HADRON Incursion, Page 3

  Jasper ducked over a hilltop, running the shuttle down to as low as fifty feet above a hay field. “Twice the age, twice the wisdom.”

  The shuttle landed on the lawn in front of the Air National Guard building in Charleston.

  Johnny walked down the ramp and pointed to a plane. “Would hate to be fighting the Kaachi in one of those. What is that? A P-51?”

  Jasper shook his head. “That’s an F-51. And the only thing you’d be fighting in one of those is gravity.”

  “Were they hard to fly?”

  Jasper laughed. “No, I’m just saying they’d be hard for you to fly.”

  Sergeant Jack Holmes met them at the door. “Mr. Hardy. If you’re looking to recruit, I can’t help you. We’ve been placed under the control of West Virginia Military Command. After more than half my people left, the resistance command asked for control. We complied and now report to General Mayfield. If you want. I could arrange a meeting with one of his officers.”

  Mace asked, “What happened to Captain Turner?”

  Jack replied, “He’s still here. Reports directly to the general. But they don’t trust him. He’s off the Mawga drug, though not really the same as he was. Lost some confidence. And with the loss of trust he’s kind of an outcast. What’s the visit for?”

  Mace gestured toward the Collins. “Those other aliens I said were coming… they did. The Mawga trained us and we took their warship into the battle. We won. And as our prize we took the alien flagship. I’m looking for volunteers to man the Mawga cruiser we also have.”

  Jack winced. “Had I known all that was going to actually happen, I would have come with you before. There was just too much going on at the time.”

  Mace looked around. “Glad to see the resistance finally out of the shadows. They have a command structure set up covering the whole state now?”

  Jack nodded. “The whole country. Don’t know if you heard or not, but we now have a king.”

  Mace frowned. “We heard.”

  Jack crossed his arms. “Not sure just yet what to think about it, but the resistance command is backing him.”

  Johnny asked, “This isn’t the same nut-job that was attacking community centers, is it?”

  Jack gave a cautious look behind him. “I wouldn’t say that too loudly. He has spies everywhere. And yes, it’s the same guy. I think what bothers me most is the fact that he won’t show his face. The general said it was for his own safety. I have to wonder what he’s hiding from. You know about the alliance, right?”

  Mace said, “We were the first to get aboard. Are you saying there are others?”

  Jack nodded. “The entire military command, under the guidance of our new king, signed an alliance agreement with the Mawga yesterday. I heard no mention of any agreement you had. You might want to talk to your contact about that.”

  Jasper scowled. “This the same jackass king you were talking to before the fight?”

  Mace replied, “It would have to be.”

  Jack again looked around. “As I said before, I’d be careful with your references to the king. Word is there’s little tolerance for derision. I’ve heard of a couple executions. They take his security and his absolute rule seriously. They’ve been walking around here saying he’s not only going to lead us out of our troubles, but with this alliance, we’ll soon be conducting war off-planet. And he plans on bringing all nations under one Earth banner.”

  “This all sounds crazy,” said Johnny.

  Mace replied, “It all just sounds like we don’t know what’s going on. I can’t say I like that after what we just accomplished.”

  Jack reached out his hand. “Thank you again for all you did for me before, Mr. Hardy. I’d stay and chat but I’ve been given a task to complete. And they’re very strict about orders being carried out immediately.”

  Mace shook his hand. “Thanks for the intel, Jack. We’ll get going. And take care. If you ever need us, come looking at Organ Cave.”

  Jack nodded as he walked away. “Will do, Mr. Hardy.”

  “What now?” asked Johnny.

  “We go talk to Bontu and the admiral. I think they owe us some answers.”

  A short time later the Collins docked with Bontu’s ship. Mace, Johnny, and Jasper were met in the main conference room by a smiling Bontu Montak.

  “Mr. Hardy, I’d like to answer what questions I can about the new alliance with your people. This in no way affects the alliance we signed with you. At the moment, consider yourself and your ships as autonomous from the Human king. He agreed to allow you to choose between self-governance and joining the kingdom.”

  “What brought on this new alliance?”

  Bontu sat in a chair across from the three. “Why, your success, of course. The admiral was so thrilled with the outcome that he offered four of our cruisers to King Stark. They begin training tomorrow. If all goes well, the Emperor has promised another twenty cruisers to the King. It is an exciting development. Once training is complete, the king has promised six cruisers and their crews for an upcoming campaign in a new sector. The Bolivi, a squalid race of water-breathers, have taken it upon themselves to claim the oceans of a newly discovered, uninhabited world.”

  Johnny held up his hand. “Wait, you’re saying six of these crews will be going off to fight in your wars elsewhere?”

  Bontu nodded. “Yes. But they are no longer Mawga wars, Mr. Tretcher. They are wars being conducted by the Royal Alliance. Humans, under King Stark, Mawga under Emperor Degiis. And Tervans under the Ogre Lord of Romulez. You see, Mr. Tretcher, the Union members are organized into four tiers. Tier one is of course the founders. There are fourteen alliances that make up tier two. With our new alliance, the Mawga and the Tervans will move up to tier three.”

  Jasper asked, “And the Humans?”

  Bontu clasped his hands. “Your species is not yet a member of the Galactic Union, Mr. Collins. However, with the assistance of my people and the Tervans, should our wars go as well as we believe they will, you will have a much-elevated chance of acceptance.”

  Jasper scowled. “And what if we don’t want to join your union?”

  Bontu set his hands flat on the table. “In that case, you open yourself up to conquest by every other species or alliance out there. If you have filed for acceptance, most will leave you alone.”

  Mace leaned forward. “Why would any other species attack if you’re here to help protect us?”

  “The galaxy is a dangerous place, Mr. Hardy. The Royal Alliance is young. Should one of the tier two alliances take interest, or Josep forbid, one of the founding seven, I’m afraid our help would not do you much good.”

  Johnny asked, “Who’s this Josep? I’ve heard his name used several times now.”

  Bontu pulled up an image of a Mawga emperor on the room’s holo-display. “Josep is considered the first ruling emperor of the Mawga worlds. He united the four loosely-governed planets and colonies in our original star system. Under his rule we were introduced to interstellar travel and began to trade with another species, the Kovutz. Consequently, they were eventually absorbed into the empire. After that, we applied to the Galactic Union and were accepted.”

  Bontu cleared the image. “Perhaps one day your people will be able to say the same about King Stark. Speaking again of the king, what is your level of interest in joining with his force? I’m certain you would all receive commands of your own, having already been trained and having a victory in battle.”

  Mace sat back, crossing his arms. “I don’t think we’re ready to join up just yet, Mr. Montak. I’m sure the others would like to talk it over for a bit first. Especially given that there is no urgent need for such.”

  Bontu nodded. “Yes. However, after discussion with the admiral, it has been suggested by his advisers that he ask for the return of the Lousy. Now, before you get upset, I would like to add that it was only a proposal, and that I was vehemently opposed to any such action. Given your recent victory, you have earned the right to command her.�
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  Jasper shook his head. “So what you’re saying is you’re a bunch of Indian givers?”

  Johnny laughed. “You are so old, old man. I don’t think I’ve heard anyone use that term in thirty years.”

  Jasper shrugged. “You are what you eat.”

  Johnny returned a confused look.

  Mace asked, “What can you tell us about Stark?”

  Bontu tilted his head. “I have yet to actually meet him. Although, from what the admiral says, he’s decisive, much like you. Although you are perhaps a bit more reserved. You attempt to analyze a situation before making a decision. King Stark is much less patient in his deliberation.”

  Johnny frowned. “Sounds like a hothead. And given that he calls himself king, I think it best we keep our distance for the time being.”

  Mace replied, “Until we’ve discussed this thoroughly with the others, there won’t be any decisions made on our part.”

  Bontu raised a finger. “I do have one question for you, Mr. Hardy. Your trip to Charleston, were you able to add any volunteers to your team?”

  Mace slowly shook his head. “No. With the new alliance you just signed, that places everyone in limbo. With the current forces coming together, no one wants to be viewed as a defector. Especially given that the king has supposedly already beheaded several of his detractors. I think most don’t want to stir that pot.”

  Bontu looked concerned. “Beheadings? I had not heard of such. Is this recent?”

  Mace nodded. “From what we hear.”

  Bontu rubbed his chin. “This gives me pause, Mr. Hardy. It does not speak well of the temperament of your new ruler.”

  “Just because someone has taken power doesn’t make them a good or kind leader. In fact, usually the opposite is true of Humans. They’re often good at war but terrible at ruling. Raw power corrupts.”

  Bontu looked down in thought before replying. “Perhaps this is a discussion for another day, Mr. Hardy. Just know that as you go forward, you have my support … although that support has its limits.”

  Mace nodded as he stood. “Thank you for this talk, Mr. Montak. It has filled in a few holes in what we know, and need to know. Oh, how goes the repair dock? Has it arrived?”

  Bontu replied, “The repair ship has been approved. We expect it here within the week.”

  The shuttle ride back to the cave was quiet. After settling in the field, the ramp lowered and the three men made their way back to the gift shop, where the others were gathered around.

  Jane asked, “Well?”

  Mace shook his head. “There’s been a few big changes. And I don’t think you’re going to like them.”

  Liam inquired, “Are there more Kaachi?”

  Mace sat on the steps as the others gathered closer. “We now have a king … and the Mawga have signed an alliance with him. The Mawga will be training his warship crews, starting tomorrow.

  “Somehow Malcolm Stark has managed to anoint himself king. And get this, he has the backing of the U.S. Military Command. The States—and from what I hear, Mr. Mallot and Mr. Hobbs— Canada and Britain have joined with him, sort of duchies within his kingdom.

  “Negotiations are taking place the world over to bring the entire planet under his rule. And with this consolidation goes our pool of potential fighters. We talked with Jack Holmes in Charleston. Everyone there is backing the king and just wants to keep their heads down.”

  Coran Daughtry held up a hand. “What does this mean for us? And any word from Australia, or Europe?”

  Mace shrugged. “As to what this means for us, we’ve been given the choice of joining up or staying on our own. I have the feeling if we take the first of those choices, we’ll be split up and shuttled off to train others. And I have to believe they would be keeping a close watch on us. As to Australia, Mr. Daughtry, I’m sorry, but I don’t have any word about them. They may or may not have been contacted yet.”

  Coran stood. “I would think we would want first crack at them then. We have two warships at our disposal. That would offer some leverage in any talks. And we could be there in a matter of hours if not less.”

  Jane said, “I’d have to agree with Mr. Daughtry. If we can convince the Australians to join with us, that gives us all the trainees we should need. And it keeps that prize out of Stark’s pocket.”

  Mace glanced at Johnny. “You have an opinion?”

  Johnny laughed. “Yep. What she said. Mr. Daughtry knows the people there. And we’ll be flying the Rogers, which will be hard to deny. I say we pack up and go right now.”

  Mace looked around. “OK, let’s have a show of hands. Who’s for a trip to down under?”

  The vote was unanimous.

  The Rogers was soon hovering over downtown Sydney. Two Australian generals were brought up to the former Kaachi cruiser. Mace, Johnny, and Jane joined Liam Hobbs, Humphrey Mallot, and Coran Daughtry in a main conference room.

  Mace said, “Sirs, I must apologize for the setting. I know the chairs are small and the ceilings low, but this is what we have to work with at the moment. Given time, those things will change.”

  Mace talked for twenty minutes about what his group could offer. The generals were intrigued. When the initial pitch had ended, he placed his hands on the short table, leaning over it.

  “Gentlemen, first I would like to ask what contacts you’ve had with the king or his people. And second, I want you to ask us any questions you’d like. We’ll answer honestly as best we can.”

  General Mel Banbridge stood. “Mr. Hardy, Stark has already offered us a ship. Do you bring the same offer?”

  Mace nodded. “We do. In fact, we have the ship the Mawga gave us. It’s available to crew. This ship, the Rogers, will be ours to pilot. We’re in need of a crew for the Lousy.”

  The general half frowned. “The Lousy?”

  Mace smiled. “It’s not as bad as it sounds, General. All the Mawga cruisers, except for the flagship, are identical. Apparently, Lousy was an early and powerful family name in Mawga history. And, frankly, the ship will be yours to command, so you can name it whatever you want as far as we’re concerned. The Rogers is equally equipped. It seems the ship structures and appearance are all that differ. The reactors and the cannons all come from the same suppliers.

  “The Mawga, and the Kaachi we defeated, are members of a Galactic Union ruled by seven powerful species. They each have rules of engagement they have to fight under. The consequences for violating those rules are extreme. From what we can tell, it’s a system that allows species to largely govern themselves, while at the same time enriching the seven founding members.”

  Liam Hobbs came over a comm channel. “Mr. Hardy, a Mawga shuttle is approaching. We’re being hailed.”

  “Patch them through to here, Mr. Hobbs.”

  Seconds later the comm on Mace’s arm pad came to life. “Mr. Hardy, I’m Captain Hawthorne, here representing King Stark. I understand you have General Banbridge and General Seavers with you.”

  Mace nodded. “We do.”

  Hawthorne returned an arrogant look. “I would like the opportunity to speak with the generals, immediately if possible. We have urgent business with the Australian Command.”

  Mace pursed his lips. “I will pass that information on to the generals when we are done here, Captain.”

  Hawthorne leaned toward the comm camera. “I should like to join you in your discussions, Mr. Hardy. As I said, our needs are urgent and are the business of the king.”

  Mace slowly shook his head. “Your urgency will have to wait until after ours, Captain. I believe the generals will be available in about a half hour. You’re welcome to hang out there until we’re done.”

  Hawthorne scowled. “This will be in my report, Mr. Hardy. We have no beef with you at present, but that may change if you continue to interfere with our work.”

  Mace returned a coy smile. “I’ll make note of your dissatisfaction, Captain. Now, I have business to tend to.”

/>   The comm closed. “Gentlemen, as I said, I’m prepared to offer the Lousy up immediately for your command. And we would be happy to provide you with all the training you will need to fly her. Also, keep in mind, with us, you can change your mind at any time. With Stark, you give up that option, permanently.”

  Mel Banbridge stood. “Mr. Hardy, your offer is generous. We would like the opportunity to hear Stark’s position before making a decision.”

  Mace stood. “Absolutely. Take whatever time you need, General. You can contact me over the comm when you’ve decided. And, General, I’d like to say that working with Mr. Daughtry and the others has been a pleasure. The three of them are both hard working and professional.”

  The generals boarded a shuttle and were soon on the ground. The king’s representative was waiting for an immediate pick-up.

  Coran Daughtry stood looking at a bridge monitor. “Two things I think we have against us, Mr. Hardy. The intimidation factor of so many others already committing to Stark. And his ability to get more ships from the Mawga. From the sound of it, they seem prepared to give him as many as he wants.”

  Johnny said, “We offer freedom of choice, Mr. Daughtry. That’s a powerful motivator.”

  Coran returned a concerned look. “I think that used to be a prime motivator, Mr. Tretcher. But the world has changed. The first instinct now is to survive. And how better to do that than to join with the crowd? We have two ships. What other security can we offer?”

  The discussion on the bridge continued for most of an hour before a comm came in from the generals. “Mr. Hardy, we’ve decided to accept your offer.”

  Mace smiled. “Excellent, General! You’ll want about a hundred fifty or so for your initial training crew. It won’t take that many to fly her, but you’ll want to pick your best. Also, your trained crew will then become your trainers. We have some clout with the Mawga at the moment because of our victory over the Kaachi. I can push for more ships. And I’m confident I can get them.”

  The general nodded. “Let’s hope that’s the case, Mr. Hardy. When will you be ready to begin the training?”

  Mace replied, “Whenever you’re ready, General. Just say the word.”