She thought about it and answered, “I suppose it is for me.”
He turned and looked at her for the first time. “You?”
She nodded and studied him, trying to ascertain his state of mind. “This is all my fault, father. If I had contacted you earlier, I could have stopped all this.” They both sighed. “I could have prevented this.”
“No,” he grunted. “Don’t cry. It’s not your fault. I’ve been conflicted for some time, now. I knew this day was coming.” He ran a hand over his balding head, blew out a loud gasp, and grimaced. “My anger has… has destroyed my career and I’m sure,” he sighed deeply again as he was about to mention Boone’s name. “He will insist on bringing down the full weight of law upon me.”
Phia thought, “I think I would have to agree with Boone. Did he really try to have him killed? Should I even ask?”
He studied her and wondered what she thought of him. He saw sadness and disappointment. He was surprised when she got up, pushed her chair tight against his, sat back down, and put her arm around his. She gently laid her head on his arm and let more tears fall. He noticed and gently rubbed her soft hair with his hand. It was a gentle touch, from father to daughter. His anger turned into remorse.
“Phia, it is times like this I miss her the most.”
She lifted her head and looked at him. He noticed her reddened face and her bloodshot eyes. He then realized she probably hadn’t slept for a while and she also just finished an important mission. A successful mission. He felt proud of that amidst his turmoil.
“Mother always had good sound advice. Even if we didn’t like it!” she chuckled as she tried to change the dismal mood.
He nodded and said, “I’m sure she would have some choice words for me, now. Foolish comes to mind!”
“Is there anything I can do to help? I want to understand what you’re going through.”
“Pfft!” he muttered. “You and your mother. Always thinking you can fix everything.” He gazed at her. “But, I do like that quality in you.”
“I’d like to know the source of your hatred. Should I mention Boone’s name? Father, do you want to talk about what happened? If not, I’ll be fine to just sit here with you… and talk about old times. I don’t want to push.” She chuckled, “Lately, everyone has been stressing the fact that I am far too pushy. Intrusive was the word!” She chuckled again.
He answered, “I know what you’re doing. You want to know why I hate that bum. Huh? And I also know you like him. A lot. Am I right about that?”
“I went to Kova and read everything, Father. And I mean ‘everything!’ I started with his father, Finn. He was an excellent officer and highly decorated. But, you knew that.”
“Pfft! She didn’t answer the question.”
She looked at him and his gaze drifted to the large window that overlooked Efferium and two of its moons. He sighed.
“Yes, I know that. We even worked together when Obipherion thought it could solve the constellations many squabbles. Obipherion and Kova were the few systems that tried to keep the peace. I want to know why he defected.”
Phia sat up, disturbed by his comment. “Defected? What did he defect from?”
“You read about it. He left the Kovan Defense Force. He refused to join the High Guard.”
She slouched in her chair and stretched her legs out and watched the planet rotate. She wondered. “He doesn’t hate Boone, he hates his father! Oh, no!”
“Aren’t I right about that? Doesn’t that make him a quitter? Didn’t he quit? Because he and I were the same rank. He could have been a supreme commander like me. He turned his nose at it.” As he stared at her, she was gazing out the window. He suspected she had information. He continued to gaze at her until she finally looked at him. “What did you find? I have to know, now. After all, I’ve been waiting for over a month to hear it.”
She answered, “Father, are you ready to hear it?”
He smirked and turned his gaze back to the planet. “I know what you’re asking, Phia. Yes,” he muttered. “Go ahead. I’m not going to throw anything or get mad again. Please? I’m asking.”
“Finn Nova was the Commander of the Planetary Defense Fleet in the Kova Defense Force. He resigned his commission because Kova had to release Pereon prisoners - all of the Pereon prisoners. Father, they were prisoners shot down in orbit of Kova as they tried to destroy cargo ships, small orbital patrols, and even enter the atmosphere and fire upon choice unprotected industries. They killed a lot of people and from what I gathered, a lot of men and women he commanded. These prisoners were killers! He couldn’t stand for it. Father? Didn’t you go through that?”
…
Jak and Nell slowly circled the ailing space gunner known as, the Terken. The Terken was a slang name for trickster. Chanko relished the ship and the name and now, Jona was piloting it. Jona tried to size up Jak and Nell from a short distance as they looked for damage. Jak and Nell were trying to size up Jona as well.
Jak muttered, “Yeah, you’re gonna be stuck out here in space for quite a while.” He lightly chuckled.
Nell added, “You have no stabilizer! There’s no way to control a descent of any kind with that damage.”
“I knew it,” Jona huffed. “That’s what I get for getting involved, I guess. Probably gonna have to find a large cargo ship and hitch a new ride. I think.”
“It’s worth a try,” Jak answered. “But, I’ve got a better idea.”
Nell asked, “Jak? What?”
“This is on me, Nell. I’ll handle it. Besides, I’d like to meet the man that can beat Chanko.”
Jona replied, “You mean you’d like to punish me? I’m not falling for that.”
“No,” Jak said. “Follow us. We’ll take care of your ship. Trust me.”
“Huh,” Jona replied with a huff. “I’ve heard those words before.”
Jak and Nell slowly turned their ships toward the Xeraxes-Adjelon corridor and jetted away. Jona followed.
…
Boone had forced himself to sleep despite the needless chatter from his friends. Pryce and Terra chatted about their upcoming trip to Kova, expecting Boone to keep his promise and Mace and Gunner chatted about what Jona might be doing at the moment. They feared for him and lamented that Boone sent him away. Boone managed to sleep for a couple of hours – solely due to the stressful day he just experienced.
Captain Eisen entered, “Boone!” He awoke instantly. The captain glanced at everyone.
“Sir!” Boone answered.
Captain Eisen thought, “A civilian, calling me, Sir? He’s more respectful than some of my own crew members! What is J’Dar mad about? Ah! Boone. I came as quickly as I could. It’s been very busy on the bridge today.” Boone nodded. “I want to extend my deepest apologies for what happened. I admit, Boone, I saw a great deal of animosity from the commander but I never thought he would escalate to this level.”
Everyone nodded, agreeing with the captain. They listened intently and wondered if the commander was indeed behind it all. They also wondered if the commander really ordered Boone killed.
“We are still investigating what happened. Officer DeKator is questioning them and we’ll have an answer soon. Now, Boone, I’d like to hear more about these warrants against you.”
With that, Boone’s face turned red and his eyes bulged. He was trapped. He had great respect for the captain and felt compelled to speak the truth. He swallowed hard and the captain noticed. Boone glared at Pryce and Mace as if to look for help in answering him. There was no comfort in their eyes. They were worried as well.
“Boone! Is it true? You’re wanted by the High Guard?”
Boone noticed Terra; she was expecting him to be truthful. Mace seemed distant; despondent. Boone nodded. “Yes. I am. But, it’s a very long story and Sir, I am innocent of any wrongdoing. I can promise you that. My problem is… Sir, it’s my word against a diplomat’s and I don’t have proof to justify my actions. I’m sorry.”
“For som
e reason, I am believing this man and agreeing with him! Strange. He doesn’t seem to be trouble as everyone has told me. Unless he’s a master at deception. Hmm. Boone, you said ‘justify your actions.’ What actions are you talking about? What did you do?”
Boone bowed his head and stared at the floor. His eyes slowly lifted to see a concerned captain waiting patiently for an answer. It seemed the captain understood the difficult question.
“Captain, I shot down a Pereon diplomat. He was trying to take advantage of the Emancipation Declaration. If I didn’t stop him, he would have killed my friends.”
The captain just looked at him and wondered. He looked at Pryce and Mace then at Boone again.
“So, this happened the day before the signing? You could be cleared of it!”
“No, Sir. Remember? The Court of Primes anticipated something like this would happen – people trying to kill their enemies then be forgiven for it the very next day. They signed the declaration one day early. Remember?”
“Ah, yes. I do remember that.”
“I don’t have any proof, Sir. That’s what the warrant is about. My word against theirs – the diplomat’s family.”
The captain sighed and tried to understand. He looked at Terra, “You’re going with him? To investigate?”
“Yes, Sir. Ms. Ta’mian, also. We are going to find some proof.” She looked at Boone. “Right? Boone?”
Boone just smirked because if there was any evidence of what happened in the skies of Kova that day, he and his father, Finn, foolishly destroyed it all in an effort to cover it up.
The captain added, “Well, I’m not arresting you. You seem to be submitting to the warrant. I’ll not intervene. But, we are jumping in about an hour. So, you have time to get ready, if you need something. Also, I want you to know this, I am on my way to arrest the commander. Once we get to Obipherion, he will be confined in our most secure…”
“Sir!” Boone interrupted. “Don’t!”
The captain, as well as everyone else, was dumbfounded by Boone’s words. They glared at him with amazement.
“Sir, please? You can’t do that to him. Not the commander.”
“Boone?” the captain asked. “Are you out of your mind? He tried to kill you! That is the highest offense!”
“Sir, I know. He ‘may’ have done that but I think we should find out what’s going on with him. Something is very wrong!”
When he said that, everyone chuckled loudly. Mace was glaring and nodding his head up and down, and Pryce and Terra were amazed by Boone’s foolish idea. They all wanted the commander locked up.
“Captain, don’t you think we need to send the commander to a specialist and find out what is wrong with him? I’d like to know! Because he is not himself right now. Agreed?”
The captain folded his arms across his chest and studied Boone. He admired his wisdom and forgiveness. He was speechless.
Boone added, “He is the most highly decorated officer in the Guard. Right? And his years of service in the Obipherion Guard Force… shouldn’t that all count for something?”
The captain let his arms fall to his side as he sighed loudly, disbelieving what he just heard. He walked toward the door to leave. He turned and looked at Boone.
“I can’t believe this, coming from you. But, I do agree with you. And, I think you’re right. He is definitely not himself. I’ll take care of him, Boone!” he chuckled. “Just for you!” He smiled at everyone but Pryce, Terra, and Mace still had dumbfounded looks on their faces. “We jump in one hour,” he added as he nodded to each of them. “Then you are to meet with the prime. Understood?” Everyone nodded then the captain left.
“Boone,” Mace muttered. Everyone looked at him. “I think you need to be checked out! There’s something wrong with you!”
They all laughed as Boone nodded his head in agreement. They chatted for a few minutes then he made them leave in order to prepare for the jump and their meeting with Jok Ta’mian, the 5th Prime of Obipherion. Boone also made Gunner leave as he assured him he could take care of himself. He still had Kola’s small chrome plated phase pistol to protect himself. Gunner left and Boone began to scheme.
As he planned his escape from the Sim-Sa Gale, and from his friends as well, his heart and mind were in turmoil. He leaned back into his bed, glanced at his bare abdomen which had a small scar, and wondered what the cause of his troubles and distresses could be. He blamed his misfortunes on the High Guard and his neglect of following the voices in his head – his mother, his spiritual friend, Zay’Geis, and his Lord. He plopped his head on his pillow and rehearsed a day in his mind he vowed to forget.
“Son! How many times have I told you! You can’t overtake my lead! Get back to my port shoulder! Now!” He cursed. Once again, Boone realized he had disappointed his father and knew he regretted letting him fly with the patrol.
“Sorry, Sir. I’m not used to the speed of this ship. It’s much different than my flyer. The thrust control is very sensitive. It won’t happen again!”
Finn just smirked and shook his head from side-to-side in disgust. Not only was his son out of formation but his small squadron was listening and learning more about his son’s incompetence.
“That’s what the simulators are for!” he yelled. Then he calmed himself down somewhat. The conversation turned from yelling to strong slanted disgruntled orders. “Simulators, son. You have to put the time in. Understand? Then you have to put in the same amount of time in the air on those training runs.”
“I have, Sir! And a lot of them! It’s just these speed-scapes I’m having trouble with. But, I’m gonna qualify in them! I just need a few more weeks and I’ll…”
“You’re arguing with me. I don’t want to hear excuses. You should be better at this by now. That’s all I’m saying.”
“Pfft! Sir, I’ll never be good enough for you. Why are you always yelling at me! And making me look like a fool. Yes, Sir. I copy.”
Boone didn’t say another word except ‘copy’ or ‘Sir’ and that was only when he had to. ‘Dad’ and ‘father’ were not part of Boone’s vocabulary – he always had to refer to him as ‘Sir.’ They had little interaction apart from Kovan Defense Force duties. Colonel Nova was seldom home, he was seldom anyone except, Colonel, and he was seldom a father.
Boone maintained his position as port wingman for the rest of the patrol. The patrol on this particular day was to orbit Kova’s sister planet, Nava Kova several times then extend their orbital path as close to the neighboring star system of Pereon as they were allowed by the treaty. The only spaceships allowed to travel between the two systems were precious cargo ships. The KDF was always protecting, preventing, and capturing Pereon infiltrators and such. Boone was getting his feet wet that day as a junior officer in the KDF but his father doubted his abilities and his cocky attitude.
…
The High Guard attack ships drew Merrick’s gunners out from both his compounds – the smaller compound on the edge of the city and from his main protected compound. They scurried toward the oncoming force in the sky. The High Guards’ main force flying on the deck went unnoticed.
Merrick darted for the control room, ascertained the situation, and notified all his personnel in both compounds. His main compound, the base of his operations which was also his home, lay deep inside the city of Tala’Veegen. He ordered every gunner from his compound on the outskirts of the city – six gunners to engage the oncoming six High Guard gunships. He ordered every one of his gunners from his personal compound, nine gunners to assist. His main compound was left unprotected.
From the air, Thunder Leader led the coordinated strike force. He would assess the attack from the air and dictate his orders to the undetected group – Wave Leader, approaching on the deck.
Thunder leader: Wave leader, this is Thunder 1, copy?
Wave leader: I copy, Thunder 1.
Thunder 1: We are two minutes from engagement. We have lured all six gunners from the secondary compound. We see some gun
ners jetting out from the primary target, four so far. Hopefully, the remaining five will follow them. Standby, we want all nine of those gunners to engage us. Copy?
Wave leader: Copy, Thunder 1.
Thunder 1: Thunder 1 to Thunder 5 and 6. Break off and flank the gunner group on each side. Keep them heading toward us and don’t let any of them try to outflank us.
Thunder 5: Copy!
Thunder 6: Copy!
Two of the five guard attack ships broke off and made wide turns in an effort to prevent any of the six gunners to outflank them. The four gunners from Merrick’s main compound were several minutes behind the six gunners from his secondary compound. Thunder 5 and 6 would make sure the six gunners stayed in formation and continue straight for Thunder 1, 2, 3, 4, and the High Guard gunship carrying a dozen guardsmen to infiltrate and seize the compound.
Thunder leader was not hesitant in the least concerning the six gunners less than a minute away. Nor was he concerned that he and his four other attack ships were outnumbered ten to five.
Attack ships had the reputation of blasting their way through heavy barrages of phaser fire. Their armor plating allowed them to barrel through heavy phaser fire and in return, dole out punishing phaser fire of their own. Merrick’s six gunners raced toward Thunders’ four attack ships fearlessly as if they were overjoyed. Thunder 5 and 6 were far off to their port and starboard. As Merrick’s gunners fired full barrages of phaser fire, Thunder 1 lagged and let Thunder 2, 3, and 4 take the lead and return fire.
Thunder 2, 3, and 4 seemed unaffected by the gunners. The gunners then began to explode and break apart one-by-one. Merrick’s gunners were no match for the attack ships. As several of the lead gunners broke apart, the others began to break off from the high altitude skirmish, realizing they were overpowered, but Thunder 5 and 6 closed in and cut off their escape route.
Thunder 1 watched his team cut the gunners to pieces. Then he turned his attention to the oncoming nine gunners from Merrick’s main compound.
Thunder 1: Wave 1, stand by for infiltration. The moment we engage. Approximately sixty seconds. Then you may take the compound. Prepare to deploy Thunder 7 – 18. Copy, Wave?
Return of the Guardian King Page 8
