Gateway (Gateway Series Book 1) (10 page)

The new tactical importance of Juliet 3 suddenly hit Stone. Its relative proximity to important supply lines of planets trading with Alpha Humana and its suitability as a possible base of operations for the Terillians made the planet a valuable target for both sides.

“What are the details?” asked Stone.

“We don’t have a lot, Sir. High Command received word from agents operating on the planet that Terillian emissaries have been seen dining with Nero in recent weeks. They have decided that they cannot allow Juliet 3 to fall into Terillian hands.”

“I agree. That would significantly impact our trade in the Dark Zone at the very least.”

“Yes, Sir. High Command has recalled all of 2nd Brigade. We’re to have the regiment standing by at 1200 in two days to meet transports from the
Pantelus Varuk
. Once onboard, General Tacitus will to have more information but it seems clear we will finally be entering the Dark Zone in force.”

“It seems so, Captain,” Stone replied. “Draft the necessary orders and ensure all field grade officers are contacted immediately with the recall order.”

“Yes, Sir,” replied Martin before she hustled out of Stone’s quarters to prepare the regiment for deployment.

Stone had hoped to get to know his officers and work with the regiment a little more before they went into combat, especially since he had absolutely no faith in his own superior.

But it looked like that would not happen.

Chapter 7

On the 3rd day of the 11th lunar cycle, 4785 Alpha Humana years, two Humani battle groups entered the Neutral Quadrant for the first time in over 150 years. The force, under command of Admiral Bruti Plutarch, included the battle cruisers
Pantelus Varuk
and
Gaes Prime
; orbital destroyers
Redoubt
,
Intrepid
,
Courageous
, and
Defiant
; five fast cruisers; and several
Tiger
class battle frigates. It was this group of warships that would fire the opening salvos of a Second Tero-Xennite war.

Colonels Stone, Vatarus, and Neo sat in General Tacitus’s stateroom waiting for him to enter. As the door swung open Cataline’s aide, a little weasel of a man, called attention to the group. They had barely begun to rise when the general entered. Most flag officers would have the room take their seats immediately as they entered. But not Cataline Tacitus. He arrogantly strode across the room to the front of the group. After a brief pause to savor the power that came with flag rank, he spoke.

“Please, at ease, men. Have a seat,” he said, trying to pretend he did not love having the entire room stand for him.

He turned on a data screen and continued. “We’re currently bringing auxiliary reactors online to support our jump to the Juliet system. We should plan on beginning offensive operations in less than seventy-two hours.”

“Sir, I have reviewed the terrain and have some recommendations for landing zones,” added Stone as he started to rise to show his proposed sites.

“Recommendations will not be necessary, Mr. Stone,” interrupted Cataline, motioning for Stone to return to his seat. “I have conferred with High Command and we have agreed on the landing zones.”

Stone looked over at Vatarus, who was visibly surprised at Cataline’s rebuff of Stone.

“General Tacitus,” spoke Vatarus. “Perhaps Colonel Lucius’s experience in these—”

“Silence!” shouted Cataline. “I am in command of this brigade and once a decision is made it will be your duty to follow my orders. Is that understood?”

Cataline was looking at Vatarus, but everyone understood the explosion was probably meant for Stone.

“Yes, Sir,” replied Vatarus as he leaned back into his chair, still openly annoyed.

“As I was saying,” continued Cataline, “the first brigade, consisting of the 5th Air Assault, 52nd Heavy Infantry, and 158th Mt. Castra Reserve Militia, will land in the plains to the west of Nero Two. They will be commanded by General Casius Brakus, but I will maintain tactical command of the overall expedition.”

Cataline shifted the screen to a new location. “Colonel Vatarus, you will deploy in the mountains about halfway between Nero Two and Narus City. Your mission will be to prevent reinforcement of any forces General Brakus encounters. To facilitate this, you will receive additional hawk attack ships from the 25th and will have tactical control of 2nd and 3rd squadrons from the compliment onboard
Pantelus Varuk
.”

Stone’s anger boiled just under the surface. Cataline was already depleting his force and he did not yet know what mission he would be given.

“The plan is to have Vatarus hold the mountains and then have General Brakus move eastward to link up with Vatarus’s troops and move on Narus City. It is believed this will be an adequate display of power to sway many of Nero’s lieutenants. Once outside Narus City, I will join the force and commence negotiations with Nero to sign a treaty of amicability and support.”

“You will not be commanding from the planet?” asked Vatarus.

“No, Colonel, I believe the operation can best be monitored and directed from a central location.”

Stone’s face grew red. He knew Cataline to be arrogant and incompetent; now he knew he was a coward as well.

“Colonel Neo.”

“Yes, Sir,” squeaked the young colonel.

“Your regiment will remain onboard to support General Brakus if needed or to assist in holding the mountains as the situation develops.”

“What will the 25th be doing?” asked Stone no longer able to hold his tongue.

“Well, Colonel,” replied Cataline, “Intelligence believes that a large portion of Nero’s manpower is concentrated near the city of Lady Lunari. It is thought that a recent forced migration of a few nearby villages has resulted in small but violent domestic uprising. He has perhaps 1000 of his men in this area to restore order. It will be your assignment to make a forced landing in the farmlands near the city and demonstrate in the area to hold his forces there. Keeping those forces stagnant or delaying their response to the main landing should guarantee our success.”

“Sir, Lady Lunari is over 1000 miles from the main force. If I become heavily engaged, particularly with limited numbers of hawk attack ships, what unit will provide support?”

“We do not believe support will be needed for your portion of the operation. High Command is confident in the intelligence.”

Stone’s anger boiled over. High Command could be confident from their bunkers on Alpha Humana. To make matters worse, the spies employed by Xen Intelligence were almost never completely accurate and sometimes switched their alliances based on who paid the most.

“Sir, if Nero has been negotiating with the Terillians, how do we know that there are not already Terillian troops on J3? It seems that if there are Terillians on the planet—”

“Colonel,” interrupted Cataline, “I do not have time for second guessing of orders put forth by High Command and myself. This mission will take place. Do you understand, Colonel?”

“Sir, I understand. I am only concerned with the ability for my unit to be supported should we—”

“Enough, Colonel! I would not have expected such timidity from you. If you do not have the stomach to command a regiment then I shall find someone who does. We are far from the protection of your adopted family, Mr. Stone, a fact you may have forgotten.”

Stone rose from his chair, his hand involuntarily moving toward his sword. He could not believe this coward was challenging his honor. “General, I have served faithfully in more combat missions than any officer involved in this operation. Furthermore, I am not the one that should be worried about the distance from the political powers at home. Do not forget, General,” he grumbled. “I am no longer Elite Guard and as such am now authorized to claim the right of proporia combata. If you truly question my honor, you can face me in single combat and in my victory I’ll take both your life and all of your property, leaving nothing for your lineage.” Stone stared coldly into Cataline’s eyes. “Remember this before you question my honor again.”

Cataline paused as he contemplated Stone’s not-so-idle threat. He grew pale as Stone’s words began to sink into his mind. “I meant no challenge to your honor, Colonel. That does not change the fact that I am your commanding officer and you have been assigned your mission. Do you wish to carry it out?”

“Whether I wish to or not does not matter. I will perform my duty. If there is nothing else, General, I would like to return to my men and prepare for our mission.”

Cataline stood silent. His only recognition of Stone’s comment was a slight turning of his head.

After a few seconds, Stone excused himself from the table and left to prepare for a mission he knew to be a mistake. As he made his way to his quarters, he spoke out loud to himself. “Sketchy intelligence, inexperienced troops and commanders, not to mention a renegade warlord thrown in—not the best way to start a war.”

***

The officer’s lounge onboard
Pantelus Varuk
was packed. With over four hundred officers from ship’s crew, 350 aviators, and 250 infantry officers, the lounge was never short of patrons. Each clique usually stuck to themselves, especially in the 150 Corner lounge where only officers from First Families had access.

Although the military band was playing stylized versions of the military tunes that had become all the rage on Alpha Humana, they could barely be heard over the low roar of countless conversations common at military functions. Oaths regarding upcoming military exploits, stories of beautiful women, and other tall tales and boasting were lively, ubiquitous, and generally more fancy than fact.

Among the sea of officers, Martin sat at the table with some other captains from the 25th and Major Gates. While they chuckled, laughed, and made jokes about the pilots, she pretended to listen but was already mentally preparing for the mission, especially the landing.

“Where’s Jackson?” asked one of the captains. “I figured he would have been the first one here.”

“How should I know where Lieutenant Jackson spends his leisure time?” replied Martin, even though she knew exactly where he was. She had been watching him for the last twenty minutes.

“Oh, there he is,” said another captain at the table as he pointed to a table near the bar.

Jackson was sitting with two “ladies” from the recreation division. The girls were intently listening to Jackson, who was no doubt telling tales of past missions.

“He seems to be doing pretty well for himself,” laughed one of captains.

“If you can call that doing well,” interrupted Martin, showing her disdain for both Jackson and the two women he had enthralled in conversation. The recreation divisions were a new invention in the fleet. Comprised of only the best looking young women in the fleet, they were detailed from their enlisted billets and eager civilian volunteers to act as hostesses, and sometimes more, in the officer’s lounges of capital ships. Volunteers came forward in droves. The opportunity for women from common or even middling families to interact with and possibly snare a husband from a good family being a great incentive.

Back at Martin’s table, the conversation turned to their new commander.

“I hear our new CO is a hard-ass,” said Captain Raynes.

“Yeah, but I heard he was a political appointee too,” added Captain Drey.

“No, he used to be Elite Guard and was promoted with the reorganization,” said Captain Baines, adding to the story.

“That doesn’t matter, he has the lineage of a First Family and is marrying Lady Astra, the eldest daughter of Senator Varus,” replied Raynes. “Talk about hitting the jackpot.”

“A colonelcy, a beautiful wife, and a First Family—talk about luck,” laughed Drey.

“It’s not luck,” interrupted Martin, no longer able to keep quiet. “He’s earned everything he’s got and more. As for his engagement…I quit trying to figure out First Family politics years ago.”

“You seem a little sensitive about the subject, Emily,” joked Drey. “I know you’re from the Guard, but maybe you and the colonel know each other a little better than that?”

Martin’s face grew red. “Screw you, Drey. He was…is my commanding officer,” replied Martin. “That…is all.”

The table could tell the topic of discussion was getting a little uncomfortable. After a few seconds of silence Major Gates spoke. “I think we need some more drinks.”

“I’ll get ‘em,” volunteered Martin, still staring at Drey.

As she stood from the table and walked toward the bar, she made eye contact with Jackson. By this time he had one of the girls on his lap and the other whispering something in his ear. Jackson raised his drink to Martin in celebration of his future conquest. She turned away as if he didn’t even exist. “Bastard,” she mumbled to herself after she turned away from Jackson and headed to the bar. At the bar Martin pushed her way to the front and grabbed the bartender’s attention.

Sometimes being beautiful had its advantages.

“What can I get you, Ma’am?” smiled the man behind the bar.

“Five shots of whiskey.”

“No problem, Captain,” replied the bartender.

It took only a few seconds and irritated everyone who had been waiting much longer for their drinks, but the man quickly returned with the whiskey for Martin. “Here you go, ma’am.”

“How much?” asked Martin.

“These drinks are on me,” came a voice from behind her. “Put it on my tab.”

Martin could feel a body pressing up against hers. Turning slowly, her eyes landed squarely on the well-developed chest of a tall major. She looked at his nametag…“Gius.” She let out a frustrated puff of air. ‘Shit. A First Family asshole,’ she thought to herself.

To the left of Gius where two other men, one from the Venari family and another Gius, probably the tall man’s younger brother.

“Can I help you, Major?” asked Martin staring up at him, her contempt obvious.

“Oh, excuse me, Captain…what is it…Martin?” said the man with a dry smile as he obviously was more interested in Martin’s chest than her nametag. “You looked like a Recreation Girl from behind. I didn’t realize you were an officer.”

“Well I am an officer, Major. Sorry to disappoint you.”

“Oh,” he replied as he looked over her body, “you definitely don’t disappoint. I am Markus Gius of the Gius family…”

‘Blah, blah, blah,’ thought Martin as he spoke.

“…Perhaps you would like to join me in the 150 Corner for some drinks.”

Emily’s stomach turned at the thought.  “No thanks, Major. I am an officer, not a—”