Darya the Pirate

By Daniel A. Roberts

Darya uses every stratagem available to plunder technology from military grade starships, uniting not only other criminal organizations, but bringing together several Independent worlds who are hungry for the forbidden advanced technology. Utilizing a sophisticated counter-intelligence network of spies through outpost ninety-four, she successfully keeps the authorities blind to the location of her organization.

Throughout this epic struggle, Darya is out to prove that a cruel, hard galaxy can be made into a better place, where the authorities don't have to turn a blind eye towards those who don't have the technology to save themselves from disaster. Unless of course, if Amelia's well trained minions end up killing Darya, then the balance of power between galactic governments will never change for the better.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daniel A. Roberts
• Release date: Sep 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516323654

Book preview

Prologue

DARYA'S SMILE WAS COLD and to the point; a calculating stretch of lips that was designed to intimidate.  Standing on her left was the physically impressive human she knew as Frank.  As head administrator of outpost ninety-four, he was responsible for this particular parlay.  He set up this meeting, along with the necessary steps to ensure everyone's safety...if everyone was to behave as expected, that is. 

On Darya's right was her trusted chief of security, Ralph the Rock.  The well earned nickname didn't have anything to do with his disposition.  Layers of organic stone made up his thick hide.  He resembled a big boulder with a large bulky head, complete with stone legs, stone arms and rocky hands that was cradling a pulse laser that belonged on a small scout ship. 

The rocktoid being didn't trust the approaching criminals, a tough trio from an insect species known as the Fabrini.  They closely resembled the small praying mantis of Earth, but are slightly larger than a standard human.  While any insectoid race could appear intimidating without trying, these three were a few steps above that expectation.  Menacing was a much better description, even when they were known to be in a good mood.

The name of the Fabrini crime lord was Vash, who brought his own security detail.  A hive-minded culture didn't afford them much trust in other races for protection.  The insectoid trio came to a stop about thirty feet away.  In case a shoot out started, that was just enough distance to allow everyone to dive for cover. 

Not that there was much cover to be found.  The grassy field on the unknown remote planet only supported basic vegetation, along with small harmless animals that hid themselves the moment the alien beings arrived.  It was the selected meeting point for this very reason.  If fighting to the death became the only resolution, neither side could gain an advantage over the other. 

Since it was Vash who demanded this particular meeting in the first place, he issued his detailed threat without any formal introductions.  Pull your operations out of the Sigma cluster.  That's my territory.  All of it.  Refuse and die.  Comply and live.  The choices are simple. 

Darya wasn't in the mood for receiving threats.  You know that any conflict between us will only weaken our chances at pushing both the League of Free Worlds and Fabrini Hive Empire out of our sectors.  Did you forget that both of us are being hunted by them? 

Vash gave a series of clicking sounds.  It was the Fabrini equivalent of a chuckle.  Of course not.  But they hunt you far more aggressively than they ever hunted me.  The bounty on your head is five times greater than my own.  That means you stand to lose more than I do.  Get out of my space. 

Darya's ebony eyes grew narrow for only a moment.  Five times the bounty means I'm five times more successful than you are, Vash.  Understand me.  You're a petty thief, stealing only things of minor value.  Who cares about household appliances?  Racing vehicles?  Fencing small parts is tedious.  I don't touch that low level stuff, and you damn well know it.  What's the real issue here?  Why do you want me out of the Sigma cluster? 

The insect crime lord only paused for a moment.  I don't care for the attention your presence brings to my territory.  Increased patrols.  Random ship inspections.  All your fault.  In seeking you, they're finding me.  You should know this.  You're not dumb. 

Darya understood that was high praise, coming from any Fabrini.  They considered themselves to be the most intelligent species in the galaxy.  They take massive delight in looking down on their competition, the humans.  It was a good thing Darya wasn't human, though she could pass for one, if people didn't look too closely at her features.  Which is why she wore her hair over pointed ears, and didn't reveal her short fangs by making it a habit to smile with her mouth closed. 

The Fabrini criminals before Darya also knew she wasn't human, though they didn't know the true origins of her species.  She was an enigma to space faring races.  Her DNA wasn't available in any civilian database where such things are recorded, and for a good reason.  She was removed from a government protected low-technology world, a place where swords and armor was the highest level of science.  Those days were long behind her, but to hear a Fabrini directly say that she wasn't dumb, well, that meant something. 

Darya relaxed her hard expression just for a moment to return the unexpected compliment.  You're not dumb either, Vash.  Your operations aren't small in scale, just in the value of what you're stealing.  How about joining us, let my organization protect your distribution routes.  In return, we'll help you steal items that are valuable enough to make ten times your current investments.  We shouldn't be fighting, but working together.  If the law finds either of us, they'll be hard pressed to take anyone into custody.  Unlike your operatives, we don't run.  We don't dump stolen cargo to pass a ship inspection.  We fight back, and more importantly, we tend to win. 

Vash hissed, almost turning away.  He was clearly unhappy with such an offer.  Reveal my operations to you?  I don't think so.  You're right, my operations aren't small.  You don't have the capacity to store, house or hide my people and our goods from the authorities.  Your forces are too militant.  I think your people like to fight, sometimes.  This parlay is useless.  It's over. 

Ralph was getting even more unhappy.  His wide stony head made his mouth form a natural frown.  It grew deeper.  Can I squish them now?  You know what they're trying to pull, boss.  I don't like bugs who think they can strand us on this stinky planet. 

This caused one of the Fabrini escorts to chirp in alarm, but Darya held up both of her hands.  Calm down everyone.  She glanced at Frank.  He nodded in return. 

Vash, Frank said, almost emotionless.  This got the Fabrini's attention.  Most humans confused the intergalactic bugs with their complex vocal sensitiveness.  This human knew how to speak properly.  Darya will be taking on more than her share of trouble by supporting your outfit.  We have a secret base, and it's not small.  You would learn that location as well, increasing our own risk of exposure.  She can protect you.  I know this.  She protects my own operations.  Maybe you heard of it.  Outpost ninety-four. 

This caused Vash to pause even more.  The Fabrini reached into one of his carapace's folds to withdraw a small remote detonator.  Your rocktoid is onto us, I think.  One of my people put a bomb on your ship's dark matter core, when you left it to walk here.  I did intend to strand you.  However, the human makes a surprising revelation.  Are you really that Frank, the human administrator for that renegade outpost? 

Frank nodded.  It would be a mistake to walk away from this offer.  It would be a bigger mistake to press the button that sets your bomb off.  We don't want to kill you, Vash.  If we did, you would have been dead by now. 

Vash seemed undecided for a few more moments.  He tossed the remote detonator to Frank, who easily caught it.  It was as simple as that, when it came to the Fabrini.  No apologies, no deep explanations.  Either they were for you, or against you.  Changing their views on any particular stance didn't involve nuances or extensive details.  There's only one bomb.  It's small, all it needed to do was puncture the core.  Outpost ninety-four is well known to my organization.  If Darya protects you, then she's strong enough to protect me.  Of course, we're going to sign some type of treaty together, yes? 

Darya felt herself relax on the inside, though she kept her tense stance on the outside.  Without a doubt.  You'll find the location of our base on your ship's computer, when you crawl back inside it.  Don't cock your head at me in surprise, Vash.  You're not the only one with a devious insight.  Unlike you, my people didn't plant a bomb.  Only information. 

Vash gestured to the remote in Frank's hand.  How did you know I would accept?  I could have used that to strand you here.  Or if you truly angered me, I could have blown you all up on take-off. 

Frank held up the detonator.  You mean like this?  He pressed the button. 

Ralph opened his stony lips to belch out a brief flash of fire, followed by a wisp of smoke.  I like spicy snacks, Vash.  It's the only reason why I didn't shoot you on sight. 

Oh my, Vash replied, clearly impressed.  But that still doesn't answer my question. 

Darya typed on her wrist computer, opening a short range channel.  You can drop the cloak, Kendra.  We've made new friends down here.  Above them in the sky, a full squadron of Phoenix Wing starfighters, in hover mode, became visible.  Darya turned off the transmission, giving her direct answer to the awed crime lord.  You wouldn't have hurt us in the least.  If you actually tried to strand us, your ship wouldn't have made it out of the atmosphere. 

Vash's folded wings thrummed under his back shell, indicating that he was laughing.  The antenna on his triangular head finally relaxed into a soft curve, rather than the apprehensive stiff position they were in.  Well played, Darya.  I've heard rumors that you could be fair, protective and hard to manipulate.  Until I witnessed it for myself, I could only put so much value in those rumors.  You know what I mean. 

Darya nodded, her smile only a touch less colder than before.  I sure do.  Those coordinates I put into your navigation map are to my base, known as Haven.  Be there in thirty six hours so we can sign our agreement together. 

Vash cocked his head again.  Why so long? 

Frank sighed, giving the answer since it was his network of informants that raised the alarm.  Darya and I are visiting LFW headquarters.  You know, espionage.  It's hard work keeping them dumb, but necessary.  See you soon. 

Vash forced himself to walk away, leading his escort back to their own ship.  He agreed to ally his organization with them, but still, infiltrating LFW headquarters?  Those beings are out of their minds! 

Chapter Zero - Interception

THE TALL LANKY ENSIGN never ran so hard before.  In his left hand was a field report from an intelligence operative on the other side of the galaxy.  In his right hand was the navigational signature of an overpowered, extremely dangerous battleship, known as the Gladiator.  The icon for it was patiently sitting in the upper right-hand corner of his digital pad, waiting to be selected to reveal its current location.

This red-flagged priority information is what the League of Free Worlds worked so hard to acquire.  Many sacrifices were made.  Agents died.  The counter-intelligence from the pirate outfit was staggering in its complexity.  They recently snatched high-end resources, stolen directly from the shipping lanes and training hubs, with seemingly effortless ease.  The nameless, faceless leaders behind such an organization became a clear and present danger to the League of Free Worlds! 

Which is why the ensign was running so damned hard.  Exclamations of surprise, some angry, others mildly irate, got shouted at him.  He paid those voices no mind.  His feet rapidly thudded down the populated corridor that leads to the Admiral's Quarters. 

Speed was of the essence.  Timing was delicate.  The ensign knew where the Gladiator was parked, right now, and would be in a distant planetary orbit for at least ten more hours.  That was just enough time to get a close-by fleet to deal with this menace, once and for all!

The color of the corridor transitioned from silvery-white to an intense blue.  He was in Admiral territory now, and the various galactic lifeforms with tasks to do became scarce.  He poured as much speed into his long legs as he dared.  Admiral Jackson needed to see this information right now, so she could give the necessary orders!

He spotted the door to her private quarters in the distance.  He was within the last fifty feet when the hallway maintenance door opened up, not more than a foot from his face!  The lanky ensign only got a brief glimpse of the steel surface, rapidly filling his vision!  A metallic thud later, everything went dark. 

Darya glanced around to see if anyone noticed their little accident.  Nope.  Not a soul.  She bent over to collect the document and digital pad.  She winced at the damage she caused, noticing the large black and blue patch on the entire left side of the ensign's face.  Checking his pulse to make sure it remained steady, that was the last thirty seconds Darya spent in that section of the hallway. 

She returned to the complex maintenance corridors of the large space station, satisfied that she wasn't in immanent danger.  If anyone witnessed the incident, the assumed accident would be the cover she needed to silently escape with the intercepted intelligence. 

Firing up the incinerator bin located in the sanitation wing of the janitor's corridor, she muttered, Damn, that was close.  Thank you, Frank.  The man was on the other side of the base, sneaking into the server room, making sure the data was completely erased from all computerized storage facilities.  The digital work pad vaporized first, followed by the fiber-mesh paper that displayed text from a local network's digital signal.  Now that the deed was done, she grabbed a dust broom. 

Whistling to herself, Darya casually walked through the maintenance tunnel towards the docking bay, where her ride out of that place was patiently waiting.  It felt like it was going to be one hell of a long day. 

Chapter One - Admiral's Orders

ADMIRAL AMELIA JACKSON wasn't in a good mood.  She just debriefed the highly bruised ensign before sending him to sickbay.  The poor fellow got ambushed not far from her own residence, which bothered her to no end.  If the criminals could get that close inside the League's own headquarters, then why wasn't she killed?  Why did they even spare the ensign's life?  Amelia was highly interested in those answers, whatever they may be. 

As it was, highly sensitive information was plucked out of the ensign's hands while he lay unconscious.  That same information got removed from their main servers, which according to the DNA access records, was done by a man who has been deceased for almost a decade.  She sat down at the head of the conference table.  Her blue eyes glowing with wrath, both hands started flexing with the need to choke somebody, anybody, for this massive security failure. 

Captain Mack Harris finally arrived, standing before the conference table, snapping a quick salute that didn't get returned.  He didn't dare lock gazes with the angry admiral.  His position as a recovery team Alpha Leader was scuttled, a little more than a year ago.  His demotion over a mission that nearly destroyed his career, brought many questions to his desk, all of them unanswerable.  Why the admiral summoned him became apparent the moment she started speaking. 

Mack, I'm giving you a new assignment.  You're not going to like it.  This involves people you used to know, people who are dead.  Following me?  Her nails scratched at the desk top. 

Aye, I'm following you, Admiral.  He kept his features as passive as possible, which became increasingly difficult during the briefing session. 

Amelia opened the digital file on the tabletop screen.  I have two names that should be of interest to you, Mack.  Frank Williams and Elizabeth Tanner.  Both were officers.  They've been confirmed as deceased.  Frank's DNA turned up on a server keyboard right here at headquarters.  Elizabeth's DNA turned up on Earth in more than a few interesting places.  In fact, only recently has Elizabeth's actual body been buried in Lower Australia.  I have a problem with dead League officers walking around.  Any comments before I continue? 

Mack struggled for a moment.  Yes.  I fired the ship to ship shot that killed Elizabeth Tanner, about a year ago.  In fact, that's the mission you demoted me for.  As for Frank, I personally attended his funeral.  That was almost ten years ago.  He was my best friend.  If he was alive all this time, he would have contacted me.  He didn't. 

See my problem?  Amelia closed the file.  There's more to it than that.  We have a growing pirate problem out in the Tau cluster.  The Fabrini are going nuts.  Their borders are being hit harder than ours, but we're both under an indirect attack.  Shipping lanes.  Deliveries.  All military grade materials, stolen out from under our noses.  Complete ships, vanishing, just to have their crew show up on a nearby world, radioing for pickup.  Cruisers are being successfully hijacked.  Any remarks about that? 

Mack slowly shook his head.  I didn't know the pirates were getting that bad, Admiral. 

I know, she boldly confessed.  Most of what has happened is classified.  I think the pirates are led by officers from the League of Free Worlds, pretending to be deceased.  They're hitting us too accurately to be anybody else.

Realization sank deep into Mack's bones.  You're sending me after them, aren't you? 

More than that, Amelia seriously informed him.  You're being promoted to Rear-Admiral, effective immediately.  It's a temporary promotion.  You're going to command an entire battle fleet.  Find those pirates.  End their reign of terror.  Capture their leadership, if possible.  If not, just vaporize them.  If you complete the mission, Mack, your promotion is permanent. 

He swallowed.  If I fail? 

Amelia's smile wasn't friendly.  If you're still alive, your new job will involve toilets, kitchens and lots of cleaning chemicals.  Do you understand me?

Aye.  Mack saluted, walking out of the conference with a brisk step.  Redemption or damnation, depending upon his success or failure, in bringing the pirate menace to an end.  There was much to do and not enough time to get everything in order, but he was sure going to try. 

What really rattled Mack about this situation was one name.  Frank Williams!  How could he be alive, especially when it was Mack himself who touched a cold, dead hand just before the body was lowered into the ground, back on Earth itself?  They were lifelong childhood friends.  Why hasn't Frank even sent him an untraceable message?  Mack was determined to find those answers, one way or the other. 

Chapter Two - The Big Deal

THE SPECIALLY TEXTURED CARPET was designed to please the foot, especially for the various races who couldn't wear shoes.  It was also plush enough for those who did wear shoes, to find a measure of traction, without an uncomfortable spongy feeling. 

A light rose scent occupied the air.  The large elongated table was made of designer marble.  Plush chairs with adjustable controls for softness and angle of tilt completed the impressive scene.  All of these comforts didn't go unnoticed by the current occupants, even if the location was on board a deadly battleship known as the Gladiator. 

Three independent races sat at the head of that interesting table.  According to the governing authorities, these beings should have never been allowed on such an advanced vessel.  They were breaking galactic law just by speaking with their host, but at this point in time, none of them cared if they shattered such laws.  They have too much to gain for their own species to walk away.

The name of the bird-like avian diplomat was Slinka.  His history of previous dealings with their charming host, who did more for his people than the League of Free Worlds or the Fabrini Hive Empire combined, wasn't completely unknown by the others at the table.  Galactic law was broken because Slinka made a simple, but highly beneficial trade with Rondo's people.

Slinka's planet was one of the rare types that didn't possess any metal in its natural composition.  The only trace metals on the surface came from rare asteroid impacts throughout their history.  As a world with an ice based core, the water that melted from the sun's heat covered forty-five percent of their planet with oceans.  If not for their independently developing science that allowed them to harden water molecules to the strength of steel, they would have never made the technological leap into a budding space age. 

The second diplomat was a stocky humanoid, displaying tiny sharp thorns where his clothes revealed skin, sitting patiently on Slinka's left.  This was Rondo, and he was equally unhappy with the two major galactic superpowers.  They threatened his world numerous times when he tried to procure advanced farming technology.  His world was over abundant with metal, and far too little organic materials.  If not for their concerned hosts, a trade of metal for specialized seeds that Slinka's people developed wouldn't have been possible.  To Slinka's right was an uncomfortable feeling, but friendly enough feline diplomat. 

The feline race called themselves the Avernai.  Their fur was short enough not to hang, covering muscled humanoid-like bodies from the top of their tufted ears all the way down to their clawed toes.  The diplomat's furry tail was coiled in his lap so nobody would accidentally step on it.  Several thick face whiskers started twitching, and both four digit hands possessed a set of dangerously sharp claws.  His name was Kline, and he appeared slightly bothered by the entire gathering.  He didn't complain though, because he also harbored a deeper dislike for the current galactic authorities. 

The door slid open.  Darya entered the conference chamber at last.  Wearing a tough looking combat suit that matched the blue streaked auburn of her hair, a natural near milk white skin seemed to glisten in the bright florescent lights.  It also made her ebony eyes appear deep, capable, as if they could peer into the soul, even though her smile remained pleasant.  Her body language radiated a natural leadership, a force of presence that removed a significant amount of anxiety out of the current atmosphere. 

Thank you for coming, Darya started, deciding not to sit down.  She paced gently before them, maintaining as much eye contact as possible with all three diplomats.  All of you have benefited from the current black markets, bartering for technology and services.  Things that are considered illegal for you to have.  You all know, as well as I do, that deal makers like us are hunted down.  It makes doing business difficult, if not impossible at times.  I aim to make a long term bargain with your people that will change all of that. 

Rondo shifted forward, eager.  How will you accomplish such a feat? 

Us, Darya politely corrected him.  How we will do this together, is more than just mutually beneficial.  I have the technology, resources and skills to take what we need from those who shackle your development.  By force if necessary.  What I don't have are the people to staff ships, to captain vessels of significant strength.  Like the one we're sitting in right now. 

Kline shook his feline head.  What you're proposing is war.  That's a fight we can't win. 

Not war, Darya casually promised.  She didn't need to push the topic, letting the idea sell itself to those who would benefit the most from it.  More like piracy.  Neither the League or the Fabrini will know who we are, and more importantly, what we represent.  All they will know is what we take.  The benefits will surprise you.  That's what this is about, after all.  Benefits.  Gaining things you're not allowed to have.  Their galactic laws are a farce at best, dictating your ability to advance.  You shouldn't have to pick which side you're on to get those benefits.  You should be on your own side.  Independent.  Developing your culture and technology as you see fit, unlimited by the technological resources our galaxy has to share. 

Slinka clicked his beak, thick white feathers surrounding his avian head nearly standing straight up.  How do we know you can succeed?  If we're caught by their armada, they will destroy us. 

Darya glowed with confidence, knowing that her offer will appeal to these three in a huge way.  I've already succeeded, more than once.  I use a strategy of deception, subterfuge and surprise.  In the last two months, I've captured three cruiser class vessels.  Their crews were sent home.  Well, the people that surrendered, were safely deported to a League world.  I'll gift you each with a cruiser, filled with high end military League technology, if you're willing to staff them.  My crew will train your people how to operate those vessels.  How to repair and maintain their advanced systems. 

Kline's feline eyes flared, tufted ears focusing forward.  He seemed interested and agitated at the same time.  Such a gift would be highly desired by my people.  The offered education is a nice bonus, but we run the risk of being occupied by League and Fabrini forces.  If we're discovered to be supporting you in such a manner, there would be no mercy.  If they detect their own technologies residing on our developing planet, we will become a focus for punishment.  They will make us an example to the rest of the independent systems.  How can I justify that risk to my people?  You may be asking too much of us. 

Darya slowly nodded, focusing on him, as the other two diplomats settled their features, content to let Kline articulate how they felt.  Yes, there are risks.  In the beginning, we are most vulnerable.  By this time next month, all of us here could be dead.  Our planets occupied, or worse, bombed back into our respective stone ages.  You must understand, I didn't get this far by only taking risks.  She put both hands on the table, leaning towards the feline diplomat, looking directly into those wide slitted eyes.  You're not the only independent world out here.  Sign up, advance our shared cause, and the other independent worlds will notice.  They'll want in on our deal.  When that time arrives, I'll provide the same treaties that I'm offering to you.  When we have a dozen or more allies, we're no longer a lone operation.  The day will arrive when we won't fear the League of Free Worlds any longer.  We won't have to worry about the Fabrini Hive Empire.  They'll both be too afraid of us.  That's the ultimate goal.  Our growth will ensure our security, but we must start somewhere.  I say we start here, with you three.  Proud races, with unique technologies and the will to share those technologies between them. 

Darya straightened up to resume her soft pacing, spreading her hands in a wide gesture between all three.  Slinka's people excel at piloting, and are some of the best healers I've ever evaluated.  Rondo's planet is an industrial force to be reckoned with, a world so metallic in composition, constructing our own advanced ships won't be an issue, once the technology is in their hands.  And your people, Kline, know when to lay in wait, when to pounce and when to offer mercy.  An entire species of natural warriors.  With the knowledge I have right now, your own special forces would become the deadliest troops to ever travel among the stars.  I have a hard time seeing us fail. 

Slinka's hesitation vanished.  My people are in.  When we first met, your initial instinct was to help protect our nest world.  You openly shared valuable technology that we didn't have the means to purchase.  I believe you have what it takes to bring success. 

Darya's accepting nod was highly calculated.  Show too much appreciation, the others might reconsider.  Show too little, they wouldn't agree for sure.  She didn't want to sound too good to be true, nor did she want to appear like an amateur, unfit to direct major operations.  She also needed to boost their confidence, so she replied with, Thank you, Slinka.  A good, solid first step.  Rondo?  Kline?  Does Slinka's people stand alone?  Do the galactic bullies get to have a better chance at defeating our cause? 

Kline let out a low toned growl.  It wasn't a hostile sound, but one that suggested a pause for further thinking. 

Rondo made a pair of fists, his upper lip arching with disdain.  Your perception is correct, Darya.  We are a proud people.  We are also natural born law keepers.  Crime on our planet is nearly non-existent.  You might think I would turn you down over that, but it is not so.  I've always felt that current galactic laws are flawed, dangerously unreasonable.  It punishes the innocent, and for what?  He unclenched his fists, growing a touch calmer.  Such unjust laws are a thing born of tyranny.  That's more than enough for my people to accept my decision.  We are with you. 

Kline calmly regarded his claws, coming to his final decision at last.  I should tell you no.  No matter how much I think this will end badly, there is a chance that you will perform as promised.  My personal feelings aside, our people will participate. 

Darya's accepting smile grew wider.  Wise decision, all of you.  She touched her wrist communicator.  Ralph, all three have accepted.  Bring in their packages. 

The conference door slid open.  It was obvious by their reactions that this was the first time the diplomats have met a rocktoid being.  The large, boulder-like race was scattered all over the galaxy, but not concentrated in any given region.  Independent worlds were isolated by law, and rocktoids usually didn't travel as sight-seeing tourists. 

In Ralph's thick rock coated fingers was three even thicker folders.  With an agility those stony hands shouldn't possess, they placed the folders in a neat row before each diplomat. 

Ralph's thick stone covered lips grinned.  "I'm Darya's chief of security.  Treat these documents as classified materials.  Besides the passwords to your new cruisers and updates for your own computer systems, you'll find the outline to all of the other independent planets that are