Authors: Rick Bentsen
2.12.2136
2111
Roid Skimmer Ganthus
“
K
’ALAN, we’re receiving a communication from the Star League ship,” G’Kiron said.
“Are we able to do a holo on this ship?” K’Alan asked.
“No. Audio only,” G’Kiron said.
“All right,” K’Alan said. “Let me hear it.”
“Patching it through now, K’Alan,” G’Kiron nodded.
“This is the Star League vessel Creighton,” Tom Keevan’s voice came over the speakers. “To the ship on the asteroid, if Captain Bryce is on that ship please respond.”
“This is Captain Bryce,” K’Alan said. “Good to hear your voice, Tom.”
“Good to hear yours too, K’Alan. President Jameson sent me to pull your arse out of the fire. Seems like that’s what I do a lot, buddy.”
“And I appreciate it, Tom,” K’Alan laughed. “President Jameson sent you herself, eh? I didn’t know I rated so highly. Anyway, can you keep those Brentax off our backs while we launch?”
“Sure,” Tom said, chuckling. “We brought a few surprises for them. Head straight for the landing bay. We’ll lower the screens when you get here long enough for you to land.”
“Much obliged,” K’Alan said.
“Hey, I’m not doing this for you,” Tom laughed. “I expect a big kiss from your exec when I get back.”
“See you on the deck shortly, Tom,” K’Alan laughed. “Captain Bryce out.”
“I hate to remind you that there are three Duhari class starships out there,” G’Kiron said.
“I know,” K’Alan said as he buckled his seat restraints. “You both might want to buckle in. This is likely to be a rough ride.”
K’Alan’s hands flew over the control panel and the roid skimmer’s engines flared loudly to life. He grabbed the control stick and nudged the ship spaceward. The first fifteen minutes of the flight were uneventful, but K’Alan knew that such easy flying would not last long.
“Fighters!” Crovax called.
“Great. I see them,” K’Alan said as he began to initiate some evasive maneuvers.
He watched in horror as two Brentax fighters started to bear down on the roid skimmer. The next second the two fighters had become a ball of flame as several proton torpedoes arced from the distant Creighton and plowed into the unsuspecting fighters, turning them into small fireballs.
“What the..?” Crovax started.
“Whoever’s manning the weapons on that ship is a madman,” K’Alan said simply as he straightened course towards the Creighton.
With interest, K’Alan noted that the Creighton managed to hold off any attackers from getting to the roid skimmer while still keeping themselves from being pulverized by the Duhari class vessels. K’Alan knew they wouldn’t be able to last long and tried to coax a little more speed out of the old vessel.
Soon, though, the roid skimmer reached the Creighton.
“The defense screens are down,” Crovax called as they approached the Creighton.
“Good. Let me get us in quickly then,” K’Alan said as he concentrated on getting the roid skimmer landed.
As soon as the roid skimmer touched down on the Creighton’s landing bay, K’Alan closed his eyes and let out a huge sigh of relief.
2.12.2136
2202
Gamma Epsilon Staiton
Admiral Bonetti’s Office
“
Y
OU wanted to see me, Madam President?” John said as he indicated the seat across from his desk for her to sit.
“Yes, I did, John.” Kerrin sat in the offered seat. “I have a proposition.”
“I’m listening,” John nodded.
“You sent me a memo some time ago outlining a proposal on how to use the White Knight. Especially about how to use the City as it is now being called.”
“I remember,” John nodded. “What do you have in mind?”
“After this peace conference is over, I’d like to form an advisory council,” Kerrin explained. “I’d like all six core races of the Star League as well as the Brentax Empire to all have seats on this council. Hopefully, by being able to mediate disputes through such a forum, we’ll be able to keep something like this from happening again.”
“Agreed,” John nodded. “And you’d like to use the White Knight for this?”
“Well that was the original purpose of The City before the Duterius Prime incident,” Kerrin nodded.
“I will request that proper support ships be permanently assigned to the White Knight in the case of some kind of emergency, Kerrin,” John said.
“That’s reasonable,” Kerrin nodded. “Have Captain Bryce select two ships when he returns.”
“Of course,” John nodded, deciding not to pursue that particular issue. “I have a feeling I know one of the ships will be the Creighton.”
“A good choice,” Kerrin smiled. “I will see you at the conference session tomorrow.
The President of the Star League smiled and strode out of his office, leaving John shaking his head at her back.
2.12.2136
2237
SLS Creighton
The Bridge
“
T
HEY’VE landed, Captain,” Jack said.
“Screens up!” Tom ordered.
“Screens are full,” Mario announced.
“Strafe those Duhari class cruisers, Colonel,” Tom said.
“Aye, Captain. I am beginning a strafing run now.”
As Mario’s hands flew across the tactical board, torpedo after torpedo shot out of the Creighton and impacted against the Duhari class cruisers inflicting minor hull damage to each.
“I think that got their attention, Captain,” Jack said. “And I think they’re mad.”
“Helm, get us the hell out of here,” Tom ordered, leaping to his feet.
“Initiating getting the hell out of here maneuver,” the helm officer said.
“Best speed back to the jump gate,” Tom said. The only response from the helm officer was a grunt and a nod.
Minutes ticked by as the tactical holo showed the Brentax ships slowly falling further and further behind.
“We’re losing them, Captain,” Jack announced.
K’Alan stepped on the bridge at that point. Tom saw him and smiled.
“Welcome aboard, Captain Bryce,” the Creighton’s skipper chuckled. “You look a little the worse for wear.”
“I could be a lot worse. Thanks, Tom,” K’Alan smiled.
“You had us all worried, Kal,” Mario said.
“Mario? What the hell are you doing here?” K’Alan laughed.
“Who do you think the President sent to bail your arse out?” Tom shrugged. “Join me for supper, Captain. There’s much I want to talk to you about.”
“Sure,” K’Alan laughed.
“You should take a shower first, Kal,” Mario said as he sniffed the air. “You smell like a Brentax.”
2.12.2136
2357
SLS Creighton
The Mess Hall
Some time later, K’Alan emerged in the mess hall, having cleaned up and put on a fresh uniform.
“I’m afraid the food here isn’t that great, K’Alan,” Tom said as he, Mario and K’Alan sat at a table in the corner of the mess hall.
“Tom, I’ve been living on Brentax K rations for the last five days. This is going to be a feast.”
“I can imagine,” Tom sighed. “It couldn’t have been easy for you on Brentacchia.”
“If it weren’t for G’Kiron and Crovax, I wouldn’t have made it,” K’Alan kept his voice soft. “I hope your crew is treating them with respect.”
“They are,” Tom nodded. “Crovax told us how he helped you escape the prison. A little thing like that tends to get people to treat him a bit better.”
“How’s Gamma Strike holding up, Mario?” K’Alan asked.
The colonel had been sitting in silence since he sat down at the table. Now he looked at K’Alan and smiled a slight little smile.
“I think it’s safe to say a lot of us are mad at you for getting caught,” Mario said simply. “Masha, uh, kind of got drunk and wrecked a punching bag.”
“Oh, Lords,” K’Alan rolled his eyes. “Erin must have had a fit.”
“She’s probably the person most mad at you,” Mario smiled wryly. “I don’t think she likes command.”
“Oh, joy,” K’Alan slumped in his chair and sighed. He took a bite of the chicken and shook his head. “I can just hear her when I get back. I told you not to go. I told you it was a suicide mission. Don’t ever leave me in command of this unit again.”
“I imagine it will go something like that,” Tom said. He was distracted, but K’Alan did not immediately pick up on it.
“How did Kit take my disappearance, Mario?” K’Alan asked quietly.
“Well, she already knew you weren’t on the shuttle.” Mario put his knife and fork down. “It probably has to do with the bond you have. But she took it better than I did. She’ll be very happy to have you back.”
“I owe Elam a baseball game,” K’Alan smiled.
2.13.2136
1137
Gamma Epsilon Station
Main Briefing Room
“
I
demand the Star League cede the Khrinnus system to the Brentax Empire!” M’Bek Tarmos thundered.
“The Khrinnus system has been inhabited by the peoples of the Star League for fifty years!” John Bonetti roared. “It belongs to the Star League!”
“Nevertheless, I demand that it be ceded to the Brentax Empire,” M’Bek Tarmos stood. “This is a point we will not waver over, Madame President. If we do not receive the Khrinnus system, then this peace conference will not work and I will walk out that door.”
“Ladies and gentleman,” Thorrin Jade spoke suddenly, his quiet voice cutting through all of the discussion. “We need to stop fighting and stop threatening to walk from this table—“
“Admiral Bonetti,” John’s wristlink sounded, interrupting Thorrin’s words.
“Admiral Bonetti here,” John said, tapping his wristlink.
“Sir, the Creighton has just docked in bay 18,” the woman on the other end reported.
“Understood. I’ll be with you shortly. Bonetti out.” John tapped his wristlink and the comm line closed. “Ladies and gentleman, I must take a brief recess.”
“This conference shall recess until 1330 hours,” Thorrin Jade announced. “At which time, we will discuss the Khrinnus system situation.”
Without waiting for further conversation, John stood and bolted from the conference room.
2.13.2136
1148
Gamma Epsilon Station
Docking Bay 18
John Bonetti rushed into the docking bay as K’Alan Bryce, Mario Bonetti, and Tom Keevan were leading a few other people out of the airlock.
“I see you were successful, Captain Keevan,” John smiled. “Good work.” He turned to face K’Alan. “Welcome home, Captain Bryce.”
“Good to be back, Admiral,” K’Alan smiled. “Admiral, would it be possible to go speak in your office? There’s an urgent matter that I must bring up in regards to the peace conference.”
“Absolutely,” John nodded. “Meet me in my office in half an hour, Captain.”
“Yes, sir.”
2.13.2136
1153
Gamma Epsilon Station
A corridor
Tom Keevan fidgeted outside the door to the quarters that had been assigned to Erin Sykes. Extremely nervous about seeing her, the captain of the Creighton took a couple deep breaths and knocked on the door.
There was no response to his knock, and Tom knocked a little louder.
“Erin?” he called when his knocking still received no response.
“Oh, she’s not here, Captain,” a passing officer said. “Last I saw she was heading towards the White Knight.”
“Thank you, Ensign,” the captain said.
He wasn’t sure if it was relief or dread that we was feeling.
2.13.2136
1215
Gamma Epsilon Station
Admiral Bonetti’s Office
John was sitting by his desk when K’Alan came in escorting G’Kiron and Crovax. He stood and gave K’Alan a quizzical look.
“Admiral, may I introduce two of the people responsible for my escape from Brentacchia Prison?” K’Alan said.
“By all means,” John said, sitting behind his desk.
“This is Chancellor G’Kiron,” K’Alan said, indicating the Brentax official. “He was the person Mario and I went to meet on Brentax III. He was instrumental in planning our mission. If it weren’t for his help, we never would have succeeded. He had been arrested by the Brentax Militia. I couldn’t leave him there, so I went to find him and release him. That’s when I was captured.”
“I tried to tell K’Alan I was fine and that he needed to take care of the mission he came to Brentax for,” G’Kiron said. “But K’Alan proved to be more stubborn than many Brentax officers I’ve worked with. He would not leave without me. Even when he was making his escape, he refused to leave without setting me free first.”
“I don’t leave friends behind when I can at all help it, G’Kiron,” K’Alan said. G’Kiron simply nodded. Pointing to Crovax, K’Alan continued. “This is Crovax. He has some information that I think you need to hear before the peace initiative goes any further.”
“I’m not familiar with your race, sir,” John said, looking Crovax over.
Crovax looked at K’Alan before answering.
“My race is called the Cor’vat,” Crovax said. “You’ve said much the same thing that K’Alan said when he first met me. And I shall tell you the same thing I told him. It is no surprise that you have not heard of my race. The Brentax does not let much out about their slaves.”
“Slaves?” John asked. “They keep slaves?”
“Yes,” Crovax said, his voice subdued. “My entire race is enslaved. We are kept separated from each other so that we do not revolt. We do some of the most revolting jobs for the Brentax. Many of us are janitors and the like. I, myself, was the torturer at the Brentacchia Prison. It is a job I disliked. The Cor’vat are essentially peace loving, Admiral. When I met K’Alan, I found myself given an opportunity to not only get out of the job I despised, but also an opportunity to help my people free themselves from the oppressive rule of the Brentax Empire. I come to you now asking you to help my people by requesting that the Brentax Empire free all of their slaves.”
“This is not news that can be taken lightly,” John said gravely. “Crovax, I would ask that you come to the next session of the peace conference. I would like you to tell your story to all present.”
“I would be glad to, Admiral,” Crovax nodded. “And thank you for taking me seriously.”
“You’ve already proven yourself to us, Crovax,” John smiled. “What you did for Captain Bryce will be remembered by many of us.”
“That was what the officers on the Creighton told me,” Crovax smiled.
2.13.2136
1248
SLS White Knight
The Bridge
Commander Erin Sykes was sitting at the commanding officer’s station. The bridge was nearly deserted and she found herself enjoying the peace and quiet that came with the light duty crews.
She’d been thinking about Tom Keevan’s proposal of late. She hadn’t decided whether to say yes or no. She tried the ring on, and felt a little weird having it on without making a decision, so she had taken it off again.
It did look good though,
she thought to herself. She shook her head.
Not something I’m going to decide quickly.
“So, can I have my station back?” a voice from behind her asked.
Erin, startled, stood and turned.
“K’Alan!” she shouted and ran over to him. When she got to him, she wound up and slugged him on the arm.
“Ow! What was that for?”
“That was for making me worry about you,’ she snapped. “And for leaving me with that damn chair for so long!””
2.13.2136
1330
Gamma Epsilon Station
Main Conference Room
Admiral Bonetti took his seat just as Thorrin Jade stepped to the table.
“This peace conference will now resume,” Thorrin said. “We will discuss the Khrinnus system now.”
“The Star League cedes the Khrinnus system,” President Jameson said. “The Brenteax Empire was kind enough to pay reparations in excess of what we asked for in relation to the Duterius Prime tragedy. We feel it only proper. I have already sent orders to the Atlantia that was patrolling the Khrinnus system. They have pulled out and should arrive at this station sometime in the next couple of hours.”
“Well, that is settled then. Is there any other business with regards to the peace treaty?” Thorrin asked.
“Yes,” John said quietly. “There is someone waiting outside the conference room who wishes to address the assembly.”
“Have the person brought in then,” Thorrin nodded.
“Send them in,” John said into his wristlink.
The door to the conference room opened and K’Alan walked in leading Crovax and G’Kiron. Upon seeing Crovax, M’Bek Tarmos shot to his feet and started to protest, but was cut off by Thorrin Jade.
“Captain Bryce, it is good to see you again,” Thorrin said.
“And it is good to see you, Ambassador,” K’Alan bowed. He indicated Crovax. “This man saved my life. His name is Crovax, and he wishes to speak. What he has to say I think you all should hear. I hope it affects you the same way it affected me.”
“You have the floor, Crovax,” Thorrin Jade said. “You may speak your piece.”
Crovax stood and bowed to Thorrin Jade.
“Thank you,” Crovax hissed. “I have heard much about the Star League from K’Alan Bryce. It is because of him that I am here. K’Alan faced the possibility of torture at my hands, and yet he reached out with his heart and agreed to help me in return for his release.
“He told me that he would bring me here and I could tell my story to the people that may be able to change things.
“My race, the Cor’vat, are one of several races that the Brentax holds as slaves.”
“Lies!” M’Bek Tarmos shouted. “He lies. We have no slaves.”
“Oh?” Crovax said. “Well then, tell me this, Commander. Where is my mate?” M’Bek sat down, shaking his head. “That’s right. You don’t want them to know that, do you? Well, I’ll tell them. My mate, along with all females and children of my race, are kept apart from the men. They are kept in a place that we can’t get to so that we will stay subservient.”
“Is this true, M’Bek?” Thorrin asked with a look of horror. M’Bek could only nod.
“I ask you to consider making the emancipation of my people a part of your treaty,” Crovax added.
“It will be done,” M’Bek said weakly. “The Brentax will release all of its slaves.”
“Thank you,” Crovax bowed. He turned to K’Alan and smiled. “Thank you, K’Alan. Thank you for keeping your word to me that you would give me a chance to free my people.”
“Is there anything—“
“Admiral, four Brentax Duhari class cruisers are on fast approach with their weapons ports open,” a voice sounded over John’s wristlink.
“Those idiots!” M’Bek roared. “We were on the verge of peace!”
“Captain Bryce, recall your bridge crew,” John said. The Creighton and the White Knight will handle this.”
“Understood,” K’Alan said. He tapped his wristlink. “All White Knight bridge, engineering, fighter crews, pilots, and weapons officers are hereby immediately recalled to the White Knight. I want you all on board within fifteen minutes. This is not a drill.”