Rear Admiral Traska felt a certain amount of pride as he stood on the bridge of his new flagship, the Barrows Star. True, it was an older battleship, but it was well-appointed, newly outfitted and equipped for scouting, exploration and with the latest stealth technology installed! More importantly, it was his! She and her four sisters were the five fastest ships in the fleet, couriers didn’t count in his mind. The ships sensing pods and scanners were the newest and most sensitive devised and the range of both active and passive scanners had been increased exponentially true. He thought that if he had these scanners back in Trilla, he would have identified the Master Moon no matter where it was in the system.
*********
His mind travelled back to his trip to Tihab on the 24th Tonkis when he was summoned to take command of the battleship task force. Delighted to receive notice of his promotion and new command, he was less delighted to hear the rest of the reasons he had been called to Tihab.
“The Dark Lord wishes to speak with me?”
“And the Admiral and myself.” Star Commander Vis Vistricer had informed him.
“Only about Jenna?”
“And other matters as well. Because of your position in the galaxy under threat, He wishes to confirm you.”
Confirm me? The question crossed Commodore Traska’s mind. He was not sure how to take that.
Arriving at the palace with the Star Commander and the Admiral of the Legion, he was surprised to see both Jenna of Christos and Councillor Simone of Christos waiting. He had heard of the Councillor when he delivered Jenna, but had never met her.
“You must be Councillor Simone, I have heard much of you.” Traska gave a small bow which was returned. Vis Vistricer watched but kept his approval to himself. Traska will go far, he thought.
The Commodore turned to the Councillors companion. “Jenna! It is good to see you, you look well.”
“Thank you Commodore.” Jenna actually returned the Commodore’s smile, getting a speculative look from the Councillor.
Whatever might have been said was pre-empted by the breathless arrival of the Head Steward and his assistant, Lea Cania. “My apologies to everyone. Let us go, the Master is waiting.”
The small group took the winding corridor, now becoming more familiar, to the room known as the study. Outside chatting together were several Ladies.
“Visitors!” One said, a slim brunette wearing a black sleeveless dress.
“The pride of the Legion!” The slim curvy redhead the Star Commander now recognised as Sydney. “With another.”
“Councillor Simone of Christos,” A third exclaimed, an athletic woman with long blond hair. None had seen her before, “and this must be Jenna!”
“It’s been a while.” Lady Andrea spoke from the doorway.
Jenna gasped, this was the woman who spoke with such authority so long ago. The one from her memory. The one from the Temple of Desire.
“Lady Andrea.” Councillor Simone gave a small bow along with a sideways look at Jenna. The other Ladies looked on with undisguised curiosity.
“Councillor Simone, it is nice of you to visit us again.”
The Councillor looked closely but there was only polite interest showing on Lady Andreas face.
“Let us go in, the Master does not like to be kept waiting without reason.” Lady Andrea turned and entered the room. After a fraction, Simone followed and slowly, Jenna followed as well. The three officers exchanged a look. All three realised that there was more going on than they understood. None of them liked that.
Both Grada and Lea had already entered the study. The three officers followed. Lady Sydney and the other Ladies joined them.
“Ah welcome Councillor, Head Steward, Star Commander, Admiral and Commodore. We also have Miss Lea Cania and Jenna of Christos. Welcome all.” The Dark Lord was expansive in his greeting, sitting as he was in his usual chair.
*********
Grada noted with some relief that the Dark Lords usual companion was sitting in her chair opposite the Dark Lord. As well the usual Ladies were in attendance; Lady Dana, Lady Andrea and Lady Luca along with others. To Grada’s critical eye, they now seemed relaxed. There had been a few tense days in the palace, following the bombshell revelations of the Dark Lord.
*********
“Let us begin. Jenna, step forward.” It was with a certain reluctance Jenna moved. Both Traska and Vis Vistricer remembered when Jenna had been touched by the Dark Lord on Trilla and tensed. Mont De Templer noticed, and wondered what they expected.
“Jenna of Christos, what is it you ask to receive from the Empire?”
“I … wish … to … join … the Legion as a pilot.” The request came slowly, but gained strength as she spoke.
The Dark Lord nodded and looked around. “Star Commander, your thoughts. I do not ask you for a decision yet.”
The Star Commander was ready.
“I see problems sire. The rest of the personal in the Legion may not accept Jenna, and there may be a backlash.” He paused. “All those previously facing the charge of piracy have also been excluded on grounds of security, although this may not be that case here if you do sponsor her, as it were.”
The Dark Lord nodded and turned to The Admiral of the Legion. “Your thoughts please Admiral.”
Mont De Templer considered the question. “Sire, both points raised by the Star Commander are valid. I have other concerns as well. The first is of precedent and the second is of Jenna’s own request.”
The Dark Lord stirred. “Explain.” Came quietly. The Admiral did not hesitate.
“To deal with the second point first, Jenna has requested to be enrolled as a pilot. That is not how the Legion works. If she is accepted into the Legion, she will have to go where we send her and act in whatever position she is appointed too. That is the reality of being in such a large organisation.” He paused then continued. “The first point is more important. All those convicted or charged with serious crimes have been automatically excluded from the Legion and that position has always been upheld by the High Council and the Palace.” He shrugged. “Piracy is a serious crime. Even with a pardon from yourself, I do not see any reason for that to change now.”
“Hmm, Commodore Traska, your thoughts please, and you may speak freely.”
Commodore Traska considered his position. “On the trip to Christos Sire, I was able to review the records of the ambush at Locus Point. Jenna was lucky here as her group arrived late to the attack, however, although her ship was the leader of the last group I noted that it was the first to turn back and try to escape. All her evasive maneuvers during the escape were swift and well timed. She slid around other ships to put them between us with as smooth a move as I have ever seen. Other pilots have made similar moves, but only in maneuvers, however this was in a real fight. I would have her as a pilot anytime.”
“And as to what the Star Commander and the Admiral have said?”
“Sire, I cannot disagree with what they have said. I was reviewing what I saw of Jenna as a pilot. Also her landing her ship on Trilla was a very well done tricky maneuver.”
“How was she treated on board the Aspen?” The Dark Lord inquired.
“I was careful to discuss that with the Ships Master sire, several times.” He glanced at Jenna. “Jenna mostly kept to her cabin. On the few times she left her cabin I was not made aware of any problem and I believe that she could answer for herself.” Traska looked at Jenna apologetically. “However I would add that the troopers were impressed when she exercised with her sword in the hold and requested that they examine the sword. Jenna did allow them after which there was a spirited but respectful discussion regarding its merits. I think that most of the crew looked at her with curiosity sire as some had witnessed what happened on Trilla and they spread the stories.” Listening, Mont De Templer wished that he could have heard some of those stories.
As Traska finished the Dark Lord looked at Jenna who had been following the conversation. Jenna just folded her arms, looked back at him and shook her head. He nodded and His eyes moved to the Ladies who also had been watching and listening carefully.
“Andrea, you were her sponsor on Christos, at the Temples of Dawn and Desire. You persuaded me then, what say you now?”
*********
Councillor Simone stared open mouthed as Lady Andrea moved forward. Two things stood out, first that a non-Christos women was openly at the Temples and second that the Dark Lord was involved somehow in the Temples rituals? And she, Councillor from Christos, never knew?
*********
Andrea was forthright in her support, “She deserves to be in the Legion. She has paid for it with her blood and her mind, what with being on the run for several years and then leading the group through the tunnels to you like sacrificial lambs. In any case, the only reason she became a pirate was because we made her one. That part of her is gone now, you erased it.”
All three officers and Councillor Simone stared first at Andrea, then the Dark Lord, and finally at Jenna, who was standing slightly off to the side, arms folded and face expressionless.
Turning to the officers, the Dark Lord addressed them, “You can’t be expected to know or understand all that Jenna has suffered. We could go into it with exquisite detail if you insist but really, is that necessary? Star Commander, Admiral, I have heard your thoughts, and you have heard others. I will only add that I recommend her to you, that is not an order. Now, however, I would like your decision, do you need time?”
The two senior officers shuffled their feet and looked at each other. They both turned and stared are Jenna who stared back with a level gaze. They exchanged looks between themselves again. Commodore Traska stood behind them, his face blank. The Star Commander nodded, the Admiral of the Legion nodded back and turned to Jenna. “You will be treated as an ordinary candidate. While a slight allowance will be made for your age and experience, this is not a favour, the instructors will be even harder on you and expect more, so be warned.” He turned to the Dark Lord. “Sire, everything said here must remain here, if word leaks out about your involvement as well as that of the Lady Andrea and gets to the school, the instructors will become demons.”
The Dark Lord eyebrows had shot up at Mont De Templers words and command tone. He smiled slightly.
“And that is why you are in the position you are, Admiral.” Came in a soft murmur from the Dark Lord. “Steward, do you care to respond?”
“If anything leaks, it won’t be from the Palace sire!” Grada was outraged and showed it. As did Lea who, unasked, also voiced her outrage.
“Councillor, you understand as well?”
“I do my Lord.” She stuttered. “If anything, I, well, I … There have been things said today that I wish never be repeated.” The Councillor was almost ashen in colour. Jenna smiled. She knew this, she simply had had more time to get used to the knowledge.
The Dark Lord turned back to Jenna, “Now, Jenna do you accept?”
“Yes sire, I do.” Was spoken without hesitation.
“You must accept military discipline and obey orders. If you contravene the Legions Code of Conduct, I will not be able to intervene. It will be considered an internal matter.”
“I understand, sire.”
The Dark Lord nodded. “Very well.” He looked at the two officers. “I leave this in your capable hands.”
Admiral Mont De Templar turned to Jenna. “I will send a message to the Academy noting your enrollment. You will be contacted as to your actual enrollment day.”
He turned to the Councillor. “Councillor Simone, we have many people from many planets at the Academy, the housing of citizens of Christos is not a problem. However, all contact with Jenna is to go through the school. There can be no exceptions.” Councillor Simone was suitably intimidated. “We also need contact information for Jenna.” There was a nod as the Admiral was assured of compliance.
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The Dark Lord stood and turned to Traska. “Let us move on. Commodore Traska, I understand that you will be in the front line.” He clapped the officer on the shoulder. “I wish you well in this venture.”
“Thank you, sire.”
“And congratulations on your promotion.”
“Thank you, sire.”
The five turned to Jenna, who was now deep in a muted conversation with Lady Andrea while Ladies Luca, Dana, Sydney and the others stood around. To everyone’s surprise, except the Dark Lords, and to Councillor Simone’s shock, they watched the two women embrace. They separated and the Ladies stepped away.
The Head Steward spoke. “With your permission sire?” There was an expressionless nod from the Dark Lord who was standing arms crossed, eyes hooded. Gathering Jenna, the Councillor and the officers, Grada and Lea swept the small group out of the study. The Star Commander, surprised at the somewhat abrupt departure, turned to Lea to ask a question and was even more surprised when she held up her hand and shook her head. “This way.” Was all she said as she led them down the corridor, back to the offices of the Steward.
Jenna and Councillor Simone were ahead, following Grada. They weren’t talking either.
The officers exchanged looks. Working in the palace seemed to be more complex with layers on layers that were impenetrable. And anything to do with the Dark Lord and the Ladies, He seemed upset with them for some reason, was not discussed with outsiders. This was a complexity that they didn’t need, Vis Vistricer knew that he would have to discuss this and soon with his friend, Mont de Templer.
Commodore Traska stopped. “I wasn’t confirmed!” He looked at his superior officers. “Was I?”
Lea spoke before the others could. “You were.” She continued to walk. The rest followed, their faces reflecting their state of mind but keeping their thoughts to themselves.
*********
Bringing himself back to the present, Rear Admiral Traska turned to Commodore Quill, now the second senior officer in Detachment T and still commanding the Kauri. He also had just returned from Tihab where he had received his promotion. “Time to get back to your ship Captain.”
“Yes sir.” He smiled. “And my new pilot!” A smile passed between the two.
“So she passed all the tests to qualify?”
“With ease, sir. Although Commander Wirst was unhappy with the state of her ship after the last test. Some of the crew failed to secure correctly for pilot testing.” The two officers laughed. Others in the vicinity smiled. Pilot testing in a commissioned ship was the last step in qualifying and included escape and evasive maneuvers. It seemed Jenna had taken orders literally and thrown the heavy cruiser around like it was a police patrol vessel. All the crew could do was hold on.
The final test was when the heavy cruiser returned to its base on Tihab.
*********
“Ok, student pilot, take us to Fleet Ground Station Central. Maintenance parking,” ordered Captain Examiner Don Hepus, who was sitting at the second pilot’s station.
“Sir.” Jenna activated communications. “Space control, flight test 2141, request vector to Fleet Ground Station Central, please.”
“Flight Test 2141, Space Control, Turn to course 231-170, till you reach station bravo. Further instructions from ground control, watch for conflicting traffic from your 90 high and 260 left.”
“Space control, flight test 2141, thanks, course 231- 170, conflicting 90 high and 260 left. Contact ground at station bravo.”
This time the cruiser was turned almost sedately to its new course.
Captain Re Gannia, pilot training commander and temporary commanding officer of the heavy cruiser Dana Free looked at the third person sitting at a side consol.
“Think it’s safe sir?”
Vice Admiral Danissa of Christos laughed. “Not sure Captain.” She looked up front. “Are we safe, Captain Examiner Hepus?” Admiral Danissa was uncertain why she was there. All she knew was that the Star Commander had told her that her presence was necessary and had been requested as a courtesy to Councillor Simone by the Highest Authority. That kept her mouth shut. She had also been present at the awarding of battle honours to The Fifty Ninth Battalion, now Lady Lucas Own Regiment. That had been an emotional and exciting pageant. The news that the Warrior Lady had selected one of their battalions for her own was an honour that the entire force relished. After thinking about it, it was obvious to the Admiral that the palace was flexing its authority and if she was required to monitor the rehabilitation of one of her own, that was good enough.
“One last test Ma’am. Landing.” Came the quiet reply. The short, almost rotund legion office had spoken with icy precision to go with his icy demeanour in giving orders, courses and actions for Jenna to carry out. That these orders had almost shaken the cruiser apart seemed not to worry him at all. Only twice had he reached out to steady himself on the consol. Yet every order had kept the cruiser in the defined area of space used for training and testing. Only the last order had her moving out of the training area.
Approaching the central node, station bravo, Jena contacted ground control.
“Ground Control, flight test 2141, requesting approach to Fleet Ground Station Central, thank you.” The pleasantries were not natural to Jenna, but she coped.
“Flight test 2141, ground control. Continue descent course 140, descend to ten thousand then contact Legion control. No conflicting.”
“Ground control, flight test 2141 copies, continue descent course 140, descend to ten thousand then contact legion control. No Conflicting. 2141 out.”
“Ground control out.”
There was quiet for a fraction until the specified height was reached.
“Legion control, flight test 2141, request landing instructions Fleet Ground Station Central. Maintenance parking.”
“Flight test 2141, legion control, welcome back.” From who was calling they knew that the student pilot had been successful. They had also been able to follow the cruisers gyrations and knew that this had been one gruelling test. “Turn to 045, engage hv22675 for auto landing. Check possible conflict your 175, 15 high. ”
About to answer, Jenna and the two observers were surprised when the instructor cut in.
“Legion control. Flight test 2141, Captain Examiner Don Hepus. We are coming in manual.”
There was a fractions silence. “Flight test 2141, Legion control copies. Coming in on manual.”
“Legion control, Flight test 2141, course 045, possible conflict 175, 15 high, reducing thrust to twenty five percent.” Jenna followed procedure.
“Legion control copies.”
The flight continued in silence, with the Dana Free steadily losing altitude, Captain Re Gannia and Vice Admiral Danissa had exchanged looks. Jenna had pursed her lips but said nothing.
Arriving at the base threshold, “Legion control, Flight test 2141, reducing thrust to fifteen percent, request vector to arrival pad.” Captain Examiner Don Hepus, gave an approving nod.
“Legion control copies, vector 282, pad 442 past administrative building, cleared to one thousand until past admin building then cleared to land. There is no conflicting.”
“Flight test 2141 copies, vector 192, pad 442. No conflicting. One thousand until past admin. Cleared to approach and land.”
Slowly the heavy cruiser sank as the base complex came into view as the heavy cruiser flowed towards the admin building. Jenna called out the heights. “2000, 1800, 1500, 1200, 1000, we are clear of the admin building. Cleared to approach and land.”
On a side screen, Jenna noted pad 442 was next to a pad occupied by another heavy cruiser with a loading station positioned between the cruiser and their pad. Captain Examiner Don Hepus seemed asleep in his chair beside Jenna, who, in turn, seemed to be ignoring him.
“Landing, reducing thrust to five percent.” The tension was thick on the bridge, manually landing a hundred thousand tonne heavy cruiser on a planet’s surface was a difficult, very difficult process. Sliding the unwieldy vessel past the pad as it slowed, Jenna brought it to a stop then slowly backed it in. “Landing gear down … and locked. Landing thrusters.” The ship slowly settled onto its sturdy landing gear, all within pad 442’s parameters. As the thrusters were shut down, ground crew fully covered in protective gear approached to connect the heavy cruiser to ground power.
“Legion control, flight test 2141, landed, signing off, thank you.” Jenna ran through the necessary steps to shut down the engines on the space craft and switch over to ground power.
“Flight test 2141, legion control copies, landed, signing off, well done.”
Captain Examiner Don Hepus heaved himself out of his chair. Surveyed Jenna with his icy eyes as he pulled his comm unit out. Jenna also stood, matching him stare for stare. He tapped on his comm unit without saying a word. Captain Re Gannia and Vice Admiral Danissa waited with interest for the verdict.
With a snap, Hepus put his comm unit away, gave a fractional smile. “You’ll do… pilot.” He said, turned and walked of the bridge, past a newly arrived and shaken Commander Wirst. Following were the usual bridge crew, looks of respect on their faces as they fanned out to their respective stations.
“Well done, pilot.” Vice Admiral Danissa, also gave a rare smile. Congratulations also came from Captain Re Gannia.
“He was smiling.” Commander Wirst complained. “Captain Hepus never smiles!”
The two officers laughed as they left.
Jenna didn’t smile either, not openly. She was back.
*********
Fleet Admiral Enos Ra Stako hid his concerns as he surveyed his fleet dispositions. He was the designated commander of the fleet earmarked to defend the Fourth Cluster. The critical forces were the scouts, so his main discussion was with Admiral der Watt, who had received the appointment he wanted, command of all of the scouting forces in the fourth cluster.
While there were thirty two galaxies in the fourth cluster, there were only three that he had to worry about, so he had three options. The first was to divide his fleet into three parts, but that could leave him weak everywhere. The second was to send out his scouting forces and hold back his main forces. He didn’t like that either. If the enemy came in force, they could overwhelm the scouts before he could concentrate against them.
The third option was to reinforce his scouting forces while holding back his main forces. This is what he had decided to do. He would reinforce the scouting forces, with emphasis on the most vulnerable target in the rather small and sparsely occupied Tigris Galaxy. That was also where Admiral der Watt had stationed himself. This galaxy had received the five Barrow class battle ships and the now well-known force of heavy cruisers known as Detachment T. This was changed slightly, with the cruisers known as group T-1 and the battleships as group T-2.
Both officers had discussed the dispositions of the force with Rear Admiral Traska, back in command of the reinforced Detachment T. They approved his plans that he had made. To get maximum coverage with his ships, he proposed to first use the battleships, cruisers and any other craft he could get his hands on, to seed as many systems as possible with a stealthy recon satellite.
This was done over the months leading up to now, 12th, Abigu, the winter solstice in Tihab, although not on other planets.
Now they were ready with the next step, the dispersal of the fleet. Each of the battleships were stationed in an arc across the most direct line from galaxy K113. Three were above the galactic plane while two were below. The three quads of heavy cruisers were distributed well forward of the battleships.
As well another four quads of light cruisers were assigned to detachment T. Two quads of which were stationed on each flank of Detachment T. These remained under Admiral Der Watt’s direct control but were to report all findings to Admiral Traska, who had operational control delegated to him. Once contact had been made, these quads would revert back to Admiral der Watt’s operational control.
And Traska also had the Zylions. The first contact he had with them sent a chill down his spine. Neither insectoid nor arachnid, they were the stuff of humanoid nightmares.
*********
Speaking with their Leader, which was what humans called their Commander, was the first test.
“Greetings Leader, and welcome.”
A rasping sound, which was the equivalent of a laugh was the response. “You fear me as much as I do you.” The Leader responded. “I would turn you into meat for dining if I could, but the Great Eater has forbidden it!” Another spine crawling laugh followed. “Therefore you may stay on your ship and I on mine.”
Admiral Traska had been told what the Zylions called the Dark Lord, but that had made him no happier.
“You will inform us of any contact as has been agreed by our Master.”
“We will so inform you.” The inhuman body shook. “Such touches cause us great distress therefore one of us has agreed to be the sacrifice, and we will be able to close our minds to that terrible peril.”
“And we will inform you of any such touch we become aware of, and when any other contact is made.”
“The Lair thanks you.” Another chuckle. Then contact was broken.
Turning to his officers, Traska viewed their expressions.
“Who wants to volunteer to be the contact with the Zylions?” He smiled. His staff didn’t.
*********
Once contact had been made, the ships of Detachment T would go to the second degree of alert status. If any of the ships or ship came into contact they would initiate stealth mode and observe. All other ships would rendezvous at a pre-determined point depending on where the first contact took place. Further scouting would rest with the stealthy recon satellites. They would have to be relied on to warn of further incursions.
Held further back was the backbone of the force. Six quads of modern battleships and six quads of armoured planetoids. Each quad was screened by one quad of heavy and one of light cruisers. A total of one hundred and forty four first line fighting vessels. Together, the forces were known as Defence Force Two, while the fleets in the Third Cluster, with the same compliment of ships were known as Defence Force One. Together the two fleets were designated Cluster Defence Force.
The forces in cluster three had decided to do things differently. In discussions with Fleet Admiral Wist, the commander and Admiral Hasling, in command of scouting forces, they revealed that they had decided to hold back the main forces and concentrate the covering battleships in the center. This was due to the lower speed on the modern battleships compared to the Barrows class. It was also due to the lower likelihood of any incursions in this cluster.
There were two other fleets in each of the third and fourth clusters. Each consisting of five quads of planetoids. There were also in each galaxy, smaller fleets of battleships, heavy and light cruisers. These were designated as defense for the possible, although remote, likelihood of invasion. Other than psychic detection, the Zylions would not be involved in any of the defense of the empire.
There were several other fleets formed consisting of older planetoids. These were stationed in each cluster. Older cruisers and battleships were sent to each galaxy to reinforce the vessels already stationed there. These were welcomed by the galactic councils and ordered to protect same. They were sadly disillusioned. The commanding officers had strict orders to sweep the galaxies and keep pirates and other criminals down. When protests erupted, they were invited to discuss same with their representatives.
A message sent to the proper member of the High Council brought the reply that these orders were approved by the High Council and endorsed by the Dark Lord. Therefore, they must be obeyed. While it could not be said that the objections ceased, they did became muted.
And so the waiting game continued.