The Sol-Bect War, Part 3

By Paul Belanger

Almost six years after the end of the Sol-Bect War, peace is still elusive.

While the Bectolothian home world is being torn apart by civil war, their military ignites another conflict with the Terrans. As the Terran war machine builds momentum, a Bect spy betrays Peter McCabe. Terran and Bect forces converge on Vale-4, where Peter is busy building a family with Gaelei. The Terrans want Peter to help them fight the Bect. The Bect want Peter dead. Amidst the turmoil, a surprising third choice appears.

With war on every front, spies on every side, and the lines of friendship so blurry, how can Peter know who to trust?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lost Luggage Studios, LLC
• Release date: Feb 21, 2013
• ISBN: 9781936489145

Paul Belanger

Paul J Belanger was born in Western Massachusetts in 1966. He joined the Air Force at 18 as an aircraft electrician and became interested in aviation. In 1988 he began flying, earned his private pilot certificate in 1992, and moved to Colorado Springs to complete flight school. Paul currently lives in Maine where he is a flight instructor, charter pilot, and co-owner of a computer gaming software company, Lost Luggage Studios LLC, with his brother Jamie.

Book preview

April 4,

2354

Chapter 1

Peter recognized the sound immediately as he awoke in the middle of the night. It was dark outside and the only light in the room came from the fireplace set in the wall. April nights were still a bit chilly and it was a few hours before the fire waned and would need more wood. The flickering light cast odd shadows on the far wall and the crackling of the wood was the only other sound in the room. The woman in bed with him stirred lightly at the beeping noise.

What is it? asked Gaelei in the singsong language that Peter had grown to love.

Probably nothing good, replied Peter in the singsong language as he pulled Gaelei closer to him. Once he was immersed in the language he picked it up rather quickly, and soon the translator was no longer needed, except for the occasional obscure reference.

Peter leaned over and grabbed the comlink from the small table near the bed. Yes Jessica? said Peter in Terran.

Incoming message from Captain Jefferson Washington, said Jessica. Jessica was the computer in his E-model Stiletto. She did not have much to do on the planet since Peter's involuntary but welcomed retirement from the military due to assassination. Most of her days were spent monitoring the skies and airwaves for transmissions or computing different ways to conserve power.

Voiceprint? Code words? asked Peter as he slowly stroked Gaelei's bare back.

Gaelei snuggled closer and yawned. She was only barely awake but recognized Peter was speaking his native language with his flying metal bird, Jessica. The voice it used was female but Gaelei did not understand why it needed to be. Peter had tried several times to explain it to her, but the concept of a talking and flying metal bird always seemed to get in the way of a successful explanation.

Affirmative, both check against the database.

Peter was not quite sure what to say next. He remembered telling Jeff, Randy, and Miguel where they could always find him and to come and visit sometime. But it had been over five years since he had seen or heard from them. He had expected some visitors a lot sooner than this.

The encrypted message repeats every five minutes, said Jessica.

Okay, acknowledge receipt of his message and patch him through to me when you get him, said Peter as he checked the time. It was oh-three-eighteen. A rather odd time to awaken someone, thought Peter. It must have been important for the Captain to call this early. Or maybe he did not know the location of this village. Peter could not remember if the location was in the carrier database or just his Stiletto's.

The return call came within a minute. Peter McCabe? The voice was distant and difficult to understand. It may have been the connection or his still-foggy mind.

Jeff? Is that really you? asked Peter.

My God, Peter, it's so good to hear your voice again. How the hell are you?

In bed with a beautiful naked woman. How about you?

Not so lucky, replied Jeff. Sorry to rudely awaken you like this, but it's important.

Must be really important to wake the dead, again, said Peter. Peter was working on his third death now. He had been poisoned by the Bectolothian race in the year twenty nineteen, cryogenically frozen, and shot into space as an elaborate funeral request. His coffin floated through space for three hundred and twenty-eight years until Captain Jeff Washington and the United Earth carrier Ticonderoga found him. Through modern medical science, and a doctor-scientist that had some bizarre knowledge, Peter was revived. Peter's varied background allowed him to assist in a war that the humans were losing badly. He proved his worth, was commissioned as an officer, and fought with them against the Bect. He then sacrificed his life to protect the Ticonderoga Battle Group against insurmountable odds, winning himself the Medal of Honor and crashing on the planet he now called home. He met Gaelei on the planet and fell in love. Peter was thought dead, for the second time, until a passing carrier found and returned him to the war, where he helped them to finally win it. Then, while receiving a medal from the United Earth President, he and the President were assassinated by Bect snipers. Through luck, and an amulet given to him by Gaelei, he lived to tell about it. His being alive was kept secret from the universe, with only a few people knowing the truth. Peter returned to Vale-4 and married Gaelei.

Important? So important that the only one that can help us happens to be dead. Sorry, my friend, I need to raise the dead again.

Dammit Jeff, you know I won't say no.

Why the hell did you think I came here?

Just to visit and have a beer with an old friend, replied Peter.

I wish. I don't want to go into too many details but I'll send your Stiletto coordinates for rendezvous in the morning.

Peter did not like the sound of that. It felt more like an order than a request. He was happy on Vale-4, and leaving to fight in another war did not thrill him in the least. He did not want to leave Gaelei behind again. They had a life together and their children would not understand.

Jeff, my Stiletto is a four day hike from here.

Dammit. Okay, plan B, said Jeff. I'll send a shuttle with some minimally-briefed marines. What's your middle name?

What? Why do you ask?

You are still a target. Use your middle name with them and hide your identity.

Understood, said Peter. He liked the sound of that even less than the order to rendezvous. My middle name is Francis.

Got it. Peter ... started Jeff before the noise level degraded the quality of the transmission. Shit ... The klaxons blaring in the background made it difficult for Peter to understand an already-garbled transmission. "Damn bastards. Sorry Peter, we're under attack. Be ready at oh seven hundred. I'll tell the marines to retrieve Frank."

Acknowledged, replied Peter as he let his head sink into the pillow. It was definitely a bad sign if Jeff was in orbit around Vale-4 and under attack. That put the entire village at risk and that was one thing he did not want to do. He had to act fast.

Gaelei, get up, said Peter in Terran as he shook his wife as gently as possible. He shook his head and switched to the singsong language, and that produced the desired result. She could speak Terran quite well but needed to be awake in order to process the translation.

Peter, it's the middle of the night. What's wrong?

The war has found me again. Peter did not really know what to say and that was the first thing to come to mind. Gaelei sat up immediately and the dim firelight showed the fright on her face.

We need to evacuate the village to the mountains, right now. They are sending a shuttle to pick me up in the morning, just after sunrise. They need my help and won't tell me anything else. The last thing Jeff said was that they were under attack, and they are most likely in orbit around your planet, which means the fight may come here.

Gaelei tightly wrapped her arms around him and did not want to let go. He did not ask for this interruption in his life. He was enjoying watching the grass grow and making babies, especially the latter of the two. Peter wanted to leave the past right where he had left it, in the past. But, just like before, Fate had not finished with him yet.

Get the children ready, said Peter. He kissed Gaelei and jumped out of bed. The fire did not do much to remove the brisk evening air from the room. His naked body instantly formed goose bumps as he began dressing rapidly. He heard Gaelei do the same before leaving to wake the children. Peter had to get the village moving and it could not wait until morning.

Peter exited the house and walked rapidly to the nearest guard. The guard was alert and heard him coming, barely glancing in his direction. The guard stood silently and scanned the area as Peter approached from his left.

A bit early for you this morning, Peter, said Byulin. What awakens you thus?

Unfortunately, something very bad. I need to speak to the Magistrate immediately. We are all in danger.

Byulin searched Peter's face and saw the underlying fear and concern. Peter was a good warrior and a man of honor, someone that everyone in the village had grown to trust and respect. Even though he had once been an outsider, he was now one of them and had proven his loyalty countless times. The weather, or sounds in the forest, or various other signs, easily predicted the dangers that they normally encountered. Byulin had seen none of those indicators recently. It must have been the metal bird that had warned Peter, and Peter had mentioned that possibility a long time ago.

I will wake him, but he will not be happy.

That's okay because I'm not happy either, said Peter.

Byulin smiled and turned, heading for the main building with Peter following him closely. Another guard saw them and watched in curiosity as they quickly ascended the steps. Byulin opened the door and walked down the hallway, the boards beneath their feet creaking with their weight. Byulin stopped at the end of the hall and rapped on the door a few times. He waited and after receiving no response he rapped again.

What is it? said the voice from within.

Magistrate, this is Byulin. Peter needs to see you. It is important.

It is the middle of the night, can't it wait?

Byulin turned to Peter and shrugged.

Magistrate, said Peter as he approached the door, my friends from the past have returned and need to see me. They mentioned that they were under attack. I fear for the village that the old war will find them. I would like to evacuate to the mountains.

A loud grunt from within the room was followed by heavy footsteps. The door opened and the Magistrate rubbed his tired eyes. There was a small fire in the fireplace and the room was dimly lit. The old man coughed to clear his throat and then examined Peter. Evacuate? Do you think it necessary?

I have a bad feeling about this. I'd rather not put any of the villagers at risk. If I am wrong, then the only bad thing to happen is an early morning stroll through the woods. If I am right, then the villagers will have a three hour head start to the mountains.

The Magistrate scratched the back of his head and yawned loudly. He looked askance at Byulin who shrugged in response.

Hmm, I agree and would rather err on the side of caution. Let us take the walk. Byulin, issue the orders. Standard relocation gear for an extended stay.

Yes Magistrate. Byulin saluted the old man and ran from the building.

Peter heard Byulin issue the alarm and the other guards continued it. Soon the villagers would all be awake in the brisk early morning air. Early morning wake-ups like this were extremely rare and usually meant a hostile animal near the village or a bad storm. Peter figured this particular instance could fall under the latter.

You will stay in the village for your friend's arrival?

Yes Magistrate, I have to, said Peter.

You will have some guards with you then, just in case. I don't know what good they will do against metal birds but I will feel more comfortable knowing you are not alone.

And I will feel comfortable knowing that an attack on the village will not kill the people I have grown to love.

The Magistrate nodded and turned. I guess I need to get dressed and pack. Hmm, where did I leave my pants?

Peter left the Magistrate to his search and ran across the village to find Gaelei and the children. He entered the house and met Gaelei in the main room gathering clothes and putting them into backpacks.

Several of the children are crying, said Gaelei as she brushed the hair from her face. Even half asleep Gaelei was beautiful and Peter walked to and embraced her. She was shorter than he and her long blond hair went down past her waist. She was wearing her traveling dress, which looked like most of her others, except it lacked the colored thread used for decoration.

Peter could hear the cries coming from the next room and sighed. I didn't ask for this, you know that. I will feel safer knowing that everyone will be away from the village tomorrow morning when that shuttle arrives. I hope I am wrong about the danger.

Me too. Will you go with them?

I have to find out what they want first. Jeff is my friend and I owe him more than I can ever repay.

Take me with you.

Gaelei, I need you here with the children.

No, Cierr can watch them. The entire village will gladly watch over them. I will go with you. I don't want to let you out of my sight this time.

Peter opened his mouth to object but he really wanted to tell her yes. Having her near him seemed more important than anything else in his life. He knew that space held death, especially if war was involved. He did not want to die alone.

Just get the children out of here with the rest of the village. Once I determine it is safe, I'll come get you before I leave the planet. If at that time you still want to go with me then you are welcome to join me.

Gaelei smiled and nodded as she continued to pack. He would not lie to her, ever. She glanced at him as he looked around their room. Peter was nearing forty years old and the baldness that he had had before was less so now. Good clean living, and some wonderful ointment that Cierr had made, was causing him to grow his hair back. He had neither shaved nor cut his hair since he arrived, and his thick dark brown hair went about a decimeter below his shoulders. His beard was neatly trimmed and Gaelei would not let him shave it off, she liked it. None of the other villagers had ever seen a beard before, nor felt one. It was an oddity to them and Peter had grown accustomed to it. Byulin had once tried Cierr's ointment on his chin, but to no avail.

Peter walked to the only other door in the room and opened it. The two older children were trying to comfort the three younger ones that were crying. He watched them with interest and had to smile as the oldest girl at almost five, Craestina, mimicked Gaelei's actions. She was singing to calm the youngest girl, at seven months old, Laely. Both of them shared September as their birth month.

Kids, gather your things. We must move to the mountains for a while.

Okay, Papa, replied Craestina. Since she was the oldest she always took care of the younger ones. Will you tell us more Terran stories too?

Yes, I will. Hurry now. Peter found it interesting that it did not matter whether you were a boy or a girl; the oldest child in this society automatically took charge of the younger ones. That worked well for Peter, especially since the children here actually listened to their parents.

The younger children began gathering their things as Peter returned to Gaelei. She did not look happy but not many people enjoyed the trek to the mountains. It was a casual eight day trek that could be done in four days if in a hurry. Peter always wondered why they did not stay there, or live closer to the mountains than where the village was located. No one seemed to have an answer for his question.

Papa, it's dark out, said Craestina while pointing with one hand as she held Laely with the other. All of their children had birthdays between May and September. Since the children of this world acted older than their actual age, Peter found himself rounding up more frequently. William was the oldest boy and would be four in July. William held the hands of Geoff, who would be three in June, and Cindy, who would turn two in May.

Yes dear, it is early, said Peter. He kissed his children on the forehead and smiled. Just go with Mama and be good. I'll catch up to you later.

Yes Papa, replied Craestina and William while Geoff and Cindy also chimed in. They walked to Gaelei and she knelt to hug them. The door opened and Cierr poked her head in to see if they were ready.

Cierr, yelled the children happily as they spotted her. The smile on her face widened as the children hopped over to her. Little Laely did not care much for being jostled and she started crying.

Oh, my little rabbits, said Cierr. She was in her mid-sixties as near as Peter could tell, which meant well over one hundred in this society. She had a grandmotherly look to her and absolutely loved children, and they loved her. Gaelei greeted her old friend as Cierr gave Peter an admonishing look.

I didn't ask for this, said Peter.

I know, let's just hope your fears are unfounded, said Cierr.

I'll agree with that.

Let's go children, it's time to leave. The children followed her out the door and Gaelei approached Peter and embraced him.

Be careful, Peter, said Gaelei.

You too, Gaelei. I'll see you either later today or early tomorrow.

Gaelei nodded and kissed him before leaving the house. Peter looked around at the vacant room and shrugged as he sighed. Shit. Here we go again.

Peter exited the house and watched the torches leave the village to the east as all the inhabitants headed for the mountains. He wanted to go with them but needed to find out why Jeff was here. The footsteps coming up behind him were not masked and he turned.

Good morning, Mlain, said Peter.

I don't know about that, Peter. What's going on? Mlain was ready for combat as he stood with his left hand perched on the hilt of his sword. He was skilled with the sword and had no visible scars, although his body bore a few from some dumb mistakes made in his past. His long blond hair and azure eyes were the common trait among the villagers. The chain mail armor he wore made no sound as it rested against hard leather. Mlain was the leader of the guards, Gaelei's brother, and Peter's best friend in the village.

A shuttle, like before, is coming for me after sunrise. The big ship in the sky was under attack as I talked to my old friend, so I convinced the Magistrate to evacuate.

Mlain nodded, already knowing the news but wanting to hear it from his friend. He glanced toward the center of the village and a gathering of soldiers holding torches was forming up. We will have eight others with us when they arrive. The rest will protect the villagers as they trek to the mountains. Will this take long?

I'm not sure. If something goes bad we may need to move in a hurry.

Mlain nodded.

Also, my life is in danger, again. Those on the shuttle will know me as Frank, not Peter. My identity must remain a secret for the time being.

I will notify the others. Mlain turned to walk back into the center of the village where the other soldiers waited. The group discussed what may possibly transpire in a few hours and all decided on surprise. Peter would be the only visible person while the soldiers laid in wait. Peter hoped that he was wrong.

Chapter 2

Sunrise came soon enough and Peter watched the sky hoping to have some clue as to what may be coming for him. Mlain stood by his side and watched with him, noticing Peter's nervousness. It did not take very long until Peter saw the vapor trails left by the ships as they entered the atmosphere. He counted seven of them, looking like meteors as they descended. There were two groups and not very far from each other. The first group was three ships and the rear group was four. Peter pointed to the falling stars and lowered his arm to his side. Mlain nodded and walked off to stand near a building.

As the ships neared, Peter's curiosity became concern and then fear. He was almost certain that he saw laser fire from the rear group as they approached.

Jessica? What do you see? asked Peter into his comlink.

Passive scan shows seven ships. Two Stilettos and a Wong Li shuttle in the first group. The second group is four unknown craft. Exhaust signatures are indicative of the Bect race but the design is not. Possibly something new.

A new threat that I'm needed for, perhaps. I'm coming your way, don't give away your position.

Acknowledged, said Jessica as Peter heard the link between them break. They would need to keep communication to a minimum in case the Bect were actively searching for it.

The two Stilettos and the shuttle were taking laser fire from the unknown craft. Peter watched helplessly as a Stiletto dropped something that seemed to hover in the air for a few seconds before exploding into a cloud of shrapnel. The Bect craft flew through it seconds later and one of their number shook violently. The Stilettos broke off in separate directions as the shuttle flew by overhead. The screaming engines reverberated in the empty village as the shock wave of the sound barrier being broken tore the roof from one of the shacks. Peter saw Mlain out of the corner of his eye as he covered his ears in response to the almost-deafening noise. Peter watched the Bect craft fly over as they pursued the shuttle.

The new Bect craft were not rounded like the others. They looked similar to the fighters he remembered but were oval and convex, as if the two sides were pressed into the center. The color scheme was the same and the muted engine noise gave Peter the impression that the engines were barely operating. He wished he had been able to record their flyby for further study.

Peter relocated to the building that Mlain was standing in and hoped that he was not spotted by the Bect craft. The two Stilettos shot by next and several missiles leapt from the bottom of the pylons as Peter shouted out, Go get em!

Peter, said Mlain for the fifth time before Peter finally heard him.

Yes?

What's happening? Is this good or bad?

Bad. The enemy has my friends outnumbered, and the enemy are better than they used to be.

Mlain nodded as he watched. A bright flash lit the early morning sky and a loud explosion reached them seconds later. Peter estimated roughly three kilometers distance. He could not see what happened beyond the tree line and the ground vibrated with an impact as secondary explosions soon followed. Something had just been shot down, either friend or foe.

Mlain pointed to the western horizon and Peter saw the shuttle rise into the sky as several lasers impacted its rear hull. The two pursuing Bect craft continued firing as the shuttle tried jinking madly. A Stiletto appeared and launched another missile that sent a vapor trail across the sky and into the right-hand Bect craft. The resulting flash was bright and seconds later the sound arrived and Mlain visibly jumped. Peter watched the Bect craft fall from the sky as flames erupted from its tail section. It disappeared from view behind the tree line until the ground shook with the impact. Another explosion lit the sky and flames shot skyward as the crashing craft removed a large section of forest.

Peter watched the shuttle turn toward the village and cringed when flames erupted from its left engine. A brief explosion caused the shuttle to drop rapidly and the Bect craft turned away from it to engage the Stiletto.

The shuttle approached the village and slammed into the ground four hundred meters from where Peter stood. The force of the impact almost knocked Peter off his feet and the shuttle dug a trench as it slowed. Peter heard the popping of explosive bolts and watched the rear door fall to the ground. As soon as the ramp hit the ground the marines exited the craft.

Mlain called for the guards to hold fire as Peter rapidly approached the slightly-dazed marine squad. An explosion from the shuttle sent several marines to the ground as a fire engulfed the left engine nacelle.

Over here, shouted Peter until a marine turned to look at him. Once the marine recognized a human he lowered his assault rifle and urged the other marines forward.

Come on people, get moving, yelled the Sergeant as he half dragged a Private from the wreckage. Most of the marines were helping others get away from the twisted metal that may have been their coffin.

Is anyone else inside? asked Peter and the Sergeant shrugged. Peter ran past the other marines and to the shuttle's rear door. Inside were several bodies that were badly twisted and bloody. If anyone in the back were still alive they would not want to be. He ran along the left side of the compartment and made his way to the cockpit access door. It took him several tries before he could open it enough to see inside. Both pilots were dead, which was probably better for them since getting the door open would be close to impossible with the amount of damage it had sustained.

A wave of heat hit him and he turned to see a flash of fire pass through the cabin. It was time for him to leave and in a hurry. As Peter made his way aft, he stepped on a backpack and almost twisted his ankle. He thought better of tossing it aside and took it with him as he left the burning ship. Once outside he ran as fast as he could and was knocked to the ground when Bect laser fire finished the shuttle off in one massive fiery explosion. The heat wave took his breath away and he waited a few seconds before standing and running.

We need to get out of here and fast, said Peter as he slipped the backpack on. He had no idea what was in it and did not care, he would find out later.

Is your name Frank? asked the Sergeant as he leaned against a building to catch his breath. Another explosion echoed around the buildings as the sound of a Stiletto passed by overhead.

Yes it is, said Peter.

You are in danger.

No shit. Right now all of us are. We need to leave the village immediately.

Affirmative. Do you have anything here that can identify you? asked the Sergeant as he shouldered his rifle and pulled out a topographical map.

Yes, in my house. Peter motioned to Mlain and he exited the building with the other village soldiers behind him. These are my friends.

Soldiers, said the Sergeant as he examined the medieval warriors holding swords and wearing armor. They were muscular and carried themselves with confidence. Good. Corporal Banks, go with Frank and collect all identifying items.

Yes Sergeant, replied Corporal John Banks. He was young, barely out of his teens, and short. The crash, explosion, and fire had thrown dirt over him. His uniform gave the appearance that he had just crawled across the entire village.

Peter and Mlain ran to the house as the Corporal and two privates followed them. Peter quickly entered and looked around. What do I have that may identify me? The only thing he knew of was his old uniform. That trunk over there. I have my military things in there with a duffel bag. I'll check the rest of the house.

One of the privates ran to the trunk and opened it. The duffel bag was tucked along the left side and he started stuffing items into it. He paused on the folded uniform jacket and the bloodstains were unmistakable. It was a white full dress uniform and the medals over the left breast pocket told a tale that the Private opened his eyes widely for. He glanced to the man they had come for, a colonel and pilot, and took a close look. The man's current clothing was something out of medieval times. The tunic was open at the neck and held in place around his waist by a black belt. The end of the belt was wrapped around the belt itself and hung down to his left knee. The boots had the pants tucked into them and were tied up the full length. The Private watched as the man strapped a sword on his left hip and then turned toward him.

Get back to work, Smitty, yelled Corporal Banks as he looked into the trunk and saw the holster. Huh? he said in surprise as he picked it up and examined the