Annals of the Keepers: War 267 (Book 1 in the Gashnee Saga) (9 page)

The blast propelled Maddox’s large frame, spinning him along the floor right in front of the mechanical sentry’s tracked torso.

Fire followed, enveloping the whole corridor and swallowing the Reavers in its whooshing turbulence.

The fire receded just in time for Maddox to see the mechanical claw reach down and grab him around his chest.

A hydraulic whine lifted Maddox off the deck plate, slamming him in to the corridor wall with a crash. The mech pulled the Reaver back, readying to smash him once again.

Maddox struggled to get an aim as he fired a retro-rocket from his own launcher, streaking but just missing the mech’s square head, sending the errant rocket behind the sentry to the far end of the corridor where it exploded against a door.

The metal beast drove Maddox again towards the wall, but two micro-wires stopped his erratic flight.

The wires, fired from both Kason and Keelen, wrapped around the large mechanical arm, ceasing its movement towards the wall with Maddox.

The mech turned back to square itself with the corridor, opening its chest launcher, but before it could fire on the Reavers, a metal blade found its way into the shoulder joint of the sentry unit.

Jens’ kodashi sword swung down against the linkage of metal.

The blue glowing edge of his blade sliced through the steel and hydraulics, severing the metal limb holding Maddox.

The sentry never got the chance to counter-attack.

The Reavers’ movements and reaction from the beginning of the encounter was a ballet of precision. Each Reaver knew what the other was doing in their HUD’s from the onset of the attack.

Maddox already knew the micro-wires were in the air as the mech pulled him away from the wall the first time.

Kason and Keelen already knew Maddox was about to fire his retro-rocket at the sentry but had missed.

What they all knew was just before Jens sliced the sentry’s arm off, he had launched a time-delayed high explosive round to the center of the mech’s chest just as it opened, imbedding itself in its core.

The Reavers dove over the mech to the other side of the corridor and, without missing a beat, continued their way towards Nevlen’s troops before the massive explosion ripped open the sentry mech that had once stood between them and their, now, secondary objective.

Data Cell 13

Mistakes can come
at any time, some larger than others and by one’s own hand.

An explosion punctuated Nevlen’s thought.

A grenade, thrown down at the human squads, was tossed back up by one of his men only to make it a few feet from his fingers before detonating.

The blast shredded the front of the trooper’s helmet and body armor, hurling him against the few remaining and cowering troops left.

He gave his life.

Nevlen’s coms gear was ablaze with yells for reinforcements as he fought to keep his remaining men alive.

Without warning, the ceiling of the room caved in from where the Kryth were positioned firing down.

A loud
bang
noise followed the descending debris. A blue energy sphere enveloped the room, moving from the center outward.

Nevlen felt the hairs on his arms and neck stand as the pulse moved over his entire body.

The lights in the room went out.

A thundering crash echoed from above on the walkway.

Kryth yells and screams replaced weapons’ fire. The Kryth blaster fire decreased and Kryth bodies began to rain down, smashing into the foyer floor below.

Nevlen heard another crash against the bulkhead behind him.

Plasma bolts pounded, peppering the metal as dents bulged out from the door’s surface.

Just as soon as the weapons’ fire from the Kryth had begun, it ceased.

Smoke billowed up from around the room and the moans of the injured called out.

Dying Kryth and human lay in heaps upon the floor as Nevlen surveyed the surreal scene.

Nevlen’s men began to come out from the hallway cover looking above to where their assailants had been.

A flash of black armor landed on top of the dead bodies strewn in the center of the room in a semi-crouched position.

The mask was unmistakable. It was Kason.

Kason’s head lifted up, to stare at Nevlen.

Nevlen’s men began to emerge and help the fallen who still had breath in their lungs.

Nevlen’s mind wandered as the large Reaver approached.

He could sense Kason’s emotion with every step he took. The steps were methodical, they had a purpose. He knew the exact expression on Kason’s face even though the mask concealed it.

Nevlen wasn’t going to stand there and be schooled by Kason. He knew he made a mistake but the station was theirs.

Nevlen stepped forward to greet the Reaver. “I’m sure glad it’s you. We were in a bit of a jam until you showed up.” Nevlen gulped.

Kason just stood there.

The sealed doors began to whine open as the other three Reavers appeared from the other side.

“I guess the cavalry showed up.” He looked at the unrelenting stare from Kason.

A right-cross hit the side of Nevlen’s helmet sending him back and onto the floor from Kason’s punch.

Nevlen didn’t have a chance as he saw the Reaver reach down and grab him, picking his whole body off the ground and hurling him at the wall behind.

Nevlen slid to the floor.

Before any troop or Reaver could intervene, Kason had him by the throat again; lifting his entire body off the ground he slammed him against the bulkhead once more.

Kason issued a command for his mask to open.

Whoosh
! The air escaped and the faceplate lifted.

“Where do you get the nerve to disobey orders?” Kason spoke with angered breath. “Where do you get the nerve to jeopardize the mission?”

Nevlen struggled to breathe as Kason’s gauntleted vise grip pressed into his neck.

By then, Maddox was on Kason along with two of Nevlen’s men.

Kason let go and Nevlen’s body slumped down against the wall one last time.

Nevlen saw Kason overlooking his now supine body.

He did not return Kason’s gaze. Instead, he removed his cracked helmet and brushed the blood and grime from around his mouth.

“Towards none save my own, huh,” Kason spoke.

Nevlen met Kason’s stare. There were no words to say what Nevlen thought, as the error was his. He had failed and his silence spoke for him.

He saw Kason turn and walk off down the hall.

Kason’s Reaver team followed as they passed the fallen human bodies on the way out of the hallway.

It was the cost of unbridled jealousy.

He heard Kason’s mask close with a sealing hiss of air.

Nevlen watched the Reavers vanish through the smoke-filled corridor.

He then began to feel the eyes of his own men come down on him. He had felt them before, years before. The images from the past seemed so new, just like the ones that surrounded him at the moment.

It was four years ago, in 253, this same scene played out before him with Kason’s Reavers.

The Ordinance sent his team to the
Raffix Run
asteroid belt near the Kontene system. Sector pirates had been hiding out and attacking the cargo runner ships that ran between them and the Mydian system.

He was charged with taking out a pirate base located on one of the larger asteroids. He and his team had practiced for weeks. They were ready.

The first wave of the mission was a success; but, being optimistic about their advance, he had moved his team too far ahead, beyond their support. They wound up in an ambush, not much different from this one.

The ambush lasted about an hour before his team began to make progress against the pirates with no casualties, driving them back. It was at this time the Reavers showed up.

Within moments the Reavers had cleared the remaining pirate stronghold and rescued the trapped troopers.

Nevlen knew his team was gaining ground and that they needed no support, but Command thought otherwise.

He was angry because the Reavers were small-numbered assets used in strategic situations. The troopers were greater in number and were used as the primary armed forces for the Ordinance, and did 98% of all missions.

There was no reason to send the Reavers, he thought. Command was just eager to use their special weapons whenever they saw a chance.

Nevlen was not impressed by these test tube soldiers.

Even though Nevlen conceded his error moments ago, he was still impressed with his troops as they did advance further and faster than Kason’s team.

Nevlen pushed himself up from the wall.

Grabbing his helmet, he moved to help his troops with the wounded and fallen
.

Data Cell 14

The battle for
Sol was over. Just as swift as it had started, it ended. The Kryth had no chance against the human assault, Alon observed, since the planning for the mission had been ongoing for the last 67 years.

It didn’t go perfectly by any means, but the objective was met and the Earth now was back in the hands of its own.

Alon thought about how the exiled humans felt when the Kryth attacked all those years ago. Was it as shocking for the Kryth, not knowing who attacked them and why? Alon hoped that it was.

Alon also thought about what Earth must have looked like in person before the Kryth invasion. He had nothing to go on save for images in data cells.

He could see the ruins on the moon from where he stood on the
Orion’s Rage
Bridge, a once vibrant colony, just like Mars, all but dead and gone. So were the 22 billion lives, strewn across this vast graveyard of destruction here within Sol.

Alon’s heart was heavy, contemplating the lost people and Earth. She was such a beautiful planet, a perfect balance of various eco systems, climates, cultures, and resources. A jewel in the eyes of many, envy to all.

Alon knew that humans would not populate this planet for some time to come, for they already had a new home, their home on Janus in the Mydian system.

There were some humans who wanted to re-populate the earth and begin restoring her. These, ‘
Earthiests
’, as they were called, had been trying to push Precepts through the Assembly to make this happen after the Retribution mission. A dangerous proposition that the Ordinance opposed, including Commander Parejas.

Alon knew, though, it was just a matter of time until this happened, but not today.

This battle was just a calling card, a wakeup to the Kryth, or any other race who may decide to cross humanity’s path the wrong way.

Yet, it was still nice to dream of one day returning and living on the planet of their species’ birth.

That day would have to wait.

It had been several hours after the battle. Alon was waiting for the emergency transmission from the home world on Janus and Assemblyman, Mordon Tallis.

Alon didn’t know why Tallis called the meeting, but could only speculate he wanted to stick his nose where it didn’t belong; that’s how politicians were.

He saw the other officers arrive, in their dress uniforms, ready for the formal gathering.

The first was Nevlen, with a retro-sling on his injured shoulder, revealing the close quarter’s combat that took place aboard the station.

Kason followed behind.

Alon could already discern the fire that raged inside Kason. He knew where the spark had begun, and only hoped for a flicker of flame instead of an inferno between him and Commander Nevlen. When he had time, he would speak to Kason about this ongoing issue with Nevlen.

Droe Temin, Jesan Takkar, and Commander Parejas all followed next. They had gathered around the holo-projector, awaiting the transmission from Janus.

Alon stood back a bit to take in and record the historical event.

“Let’s all behave ourselves, now,” Parejas warned.

The hum of light and the projector came on.

Mordon Tallis’s image appeared in the center of the bridge’s foredeck.

Alon noticed how much thinner the hologram image made Tallis’ face look. He knew him to be a slender man but his cheeks looked sunken, the holo-image seemed to age the man-then again, he had not seen him in some time, and would give him the benefit of the doubt.

Alon wondered to himself if he would look similar over glowing imaged lights.

“Assemblymen Tallis, it’s an honor,” Parejas greeted.

“Likewise, Commander Parejas,” Tallis replied.

Turning, Parejas motioned to the others in the room. “We are all present, Assemblymen.”

“Yes, I see. I’m glad you all could attend. I would like to be the first to congratulate all of you on a fine historic mission. The Assembly Mount and the citizens of Mydian send their warmest wishes and gratitude,” Tallis said.

Nevlen couldn’t wait for the chance to speak, and did. “Thank you, sir. We are all proud of our performance.”

Commander Parejas cocked an eye at Nevlen’s obvious outburst.

Alon himself was taken aback by Nevlen’s comment, and looked to Kason in case he had to remove his fist from Nevlen’s mouth.

“Your performance, Commanders Parejas, Bossarios, and Takkar, have been phenomenal,” Tallis said.

Droe Temin caught the slight. “Also, Captain Bender, and his Reaver team,” she added.

“Oh yes, the same to you and your Reavers, Captain Bender.”

Commander Parejas looked to have had just about enough of this chatter. “Your urgent communique, I presume, is more than just congratulatory, Assemblymen?” Shenta got right to the point.

“Yes it is, Commander. The Assembly Mount has decided to move our contact and intentions initiative among other races up a few months, to extend our hand in friendship. This will take place at the upcoming Kryth conference…”

Parejas interrupted Tallis.

“If I’m not mistaken, Assemblymen, this initiative was to be introduced on the sixth month from the Retribution mission and under Ordinance jurisdiction.”

“The Assembly decided to move it up due to the image we might cast upon ourselves, among the other races, of those we do not have ill-fated intentions towards. We have already contacted them in this regard,” Tallis replied.

Kason said what everyone in the room was thinking, including Alon the Keeper.

“A little late for that now, isn’t it?”

Commander Parejas spoke. “Why was I not notified of the vote since my vote is needed regarding such matters?”

“Your vote, Commander, was taken by proxy during the hours of your duress,” Tallis said with a cold tone.

Shenta’s eyes narrowed. “What duress?” 

“When you were in the process of retaking the Sol system, Commander. A vote cannot be cast in a time of war and the Assembly decided we must act when it comes to the safety and security of the colony. Your orders are as follows,” Tallis said.

Parejas glanced over at Alon as to draw some inward patience from the Keeper. The commander’s hatred towards Tallis was visible to all.

Alon could only shrug his shoulders in understanding.

Tallis continued.

“Precept Number 1401 states: You, Commander Parejas, will lead a delegation to the Kryth conference in the Montis system. There, you will explain our intentions against the Kryth Mahr Domain and our aggression in the Sol system. The Keeper, Alon, will fill in the historical references about our past leading up to, and including, the present time. All peaceful solutions should be attempted and any new allies gained. End Precept Number 1401,” Tallis finished.

Commander Parejas stepped closer to the projected image. “This does not sit well with me, Assemblymen. I want a full recess called on the Mount until we return.”

“Your disagreements will be noted upon your return. Congratulations again to you and your forces, Commander. We all look forward to your return home from the conference. Tallis, out.”

The hologram blinked off.

Alon surveyed the room. He could feel every heartbeat and breath, Commander Parejas’ being the most obvious.

No one dared speak as all eyes were on the commander, well, almost no one could speak, Alon thought.

“Well, we have our orders from the Assembly. Commander,” turning towards Parejas, Nevlen said, “If you can excuse me I need to prep for the next set of missions,” he declared.

Commander Parejas stood there for a moment, knowing he could say a lot, he decided against his first reaction.  “You’re all dismissed.”

There wasn’t a person in the room that didn’t want to leave as soon as possible, including, Alon.

Alon approached Parejas to speak, but before he could, Parejas turned from the Keeper towards Nevlen and Kason, who were just leaving the platform.

“A word with you, Commander Nevlen and Captain Bender.”

The two men turned and approached.

“Captain Bender, I want you to assemble your team for the conference, excluding Ramek and Jens. Commander Nevlen, I want the same from you. Assemble a team, minus two troop from your ranks,” Parejas ordered.

“I do not understand, sir,” Kason replied.

“You don’t need to understand at this time. I will meet both of you in my quarters within the hour.”

Kason continued. “Commander, if this has something to do with the incident on the Kryth station, I can assure you…”

“I’m in no mood, Captain Bender. Assemble your team as ordered and report to my quarters in an hour. That’s all. You’re both dismissed.”

The two men did not hesitate and spun, leaving the command bridge.

Lt. Commander Temin stepped up. “Looks like the Kryth will be surprised when we show up at the conference.”

“I’ll brief you later, Lieutenant Commander,” Parejas said.

“Yes, sir.” Droe complied and left his side to return to her post.

Commander Parejas, now alone, turned and walked to the forward viewing window.

He placed his hands behind him and stared at the lifeless Earth beyond the crystal partition.

Shenta wondered to himself about the cohesion of his men. Something would need to be done with those two and fast, before either of them tore one another apart.