by GARY DARBY
“Something like that,” Jadar replied. “And second, there’s just a chance that if we blow those power sites and it sets off a fireball, well, I don’t think fire and refined Kolomite will mix very well, if you get my drift.”
Vlad swallowed, his eyes widened and he said, “I get it, sir, loud and clear.”
“At least with an overloaded disruptor,” Jadar replied, “we’ll have a small head start before the show starts.”
Several minutes later, satisfied that the other two teams were hurriedly making for the rondy point behind the nearest high hill, Jadar signaled to Chia that it was time to go.
The two slipped over the overhang and lowered themselves into the grass to do a slow low-crawl toward the building closest to the shadowy line splitting the darkness from the light.
Several times, they had to freeze in place when a Mongan came out of the building, fearful that the alien would spot them and sound the alarm.
Side by side they worked their way through the darkness until they neared the circle of light. Jadar reached over, tugged on Chia’s vest and pointed to his left to a small clump of thin bushes that offered a semblance of concealment.
The two scooted over and lay behind the reedy brush while they scanned their immediate front. “Can you reach it from here?” Jadar whispered.
Chia chewed on his lower lip for a second before whispering back, “I wish we could get a little closer.”
“Only if we want to chance being seen,” Jadar murmured. “There’s nothing to hide behind.”
“I know,” Chia said while taking one last look, “Still—”
Vlad’s voice interrupted him over the comms unit, “Sir, you might be getting company real soon.”
“Dogs?”
“Yes sir, at least three. You’re upwind, so I don’t think they’ve picked up your scent, but they’re headed right at you.”
“Got it,” Jadar said and looked at Chia. “It’s now or never, scout, we’ve run out of time.”
“Okay, sir, I’ll give it my best.”
Jadar reached into his torso vest and pulled out two L-guns. It only took but a second for him to set their energy setting to disruptor and jam the firing mechanism into a locked position.
The handle gave off a soft, red glow, and the gun started to vibrate, almost as if it was fizzing inside.
Chia grabbed the first one, jumped to his feet and heaved it with everything he had toward where the triangular-shaped device sat next to the building. Without even looking at where it landed, he reached for the second and let it fly, too.
No sooner had he launched the second disruptor, there came a sharp baying in the near distance.
The wolf-like canines had spotted them.
Jadar jumped to his feet and pushed at Chia, “Go!” he commanded in a forceful voice.
The two charged back up the incline, with the dogs in furious pursuit behind. “Vlad,” Jadar called over his comm,, “if you’ve got a bead on those dogs, don’t hesitate to shoot, stealth time is over.”
His legs pumping as hard as he could, Jadar followed Chia up the hill. Out of the darkness, a pencil-thin laser bolt flashed by, followed by a sharp yelp of pain.
Jadar stumbled and almost fell before pulling himself up and putting on a new burst of speed. The canine’s snarls and growls seemed to be almost on his heels.
He was tempted to turn and fire, but now was not the time to stop, not with their ticking bombs about to go off.
Another laser burst caught a second dog that had outdistanced the pack and closed on Jadar. Its death shriek sounded almost in Jadar’s ears.
Just ahead, he could see the overhang and pushed himself harder. He took a running leap to catch the rock’s sharp edge while his boots clawed at the crumbling dirt to gain some advantage so that he could boost himself up and over.
Strong hands reached down, grabbed him about the arms and shoulders, and heaved him up onto the rocky ledge. Gasping for breath, Jadar said to the two young scouts, “Thanks. Now move! We’ve got to get over the hill crest before those disruptors cook off.”
Following his own advice, Jadar scrambled to his feet and sprinted up the slope. Running beside him, Chia gasped out, “How much time?”
“Thirty seconds!” Jadar ground out between breaths. “Or less,” he muttered to himself.
The three charged up the hill, sending bits of gravel and small rocks spraying down the gradient. Jadar slapped at his comms switch, “Shar, Staley! Get your people under cover, now!”
The incline became steeper as they neared the crest, and Jadar’s footsteps slowed as he grew more winded.
Vlad and Chia powered up the hill, leaving Jadar behind. He didn’t call out to them, didn’t want for even one second to slow them down from reaching the safety of the hill’s backside.
Forcing his weary legs to keep pushing, Jadar felt like he was trying to walk on Juptanian where he would weigh a thousand kilograms. His lungs were on fire, and each breath felt like acid poured down his already scalded throat.
He glanced up to see Vlad and Chia disappear over the crest. The sight made him dig deep for one last surge, one last push up the almost sheer slope.
All he needed was just a few more steps and he would be safe.
For Jadar, the first flash of light from the disruptors’ explosion was as a pale moonbeam compared to the sunlit brilliance that followed and the titanic blast wave that seemed to arrive at the same time.
The powerful pulse lifted him up and threw him skyward. His last thought before he smashed into the ground was that at least Chia and Vlad had made it to safety.
Chapter Twenty-One
Star date: 2443.082
Interstellar Space
Staring with glum eyes at the ebony darkness, General Rosberg shifted uneasily in his stance and turned to peer at the bright glimmer of light that marked a nearby cluster of stars. If we don’t find them Sha’anay soon, he thought, the Imperium could be facing extinction.
Feeling a presence behind him, he turned to find Scoutmaster Tarracas at his shoulder. He too, had his eyes turned to the ebony curtain of interstellar space.
“I’m beginning to think,” Rosberg sighed, “that I was way too optimistic in thinking that we could find the Sha’anay this quickly. Especially since we’re operating way out here in no-man’s land.”
He massaged the back of his neck in a vain attempt to try and relieve the tension that ran through his body. “No response on any n-space frequency that we’ve tried, not even a whisper on our sensors, and nothing in the umpteen star systems we’ve searched.”
Letting out another long breath, he glanced at the Scoutmaster. “You’re still sure we’re on the right track?”
Tarracas gave a slow nod to Rosberg’s question, but his eyes never left the vu-screen. “Yes, I still believe our plan is realistic.”
He gestured toward the vast emptiness of the cosmos. “We know they aren’t anywhere in Imperium space. Admiral Stannick’s patrols at the very edge of our furthermost sectors have turned nothing up.
“With the Mongans congregating in the Helix, it is a valid assumption that the Sha’anay would be within reasonable striking distance of their sworn enemies. Tactically, that means they should be within a few hundred light-years of the nebula.
“And, since the Sha’anay physiology is similar to ours, it is plausible that they would need an Earthlike planet with a suitable atmosphere, water, and food with which to replenish their stores.”
“Unless,” Rosberg replied, “they have the technology that allows them to manufacture what they need on board their spacecraft for what they need.
“After all, our own recycling systems do a pretty decent job of recovering water and oxygen, and the hydroponic farms stretch our food stores a long way.”
“That’s true,” Tarracas conceded. “But even so, there is enough of a loss that needs replacing every so often and I believe that our assumption that the Sha’anay must do the same is credible.
“Especially if the Sha’anay need to replenish minerals and perhaps ores that they need to manufacture their technology and weapons.”
Tarracas turned to Rosberg with a frown that caused deep furrows at the corners of his mouth. “What is puzzling, though, is that the Sha’anay have not returned to engage the Mongans.
“They must know, as we, that the Mongans haven’t left the Helix. It would seem probable that they would have mounted an attack by now.”
Rosberg nodded in agreement. “The Mongans not only haven’t left, but the last communique I got from Admiral Stannick said that they were continuing to build up their forces. They’re at least two or three times stronger now than before.”
His own frown deepened while he said, “Maybe the Sha’anay have pulled back farther than we think, regrouping, trying to amass a force strong enough to go in against the Mongans.
“After all, they did say that they’ve never met such a large Mongan force previously. Maybe it’s thrown their tactical and strategic game plan all out of whack.”
“Pardon the interruption, general,” a voice said from behind them. “But we’ve got an ‘Eyes Only’ message in comms for you.”
“Thank you, Captain Federov,” Rosberg replied as he turned to the IntrepidX’s skipper and asked, “Anything on our sensor sweep?”
Federov shook his head in response. “Sorry, sir, but it looks like a bust for this system. Except for normal background electromagnetic activity, no e-signatures to speak of. I recommend we get underway to our next destination.”
“Which is?” the general asked.
“Delta Ceteus, at six n-space hours,” Federov replied.
Rosberg grunted in response. “I have to admit, Admiral Stannick wasn’t kidding when she said that this ship was fast. What we’ve done in the last few days would take three times as long in an average corvette.”
Federov ran a loving hand over the nearest shiny plas-steel bulkhead. “She’s a beaut all right,” he replied, “and with the speed to match her great looks, too.”
Rosberg smiled at Federov’s comment and said in an aside to Tarracas, “Scoutmaster, have you ever noticed that real sailors have a love affair with their ships?”
As a small smile played on his lips, Tarracas replied, “It’s not much different than we Star Scouts who have a love affair with our mistress.”
“Mistress?!” Rosberg stammered with a shocked expression.
“Of course,” Tarracas replied as a small smile played on his lips. He turned and pointed toward the wide vu-screen. “And her name is Out There.”
Rosberg chuckled loudly at the Scoutmaster’s little joke before saying, “Let’s go see what’s so hot on the plate now, Scoutmaster.”
A few minutes later, Rosberg leaned back from the message display and said to both Tarracas and Federov, “You two need to read this. We just might be in bigger trouble than I thought.”
After reading the message, Federov whistled to himself. “General, are you sure you still want to find the Sha’anay? From what I see here, I don’t think we’re going to get the red-carpet treatment.”
“You’re assuming that they know about Elder Tor’al’s abduction,” Tarracas pointed out. “If I understand this correctly, the Sha’anay left the Helix before the Faction found Tor’al and the others.”
“I believe you’re right,” Rosberg acknowledged. “They probably don’t know. Which brings up the question, do we tell them if we do make contact?”
Before anyone could reply to Rosberg’s question, an ensign came up and whispered in Federov’s ear for several moments.
He jerked his head back when the young officer stepped back and with eyes opened wider than usual, said, “Well sir, it looks like you’re going to have to make that decision in just about a minute or two.”
At the startled expression on Rosberg’s face in sudden realization of just what he meant, Federov’s expression became fixed and taut as if he were about to order his ship into battle.
“A whole fleet of Sha’anay warships just dropped out of n-space, dead ahead, sir.”
Rosberg jumped to his feet. “Did we send out the universal peace greeting?”
“Yes sir. Received and acknowledged by the Sha’anay.”
Rosberg turned to Tarracas, “Time to earn our keep, Scoutmaster, let’s go.”
Federov led them to the IntrepidX’s bridge where many of the crew sat transfixed by the mesmerizing sight on the forward vu-screen.
Rosberg’s steps slowed as he too beheld the spellbinding view.
Like a solid curtain of gray, dozens upon dozens of enormous Sha’anay warships, gleaming bright against the blackness of space, floated just tens of kilometers away from the IntrepidX.
Rosberg peered at the Sha’anay fleet, knowing that while each craft appeared peaceful and tranquil in this deep-space setting, they also represented an armada of powerful and formidable warships.
Furthermore, since the Sha’anay were able to match the Mongans in ship-to-ship combat, he had no choice but to assume that each Sha’anay vessel they faced was more than a match for any warship found within the Imperium and that included the IntrepidX.
While he watched, one craft, notably larger than the others, broke ranks and slowly moved toward them. Federov turned to a nearby naval officer and said, “Weapons officer, I want your board in standby mode only. No hot sensor signatures whatsoever on any weapons platform, understood?”
“Understood, sir. Going to standby mode,” the young woman answered.
Her fingers moved swiftly across her console before she turned to say, “Green across the board, sir. All weapons at standby mode, no active electronic emissions.”
“Very well,” Federov acknowledged and over his shoulder, called out, “Helmsman, come to dead slow and stop.”
“Aye, aye, sir,” the man replied, “coming to full stop.”
The two vessels closed the distance until they were but a few kilometers apart and stationary to each other. Rosberg muttered to Tarracas, “That behemoth could swallow half a dozen of our largest Marauders and still have room left over.”
Overhearing Rosberg’s comments, Federov asserted, “By far the biggest ship I’ve ever seen. How do you build something so huge?”
“I would not even begin to guess,” Tarracas replied and waved a hand at the vu-screen. “But I do believe we are being invited to come aboard.”
Two massive doors on the Sha’anay ship had rolled back, revealing an enormous inner bay. Rosberg nodded to himself. The meaning of the open doors was quite clear—the Sha’anay were openly offering the IntrepidX entrance to their gigantic craft.
Federov glanced questioningly at Rosberg, who gave a single, quick nod. “Take us in, Captain Federov. It would be rude not to accept their invitation.”
Federov drew in a deep breath. “Aye, aye sir. Though I have to admit, this must be how Jonah felt when he saw the whale.”
He turned and commanded, “Helmsman, take us in, dead ahead slow. Make sure you clear those bulkheads, mister, I don’t want any scratches on my nice, new, shiny chrome plating.”
“Beggin’ the captain’s pardon,” the helmsman replied. “That hangar bay is so big that I could have us do cartwheels going in and still have room to spare.”
“Uh huh,” Federov replied. “Be that as it may, mister, I prefer a stately entrance, so put us dead center on an even keel. Make us look good.”
“Dead center it is, and sir,” the older man sniffed, “I always look good.”
The IntrepidX rotated its bow toward the lighted opening in the Sha’anay ship and began a slow and cautious glide inward. A few minutes later, the ship settled to a soft landing on its pods and the Sha’anay ship’s immense doors closed behind.
Federov turned to a deck officer and asked, “Do we have atmosphere?”
“They appear to be pressurizing now, sir,” she replied while keeping her eyes steadfast on her console. After a few moments, she called out, “Ninety-eight percent o
f one earth atmosphere, sir, and holding steady.”
“Oxygen, nitrogen are within normal parameters, trace elements of inert, harmless gasses, a little high on the ozone. Should have a nice, crisp, tangy flavor.”
She hesitated while she read her displays before saying, “Gravity holding steady at a little over one-gee. You’re going to have to work a little harder on those five-mile treadmill runs of yours, captain.”
“Still outrun you Ensign Diaz,” Federov returned before swinging around to the general, “No need for p-suits, sir.”
“Good,” Rosberg responded, “because I do believe that’s our welcoming committee.”
On the vu-screen, three Sha’anay strode with purposeful steps toward the IntrepidX until they reached the midpoint and stopped. They made no overt gesture but waited with their eyes fixed on the ship.
“That would be our cue to make our appearance, general,” Tarracas said in a small voice. “And since there are three of them, I suggest we make it three of us.”
“Right,” Rosberg replied. “Captain Federov, please join Scoutmaster Tarracas and me. And gentlemen, using Captain Federov’s earlier statement as a corollary, though this must feel like Daniel marching into the lion’s den, no weapons if you please.”
“Aye, sir,” Federov returned. “Commander Jeth, you have the bridge.”
With quick strides, the three made their way to the portside airlock and then down a telescoping ramp. They marched abreast until they stood a few paces away from the Sha’anay.
Rosberg took a pace forward with his hands outstretched and open.
At that point, one of the Sha’anay stepped forward and held out three sensator rings. The Sha’anay motioned to the halo devices and then to his head.
From the corner of his mouth Rosberg said over his shoulder, “These must be their interpreter devices.” He reached out, took a halo and placed it on his head while Tarracas and Federov followed suit.
The Sha’anay too, placed sensator rings on their heads and motioned for Rosberg to speak.
Rosberg gave a slight bow and said, “I am Rosberg of the Terran Imperium. These are my companions, Tarracas and Federov. We have sought out the honored Sha’anay nation in friendship and peace.
