Chapter 27

Alden Duryss stood in his magboots on the flight deck of the Knight, his war-ready ship. The Python-class’s diamond shape made it versatile for multi-role configurations. The Knight was well-equipped for combat, and his first-class cabin afforded the comforts to which he was accustomed.

The onboard ThermARC hid their arrival in the system, despite an initial glitch bringing it online. They were able to transit the embattled system unnoticed by Resistance patrols.

Now he stood, impatient, watching through the forward-swept canopy while the ship finished docking. The ship matched the spin of Zamka Dock, one of four Orbis stations in Chelum. Its enormous dual habitat rings gleamed in the distance.

After docking and feeling the simulated gravity of the station, Duryss raised each of his boots onto their toes to disable mag-lock. The locking annoyed him to no end. He was always eager to disable it as soon as possible.

He would have liked to avoid the trip altogether, but it was necessary. His need to stand against Senator Draden, to bring his father to ruin, put him on this course. It was far too late to back down. Dictating mandates from his office in Sietae would not be sufficient to react real-time to the Senator’s offensive. There was also the matter of preparing Chelum’s authorities without alerting mass hysteria.

Duryss walked onto the station with his armed escort. A cluster of people had gathered at the bottom of the ramp to greet them. He recognized the station administrator in the group from his prior encounters within the system. The tall, bald-headed man with dark skin, wearing a taupe colored suit adorned with blue stripes on the shoulders, stepped forward to greet him.

“Welcome, Consular. I wish your visit was under better circumstances.”

Duryss bowed his head, “Envoy Palmer, thank you for your hospitality. We need to talk in private.”

“This way, sir,” he gestured and walked back toward the landing pad’s terminal building. The groups walked side-by-side following Duryss’s quick pace.

They boarded a transport to the central office complex. Standing beside Duryss, Palmer leaned his head toward him, to speak in a low voice. “Before we conference, you should know sporadic combat zones have popped up. They are especially concentrated around the third and fourth planets of the core worlds. The Resistance is ignoring independents, and focusing on Imperial corporate interests, especially convoys.”

Duryss nodded but stayed silent.

“The quarantine has been somewhat effective at controlling the spread of aculosis. Infection rates have dropped by 65%. Growth of the disease has stalled at around 100 million. Ahh, here we are.” The transport came to a stop outside the central office complex. “If you’ll follow me Consular,” Palmer said.

Duryss reflected on the information while he walked beside his host. 100 million was significant, even in a system population of 2 billion. But he knew Senator Draden expected a much more dramatic number of infections. The original plan was for the virus to cut the independent population in half. The lower infection rate gave Duryss a tactical advantage.

They entered a conference room in the office complex, leaving their guards behind. Palmer sat at one end of the table.

Duryss walked to the other side and leaned over it. “The situation is more urgent than you realize, Envoy Palmer. At this very moment, several Imperial fleets are headed to this system.”

Palmer’s eyes went wide, “Imperial fleets? Why in the galaxy would they…”

“My sources suggest Senator Draden is after more territory to grow his patronage. He appears to be making a power play to elevate his rank in the Senate. If he’s able to capture the Hyades, he will control the largest patronage in the Empire.”

“We are already fighting the Resistance and this wretched disease! The people of Chelum cannot stand for this,” Palmer snapped.

“I’m counting on it. And I’m counting on your support. I have a fleet en route from Sietae to support our position, but we need to raise support from our independent citizens.”

“We’ll marshall all our remaining armed forces from Lethem Barracks on CB2.”

Duryss nodded, “If we’re to survive this, we need every able bodied man and woman to fight and resist this invasion. We need all the independent pilots we can get on our side.” He paused and looked past the Envoy in thought. “Press. Media.” His eyes narrowed. “Yes, that’s it,” he said, the idea taking shape in his mind. “I want you to arrange a meeting with a reporter that can help me send out a call to arms.”

“I’ll see to it Consular,” Palmer said with a nod. “Thank you for standing with us in this trial. Our people have been suffering for far too long.”

“And what is the status of station defenses?”

“All our orbital stations have HRBs installed and operational,” Palmer reported with a pleased look on his face.

“Excellent,” Duryss responded as the datapad in his coat pocket blipped with a notification. He glanced down, only half pulling it from his coat enough to glimpse the information. He grinned and reported, “Colonel Reeves has arrived with my fleet from Sietae. Would you be kind enough to provide a tactical overview of the system so that I can order my forces where to go to be the most effective?”

Palmer worked the conference table’s holo controls bringing up a map of the binary system that glowed before their eyes. It centered on the giant primary star, Chelum. Orbiting at some distance was Chelum B, or “CB,” as it was labeled. Around it, six worlds orbited in measured distances from the smaller, dimmer companion star. Some distance beyond, orbiting both Chelum and Chelum B, were the Chelum AB outer worlds, a barycenter orbiting sub-system of three outer planets.

Palmer zoomed the map into the core worlds and highlight three of them. One was a planet in a position on the opposite edge of the system from the two other planets he selected. “My military advisors have informed me that these are the most strategic planets in the system.”

Duryss nodded, studying the map.

“This is CB2, it hosts our armed forces barracks for both our Home Guard forces and law enforcement.” Palmer slid the map over to the other two planets. “This is CB3 and CB4. CB3 is only strategic today because its orbital position puts it close to CB4. It provides a staging zone with support from Zalyotin City, the small outpost that orbits it. But, the water world of CB4, the world this facility orbits, is our crown jewel.” He adjusted the map to zoom further, “This is Project Aquilon. A terraforming process that’s been underway for the past decade and a half. The rest of the worlds here are rich in metal resources, but the habitability of this planet is the future of prosperity for Chelum’s people.”

“Thank you for bringing me up to speed, Envoy. I appreciate…”

A tone came from the doorway to the conference room, and an aide hurried in. After the door shut, the young woman announced, “Pardon the interruption, Consular, Envoy. An Imperial fleet just arrived in the system. Two fleet carriers, a Majestic-class Interdictor, and two dozen other ships are heading our way now.”

Duryss looked over at the station administrator. “Envoy Palmer, I’m officially exercising my authority to take operational command of Chelum’s armed forces as well. We must have a singular chain of command.” He locked eyes with him, almost daring him to challenge his authority.

Palmer stood firm, appearing to bristle at first. Then his shoulders dropped, “Of course, Consular. Our forces are yours to command.”

“Go now. Send in your military and law enforcement advisors. And make arrangements for the media interview.”

Palmer had a more obstinate look, a new tension in his demeanor, but he quietly bowed his head and left the conference room.

Duryss pulled out his datapad and composed orders for Reeves to distribute forces around CB4 and Zamka Dock. This is where the final stand will take place, he thought to himself. His father would finally see what he was made of—what he was capable of. He would learn that his son had every bit his political, strategic, and tactical mastery, if not more.

The quarantine efforts preserved the strength of Chelum’s armed forces. Adding to that, the Imperial fleets faced the Resistance, his Sietaen fleet, and the HRBs mounted to all the stations in the system. Suffice it to say, he felt he had every advantage, armed with the superior force. He was ready. How ready are you, father?

Tapping on the conference table controls, Duryss placed a call to the Senator’s office. After working through aides, the lion-like form of Senator Madius appeared on the holo-projection above the table.

“Sylus,” he said with a growl. “Why am I not surprised that you’d have the audacity to contact me on an open hyperspace channel?”

“You think you’ve won already, father, but your forces will face destruction this day,” he said, keeping his calm.

“Still so naive and reckless, Sylus. You are an embarrassment. You pathetic excuse for an heir to my house,” his weakened voice spat with contempt.

His anger simmered at his father’s words, but he managed to maintain a modicum of control. He snapped back, “Your ambition, as always, has blinded you, you old fool! I have countered all your machinations. You have no more tricks, old man. But today… today you’re going to see that Sylus Draden has always been the better man. Your dreams and schemes are dead. The Empire will abandon you, just as I have.”

A cackle emerged deep from the old man’s chest. “You haven’t a clue what you’re doing… boy!” The old man snarled, ”You’ve never commanded armed forces. I have six decades of command experience. I’ve lead fleets in intergalactic warfare in over 100 armed conflicts. I have the best Imperial trained pilots in the Empire and flag officers I’ve worked with for 20 years. Superior equipment, manpower, and experience. What do you have? A ragtag collection of ships, police forces, an untried reserve guard that has never seen battle, and a rebellion? Mark my words, you imbecilic offspring, I will erase my worst mistake from the galaxy today.”

Through gritted teeth, he spat back, “Give it your best shot, you arrogant windbag.”

The connection terminated.

Sylus Draden sat back at the head of the conference table, huffing at the encounter. It was necessary to ensure his father didn’t suspect his advantages. Thwarting the virus, the station defensive batteries, and the ThermARC equipped Sietaen fleet were significant. His quick review of his successes helped him restore his composure and return to his Alden Duryss persona.

There was another door tone before it cracked open enough that the young aide woman was able to lean her head through. “Consular, the military and law enforcement commanders are here.”

“See them in, please,” he said.

The door opened to a half a dozen people. A man in a decorated military uniform entered, followed by other military officers in similar uniforms. Another group followed, led by a woman wearing a different uniform, still highly decorated. She was accompanied by another woman and a man in matching uniforms.

The first man that entered gave some form of salute, raising a hand to the side of his face, then spoke with a heavy Irish accent. “Consular Duryss, I’m Colonel McHugh. I lead the Advanced Tactical Response teams in Chelum. These are my aides, and my associate…” He turned back toward the woman.

“Hello Consular Duryss,” she said, with a distinct lack of any discernible accent compared to her counterpart. “I’m Chief of Security Carter. I run Chelum’s system security service.”

“A pleasure to meet you both. I look forward to working with you. Envoy Palmer has informed you I’ve taken operational command?”

“He has, sir,” Carter replied.

“Then let’s get to work,” Duryss put his hands together in theatrical excitement.

Carter began to work the table’s holo interface, and the map shifted to a new, more tactical style that showed every ship tracked in the system. Duryss could see clusters of ships between the host star and the CB core worlds, and another grouping in front of CB4. Carter continued to work the map, “Sir, this is the most recent tactical update. We have defensive forces deployed around Zamka Dock and just outside the CB4 system.” The overlapping-circles logo of the Chelum system appeared above the ship clusters on the map.

Carter continued, “Sietaen ATR has taken up position alongside our system security fleets by CB4 as well.” A Sietae Corporation logo appeared above the cluster. “We are bringing approximately twenty-two more ships online once they are fueled and armed. The current plan is to send them from CB2 to CB3 to defend the outpost there.”

“The Imperial fleet has taken up a blockade position in the primary shipping lane to the core worlds.” An Imperial emblem appeared above the cluster of ships midway between the star and planetary system. Then a series of scattered target reticle symbols appeared dotting the core worlds all the way out to the outer barycenter worlds. “These are Resistance forces clashing with Imperial natives.”

Duryss continued to stare at the map, absorbing the information. As he did so, the map updated in real-time with two more large clusters. Moments later, the Imperial symbol appeared above them.

McHugh spoke up, “Two more Imperial fleets have arrived in the system. That’s three Interdictors in Chelum.”

“And where are your ATR forces, Colonel?”

McHugh updated the map to annotate it with a blue version of the Chelum overlapping-cirles emblem. “Each system security fleet includes four of my ATR units.”

“Where do we stand on the total fleet counts?”

“Ninety Imperial ships, five capital vessels,” Carter replied. “Two hundred ten ships combined in Chelum security, ATR, and Sietaen forces, and three carriers.”

“And how many do we have in reserve?”

“There are at most sixty more ships and pilots in reserve.”

“What about Resistance ships?”

“By our last sensor sweep, it appears there are about forty-five Resistance ships engaged in sorties around the system.”

“I see,” Duryss turned the information over. They had overwhelming numbers, but the Interdictors presented a real danger. He knew his father outright owned two Interdictors, but the third was a surprise. He cursed his donations to the Find Sylus Draden Campaign being used against him. Taking out the Interdictors was the surest strategy to crush the rest of the Imperial forces. “Our priority is to take out those Interdictors. We need to bait them.”

McHugh offered in his Irish brogue, “I can dispatch a dozen ATR units from Alpha and Bravo fleets to mount attack runs on the blockade. Bloody their nose a bit.”

“Sir,” Carter interrupted. “It appears the Imperials are redeploying. The second fleet is transiting the system on course for…” She worked the holo map interface. A solid line appeared behind the fleet from where it entered the system and continued with a dashed line along a computed path. “They’re headed for CB3. And the Imperial Third fleet has moved to the Nav Beacon. They now control entry into the system and the shipping lanes. We’re cut off from any outside support.”

Another door tone sounded and it cracked open. The familiar face of the Envoy’s aide popped in. “Sir, we have a GalNet reporter here for the interview.”

Duryss nodded in reply, “Thank you dear, I’ll be right there.” The aide closed the door, and Duryss stood from his seat at the head of the table. “Chief, Colonel, I want you to move the fleets from CB4 to CB3 to intercept the Imperial Second Fleet. Colonel, redeploy all your ATR units to CB4. We’ll have a surprise waiting for them here. I have another task to attend to.”

He left the conference-room-turned-war-room and found the aide in the hall who escorted him to another conference room. He turned on his political charm, smiling broadly and gave the reporter his statement:

Fellow citizens of the Hyades, a tragedy has befallen the Chelum star system. I, Consular Duryss, am here in the system to stand up to an illegal Imperial occupation. This invasion threatens Chelum’s independence and is a clear threat to the entire Hyades region.

I was wrong in inviting Imperials to our region to assist in establishing Thargoid defenses. I admit I am guilty of acting on my deep sense of honor and duty to protect the people of Hyades.

We must come together to fight this oppression and search for a peaceful solution. I call upon the Empire to denounce this heinous act. And I call upon all independent pilots in Chelum, across the Hyades, and the intergalactic community to rise up, and come to our aide. The people of Hyades are and will ever remain a free and independent society.

Upon returning to the briefing room, McHugh’s chiseled face held a serious look of concern. An ambient murmuring in the staff added to the increasing tension as the situation unfolded rapidly.

“Report,” Duryss snapped while returning to his seat to the head of the conference room table. He looked to the map and noted more Imperial fleets.

Carter delivered the news, “Three more Imperial fleets arrived in the system. The Imperial Fourth fleet is on a course to CB2. The Fifth and Sixth fleets are headed straight for us. Our Alpha and Bravo fleets are engaged with the Imperial Third. Resistance forces have joined combat zones around CB3.”

“So it has begun,” Duryss said in a low, serious tone.

“Our forces are holding,” McHugh added. “Eighteen Imperial ships have been destroyed. Ten Hyades ships and four Resistance ships have been destroyed.”

“How long until the Imperial fleets arrive?” Duryss asked.

“ETA is two minutes.”

“Bring Zamka Dock to alert. Prep the HRBs to repel the Imperials, and tell Colonel Reeves to ready their cloak attack.”

The Chief of Security and Colonel both acknowledged his orders. Each signaled their respective aides to dispatch the orders through the necessary chains of command.

Moments later an alert klaxon resonated throughout the station. The alarm echoed in the distance from around the enormous docking bay.

The klaxon was followed by an all station announcement that echoed in the same way, “Attention! We are initiating emergency protocols. All decks: emergency protocol. All citizens are ordered to proceed to shelters immediately.”

The map showed the Fifth and Sixth fleets had arrived at Zamka Dock both in attack formations coming from wide angle vectors of approach. Reeves forces were not equally matched, but their ThermARCs gave them a significant advantage. The tides were not as favorable as they had been, striking a chord of fear in Duryss. Ship numbers were now closer to equal, but he still had numerous advantages.

The Imperial Fifth fleet was led by the INV Valiant, the third Majestic-class Interdictor engaged in the conflict. The Sixth fleet included two fleet carriers that began launching waves of ships. The Valiant closed into a firing solution against Zamka Dock.

“Carter, how many Imperial ships are we tracking now?”

“Over 200, sir. 31 destroyed.”

Duryss grimmaced.

McHugh shouted, “They’re firing! Brace for impact.”

Carter gripped the edge of the table. The station shuddered from distant impacts. Sirens rang out, blaring with a new urgency. Another round shook the station.

“It’s railguns,” Carter snapped. “Station commander reports damage to the engineering section and life support.”

Trying to flush us out, Duryss thought. Smart move, father. “Tell Colonel Reeves to begin her attack on their rear flank. Once they’ve pushed the Valiant into position, give them a salvo of the HRBs.”

“Yes, sir,” Carter acknowledged.

“ATR on CB2 reports they’ve engaged the Imperial Fourth. Lethem Barraks is under orbital bombardment!” McHugh reported axiously. Sweat dripped from his wrinkled and furrowed brow.

Another attack rocked the station, the lights and table map flickered. Duryss zoomed the map to the conflict between Reeves’s forces and the Fifth Fleet. Ships were popping on and off the map, evidence their ThermARCs were working. Duryss watched a specific encounter of a small number of shielded ships that pulled Imperial forces away from the main conflict. The unsuspecting pursuers flew into traps of four and five Sietaen ships surrounding in a claw formation of destruction. One after another Imperial ships were lured away and destroyed.

As the count of Imperial forces began to drop the Valiant moved into position behind the habitat ring of Zamka Dock. It slipped into a parallel orientation so that its firing batteries were well aligned.

Carter held her earpiece and looked up at Duryss, “Firing HRBs, sir.”

“Show me,” Duryss snapped quickly.

An aide worked the table controls and a projected window displayed a visual of the Valiant’s broadside.

A modest shudder shook the room, followed by brief pause, then another shudder. Two large lights leapt onto the display, and each disappeared into the Valiant.

“Direct hits, sir,” Carter said while another shudder hit them. Two more large lights disappeared into the Valiant. The display showed evidence of explosions rocking the giant vessel. It began a slow turn into the direction of their attacks to minimize their attack profile. “Two more hits sir! The Valiant is being routed!”

The ship continued its turn and showed the opposite side, on a heading past the habitat ring of the station. Suddenly, and violently, all the railguns on the port side fired at once. The station shook and pieces of the ceiling in the conference room came apart, a light sparking above them. A dozen ships surrounded by a cloud of drone fighters flew toward the station, the display losing them as their range closed.

Renewed sirens were heard closer than they had been before.

Another hit rocked them all knocking the staff in the room off their feet as the deck below them lurched. The room exploded. Duryss was thrown forward and hit his head on the blunted edge of the table. His long hair was thrown across his face. The pain throbbed in his forehead. He reached up to touch the wound where he’d hit and felt wetness. Pulling his hand back he found blood on his fingertips.

More attacks knocked out the lights before anyone could recover. The holo display above the table flickered but stubbornly stayed alive. It became the only light source in the room beyond the flashing amber alerts in the complex.

People were shouting around him, but he couldn’t make out what they were saying.

Duryss pushed through his headache and shouted over the chaos, “Report!”

Carter was nowhere to be found. McHugh pushed his way out from under a sheet of metal debris. The man stammered to his feet and worked the holo interface to display a representation of Zamka Dock. Areas lit up red across the station. The habitat ring had been left largely unscathed, but the rest of the facility suffered heavy damage. “Life support on the station is beginning to fail, down to 24%. It’s not enough to sustain the population. Four of five generators are offline. We have to…” his eyes were somewhat distant. “We have to evacuate.”

Duryss stood up, feeling weak in his knees. I need to evacuate, he thought to himself. “Bring the Alpha and Bravo fleets back to join Colonel Reeves forces here. Redeploy all your ATR forces here!”

“Aye, sir,” McHugh said.

Duryss pushed over the chair behind him and made his way out of the conference room. As he stepped toward the doorway, he found the lifeless bodies of Carter and one of her aides.

“McHugh, fire all the HRBs at will!”

He rushed out of the room and limped back to the docks. Debris filled the corridors. People pushed by him, going in a frantic scramble of different directions. Distant screams filled his ears just over the blaring klaxon.

The station continued to shudder around him, either from more attacks or the HRBs. An announcement distantly echoed, “Attention! This station is under an Emergency Evacuation Protocol. All citizens are to make their way to a landing pad to evacuate the station as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Duryss spat at his father in his mind, I’m not finished yet.