Ghost Fleet (The Pike Chronicles Book 4) (19 page)

“They’re on board,” said Jon. He sat in the briefing room with Kevin, Jonas and Colonel Bast. “Chief Henderson is escorting them to the meeting.”

“By himself?” said Bast.

“No, he has a contingent of Marines with him.”

“Good. They will not respect you if you show carelessness, or weakness.”

“They’re still Chaanisar. We can’t be too careful. No offense.”

“None taken.”

Jon remembered how he felt when he first came on board Bast’s ship. He didn’t trust Bast, or any of the Chaanisar. A lifetime of war had taught him to hate them, but here he sat, at the same table with a Chaanisar. Waiting to meet four more Chaanisar. He would’ve never believed that he could undergo such a drastic change so quickly.

After a brief wait the door opened and Chief Henderson entered, followed by four men wearing Juttari uniforms, and a contingent of Marines. Each Chaanisar was tall and lean, yet projected unmistakable power. Each one had the eyes of a predator, taking in everything at once, reflexively calculating odds.

Jon stood up, as did everyone else. “Greetings, I’m Admiral Pike. This is Commander St. Clair, my second in command, Colonel Bast, commander of the Chaanisar ship Ronin, and Captain Viken, commander of the destroyer named the Reiver.”

“I am Colonel Steeg, commander of the Juttari Battleship 3125 and leader of this Chaanisar battle group. These are the commanders of the three Juttari Heavy Cruisers, Colonel Mace, Colonel Lacroix, and Colonel Kazimi.”

“Please, sit down,” said Jon.

“Admiral Pike,” said Steeg. “I wanted us to meet in person because I wanted to express our gratitude to you, your people, and, of course, your AI. Because of you, we are free after a lifetime of slavery. We will forever be in your debt.”

That’s a good start
, thought Jon. “Thank you, Colonel. I’m glad you are all finally free. The atrocities the Juttari inflicted on you are truly horrific.” Jon paused for effect, then continued. “Colonel, we were troubled by the news of the Sol invasion. Can you give us some more information?”

“Yes, Admiral. The operation is part of a greater strategy. The Juttari Empire has launched multiple invasions across the Galactic Accord worlds, emphasizing speed and position. The Juttari have attacked strategic locations with the intent of taking them away quickly, and denying the Diakans an easy counter-attack route. With the Sol System, for example, the attack was precipitated by a full scale invasion of the territory on the other side of Sol’s jump gate. That system fell quickly, giving the Juttari easy access to Sol. It also denied access to the Diakans by blocking their access to the jump gate. This has left Sol alone and vulnerable, with little hope of Diakan assistance.”

“Then Earth is doomed,” said Jon, glancing over at Kevin.

“I do not see how they can prevail. With control of the jump gate the Juttari can send an almost limitless supply of ships into the Sol System,” said Steeg.

John sighed. Another Juttari occupation. He couldn’t fathom it. He felt his symbiont growl its displeasure at the news.
At least we agree on something,
he thought. “And you say the Juttari are doing the same elsewhere?”

“This same strategy was used simultaneously, in multiple systems. On a grander scale, the takeover of these systems and their jump gates drives a wedge through the middle of the Galactic Accord gate system, splitting the Accord in two,” said Steeg.

“You mentioned you were hunting another Space Force jump ship?”

“Yes, Admiral. The Juttari have spies in Space Force and elsewhere throughout the Galactic Accord. This is how they learned about the jump system on the Hermes and the Vanguard.”

“I’m sorry, Colonel, what is the Vanguard?” said Jon.

“Forgive me, Admiral. I assumed you were aware. The Vanguard is a Space Force battleship, and the second to be equipped with a jump system.”

“No, I did not know about the Vanguard, but it doesn’t surprise me. Please, continue.”

“The Juttari have been planning this invasion for many years. Since they signed the peace treaty with the Galactic Accord, they have prepared.”

“The Juttari won’t rest until they’ve conquered the entire galaxy,” said Jon.

“You are correct, Admiral. After years of preparation, they thought they were ready to invade. When they learned about the jump system, they realized that it would drastically diminish their tactical advantage, which was based upon control of key jump gates. If a Diakan fleet could bypass the jump gates entirely, the strategy would fail. Knowing this, the Juttari stole the jump system plans and built its own jump ships. Colonel Bast was sent to destroy the Hermes, and my battle group jumped into the Sol System during the invasion, with the objective of destroying your Space Station Alpha, its spaceyard facilities, and the Vanguard, which was expected to still be docked at the station.”

“So the Vanguard wasn’t destroyed?”

“No, they impressively destroyed part of the station to escape. The Vanguard jumped away and we gave pursuit.”

“Sounds like a quick thinking commander. But how were you able to pursue them once they jumped.”

“We knew that their mission was to find out why the Hermes stopped deploying jump beacons. Since they did not stay in the Sol System to help fight against the invasion, we believed that they were under orders to complete their mission. We followed the Hermes jump path. That is how we discovered the Kemmar and the undiscovered jump gate.”

“There’s one thing I don’t understand,” said Kevin. “The Juttari have built five jump ships already, and out here we’ve added jump systems to three ships, so why has Space Force only built two jump ships in total?”

“Space Force considered your jump system experimental,” said Steeg. “The Juttari knew they had no time for experiments, and instead accelerated the building of new jump ships. The Juttari have built five jump ships, but I assure you, hundreds will follow. You must consider that your Space Force built the ships for peacetime, not war. You were sent on a mission of exploration.”

“But it still doesn’t make sense,” said Kevin. “They could’ve easily sent us off to find the colonies and continued building jump ships, like they did with the Vanguard.”

“I agree,” said Jon. “We’re missing something here, and I think I know who might have the answer.”

“Tallos,” said Kevin.

“Tallos,” said Jon, with a frown.

“I’m sorry, Admiral. Who is Tallos?” said Steeg.

“Tallos is a Diakan General who was on board the Hermes,” said Jon, still annoyed at the sound of the Diakan’s name.

“You think the Diakans purposely held back Earth’s progress?” said Steeg.

“Now that you mention it, I do,” said Jon. “The jump system is too much of an advantage. If they held back Earth’s production, while building their own ships, they could prevent Earth from getting too powerful.”

“That’s why they sent us on this mission,” said Kevin. “Even without the attack by Colonel Bast, or the Kemmar, we’d still be away for a long time. Likely years.”

“The Vanguard was then sent after the Hermes,” said Jon. “They put the Diakans on the Hermes, and there’s probably more on the Vanguard. It’s all been about control. All about making sure we don’t get too strong.”

“Do you believe the Diakans are building jump ships covertly?” said Steeg.

“Yeah, I’m almost one hundred percent certain,” said Jon.

“An interesting strategy,” said Steeg. “The Diakans may have used the Space Force jump ships as decoys.”

“That sounds like the Diakan thing to do,” said Jon. “Make the Juttari focus on Space Force, while they quietly build their own jump fleet. If the Juttari have spies throughout the Accord worlds, don’t you think the Diakans have spies as well? Hell, the spy on Earth could very well be a double agent, playing both sides.”

“So the Diakans were playing us all along?” said Kevin, his tone dripping with suppressed anger.

“Call it a hunch. At any rate, we can’t do anything about it out here, and we’ve got other matters to address first. Tell me, Colonel Steeg, now that you are free of Juttari control, what are your plans?”

“We do not have plans,” said Steeg. “Only a burning desire for vengeance.”

“I can relate to that feeling. And how much do you know about our little fleet?”

“AI and Colonel Bast have provided some information. You are an independent force, but have pledged to protect New Byzantium. In return, New Byzantium has given you ships, personnel, and political asylum.”

“That’s about right,” said Jon. “New Byzantium has many enemies. The other worlds are governed by corporations. As we speak a large corporate fleet is assembling to attack New Byzantium. All information indicates that this fleet will outnumber us. The jump system helps, but only so much. The Kemmar Empire has invaded the neighboring civilization, and I expect we will soon see attacks from them. And now there is the situation back on Sol. As you can see we have our hands full.”

“It certainly sounds like you can use some help,” said Steeg. “Admiral, as I said before, we are eternally in your debt. We want to join your fleet, unless you are opposed to the idea.”

“Opposed? Hell no. I’m more than happy to have you as part of the team.”

“Good. I only have one request,” said Steeg.

Jon raised an eyebrow. “Oh, what’s that?”

“That after we are done here, we liberate Sol, and the rest of the Chaanisar.”

Jon smiled. “You have my word.”

“You’ve grown,” said Jonas, picking up Anki. “Who told you you were allowed to grow?”

“Grandfather! I can grow by myself,” said Anki with a giggle.

“You know, he’s not so bad for a crusty old Reiver,” Jon said to Breeah.

“I heard that,” said Jonas, his eyes flaring from behind his long, unkempt gray hair. “Compliments do not suit you Jon Pike,” said Jonas, breaking out into a fit of roaring laughter.

“I don’t believe it. The old bastard is actually in a good mood,” said Jon.

“Anki tends to do that to him,” said Breeah. “Especially now that he doesn’t see her as much.”

“Yeah, but it’s something more.”

“It’s the destroyer. He gets to go into battle again,” said Breeah.

“That’s it. It’s the combat. The old war monger loves going into battle.”

“If you’re not careful, Jon Pike, I’ll show you what battle really is,” said Jonas.

“Don’t forget that I outrank you now, Jonas,” said Jon with a smirk.

“You can take your rank and shove it up your ass, Sir.”

Jon rolled his eyes. He knew that Jonas would behave himself and follow chain of command when in battle, but all bets were off in here. He was Breeah’s father after all.

“So we have four more ships now?” said Breeah. “Do you think that will be enough?”

“To deal with the corporate fleet?”

“Yes.”

“I think so. That makes seven jump ships. And the test of the smaller prototype jump system was successful.”

“Of course. The Chaanisar ships overshadowed that accomplishment. Will you have time to install the jump system into all the fighters.”

“Probably not,” said Jon. “I’m going to focus on the bombers instead. We only have one squadron and they need to get closer to use their torpedoes. If we can get the jump system on them they can avoid a lot of damage by simply jumping near their target.”

“Those corporate commanders are going to be squealing like babies by the time we’re done with them,” said Jonas, walking over to Jon and Breeah. “My Reivers will give them the spanking they deserve.”

“Speaking of your Reivers,” said Jon. “I’ve been thinking that you might want to consider moving some of them to the Freedom.”

“What? Why are you trying to poach my fighters, Jon Pike?” said Jonas, his smile gone.

“I’m not trying to poach your fighters, Jonas. I’m thinking of protecting your culture. Almost all of the surviving Reivers are on board your ship.”

“Of course they are. That is why it is named the Reiver. I’m sure even you can figure that out.”

Ignoring the jab, Jon continued. “What if your ship is lost in battle? What would be left of the Reiver culture?”

“He has a point, father,” said Breeah.

“Nonsense. You two are conspiring against me,” said Jonas, his voice louder. “Reivers do not fear death. We are warriors, and we fight together.”

“I never said you weren’t warriors, nor did I say you shouldn’t fight,” said Jon, his frustration growing. “All I suggested was that it might be prudent to spread some of your crew around. That way if something does happen, the Reiver culture can continue.”

“No, Jon Pike. What you are suggesting will dilute my crew and their effectiveness. If I send my warriors to the Freedom, what will you send me? New Byzantium recruits? Ha! They would be only slightly better than useless on board my ship. Reivers know how to work together, and how to fight together. We would have to teach anyone you send me our ways. It will never work.”

Jon could see he wasn’t getting anywhere with the old man. “Look, it was just a thought. In the end it’s up to you. I’m not trying to break up your crew. If you think it’s a bad idea, then forget it.”

“You’re damn right it’s a bad idea. Didn’t I just explain that to you?”

“You mentioned you will be going down to the surface?” said Breeah, changing the subject.

“Yes. I’m going to see Prime Minister Sallas, and I need to have a little chat with Tallos.”

“Tallos?” Breeah said with revulsion. She obviously hadn’t forgiven the Diakan attack on her on board the Hermes. “What do you want to see him for?”

“I have some questions that only he can answer.”

“I see. That’s unfortunate. Anyway, since you are going down to the planet, why don’t you take me and Anki along? We can visit the Seibens while you have your meetings. It would be good for Anki to play with Otka and Alina.”

Jon hadn’t considered taking anyone with him, but he couldn’t say no. Anki didn’t have other children to play with on board the Freedom, and he didn’t know how long it would be until they could visit the planet again. “Okay. We leave in the morning.”

“Great,” said Breeah. “I’ll message Darla and let her know we’re coming.”