“She’s something special all right; a combination Crusader ship with all the latest additions and space to carry a fully mobile combat unit. She faster, tougher, and more powerful than a Crusader, and with the troop transport capacity of the old assault ships.”
She wiped her lip and pointed to the bow.
“All Confederate class ships are overpowered, due to the phased fusion powerplant. That gives us the energy to drive quad particle cannons both fore and aft, along with a complement of particle gun defence turrets.”
“And that?”
Colonel Black pointed to the ring around the last part of the ship.
“Oh, the most important feature of all, and this one came from Earth. The design is ancient, going back to your twentieth century. But with the help of On'Sarax and her kin, CTC has been able to get a variant of the Alcubierre drive working. Kind of.”
Colonel Black shook his head in frustration and looked back to Spartan.
“I’ve seen the reports on the brigade. I know what you’ve been working on out here, and I know why the testing of the engines has been done well away from colonised worlds.”
He clenched his teeth.
“Just answer me one question, are these ships reliable enough for an operation using their new engines?”
Spartan gave him the widest grin he’d seen in years.
“Why do you think CTC is receiving so much support? My connections with On'Sarax gave me the leverage to create the Special Weapons Division. The payoff is this technology, something the Alliance will receive when it is fully ready. This technology will allow ships on their own to travel the stars, and it is worth a lot of money, for the civilians and for the military.”
He glanced briefly to Kanjana and then to Colonel Black.
“In answer to your question, yes she is working, and I can provide a ship, this one specifically, but only with a limited crew. The brigade is months from even initial testing.”
He pointed to Titan.
“Her modified Alcubierre drive is the most reliable of the three. She was the first built, after all. Even so, it’s still a little temperamental. When it works, it is something incredible, and it will allow us to make a high-speed dash to Karnak. Assuming you can get us close to the border.”
Colonel Black nodded as he listened.
“I can sort out that, but what happens then?”
Spartan crunched his hands together with a meaty thud.
“And then we will do our part, what all of us were born to do.”
Colonel Black nodded with satisfaction and then realised he’d forgotten something.
“Wait, what about a crew? I cannot sanction Alliance officers to do this, and I doubt that you...”
Spartan lifted his hand to stop him.
“Don’t worry about that.”
The Colonel didn’t seem particularly convinced.
“The thirty Thegns have been training with Khan over the last year, specifically to handle one of these ships on long-duration operations. They answer directly to me and nobody else. They will pilot that ship down to the surface of Karnak, and onto the head of this Tahkeome if I asked them.”
Colonel Black put his hands down to his side and gave the entire operation one last thought.
“Spartan, I always wondered if we would fight alongside each other. I assumed it would have been in armour and on an Alliance battlefield. Instead, we are doing this.”
Spartan reached out his hand, and the Colonel shook it.
“Don’t worry, Colonel. There is plenty of time to do that.”
He then walked towards the ramp leading up into the spacecraft. As soon as he reached the top, the Thegns filed back inside, making barely a sound. The Colonel watched them all disappear, leaving just him in the vast alien shipyard.
“So...it begins.”
CHAPTER FOUR
The Centauri Alliance went through something of a renaissance following the great victory of 362CC. As the last battles were fought, the great industries of humanity had reached their peak output. They were already churning out equipment, ships, weapons, and supplies on a massive scale, along with the high levels of employment such industry required. The arrival of peace would see a massive demobilisation of the military, but also a rise in standards of living and a massed rebuilding of the worlds ravaged by war. The Interstellar Network was improved and expanded through the technology captured in the war, and new colonies were founded to replace those smashed in the firestorms and bombardments. Not all would welcome the dawn of this new world order, and the Anicinàbe crisis would be the first event to test the resolve of those dedicated to peace.
The New Colonies
ANS X-45 ‘Titan’, The Black Rift, Centauri Alliance
The ship moved out from the Black Rift with little pomp or excitement. A decade earlier, the sign of a ship making the journey would have been one for fear and consternation. It had been the location of the Biomech incursion, one that threatened the existence of every sentient being. Now, as they emerged, there was nothing but a single Alliance Crusader warship and a Helion frigate to watch them pass. No fighters circled them, much to the surprise of Spartan.
“It looks like I’m through this time without a fight.”
Colonel Black raised his eyebrows, surprised at his comments.
“Quite. I suspect the security units in orbit over Taxxu Prime were busy watching us leave. At least we didn’t bring any of the Thegn barges with us.”
Spartan grinned. He’d forgotten about them for now. The barges were filled with millions of Thegns in deep hibernation, an issue that was still unresolved from the war. Those already awakened had found homes in Taxxu, mainly working with CTC on massive engineering projects, building shipyards and factories. No decision had been made on the future of those still in hibernation, although each of the craft had been fitted with explosive thermite bolts, ready to vent the vessels in case of a crisis.
“True. I have some ideas for them, but that’s for another time. You can see how effective they are already on this ship. They deserve more than the indentured work most of the colonies offer them. They are trusted less than Gun and his people.”
The Colonel looked at Spartan and began to wonder what these ideas would entail. He was still surprised Spartan had allowed them on such an important project and could well understand people’s suspicion of them. He could only guess their lack of previous knowledge made them easy to manipulate, or perhaps they were as loyal and quick to learn as Spartan kept saying.
Who knows? But what if something or somebody turned them against us?
Part of the agreement with the Alliance for CTC to operate at Taxxu was the stationing of six Liberty class ships and a small orbital starbase around the planet. There was a company of marines on permanent attachment there, but it was all very low key. Much of this helped by the fact that CTC maintained more than a thousand personnel in Taxxu, with over two hundred security operatives on the World Ship alone. The Thegns were now effectively sentient beings in the Alliance, and that made them citizens. Any brought out of hibernation could expect full protection under the law. He’d already seen them working in mines out on the Rim, and it hadn’t been pretty.
Complicated, damned complicated.
Colonel Black watched the view from the command deck with both fascination and an odd sense of wonder. They had now left the infamous Black Rift and were in the border regions of the Alliance, formally the Helion Sector. The Rift swirled behind them like a whirlpool, but this was very different to the way it had been in the past. The Spacebridge had already been open when they passed through, and as they emerged into a region of space many light years away, the tunnel remained open.
“That always gives me the shakes,” he said, watching the Spacebridge fade away, “No matter how many times you tell me it is secure, I wonder if it might change.”
Spartan leaned towards him.
“I’ll let you into a secret. It does the same to me as well. And I’v
e been on a vessel when one collapses. It isn’t pretty.”
The ship accelerated away from the two other ships and onto its new course. Spartan watched the Crusader class ship shrink into the distance until finally it was out of sight.
“This is it then,” he said quietly.
Colonel Black nodded.
“I have to admit, I’m still finding it hard to get around you working with the corporation that destroyed your own company. You’re a fighting man, Spartan, not a salesman.”
Spartan snorted at his question.
“I always saw you and the General as moving in the same direction. You fought together in the Uprising, a generation ago, did you not?”
The memories of that war were as fresh in his mind as the equipment testing they had been performing recently. Spartan recalled his first meeting with the Captain, as he’d been back then. Their rivalry had become more of a professional understanding by the time they’d fought in a few battles together.
“Yes, on multiple occasions. Daniels is the professional soldier; he knows the system, and he is a good officer. Not me, though.”
He placed his hand on his chest.
“There are as many people that would like to see me back, as there are that want to see me burn. Trust me, the Corps doesn’t want me back.”
“So that’s why you started all of this?”
Spartan thought about his answer.
“The four of us planned this a decade ago, all while we waited on the ruins of Spascia. Our knowledge and connections with The Twelve, as well as the resources of the Jötnar.”
He looked up a little, as if trying to claw memories from his mind.
“The first idea was to create a mercenary outfit, but CTC tried to muscle in and stopped us fast. Their agents managed to steal some of our plans. Well, we sort of leaked them.”
He laughed.
“But that just made them realise what they were missing out on, especially the Biomech technology. A visit from Gun was quite...well...persuasive.”
Colonel Black was not entirely sure what Spartan was telling him.
“But access to the tech is controlled by the Alliance, not you.”
Spartan laughed.
“It will take centuries to learn the secrets of the technology we’ve discovered. The four of us have access to something neither the Alliance nor CTC has.”
Colonel Black understood right away.
“The Twelve. They are giving you this information?”
Spartan almost winked at this question.
“Our relationship is based on mutual trust. There is nobody outside of our group that the surviving Twelve would ever trust. You saw the outcry for their destruction after the war.”
Spartan looked away.
“We guarantee their safety; the exchange of information was never even originally discussed.”
Colonel Black was surprised. He knew Spartan was perhaps the most famous military man in modern history, but he had no idea he was as capable a negotiator as this. Somehow Spartan and his comrades, some of the most violent and least diplomatic of people, had managed to gain access to advanced technology. This technology was generations ahead of what was currently being worked on, and its value would probably be astronomical.
“So now the four of you own and run CTC’s Special Weapons Division. I don’t get it. I thought CTC had effectively killed your family business years ago?”
Spartan didn’t appear thrilled at the prospect of money.
“I’m no fan of CTC. That’s why this division is autonomous. We run it, and they finance it. This is all about legacy, for me, and the Jötnar.”
Colonel Black watched the strange space distortion that led back in the direction they had left.
“What do you mean?”
Spartan pointed out into space.
“There will always be battles to fight, but next time it will not be with marines and carbines, or Helion infantry struggling to hold the line. Our Special Weapons Division is creating a system of machines, weapons, and vehicles for a brand new elite expeditionary unit, one that takes on the best of what we already have and brings it to the next level.”
There was something in Spartan’s voice that caught his interest. A real passion, almost excitement at what he was planning.
“It will be unlike anything seen before.”
Colonel Black nodded as he listened.
“Yes, the proposed Interstellar Assault Brigade is what they are calling it back on Terra Nova, are they not? It is an interesting idea.”
Spartan shrugged.
“Something like that. The fleet and Marine Corps will stay, but this new unit will take recruits from any world that wants to join, and multiply their ability using our latest developments. This will be the tip of the spear for the Alliance military.”
Colonel Black tried to imagine what this new look military would be like. This sounded suspiciously like a replacement for the large Marine Force Recon units; the best equipped and trained marines in the Alliance.
“Money is pouring into the Alliance coffers right now with all the new worlds that have joined. In exchange for resources, they are providing security and stability. We might have a lot of marines and ships in service, but there’s little interest or stomach for sending thousands more into the military, not after the losses in the war.”
He looked back to the Colonel.
“That’s why we established the SWD. Do the Helions or the others want to commit quarter of a million citizens to their armies?”
He shook his head, answering his own question.
“Of course not, not anymore. The Helions suffered the most and lost millions of civilians. They don’t have the numbers for that. Across the board, there is a growing consensus that each colony would rather contribute with currency or other resources.”
Now the Colonel could see what Spartan was getting at, and he had to admit, he didn’t like it. War was violent and bloody, and as far as he was concerned, it needed to run by the people that called for it. It had to be a difficult and dangerous option, or else the civilians would be far more likely to demand military options.
“You’d need more than ships and more powerful guns, though. You still need the people to carry the fight to the enemy.”
Spartan laughed at that.
“True. You saw what the Vanguards could do in the war, a man inside the armour of a fighting machine. Ten Vanguards could do the work of a company of marines. We saw the introduction of four-legged cargo mules to carry supplies across the field. What if that Vanguard could be tougher, better armed, and protected and supported by more flexible and capable machines? Drones that can augment you in combat, provide covering fire where needed, and keep you alive.”
Colonel Black was intrigued, but he decided to move the imaginary machines and ships from his mind and concentrate on the mission. He turned his attention from Spartan to the ship.
“I suppose that right now the pertinent question is will this new ship of yours do what it needs to?”
Spartan lifted an inquisitive eyebrow.
“Well, Titan has made trial journeys nine times successfully so far.”
Colonel Black looked at him.
“Out of how many attempts?”
Spartan didn’t answer and gave him an awkward smile. He looked around the deck of the ship and nodded in satisfaction at the progress they were making. The deck was much smaller than others he had been on before, but it matched the standard configuration. Square in shape, the small number of senior crew was stationed at gently curved displays to the front. This screen was split into three large panes, each currently providing a clear view from the front of the ship. Steps led down to a lower level on the left, and a pair of circular bays, along with extra seating and computer screens. Most of the walls were either displays or imitation curved glass looking out into space. Colonel Black had moved a few metres away to look at the mainscreen. When he looked back, he could see Spartan scrutinising almost every
part of the ship.
“She’s very interesting, Spartan. Smaller, yet it feels larger than a much bigger ship.”
“That was the plan,” agreed Spartan, “We had Alliance naval designers examine the interiors of ships from the Byotai, Biomechs, Helions, and our own. This design combines the best of what we found, with the technology at our disposal. You can run this ship using the AI CTC have developed, or can crew her.”
He lifted his finger to his nose as if about to impart some great secret.
“That part is still not ready. Give it another six months.”
Colonel Black had checked some of the specifications when they were leaving, but even he had to admit the ship was impressive, nearly eighty thousand metric tons and almost four hundred metres long.
“And you say in combat condition you can cram two thousand marines on board. Are you serious?”
Spartan nodded. He was being polite, but both knew the entire conversation was nothing to do with the future plans for the ship, or even its specification. It was all about the mission, and they were skirting around the issue.
“Yes, perhaps more with the production models. But trust me, you would not want to be aboard with those numbers. We envisage this model being produced in military and civilian models. With this capacity, the ship would make an excellent colony ship or transport as well.”
Neither of them had mentioned the elephant in the room, but the Colonel could keep quiet no longer. Finally, he nodded in the direction of the crew, the artificially created humanoids known simply as Thegns that were now running the ship.
“The ship might do it, but are you sure they are?”
Spartan nodded and bared his teeth a little in amusement.
“More than you can imagine.”
He looked to the command chair where one of the Thegns sat.
“Five-Seven. What is our status?”
The creature examined the panels fitted around his seat before answering.
“Spartan. All systems are nominal. Fusion reactor is running to specification, and the interstellar drive is powered up and ready for activation.”
“Good,” he said calmly, “Lay in a course to the Byotai Spacebridge.”
Colonel Black spun about to look at Spartan.
“Wait. That wasn’t the plan. We use the network through the Alliance. It will take us a few days, and then we will make the dash into the DMZ. This ship’s engines have to be used as a last resort.”