The four Salamander fighters roared overhead in a low pass saluting the recent graduates. The freshly promoted second lieutenant Jonathon Eldon looked up at them. His heart leapt with pride and excitement. Clutching his dispatch papers and graduation roll he began to relive the same day dreams that had got him through the bad times here at the academy and a spur for the endless testing. Being a fighter pilot in the "Service" had been his dream and ambition since he was a small youth growing up on the Agri world of Rowlatt, staring up at the blue sky on a warm summer’s day dreaming of dog fights and medals.
"Hey John!" A familiar voice cut into his reality. Looking across the "Quadrangle" he saw her walking towards him.
Lieutenant Claire Doolan, his bunk mate smiled as she drew near. Her blue eyes sparkled in the sun light with a youthful playfulness. They had been billeted together for three years now and had become nigh on inseparable, she was always on his wing.
"Did you get your orders Freya?"
Freya was her pet name for him; she said that he snored like the sounds of a dying Freya night beast. He never quite believed her, nor knew how she knew what a dying night beast sounded like but had grown to like the name.
"Yes indeed. 51st." He smiled broadly "Stationed on the Valkerie. What did you get?"
"53rd, Ace of Spades on the Hercules. I'm shipping out in two hours." She shifted her eyes down to the grass below.
A wave of shock washed over him. He and Claire had been friends for so long and been such a major part of each other’s lives that he couldn't imagine being separate from her.
"That was fast." He managed to murmur. All thought of glory and achievement lost under the dark waves of loss and regret.
"Yeah I know." She tried to manage a half smile. "Something about fleet movement into the Oberon Sector and needing the best pilot for the job!"
"Then surely..." he began but stopped, looking her straight in the eye he smiled "They have chosen well."
She punched his arm lightly "Don't get all mushy on me Freya."
They grew silent and started walking to the dorm. "Are you all packed?" His voice was tight and lacked its usual light heartedness.
"I don't think in the three years I've been here I've unpacked everything." She said wistfully, "Anyway, all that crap in the dorm is yours!"
They laughed again and he put an arm around her shoulder.
"I'm going to miss you Doolz."
Her step faltered and her eyes rolled up to meet his, a touch of remorse nagged her features.
"Going to miss you too Freya." She half whispered.
***
Charlotte sat on the end of her bed, her kit bag at her feet. How could her entire life be fitted into such a small bag? The room lay bear save for a book left casually in the middle of her bunk.
The Room's emptiness seemed to resonate around her and permeate her soul. Amy, her roommate and best friend had shipped out that morning. She had been second top of her class and received promotion to the cruiser Hercules. It was a prestigious assignment. Second Navigational officer on the Command ship of the Zosen sector.
Charlotte hadn't wanted to see her go. Where ever there were pranks her and Amy had started it. Where ever there was a party her and Amy had planned, publicised and starred in it. Amy was the brash out going one, Charlotte the insular studious one but when she was with Amy she had become a mirror of her charismatic nature and was one of the twin stars at the centre of their own galaxy.
Her three years here had been a rollercoaster ride of dizzying highs and crushing lows. She had fought and won the title of "Top of the class" and majored in Astro navigation with a ground breaking study on Quagor Nebulonic formations. A theory so complicated she had managed to dazzle her lecturers with guess work and supposition.
A brief smile played across her lips as she remembered Doctor Cubb's face as she argued the point he was making failed to stand up to the laws of physics and then proceeded to explain to the aging professor, who had dedicated his life to the study of this field, that the basis of his ideas was:
A) Dated and flawed by current research, and;
B) If the "Presumptions" were followed by a crew in the field they would all end up dead.
To her surprise he agreed -to an extent- before sending her to report to the head of the department.
She fidgeted, pushing her light brown hair behind her ears and scooped up her muster sheet again. There was no need to read it, she had read it four times, had committed it to memory but found solace in reading it one last time.
"1st Lieutenant Charlotte. M. Bell Navigational officer first class - Report to chief navigator Harkins aboard Valkerie in 48 hours (0900 27-4)
Shuttle 0745 departs Rantru academy 16.00 25-4"
Short but simple. She glanced at her watch. 14:55. With a sigh she stood up and scooped up her bag and book. How could her life feel so light?
Approaching the door she turned to take one last glance around at the gunboat grey walls and metal bunks. She could hear her and Amy laughing; the sound resonated and seemed to escape from the walls. She smiled gently. The room had been so full of life now lay in state.
"Good bye Room." Her voice was soft and tinged with remorse.
Forcing another smile she flicked the light switch plunging the room into darkness, save for the white glow of the door, which slowly faded to black as she closed it.
One chapter ends, however much you loved it, another begins.
***
Admiral Stimson regarded the star maps on the situation report table. He would get the glory he knew he deserved. Those fools in central command had overlooked a golden opportunity. Since the human Empire had reached N'kell space they had stopped. The original exploration vessel that had opened up the way to the Galactic core had returned with comprehensive intelligence reports and many encounters.
Captain Bond had engaged the same flotilla of craft time and time again but had never been defeated. This alien "Menace" was obviously a paper tiger and not worth worrying about. Stimson looked at the Zoden gap. His superiors had worried their heads over this patch of space and millions of credits had been diverted to planetary defences but the answer was more simple than that. A battle group under the more than capable Vice Admiral Oaten would smash through the door and the whole rotten structure would collapse.
Oaten's fleet was the most powerful reconnaissance force put together, mainly from the Zosen defence force. Twenty heavy cruisers with the cream of the navy and fighter force all led by the flagship Vengeful.
The N'kell didn't stand a chance.
A second fleet to be led by Stimson would follow up and mop up survivors. The rewards for Oaten and himself by a grateful Parliament and Emperor would be far reaching. Glory and wealth would be his forever and the Human Empire would move another step towards greatness.
***
Zosen IV was a hive of activity. The colony on this far flung, temperate world had been founded five years previously and had rapidly increased in size. Settlers from all over the Empire had been drawn to the rich mineral deposits and the endless employment in the defence factories. The Admiralty required a constant stream of warships, star fighters, and a defence force garrison. The population had grown from the first few thousand settlers who had emerged from the seeding ships to forty million in just five years.
Unlike so many other worlds forcibly settled by Parliament, Zosen IV had a rich wealth of minerals and a good temperate climate and no surprises. The memory of Partolli II was still fresh in the mind of every Galactic Scout and colonist. The planet scans showed a similar template as Alpha prime and rich in minerals with fertile soil. Four nights into the colonies existence all nine thousand settlers were killed, as was the battalion of soldiers sent to investigate. It was a month before the next military vessel passed by and landed more troops. Lieutenant Herrick, the sole survivor reported to his Captain that nocturnal Ogre like creatures rose from the caves and culled everyone.
Luckily for the millions on Zosen nothing like that existed here.
At eighteen years old Stacey Nash had already seen much of the Galaxy. Her father had been assigned as a navigator on a civilian Survey ship and had taken his family with him. Stacey had seen the birth of a star, looked into the eternal darkness of a black hole and the deep purple haze of a Quagor Nebula. Life on the "Aurora" had been educational and an experience that had moulded her view of the galaxy.
Now... Now she was stuck here. Her mother had died four years previously and her father had deteriorate and almost penniless took the emperor's golden credit and became a miner on Zone. After the accident that had left his left side paralysed she had taken a job as a pit worker too. Two years of scratching a living from rock and taking care of her two younger brothers had left her with a wistful melancholy but with a chipper sense of humour. She had learnt to swing a pick and operate heavy machinery quickly and to defend herself from the advances of the other miners even quicker. More than one man had reported to the infirmary with a broken jaw or arm and the whisper "Leave Stacey Nash" ran quickly through them. She loved the respect she had earned but it came at a price, people were often too scared of her and she was often treated as a pariah by most. Her only real friends were Eddie and George, two other pit workers from the same watch. George was like a surrogate father who constantly looked out for her where as Eddie was a young lad, a newbie. She' saved him from a fight two years previous and since then they'd become inseparable.
It had been another gruelling day in the mines. The government had upped the quota of ore required, they were obviously gearing up for something and the supervisors were taking it out on the workers. Stacey and Eddie were walking down the escalator to the habitation sector. The sound of martial music carried across the crisp cool morning air. Stacey strained her eyes in the direction it came from. From their lofty vantage point she could see the columns of figures marching along the main street. Green helmets bobbed like a sea whilst silver plates glinted and sparkled in the sun.
"Looks like a parade." Eddie said incredulously
"Well Yeah..." Her dry sense of humour often relied on Eddie's stupid comments and was rarely left wanting.
"Do you want to take a closer look?"
She didn't even have to answer, this was excitement and standing in the darkness all day carving out chunks of rock was an occupation that needed any form of excitement
The hurried down the hill and into the shanty town of grotty prefabs, lean-to's and unsanitary tenements that lived under the grandiose name of habitation sector. Jumping a burst sewer main and its stinking discharge they picked their way through the slime towards the merchant sector and the aortic road that was the "Main Street."
Stacey had become accustomed to this place. She hated it and yearned to leave but the sights, sounds and smells had long been engrained in her mind and she had acclimatised.
Eddie still curled his nose in disgust at the effluent that flowed down the street and tried to avoid stepping in slime. His attitude would change but Stacey hoped that would take a long time, when others had lost their standards and embraced their lot they had lost a part of themselves.
They crossed the rusting bridge into the "Merchant sector" and walked down the dark ally into the cheering crowd.
Through the mass of citizens Stacey could make out the soldiers of the fourth Zosen light infantry, their pulse rifles held to the port, the regimental band playing with a jaunty number that kept everyone in step behind the red regimental standard. Behind the column of men came the APCs and light tanks. Their engines roared a throaty cough as they rolled down the black tarmac streets.
It was an impressive sight especially for the civilians who rarely saw such a spectacle.
"Fools" a familiar voice filled her ears. George stepped out of one of the doorways and up to her and Eddie.
“Come on George they’re the shield of the Empire.” Eddie scoffed
“They’re dead men walking.” His voice was as cold and crisp as the morning air. “I’ve fought the N’kell boy, they are ruthless and efficient killers bent on one thing- the annihilation of the enemy. When their Admiralty has finished wiping these boys out they will come for us here.”
“Do you really think so George?” Stacey half smiled as she tried to make light of the dark prediction.
“No” Eddie pointed at the proud looking infantry column “They’ll deal with them easily.”
George shook his head, his eyes fixed on the troops. “Their high command has known this day was coming and have prepared for any incursion by us. Then once our shield is cut off they’ll stab deep into our heart.”
Stacey’s blood ran cold. What if George was right?
“You mark my words… Death will come to us all if they cross the border.”
***
Jonathon looked around the small cabin he had been assigned. The shuttle had basic accommodation for the long haul to the rendezvous point. He yawned and ran his hand over his freshly shaved face. It had been a long day and he still had a long journey left. The duty officer had said that there was no reason to wander the ship and he might as well get some sleep. A notion Jonathon was warming too.
He moved over and sat on the small cot and looked over at the empty bunk opposite. The roster showed that the vessel was filled to capacity and yet for some reason this cabin only housed him. Still not always a bad thing. After the calm and friendship of living with Doolan for three years he was dreading a new room mate who would throw his life into chaos.
He reached into his bag and pulled out an old photo, its reflective surface caught the light and briefly dazzled him. He smiled at the familiar faced that glowed back at him.
The photograph was two years old, taken on Valentines day at the campus bar with his dorm mates, all hopeful and eager young fighter pilots. At the centre of the picture was Mark, one of his best friends and the nominal leader of the group, a broad smile lit up his face as he held two thumbs up. Flanking him were the twins Sarah and Lucy, their matching smiles highlighted their natural beauty, their long blonde hair, let down for the casual occasion, cascaded down their backs and over their shoulders.
Sarah was looking at Mark, secretly she had always had a crush on him, something secret and special but never quite realised.
To Lucy's right was Jonathon, he looked younger to his eyes, it seemed an eternity since that time but he still remembered that night. Slow dancing with Lucy, their eyes locked on each other, the smell of her perfume filling his nostrils, he hadn't been able to feel the floor beneath his feet, nor remembered anyone else there, just the two of them. Behind him stood Doolan, she had her arm wrapped around his waist and smiled broadly; a glass of champagne in her right hand, her gaze was a side glance at him. He remembered she had got really drunk that night
and he had carried her back to the dorm and put her into her bed. She had cried the whole way home but wouldn't say why.
He smiled briefly and put the photo on the wall next to his pillow.
The memories of the pas and the good times kept him sane, this one photo had had seen him through many bad times. Just looking at Lucy and the others made his heart swell and the love he had for her would always be with him.
He laid back onto the bed and closed his eyes, the thin mattress stabbed him with every spring in the back but it didn’t matter, it was a bed and fatigue was finally washing over him. He was slowly sinking below the waves into blackness when the door opened and the clomp-clomp of boots on metal floor plating caught his attention. A burst of adrenaline coursed through his arteries and he sat up with a start as if doused in cold water.
"Calm down Freya, its only me." A familiar voice filled his ears as his eye sight cleared. Doolan was sat on the empty bed looking at him, her bag tossed casually on the floor. Jonathon creased his brow as he tried to comprehend what was she doing here? Wasn't she supposed to be heading for the Hercules? This had to be a dream.
"No you aren't dreaming." She half laughed.
His brow furrowed deeper. "Hercules?" He croaked "53rd?"
She shrugged and looked away briefly before her grey eyes rolled up to meet his. "Didn't fancy it."
She let out a ripple of laughter and unbuttoned her jacket revealing the white shirt and loosened her black tie.
"But the ace of spades?" He was stll mumrmering.
"I hear the 51st is the place to be." she smiled, "So I transferred."
"But Doolz."
She waved a hand dismivily. "Look Freya, you need me on your wing, and I trust no one else to cover me if i slip up."
He smiled warmly at her, he was glad that she was with him, he'd not been able to imagine life in the force without her, they had been together through thick and thin and she was right, he would rather have her on his wing than a thousand other pilots.
"Any way its all ratified now so there's no point arguing." She continued. "I see you've put the picture up." She nodded in the direction of the group portrait. "I hated that night." Her voice filled with bile.
"I'm surprised you remember that night at all, I've never seen you so drunk!"
Claire didn't respond, just stared blankly into open space. Jonathon watched her intently trying to read her thoughts but to no avail.
"You've never told me what was up?"
She nodded silently.
"Two years Doolz, we've told each other everything. You helped me struggle with my feelings for Lucy, I was there when your father died. We told each other everything which is wy we are a good team. But you've never talked of that night, what happened?"
"It was a long time ago." She said looking down at her boots. "I don't even remember."
Her voice was strained and laboured. He knew she was lying but knew her well enough not to push the issue. He was just glad to see her and have her in his squadron.
"Is there anyone else going to the 51st?" he tried to change the subject.
"Only Pentlow." She brought her head back up.
"Pentlow." He scoffed.
Matt Pentlow had bee one of the top fighter pilot trainees in the class. He had carried himself with a confident arrogance and had always been a bit of a nemesis for him. He had hoped he had seen the back of him at the fraduation.
"It'll be fine Jonathon." She smiled. "No point worrying." She removed her jacket and finally took her tie off before loosening her coller. light glinted from the silver chain around her neck. "Any way I'm going to get some shut eye." She said as she flicked the silver cruicifix out from under her coller.
"Ok Doolz." he smiled.
"Lights." She said out loud, the sensors caught her voice and the light level dimmed to near blackness. Jonathon laid back onto his painful matress.
"Hey Doolz?" Glad you're here." he said.
"Freya?" Her voice filled the darkness.
"Yeah?"
"Try not to snore. ok?"
***
The human fleet burned and continued to break up. Keister looked at the devestation his fleet had wrought on the alien incursion. They had been lured further away from their supply lines and then the N'kell had struck. The humans had never expected the "Subs." N'kell scientists had developed a type of vessel able to sit on a dimensional plane below reality but use special weapons to target their real space counterparts.
As yet the humans had yet to develope technology to detect them.
The "Subs" had waited til the human fleet was strung out in pursuit of the bait cruisers and then launched a volley of torpedos into them. The confusion wrought caused as much damage as the volley. Then the main fleet struck out from a sensor shrowd and hit the humans from the opposite flank.
A few elements tried to make a break for freedom but were easilly cut down.
Long range scans and intelligance reports showed that another fleet would arrive in forty eight hours. They would return to their sensor shrowd and await them.
Once the second wave was dealt with they would move on and destroy the Shik'lar.
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