System of the Lost

By Christopher Vickers

TASCOM sends in the Iowa to survey a system that had somehow escaped their exploration. The crew finds that it had a colony on all three habitable planets, and a cover-up that had been going on for over 200 years!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christopher Vickers
• Release date: May 13, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311821218

Christopher Vickers

Christopher Vickers was born in Omaha in 1971; and was raised in Colorado Springs. He currently lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Dorothy. He enjoys spending time with both sides of the family, and occasionally shooting pool with his brothers and his grandfather.

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Part I

RETURN OF THE ALLIANCE

prologue

Zerell star system

t.c.n.v. intrepid [tcvh-1092]

monday, 14 march 2310

The Empire War had been over for nearly 10 years now. The crew of the Intrepid had spotted something that they had not counted on: a star system with three Imperial bases located within. Commander Martin Stone, who was known as Vampire for his style of attack, walked up to Captain Jon Hudson and said, Sir, the war’s been over for ten years. These bases are still operating; we can’t let this slide.

You’re right, Hudson said, looking at the screen. "We can’t let this go. Helm, take us into the system; one-quarter sub-pulse, and be subtle about it."

Aye, Captain, the helmsman said, working the controls.

The two officers watched the main screen as the planets of the system seemed to drift by them. Hudson said, This will also make a nice addition to our explored systems; it had been charted, but never explored.

Yes, sir, Martin said.

As the first base came into view, Martin took over the tactical console and said, Targeting the bases now, sir.

Very well, Hudson said.

Kiss your butts good-bye, Marty thought as he targeted them. He then fired a single high-speed salvo at the first base. The impact ruptured several power conduit junctions, including the one he was targeting. He repeated the gesture two more times to take out the other two bases. Within minutes, the bases were powerless to do anything to combat the situation, as multiple weapons subsystems were also bled dry in Martin’s strike.

This was a huge loss to the Empire, as control of this system meant they would have an advantage should they have a chance to rise again in the future. As the bases continued to lose power, the men on the interior of the base began to take their rifles to the consoles. The commanding officers thought along the line of If we can’t have this base, no one will. Moments later, everyone on the stations was dead; killed by asphyxiation. They had taken most of the consoles with them.

The visit with the Zerelli people was begun, to see where they were at on technological and social evolution patterns. Apparently, they were at middle twentieth century in technology, and in their social behaviors. However, they were a Terran colony, so they were privy to Alliance perquisites. The non-interference laws did not apply.

Unfortunately, CID had begun to crack down on information lockdowns. This system was among the data they were cracking down on; therefore, the ship was immediately decommissioned, and the entire crew had disappeared without a trace afterward.

* * * * *

t.c.n.v. iowa [tcvdn-171061]

sunday, 13 september 2511

3 light years from zerell star system

Filtering through the ship’s paperwork was one thing while he was the executive officer of the Kitty Hawk. Mike had a daunting task ahead of him with the entire fleet’s paperwork as the Executive Officer of the Fourth Marauder Fleet, which was made somewhat lighter by Commander Brel’Kaan’s efforts. As he finished at close to 1700 hours ship’s time, the teletype had begun to spit out new information. He pulled it up, and recognized the code almost immediately. He tucked the paper into a data pad with a clip for printed material and headed out of the office. He was heading down five decks to discuss this matter with Admiral Harry McBride, who had just reported on board just three weeks ago after an extended bereavement leave following his wife’s death.

Harry was ecstatic to be back on duty after nearly a year and a half off duty at Hudson’s orders. The two had been together for nearly 50 years before she finally passed on. Hudson could do little else, since his father helped with getting them together.

Mike got to the office, and Kaine noticed he was on the way in as he was about to leave and said, In here, Captain.

You’ve got it, Mike said.

Harry noticed Mike and Kaine enter. He said, Computer: Priority One security lockouts. Authorization McBride 17-Alpha-19-Charlie.

I know you were on your way down here anyway, Kaine said, but we had to get you in here, because I had to call in some favors with Chavez, now the director of CID, to get this information. What you’re about to see doesn’t leave this room.

I just got the orders from Admiral Hudson, Mike said. But the orders came on an encryption I recognized.

I asked for that, Harry said. He tossed Mike a data pad. Kaine said, The information you’re about to see doesn’t leave this room.

Don’t tell me that he’s demanding you rejoin CID for this, Mike said.

Oh, no, Kaine said. But I had to give up one of the better stashes of 2408 Chardonnay I had to get this information.

Whoa, Mike said.

I said one of the better stashes, not the best, Kaine said. I keep the best stash aboard this ship in my cabin. What do you know about the Zerell Star System?

Only the obvious details, Mike said. Why do you ask?

"That’s all anyone knows about the system. It has been that way for a little over 200 years, Captain. TASCOM wants more information, but CID hasn’t been very forthcoming with anything they’ve locked down; as I said, I had to give up a stash of wine to get it. God only knows what I’d have to surrender to get all of the information."

Your assignment as Intelligence Liaison to the Fleet?

Kaine nodded. I’m not willing to give that up.

Don’t blame you, after all you had to do for CID, Mike said.

This information outlines a massive betrayal on the part of CID, Kaine said. Only one starship ever visited that system after the war was over; that ship was decommissioned. Because no one on the crew was of retirement age, some 4,000 people vanished when that mission was called off by CID. Among those people was Commander Martin Stone, which was why I hoped you’d be heading down here.

Son of a bitch, Mike mouthed out.

The betrayal goes deeper, but we need the Time Corps to find out how deep. However, I think it goes back to Director William Deems. In 2238, he committed suicide. The circumstances behind it were a little on the screwy end. They’re also sketchy at best, but getting the full workup on it is too much to ask anyone in CID to gain.

That sounds familiar, Harry said. "They almost had my hide for attacking the Diablo Facilities, which began when I first got the Missouri."

Now there isn’t a single one left, Kaine said. "To make matters worse, the Enterprise destroyed the last one."

The reason that was such a tragedy was that Martin Stone was something of a legend in TASCOM tactical prowess.

The ability to disable in a single shot? Mike said. My dad used to tell me stories about his style during the First Empire War. He was to tactical ability what Bela Legosi was to vampires in twentieth century entertainment.

Hence his call sign: Vampire, Harry said. One shot; the enemy would drift away, and be dead within minutes. He had a talent that couldn’t be taught in the Academy; it occurs once every generation or so.

Iverson is close; he only requires three.

Let’s get there and gain what information we can about the system.

Right, Mike said, opening his combox. Stone to bridge.

Kaan here, Captain, the reply almost resonated in the box.

Set a course for the Zerell system, Hawk factor 250, and be subtle. Once in range, come to a stop and launch the full range of probes into the system. The mission briefing will be where all reports will be given.

Aye-aye, Captain, Kaan’s voice said in reply. Mike closed the combox.

Expect CID to try and stop this mission, Kaine said.

I plan to keep the probes out for tactical purposes. From the information I read, the colony used to be Imperial, so I’m expecting a strike from them as well.

Good plan, Kaine said. According to Chavez, the closest one to even begin a strike is Kranski; they don’t even have to make a jump to get there. They could make the journey on sub-pulse power.

According to recent reports, they will not be the only ones, Mike said. Apparently, there’s an Imperial civil war erupting to determine the cell that attempts to control the system. Kranski was hit the hardest since they’re that close, which means that their fleets won’t amount to much.

Let’s hope not, Kaine said. Harry released the controls, and took the data pad from Mike, filing it before leaving the office himself. I don’t want to be on the receiving end of an attack from them when they’re at capacity for combat.

They all left the office, hoping for the best.

one

Starship Command Log, Sr. Captain Michael T. Stone:

Tuesday, 15 September 2511

Due to a mishandling of medical policy, Doctor Abraham Grenon has been taken into custody as of 1500 hours yesterday. His practices involving crew diets and recreational activities had prompted my arrest of a man that’s been with Admiral McBride since he commanded the Missouri. I just hope I don’t have to perform the dishonorable discharge hearing on him for refusing to comply with command orders. He’s attempting so far to hide behind medical orders being above military orders, but if Harry has anything to say about it, it could come to an abrupt end.

Mike’s arrest of the Chief Medical Officer didn’t come lightly; he didn’t want to place him in the brig, as his presence was required at the senior staff meeting. He hadn’t trained his ACMO very well, as he was planning to hand the Medical Bay of the ship over to his son. Unfortunately, he was so against returning to the Service that he had set up a practice in the last place that his father would dream of looking: Edinburgh, Scotland.

The senior staff briefing went on without him, with Johnson taking the place of Grenon, even though she wasn’t properly trained to take over as the CMO. She arrived with a data pad to take notes, but Kaine confiscated it, saying, Sorry, Lieutenant, but the information in this briefing isn’t going to leave this room.

Understood, Captain, was all she could say about the situation.

Good, Kaine said. I know the norm is to take notes, but in this case we’re requiring the officers to operate from memory.

Aye-aye, Johnson said. God, I hate cloak and dagger shit, she thought as she took Grenon’s usual seat. For explorers, we’ve been doing a lot of that lately.

The only ones that were capable of retaining their data pads were Iverson, Ren, and Mike, who got his when Harry arrived. Harry then said, If everyone can please take their seats we can get this started. Lieutenant Johnson, I’m sorry we had to take your pad from you, but I’m certain you understand the reasons behind it.

Yes, Admiral, Johnson said.

"Our current destination is the Zerell Star System, a place that has had its information locked up by CID for the past 200 years since the Intrepid first tried to chart and record information on the system. The reason for the lockdown is as yet unknown, but there are several things about the system that are about to be revealed."

Ren-Kalaeis was the first to speak, saying, "The system is in orbit of your run of the mill G-type star, much like Sol in every respect. The system is comprised of 13 planets and 2 asteroid belts. The belts are between planets six and seven and between planets ten and eleven. That is where the obvious information ends.

The third, fourth and fifth planets in the system are Earth-like in every respect. They support a population of 10 billion each. The planets that are inhabited also have a treasure trove of mineral and agricultural resources that could set the Alliance up indefinitely. Further information will require landing missions to the planets. All of the inhabited planets have a ring system about them that could rival that of Saturn, and they could be harvested for water to reclaim desert planets.

Unfortunately, Iverson said as Ren finished, the system also has something in orbit of the inhabited worlds: each one has a base in orbit. Further scans reveal they’re derelicts, with no power emanating from them. Probe data estimates that they’ve been powerless for about two centuries. This could be something we can use to our advantage if the mission turns to securing the independence of the people.

That’s exactly what we’re going to do, Harry said. Admiral Hudson is going to be sending them a remedial fleet within the next couple of months. We have to secure their independence, so we’re going to repair those bases, and hand them over to the Zerelli people. There will be no doubts as to their independence if the Empire attacks; that’s why I’ve called in the entire fleet: they’re going to guard the system while we get these people caught up as far as necessary -- and possible.

Iverson, Mike said, in addition to keeping tabs on the shuttles that are engaged in the repair operations, I’m going to need you to keep an eye out for Imperial response, which is something I’d bet my bottom credit on.

Aye-aye, Iverson said. I’ll keep the probes working on that so they’re not a complete waste beyond getting information on the system.

Good idea, Mike said. Some of the launched shuttles, beyond restoring the stations, will be building sensor arrays and the like to back up the bases in getting their information. We may even consider a station like the one in Jupiter orbit in the near future, but that’s a project for another fleet. Any questions?

No one spoke up. Mike said, Very well. Let’s get going.

Landing teams will be led by myself, Captain Kaine and Commander Perez. I will take the first team to Zerell III, Kaine to the fourth planet, and Perez will head for the fifth planet. We will be on a mission to gather as much information as possible on the population of the planets, as well as perhaps some mineral rights to the planets to repower the bases.

Again, no one spoke up, save for Ren, who said, I’ll have ideal landing coordinates for you within an hour of launch.

You can count on Marine backup for this, Borja said. We’re down for it.

Briefing adjourned; remember this meeting is classified, Harry said.

As everyone left, Mike opened his combox and said, Shuttle Bay, this is Captain Stone: I need the full fleet of construction shuttles prepared for launch in the next 12 hours.

Aye, you’ll have it, the commander of the bay said.

Mike closed his combox, and said, I almost forgot the fighter patrols.

Aye, Harry said. A necessary evil.

Opening his combox again, Mike said, CAG, this is Stone.

Charvat here, he replied over the box.

Mr. Charvat, I want one squad in the sky patrolling the system at all times, even after the fleet arrives.

Aye, Captain, Charvat replied before Mike closed the box again.

All the bases are covered, Mike said.

Aye, let’s go, Harry said as they headed for the bridge.

* * * * *

As the ship entered range of the bases, the shuttles began to launch. They had their job to do, as the fighters launched as a protective measure. The shuttles containing the landing groups were the last to launch, as the teams were not quite assembled yet, but the team leaders were already in the bay awaiting their people.

The science teams were the first to arrive, marching in a formation of three lines of five people. Each team was led by a lieutenant, followed by an ensign or sub-lieutenant, and three enlisted people. The Marines all marched in later, led by Major Borja. She barked out a command that had the Marines flank the Naval Science officers. Borja approached Harry, saluting him.

Returning the salute, he said, Thirty to each party seems a bit excessive, wouldn’t you say, Major?

Just following Marine Corps regulations, Admiral; especially since one of the team leaders is a flag officer.

Touché! Harry thought. All right, he said after a moment’s consideration, thirty per party it is; I’m taking it you’ve already divided everyone up?

Yes sir, Borja said. The shorter line is the one assigned to your party, Admiral; I’m leading that team myself. Captain Peña will lead the team going to Zerell IV, and Captain Estrada will lead the team to Zerell V. She then recalled that Estrada was an energy ‘Shifter and said, Don’t worry; he’s agreed to retain his humanoid form at all times. I’ve informed him that there could be some animosity between these people and ‘Shifters of any kind.

Good, Harry said. Because it’s a former Imperial colony, and there is animosity between the Empire and Berecqians, I’ve asked that Kaan remain on the ship at all cost. Let’s just hope that Captain Stone isn’t called to the surface until the situation with these people is completely resolved. We have to keep something of a command presence on the ship, since I’m leading a team.

Aye-aye, sir, Borja said.

Bay Commander, are the shuttles ready?

Ready and piloted, Admiral.

Let’s get the missions underway, then!

Aye-aye, sir, the bay commander said, raising the first shuttle into position.

Perez, you’re taking this one to Zerell V, Harry said. I’ll launch in the final shuttle.

Aye-aye, Perez said. Zerell V party, aboard the shuttle.

As the party headed for Zerell V boarded their shuttle, the door to the craft closed, and the checklist for launch was enacted.

Bay Commander to Shuttle 171061-India-9: please make certain that all passengers are secured.

Roger that, the pilot said. All present, accounted for, and secured.

Fuel supply, the bay commander said.

Fuel supply, 100 percent, the pilot said.

Lower deck components.

Secured.

Engine maintenance checks.

Performed; we’re ready.

Cleared.

The shuttle moved to clear the doors, and then began its course to the planet. Harry knew he was taking the final one, so he was lying in wait for the time to head to Zerell III. He was like a schoolchild going on a field trip, he was so happy to be going on this mission; he hadn’t been on a landing mission since six months before he took over the Missouri.

two

As the shuttle Harry was in began to descend toward the planet’s surface, he noticed from his window that there was no air traffic at all. According to the reports of the Intrepid, the technology was equivalent to middle-twentieth century at the time. It had been 200 years, so there should have at least been some traffic in the air as well as on the ground. As the shuttle landed just outside the Capitol City, Harry stepped outside and took a long, hard look at the road they landed just one mile from; not even a freight convoy. Even the monorail in the distance wasn’t active.

Puzzled by this, he made a note of it on his miniaturized data pad. Borja walked out a moment later and said, Admiral, this is strange; there isn’t any traffic at all to judge a pattern from.

"Aye, it is odd, Harry said. Not even the civilian air traffic is running. However, I did notice that there was something going on in the park areas; all of them were packed. The two could be connected."

Something for the science teams to check into, Borja said. That’s their job down here, to check into the social evolution of the population, and that falls into their purview.

Aye, Harry said. It was just odd to me, that’s all.

You’ve got that right, sir. No traffic on a planet populated by ten billion is a little too weird for words.

We’ve landed pretty close to sunset, Harry said. We can head into town in the morning, and try to figure out what the hell is going on. For right now, let’s make camp for the night, Major.

Aye-aye, Borja said. All personnel, we’re making camp for the night. Let’s rig up for the evening.

Good thing, one of the science officers said. I almost fell asleep in the shuttle as it is.

Nerd, one of the Marines said to the science officer.

Stow it, Harry said.

The science officer approached the Marine and muttered, Faargh you anyway.

Ladies and gentlemen, Harry said, we won’t get anywhere against the Empire when we’re fighting each other. Let’s get started on the campsite so we can get some sleep. We ride right after breakfast.

As everyone broke into their specific teams in rigging the campsite, the lead science officer said, Admiral, there should be some traffic; even a freight truck convoy.

Aye, Borja and I made the same observation, Harry said. I’m suspecting it has something to do with the parks being packed to capacity.

The driver pulled the Rover into position at the forward most position of the campsite, and got out before the cook had the fire pit dug out and rigged up to heat up something that he thought was appropriate for dinner. He went back into the shuttle and wheeled out a cooling box with the dinner planned for the evening, making certain it was enough for the entire party. Harry said, It’s a damned sight better than MRE rations, but imagine the reaction of Attila the Doctor when he gets a load of this.

"He’d better not say anything, the cook said. Otherwise, it’s a good thing he’s in the slammer."

Aye, that it is, Harry said. He’s been nagging at us to curb our recreational activity so much, he’s closed off those programs.

He likes to crown himself Emperor of the ship, Borja said. Even Captain Stone’s favorite program was closed off. He really enjoys the ten-mile hike he made out of that simulation.

So does B’Laeis, Harry said. They deliberately included that hike just to make certain a workout precludes the picnic they planned. Grenon still didn’t like the idea, so he shut down all recreation; that did it for me, since the annual barbecue for the ship was cut off. The codes are with him, and he’s insisted that his son take over. He’s been out of the Service for ten years.

You don’t think that Attila the Doctor will invoke the reserve activation clause, do you?

He can’t, Harry said. He only rates a lieutenant commander. There is no way TASCOM High Command would do that to Larry. He has a family practice where he is now, and is very happy with his career. Bringing him back would screw things up for him.

Especially since war is on the horizon, Borja said. I guess we will have to live with the recreational facilities and programs being closed down for the time being. He’s stated adamantly there’s only one person he’s going to give the codes to. Since that person is retired from the Service, we don’t have any options, really.

Not if we doll up an android…

He’d bark like a bloodhound from a mile off with that trick, Borja said. He may be a prick, but he’s not stupid.

* * * * *

edinburgh, scotland

family practice of lawrence a. grenon, md

thursday, 17 september 2511

Larry had just wrapped things up and cleaned up the office for the day as two men in naval uniform approached the reception desk. Larry was directly behind the receptionist as the leader of the two men said, Lieutenant Grenon?

I have not used that title in over 10 years, Larry said.

The leader flashed an ID packet and said, "TASCOM reserve acquisition. We’ve come to get you on board the Iowa as soon as possible. Your father insists on your presence there."

Damn him anyway, Larry said. "What the hell has he pulled this time? The whole damned Service seems to want him behind bars for the way he practices medicine. I left the Service 10 years ago because I wanted to