Victory in the Stars (Marston Chronicles Book 6)

by D Patrick Wagner

  “Again, Thank you, Captain. Who will be captaining Federacy Transport?”

  “That is the name of the freighter? Senior Pilot Emoli.”

  “That is wonderful news, Your Lordship. Would you please notify Gopai of this new situation? So that he may select the thirty volunteers to become trainees?”

  “That would be Mistress Analyn’s responsibility, Ambassador. Little Fire?”

  Analyn linked to Gopai and gave him the update.

  “Vassal Gopai is very excited, Father.”

  “I only want the best, Commander.”

  “Of course, Captain.”

  “Thank you, Lord Kaporine. This is a tremendous help.”

  “As HEB Alliance members, we are all in this together. Speaking of which, Honorable Vidhee, Mistress Analyn and I have been discussing this HEB Alliance.”

  “And?”

  “It seems a little haphazard. You are throwing it together like balls of ice on an ice flow. We came to the conclusion that there needs to be a more formal approach in forming this alliance.”

  “What are you proposing?”

  “We, Elonians, Humans and Ballisonians, are at the threshold of creating something that has never been created before. An inter-species ruling body. You have already formed a Legal Court, a Merchant Fleet and, from what I just overheard, an Engineering and Science Council. Master Engineer Varrini should also be a member. I might recommend that he be a senior member.”

  “Mack?” Krag spoke into the air.

  “Ya, Cap?”

  Everyone heard the return.

  “You left someone out. Master Engineer Varrini. You should contact him and invite him as a senior member of your little gaggle.”

  “You’re right, Cap. I’m such a blockhead. I’ll get right on it. Do we include him in our interviews?”

  “Leave that up to him, Mack.”

  “Will do, Cap.”

  “That solves that. Next, Your Lordship?”

  “Also put in place is the first ruling document, the Articles of Profiteering. More is needed. What is needed is a governing body with a document of rights and obligations for everyone.”

  “A Constitution. Or a Declaration of rights and Responsibilities. I absolutely agree, Lord Kaporine. Since you and Mistress Analyn are here as well as the HEB Alliance Legal Court, let’s get started.”

  “I knew this was going to be a long day,” Krag muttered under his breath.

  Aboard Heimdallr - Bridgelen

  “Well, this bites,” Lieutenant Brooks complained as he sat in his pilot’s gravity chair, doing nothing.

  “They also serve who only stand and wait, Brooksy.”

  “Yeah, Toast. That’s easy for you to say. You’ve got something to do. Keeping an eye on our Mortek friends.”

  “If staring at a fleet that just sits there is doing something, then, yeah, I’m doing something.”

  “We’ve been doing this for over eight years, Peeps.”

  “Copy that, Captain. And for all of those eight years, we’ve had to listen to Brooksy bitch and moan.”

  “Hey, Cap. Can’t we just resign our commissions and join this new HEB Alliance Merchant Fleet?”

  “Flying what? We resign, we lose Heimdallr.”

  “Maybe Hawk could give us a new ship.”

  “Time of war, Brooksy. No one’s resigning. We do our jobs, Weiskoff kicks some bug butt, then we’ll think about resigning. Got that?”

  “Copy that, Cap. Just bitching.”

  “Captain, we are going to forward our intel to Hawk, right?”

  “Number Three didn’t say not to. So, yeah, send it. Separate packets so that there aren’t double addresses on the header.”

  “Roger that, Captain.”

  “Now, Brooksy, sack time. You’re up in four. Then you get to stare at some screens.”

  “Will do, Cap.”

  Aboard Gazelle - Dorogon

  Nyu-Nippon orbited the Dorogon star, never escaping the Mortek assault craft carrier. The alien ship held its position, constantly launching its assault craft loaded with Mortek soldiers, equipment and munitions. Empty assault craft returned, to be refilled and relaunched. Food processing ships also rose from Nye Nippon. Those ships headed towards the Sasanian gate, bringing the remnants of destroyed lives and planetary resources to Yeni Persia, renamed as Nest One.

  After jumping to the outskirts of Dorogon, the crew of Gazelle began recording the invasion and plundering of Nye Nippon. Shifting the sensors to the rest of the Dorogon system, Sergeant Brown began accumulating the information on the Mortek fleet.

  “Captain, I’m not seeing a lot of ships out there.”

  “According to our latest intel there were two dreadnaughts. One damaged.”

  “She’s still here, flying cover. The other’s gone. Probably in Bridgelen. And, only one cruiser. Two destroyers and four frigates. I guess that the bugs figured that they own this system.”

  “Mortek, Sergeant. We have POW’s. Hawk says that they’re trying to establish a dialogue. So, they don’t call us ‘soft skins’ and we don’t call them ‘bugs.”

  “Copy that, Captain. Mortek. Like I said, they think that they own this system.”

  “I think we should dissuade them of that idea. Get me Hawk.”

  “Preceptor Igaklay?” Jesse asked to the air.

  “Yes, Sergeant Brown?”

  “Please link us to Commander Marston.”

  “One moment, Sergeant.”

  “Marston here. Yes, Sergeant?”

  “Captain Forsythe wishes to speak to you.”

  “Hey, Hawk.”

  “Hornet.”

  “We’re checking out Dorogon. You and us, we were right. The fleet here has sailed to Bridgelen. Only ships here is a minimum patrol.”

  “Go ahead and send the intel.”

  “It’s real light. We can take it.”

  “Just the Stingers?”

  “I believe so, Hawk. A damaged dreadnaught, only one cruiser. Two destroyers and four frigates.”

  “Their military leader, who they call ‘War’, is pulling together every ship he can. He’s getting ready for a push.”

  “What about Weiskoff? Is he still bent on attacking Bridgelen in eight days?”

  “Yeah. Still pushing.”

  “That’s Number Three for you. I think that we should shut down Dorogon. Set up a picket to stop any more ships from coming out of Yeni Persia.”

  “We can’t afford to lose any more ships, Hornet.”

  “We’ve got it wired, Hawk. The Stingers know their rolls.”

  “Okay. But Griffin takes out the dreadnaught.”

  “Go for it.”

  “Will do. You and the Stingers, your purpose, from now on is taking Dorogon and keeping all Mortek ships from Yeni Persia getting to Bridgelen.”

  “Copy that, Hawk.”

  “Jump back to Tolimar. Relax and get your fleet ready. We attack in two days.”

  Chapter 26

  Aboard Reprieve

  One of Ballison’s small transports jumped to the entrance port of the small cargo ship. Pulling close, it extended an airtight gangway which sealed around the hatch. Dame Desinal, Yoni and Ollie waited on the other side as Elder Anupi, Igaklay and Buster entered the airlock, cycled through and opened the inner hatch.

  Dame Desinal bowed deeply at the Lead Elder of Clan Kaporine.

  “I hope that Clan Chikuno is as respectful.”

  “Permission to come aboard,” Buster, in his flesh-colored skin and rugged clothing, requested.

  “Permission granted, Legate Buster.”

  “Please, Dame Desinal. When I wear my human appearance, call me ‘Mr. Morris’.”

  “As you wish, Sir. May I introduce Gunnery Sergeant Yonek and junior pilot Oliver Briar.”

  “You’re Buster! And you’re Preceptor Igaklay! It’s great to meet you!”

  “Ollie gets a little enthusiastic, Mr. Morris, Preceptor Igaklay. I apologize.”

  “There is
nothing to apologize for, Dame Desinal. Preceptor Igaklay is the same way at times. Very enthusiastic,” Buster responded.

  “Elder Anupi, May I show you and your staff to their quarters?”

  “Certainly. Then, let’s go get your family.”

  “We are ready for the first jump, whenever you are.”

  “I am ready, now. Just tell me where to sit.”

  v v v

  One day and two jumps later, Reprieve popped into existence over Elonia. Looking down, everyone saw the ice planet sparkling like a diamond in the midnight sky.

  “Your home planet is beautiful, Elder Anupi.”

  “It may be my planet of origin, Yoni, but it is no longer my home.”

  “We have lost a lot, Elder.”

  “Yes we have, Dame Desinal. I do not know who has lost more. You and your family or me.”

  “You have, Elder. I will lose five years of my life. But I and my family will return to the stars. You have permanently lost your home.”

  “Enough of this whining of what was. We have a family to reunite. Dame Desinal?”

  “Ollie, here are the coordinates of the village where my family is dwelling. Put us in a geo-synchronous orbit over them.”

  “Aye, aye, Cap. Can I jump her?”

  “No. you need more training before you jump around large objects. we are a quarter of a sedeca, um, thirty minutes out. Take us in on jets.”

  “Going in, Cap.”

  “Yoni, Mr. Morris, please supervise Ollie. I will take Preceptor Igaklay and Elder Anupi to the shuttle.”

  Just under thirty minutes later, Reprieve floated in Elonia’s thermosphere, exactly on target.

  “Well done, Ollie. Preceptor Igaklay, are you and Elder Anupi ready?”

  “Yes, Dame Desinal.”

  “Withdrawing atmosphere and opening gates now.”

  After the familiar routine ended, Igaklay floated his transport out and jumped to within a foot of Elonia’s surface. Settling the small craft on its stanchions, he dropped the tailgate and led Elder Anupi down to his planet.

  With the same type of boots worn by humans, Igaklay’s spikes dug into the ice, keeping the Ballisonian from making a spectacular pratfall. With Elder Anupi in his formal robes and Igaklay wearing a Kaporine tunic, the two presented themselves to the growing crowd.

  They watched flicking ears and tails, many clawless paws pointing in their direction. Some bowed in reverence to the grey-greenish avatar, paying homage to their Saint of Biosphericism.

  Elder Anupi raised his paw for silence.

  “Family Desinal. Where is their dwelling?”

  Many, rushing to help, pointed down a side road. One parent pushed her cub forward.

  “Take the Elder and Saint Kokali to their destination.

  In awe, the young male spent most of his time walking backwards, staring at the two visitors.

  “This way, this way.” The cub kept waving its paw signaling the correct direction.

  After a short walk, Anupi and Igaklay found themselves standing at a closed dwelling.

  “Master Desinal. We wish for a conversation.”

  “Who is that? More harassment? More demands?”

  “No, Sir. I am Kaporine Elder Anupi. I wish to speak to you.”

  “So, speak.”

  “In person, Sir. In private.”

  At first, the door opened a crack. One fur-browed eye peeked out. Seeing the Elder and the small, grey-greenish alien, the door opened fully.

  Anupi and Igaklay entered. A female cub just stood, staring at what she had seen only in drawings and crystals. Master Desinal glanced at his daughter.

  “Close your mouth, Chindra.” The father said this while also staring at the two strangers.

  “Master Desinal, may I introduce Preceptor Igaklay. Although he bears a resemblance to Saint Kokali, he is not our Blessed Saint. I am Elder Anupi.”

  “Yes, yes, I know you. Please, our home is your home.”

  “We can stay only a minute. We come bearing news. And a new life for you and your cub.”

  “How so?”

  “Dame Desinal is the Captain of a human ship, the Reprieve. We are here to take you to her.”

  “We will leave Elonia?”

  “Yes, Master Desinal. And make a new life on Ballison, Preceptor Igaklay’s home planet.”

  “Another planet? With my bond-mate?

  “Yes. Dame Desinal already had lodging on Ballison, as well as her ship.”

  “Captain Kakkarna accused her of crimes. He imprisoned her. We have been ostracized from Clan Kaporine.”

  “So has Dame Desinal. She has pleaded guilty to charges of criminal insubordination and betrayal. She will be punished for her crimes. Afterward, she will return to space, in the freighter currently overhead.

  “I do not understand.”

  “Just understand this. Do you wish to leave this life and start anew?”

  “With my bond-mate?”

  “Except for her five years in prison, yes.”

  “And, we will be close to her?”

  “Yes.”

  “How is this possible?”

  “The Human, Commander Marston, has accepted her parole. She is under his protection and command. That is how it is possible.”

  Master Desinal didn’t think long. Putting his paw on his daughter’s shoulder, the Elonian stood taller and met Elder Anupi’s eyes.

  “When do we leave?”

  “Now. Gather your things.”

  “Chindra, pack a carry case. You have a tenth of a sedeca.”

  Igaklay and Anupi watched the two bustle like mad, stuffing clothing, toiletries and Chindra’s favorite dolls into two bags. Within the proscribed tenth of a sedeca, two Desinals stood, clutching their bags, waiting for what to do next.

  Lady Kaporine’s assessment and plan worked to perfection. Everyone in the Chikuno village had turned out in force. Igaklay led. Anupi trailed. Master and cub Desinal walked in between.

  The crowd parted as though the bow of a ship had cut through waves. Closing behind, the crowd followed the foursome to the strange shuttle resting on the open ice just outside of the village.

  Once everyone was seated, Igaklay floated the shuttle a short distance up, angled it towards the stars and jumped. The air filling the vacuum left by the small craft blew across the crowd ruffling fur and whipping tails. Everyone gasped at the sudden disappearance of the strange, little ship.

  Seconds later, the shuttle floated into Reprieve’s cargo bay, settled down and extended its clamps. Excitedly waiting for the bay doors to close and the atmosphere to be replenished, Dame Desinal stared through the portal on the entrance hatch.

  The light turned green. The safety mechanism clicked. Dame Desinal pawed the access button. Before the shuttle’s tailgate had completely dropped, Master Desinal jumped the ramp, rushed forward and enfolded his bond-mate.

  “Tarsi, Tarsi,” Master Desinal kept repeating.

  Dame Desinal stepped back just in time to be bowled into by her almost-twenty cub.

  With furry arms wrapped around her mother’s chest, Chindra said nothing. She just held on tightly.

  While this reunion took place, Igaklay and Anupi strolled down the shuttle’s ramp and just watched.

  “We did well, Preceptor Igaklay.”

  “Yes, Elder Anupi. I know that Dame Desinal has been ostracized from Clan Kaporine, but it is still good to see a family united. I just wish that I could experience this with my own people.”

  “Commander Marston is a being of his word. If anyone can find your lost people, the Commander can.”

  “That is true, Elder Anupi.”

  Aboard Griffin - Ballison

  Once again, except for Igaklay and Buster, Griffin supported her full crew. Krag sat in his command chair, overlooking the bridge. Keiko manned her pilot’s chair while Sue sat next to her as navigator. Gopai reviewed his weapons console, verifying loads and readiness.

  “Tribune Ambakai, are you sure that the L
eopards should not remain on Ballison? This will be a space battle, you will not be needed.”

  “No, Commander Marston. Mistress Analyn has tasked us with your protection. To remain behind would be a grave dereliction of duty. This is where we belong.”

  “What Amby said, Commander,” Sergeant Boulos interjected.

  “We jump in thirty. Igaklay, would you get me Captains Overman, Rizzman and Emoli?” As the now accepted custom when Igaklay was not on board, Krag spoke to the air.

  “Hey, Hawk.”

  “Rizzman here.”

  “Captain Emoli speaking, Commander Marston.”

  “Are you all set? Captain Emoli, how are you coming with your crew and Federacy Transport?”

  “We have reached a level of competence, Commander. Only time will allow us to become proficient.”

  “That is excellent news, Captain. Trucker? Rizzi?”

  “Good to go, Hawk.”

  “Same here, Commander.”

  “I know that this is going to be your first time in battle, Captains.”

  “I saw Cencore, Hawk. Those Mortek ships look badass.”

  ‘They are, Trucker. That’s why Jewel, Galactic Express and Federacy Transport get to watch. The fleet in Dorogon is small enough for Griffin and the Stingers. Watch and learn.”

  “Oy, Captain Emoli. Your ship’s name definitely is not a HEB Alliance name. Ya are needing to give her something more glamorous.”

  “I’ve been thinking about that, Mr. McCauley. I have arrived at renaming her to ‘Cosmic Traveller’.”’

  “Ya. Definitely a doer. Sweet Sue?”

  “Much better than Federacy Transport. I vote ‘yes’.”

  “Iggy, when can you get her renamed?” Not having Igaklay onboard Griffin, Krag still spoke to the air.

  “Commander, can you leave in an hour instead of thirty minutes?”

  “It won’t hurt.”

  “I can have cleaning robots remove her current name and have it replaced immediately. Will that be acceptable, Captain Emoli?”

  “If Commander Marston approves, then it is very acceptable.”

  “Do it, Igaklay. Listen up, Captains. We meet up with the Stingers at Dorogon in two days. You three watch while we take out the Mortek ships. Pay attention. Learn. You are going to be needed in Bridgelen.”