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    Battle Beyond Earth - Box Set (Books 1-5)
    Battle Beyond Earth - Box Set (Books 1-5)
    Battle Beyond Earth - Box Set (Books 1-5)
    Ebook1,295 pages15 hours

    Battle Beyond Earth - Box Set (Books 1-5)

    By Nick S. Thomas

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    About this ebook

    The first five novels in the epic sci-fi series that tells of humanity's desperate struggle to survive in an uncertain and war-torn future.

    Four centuries have passed since the end of the alien invasion that almost destroyed humanity. The surviving races, human and alien, now live in peace as allies. But when a terrifying new enemy cuts a path of destruction through the Alliance, there seems little hope of resistance. The situation is desperate, and desperate measures are required. With reluctance, they agree to resurrect a hero from the past, Colonel Mitch Taylor. A mortally wounded Marine held in suspended animation since the end of the last war. A man who may hold the only key to their survival.

    Taylor emerges into a world he no longer recognises. A new alien race lives among them, a race he does not trust. Society, the Marine Corps, even the way he speaks, nothing fits this new life. Many in the Alliance refuse to accept him, for Taylor is an icon of a bygone era. Respected by some, hated by many. Isolated, alone, regarded as little more than a relic of a past era, he must accept the horror of knowing his old life is gone. He must also overcome the new enemy that stands before him, an enemy that wants nothing more than to destroy all known life in the universe.

    Battle Beyond Earth is a futuristic sci-fi action adventure, a standalone story in its own right. Yet it will also give a new perspective and a new storyline to the readers who followed Mitch Taylor's exploits in the epic twelve book series 'Battle Earth'.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherSwordworks Books
    Release dateJan 10, 2018
    ISBN9781370576074
    Battle Beyond Earth - Box Set (Books 1-5)

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      Book preview

      Battle Beyond Earth - Box Set (Books 1-5) - Nick S. Thomas

      Prologue

      The year is 2512. Humanity first encountered intelligent alien life in 2134. All hope of coexistence with the alien race known as the Krycenaeans seemed lost, when they attacked Earth's Lunar colony and were quick to continue on to the Human homeworld. The prospect of defeat soon turned to a realisation that the Human race faced extinction.

      Krycenaeans - a psychically powerful race; humanoid in form but with deep blue skin. Most stand half a metre taller than a Human, and further more when in armour. To the Humans of the 22nd century, the Krys were a ruthless and unrelenting foe that knew no fear and existed for no other reason than to fight and to vanquish other species. For them, Earth was a paradise worth sacrificing everything in order to conquer.

      At first the brutality, superior technology, and countless assaults smashed humanity’s armies. But many fought back in defiance with a hardened resolve and desperate will to live. Rapid advancements in technology and tactics allowed the armies of Earth to fight against the Krys Army, under their Lord Karadag, and eventually drive them from Earth.

      But the Krys were soon to return in greater numbers, under the command of a far crueller and more formidable foe - Demiran, who would rather see the planet of Earth destroyed than leave it to humanity. But humanity found a hero, one who would eventually lead them to victory.

      That is when everything changed. A third and final assault on Earth by the most powerful of the Krys Lords - Erdogan, left the armies of Earth devastated and defeated. In an act of desperation, a few million fled Earth in the hope of preserving the Human race. Pursued into a new system, all seemed lost, when the most unlikely of events occurred. Humanity discovered intelligent life once more, the Aranui, a race small in number, but technologically advanced beyond even the Krys.

      With the help of new allies, humanity took back its homeworld and defeated Erdogan. The Allied victory brought a new age of peace and prosperity on Earth where three races now lived among one another. For hundreds of years the Solar System saw no sizeable wars. The almost apocalyptic wars of the 22nd century were an ever-distant memory, the heroes and battles long forgotten. Great fighters and leaders no longer revered; they had been relegated to history. An age of prosperity and peace seemed like it would never end, but nothing lasts forever.

      Chapter 1

      I've been waiting for this ever since I got charge of this ship. Seven years, and it's finally happening, Commodore Laska said quietly to himself.

      He stood tall and proud at the forefront of the bridge of his ship, staring out at the jump gateway and watching the last few shuttles land aboard one of the frigates ahead of their position. The gateway was almost new, and fifteen times larger than the biggest vessel known to the four races. His dark blue uniform was closely cut to his body and displayed the gleaming silver chrome rank title on his right shoulder. Laska was of average height, but a strong and fit man, more so than most of the crew that was half his age. He was bald, but with a well cut trimmed beard and moustache. He could hear footsteps approaching and turned to see his XO approach.

      Final preparations are complete. We're just waiting on De Ruyter and Triglav, Sir, she said.

      Laska nodded in appreciation. Thank you, Commander.

      Commander Breckinridge was a formidable woman, standing twenty centimetres over the Commodore’s head, and always imposing to those under her command.

      This will all be yours one day soon, stated Laska.

      Sir? she asked.

      I'm not getting any younger.

      You've got plenty of years left in the service yet, Sir.

      Laska laughed.

      No need to keep buttering me up forever. I won't be retiring anytime soon, but I will surely be promoted to a desk somewhere before long. I worked my whole life to get a ship like this. A Monarch class vessel, and what a beauty she has been.

      UCN Bulwark is the finest that was ever built, and it has been an honour to serve aboard her, she replied.

      Laska nodded in agreement.

      He looked around the bridge and marvelled at the build quality of the vessel that was his home. It looked as new and clean as the day it was commissioned. Twelve of the crew sat at their consoles and awaited his command to take them through to uncharted space.

      Sir, I have confirmations from the De Ruyter and Triglav. Both are prepared for jump, stated Lieutenant Egland.

      Thank you, Lieutenant.

      He looked back to the display screen once more. The five-metre high projection of space was displayed floor to ceiling and halfway around the walls of the oval bridge. The round space gateway was rotating now and beginning its start-up procedure. He took a deep breath and stepped over to his chair at the centre of the bridge, pressing a few keys on the console on one of the arms before turning back to the gateway. The crew fell silent on seeing the prompts projected before them that showed he was now live with the fleet of three vessels, including their own.

      This is the Commodore speaking. This mission has been many years in the making, but with the continued financial support of the United Colonies, and technical assistance of all those experts that have made this dream a reality, we are finally at that day. Kepler-186f is our destination, within the Kepler-186 system; a world that was discovered almost five hundred years ago, and yet remains unseen by Human eyes. Humanity has reached many worlds since we discovered space travel, but few have been habitable. Now the Aranui explorer is operational and ready for us to step foot there. Today we reach out to uncharted space and a world that could one day be rich with life. All crews prepare to jump, and remember this experience. It will be a great one that you should remember to the end of your days. Laska out.

      He turned to Commander Breckinridge.

      Where is Santos?

      As he spoke, the Marine Captain strolled aboard the bridge and stopped in front of him.

      Captain, are your officers and drones at their stations?

      Aye, aye, Sir.

      Are you expecting trouble? Breckinridge asked.

      No, but I'd like to be ready for whatever possibilities we might face, Laska replied.

      The Commodore looked past the Marine Captain to see a fully equipped combat officer standing at the entrance to the bridge. The mystery figure did not wear Marine pattern equipment, but that of the Army. He was in his early twenties and perfectly turned out, as if on parade.

      Who is that? I know everyone aboard this vessel, and I have not seen that man before.

      The Commodore seemed as concerned as much as he was curious, and everyone knew there was a lot at stake. Santos was quick to answer.

      Sir, that is Second Lieutenant William Jones of the 2nd Airborne Regiment, out of the United Kingdom.

      Jones stood a little above average height and had dark blonde hair. Everything about his appearance was carefully managed and organised, as to be nothing but the perfect presentation of an officer of an elite regiment. He was square jawed and despite his young age, had a look of confidence and experience about him.

      Laska shook his head in amazement.

      One of his Majesty’s paras aboard this vessel? How on earth did that come about, and why was I not informed?

      I am sorry, Sir. The Sub-Lieutenant’s appointment was last minute. I recently lost one of my best officers to the Haven Corporation, and this fine young man was quick to volunteer for the job.

      And is he up to the task?

      I have every confidence in the fact, Sir. Second Lieutenant Jones came top of his class, has served with distinction and an exemplary career since his commission, and comes from a distinguished military family.

      Laska groaned as he beckoned for Jones to come forward, and he did so promptly and with a salute.

      Well, Lieutenant, I can’t say I’m happy with a last minute change to my crew, but welcome aboard, none the less. I assume the Captain here has brought you up to speed with our operating procedures?

      Yes, Sir, he replied, Sir, if I may speak?

      We’re about to make the most important journey of my career, so make it quick.

      Yes, Sir. I am very sorry for this rather unorthodox encroachment, but can assure you I will be nothing more than a valuable asset to your crew. I have no other agenda than to do my job, and serve my people as every generation of my family has done for as long as records exist.

      Sir, Jones’ ancestor fought through the Krys wars, fighting in personal combat with the Krys Lords, Demiran and Erdogan.

      Laska smiled.

      Well, well, that is some heritage, Lieutenant. Let’s hope you can live up to your ancestor’s great name and reputation.

      I will endeavour to do so, Sir.

      The Commodore turned back to the view towards the gateway.

      Begin jump sequence! he bellowed.

      Lights flashed as the gateway fired into life. The structure was rotating at a great speed now, and the centre lit up until it was a swirling mass that appeared as if it would take them into oblivion.

      Jump gate activated and fleet prepared for jump, said Breckinridge.

      Laska turned and looked around at the crew for one last time. They seemed as excited as they were terrified. None of them had ever made a jump into uncharted space before. It was a dream Laska had clung to as much as any of then, and yet the long wait had made their imaginations run wild with what they might find on the other side.

      Jump, stated Laska confidently.

      He turned and watched the screen as their engines drove them forward.

      Hundreds of years and we’re still using these gateways. Maybe some day we’ll have ships that can jump without gates, whispered Laska.

      If the Aranui will ever give up their technology, replied Breckinridge.

      They have their reasons.

      To withhold the greatest technology ever created? she asked.

      If that technology had been available wholesale to the Krys during the wars, we wouldn't even still be around to tell the story. The Aranui know that the rest of us aren't ready for that.

      Will we ever be in their eyes?

      Laska shrugged. Perhaps we will discover it when we are ready.

      They both fell silent as they entered the swirling pool of energy suspended across the gateway and passed through. They had all gone through gateways more times than most of them could remember, but never to somewhere no Human had been before. The light from the energy inside the gateway was almost blinding until the ship’s systems powered down the display screens for them to continue safely. There was nothing to see now as they waited, hoping and dreaming of what they might find the other side. Laska took in a deep breath, and as he began to breathe out, they suddenly emerged the other side, and the screens once again lit up. They found themselves marvelling at a small star, a little smaller and slimmer than the Sun far into the distance.

      Lieutenant Egland, confirm location.

      She was quickly studying all the instruments before her and then looked up.

      Confirmed, Sir. We have arrived at Kepler-186f.

      The crew of the bridge erupted into cheers of excitement at the news. Laska marvelled at the star and several planets they could see on their screens. A map of the system displayed beside the image showed that they were close to 186f, but not currently on course.

      Take us around, set a course for 186f, and let's get a look at her with our own eyes.

      The ship began to bank slowly to port, and everyone waited silently and with excitement to see the planet they had travelled so far for. They all knew Laska could have just as easily brought up the portside cameras on screen, but he'd rather savour the experience and wait till they were on course. The planet began to come into view, and not one of the bridge crew could find any words.

      The world emitted a pinkish yellow colour from a largely canyon and desert-like surface, but they could already see areas of water even from the distance they were at. It looked like a hotter and drier version of Earth.

      It looks so much like Onesaka, Sir, said Breckinridge.

      You're right, but I'm not sure many of this crew have ever seen the Aranui world outside of pictures.

      He reached down and opened a channel to the fleet.

      This is the Commodore. We have arrived at Kepler-186f, and our mission is to conduct a seventy-two hour research mission before returning to fleet HQ with our data. You all know what you have to do. Launch research shuttles, and let's make the most of the time we have. Providing the atmosphere is safe, we will commit Human resources to the surface within twenty-four hours. These are exciting times for all of us, but let's stay focused and all of us do our jobs. Launch when ready.

      He turned back to the display screen to marvel at the world once again, just as most of the bridge crew were doing.

      Beautiful isn't it?

      Outstanding, added Breckinridge.

      But Santos and Jones looks entirely unimpressed, a fact that did not go unnoticed by the Commodore.

      You've travelled almost five hundred light years to a world no Human, maybe no intelligent life has ever been before. Is that not exciting to either of you?

      Sir, until we have boots on the ground, and have an understanding of our environment, I will refrain from celebrating, replied Santos.

      Laska smiled and was impressed at the professionalism while the rest of the crew were so blinded by the marvel before them, but he was also amused at how stern and serious the two of them were.

      And you, Lieutenant Jones? What does your gut tell you, now you can see this new world?

      I would urge caution, Sir.

      Really? Enlighten me.

      Sir, it is better to be cautious and prepared than naive and headstrong.

      That is not the reputation of your Regiment, he replied jokingly.

      That reputation has long been relegated to history, Sir. We've moved past the stone ages.

      Laska smiled once more.

      I assume then that you have already dispatched combat drones to the surface, along with the research teams?

      Yes, Sir, replied Santos.

      And what kind of trouble do you expect to find on this uninhabited world?

      I expect nothing, Sir, but I intend to be ready for anything.

      Laska nodded in appreciation, as the first few shuttles came into view and increased speed as they soared towards the planet.

      What do you think you’ll find down there, Sir?

      Laska shook his head.

      I have absolutely no idea, Captain, but I hope it is a new world for us to inhabit.

      Why, Sir?

      Because we can, and that is Human nature. We will not stop exploring, expanding, and colonising anywhere that will sustain life.

      And maybe that will be our undoing some day.

      How do you mean?

      Alien contact almost destroyed us once.

      Yes, and our second interaction led to our saviour, but I can see you're not too fond of non-Humans?

      Santos shrugged, and it was clear he was at least indifferent, if not hostile.

      I'm just glad this is an all Human operation for a change, Sir, he added.

      It took two hours before the shuttles were finally getting through the atmosphere and heading for the surface, but not one of those on the bridge could take their eyes off the new world.

      First shuttle is preparing to land, said Egland, and they all watched from the camera feed on the front of the craft. The surface was dry and craggy with deep craters and tall canyons.

      Sir, drone three has identified an artificial construction.

      Laska spun around in total amazement.

      What? What kind of construction? Get me an angle on that.

      Yes, Sir.

      The screen changed to another feed, and they watched the shuttle soar over several canyons for over a minute. Then they caught sight of the anomaly. Three metal pylons stuck out of the ground and merged into one to form a perfect triangle, something that could only be manmade.

      Have the drone hold position to not approach any further, added Laska.

      The camera feed stabilised as the shuttle came to a perfect hover, and they all stared at the object. It stood fifty metres tall.

      What on Earth is that?

      Sir, I must insist that my combat drones investigate from here, added Santos.

      Yes, you do that, replied Laska without turning away from the sight.

      Santos raised his arm and pressed a button on the console attached to the forearm of his uniform. A heads up display appeared before him showing a map of the area. He reached out and pressed an area of the artificial display.

      Alpha deploy here, Bravo here, deploy Falcon to two hundred metres here, he commanded, outlining the deployment.

      Give me eyes from those drones, ordered Laska.

      The screens quickly split to show views from two drones from each squad and the aerial drone. The squads moved almost like Humans, but were entirely mechanical. They were humanoid in size and shape, and even carried their rifles like a Human soldier would. The Commodore watched them disembark down a ramp onto the surface and begin closing in towards the target. He looked then to the Falcon aerial combat drone edging closer to the mysterious object. As it drew nearer, they could see on the surface beside the tower-like pylons a shallow dome fifty metres wide. It barely protruded above the surface and almost blended in seamlessly with the terrain, if it were not for its perfectly machined construction. It was coated in layers of dust and appeared as though abandoned.

      All units hold, ordered Santos.

      Laska turned in surprise and waited for some explanation.

      Sir, we’re still half a klick out, are you sure you want to investigate this?

      Laska was in utter shock and surprise, but soon he could not contain his excitement.

      Captain, we have waited years to get here, and upon arrival have found something none of us could have expected, something potentially life changing. We came here to explore, and I intend to do just that.

      And if this artefact presents a threat?

      Then you have the means and skills to defend this fleet against any potential threats.

      Santos was not convinced, but Laska wasn’t ready to start throwing his rank around quite yet. He stayed calm and looked to Jones standing behind the Captain.

      Lieutenant?

      Yes, Sir.

      New world, and a new discovery. What do you do? Investigate or leave it be?

      Sir, it would not be my place to comment on operational matters. I am here to aid Captain Santos and act as an observer only.

      I’m still asking, Lieutenant, what do you think?

      Jones looked to Santos for permission, and the Captain was quick to give him the nod.

      Sir, I would investigate all potential areas of interest.

      The Commodore smiled, but Jones continued, However, when faced with the constructions of an advanced civilisation, I would recommend gathering data from afar and returning with greater strength. As the Captain says, I like to be ready and prepared for anything.

      Understood, Lieutenant, but we have one of the most powerful ships of the fleet and are more than a match for any potential threats. Captain Santos, proceed.

      Santos grimaced for just a moment but went back to his display screens. He controlled the drone movements by hand gestures now on a projected display while the rest of the crew watched the screens. The drone was moving in a hundred metres ahead of the infantry.

      What do you think? Something abandoned from the Aranui? Breckinridge asked.

      Laska shook his head. If they’d had any presence on this world, they would have told us when they assisted with the setting up of the gateway. I don’t think any one of the four races has ever been here.

      The pylon tower began to glow green at its base, and they could only stare in amazement as that energy began to rise up the length of the structure. It took just a few seconds for the energy to reach the peak, and then burst out towards the Falcon with such immense speed that nobody had time to react. The drone burst into flames, and the camera feed went blank. Many of the crew of the bridge gasped in horror.

      Laska yelled, Get our drones back!

      But it was too late. Alpha Squad was already in plain view as they made their way towards the tower, and bursts of energy hurtled towards them. Two of the drones were blown apart instantly, and the others took cover in the craggy landscape. Bravo had already gone to ground, and the tower could no longer find targets.

      Get them out of there now! Laska ordered.

      Santos was ordering Bravo back when they could see from one of Alpha’s cameras that five objects were rising up from the surface of the dome. They were spherical and with a frame of engines around their centre. Some kind of canopy appeared as if it were part of the roof of the dome. They were each two metres wide and moved quickly towards Bravo as they made their retreat. Energy surged from these new fliers and strafed the drones and several were cut down.

      Alpha Squad, open…

      Do not fire on them! Laska interrupted the Captain, We cannot risk an incident here!

      We already have an incident here, Sir. There is an imminent threat before us, what are your orders?

      They turned back to the video feed. They were looking through the eyes of the leader of the squad who was looking out from the cover of a rocky outcrop and tracking a target with its rifle, waiting for confirmation to fire.

      Sir, Alpha Squad can’t stay put, and they can’t run. They have to fight. Do I have your permission to engage?

      They watched the drones duck down for cover as the ground around them ignited from the bursts of energy hurled at them.

      All right, do it! Laska shouted.

      Alpha Squad, engage targets, Santos quickly ordered.

      They watched the drone soldiers opened fire. They hit one of the targets with a burst of gunfire and seemingly caused it to change course, but had no other effect. Energy bolts crashed into their position, and the drones continued to return fire. A flash of light encompassed the display screen before it went black. They all knew what it meant, but Santos stated the fact anyway.

      Both squads are lost, Sir.

      Silence overcame the bridge. Laska tried to come to terms with what they had seen, and everyone else looked to him for answers, but he remained frozen. Breckinridge broke the silence.

      Sir, I suggest we gather all data from here and leave before we find anymore trouble.

      Yes, yes. Okay, Commander, get it done.

      He was still in shock.

      Sir, I’m getting interference on the scanners, stated Egland.

      Laska seemed to snap out of his daze.

      What is it, Lieutenant?

      Sir, I think a gateway is opening up.

      What? We’re the only ones with access to this location.

      It’s not our gateway, Sir.

      Put it on screen!

      They watched lights flash, and a gateway opened up before their very eyes. Eight metallic objects broke out of the swirling energy of the gateway. They formed a circle that was more than ten times as wide as the length of the Human vessel. They were evenly spaced and clearly from the same vessel and were slowly becoming more visible. They appeared to resemble a creature more than a machine, but the construction was artificial. The craft was just a ten klicks away from their position.

      Run scans on that thing. Tell me what it is and where it came from! Laska ordered, Have the De Ruyter and Triglav move half a klick forward of us. Put them in a flanking position between us and whatever that thing is, he added.

      They watched the tentacle-like objects stretch further from the gateway, but then an egg-shaped metallic structure appeared at its centre. As the craft came further into view, they could see it was three times as long as its enormous width. The structure was a flat and dull black, and as the gateway’s light began to fade, the ship appeared like a vast shadow in space. There were no lights of any kind on the structure, and only the light of the planet below formed the outline.

      What is that? Krys? Breckinridge asked.

      No, I’ve never seen anything like it. It isn’t one of the four races. Send out the first contact protocol, and begin an open channel on all frequencies. Let’s try and see if we can get through to who or whatever this is, ordered Laska.

      I’m getting some kind of transmission, Sir, said Egland.

      Put it on screen.

      The display went black. Laska looked back to the Lieutenant, but she had nothing to add. He turned to see a slight glimmer of movement in the darkness, and then two small red lights began to glow like eyes watching them.

      I am Commodore Laska of the United Colonies. We come in peace.

      The small lights grew brighter, but no response came. After a few minutes they could hear a faint hum that grew louder, almost like a growl.

      Sir, I’m getting a massive energy reading.

      The transmission was cut off and returned their view to the hulking vessel. They could see energy pulsing at the centre of the ship, and it started a slow climb along the lengths of the eight pincer-like structures. It was just like the tower on the surface.

      Shields up! Laska yelled.

      "They saw a glimmer on the two friendly vessels before them as the shields activated. The energy reached the tips of the imposing ship, and they burst out to join one another, finally surging towards the De Ruyter. The shield flashed as it was struck, but appeared to offer little resistance to the immensely powerful energy that cut the frigate in half. Debris was scattered through space as the crew of the Bulwark watched in horror.

      Target that ship. Open fire with everything we’ve got! And begin jump gate sequence. Get us the hell out of here!

      The ship began to bank, but the view screens stayed fixed on the deadly vessel. Lights flashed as the weapon systems of the Bulwark opened up. Railgun shots and missiles impacted on the surface of the ship, and yet appeared to have no effect. A volley of smaller energy pulses flew from the craft towards the Triglav. The shielding absorbed the first few, but the three that followed smashed into the hull and tore holes in the structure as if not slowed by the armour at all.

      The frigate was returning fire, but none of their weapons appeared to be causing damage.

      We aren’t gonna make it to the gateway! We can’t take that kind of punishment! yelled the XO.

      We could drop an EMP. It could be our only chance! Santos yelled.

      They hit the EMP vessel, and we could be left floating dead out here, replied Breckinridge.

      And if we don’t we’re dead, anyway!

      Do it! Laska ordered.

      Breckinridge rushed to a console nearby and put in her authorisation code. The others watched as the torpedo-like EMP vessel flew into view and rushed towards the alien craft. They could see the energy building at its core once again as it powered up its main weapon. They all knew that neither ship could survive its devastating effect.

      Twenty seconds until ignition! You know we’re gonna lose shields when this goes off, Captain?

      Not like they’re any use right now, anyway, added Santos.

      The countdown reached five seconds when the main weapon of the mysterious craft fired once again, and they watched in a terrified silence as the Triglav was blown apart. Just seconds later the EMP was triggered, and the guns of their ship stopped instantly, as did half of the screens and lights on the bridge, but they still had enough displays to see the enemy vessel had lost power.

      Status? Laska asked Breckinridge.

      We’ve lost shields, targeting systems, life support on two levels, and a lot of auxiliary systems, but we still have engines.

      Then get us out of here, now!

      Shouldn’t we pick up survivors? Jones asked.

      Laska stopped for a moment. He was a little ashamed that the thought hadn’t occurred to him, but even so he knew there was nothing they could do.

      We’ll be lucky if we survive this, Lieutenant. Let’s get out while we still can.

      Gateway sequence complete, Sir, said Egland.

      All power we have to the engines. Everything you can get.

      They were closing the distance now, and many of the crew watched a small screen to their side showing the gateway they were heading for. The start up sequence was complete, and they were on course. But Laska still stared at the shadow of the alien vessel that had torn their small fleet apart. He looked at the ship as if expecting it to once again come to life, and Santos was close by doing the same.

      Sir, I’ve got something incoming from the target, said Egland.

      They looked over the screens but could not make it out, but Egland brought up a camera that was tracking the unknown object. It looked like nothing more than a small tube that was tapered at either end, and only emitted the smallest of light from whatever propelled it through space.

      What is that? A weapon?

      No idea, Sir. I am getting no readings of life aboard. Almost ten metres in length, and it is approaching us at speed.

      Can we reach the gateway before it intercepts us?

      No, Sir.

      Have we got anything that can shoot it down?

      We can’t track something that small manually. There’s nothing we can do, replied Breckinridge.

      Are they going for our engines? Jones asked.

      Negative, Lieutenant. We’re already on course for the gateway. Even if we lost all propulsion, we’d still make it through. There’s nothing left for us to do but hope we can survive whatever damage that thing does. How long until impact?

      Thirty seconds, Sir.

      They watched the screen now as the mysterious alien object rapidly approached. They saw it come alongside, and it turned and plunged through the hull at the rear of the Bulwark, not far from the engines. It disappeared from view as if it had passed through thin air.

      We’ve got a hull breach on level three!

      The XO was already at the control screen and closing off sectors to ensure they maintained pressure. Everything fell silent while they waited for an explosion of some kind, but it never came.

      Get me a feed of whatever that thing is, said Laska.

      The screen cut to a broad engineering corridor where the alien object rested peacefully on the ground. But before any of them could get a word out, they could see rods expand out from the object, and were soon joined by more. The device formed into what appeared like a ten-legged metallic spider. It stood almost two metres tall and quickly took flight. None of them could believe what they were seeing, but Santos was quick to leap into action.

      Enemy combatant aboard, all officers to their stations. Deploy Charlie and Delta squads to engineering.

      Sir, something is overriding our engines. Reverse and bow thrusters are firing. We’re coming to a stop, said Egland.

      Well, stop them!

      I can’t. I’ve lost all control. Somebody must be accessing them directly from engineering.

      We’re seconds away from escaping certain death. I won’t be stopped by…whatever that thing is!

      I can help, said Jones. He was the only person in the room in full armour and equipped to fight.

      Laska nodded in agreement, and Santos was quick to put him to task.

      Get down to level three. Take drone squad Delta with you, and find that thing.

      And when I do?

      Disable, kill it, I don’t care. Just get rid of it!

      Jones nodded in approval and rushed out of the bridge with his rifle held at the ready.

      Delta Squad, on me at level three, he ordered over the comms.

      He rushed down the ramps to the entrance to the third floor and found the squad of twelve drones were awaiting him.

      You two take point. Target is hostile. Orders are to kill or disable by any means necessary.

      Two of the drones rushed onwards as he had ordered, and he took up position amongst them. It was a relief to have a shield of sorts around him, but he still had no clue what they were facing. They quickly reached the entrance to engineering and found three bodies scattered on the deck. One had been decapitated, the other two impaled by a large object. Jones knelt down to the two, but they were long gone.

      Jones gestured to continue onwards, and they reached the main room of engineering to find two more bodies and an alien device connected to the centre console. It appeared to be a machine, and yet was pulsating like a living thing, like a parasite on the machine. Jones pointed for one of the drones to approach, but as they lay a hand on the device, they were struck by a surge of electricity. The blast was so large that it blew the arm off the drone, disabling it instantly.

      The Lieutenant raised his rifle and fired a burst into the device until it went still and dropped off of the console, but they didn’t have time to relax. They could hear the clatter of something thrashing through the storage containers up ahead and throwing them aside when the spider-like machine burst out in front of them. Jones fired, but the shots appeared to do little.

      It rushed at Delta Squad as they fired back, smashing six of them to pieces with the sheer weight of its body and power of its legs. Jones took careful aim at what appeared to be a sensor array on its metallic body and fired a two-shot burst. These shots appeared to cause the creature some pain or damage, but it was still on its feet and turned its attention on him.

      Oh, come on! he yelled in anger.

      He leapt into a sprint to escape the creature and got to a blast door and slid through. One of the drones made it with him, and he hit the door locks. The creature smashed into the blast door with all of its force, and that even caused it to buckle slightly, but it held. Jones breathed a sigh of relief, but got up to see it race off in the opposite direction and on the route towards the bridge where he had come from.

      Captain, you’ve got incoming! We’ve destroyed whatever was taking control down here, but you’ve got big trouble coming your way! he yelled into the comms.

      He hit the door release and rushed on after the creature.

      What the hell are we supposed to do about that thing? he asked, but he knew he wouldn’t get a response from the drone at his back.

      Jones rushed along the corridor, finding a number of bodies and wrecked drones along the way. At last he arrived at the bridge but was stopped dead by the devastation before him.

      What the hell! he whispered to himself.

      Most of the bridge crew lay dead, and blood was strewn across the deck where limbs had been severed. The huge mechanical creature stood at the centre of the bridge and held the Commodore up before it with one of its pincers driven through his shoulder. Jones could not even bring himself to move as he tried to find some way to proceed.

      They were on emergency lighting, and sparks flew from exposed cables. He looked down; Santos was hurt. He was unable to get to his feet and was sitting against one of the consoles trying to reload his sidearm, presumably in some hopeless attempt to resist their attacker. Jones was frozen in the doorway as he stared as the carnage.

      Snap out of it, he told himself.

      He felt something tug on the slim exoskeleton of his armoured suit and looked down. Breckinridge was bleeding from a head wound and lying in Egland’s arms. She was too terrified to move and simply sat crying.

      Are we moving? Jones whispered.

      Egland shook her head.

      What do you need?

      Twenty seconds at that console, she said, pointing to the flight control deck behind the huge creature that still held Laska up as if it was inspecting him. Jones desperately tried to think of a solution. As far as he could tell the creature was on a search and destroy protocol, as well as determined to stop their ship from leaving.

      He realised he only had one.

      You sure you can get us out of here if I give you enough time? he asked Egland one last time.

      She nodded. Sure, you think I want to stay here to die?

      I’ll get this thing out of the room, then you do whatever you have to do. I don’t want to be left out here any more than you do.

      She wiped the tears from her face and nodded in agreement once again, as Santos managed to prime his pistol. He futilely fired a few badly aimed shots at the creature that could just as likely have hit the Commodore. It released its grip on Laska, drew its pincer from his shoulder as he cried out in pain, and rushed towards the Captain.

      Hey! Jones hollered.

      He raised his rifle and fired two short bursts into the monster. The higher calibre shots seemed to at least cause it to take note, even if they appeared to do no damage.

      You looking for me?

      The creature stopped for a moment and appeared to study him, recognising him from their previous encounter.

      What have you done? he asked himself.

      Without any more hesitation, the machine rushed towards him. He let go of his rifle, turned and ran. His suit boosted his speed, and he stormed down the corridor at a full sprint with the creature hot on his trail. He rushed for one of the life pods. It was all he could think to do. There was one up ahead at the t-junction at the end of the corridor. He looked back for just a second. The creature was closing on him, but he didn’t slow down.

      The opening to the lifeboat was an open broad access door, wide enough for three people to pass, and a forty-centimetre step to get through where the blast doors closed. He drew the only two grenades he had from his suit and continued on with all the speed he could get. At the last moment, he jumped into a roll and slammed into the base of the step. It brought him to a dead stop and knocked the wind out of him.

      The creature fell over the top of him and through the access door, but he felt one of its razor sharp pincers cut into his left arm just below the shoulder. It had passed through his armour like it was going through butter. He looked up for just a second to see the creature had rolled a few metres into the lifeboat and finally come to a stop. He armed the grenades and tossed them in before reaching up for control panel. He lifted the safety casing and punched the launch button, just as the creature began to rush back towards him.

      The blast doors sealed shut before him as he got to his feet and looked through the tiny window. The creature was just a metre away when the launch sequence started, and the boat was thrust out from the hull of the ship at immense speed. It was only fifty metres out when the grenades clearly blew because the engines cut out, and the vessel went into a tumble as it carried on. He saw no signs of the creature.

      Jones breathed a sigh of relief, lifting his hand to activate comms.

      This is Jones. How long until we jump?

      The response came from Egland, In five, four, three, two, one…

      He felt the shift in gravity as they passed through the gateway and knew they were finally safe. He slumped back down against the blast doors and realised there was a pool of blood gathering beneath him. He reached around to find the source and instantly felt a soaring pain in his abdomen where he had been stabbed and not even felt the impact. He tried to get to his feet and call for a medic, but he couldn’t carry on any further. He slowly lay down on the deck and hoped somebody would be coming for him.

      Chapter 2

      Seventy-two hours later.

      Lieutenant Jones awoke and quickly reached down for the wound he remembered in his abdomen, but only found scar tissue. For a moment, he was dazed and confused. He thought he was still on the floor where he had collapsed but looked around and discovered he was lying in a hospital bed, and only covered up to the waist. A female doctor was approaching.

      Where are we?

      Welcome back, Lieutenant, the doctor replied in a calm and polite fashion, You are aboard UCN Ares 4.

      Where we shipped out of?

      That’s right, she said, checking some readings on a display at the side of his bed.

      How long have I been here?

      You arrived fifty-four hours ago.

      I can’t have been unconscious that long?

      Your injuries and blood loss were severe, Lieutenant. We could not operate on you without using EPR.

      Jones looked confused. Which is?

      Emergency, Preservation, and Resuscitation.

      Oh, come on, suspended animation?

      She smiled and nodded slowly.

      You drained by blood and put me on ice?

      She laughed a little. I assure you that EPR is a common and successful method of treatment for those patients who have suffered fatal physical injury.

      He shook his head. You know how many horror stories there are about it? Don’t you ever watch the news?

      I like to rely on facts and evidence, not mass hysteria, Lieutenant. You were going to die. We ensured your survival. I am sure your wife would not be bothered by a treatment that saved your life.

      He groaned in approval, but then his mind returned to the events that led him to being so badly wounded.

      Did anything come through the gateway with us? How about the crew of the Bulwark? What about Commodore Laska? Did he make it?

      The doctor smiled in response, and it was clear to him that she wasn’t going to give him any answers to his questions.

      You’ve been through a great trauma, Lieutenant. Your superiors have been notified of your condition, and somebody will be along for you shortly.

      He sighed at the lack of a response he had achieved. Once again he looked down to the scar in his abdomen. The skin felt tight, and he knew something had happened, and yet he felt no pain at all, just a slight irritation.

      So that’s it. I was at death’s door, and now I just go back to work?

      She nodded in response. You’re all fixed up, Lieutenant.

      And I don’t have to do anything?

      I’d try not getting impaled again, she replied with a smile.

      He’d heard of such miraculous medical treatment, but he’d never seen it with his own eyes. Nobody he knew had served in a war or anything close to one, so injuries were nothing more than what they encountered in training.

      You know I’ve never so much as broken a bone?

      The doctor laughed. Well you certainly have a story to tell now.

      The doors to his room slid open, and two officers approached. One was a UCN Captain, the other an Army Intelligence officer of the UCA. He wore chrome Union flag dog collars and bore the rank of Major, but Jones had never seen either of them before. He could just make out two Navy guards at the door outside, both carrying sidearms.

      I’m in some kind of trouble, Sir? he asked the Major.

      The Major took his cap off and reached out his hand in friendship. Jones took it but was surprised at his informal approach.

      Good to see you awake and recovered, Lieutenant. I am Major Redford, and this is Captain Keegan. I am here to get to the bottom of what went on in Kepler-186. But before that can happen, I am here to escort you to an emergency conference where you will give your account first hand to military and civilian leaders of the four races.

      Jones was speechless and could only stare at the Major, with his mouth hanging open and his eyes wide.

      I appreciate it’s a lot to ask, and I know you have been badly injured, Lieutenant, but as I am sure you are well aware, your experiences and knowledge of an imminent threat to life are of vital important to us.

      How long have a I got?

      No time at all, replied Redford and pointed to the fresh uniform hung behind Jones. He got up and pulled on the fatigues that he instantly recognised were his own. It was a deep, dark green uniform that was minimalist and well cut to his body. His rank was displayed in chrome on his right shoulder, and his name printed in the sky blue text of his Regiment on his left chest. He pulled the shirt over his head, and it fitted like a glove. There were no buttons at all, but the collar rose high with a clasp that he fixed. He slipped into his black shoes and rolled his sleeves up into short sleeve order. Lastly, he took his maroon beret from the rack above the hanger. It was antiquated and a treasured item that was a symbol of his elite heritage.

      Can’t believe you’re still wearing those things, joked the doctor.

      Jones smiled. You have to earn this, he replied with a smile.

      He nodded to Redford to say he was ready, and they led him out of the room. The two armed guards waited for the three of them to pass before continuing on at their rear.

      I’m not a threat, you know?

      We know that, just like we know there is no fifth race alive today, or alien life in the Kepler-186 System. What we think we know might just have been blown out of the sky. I hope you can answer some of the many questions we have. Until that time, you will understand if we are a little cautious of everything that came back with you?

      Yes, Sir.

      He was led to an elevator and taken up several levels to a conference room where they found six bodyguards waiting. Only two of them were Human. Two were Krys, the hulking and strong adversaries who had once tried to hard to conquer Earth. They stood half a metre taller than the tallest Humans and wore ornately decorated armour. It was hard to not be intimidated by their presence, and the two-metre long poles they carried for self-defence that were both projectile and close quarter weapons; the only skin on show on their heads where their helmets were folded back. Their skin was a dark blue. Each of them looked as strong as an ox.

      There are Cholan representatives here as well? Jones asked, surprised.

      Of course, the four races, as I said.

      We know a people for a few years and we’re all buddy, buddy? How do you know we can trust them with this?

      It’s been almost fifteen years, Lieutenant. They have just as much right to be here as anyone. They have shown nothing but friendship and cooperation towards us.

      The Cholans averaged just one and a half metres tall, more than a head height shorter than even the average Human. Their bodies appeared weak and fragile. They were humanoid in shape, but their shoulders were barely any wider than their heads, and their arms dropped down to their knees, more like an ape than a Human. They were an intelligent race, but Jones like many Humans, were still suspicious of their arrival and niceties.

      Don’t cause an incident, Lieutenant. You’re here just to help us understand what you experienced, said the Major.

      Don’t worry. I wouldn’t pick a fight here. It would be a choice between fighting a child or a giant, he joked.

      Redford stood up beside the eye scanner next to the doors. They soon slid open, and Jones was led inside. A Krys Lord was there to greet him. He had never met the alien before, but he knew his face and his attire well enough.

      Lord Jafar, he said in surprise, It is an honour to finally meet you.

      Redford looked surprised at how he had gone from such hostility to an alien to such respect, and Jafar was equally surprised.

      You served with my ancestor. Captain Charlie Jones of the 2nd Inter-Allied Regiment, one of the Immortals who fought with you and Colonel Mitch Taylor.

      Jafar nodded in agreement. He moved like an old distinguished King and wore the highly decorated armour to match. Blackened armour with gold and silver inscriptions on every surface so that it almost appeared as some form of bizarre camouflage pattern. His face was paler than any Krys he had ever met.

      Great days, and a very long time ago, said Jafar.

      I’d love a few moments of your time to talk about my relative.

      Jones was a great man, one who wanted to have me dead more than a few times. I wish I could tell you more, but there are pressing matters at hand. The past can wait.

      Jones could not believe his eyes. He was before one of the main leaders of the Krys people without any warning. An alien he had dreamed of meeting and talking with for as long as he could remember. But the history he had been brought up on was of no interest to those in the room. Redford ushered him forward to take a seat amongst a semi-circular table. Twenty-one sat at the table, all facing inwards, and more than fifty screens lay before them with other representatives of the four races. President Isaacs was at their centre, an American and the current leader of the Alliance. Jones had only ever seen him on television.

      Isaacs was a Chinese American, a short, but fit man for his advancing years. He always looked so friendly and approachable on the news, but not anymore. He looked ready to put Jones in the ground.

      Lieutenant Jones, I believe? Isaacs asked.

      Yes, Sir, he replied, though he wasn’t sure of the protocol for talking to the President of the Alliance.

      Glad you could join us. Over the past forty-eight hours we have been trying to piece together what happened in this far away system, Kepler-186. So far, we have heard from a few members of the crew, but those who survived experienced very little that could assist us. You, on the other hand, were conscious throughout and engaged with this Unidentified Object first hand. You know how long it’s been since we encountered a UO that could not be explained in forty-eight hours, Lieutenant?

      Probably first contact with the Cholan, Sir?

      He shook his head in amazement. We knew who they were within twelve hours of contact. They made themselves clear from the beginning, and neither of us fired a shot in anger. So I want you to explain to me how this potential first contact situation ended in such disaster? We could have a war on our hands, Lieutenant, and I want to know why.

      Jones turned from humbled and confused to defensive.

      Sir, Commodore Laska did everything in his power to approach whatever it was we found out there in a peaceful fashion. Not once did we present a threat, and never did we engage a target until we had ourselves been fired upon. We defended ourselves when we had no choice, and I will not apologise for that.

      The President looked shocked, but it was Jafar who intervened.

      Lieutenant Jones, he stated.

      All attention turned to the Krys Lord.

      The Bulwark’s systems were heavily damaged during the events in Kepler-186, and most of the video recordings via the drones were destroyed also. The footage recorded by the feed on your armour is one of the only sources of information we have on what attacked the Bulwark. It has taken your technical experts almost this long to restore the footage from your damaged camera, can you explain to us what it was that attacked you?

      Jones was like a rabbit in a spotlight until Redford stepped forward and started a video.

      This is all that we managed to recover from the camera on your suit, Lieutenant. The camera was destroyed, and the data storage was damaged also, but this is what we have.

      The video began with his first encounter with the spider-like creature, though the footage was grainy and skipped many frames like some badly preserved film that was hundreds of years old. Even the colours faded in and out. There were just twenty seconds of footage, all involving his battle with the terrifying creature.

      This it? What about before when we engaged the enemy vessel and what happened on the surface of the planet?

      Redford shook his head. This is all that has survived. We have already heard statements from Commodore Laska and a handful of the crew who made it, but their recollection of events is varied at best.

      Jones watched the video feed once again and noticed the feed cut off after he rolled into the step in front of the lifeboat, leaving out any evidence of how he was injured and rid them of the creature.

      One of the lifeboats was jettisoned. Lieutenant Egland believes the creature seen in your video recordings was aboard that boat, is that correct? Redford asked.

      Damn right, Sir.

      That was the only physical evidence of what attacked your fleet, and you saw fit to return home without it?

      Jones couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

      "That thing tore our ship apart. It killed god knows how many crew, and our weapons were useless against it. If I hadn’t got it off the ship, we wouldn’t be here to tell the tale!" he replied in defence.

      We understand your standpoint, Lieutenant, replied President Isaacs, But we lost two ships out there. The Bulwark is in need of months of repairs and refits, and we have lost the lives of four hundred and ninety-one souls. I hope you can understand that we need some more concrete answers.

      I’ll give you an answer, Sir. Whatever it was out there, it was big, bigger than any warship I’ve ever seen. It was immensely powerful, and it wanted us dead. You want my advice? Gather the most powerful ships of the Allied races, go back to Kepler, and blow that thing to hell before it comes here to finish the job it started.

      We are considering all possibilities, the President replied calmly, Have you got anything more to add? Anything that might help us understand this disaster and deal with it?

      Just kill this while we have the chance, Sir.

      Thank you, Lieutenant, you are dismissed.

      He turned to leave as the delegates behind him launched into discussion, but Jafar stepped out to talk with him at the edge of the room. He was more than happy to hear anything the alien had to say. He was still suspicious of the Cholans, but there were none he would trust more in the Universe than Jafar. He had grown up on the legends of the alien’s battles alongside his ancestor and Taylor, the hero of Earth, a man who seemed all but forgotten now.

      I cannot talk right now, Lieutenant, but I can spare you a few moments when this meeting is over. Meet me in Zenobia’s Garden at 1900 hours, and we will talk further.

      On any other day Jones would have been delighted with an audience with the alien Lord, but he was overwhelmed by everything that was being thrown at him. A nod of agreement was all that he could manage before the alien turned back to the other delegates. Jones had trained and worked beside the Krys before, but Jafar was more imposing than any of them. It wasn’t just his elaborately detailed ceremonial armour, and he didn’t even appear to carry any kind of weapon. It was his height, his presence. He looked and moved like a veteran of the ages, and Jones knew that was exactly what he was.

      Jones shook his head in amazement that he had finally got to meet the great Jafar, the first alien ally of the Human race. He turned to leave and was met by the best sight he could have expected. A beautiful woman stood before him in her Navy flight officer’s uniform. Her black hair was tied up and out of the way, and she appeared close to tears upon sight of him. It was his wife, Cynara. She rushed into his arms and held him tight before pulling back to look into his eyes.

      Are you okay? They said you almost died? she said, tears now pouring down her face.

      He smiled as he reached up and wiped the tears from her face.

      Do I look almost dead?

      She shook her head, and he turned and led her away towards his quarters aboard the station. But as she held him close as they walked together, all he could think about was his experience at Kepler. A hundred questions were rolling around his head, and he just prayed Jafar would have some answers for him.

      He stepped into his quarters and slumped down onto a small hard sofa in what was more a cupboard than a room. The sofa was also a bed, and a tiny washbasin, shower, and wardrobe lay opposite. Almost every part of the little room was a shade of grey, and there was no decoration of any kind.

      Are these the quarters they gave you?

      I'm lucky to have gotten this much. You know what premium there is on quarters on Ares 4? I'm surprised I wasn't tossed in with the ORs.

      So when are you coming home? she asked, sitting down beside him.

      He looked confused. What do you mean?

      You came out here to serve aboard the Bulwark. She's a wreck right now, and you just barely survived the experience. There's nothing left for you here.

      You're wrong. I have worked all my life to get here. I want to be there when we make history. I want to be a pioneer and a part of something great.

      She shook her head in disbelief.

      This is about your family again.

      He didn't deny it.

      I know you come from a proud family with a lot of history, but dying in the service of the colonies is not doing service to that name.

      "Then what, my ancestors who

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