Path to the Stars - Third draft full

Path To The Stars

Chapter 1

The naked man sat on the prow of the battleship admiring the stars. Above him, the blackness of space was contrasted by fiery blooms of nuclear fire. In the distance the engine trails of spaceships danced with one another like fireflies in the night.

“Do you hear it?” he said.

She stood behind him and heard nothing in the vacuum of space.

“Hear what, sir?” she replied, not forgetting her military habits.

He pointed at the ships that were circling one another. A larger battlecruiser , grey in colour with a symmetrical and angular design, was fending off wave after wave of torpedoes from two smaller cruisers.

“She is calling to me. Can you hear her cries of pain?”

Rei knew the ship well, the Sword of Truth was a Seihon Empire sword-class battlecruiser. The Sword of Truth and the Sword of Justice were both assigned to her squadron. The were nicknamed the sword sisters.

“Who are you?” Rei asked.

The man didn't turn around. He was watching the battle intently.

“I am the Tower of Reverence,” he said.

Rei didn't understand, the Tower of Reverence was the battleship she was assigned to. Why would a man have the same name as her ship?

“Are you afraid?” He asked.

She looked up at the ships that were hammering away at each other with torpedoes and lasers. She could have been assigned to the Truth, it could be her up there, fighting for her life. She didn't want to fight this war— this battle. She never asked to join the navy, it wasn't her choice to be here. Her fingers were trembling.

“I'm not afraid,” she said.

The man turned to her and smiled. He was handsome, a strong jaw line and chiselled features distinguished his face— yet he had a certain air of femininity. His demeanour radiated with confidence. There was something familiar about him that she couldn't quite put her finger on...

“Don't worry... I will protect you.” He said.

_____________________________

“Lieutenant Duunin!” The tone was urgent. Shaken from her vision, she tried to breath in, but her lungs were filled with liquid. The fear of drowning made her panic.

“Lieutenant Duunin. Your vitals are spiking— running diagnostic on your g-pod...”

A computerised voice interrupted the speaker.

“Administering stimulants.”

The panic she felt a moment ago subsided and her racing heart slowed to a normal pace.

“Lieutenant! Report!”

Recent memories flooded back to her and she remembered where she was, and what she was doing. She relaxed and let the oxygen rich liquid in her g-pod flow easily into her lungs. Closing her eyes she reconnected to the virtual simulnet. From the perspective of an observer drone she watched the battle that was unfolding outside. Before her the Seihon squadron was facing off against a much larger Commonwealth squadron. Her ship, the Tower of Reverence, was wedged in between a shield class heavy cruiser, the Shield of Vindication, and the Truth's sister ship, Justice. Opposing them was a squadron of eight ships, ranging from small destroyers to battlecruisers. The Truth had broken from the formation and was fending off two commonwealth cruisers.

“The Truth is reporting critical damage, sir,” she reported.

The Truth rolled to her port side, torpedoes streaking toward her through the blackness of space, ice vapour trails in their wake. The point defence turrets across her bow unleashed laser fire on the volleys of incoming torpedoes. One by one they ignited in space, collapsing into chunks of debris. But it was not enough, one, and then two torpedoes slammed home, their nuclear payloads imploding into brilliant balls of light. The shield around the battlecruiser's starboard side flickered briefly. The rest of the torpedo volley snaked past the damaged shield tearing into the Truths's side. Pieces of armour flew into space, exposing great rents in the ship's hull and revealing its superstructure.

“Commonwealth cruisers are coming about,” echoed over the relay. The enemy squadron was slowly closing in from all sides.

“Deploy the heavy drones and re-align for a starboard battery. Support the Truth and target the enemy cruisers weapon systems.” The interface overlay indicated it was lieutenant-commander Chaanur who was giving out the order.

“Sir, we can't hit cruisers with our heavy laser turrets,” a tactical officer replied into the void.

“Just fire damnit!”

The Reverence's laser turrets swivelled in the direction of the enemy cruisers, their barrels glowing with red light as the weapons heated up. Hot streams of laser fire arced toward the enemy cruisers just narrowly missing them. Like vultures chased from a dying carcass they retreated from the damaged Truth.

“The Justice is moving in to support the Truth. Enemy battlecruisers have changed targets— they are preparing to fire on us.”

The space in front of the Reverence became filled with multiple torpedo salvos.

“All hands, brace for impact,” the computer warning flashed across Rei's interface. The g-pods that protect the crew from the battle acceleration would also dampen the shock of incoming damage, but the electromagnetic interference from the nuclear explosions would still knock out the simulnet. Point defense lasers from the Vindication and their own ship, the Reverence, lashed out at the oncoming threat. They lit up the darkness of space with bight green and red lights seeking out their targets. One after another the torpedoes imploded, spinning off into space, but there were too many of them. Half of the enemy salvo had made it through the gauntlet. Even though it was a simulation created by the computer of outside events, Rei still flinched as the nuclear payloads ignited around the bow and starboard sides of the Reverence. Her fingers tightened around the arm-rests of her g-pod as the simulnet stopped responding. For a brief second she was in complete darkness. Then she heard it. A cry of pain. It was a man in anguish, like he had just been strapped across the back with a whip.

“Shields are holding.”

The simulnet rebooted and warning symbols flashed across the Reverence's sub-systems. Data from the other ships in the squadron also streamed in. The battle was worsening for the Seihon squadron. The sword sisters were engaged with two enemy cruisers and furiously exchanging fire.

“Enemy heavy cruisers are moving in from the rear of the Commonwealth squadron. Enemy battlecruisers are redirecting fire at the Vindication.”

Another volley of torpedoes launched from the enemy squadron. Rei could clearly that the Commonwealth squadron was planning to destroy the Reverence's escorts. She relayed the message immediately to lieutenant-commander Chaanur.

“Sir, enemy ships are focusing on our escort, the Vindication.”

The nimble ship wove through the clumsy volleys of slow moving torpedoes and focused its fire on the closest enemy destroyers. Its drones and lasers chipped away at the enemy but she knew their escort couldn't hold out much longer without support. Frantically she sent more reports to the lieutenant-commander.

“Sir, the Vindication's shield won't hold out much longer.”

The relay chatter died down. The lieutenant-commander didn't answer— he didn't give the order to support their escort. Rei watched helplessly as the crew of the Vindication bravely continued to fight.

“Enemy destroyer engines have been crippled. The Vindication's port side shields have failed. Enemy battlecruisers are firing another salvo.”

And still, the lieutenant-commander was silent. Rei watched in horror as nuclear blooms erupted around the Vindication. Escape pods streamed in all directions just before the fusion reactor collapsed. A massive ball of plasma engulfed the enemy destroyers that had been to close to the Vindication, their thick armour not enough to withstand the destructive power of the ships destruction. Finally the lieutenant-commander spoke.

“Navigation; turn the ship around, full impulse. Communications; order the Justice and Truth to engage and hold off the Commonwealth squadron for as long as possible.”

Rei couldn't believe what she was hearing, a retreat under these circumstances was unthinkable. Her hands were shaking and anger burned in her stomach. There was no way she could follow that order, no way she could abandon those life-pods and their comrades in arms who were still fighting.

“Sir, there are still life-pods from the Vindication floating in space, and the rest of our squadron is still engaged with the enemy.”

“Are you questioning my orders lieutenant Duunin?”

Even though it was only an echo of his voice over the relay, she could sense a sharp anger behind his words. The rest of the Commonwealth squadron was ignoring them. A single battleship was no threat to a squadron of eight cruiser sized vessels. A heavy silence hung over the chat relay. No one dared to speak. Rei didn't care any more, she was going to do what was right, even if she was going to disobey a superior officer... and a member of the royal family.

“This is the captain. I will take direct command. Bring us about and establish a firing-uplink with the rest of the squadron. Head for the wreckage of the Vindication and prepare the rescue shuttles.”

The chat relay flared back into life as the bridge crew accepted their new tasks without question. The lieutenant-commander had been in charge of this engagement, but the captains orders were absolute. Firing patterns and trajectory data streamed in from the sword sisters. Like an enraged beast the Reverence charged forward. Rei felt the hum of the fusion generator beneath her pod and could almost hear the ship sing in exhilaration. Heavy laser turrets swivelled about and fired in wide arcs toward the enemy ships. The enemy squadron's ships rolled evasively in response. It was unlikely the Reverence would hit anything but the awesome power of its lasers were enough to break the Commonwealth formation.

“Hyperspace signature detected 120km behind us— it's the main fleet.”

Hundreds of ships emerged from man-made wormholes behind them. Frigates to capital ships streamed out in perfect formation, and at the head of the fleet was the flagship of the Seihon Empires 2^nd fleet, the Spear of Destiny, a spear class super-dreadnought.

“Enemy squadron is retreating.”

Like a flock of birds running from a predator, the enemy ships turned around and fled from the massive fleet. Not a single shot was fired, there was no need.

“There is a direct line from the Destiny, captain.”

“Bring the Reverence to a halt and rescind the battle alert. Patch the line through to the main viewer.”

The massive battleship decelerated from battle impulse and the diffused red light on the bridge changed to a dull blue, indicating the ship was returning to normal operations. Rei severed her link to the simulnet and opened her eyes. Around her, the oxygen-rich liquid that kept her body alive under high g-force operations was draining away and the breathing apparatus in her mouth was pumping out the last of the fluid from her lungs. The clear door of her pod swung open with a hiss. Other bridge crew were exiting their g-pods, some coughing, others using towels to dry their hair. The g-pods were arranged in a semi-circle around a holographic projector on a raised dais. In the centre was the captains g-pod, flanked by the commander and lieutenant-commanders pods. The bridge darkened and before them the holo-projector flickered into life. A beautiful young woman stood before her pod, dressed in the Seihon Navy's black jumpsuit, but around her shoulder's was a silver mantle of a member of the Seihon Empire's ruling class.

“How are you doing old man?”

The captain kneeled before her and the bridge followed suit.

“Your highness, I am doing well. Your arrival has saved many lives, and the honour of the Seihon Empire.”

The princess closed her eyes, examining the carnage of the battle through the simulnet. She nodded nodded thoughtfully.

“You did well captain Suovik. I'll be sure to give you a commendation for your valiant efforts here today,” she opened her eyes and looked directly at the lieutenant-commander, who was kneeling next to the captain. “As for you, nephew. Do my eyes deceive me, or did you almost call a retreat?”

“N-N-No princess Chuokos, it was a tactical... ahh... manoevre.”

The princess crossed her arms.

“I certainly hope so. We don't want to stain them name of the royal family,” she looked around in curiously. “Where is the junior officer that questioned your orders, lieutenant- commander Chaanur?”

Rei's heart lodged in her throat. Her career was now over. Resolved to her fate she stood up revealing herself.

“Ahh, there you are... lieutenant Duunin, was it?”

Rei saluted crisply.

“Yes, your highness.”

“I'll be coming aboard personally to oversee your punishment. I would also like a detailed battle report about the vent that transpired here,” then she spoke to the rest of the bridge. “As for the rest of you, you are dismissed. My fleet will see tot he rescue of the Vindication's crew, and the repairs to the Justice and Truth.”

The crew stood up and saluted, and the holo-display went dark. Exhausted and hungry, they filed out of the bridge. Rei sighed and lowered her head in defeat.

“Lieutenant Duunin.”

She though everyone had left. The captain was standing at the doorway.

“Yes, captain.”

“Good job.” He smiled and nodded. Rei gave a salute to the departing captain. Slumping in her pod, she closed her eyes and reconnected. Methodically she began to summarize a battle report for the princess and admiral of the 2^nd fleet.

_____________________________

Rei took a deep breath. She clutched the data pad with the battle report tightly in her hand. The princess had summoned her to the special throne room, reserved for royalty. The doors of the throne room were meticulously crafted, and depicted a galaxy with a sword cutting through it vertically. Two royal marines stood either side the doorway. They didn't greet her or say a word when she arrived.

“Let her in,” came a muffled voice from the other side of the door.

With precise movements the guards moved to open the door and escort her in. Unlike the ships corridors, the throne room was lit with a decadent golden light that warmed the skin. The walls depicted a shifting blue sky line of broken clouds. Before her the princess sat with a perfect posture, and was speaking with captain Suovik. The guards stopped and kneeled, and Rei did the same.

“You can go. I don't want to be disturbed, don't let anyone in until I call for you again,” the princess waved away the guards.

Rei kept her head lowered and waited to be spoken too.

“I've spoken at length with the captain and he has nothing but good things to say about you.”

“Thank you, your highness.”

The princess stood up and walked towards the kneeling officer.

“Is that the report?” She said. “May I see it?”

Rei handed her the report without looking up. The princess flicked through it, scanning the relevant sections.

“So am I to assume, that my nephew is to blame for the outcome of this battle?”

Rei kept silent. The captain cleared his throat.

“I asked you a question lieutenant.”

“I-I don't know, your highness.”

Princess Chuokos grabbed her roughly by the chin, forcing her to look up.

“You don't know or you don't want to blame this disaster on a royal? Is that it!?”

A seething anger boiled inside Rei. First Chaanur and now this woman. She tried hard to keep her emotions in check.

“I'm sorry, your highness. The report shows all my findings.”

The princess turned to the captain.

“You're sorry! What about me? What about captain Suovik?,” a fierce look was in her eyes. “What am I going to tell the families of the men and woman who died today? What am I going to report to fleet command? Who is to blame for this mess!?”

Rei had had enough. Being abused after an exhausting day, even if it was royalty, was too much. She launched herself up and pushed the princess back.

“You are to blame! You and your Empire. If it wasn't for incompetent fools like Chaanur, the Vindication would have survived. I don't care what you do to me! I've had it up to here with the Empire and this war!”

After the outburst she gasped and covered her mouth. What had she done. If she thought there had been any chance to salvage the situation it was now well and truly beyond that point. The princess smiled, a smile of triumph.

“I agree.” She said.

Rei was confused. The captain had a bemused look on his face. The princess sat down on her thrown hugging one leg in a very unladylike fashion.

“I agree completely. The Seihon Empire is done. This war has drained us of our resources and soon the Commonwealth will seize our colony worlds. Monarchy didn't work on Earth and it's not going to work in space,” the princess's cool blue eyes betrayed a keen intelligence. “That is why I need you.”