The North Star, page 29
part #1 of Galactic Sentinel Series
The ship’s two aft cannons fired.
“One enemy ship disabled, Captain.”
It irked Grimshaw that Ascari couldn’t understand that he was not the ship’s Captain. He wondered how the AI even knew his name and figured that Evans must have told it.
Project Zero took three more hits and its shields were reduced to sixty percent before Evans got them into the asteroids. Losing as many of the enemy vessels as possible among the rocks was as good as it was going to get.
“Let’s shake them in here, Evans.”
“Working on that with Ascari, sir.”
The Chit ships fired torpedos, but they were absorbed by the asteroids as Clio avoided them.
Two enemy vessels crashed into the giant rocks and flashed out of existence. Those that remained kept firing, but Evans somehow skillfully avoided their attacks and the asteroids simultaneously.
Grimshaw dared not speak to her in case he broke her concentration, but he had never seen flying like it.
“Dampeners and stabilizers will overheat within fifteen minutes if we sustain this level of movement,” Ascari said. “I recommend a new strategy, Captain.”
“Do we have anything that can penetrate these asteroids?”
“We have twelve neutrino warheads,” Ascari answered.
“What kind of distance can we put between the enemy and ourselves without ruining the ship?”
“It’ll be close, sir,” Evans said. “But Ascari thinks we can pull it off.”
“Take us out as fast as you can, and prepare five warheads. Fire them ahead of the ship and detonate them when we’re beyond range.”
“Affirmative,” Ascari said.
Grimshaw watched as huge rocks sped by as Evans wove the ship between them. She cut one turn very close, and he squeezed his armrest hard, but they came out of it in one piece.
“Warheads deployed,” the AI warned.
The warheads found their marks, and seconds later Project Zero was in open space again.
“Well done, Evans. Back when you told me how good a pilot you were, I should have listened.”
“I’ll accept that compliment, sir.”
Ascari gave them a count down from ten.
“Full speed to the gate, Evans.”
Again, Grimshaw barely noticed the change in speed. The ship was decades beyond what the Confederation or the Shanti had. Eline was right. A war would be started over it if matters weren’t handled correctly.
“Where’s my communications tech?” Grimshaw said over the crew channel.
“Officer Cleaver here.” The Marine sounded out of breath. “Just arrived at the communications station, sir. It’ll take me a few minutes to get set up. This is all a bit unfamiliar.”
“Let us know when you have the Ambassador on the line.”
Everyone watched the asteroid field behind Project Zero on the screen as the countdown completed.
“…Four. Three. Two. Detonation.”
Five sharp white lines cut across the asteroid field followed by instant blinding stars. The screen filters were barely capable, and Grimshaw had to look away, yellow blotches floating in his eyes.
A blast wave rocked the ship and dissipated.
“Shields at fifty-one percent. Detecting two enemy vessels closing in fast.”
Two beams cut into the back of the ship.
“Rear shields at twenty-two percent.”
“Return fire,” Grimshaw shouted. “All available power to aft cannons.”
Project zero responded with two hard shafts of her own and cut the Chit ships clean in half.
Chunks of debris spun off aimlessly into space.
“All threats neutralized. Recharging shields.”
An even louder roar than before went through the bridge.
“Let’s get to that gate before more of the bastards show up.”
“Aye, sir,” Evans answered.
Grimshaw’s sweaty hands worked the controls on his command terminal.
“Commander Grimshaw to all crew and passengers. The enemy has been neutralized, but please remain in your secure compartments until otherwise instructed. We are homebound.” He switched channels. “How long are you going to be, Cleaver? I want to get the message out before we enter the gate, which will be any minute now.”
“I sent your report to Ambassador Andallis, but the quantum circuits are fried so I can’t tell if the message reached him or not. Must have been overloaded when the Chits hit us. They’ll need to be replaced, and I can’t find any spares.”
“Ascari, can you do anything?”
“Confirming that the quantum entanglement processors have been damaged. There are no records of replacements on the ship’s manifest. Repair at a suitable hangar recommended.”
“Are there any other alternatives, Cleaver?”
“Not without specialized tools, sir. But I may be able to rig it up to send another short message, to be on the safe side.”
“It’ll have to do. How many words do we get?”
“Ten maximum if we want to keep it encrypted.”
“Project Zero arriving from Targos requesting assistance at Gate Alpha.”
“I’ll send that off now, Commander.”
“Good job, Cleaver.”
It wasn’t ideal, but it would have to do. They would be able to get the ambassador on short-range communications when they exited the gate, but at least they were able to give him a heads up before their arrival. He was going to need it.
Time passed slower as they curved back to the gate.
Eventually, it appeared on the primary display.
Like all intersystem and intergalactic gates, it had been created by the Ancients, or so various historians claimed. The truth was, no one knew where the gates had come from, but they had become the highways of the galaxy, allowing ships to jump across systems in a fraction of the time it would have taken otherwise.
The giant ring dwarfed Project Zero. Bolts of lightning sparked across its diameter as it activated and white light exploded from its center, radiating out to fill the dark spaces within.
The white disk faded to a swirling blue and Project Zero shot toward it. Pinpoints of black and white streamed by the primary visual display. It was a relief to be on the home stretch, but Grimshaw’s work was far from over.
The trip through the intergalactic network afforded him time to catch up on paperwork.
He brought up Project Zero’s schematics and found a cabin designated as the Captain’s quarters. It was on the floor above and accessed via the elevator or steps behind the bridge.
Grimshaw still had to prepare a mission report if he was to present anything to the ambassador. Then there were numerous letters to the families of those who didn’t make it. Thinking about those made his heart heavy and his eyes burn, but they weren’t going to write themselves.
“Evans, you’ve got the bridge.”
Grimshaw undid his restraints and rose from the Captain’s chair.
There was so much to do, but first he needed a few hours’ sleep.
SENTINEL STATION
Stars appeared on the bridge’s display as Project Zero exited from Gate Alpha. Clio eased the ship into a curve that brought them perpendicular to the gate and Sentinel Station came into view. It was no more than a distant white circle with a white star at its center, but the closer the ship got the more the station’s immense size became obvious.
“Have you been able to get Andallis on the line, Cleaver?” Grimshaw asked nervously.
“Not yet, sir. We’re getting through, but there’s no answer.”
“It could be that council is in session. Keep trying. Evans, steer clear of any ships in the area. Avoid the main lanes if you can help it.”
“Yes, sir.” Clio shifted the ship away from her original approach angle. “It might flag us on to station security.”
“I’m hoping the stealth drive Ascari told us about works.”
The artificial intelligence was offline as she focused on Project Zero’s unfinished stealth system. The hardware was there, but the engineers hadn’t finished interfacing it with the ship. However, she left numerous subroutines running on the bridge.
Clio slowed the ship as Sentinel Station drew near, its giant ring rotating around a dwindling neutron star.
“I see why they call it Sentinel Station,” she whispered. “It’s like a planet-sized eye.”
“The Galactic Alliance and their Sentinel Intelligence Agency keep tabs on the entire galaxy from here,” Grimshaw pointed out. “When intergalactic relations require a less subtle solution, the council bring in the Aegi. I guess you could say the council uses the station to keep an eye on galactic affairs.”
Humor was the last thing Clio expected from the Commander.
She turned back to him with one eyebrow cocked. “How come you know so much about this place?”
“I was stationed there before transferring to the academy. I was happy to ship out. The place was full of drama back then, and it’s probably a whole lot worse now.”
“The political center of the galaxy,” Martin said.
“The Galactic Council think it’s the center of the universe.” The Commander seemed amused. “I guess in a twisted kind of way, they’re right, but don’t be saying that on-board. You might make them think they’re worth a damn.”
Clio wasn’t sure whether to laugh or act surprised. “It sounds like you’ve got an axe to grind.”
“Not at all, Evans. I just don’t do politics. Politicians are a necessary evil, but it doesn’t mean I have to like them.”
Ascari returned to bridge systems. “I’ve lost control of the stealth-drive and cannot bring it back online, Captain. The station will be able to see us now.”
“Cleaver, any joy?”
“Same as before, sir.”
“How are we going to explain ourselves out of this one?”
“Station dock security wish to speak with you, Captain,” Ascari said.
“Damn. Patch them through.”
“Unauthorized craft. This is Sentinel Station Control, identify yourself and state your purpose.”
“This is Commander Grimshaw. We require immediate assistance. We have civilians and military personnel onboard with multiple casualties. We have Aegis Eline in sickbay, code seven three three eight seven. She’s in a critical condition.”
“Lower your shields and prepare for a deep scan.”
Ascari’s voice spoke from his command console. “Captain, they have locked onto us with four ion-cannons.”
“Do as he says, Ascari.”
“Affirmative. Shield has been lowered.”
Silence followed as station control ran their checks.
“Scan complete. Confederation and Aegi personnel confirmed. Sending coordinates to your assigned hangar. Please dock and prepare for inspection. Sentinel Station Control out.”
Clio entered the coordinates into navigation and Ascari plotted a course. They approached the station and flew a few hundred feet above its reflective outer shell. An ocean of buildings, satellites, antennas, and other structures peppered with lights sped by on the display until they reached their assigned hangar. It was much smaller than Clio expected, though they likely reserved the bigger docks for much larger ships.
The toothed doors parted, and she eased Project Zero into the pressure chamber before passing through the second set of doors that looked just like the first.
She followed the lights far below that directed her to a landing platform just big enough for the ship. Overall, the hangar was no more significant than the one they escaped from in Targos.
The ship jolted as she touched down.
“Commander Grimshaw to all passengers. We have arrived at Sentinel Station. All medical personnel, bring the injured to the loading bay. Everyone else, please remain on board until otherwise instructed.”
“We should check it out first. O’Donovan, Martin. Come with me. Dann, make sure only those requiring medical treatments leave the ship. The rest of you sit tight until we know what’s going on.”
Clio kept the ship’s camera on the Commander’s team as they made their way to Project Zeros docking bay and down her ramp.
She switched to the outside feed and found a six-strong dock security detail arriving, weapons lifted.
Commander Grimshaw and the others spotted them and aimed their weapons in kind.
“What’s with the guns, people?” Grimshaw called out.
The nearest guard, the squad leader according to his shoulder plate, stepped forward. “Jason Grimshaw, we’re here to take you to Station Security.”
“On what grounds?”
“You are in violation of seven laws and two treaties. The council—”
“What’s the meaning of this?”
Twenty-something heavily armed white guards spilled from a nearby door. A blue-robed man with a white beard appeared from among them and pushed his way through to Grimshaw.
“Councilor Assad,” the station guard leader stumbled over his words. “We have orders to take Commander—”
“By whose authority?”
“Councilors Vigz and Lagara assigned—.”
“I should have guessed,” the councilor snapped. “Where is your arrest warrant?”
“I ah—”
“No warrant. No arrest. Or do I have to recite your own policies?”
“The council—”
“I have the express permission of Minister Straiya and Councilor Talori to take charge of these people.” He handed the officer a compad. “If you have a problem, you can take it up with them.”
The squad leader ran his eyes over the compad and, as he looked up, his facial expression grew frustrated.
“I’m afraid I can’t—”
“I’ll get high-councilor Orra on the line.” The robed man raised his exo-tool to his ear. “But I know she won’t be happy. She’s currently negotiating with several Warg chieftains.”
The squad leader threw up his hand and took a step back. “That won’t be necessary, your Lordship.”
“You can return to your post now.”
“Of course.” The guard bowed his head to the councilor and turned to Grimshaw. “As you were then.”
He handed the compad back to Councilor Assad and gave Grimshaw one last look before leading his guards away.
“Next time you want to arrest someone, make sure you have a warrant,” the counselor called after them.
“That was intense,” Grimshaw said. “Thank you, your Lordship.”
“You think that was bad? You should try standing in the council chambers for more than five minutes.”
“What laws and treaties are they talking about?”
“Let’s not loiter here,” the old man said looking at the hangar. “The SIA has no jurisdiction at the embassy. It would be wise to take matters there. For now, let it suffice to say that every councilor and his dog wants a private audience with you, Commander. You’ve caused quite a stir on the station.”
“What?” Grimshaw stuttered. “I’ve been halfway across the galaxy, completely cut off from all communications, until a few hours ago.”
“You’ll understand when we reach the embassy.” The counselor started walking and urged them to follow. “Some very influential people are waiting to meet you.”
Three of the white consul guards joined the blue-robed man, but the others stayed in the hangar and guarded Project Zero.
“Should I be nervous?”
“Let’s just say that I hope you packed a spare pair of underwear. We must hurry.”
“We’ve got injured people on board, Aegis Eline—”
“A full medical crew is already on the way. Most of my guards will keep an eye on things until then.”
They continued talking, but they had walked out of audio range, and Clio couldn’t make out what they were saying. Eventually, they were also out of sight.
Some of Assad’s guards climbed the ramp and assisted the Marines in moving the injured into the hangar bay.
Two Marines wheeled Aegis Eline onto the hangar floor and two white guards took over, wheeling her through the doors.
“Okay, folks,” Clio said, climbing from her chair and holding onto her terminal for support. “Let’s get everyone else ready to leave this bird.”
Swigger came to her and offered his support.
“I guess we can relax now,” the sharpshooter said, some of his humour returning.
Clio looked up at him. “Something tells me we still have plenty of work to do.”
HIGH PLACES
Grimshaw and his three troops exited the hangar and were invited to board Councilor Assad’s white transport ship. The vehicle zoomed through Sentinel Station’s skies, joining a stream of ant-like traffic that wove in and out of various skyways.
Below, high-rises radiated from each side of a river that reflected the sky above. The blue expanse shielded those who lived on the station from the worst of its sun’s radiation.
“We got the report you sent to Ambassador Andallis, Commander,” Assad said. “Very troubling to say the least.”
“I’m still coming to terms with it, to be honest.”
“From the sounds of it, you were fortunate to make it out alive.”
“I had good troops behind me.” Grimshaw grimaced. “And plenty didn’t make it.”
“The list of dead is a long one. We will mourn them.”
“Have you warned the council of the invaders?”
“The council is...” He paused as though looking for the right words. “...in dissaray at present.”
“But surely they need to know about this threat.” He got the feeling that Assad wasn’t taking the matter very seriously. “You read the file. The Chits are a formidable force. For all we know, that ship we encountered was just one of many. Attacking Colony 115 was an act of war.”
“I understand your concern, Commander, but things are very volatile on the station and in other parts of the galaxy right now. We may be closer to war than you imagine.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve said all I can here.” The councilor looked around nervously. “You’ll find out more when we land.”
