Sol Shall Rise (The Pike Chronicles Book 1) (3 page)

Jon arrived early for his meeting. Walking into Admiral Walsh’s office, he was dismayed to find a Diakan there. Standing at attention he saluted the Admiral. Walsh responded with a lazy salute barely looking up from his desk and gestured for Jon to sit down. Jon glanced sideways at the Diakan. The thing repulsive to look at. It was a biped like humans, but that’s where the similarities ended. It had green skin like a lizard and some kind of gills on its neck like a fish. Big fish eyes were fixed on a flat face. The thing had eyelids, but hardly ever blinked. It was like it wouldn’t stop staring at him, making Jon want to beat it into the ground.

“Captain Pike, this is Ambassador Varyos.” The Admiral locked eyes with Jon. His icy stare warned Jon to keep his feelings about the Diakans to himself.

“Greetings, Ambassador.” Jon almost choked on his words, but gave the Ambassador his best politician smile.

“Greetings, Captain.” The Diakan spoke with a hiss. Jon wanted to put a hand in front of his face, afraid the thing was going to spit on him.

Walsh got straight to business. “Captain, what do you know about the lost colonies?”

“Just the same legends everyone else knows, Sir. Humans used the jump gates to colonize planets thousands of light years away. When the Juttari Empire invaded the Sol system the colonists shut down their jump gates to protect themselves.”

“It isn’t legend, Captain. It’s fact. We haven’t heard from the colonies in over five hundred years. But they’re out there. And we want to find them again.”

“Yes, Sir. But how is that possible? With their jump gates closed, it would take a lifetime to find them. Maybe two lifetimes.”

“That’s why I called you here Captain. We have been working on an experimental propulsion system in co-operation with the Diakans. It works much like the jump gates do. With it a ship can jump as much as fifty light years at a time.”

“Without jump gates?” Jon said.

“Correct,” Walsh replied.

Jon leaned back in his chair and thought about what he just heard. If true, this would be the biggest advancement since the discovery of the jump gates. “That sounds impressive Sir. I take it you want to use this jump drive technology to find the lost colonies?”

“That’s correct Captain.”

“You said the technology was experimental. How long till we can power a ship with one of these propulsion systems?”

“We’re already there Captain. We’ve built a ship and fitted it with the jump system, and we want you to command it.”

Jon thought the Admiral must have fallen on his head. “With all due respect Sir, I’m Covert Ops. I kill people. I don’t command starships.”

“Commandeering a starship is part of your training. You know as much as you need to know to command one. Regardless, your experience operating behind enemy lines makes you the perfect candidate. We don’t know what we’re going to find out there and I need someone who can adapt to any situation. That someone is you. You’re also the only human with a Diakan symbiont, which is why the Diakans prefer you commanding the ship.”

And there it was. The Diakans were behind it all. They told the Admiral to choose Jon because of the symbiont. Jon’s eyes narrowed and he thought of all the different ways he could kill both Walsh and Varyos. It would be over in seconds. The idea comforted him.

Jon then thought about the market attack. Was this why the Chaanisar tried to ambush him? The Juttari Empire had spies everywhere. Did they know about the jump system? Was there a mole? Jon decided it best to keep his suspicions to himself for the time being. He didn’t want to command this starship. He didn’t want the Diakans pulling his strings. And he sure as hell didn’t want to keep their symbiont inside him anymore.

“About the symbiont Sir. I want the thing out of me.”

“I’m afraid that is not possible Captain,” said Ambassador Varyos. Jon forced himself to look at the Ambassador. “Your physiology is unfortunately not as resilient as a Diakan’s. While we can remove our symbionts without harm, I’m afraid that it does not work the same way for you. If we remove your symbiont, you will die.”

Anger spiked through Jon. “That wasn’t part of the deal. This was supposed to be temporary.”

“Your symbiont was created specifically for you, Captain. It is military grade. Designed to enhance your senses, speed and strength, as well as your strategic and tactical capabilities. This has been successful.”

“But?”

“We did not anticipate how it would react to your physiology. Captain, the symbiont has… it has entrenched itself. Fortified its position.”

“So you designed a military grade symbiont and now you’re surprised that it’s acted in a military way, right?”

“Yes, Captain. That is correct.”

Jon leaned towards the Diakan, ready to pounce.

“None of this was intended Captain. You knew the risks going in,” said Walsh.

Jon simmered. These Diakans were no better than the Juttari. Aliens. Jon hated all of them. He killed plenty of aliens during the wars. They were all Juttari, but Jon didn’t think he’d mind killing a few Diakans too much. And there was Walsh kissing their scaly asses. Jon imagined his fingers wrapped around Walsh’s windpipe and wondered how much effort he would need to rip it out of his throat.

“The truth is that thing inside you, combined with your training and experience make you the perfect person for this mission,” said Walsh

“Yes, Sir.” Jon settled back into his chair. The Admiral had made up his mind. There was no point arguing with him. Jon was a soldier first, and this was a mission like any other. Time to get on with it. He would deal with the symbiont issue later.

Walsh noticed Jon’s change in posture and nodded. “I am uploading your orders, along with ship configuration, and crew profiles.”

“Understood. When can I see the ship?”

“It’s named Hermes. I’ve arranged for your quarters to be relocated to the ship. You’ll have a few weeks to get familiar with it and the crew. The engineering team is already on board, as are your security personnel and your XO. A couple of Marines are waiting outside and will take you to the ship as soon as we’re done.”

“Thank you Sir. If that is all, I’d like to get on with it.” Jon wanted to get out of Walsh’s office before he was court martialed for killing a superior officer.

“That is all Captain. Dismissed.”

Jon rose, stood at attention and saluted. The Admiral responded with the same lazy salute.

“Good luck Captain,” said Ambassador Varyos.

Jon didn’t look at the Ambassador. Didn’t acknowledge him in any way. Instead he turned and walked out the door.

Outside the office two Marines were waiting. One of the Marines stepped forward. “Captain Pike?”

“Yes Corporal.”

“We have orders to escort you to the Hermes, Sir.”

“Lead the way Corporal.”

The Marines turned and marched down the corridor with Jon following. He thought about his mission. He could be gone for years. The idea was growing on him. This might be just what he needed.

Jon saw the Hermes from one of the windows. Construction crews still worked on her. She sat there, motionless, like she was stalking prey. Smaller than a Dreadnaught-class battleship, she was larger than a destroyer, though not as bulky. Sleek, like a racer. Her bow tapered almost to a point and the body expanded into smooth curves. She looked like she could pierce the sky.

She may have looked like a racer, but she was no lightweight. Missile tubes, rail guns and energy weapons spread out across her hull. The Hermes was a killer. She looked like she could take on any Juttari ship and win. He wondered how agile she was and proceeded to board. He’d find out soon enough.

“Captain on the bridge,” one of the Marines announced. All eyes turned to Jon.

“At ease,” said Jon.

A massive space, the Diakan influences were everywhere. From the giant viewscreen that dominated the room, to the myriad of smaller diagnostic displays, Jon saw Diakan fingerprints everywhere. Even the Captain’s chair, elevated as it was above all else, could be found on any Diakan warship. Diakan design or not, this was a human ship, under human command. His command. Could he do it? Could he command a starship?

A tall blonde woman approached and saluted. “Commander Lynda Wolfe reporting.” Taller than most women, her broad shoulders and serious eyes gave her a commanding presence. An impressive looking officer, she had the look of someone who could move mountains if she needed.

“At ease Commander. I take it you are my XO?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“How long until the Hermes is ready?”

“Our full crew complement will be on board within the next two days. There are some minor tests that still need to be performed and some supplemental training. Barring any problems we should be ready to go in two weeks.”

“I’ll need a full readiness report, Commander. Tactical, Engineering, Security, Medical, everything.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Jon scanned the room and noticed a Diakan standing by a computer console.

“Why is there a Diakan on my bridge?”

“That is Special Envoy Tallos, Sir. He is here as an observer.”

“How long will he be on board?”

“He is supposed to be with us for the entire mission Sir.”

Jon cringed. He hadn’t anticipated that the Diakans would have one of their own on board. It made sense, but he wasn’t happy about it.

“Where is my ready room, Commander?”

“Just over there, Sir.” Wolfe pointed to a door on the far left side of the bridge.

“Very well. I am going to get caught up on things. Have the Diakan come and see me.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Jon walked to the door. The Hermes insignia was emblazoned dead center. A black, star covered oval with a sword running through its center. Two vipers coiled up the blade to a pair of wings spreading out at the hilt. Jon thought the insignia was fitting. The sword was humanity and the two vipers were the Juttari and the Diakans. The word “Hermes” bordered the top of the oval, and the words “Space Force” bordered the bottom. “Semper” and “Primus”, Latin for “Always First”, displayed left and right respectively. Fitting indeed. The door slid open and Jon entered.

The was like any Captain’s office he had seen. An oversized faux-leather chair sat behind a sleek cedar toned desk. Two chairs flanked the desk on the opposite side. Behind were two large ancient Earth statue replicas from the Greco-Roman period, and the odd print from Earth’s Golden Age adorned the wall. Symbols of long lost human greatness, they seemed out of place and hypocritical.  A vertical, floor to ceiling aquarium stood in the corner. Charcoal colored walls with chrome accents surrounded the room, and a burgundy carpet covered the floor. A pair of windows offered a view of the wine dark void outside.

Jon walked over to the desk and sat down. Captain of a starship of all things. What had he gotten himself into? He had always been a field operative and now here he was sitting behind a desk. Before long they would have him sitting with the bureaucrats at Space Force Command. The thought sent a cold chill down his back making him shudder.

“Special Envoy Tallos requests entrance,” said a synthetic voice.

“Come in,” said Jon. Even worse was that a Diakan was coming along for the ride.

The door opened and Tallos entered.

“Greetings Captain.”

“Greetings Special Envoy.”

The Diakan sat in one of the chairs opposite Jon, unblinking eyes fixed on his.

“I trust your stay on the Hermes has been a comfortable one?”

“Yes, Captain. Your crew has been very accommodating.”

“I’ve been told you will be accompanying us on our mission.”

“That is correct, Captain.”

“As an observer.”

“As observer and advisor Captain.”

“Advisor?”

“Yes, Captain. The Hermes is partially Diakan design. We are here to advise on its many intricacies.”

“What do you mean, ‘we’?”

“There are several advisors on board, Captain. There are advisors with expertise in engineering, medical, and tactical. We are all here to assist your crew.”

“Alright, then we need to get something straight right from the start. This is not a Diakan ship. This is a human ship. My ship. I give the orders here.”

“Of course Captain.”

“Your advisors will assist only. Any decision making rests solely with myself and my officers.”

“Yes, Captain. I would not have it any other way.”

Jon studied Tallos. No noticeable reaction. He hid his emotions well. The Diakans were used to giving orders. Used to people like Admiral Walsh and President Lewis doing as they were told. It was true that humanity owed a lot to the Diakans. If not for them Earth would still be under Juttari rule.

The Diakans armed Earth with powerful weapons. They helped Earth rebuild. They shared their knowledge. Science. Medicine. Technology. All aspects of society were advancing at mind boggling speed. All thanks to the great benefactors, the Diakans.

Everyone was grateful. And fearful. Afraid that they might change their minds. So when the Diakans asked for something Earth’s leaders jumped. It disgusted Jon. The way he saw it, humanity had gone from being Juttari slaves to being Diakan serfs.

Of course it was better than the alternative. The Juttari occupation had been a horrific piece of human history. When the Juttari Empire first discovered humanity they sent one of their battle groups to the Sol System. It took them only a few hours to annihilate the flimsy human defenses. Earth then experienced the horrors of Juttari orbital bombardment. Simple, relentless brutality. Major cities on all continents were targeted. Repeated offers of surrender ignored. A third of Earth’s population died that day.

The remainder became a workforce. Exceptionally ruthless humans were identified and made governors. The governors used fear and intimidation to ensure optimal production. They also performed the heinous act of identifying talented children, and sending them to Juttari training centers. There they would be indoctrinated, chipped, augmented, and trained to become the most feared and loyal soldiers in the Empire. The Chaanisar.

For five hundred years humanity endured this oppression. Then the Diakans came. While Earth always had resistance movements, they were no more than bandits, stealing from the governors, and killing them or their staff when the opportunity allowed. The Diakans covertly trained and armed these movements, turning them into a more effective fighting force. Still, they were not powerful enough to liberate Earth.

It was only when the Diakans established a foothold in the Sol System that they could be more actively deployed. The Diakans fought the Juttari in space and the resistance fought on Earth. As the resistance gained ground their ranks swelled with volunteers. Then the Chaanisar were sent in.

Earth’s lost children returned home as battle hardened super-soldiers to crush all hopes of freedom. They punished anyone who helped the resistance. Gruesome battles were fought. Millions died. And then, when all seemed bleakest, the Diakans destroyed a Juttari battle group and gained control of Earth’s orbit. Chaanisar supply lines were cut, and the resistance gained orbital support. The Chaanisar were defeated and Earth liberated.

Jon’s own father was a member of the resistance, as was his father before him. Jon had learned about freedom, and its cost, since he was a baby. Freedom. Not serfdom. And he was sure as hell not going to be another human groveling at the feet of a Diakan. It was bad enough he let them put their symbiont inside him. They had already exerted their influence on Jon, and now he couldn’t get the damned thing out of him. Did they plan to do the same to the rest of humanity? He shuddered at the thought.

“And what is your area of expertise Special Envoy?”

“I am here to assist you with command Captain.”

Jon’s eyes locked Tallos’s in a steely stare. His stomach tightened as he struggled quietly to control his anger.

“Assist me in what way?” Jon asked. He clasped his hands together to avoid clenching them into fists.

“I possess expertise in starship command, strategy and tactics.”

“I’m quite sure I can handle things.”

“There is no shame in asking for help, Captain. While we requested that you command the Hermes, we also understand that you have limited experience commanding starships. Your special forces training and experience, and your symbiont’s inherent design give you many transferable skills, however you do lack experience commanding a ship of this size. I can help you with the transition.”

The son of a bitch had done his homework. “I’ve been trained extensively in starship operations, Special Envoy. I’ve led several missions where my team has boarded and captured enemy starships. I wouldn’t be able to do that if I didn’t understand how a starship worked. What is it you think you can add?”

“I have commanded many starships, Captain. I have successfully engaged the Juttari on numerous occasions.”

“So now you’re telling me you’re some kind of war hero?” Jon could barely conceal the sarcasm in his voice.

“This is a human concept, Captain. We do not adopt these romantic notions. We function according to proven systems.”

Pompous asshole, Jon thought.

“Success does not lie in individualism or heroics. Victory is the result of efficient systems and procedures.”

“I see. Then why is this not a Diakan ship? If your systems are superior, why is this ship under human command?”

“While this ship was built through Diakan and human cooperation, the discovery of the jump system is a human one. It is logical then that this ship be under human command.”

Jon smiled. “Is human creativity a romantic notion as well?”

Tallos didn’t bite. “The mission to discover your lost colonies is primarily a human one, and of no real interest to us.”

Jon wasn’t so sure. The way he saw it the Diakans did not possess any special love for humanity. They did not help Earth out of some great benevolence. They were empire building, plain and simple. The Juttari were their enemies. The only difference between the two was the Diakans had no interest in outright conquest like the Juttari. They preferred proxy worlds. By helping planets like Earth become strong, they took control of strategic space by proxy, giving them a greater sphere of influence. Earth became a regional power, and nothing more.

Everything was done under the umbrella of the The Galactic Accord. A treaty between all the worlds and systems under Diakan influence. The concept was simple enough. Everyone under the treaty promised to defend each other against any outside aggression. It also banned aggression between member worlds. Everything looked good on paper, but without the Diakans the Accord was meaningless. Only the Diakans were strong enough to stand against the Juttari Empire. Without them the treaty worlds would fall like dead trees facing a powerful wind. Planets like Earth were only meant to be strong enough to hold off the Juttari until the Diakans could send reinforcements.

And here was a Diakan coming along to find the lost colonies. Once the Hermes found them, and relations with Earth were re-established, the Diakans would move to add them to The Galactic Accord, expanding the reaches of their Empire. All smoke and mirrors. An independent Earth with its own government. An alliance of equals sworn to defend each other. An advanced race sharing their knowledge so that all would benefit. All a clever illusion.

Just then a communication request appeared on his display screen. “Excuse me for a second,” Jon said to Tallos. The Diakan nodded and Jon accepted the request. A stately woman’s face appeared on the screen. “Good morning Captain, I am Doctor Elizabeth Ellerbeck, Chief Medical Officer.”

“Good morning Doctor. What can I do for you?”

“Sir, I need to give you a physical before we start our mission. When is a good time for you?”

“How about right now Doctor? I was meaning to pay you a visit today anyway. I can be there in about ten minutes.” Tallos was agitating Jon and this was a good way to get rid of him.

“Perfect. I’ll see you in ten minutes. Ellerbeck out.”

“My apologies Special Envoy, but as you can see I have a lot to do before we get underway.”

“As you wish, Captain.”

Special Envoy Tallos rose from his chair and walked out of the room. Sitting back in his chair Jon stared at the door that Tallos walked out of. He had enough on his plate without Diakan interference. Shrugging the encounter off, he got up and headed for the door himself.

On the bridge the hum still permeated as his crew made sure all systems were ready for their mission. When Jon looked at the tactical station, a large grin spread across his face. At the station was a rather large man wearing combat fatigues and carrying a close quarter energy weapon in a shoulder holster. On his uniform was the Hermes emblem and below that a Special Operations badge.