompassing a rugged face, and threatening eyes.
“Grandfather!” said Anki, leaping at the man, whose warrior-like features instantly softened as he caught the little girl.
“Hello, little one,” said Jonas with a smile, lifting up his granddaughter and kissing her on the cheek.
“You’re scratchy,” said Anki, giggling and wrapping her arms around Jonas�
�s neck. “Why do you have a beard anyway?”
Jonas laughed. “It is a warrior’s beard.”
“Jon doesn’t have a beard, and he’s a warrior.”
Jonas glanced over at Jon. “Yes, but he is not a Reiver. But now that I think of it, maybe it is time that he grows one. It might suit him.”
“Father, stop,” said Breeah, greeting her father. “I like Jon’s face the way it is.”
Jonas set Anki down and gave his daughter a hug. “You should reconsider. I think it would do wonders for his appearance.”
“Do I have a say in any of this?” said Jon, stepping up and gripping the old Reiver’s hand in a firm handshake.
“You can say whatever you want. You’re the Admiral,” said Jonas.
“Come, let’s sit down,” said Breeah. “There’s food on the table. I’m sure you are hungry, father.”
“Hungry? Child, I could eat non-stop for days.”
They sat together at the table, where a traditional Reiver stew waited.
“I understand the colonies have fallen to the Kemmar,” said Jon. He had already learned about what had happened, but wanted to hear Jonas’s version of the events.
“Only the corporate worlds. Serves them right, the fools. They wasted their ships attacking New Byzantium, and were defenseless when the Kemmar came. Idiots.”
“I don’t like the Kemmar,” said Anki, with an angry expression on her face.
“Nor do I, little one,” said Jonas.
“I’m told three systems fell to the Kemmar,” said Jon.
“That’s right,” said Jonas, in between bites. “The jump gate is in the Amboss system. We’re lucky the Kemmar moved to occupy the other two, or their entire invasion force would have been there. We could never have activated the gate if that was the case.”
“And Kevin gave New Byzantium the jump system technology?”
“He did, but I don’t know what good it will do them. They’re almost as stupid as those on the corporate worlds.”
“Why do you say that?”
Jonas stuffed another spoonful of stew in his mouth, and wiped off the sauce that had dripped onto his beard with his free hand. “They gave us four jump ships, but the captains were insubordinate. One Captain’s stupidity caused his ship to take unnecessary damage that ultimately lead to its destruction. The others broke ranks, deciding they knew better. They tried some ridiculous flanking maneuver, while we struggled to fight off the Kemmar and keep them away from the science vessel working at the gate. If you ask me, those men should be stripped of command.”
“But you succeeded in activating the gate.”
“Just barely. I’m telling you, if the Diakans took any longer we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.”
Jon swallowed a spoonful of the chunky Reiver stew. It was made with the strange New Byzantium vegetables that Jon was starting to recognize, even if he still hadn’t acquired a taste for them. They had stocked up on the produce before leaving the colonies. The stew was hardy, however, and the cloned tomatoes used for the sauce did a good job of improving the taste.
“How many jump ships has New Byzantium built?” said Jon.
“They managed to build eight by the time we left. They gave us four, and kept four for themselves. They may have more by now. They had some problems integrating the jump system with their newer ships, so the process took longer.”
Jon had run into similar problems as he tried to retrofit his fleet with the jump system. For some reason some ship designs were easier to retrofit than others. Even with Chief Engineer Singh available, the job took longer than he had hoped. Nonetheless, the number of jump ships in his fleet grew steadily. The Chaanisar and the Diakans were working hard to convert as many warships as possible.
Singh was also experimenting with smaller jump system designs. There was no getting around the fact that they were in an arms race. Right now, Jon had the early lead, but that could change in a flash. Jon needed to capitalize on his success and keep the Juttari on the defensive, both militarily, and technologically.
“Do you think New Byzantium can withstand a Kemmar attack?” said Jon.
“I don’t know. New Byzantium has the jump system now. It will help, but the Kemmar are savage creatures. You should have seen them at Amboss. They willingly sacrificed warships to gain a strategic advantage. We brought a minelayer with us which dropped smart mines all around us. The Kemmar just drove their ships right into the mines, sacrificing them to make way for the rest. Does New Byzantium have that kind of resolve?”
“They’re defending their homes. I’m sure they’ll do what it takes.”
“Perhaps. Let’s hope that it is enough.”
“The Kemmar might not even make it to New Byzantium. Now that they know about the jump gate, I think their priorities might shift somewhat.”
“Yes, now that they’ve learned the value of the jump gate, they will try and seize it.”
“It won’t be that easy. Diakan and Chaanisar warships have been dispatched to secure the gate. I’m confident they can handle the Kemmar.”
“Yes. Now, enough of the Kemmar. When do we attack this Widow’s Triangle?”
“Father, maybe you should reconsider joining the attack. You and your crew have been through a lot lately,” said Breeah.
“Nonsense. Reivers live for battle. Sitting around here while other’s fight for us? Now that would be exhausting.”
Breeah shook her head.
“We have some minor repairs left to complete, and we will be on our way. Shouldn’t be more than a day, two at the most.”
“Excellent! My crew will be happy to hear it.”
Chapter 46
Tallos gazed out of General Dathos’s window, at the armada assembled before him. Thousands of ships. Some were Diakan, some Chaanisar, some plain human. All would soon fight together under one man. Jon Pike. A man he had long been obsessed with destroying. How could he have been so mistaken?
The Great See’er had foretold of Pike’s rise, yet he had had the blasphemous belief that the prophecy was incorrect. He had even worked to intercept the prophecy himself, to prove as much. Yet here, before him was irrefutable proof that the mistake was his, and his alone. Jon Pike had risen, just as the Great See’er had foretold. Now, this fleet, his fleet, was assembled in the vanquished territory of Diakus’s eternal enemy, the Juttari. Here it prepared to drive a spike through the center of the Juttari Empire. The prophecy was unfolding before his eyes.
Tallos had always prided himself in his intelligence. He had always shown promise, excelling at everything he had ever done, first at school, and then in service to Diakus. He had risen quickly, and attained the rank of general faster than most. His intelligence blinded him, however, to the importance of his assignment. He had not understood the honor bestowed upon him when assigned to the Hermes. He had scoffed, believing it a demotion, rather than a laurel leaf. Diakus had given him an opportunity to guide the prophecy, and all he did was work to destroy it. He had been a fool.
Logic had always guided him, and now that logic showed him he was mistaken. The only option left was to accept the truth, and do his part in what was to come.
“I have placed two hundred warships under your command,” said General Dathos. “You will report directly to me.”
“Yes, Sir. I understand,” said Tallos, turning to face the General. Even though Tallos had attained the rank of General, Dathos was still the most senior officer in the fleet and maintained supreme command of all Diakan forces present. Tallos felt Dathos scrutinize him. He knew that Dathos had learned some of what had taken place on the Hermes. He couldn’t change any of it. He only hoped to redeem himself in the coming battle.
“It is a difficult thing, being subjected to human command,” said Dathos. “But this is our fate, and we must do our part for the future of Diakus. Do you not agree?”
“Diakans have sacrificed throughout history to ensure the future. We are no different,” Tallos replied. He ho
ped that this was all Dathos would subject him to. A little Diakan dogma, and he could be on his way.
“I know you have had disagreements with Admiral Pike, on the Hermes, and after. I expect you have buried your contempt, and silenced your anger.”
“Yes, General. I admit that I had desired vengeance against Jon Pike. Those feelings have since been quashed. Nothing will interfere with the performance of my duty.”
“I am prepared to accept your word as a Diakan General. If you betray my trust, your life will be forfeit.”
“You need not fear, General. I may have wavered from the true path, but I understand my error, and will not repeat it.”
“Good. These humans are arrogant creatures. It is easy to view them with contempt. I have given you this opportunity to redeem yourself because I understand how difficult this can be. I, as well, have struggled with this prophecy. The idea of a species so unworthy rising to power borders on the absurd. We need to be vigilant, lest we allow our own arrogance to control us. While we may follow Jon Pike, we always serve the Great See’er, and Diakus. We must never forget that.”
Follow Jon Pike. How can I ever swallow those words? And yet, I must accept them. For the good of Diakus, I must accept Jon Pike’s rise. Have I not had more difficult tasks in life?
Tallos bowed his head. “The Great See’er is wise beyond comprehension.”
Dathos bowed his head too, as tradition dictated. “By Her will.”
“By Her will,” repeated Tallos, signaling an end to their discussion. When Tallos left the room he felt relieved that Dathos had spared him. He had two hundred ships under his command. It was a decent start.
Chapter 47
“Siege ships are in position and reporting ready for action, Sir,” said Commander Konos. “They’re awaiting your orders.”
“What is the fleet status, Commander?”
“All commanders have reported in. Fleet is ready to engage the enemy.”
Jon studied the fleet deployment on his tactical screen, the blue icons numbering in the thousands. He looked up at the main viewscreen, which displayed a panoramic view of his fleet. A sea of warships filled the screen, all arrayed in formation, waiting to cross through the jump gate into the pyres of battle. He contemplated the jump gates themselves. They were ancient creations, their builders long forgotten. How many battles had these gates witnessed over the eons? How many armadas of this size, or larger, had crossed through? A handful? More? What was his place in the eternal march of history? Would he merit a footnote? A paragraph? A chapter? Would all of it be forgotten one day, just like the ancient gate builders had been?
