Return of the Guardian King

by John E Bujanowski Jr

  Wave 1: Copy, Thunder 1. Ready to deploy. Happy hunting.

  Merrick’s other nine gunners had observed the quick onslaught from the five attack ships. Instead of recognizing the damage their comrades experienced and perceiving the attack ships were heavily armored, they forged ahead in anger, futilely.

  Thunder 1-6 were still at a high altitude as the nine gunners approached them from the deck. Merrick’s gunners were ordered to spread out in a side-by-side formation. They would make the attack ships disperse from their tight group and force them to engage. That would ensure two gunners fighting against one attack ship. The gunners eagerly created a wide formation fighting force.

  Thunder leader quickly accessed their tactic and countered with one of his own.

  Thunder 1: Thunder 1 to group. Thunder 2, escort the gunship to secondary target. Infiltrate the smaller compound. Thunder 3 and 4, take the lead, side-by-side. Thunder 5 and 6, fall in behind them. I’ll trail. Punch a hole in their line.

  Everyone copied. Thunder 2 and the gunship broke off and headed to the now unprotected compound on the edge of the city. Thunder 2 would provide air cover as the gunship would land in the compound, deployed its twelve-manned ground force and conquer the compound.

  Thunder 3 and 4 flew abreast and headed for the center of the nine space gunners stretched out in a wide formation. Thunder 5 and 6 were flying behind Thunder 3 and 4, and Thunder leader trailed them. It only took seconds for Thunder 3 and 4 to each cut down the first two gunners. The other gunners started to converge but were prevented due to their widespread formation. Thunder group powered through the line of ships. The gunner leader was discouraged his plan of engaging two gunners against one attack ship failed.

  Thunder group was ordered to slow as the gunner leader directed his force to gather and attack as a unit. Thunder leader noticed it immediately. Thunder Leader also noticed their four Class 2 gunships had landed in Merrick’s main compound. Forty-eight guardsmen were now taking the compound and the twelve attack ships that escorted Wave Leader were now available. Two of the twelve would circle the compound and provide air cover.

  Thunder leader: Thunder 3-6, prepare to break out and flank wide! Thunder 7-16, engage the gunners following us the moment we break! They all copied.

  The gunners pursued Thunder group downward from a high position in the night sky. As Thunder group slowed, the gunners gained ground. The gunners observed Thunder group and were excited they would finally have the opportunity to engage 2-1 skirmishes. It wasn’t until Thunder group had totally dispersed they noticed a large force approaching them from below.

  Thunder 7-16 jetted upward toward the gunners in five groups of two attack ships flying abreast. The gunners immediately scattered but Thunder 1 and 3-6 had already outflanked them. As the gunners panicked and attempted to jet out of the fray, they were all cut to pieces. Thunder group devastated the gunners and Merrick’s two compounds were under High Guard control.

  In the compound, every COM and data device was confiscated and would soon be analyzed. Merrick had fled the compound through a hidden underground escape tunnel.

  Chapter 7

  Co’Dak buried himself in his work. Eliminating the maintenance worker was much easier work than studying and memorizing technical data, diagrams, and schematics for the heavy duty air scrubbers and ventilation equipment which kept the ship’s air breathable.

  The ages-old Exoteric, once a colony ship similar to the Ambulas, now served as a highly guarded isolated detention port. Port, because the Exoteric had the capability to roam the constellation, though it seldom traveled. Isolated, because the Exoteric’s designated routes were limited to the dead space that surrounded the entire Abdom'anon Constellation.

  The Abdom'anon Constellation consisted of fifteen bright suns, some obviously much brighter than the others. The fifteen distinct solar systems created a natural arc-shaped constellation. When the colonies first started to inhabit the constellation, six of the fifteen systems had some type of life. Terraforming was at its peak when the constellation first became home to what are now the seven systems. The Exoteric was ordered to roam the dead space outside the constellation to prevent escapes or incursions from would-be saboteurs.

  Co'Dak crammed for hours awaiting the important call. He finally received the call and his new position as an air-scrubber technician was finalized. He was ordered to appear for departure the next day. He breathed a sigh of relief and decided to find some similar air scrubbers used on the Exoteric to practice his new skills. He was determined not to look like a fool while maintaining his cover aboard the massive ship.

  He would head to his new post – a three-month stint on the High Guard’s Detention Center, Exoteric. The Exoteric sat behind a small moon, deep within the Praminar system which was located outside the constellation. The Praminar system lay several parsecs beyond the 3rd system of Arkitrosis. It was a section of space only scientists ventured into. The name on his maintenance uniform read, Sable. His job – keep the air systems of the massive prison vessel operating properly. His scheme - find Kwelling, Luweena, and Ander.

  …

  Phia had picked up the broken items her father destroyed and put everything back in its proper place except she reorganized the seating by creating a small circle with the furniture. Her father didn’t mind the new arrangement and understood they would soon be hosting the captain, a few investigators, and perhaps the evil Boone Nova himself. He realized his judgment was imminent.

  The commander muttered to himself, “I did go through that! I hated it but it was the only way to achieve true peace for all the planetary systems. “Yes,” he answered, “I did see some prisoners freed, it was necessary, and Colonel Nova knew that. His protest was futile. It did nothing but hinder the transition.”

  Phia thought for a moment and carefully considered her next question – she had to know regardless of his temper.

  “Father, back then, did Obipherion experience the same planetary attacks as Kova? I mean, did they suffer from enemy raids, too?”

  “I know what you’re asking,” he blared. “No, we weren’t attacked as often as Kova. And that’s not the point.” He shifted and grunted after hearing his own excuse. He became defensive. “Kova was suffering attacks from Axeon and Pereon – off and on. Trade treaties were broken, cargo ships were attacked and devastated, they suffered from a lot of raids from both sides. Obipherion? No one really dared attack us. We were the exception which is also why Prime Ta’mian was able to usher in an end to it all and finally institute peace.”

  Phia smirked and continued to gaze at him. He returned her gaze and realized she was siding with Finn Nova. His explanation was not sufficient for her.

  “You think I’m wrong. Don’t you? I can see it. Your mother did the same smirk, same glare, and same face!” He unexpectedly smiled.

  She rubbed his arm and answered, “Yes, father. I disagree. I’m not sure whether it was right or wrong but I don’t know what I would do! I might have quit, also!”

  “Well, that’s what Finn did,” he added with a softer tone. “He’s a quitter, Phia. He quit on me and the work we did to bring peace, and his son, he’s just like him. That’s why I can’t stand them.”

  Phia jumped to her feet and stood in front of him, enraged. He was surprised by it and knew he had said something wrong – condemn her friend, Boone.

  “Father! No! You’re wrong about that!” She momentarily turned away from him in disgust, nervously ran her hand through her long hair, pulling it out of its ponytail, and blew out a loud stressful repulsive moan. “Where did you hear that? Because that’s not what happened!”

  He saw how upset she was and quickly stood to defend himself. He didn’t know if he should argue with her to make her understand or try to listen to what she learned. His interest was beginning to pique.

  “What happened? Phia, I was there when he defected. The prime and myself. We were finalizing the unification.”

  “I’m talking about Boone.
This is about Boone, not his father.”

  He folded his arms across his chest and prepared to defend himself. His beliefs about Boone were not going to change, he thought.

  “Father, yes his father quit but did you know Boone hasn’t spoken to his father since that day?” His eyes widened as he glared at her. She was upset and he thought it was because of his hatred for Boone. “Do you know why they haven’t spoken?”

  “No. Why?”

  She blew out a sigh of disgust. He noticed she was becoming emotional. He assumed then she had been duped by Boone but as she explained, he realized there was a whole other matter.

  “Did you know Boone was a decorated cadet in the Kovan Defense Force?”

  “Yes! Go on! Get to the point.”

  “Father,” she said softly, calming herself down in hopes the truth could be heard. She quickly wiped a developing tear – a tear of frustration in explaining the truth. “There has been a great misunderstanding. Boone did not quit the Kovan Defense Force nor the merging of the High Guard. Father,” she muttered as she shook her head in disbelief. “He was enrolled to be a junior officer in the High Guard. That’s why his father can’t even speak to him to this day.”

  He slowly turned away from her and stepped up to the large glass window overlooking Efferium. “Can’t be,” he muttered.

  “It’s not the Kovan Defense Force who issued the warrants for Boone, the High Guard issued them. Boone was a High Guard junior officer for one day – then he shot down that Pereon diplomat.”

  He stood, motionless, mouth slightly gaping, eyes dancing from planet to moon to ship to the floor as he tried to process the news – he was wrong in his assumption.

  Suddenly, a chime sounded inside his quarters and it made both of them jump. They quickly approached the sliding door to see who was entering. The commander feared who it might be and it was justified – Captain Eisen entered.

  The commander frowned, anticipating dreadful news from the captain, the Court of Primes, and Boone Nova. The commander motioned to the captain to have a seat and Phia and the commander sat down across from him. They waited to hear what would become of the commander with bated breath.

  Phia asked, “You’re alone, Sir?”

  “Yes, Ms. Sa’vo. Our investigators discovered the commander’s intent was to hurt Boone. Nothing more.”

  The commander could only bow his head and stare at the floor. Shame was consuming him, having just heard Phia’s findings. He thought, “Nova? A High Guard junior officer? Can’t be.”

  “Commander?” the captain asked. The commander looked up at him. “I need to know. Is Officer Brighton telling the truth or is he covering for you?”

  The commander stared at him and drifted into a state of confusion. “I was wrong? She’s wrong?” He answered, “Hmm? What did I do? I mean, Boone? Honestly, I… I… I think I only wanted him to pay for his insolence. No, I don’t think I wanted him dead! I’m not… not… not ruthless. Am I? She has always been trustworthy. What’s happening? Nova?”

  The captain glanced at Phia then at the commander again. “You don’t know? Mar’Ki?”

  A blank stare was his response. The captain and Phia wondered about his state of mind – he was confused.

  “I suppose you are here to escort me to detention, among other things.”

  Phia gently placed her hand behind his neck in a show of comfort. The commander was about to lose everything he had. For the first time in many years, a tear moistened his eye.

  “Commander, you surely should expect to lose your rank, your post, your High Guard affiliation, maybe more.”

  “So, Boone has demanded…”

  “Boone has not demanded anything. This is what you deserve.” They studied him and the commander slowly nodded his head in agreement. “Right? Mar’Ki?”

  “Yes,” he nodded. “I understand.”

  Then the captain stood, preparing to leave. Phia and the commander looked up at him and wondered. There were not any guards to escort him. They were somewhat confused. The captain looked down at him with disdain.

  “Well, this is the news,” he said. “Boone insisted we not place you in detention.”

  Their eyes widened with wonder and amazement. Phia gaped in disbelief and tears came quickly as she and the commander stared and listened intently. He also had a gaping expression.

  “I told Boone we were going to confine you to the most secure and isolated detention center for what you’ve done and for your antics on the bridge – in front of my crew these past months. Your anger and rage are inexcusable and you should be locked up but he insisted we not treat you like that.”

  Phia could not believe what she was hearing. Her tears flowed freely as she fretted for her father but she soon realized the tears came due to the wisdom and compassion of Boone. She felt a strong urge to run to him and embrace him.

  “Now, I have not discussed this with the primes which I will soon but Boone said the fleet commander deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and,” he paused.

  “And? And what?” the commander asked.

  “And he wants you to talk to someone and see what is going on with you. I agreed. OK?” The commander nodded; Phia was crying. “So, you are still confined to quarters until we get to Obipherion where you will ‘see someone.’ Agreed?”

  He replied, “Nova? Is he dismissing my actions? I don’t understand. He hates me.”

  “Father,” Phia said. “He doesn’t hate you. He respects you. Captain, thank you!”

  He nodded to them then Phia escorted him to the door. He turned back and said, “We jump in less than one hour. I’d get ready to leave.” Then he left.

  Phia was overjoyed her father would be given a great amount of grace and latitude for his actions. She returned to the sofa, sat down next to him, and lovingly placed her head on his chest. More tears fell. He carefully embraced her and was finally overjoyed he could wrap his arms around his only daughter. His tears fell like rain as he held her, remembering it had been nearly a year since they last met. Her soft embrace overwhelmed him.

  She was very happy he would receive some kind of help or counseling. He was still trying to process what he just heard about Boone Nova and his short-lived career as a High Guard cadet. As the moments passed, he sat dumbfounded and confused. He began rehearsing all the evil things he had done to Boone – remorse overcame him.

  …

  A guard was sitting in front of the Investigation Command Center reading a hologram of the day’s events. Due to the stressful times, the entire High Guard establishment was on high alert in all sections of the Abdomanon Constellation. He read about the attacks from an unknown pirate foe – several cities suffering from horrific attacks, a cargo ship devastated in space, many of its life pods retrieved, and there was news regarding the first use of a laser-mounted battlecruiser – the Sim-Sa Gale. He glanced up and finally noticed the robotic half-human figure silently floating three feet off the ground.

  “Well!” Idal huffed. “I hope I’m not disturbing you!”

  The guard put his mini-holo-reader away and quickly stood. He glared at the purple colored human-like robot with a head, eyes, metal arms, and a mouth that didn’t move. She had a blue High Guard sash, which was strictly for High Guard officers, draped over her shoulder which stretched across her torso and hung inches from the floor. Draped over her left elbow was a High Guard investigator’s dark-blue jacket with her name, Idal, etched on the top left, where names were to be displayed. She made sure her name was visible.

  “Who are you? What are you doing?”

  “It appears ‘I’ should be asking the questions!” Idal looked at his name, “Officer Whitsone? Is that White-stone? Whit-son’-eh? Whit’son-ey? Uh! These ridiculous foolish names! Officer!” Idal blared. “You are to be on high alert! Here I am at the center of Obipherion’s Investigation Command and you’re engulfed in unmeasurable data concerning, uh! Let me pass! That is an order or do you want to be reported?” Idal made a long s
eries of communication noises, proving she was meaning what she said. The guard smirked at her foolishness.

  “You’re not going anywhere.”

  “Uh, ah!” Idal replied as she slowly opened her robotic fingers and showed him a small chip. He reached for it, so he could place it into the identification device for access into the stealthy administration building. Idal refused to let him touch it.

  “Back off!” she ordered as she inserted it into the device. It made a soft gentle noise. “I don’t trust you! White-stone!” The device chimed and access was granted. Idal proceeded and rebuked him. “Stay alert! Or else!” She slowly floated down a corridor, muttering as she went. “No sleeping!” she softly muttered. “Whittleson,” she added.

  As instructed by Jeody, her main focus was to scan the hallways and large corridors for unfiltered communiqués. Unfiltered communiqués were hidden unofficial communiqués. All official communiqués were sent and received from High Guard communication sources and receivers. Idal was searching for the ‘unofficial’ communiqués. Though she wanted to direct her search toward many of the high ranking High Guard officials, she had to obey Jeody and his new unwanted subroutines. She scanned the COM Center as she slowly proceeded.

  …

  Co’Dak was holed up in the same dilapidated warehouse his ship, Jokey, was in. He had several large air transfer units, among several purifiers, torn apart. He had successfully stripped and rebuilt three purifiers, one transfer unit, one carbon-based filtration unit, one H20 osmosis unit, and several motorized heat-vapor conduction apparatuses. He was intent on being successful in his ploy to pose as a maintenance worker and infiltrate the Exoteric. One piece of advanced technology eluded his ability – the ASOP which was something he desperately needed to remedy. He could easily fit into his new environment and easily commandeer a ship for escape but overcoming the ASOP’s which roamed the corridors of the detention vessel was another matter.

  His COM unit echoed a soft gentle tone, he answered and listened. He turned it off, gathered his personal tools, stowed everything in his possession that could identify him as Co’Dak and donned his new uniform and identity – Xellen Sable. He left for the transport platforms which would soon take him to the Exoteric.