The Tortuous Path (Fall of the Terran Empire Book 2) Read online

  The great UEDF armada got underway and began crossing through the Sol system’s jump gate into the interstellar highway known as metaspace. The Valiant and the other capital ships large enough to do so created their own jump points, bypassing the jump gate entirely. Once all warships exited the Sol system, the fleet began the journey to the Avar system.

  Metaspace facilitated travel between star systems, and drastically reduced the time required to bridge the enormous distances. For Reynolds, entering metaspace was something of a pilgrimage. He had cut his teeth here as a young officer with his first command.

  Looking back on it he had to laugh. The only reason he had been assigned to practically live in metaspace, hunting pirates, was because he was a commoner. The nobility would never have sent one of their own to what many considered a horrid environment. That was the first of many miscalculations on their part.

  Reynolds may have been a commoner, but he wasn’t soft, and he adapted. He relished the opportunity to prove himself and grew to love the permanent firestorm that was metaspace. He learned to think out of the box and take chances. The experience molded him into who he was today. It forged the iron will that he was now known for.

  Some speculated that metaspace was a celestial link to other universes. That it was the fabric stitching together the theoretical multiverse. Reynolds saw no evidence to support such speculations and had no time for wild theories.

  For most, traveling through metaspace was a necessary evil. It allowed the Empire to expand and provided newfound opportunities for untold billions of people. Star systems were colonized, and trade between them grew. For the Empire, it established new sources of tax revenue, swelling its coffers and ushering in the most prolonged golden age in humanity’s history.

  Of course, all that was behind them now. The colonies resented paying taxes to distant Earth. Corruption and blatant tax evasion grew to staggering proportions throughout the Empire. Increasingly aggressive attempts to collect unpaid taxes were resented, prompting protests and outright rebellion.

  The nobility used harsh measures to collect taxes and quell unrest. It quashed the uprisings for a while, but also fueled the independence movement on many worlds. This movement served the interests of the corrupt leaders, who saw an opportunity to gain more wealth and power.

  Reynolds was no friend of the nobility, but neither was he a friend of the corrupt colonial leaders. He believed in a robust and unified Empire. He also felt that the nobility was a growing cancer, eating away at the Empire from the inside out.

  The Empire needed a revolution, just not the one the colonies had in mind. It needed to rid itself of corruption. That included the nobility and any crooked colonial leaders. Would that ever happen? He believed it would. One day. But he didn’t know if it would be in his lifetime.

  The journey to the Avar system took much longer than most. The Avars were on the fringes of the Empire, which allowed them to escape unscathed during the early days of fighting between the Empire and the Frontier Alliance. If they thought they would stay that way, they were sorely mistaken. Reynolds was coming for them, and there was nothing they could do to save themselves.

  Days later, they finally arrived at their destination. Hundreds of UEDF warships floated in the never-ending turbulence of metaspace, just outside the Avar system. For the Avars, time had run out.

  “Capital ships are in position, Sir,” said Captain Travers.

  “Thank you, Captain. Order all capital ships to open jump points and begin system assault.”

  “Yes, Sir. Opening jump points.”

  The fabric of metaspace was torn in multiple places, revealing the serene blackness of regular space on the other side. Without hesitation, each capital ship crossed through into the Avar system, while the remaining fleet waited in metaspace.

  They entered the system near a smaller, less populated planet named Trianda and immediately launched hundreds of missiles at its orbital defenses. When the munitions came into range, the weapon systems protecting the planet jumped into action, lancing out at the oncoming missile horde and deploying countermeasures.

  Reynolds smiled to himself as he studied one of his displays. As he had anticipated, defensive forces were positioned near the jump gate, and around the home planet. That left little Trianda vulnerable.

  He intended to draw the Avar military away from the jump gate. Surely, they would race to aid one of their planets. When they did, the remainder of his fleet would come through the jump gate unopposed. While his fleet was strong enough to take the gate by force, it would mean the loss of ships. Ships he could use in conquering the rest of the system.

  “All capital ships launch another missile volley, and move into plasma weapon range,” ordered Reynolds.

  With the orbital defenses dealing with the missile onslaught, the UEDF capital ships steadily advanced toward the planet. The Trianda defenses retaliated by firing clusters of their own missiles at the UEDF ships. Plasma beams picked off many of the threats before they came close enough to do any damage.

  Countermeasures were released, mimicking each ship’s signature and drew many missiles away from their targets.

  Point defense systems came online on each ship to deal with the rest. Explosive halos formed around each ship, instantly detonating any rocket that made it that far. Behind that were the ship’s shields, which could handle the odd stray missile that made it through. None did.

  Trianda’s orbital defense system was surprisingly robust for such a small planet. It was a potent obstacle to overcome. But it seemed trivial compared to the fortress protecting the homeworld.

  As the UEDF came into range, they unleashed their modified plasma weapons. The orbital defenses returned fire. Plasma bolts and projectiles crashed into the UEDF shields. The new shields were based on the upgraded Zeta design, however, and easily absorbed the salvo.

  The planet’s defensive systems didn’t benefit from the same technology, and the UEDF’s powerful plasma beams tore through their weaker shields. They found the armor underneath and burned through it, into the weapon systems’ guts. The plasma bolts turned the systems’ insides into a molten mess, and one by one the orbital weapon systems ceased firing.

  Reynolds reoriented one of his displays into a split screen format. On the left side, he monitored the jump gate, on the right the homeworld. He watched the ships stationed there with growing anticipation, waiting for them to act. None did. The held their position, seemingly unmoved by Trianda’s plight.

  Why aren’t they coming? he thought. His entire plan rested on the Avar fleet coming to the little planet’s rescue. Are they prepared to sacrifice this planet? Do they think I will hold back?

  “Sir, the Avar leader is demanding to speak with you,” Travers said.

  “Demanding? Is that right? Tell her I’m busy,” Reynolds said. He had heard about this system’s leader. She sounded like someone who was used to getting her way. If she hoped to get anywhere with him, an attitude adjustment would be in order.

  The capital ships continued to pound the planet’s defenses until there was nothing left but orbital debris. Yet still, the Avar warships refused to move. Very well, thought Reynolds. Time to show my hand. “Captain Reynolds, advise all ships to move into orbit around the planet, and to prepare for orbital bombardment.”

  Chapter 17

  “Admiral, the Avar leader is asking to speak with you again,” Captain Travers said.

  “Maybe her attitude has improved,” Reynolds said. “Patch her through to my comm.”

  A beautiful older woman appeared on Reynolds’s comm. She had blond hair and captivating, yet steely blue eyes. She appraised him for a moment, her gaze piercing. Reynolds found himself instantly attracted to the older stateswoman and wished they had met under different circumstances.

  “The infamous Admiral Reynolds,” said the woman. “I should have known. I am Premier Margaret Reese, leader of this system.

  The comment surprised him. “You know who I am, Madam Premie
r?”

  Reese laughed without mirth. “Who hasn’t heard of the Butcher of Allimania? Yes, Admiral, I know who you are.”

  “I see. Well then, seeing as you know what I am capable of, I assume you are contacting me to surrender.”

  “Just like that? You expect me to surrender without a fight?”

  “If you do, I won’t bomb your cities.”

  “I suppose I am expected to cower in fear now. Is that what you are looking for?”

  Reynolds saw no fear in Reese’s face. She remained calm and unyielding. She displayed none of the bluster and false bravado of the other leaders he had encountered. She was the real deal. His attraction grew. “I expect you to do what is best for your people, Madam Premier.” He heard his voice soften ever so slightly. Did she notice?

  “And you think that means surrender?” Reese said, holding his gaze.

  “What else? I can take this system by force if I must. I can decimate your cities and send your economy back a hundred years. Why go through that?”

  “My people want their freedom. That’s why.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. Your people were free under Imperial rule. Let’s not confuse the issue. This is not about freedom, it’s about money. You resented paying taxes to Earth and were encouraged by the success other systems had when they rebelled. That is why you joined the Frontier Alliance. So far, it has worked well for you. Congratulations. Unfortunately, your time is up, and you have a decision to make. Surrender now or face the consequences.”

  “And if I surrender, what terms will you offer me?”

  Now it was Reynolds’s turn to laugh. “Terms? There are no terms, Madam Premier. You will surrender unconditionally, or face devastation.”

  “Really, Admiral, I expected more from a powerful man like you. Do you really think you can back me into a corner like that, and expect me to do anything other than fight?”

  Reynolds felt his resolve weaken slightly as he stood mesmerized by this stunning woman.

  “Now I’m sure you have more ships waiting in metaspace,” Reese continued. “And I’m sure your fleet can defeat us, but that victory will come at a cost. You know that, or you wouldn’t have tried this bit of trickery to lure our ships away from the jump gate.”

  Premier Reese continued to impress Reynolds. “Go on.”

  “Defeating those ships will cost you many of your own. Even then, the Avar homeworld is a fortress, and conquering it will be no simple matter. The price will be high. In the meantime, you risk intervention by the other Frontier Alliance systems.”

  “Do you think I haven’t accounted for all this?” Reynolds said.

  “I’m sure you have. You might even prevail in the face of it. But is it worth it?”

  That struck a nerve, reminding him of Tavian’s accusation that he had paid too high a price to conquer the Pallian and Allimanian systems.

  She did have a point, though. If he had to fight for every inch of this system, the losses would be high. He would also end up leaving the Avar system in complete ruin. How would the Empire benefit from something like that? The nobility would come after him like a pack of rabid dogs.

  “I can see from your expression that you understand my point. Why don’t we do away with all the threats and discuss terms?”

  Reynolds hadn’t anticipated this turn of events, nor his own reaction to the argument. This woman made a lot of sense. If he could take this system without any losses, he would gain immense political capital back on Earth. What would Tavian say then? He would prove himself more than just the Butcher of Allimania. “What terms are you asking for, Madam Premier?”

  Reese smiled. “There will be no reprisals. This system’s leadership will remain in place, and no persecutions will take place.”

  “Are you joking? Your government is guilty of rebellion. Do you expect the Emperor to simply let that go?”

  “In return,” Reese added. “The Empire will take control of this system’s warships, and the government will pay all back taxes that would’ve been paid since this system left the Empire.”

  “Not good enough,” said Reynolds. “There need to be reparations. Your rebellion has caused significant economic harm to the Empire. Your actions have instigated rebellions in other systems, which have had their own costs.”

  “You want me to pay a penalty because other systems have rebelled?”

  “I want you to pay more than just back taxes. There needs to be a cost to your actions. Normally, that cost would be paid in blood. But, you are a surprisingly persuasive woman, which is why I am willing to substitute a financial cost instead.”

  “I see.” Reese’s expression changed, and she fixed him with a melting gaze. “Perhaps this is something we need to discuss in person.”

  Reynolds swallowed hard. “For that to happen,” he said in a commanding tone he almost doubted. “You would need to come aboard my ship. Is that something you are willing to do?”

  Reese leaned in. “Cease your attack on Trianda. Call a truce and guarantee my safety.”

  “I warn you, Madam Premier. If this is a trick. If you’re trying to buy time so that help can arrive, I will lay waste to this system, and send you back to Earth in irons.”

  “No trick, Admiral. I am willing to negotiate in good faith, so long as you are prepared to do the same.”

  “I am.”

  “Good. Do we have a truce?”

  “We do.”

  “I will depart shortly.”

  “I look forward to your arrival, Madam Premier.”

  Chapter 18

  Do we kill them? Gerry said as they approached the entrance to their ship.

  What? No. We can’t kill them, Danny replied through his implant.

  Why not? Can’t you cover it up through your access to the station’s computer?

  Maybe. I don’t know. The point is we can’t just kill them.

  More of your ideas? Would you prefer that they take us into custody, little brother?

  No, of course not.

  Don’t forget that we were genetically engineered to be perfect killers. Despite our freedom, we were built for war.

  I know, but we can be more. There’s a time for battle, and a time for talk.

  Whatever you say, little brother. I know what I am. How did they find us, anyway? Didn’t you alter the logs?

  I did. I-

  “You two,” yelled one of the security team. “This is your ship, is it not?”

  “It belongs to Mr. Erbakan,” Danny replied. Let me do the talking, he said to Gerry through his implant.

  “But you pilot it for him?”

  “Yes, that’s right. We deliver cargo for Mr. Erbakan.”

  “What type of cargo?”

  “Whatever Mr. Erbakan wants.”

  “And you’re about to go on another delivery. Isn’t that right?”

  Danny didn’t like where the conversation was going. “That’s right.”

  “Well, we have a problem. Mr. Erbakan’s dead.”

  “You’re kidding,” Danny said feigning alarm.

  “No. He’s dead alright. Pretty gruesome too from what I hear.”

  “That’s horrible.”

  “Yeah, it’s really fucking horrible. You know why?”

  “No, but I bet you’re going to tell me.”

  “Erbakan paid us to look the other way when it came to your deliveries.”

  “That was Mr. Erbakan’s business. Not ours,” Danny said.

  “Well, it’s your business now. I understand you’re getting some cargo loaded for shipment. As far as I see it, nothing has changed, Erbakan, or no Erbakan.”

  “I don’t get your meaning.”

  “You’re kind of stupid, aren’t you? How about you?” the man said to Gerry. “Do you get my meaning?”

  “Yeah,” Gerry said. “You still want to get paid.” I told you we should’ve killed them, she said to Danny through her implant. The troll at the storage area must’ve tipped these morons off. They’re probably
paying him to keep them informed about any shipments.

  “That’s right. We still want to get paid,” the security officer said. “Now before you start asking stupid questions, I’m going to explain things to you. You’re going to take your cargo, just like you normally would, and you’re going to deliver it to the buyer. When you do, you’re going to tell the buyer that the payment procedure has changed. You’ll then give the buyer new payment information.”

  “Information that will send payment to you instead,” Gerry said.

  “See, I knew your ugly friend here had all the brains.”

  “And if we don’t do as you say?” Gerry said.

  “Then you two become the prime suspects in Erbakan’s murder. We’ll issue warrants to every frontier alliance world for your arrest. We’ll even make you highly dangerous, with instructions to shoot on sight. You know, wanted dead or alive, and all that.”

  I hope you’re paying, attention little brother, Gerry said. Maybe you’ll rethink your ideas next time.

  They’re not all like this, sister, Danny said.

  Maybe not, but enough of them are.

  “What the hell is wrong with you two?” the security officer said. “Did you hear what I said?”

  “Yes, we heard you,” Danny said. “We’ll do as you ask.”

  The security officer grinned. “Good, but that’s not enough. You two might leave here and change your minds. In fact, I’m sure you will. To make sure you don’t, my colleagues here are going to accompany you.”

  “That’s not necessary,” Danny said.

  “Oh, I think it is. Now give me your weapons.”

  Can we kill them now? Gerry said through her implant.

  No. We need to get out of this system. If we kill them, we might be blocked from leaving. Let’s do as they say, for now, Danny said.

  Fine, Gerry said, handing her sidearms to the security officer.

  “Here you go,” Danny said, relinquishing his own weapons.

  “There,” the security officer said. “That wasn’t so hard, was it? Now if you do happen to get any ideas, you should remember that my people are armed. So, don’t try anything stupid. Just make the delivery, and everyone will be happy.”