The Lost Sword

by Huw Powell

  Jake nearly slipped off his chair. Galactic war? He wondered if he had misheard, but an alarmed look from Kella confirmed that he had not. Father Benedict muttered something and shook his head.

  “Listen, try not to worry,” said Callidus. “It’s not as if Admiral Vantard or the Galactic Trade Corporation are close to finding Altus. Helen believes that there’s still time for negotiations. But I thought you should know what Admiral Vantard is planning. It’s essential that he never find those crystal moons, which is why you and the crew should remain on Shan-Ti for as long as possible.”

  Callidus paused for a moment and Jake wondered if it was the end of the message.

  “There’s something else,” said the fortune seeker, looking away from the camera. “Helen told me something that I wasn’t expecting. As you know, I don’t remember much before my time in the Interstellar Navy, only that they found me in a canteen. Until now, I didn’t even know the name of the planet. Helen has shared that information with me and she reckons that it’s time I confronted my past.”

  Callidus took a long breath and stared into the camera. “And I think she’s right. I’ve always wondered about my lost memories, despite never having the courage to search for them. I might not like what I find, but you’ve inspired me, Jake. You were brave enough to work out who you were and where you came from, so I’m going to do the same. Who knows, maybe I’ll discover what my head studs are for.”

  Jake had once asked Callidus about the two metal lumps fixed to his temples. He’d wondered if they were similar to the skull implants used by the cyber-monks to control computers. Callidus had no idea what his studs were for, but it sounded as though he was going to find out.

  “Good for you,” said Capio, patting his friend on the shoulder.

  Callidus smiled. “It means that Capio and I will be heading to the seventh solar system instead of joining you on Shan-Ti. I don’t know how long it will take to get some answers—perhaps a few days. I know you’ll understand why I need to do this, Jake. If you leave the planet, ask the cyber-monks to forward my messages. In the meantime, remember to keep an eye on the stars and stay out of trouble.”

  The video message ended and Father Benedict turned off the display. Jake was sitting back in his chair, trying to take in the message, when something struck him.

  “The seventh solar system,” he said. “Callidus and Capio are heading straight for the naval fleet.”

  Chapter 6

  The Mayor of Remota

  “We have to warn them,” said Jake. “We have to stop Callidus and Capio from entering the seventh solar system.”

  “How?” asked Nanoo. “We not know where they going, so how we send message?”

  Jake groaned. Nanoo was right; they had no idea which planet Callidus and Capio were visiting. He hoped that the two men had seen the Interstellar News and stayed clear.

  “What about the independent colonies?” Kella looked at Jake with expectant eyes.

  “What about them?”

  “You need to let the leaders know what’s happening.”

  “Me?” choked out Jake. “I can’t just contact the independent colony leaders.”

  “Why not?” she said. “You’re one of them, aren’t you?”

  “As far as everyone is concerned, I’m just a teenage space pirate. Why would they listen to me? What proof do I have that the Interstellar Navy is trying to fund a war?”

  “It explain why there is navy fleet over Vantos,” said Nanoo. “To take crystals from mountains.”

  “I bet that’s the real reason they arrested Jeyne.” Kella scowled. “So they could get their hands on my family’s crystal mine.”

  Father Benedict cleared his throat. Jake had almost forgotten that he was still in the room.

  “I don’t know what your friend meant about Altus,” said the cyber-abbot. “But if there’s the slightest possibility of a galactic war, we should do everything within our power to stop it, or risk having the blood of millions on our hands. It will be too late once the Interstellar Navy strengthens its fleet.”

  Jake’s mouth fell open. “Gorks.”

  “I’m sorry?”

  “It was on the Interstellar News just now.” Jake slapped his forehead. “The Interstellar Navy has signed an alliance with the Gorks to strengthen its fleet. Don’t you see? It’s already too late.”

  The truth spread around the room like an acid shower. Admiral Vantard no longer needed crystals. He must have promised the Gorks something in return for their support. Perhaps a planet of their own, if they helped to wipe out the independent colonies, starting with Vantos. The seventh solar system was where the galactic war would start.

  “Jake, you have to warn the independent colony leaders,” said Kella.

  “How?” asked Jake. “The only politicians I know are hiding back on Altus.”

  “Is there nobody else?”

  “What about leaders here on Shan-Ti?” suggested Nanoo.

  “And let them know that a crew of wanted spacejackers is hiding on their planet?” Jake stood up and paced the room.

  The idea that someone wanted to wipe out the independent colonies seemed too incredible to be true. Whole planets were in danger, but what could he do about it? If only he knew someone on Vantos, or Reus, or Remota . . .

  “That’s it,” he said, turning to Father Benedict. “Is there any way to contact another planet without giving away our location?”

  “You mean a video message?”

  “No, we don’t have time to send messages,” said Jake. “I want to speak with someone in real time, like a phone call.”

  The cyber-abbot looked around the room for inspiration and spotted clusters of thick rubber cables climbing the walls. “We have several powerful satellites, which are normally used to download data from the stellar-net. These could be used to access another planet’s phone network.”

  “Great. How quickly can you set it up?”

  “I don’t know, we’ve never had to call anyone off-world before. Let me speak with the brothers.”

  “Who do you want to contact?” asked Kella.

  “The mayor of Remota,” said Jake. “I met him once when the cyber-monks fixed a computer virus in his office. He’s not as influential as the president of Reus, but he’s the best I can come up with right now.”

  Jake, Kella, and Nanoo returned to the Dark Horse to check on the captain. When they reached the medical bay, the hatch door was open. Granny Leatherhead limped out, supported by Kodan. Her long leather coat hung from her frail shoulders.

  “Where are you going?” asked Kella.

  “To the bridge, where I belong,” said Granny Leatherhead. “I can’t sleep in that wretched room. It stinks of antiseptic.”

  Kella folded her arms and spoke firmly. “You need to rest. If you can’t sleep in the medical bay, then I suggest you lie down in your quarters. It’s for your own good. We can bring you some pirate tea and cyber-monk stew.”

  Granny Leatherhead humphed. Not many people would get away with bossing around the captain on her own ship. But to Jake’s surprise, the old pirate hobbled off to her quarters.

  “Captain, wait,” he said, chasing after her. “You need to know something.”

  Granny Leatherhead stopped outside her black hatch door on the top deck. “What is it, Kid Cutler?”

  Jake told her about the video message and how the Interstellar Navy had joined forces with the Gorks. “If Admiral Vantard attacks the independent colonies, it could lead to a galactic war.”

  Granny Leatherhead shrugged. “Why should I care if the United Worlds and independent colonies want to kill each other? At least that would keep the Interstellar Navy off our backs for a while.”

  The captain shuffled into her quarters and closed the door. Jake stood there for a moment, unsure what to make of her reaction. He hoped that the mayor of Remota would be more concerned by the news. Jake, Kella, and Nanoo made their way to the dining area on the first deck, where they found Scargus r
ummaging through some empty containers.

  “Hello, shipmates,” said the engineer. “I heard about the captain collapsing. Is it true that she’s got Kalos scurvy?”

  “Yes, that’s right,” said Kella.

  Scargus whistled. “Poor Lizzy. It was only a matter of time before her body started to complain. It’s a good thing you three were there to help.”

  There was a loud cough behind them. Jake turned to find Father Benedict standing by the door.

  “Hello,” said the cyber-abbot. “Forgive the intrusion, but the loading ramp was open.”

  Jake was pleased to see him. “Is it ready?”

  “Is what ready?” asked Scargus.

  “It long story,” said Nanoo.

  “We’ve been able to connect our satellites to the phone network on Remota. Not only that, but the brothers have found a way to patch it through to your handheld computer.” Father Benedict held out the device. “Are you ready to prevent a galactic war?”

  “What did you say?” Scargus almost dropped a food container.

  “We’ll explain later,” said Kella.

  Jake took the device. “Have you removed all of the research files?”

  The cyber-abbot nodded. “We found some useful notes and calculations, but not as much as we had hoped. At least none of it fell into the wrong hands. I thought you might like the device back for sentimental reasons. No one should be able to trace any calls or e-comms from it.”

  Jake took the handheld computer. He had expected it to look different, somehow, but it was still the same device that Father Pius had given him on Remota.

  “Thank you,” he said. “I’ll do everything I can to stop the Interstellar Navy; you have my word.”

  Jake slipped into one of the seats and activated the computer, while the others gathered around. He located the contact details for the mayor of Remota and tapped the screen to connect. There was a brief delay before the device let out an electronic purr.

  “Hello?” answered a deep, rich voice.

  “Is that Hector Rumpole?” asked Jake, picturing a bumbling man with a bulbous nose, walrus mustache, and ruddy cheeks. “The mayor of Remota?”

  “Yes, that’s right. How can I help?”

  “I don’t know if you remember me—my name is Jake Cutler.”

  “Great galaxies!” exclaimed the mayor. “Are you that purple-eyed orphan who lived with the cyber-monks? I thought that you were killed when the monastery burned down. What a terrible ordeal, blasted spacejackers. You sound far away; where are you?”

  “Farther than you think,” said Jake. “I’m calling to warn you about the Interstellar Navy. There’s no easy way of saying this, but they are preparing to attack the independent colonies, starting with the seventh solar system.”

  “What are you talking about? Not even the Interstellar Navy is stupid enough to want a galactic war.”

  “That’s exactly what they want,” said Jake. “It’s why they’ve formed an alliance with the Gorks. We have to warn the other leaders and unite the independent colonies before it’s too late.”

  “Warn the other . . . unite the . . . ,” spluttered Hector Rumpole. “Is this your idea of a joke, Jake Cutler? The whole galaxy is tense enough already with naval warships surrounding Vantos. Now is the time for diplomacy, not fantasy.”

  “It’s no joke,” insisted Jake. “You have to listen to me. I’m also a leader, the ruler of an independent colony.”

  “Oh, really?” said the mayor. “Which one?”

  Jake hesitated, realizing how ridiculous the truth sounded, but it was too late to change his story.

  “Altus.”

  “I see.” Hector Rumpole spoke quietly, but Jake could detect anger in his voice.

  “I’m not lying.”

  “That’s funny; I must have missed the discovery of Altus on the Interstellar News,” said the mayor. “Was it after they announced that crystals are really space pixie eggs? Next you’ll tell me that you’re the teenage space pirate we’ve been hearing so much about. I would love to know the location of this mythical planet that has made you its ruler.”

  “I can’t tell you; it’s a secret.”

  “How convenient. I suppose it’s too much to hope that the Altian people gave you a crown, or something else to prove that your story is anything other than utter garbish?”

  “The crown was lost, along with the sword, but I have a pendant, or rather a locket—”

  “Good-bye, Jake.”

  There was a loud click, followed by the electronic purr, as the mayor of Remota ended the call. Jake stared at the handheld computer, waiting for it to do something.

  “That not good,” said Nanoo.

  Jake buried his head in his hands. “That was a disaster.”

  “Don’t give up,” said Kella. “You have to make people listen.”

  “How? You heard him; he thinks I’m a liar. Would you believe me if you hadn’t seen Altus for yourself?”

  “It’s a pity you don’t have a crown, or that special sword you told me about,” said Scargus. “A golden cutlass would make most people stop and listen.”

  Jake thought about this for a moment. “Yes, it would.”

  “What on your mind, Jake?” asked Nanoo.

  “We have to find the missing crown and sword of Altus. I already have the seal of Altus and the uniform of a ruler. If I had the crown and sword as well, Hector Rumpole would have to take me seriously.”

  Kella peered at him through narrowed eyes. “I thought they were lost when your father’s ship was destroyed.”

  “They were, but someone must know what happened to them,” said Jake. “And I know who we can ask.”

  Scargus eyed him curiously. “Who?”

  “The last person to see the wreckage,” said Jake. “The salvage captain, Baden Scott.”

  * * *

  It had been an hour since Father Benedict left the ship. Jake was on the handheld computer, trying to track down Baden Scott’s salvage trawler, the Rough Diamond III. Kella had gone to check on Granny Leatherhead, while Scargus had returned to the engine room to finish the repairs. Nanoo was in the monastery with the cyber-monks, seeing if their satellites were powerful enough to send a message back to Taan-Centaur. Jake suspected that Nanoo might offer to boost the signal.

  “Magnifty!” shouted Jake, sitting up and staring at his device. “I’ve got you.”

  Jake hurried up the metal staircase to the captain’s quarters. He wasn’t sure what he was going to say, but he needed her permission to launch the ship. As he reached the top deck, he saw Kella standing outside the black hatch door.

  “What’s going on?” she asked.

  “I’ve found him,” said Jake. “I’ve tracked down Baden Scott. His salvage trawler is docked at a service port in the sixth solar system.”

  “That’s great—so what happens now?”

  “We go and speak to him.”

  “You mean leave Shan-Ti?” said Kella. “I don’t know if the captain is ready for space flight.”

  “I’m sorry, but I have to prove that I’m the ruler of Altus before the Interstellar Navy attacks Vantos.”

  Jake went to step past her, but Kella blocked the door.

  “You’re not listening to me,” she said. “Space travel puts a strain on the body, and the captain needs to rest.”

  “And millions will die if we stay here,” said Jake. “We’ll have to leave the captain with the cyber-monks.”

  The hatch door slid open with a mechanical hiss. Granny Leatherhead stood in the doorway, scowling. In spite of her weakened state, she was still the most frightening person that Jake had ever met.

  “Are you going somewhere, Kid Cutler?” she asked. “And who are you leaving behind?”

  “We need to launch the ship,” he said. “I have to warn the independent colony leaders about the Interstellar Navy, but no one will listen to me without the crown and sword of Altus. Baden Scott is in the sixth solar system. He mentioned a golden
sword the first time we met, and he might know what happened to the crown.”

  Granny Leatherhead rubbed her forehead. “I’ve told you before, I don’t care if the United Worlds and independent colonies destroy each other. I expect there’s good money to be made from war.”

  “Money?” Kella looked horrified. “Why is it always about money? Millions of people could suffer and die. Where will you spend your retirement fund if the independent colonies get wiped out? There will be no more Shan-Ti, no more Remota, no more Reus.”

  Granny Leatherhead regarded Kella with a weary eye, her expression unfathomable.

  “I’ll give you the sword,” said Jake. “If you help us to prevent a galactic war, I’ll give you the sword of Altus. It must be worth a fortune, more than the crystals I owe you.”

  “You’ll give me a golden cutlass?” Granny Leatherhead raised an eyebrow. “That sounds very generous, but how do I know it’s not the size of my finger?”

  “When we were on Altus, I saw paintings of past rulers wearing the crown and holding the sword,” said Jake. “It’s the same size as any other cutlass, except it’s pure gold and encrusted with jewels. Do we have a deal?”

  Jake spat on his hand and held it out. Granny Leatherhead took a moment to consider the offer and then shook his hand.

  “Okay, it’s a deal. I’ll help you to save the galaxy in return for the sword,” she said, before pulling him closer so he could feel her foul breath on his face. “And if you ever think about leaving me behind again, I’ll chop off your legs and feed them to Kodan.”

  Chapter 7

  Admiral Voratio Vantard

  “What going on?” asked Nanoo, entering the engine room. “Why is crew packing up ship?”

  “We’re taking off as soon as we finish the repairs,” said Jake, who was helping Scargus to replace a damaged shield generator. “How did you get on with the cyber-monk satellites?”

  “It hard to say,” sighed Nanoo. “We send message to Taan-Centaur, but Father Benedict say it take one week to reach there, let alone reply.”

  Nanoo muttered something in his own language—a mixture of disappointed clicks and whistles.

  “At least your people will know what happened to you and your parents,” said Jake.