Scorched Earth: (The Human Chronicles Saga Book #16) (21 page)

“This is serious,” Adam barked. The team straightened up. “Now the plan changes.”

“There was a plan?” Riyad pulled back slightly from Adam angry glare; however, he couldn’t let that one get by….

“So what do we do, Captain?” Paulson asked.

Adam looked at Riyad. “Not we…us.” He passed a finger between him and Riyad.

“What does that mean, sir?” Paulson sensed something was coming, and he didn’t like it.

“It’s obvious now that Synnoc knows what we’re really after. Until now, he probably figured we were just pissed off about Andy’s death. In fact, he may not have even known Sherri and Arieel were captured until recently. Hell, they’ve been on a spaceship for the past three months. But now he’s had them rushed to Juir ahead of schedule, just to throw us off.”

“You really think he’s that smart?” Riyad asked.

“Doesn’t matter. He has the women now, and the only reason he’s broadcasting this crap all over the galaxy is because he knows it will bring us to him.”

A vein pulsed in Riyad’s neck. “He’s right about that.”

“But we’re not going to be part of it?” Travis asked, referring to him and Paulson. He, too, was feeling left out.

Adam stood and began pacing the bridge. He picked up Pogo and began to toss him back and forth between his hands. It helped him think. Pogo seemed to enjoy it, too.

“Synnoc sees the Union fleet building in strength, but still not large enough to challenge his forces between Hyben and Juir.” Adam began. “He also knows the
Vengeance
is leading the way, softening up the ground for when the fleet is ready. He’s moved up the timetable, forcing us to get to Juir before the fleet can back us up.”

“We do have the
Vengeance
, sir,” Travis said. “I say we give him what he wants. After all, this has been our mission from the beginning. We’ve just been killing time—and aliens—waiting for the women to show up.”

“You’re right, sergeant. And that’s just what he’ll expect us to do. Order full-steam ahead and damn the torpedoes.”

“I thought we didn’t have any more torpedoes?” Travis pointed out, being serious.

“Oh, the state of our educational system these days,” Paulson said, shaking his head. “No understanding of naval history.”

Travis cocked his head to one side, like a dog not understanding a command.

“Never mind,” Adam said. “Synnoc is going to looking for the
Vengeance
, he’ll be expecting the
Vengeance
.”

“So we’re not going in the
Vengeance
.” Riyad stated.

Adam tried to smile. It wasn’t easy under the circumstances. “That’s right, we’re not. There’s a small Class-2 right across the tarmac. We’re going to Juir in that.”

“What about the
Vengeance,
sir?” Paulson asked.

“You and Travis will continue doing just what we’ve been doing. Hit and run, hit and run. Just don’t get yourselves killed. And make it look convincing, make it look like you’re desperately trying to reach Juir. If Synnoc believes I’m on my way, he’ll drag out the trials until I get there. He’ll lose his leverage if he kills Sherri and Arieel before then.”

“A Class-2 will still take almost two weeks to get to Juir,” Riyad pointed out.

“That’s fine. Synnoc will have his eye on the
Vengeance
, and not some minor warship cycling back to Juir. Tom, Travis, it will be your job to make sure he notices. Let him see you’re trying—slowly—but trying.”

“And what if he opens up a lane to let us through? At some point he’s going to want to get the game over with.”

“We’ll deal with that at the time. Hopefully we’ll be on Juir and have the girls packed away all safe and sound by then. But as long as he sees the
Vengeance
out here tearing things up, he won’t be expecting it when Riyad and I show up at his back door.”

Riyad got up and walked to the viewport. The Juirean Class-2 was about two hundred yards away. He counted eighteen Juireans on the tarmac, tending to that ship and a few others the mane-heads had in port.

“So when do we put this new plan into motion?”

“Right after I get something to eat. I’m starving.”

********

Marix and the city of Jendis weren’t getting off scot-free. It was decided that as soon as Adam and Riyad left with the commandeered Class-2, Paulson and Travis would strafe the spaceport, city and MK facilities to cover the theft. Paulson had piloting experience with standard starships, and after a brief orientation session, he felt confident enough to use the jump-drive. Pogo would remain in the ship for power and guidance. Travis had no piloting experience, but would be trained as the days went by.

For their assault on Juir, Adam and Riyad would be limited only to the weapons they found aboard the C-2, as well as any they could take with them from the
Vengeance
. Knowing that it was better at times to be obvious rather than sly—a tactic called hiding in plain sight—the pair loaded up four small crates with M-101’s, .45 caliber Colts, flash weapons, grenades and ammo and set them on a cart. Then they simply wheeled it up to the entry port of the Juirean warcraft like a couple of delivery beings, dressed in their full-face masks and trench coats.

 “What is this?” asked the Juirean at the doorway.

“A gift from MK Weapons Systems. We are delivering them to all the Juirean vessels in port.” Adam was caught off-guard when the alien reached out suddenly and pulled off one of the lids. Riyad went for his gun.

Three more Juireans appeared from in and around the ship, coming to look at what was in the box. Adam placed his hand on Riyad’s, keeping him from drawing. The Juireans seemed more curious than alarmed.

The first Juirean reached inside and pulled out an M-101 assault rifle.

“Are these Human weapons?” he asked with undisguised enthusiasm. “They are indeed heavy! I could not carry this for long. Does it have the range it is rumored to have?”

Adam and Riyad had just become the default experts in Human weaponry by virtue of their role as delivery beings. All the Juireans were pulling now out other weapons, including the handguns.

“Why are we receiving these?” one of them asked. “It is so we can familiarize ourselves with the weapons of our enemy?”

“Something like that,” Adam answered. “There is more. We request permission to move the cart into your ship for a more detailed presentation.”

“Yes, of course!” The Juirean stepped aside. He motioned for three other Juireans nearby to join them inside. This was going to be exciting.

Four minutes later, the seven Juireans received a live demonstration of the deadly effectiveness of the Human projectile weapons, courtesy of those Adam and Riyad carried under their coats.

“Any questions?” Adam asked after the presentation was over. He waited for the mass of mangled and bloodied bodies to answer. He smiled. He must have done a good job, since no one had any follow-up questions.

“They are quick learners, aren’t they?” Riyad commented.

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Class dismissed.”

Adam and Riyad rushed to the bridge.

“Okay, commander, we’re secure here,” Adam announced over his throat comm. “We’ll be airborne in ten; you follow. It’s show time.”

Chapter 25

Elder Synnoc had read the reports and seen the projections. Even though a strengthening was inevitable, his confidence waivered slightly when he learned of the Q’uel and Belsonian’s joining the Union fleet, as a dozen more raced to join the Humans. His vessels were many, yet scattered. The Expansion was much larger than the small empire of Earth. It would take time to accumulate the necessary forces to bring about his glorious final battle with the desired outcome.

He dismissed the thought and went on to more important matters.

To his delight, Adam Cain was still the tip of the sword.

With this latest news, Synnoc knew it was time to put an end to the game he was playing with the Human and bring this part of his plan to a close.

He had to admit, his latest coup was not of his design. Kradis had inquired and found the vessel carrying the female friends of Adam Cain. The ship was a Class-3, due at Juir in fifty-two days at the time it was located. The Fleet Marshal had the ship stopped and the prisoners transferred to a Class-9. The massive battlecruiser then raced to Juir using its superior speed, arriving here a full twenty-eight days ahead of the Class-3’s scheduled time.

Synnoc immediately seized on this event to stage an elaborate scene for broadcast throughout the Expansion and beyond. Kradis was right. It would take some time and effort to present the case against the Formilian politician. But aside from that, the early arrival of the prisoners would send Cain racing to Juir far ahead of the Union Fleet. The enemy was still assembling their units, and their new military commander—a Human named Hollingsworth—would not be foolish enough to send an ill-prepared fleet this far into Juirean territory. Adam Cain would be on his own.

Already Synnoc could see his plan was working. Reports over the past week had Cain and his miracle ship striking targets on Marix and Sanias. He even entered the space around Bondic-nur, but was quickly repelled. Still, he was making slow, yet steady progress towards Juir.

The Human fleet, in the meantime, had broken up and then reassembled outside Kronoc-lur. This is where the Belsonians and others joined the growing fleet. Scouts estimated the total strength to be nearing eighteen hundred vessels.

Synnoc already had that many hiding in The Hand, with another thousand due on station in two days. A thousand more were in route from this side of the Core. His fleet would double in size shortly thereafter. If the Humans did advance to follow Cain, they would be caught between two huge Juirean fleets, each of greater size than their own. His ships would win the victory, while leaving Adam Cain alone to face what Synnoc was preparing for him around Juir.

The Elder hadn’t decided whether he’d kill Cain in space or have him brought to Juir for execution. He would prefer to have it take place on Juir, but that would ultimately depend on the Human. If he became too dangerous and unpredictable, Synnoc would simply blow him out of space. If captured, he’d be brought to Juir. And if by some miracle of fate Adam Cain made it all the way to the surface of Juir, it would be even easier for the Elder.

However it was calculated, Adam Cain was going to die. Synnoc preferred that it be in a spectacular event for all the galaxy to witness. If not, then the Elder was okay with that, too. The Human’s hero would be dead, the Union fleet destroyed, and the path to Earth left open for Synnoc’s own chance at everlasting glory…and redemption. Once Earth was laid waste, the galaxy—all the galaxy—would belong to the Juireans, and only the Juireans.

********

Admiral Mort Hollingsworth studied the star maps and shook his head. He was angry and frustrated. What the hell was Cain doing?

He called an aide and had him set up a secure link between Phoenix and the
Mark VII. He would get to the bottom of this personally.

From his office, Hollingsworth watched the screen on his desk come to life, with an image of a middle-aged man with a square face and short, thinning hair. The man was startled when he saw the admiral.

“Who are you?” Hollingsworth asked.

“Sir, Lieutenant-Commander Tom Paulson, sir.” The man waved a hand over his clothing. “Sorry for the attire, Admiral. We left Worak-nin without our uniforms. We’d been out in the bush for a couple of months before Captain Cain showed up. We’ve had to make do with what we’ve picked up here and there.”

“I’m sorry, commander. I should have known who you were. It was your broadcasts that alerted us to the death of Admiral Tobias. You and the rest of the crew of the Mark VII are doing an incredible job. Your courage and skill are to be commended, if not your uniform-of-the-day.” The admiral smiled.

“Thank you sir. It’s appreciated.”

“Now commander, please get me Captain Cain?”

“Sir?”

Now the smiled turned to a frown. “Captain Cain…get him on the link.”

“You wish to speak with Captain Cain?”

“Is my connection not clear on your end, commander? Yes, get me Captain Cain…and now.”

“He’s not here at the moment, admiral.”

“Are you on a planet? When will he be back?”

“Sir, we’re not on a planet, and I’m not sure when Captain Cain will be back.”

“Is he in the head?”

“No, sir, he’s not in the head.”

Hollingsworth leaned in close to the screen, so close that the pores on his rather large nose looked like the surface of the moon. “Where…is…Cain?”

“Sir, he’s not onboard.”

Hollingsworth blinked. “You just said you’re not on a planet. If he’s not onboard, then where is he?”

Paulson caved. “He’s gone to Juir, Admiral. He and Mister Tarazi took a Class-2 from Marix and set out on their own. They left about a week ago.”

“Who’s been leading the attacks using the Mark VII?”

“I have, sir, along with Sergeant-First Class Travis Morgan. We’re to make the Juireans believe Captain Cain is still onboard.”

Hollingsworth stared disbelieving at the lieutenant-commander. Somehow, he wasn’t surprised at the turn of events.

“Why did he do such a foolish thing, commander?”

“Have you not heard the news, sir? Sherri Valentine and Arieel Bol are already on Juir. Synnoc is setting them up for some big public trial and execution.”

“I thought they weren’t arriving for another twenty days or so?”

“That’s what we believed as well. That’s why Misters Cain and Tarazi have gone to Juir, to rescue the women. They figured the Elder wouldn’t be expecting them, especially if the
Vengeance
—the Mark VII—is still operating and making its way towards Juir.”

“So let me get this straight,” the admiral began. “Cain and Tarazi have gone to Juir—alone—and with no back up? Then they expect to rescue two people from the capital planet of the Expansion? And need I mention this is at a time of war? Did Cain mention how he planned to get Valentine and Bol off the planet, even if he does free them?”

“No sir, and I didn’t ask. I figured they’d just steal another starship. He appears to be very good at that, sir.”

“Is the energy ball with still you; I imagine it would have to be to keep the Mark VII operational?”

“Yessir.”

“You do know, Mister Paulson, the Mark VII is not to fall into enemy hands, I repeat,
not
to fall into enemy hands. Is that understood?”

“Perfectly sir. We understand the revolutionary nature of the ship.”

“I suppose you don’t have a way of communicating with Captain Cain?”

“No sir, Admiral, but they should be arriving on Juir any day now. You could probably monitor their success by watching the Juirean news broadcasts. If they fail, Valentine and Bol will be executed. If they succeed—we’ll you’ll probably know that, too, sir.”

“Commander, you are to return the Mark VII—the
Vengeance
, as you call it—to the nearest Union force—”

“Sir, if I do that, then Synnoc will believe Captain Cain has given up and he’ll execute the women. He’s keeping them alive only as long as he thinks Adam is attempting to rescue them.”

Hollingsworth pushed back in his chair. Paulson was right. “Commander, we’re in a tough situation.”

“Yessir.”

“All right, continue with your mission, understanding full well what must be done if it’s evident the Mark—the
Vengeance
—is about to be taken.”

“Understood, sir. We’ve known that all along.”

“And still you took off with Captain Cain and Mister Tarazi?”

“Sir, Sergeant Morgan and myself wish to one day have schools named after us. Joining Misters Cain and Tarazi seemed like the fastest way to make that happen.”

********

A day later, with his plan formalized, Admiral Hollingsworth initiated a conference call between his area commander, Admiral Curtis Logan,  and TS-17 leader Captain David Morris.

“Good news, gentlemen,” he began. “Your fleets will soon be growing in spectacular fashion.”

The split-screen images of the two officers displayed exuberant expressions. “That’s great news, Admiral,” said Logan. “When and by how much?”

“Before I go into details, Curtis, I have a job for Captain Morris. David, I need you and a hundred of your fastest ships to break off and close on the
Vengeance
—that’s the name Captain Cain has given the Mark VII—and watch their six. The timetable for everything had been moved forward and they’ll be going it alone, without full fleet support, at least for the time being. Now, Admiral Logan, this is what I have in mind. You’re going to love it….”