Gray Panthers: Earths Revenge

by David Guenther

  “Captain, since we will be as close as we are to the gas giant we launch a probe to study it also. If it is comprised of helium 3 it will be easier to mine from a gaseous state then it is from a solid state as we do from the moon’s surface,” Beater suggested.

  “Request approved, Beater. You may launch both probes at your discretion.”

  Three and a half hours later the ships pilot was the first to report to the Captain.

  “Sir, we are experiencing some gravitational fluctuations between the moon and the gas giant. Recommend we change course slightly so the moon is between us and the gas giant,” Commander Poland recommended.

  “Adjust course at your discretion Commander Poland until you can get us in a high orbit of the moon.”

  “Captain the FTL drive is ready to be engaged. Both probes have been launched,” Beater reported.

  “I guess we will have to wait for another day to play explorer. Commander Poland please set course for League of Planets Space. Then engage the FTL drive. We will return to our previous rotation until we are back in normal space. I will see you gentlemen in five days.”

  Gray Panther Head Quarters

  13 September 2128

  Abdul was not sure what he should do. Reports had gotten to him that extra parts that had been made in Vietnam, Thailand, and Taiwan had found their way to China and were being disassembled and copied. The Chinese were building their own shuttle program from stolen technology. “Grub, what do we know about the Chinese manufacturing plants that are producing copies of our technology?” Abby asked.

  “It appears it has been restricted to a single factory. Even in China, factories are not above stealing from other factories. They have not yet gone into production and are instead still studying the components they have managed to procure. I can access the systems there and cause the factory to overload its electrical system. That should be enough to cause a catastrophic fire. It appears everything has been compartmentalized in their networks so I can easily destroy all records and backups of the data,” Grub offered.

  “Have they made any modifications to the equipment or have they kept it all original? If they have made any improvements I’d like to know. Meanwhile let’s find the sources they got the parts from so we can close the leak,” Abby ordered.

  “Abby, it appears that the parts were all taken off the assembly lines by quality assurance and tagged as unserviceable and unrepairable. In all three cases it looks like the head of quality assurance has become particularly well off financially,” Grub stated.

  “Dan, how about a working lunch? I have some stuff to go over with you,” Abby commed.

  “Sure, noon in my office. I’ll see you then,” Dan replied.

  At noon, Abby walked into Dan’s office and was not surprised to see General Black there as well. The two were sitting at a conference table with a couple large pizzas. Both men were drinking beer. Abby sat down and grabbed a slice for his plate.

  Black nodded then said, “Afternoon, Abby, I hope your day is going as good as mine. I had a couple ideas I wanted to go over with you. Everything we have based our Army on was on the assumption we have control of the air. I want to be prepared for the worst case scenario in which an enemy controls the air and the units are forward without any support. I want the infantry to have a light weight anti-air defense unit that can also reach into space if needed. I’d also like to see faeries adapted to locate the enemy and even attack them. I want to see that ability at the squad level. The last item I was thinking about was some form of forward base defense if they found themselves not in control of the air. Counter artillery or laser, maybe a force field generator,” the General suggested.

  Abby has listened patiently and remembered a few times when the Iranian Guard had attacked his village with helicopters and there were no defenses against the airborne slaughter. “I will see what I can do General, I agree it should be looked into before we deploy off planet. The forward base defense you want I think should be built into the shuttles since it would be too big to be man portable.” Abby then turned to Dan and continued, “Dan we have a problem with the Chinese. They are stealing from our factories to make their own shuttle. I would bet they are on their way to making their own reverse engineered ship as well. Can you imagine the shit we will get from our government if that happens? We will be forced to give them the same technology and we will have a new all out arms race.”

  “That will not be happening if we have to have another act of God with a meteor crashing down from the heavens the same way North Korea lost its leadership,” Dan stated.

  “At the moment it’s all confined to one facility. We can wipe out their records of it and can remotely overload their facilities and possible burn it to the ground. We need to send a strong message to deter them from trying again in the future though as well. I would like to chat with their premier the same time we take out the facility. I think that would drive the point home. I would use that time to reassure him that the fleet we are building is no danger to China, but it could be,” Abby stated.

  “Abby, you are no statesman; you’d probably shoot the premier in the kneecaps as a warning. I don’t want to pussy foot around with them either. If I have you get in contact with the premier it appears low level and that I don’t consider it a big deal. OK, go ahead and have a chat with the premiere and take care of the problem,” Dan said smiling as he took a deep swig of beer.

  Abby took a bite out of his pizza savoring the flavors then reassured Dan, “Trust me, no problem.”

  Abby’s smile made Dan and Black both shudder as they had seen that same smile when Abby was committed to getting something done. Dan worried he had just let loose a world of hurt on China.

  Beijing China

  14 September 2128

  The Communist General Secretary Bo Gu was annoyed with his assistant for accepting an appointment to receive a phone call from the number two man of the Gray Panther Army, but conceded it may be interesting. Americans were so weak and easy to see through he would have fun toying with this “ghost.” The phone rang and Bo Gu told his assistant to put the call through to his office. As soon as he picked up the phone an apparition appeared in his office.

  “Good evening, General Secretary, I thank you for taking my call. I thought you would appreciate seeing me as we talked so you can see my sincerity for this call. I apologize if the surprise annoyed you.” Bo Gu recovered from the shock quickly.

  “That is not a problem Mr. Bahadur, had I known you had this capacity I would have projected myself to your office as well. We have had this technology for a while as I’m sure you are aware. I am aware of the traditions of most Americans of “getting to the point” so I will dispense with small talk. What can I do for you?"

  “I thank you for your brevity, General Secretary. I just wanted to apologize for the fire that destroyed the facility that was housing Gray Panther ship components. If the components are not properly grounded they can interact with the local electrical system of where they are stored. Had I known you had the components I would have warned you sooner,” Abby said not even trying to hide his smile.

  “Thank you for your courtesy in this matter but I do not know what you are talking about,” Bo Gu replied keeping a straight face not knowing if his anger was visible by the damn ghost before him.

  “Mr. Secretary, if you look out your window across the Forbidden City you can see the smoke I believe,” Abby suggested.

  “That is fine, Mr. Bahadur. Is there anything else you have contacted me for?” Bo Gu asked trying to keep his voice neutral and from rising.

  “Just that and to let you know Jesus is coming and he is pissed. Our God destroyed the Godless North Korean leader with an asteroid setting free the people of the yoke of communism. He told me he would have a message for you. He said you should ask the commanders of the three subs off the American coast if they have seen anything interesting. Mr. Secretary I am the staff of my lord and if you fuck with the Gray Panthers I will strike you do
wn!” As Abby had been speaking his apparition had continued to grow until he disappeared in fire and smoke.

  Bo Gu stood frozen in shock from rage and fear. No one talked to him the way the American did. Bo Gu also realized that the ghost had been speaking flawless Mandarin. He immediately went to the window to see black heavy smoke coming from the other side of the Forbidden City. Anger rose as he also realized the fire must have started during his scheduled call from the ghost. The other things the upstart has said now popped back into his head as he called for his assistant. “Chen, get with the secretary of the Navy. I want to know if the submarines on Americas west coast have had anything to report immediately!” Bo Gu sat at his desk waiting to hear what his assistant had to say upon his return.

  “Mr. Secretary, we had reports from all three subs that they had witnessed small asteroids crashing into the sea less than a mile from them.”

  “Get with the Strategic Force Command have them report to you the origin of those asteroids or whatever they were. I also want the science commission to report on the origin of those asteroids. I want that information as soon as possible or heads will roll!” Bo Gu shouted. This was one of those few days he missed being an agent of the Ministry of State Security. Bo Gu was seething in rage when his assistant reported back to him three hours later.

  “Mr. Secretary both agencies have confirmed the origin of the asteroids was indeed from space. Both agencies are adamant there was no source for them to have been launched from Earth because of their trajectory."

  “Very well, have Ministry of State Security continue to monitor the Gray Panther Army, but do not take any more samples of technology without my direct authorization,” Bo Gu ordered, as he reached into his cabinet for his bottle of Jack Daniels and noticed his hand was shaking.

  Arizona Space Ship Beater League of Planets Space

  14 September 2128

  The sensors were showing numerous contacts in all directions. None of the ships detected were nearby and not one of them appeared to show any interest in the Arizona Space Ship Beater. Only navigational sensors were being used since the weapons sensors would be detected.

  “Captain in this corner of space it would be considered rude to target neighboring ships. If we were in, say the USA, we would be between Minnesota and South Dakota, a place nobody wants to be, but it is safe. There are no battles or borders near us. This part of the League of Planets has nothing the Libra Alliance are interested in so we can relax. We are a little under a day’s travel to the Republic Border. We don’t want to advertise ourselves by using the FTL drive. Locals would talk about someone either in too much of a hurry or too rich for their own good. We can use the time to go over everything one last time before entering Republic Space,” Captain Young suggested to Commander Johnson.

  Looking at the Marine Captain, Johnson knew he was right. “Ship's crew, this is the Captain. We seem to be fitting in with the locals. We will continue at max impulse to the border so use your time wisely. We will maintain 50% alert until further notice. Captain out."

  Short Blade had taken most of the containers of gold and moved them to the shuttle. There still remained the portion that was considered for bribes and emergencies in the hold. Short Blade laughed as he saw how the OPFOR team was attired by the shuttle. Each member was wearing a suit and tie. The team was trying to find the best way to pack their weapons so they would not be evident. Short Blade went down to the other bay where the fabricator was. “I need two Kust legal boxes and one Baar musical box please.”

  The three boxes were uncomfortably awkward to carry as Short Blade returned to the team still experimenting with how to carry their gear. “Captain Young, I thought you might be able to use these boxes. The two smaller boxes are used by the Kust to carry legal documents like an attaché case. The large case is user by the Baar to carry their musical instruments. None of these boxes will attract any unwanted attention. If you take the boxes to the fabricator you can request foam to make inserts so anything you put into the boxes does not rattle.”

  “Short Blade, how common is it to find a Jacka on the planet?” Young asked.

  “It is not uncommon to see Jacka who are used as body guards or private security. Some elders from my planet even have their Clans money in the Central Bank here,” Short Blade answered.

  “OK Short Blade, I accept your volunteering for the mission. The team will be myself, and you will be number two. Washington and Ramirez will be back up. Sgt. Polanski you are now going to stay with the shuttle. How should you be attired for going to the bank, Short Blade?”

  “Sir, if I wear a flight suit it will be obvious I am working for you. It will be perfectly normal for me to be seen wearing a pistol and sword; it would be suspicious if I was not.

  “OK, we are good to go then. I will let the Captain know you are now on the team. Do you want one of our extra side arms or do you prefer a Jacka side arm? I know it’s a bitch to shoot a Jacka weapon and ours have less recoil so you can keep it on target for follow-up shots.”

  “I have already been issued a modified short beamer. I will wear a traditional holster and it will cover up the weapon so no one will notice,” Short Blade replied.

  Twenty minutes later Captain Young found himself having to sell the idea of letting Short Blade go on the mission to Commander Johnson. “Sir Short Blade is the mission. He doesn’t attract attention and he is familiar with the different species. He could stop us from doing something stupid that would jeopardize the mission,” Young argued.

  “You can have him, Captain, I just feel like a shit to send the little guy into any danger, especially after all he has done already. Did you know he’s the only one on this ship that has earned a commendation from the Gray Panthers? I want your entire team to come home, Captain, but look out for the little guy if you can,” Johnson asked in defeat.

  “Sir, I feel the same way, but he will make the difference I’m sure,” Young replied.

  The remainder of the day included last checks of weapons systems. Dart flight used the opportunity to look over their Darts in the event they would need to launch. The Captain set course for the nearest border station noting the large amount of traffic heading in the same direction. The other ships made a point to avoid coming to close to the Arizona Space Ship Beater and they reciprocated by keeping a safe distance as well.

  Arizona Space Ship Beater in League of Planets Space

  15 September 2128

  The Arizona Space Ship Beater neared the border when they were hailed by their transponder number M020562.

  “Attention M020562, what is your reason for being at the border?” The League of Planets Border Patrol schooner requested.

  “Border Patrol Schooner, we are taking General Krug on a diplomatic mission to Planet Dirt for the Libra Alliance. Is there a problem or is this routine?” Commander Johnson demanded as angrily as he could.

  “M020562 you are cleared for border crossing,” the ensign of the schooner said as he turned to the others on their flight deck. “Another crooked General stashing his payoffs in the bank; it must be nice.”

  Ten minutes later the ship was again hailed. “M020562 what is the nature of your visit to Republic Space?” the alien ship challenged. Johnson was looking at the view screen and could not believe the size of the Republic ship. “Is the magnification turned up on the viewer or is that ship five times the size of our biggest ship?” Johnson asked.

  “Captain, the ship ahead of us is a Republic Battle Ship, the largest series of warship in their fleet. That ship is called the Fury," Beater answered.

  “Attention Fury, we are the Arizona Space Ship Beater from planet Earth. I am Commander Johnson. We are on a diplomatic mission to the planet Dirt to establish commerce between our governments,” Johnson replied.

  “Earth Ship Beater, explain why you are in a stolen space ship,” the Fury queried.

  “This ship was part of an invasion fleet sent by the Libra. We captured it in Battle as we destroyed their invasion f
leet,” Johnson answered.

  “Earth Ship Beater, we are sending a shuttle to examine your ship. This is not a provocation on our part, but if you attempt to depart or fire on the shuttle you will be fired upon. If you try to take the shuttle crew hostage you will be destroyed. Do you understand?” the Captain of the Fury asked.

  “Thank you for the friendly greeting. We extend an invitation to your shuttle to visit us. I have just sent our ships environmental conditions to ensure we are compatible with your visiting crewmen,” Johnson replied as he turned to Short Blade. “Turn environmental down to 55 Fahrenheit, I want our cold blooded friend to make only a short uncomfortable visit. They expect it to be 80 Farenheit in here."

  “Captain Young waited at the port hatch as the Republic Shuttle finished docking. The hatch display lights went from red to green as Young pressed the control to open the door. A slight swoosh could be heard as the atmospheric controls adjusted for the hatch opening. Young stood there kicking himself for not checking to see what procedure were in place for receiving the boarding party. Two huge green lizard like beings were the first to come into view. They each wore a bright purple uniform that covered them from boots to neck. They were each seven foot tall and their exposed skin seemed to fluctuate different shades of green. Both aliens had a weapon holstered to their chests. The alien on Young's left had a boxlike unit in his three digit hand. The box emitted a soft white light that was pointed at Capt. Young for a minute. A smaller alien then entered from behind the pair of seven foot aliens. The new alien was only four foot tall wearing a red uniform that had numerous flashes and decorations. The lizard looked at Capt. Young and said, “I am ensign Krakk, I need to scan the humans for our information service. What are you?”

  “I am Captain Young. I am the representative for our government. I do not have time to waste with an underling. I will permit you to scan me, then we will proceed to Planet Dirt,” Young said as he towered over the little alien. “Now you may communicate with your superiors that we are unhappy with this delay.”