The Galactic Seven: The Pirates of Mizar

By M H Wilson

The Galactic Seven are asked to investigate recent pirate attacks in the Mizarian system. They are assigned to escort a fleet of Alcorian cargo ships carrying a precious supply of magnorium–the major power source of the galaxy. The situation changes when the pirates attack and the Galactic Seven themselves are captured. They soon learn that the pirates have an ulterior motive for attacking the Alcorians; the Alcorians are not what they seem to be. That malevolent truth leads the Galactic Seven to join forces with the pirates. Deemed as traitors by the Coalition of Planets, the Galactic Seven must prove that the Alcorians are the real enemy and that the pirates were acting for the defense of the galaxy. That is if they can survive long enough to prove it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M H Wilson
• Release date: Dec 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310769252

M H Wilson

M H Wilson was born and grew up in Pikeville, Kentucky. He grew up loving science fiction books and television shows such as Star Trek, Land of the Lost and Lost In Space. He is married and works for the Kentucky Department of Highways.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Status report, Captain Kol Skule, commander of the Alcorian cargo ship, the Astryr, said as he entered the bridge. The crew snapped to attention as he came in and swaggered to the command chair. At ease.

He sat, leaned forward, clutched the arm rests. The empty expanse of space projected from the forward view screen looked safe enough, though the knot in his stomach was telling him something different.

A sharp voice cut through the blare of bridge noise and called out the ship’s position and status. Kol, having forgotten about his query, jerked his head toward the navigator. The pilot cleared his throat allowing the captain time to compose himself.

Very well, Kol replied, how much time?

We’ve fourteen minutes until the Heim coils are heated.

That’s fourteen minutes too long. Raise the shields 50 percent.

Aye, sir. Have you received a reply from the Coalition?

The Coalition had promised to send an armed escort as soon as they could, but Kol knew that could be days, or even weeks. They were on the outskirts of the Coalition’s sphere of influence and, even though it was in the Coalitions best interest, they would be slow about sending military escorts that far out.

Don’t worry, Kol spoke, they’ll send the escorts. The Coalition can’t live without magnorium.

We’re not the only suppliers of it.

Captain Kol chuckled. Only one out of every hundred planets has a measurable amount of magnorium–and only half of that is mineable. Alcor is the provider for the Coalition. Kol ordered the navigator to man his post. They’re not about to insult the Alcor Council.

The Navigator nodded and returned to his post.

A quick scan showed that there were no foreign objects within attack range, but none of the attacked ships saw anything, either. It was unclear if the attackers used some sort of silent running technic or if they had some type of stealth technology. Neither would explain fully how the attacks were carried out. Even using those devices, their crafts should have been at least seen.

Check with the other ships, the captain spoke, and see if they see anything. The navigator reported that he had already done so.

Very, well.

Should I request more bridge personnel? the Navigator asked.

Ten crew members are well over the bridge capacity, said Kol, and that is almost half of our entire crew.

The navigator nodded again and backed away. He was about to return to his station when a loud hiss sizzled from the radio.

What the . . ?

Within seconds it became deafening and incapacitated the bridge staff. Captain Kol rose to his feet and shouted to the navigator.

Full speed ahead.

An explosion came from the rear of the ship and the whole craft shuddered.

Full shields

Captain Kol, the engineer cried, we have serious damage to our main engines. We’ll be unable to make the jump.

Blast them to the next galaxy, the captain cried.

Sir, the first officer said as he dashed to his station, their first attack was a direct hit. At this close range we don’t stand a chance.

What do you suggest?

Just give them the cargo, the first officer returned. That’s all they want.

The Captain grabbed the first officer by his neck. We can’t give them the cargo. It’s worth a fortune. What do you think the Alcor Council would do to us?

They would probably understand if we explained.

"Explain? Kol wailed. Explain to the Alcor Council why we lost a ship load of magnorium? I don’t know which fate is worse."

Thump!

What was that?

Sir, the first officer replied, a ship has just landed on our hull.

Send troops to the upper deck.

Swoosh!

Sir, the engineer spoke, our hull has been breached. They’re coming in.

Kol shouted, Send a security force to the cargo bay--and I mean NOW! Captain Kol snatched his laser pistol from his holster and dashed from the bridge. He hurried down the corridor and hopped on the first shuttle-lift he came to. In minutes, he was on the upper deck. A mass of soldiers piled against the back wall at the ready.

Captain Kol made his way to the front of the troops and primed himself for the attack. He did not have to wait long. An explosion blasted away the far bulkhead. Through the freshly blown hole an ominous horde of troopers entered.

An inferno of firepower engulfed the entire deck. Captain Kol’s men did not fare well. The fight was over before most even knew it had started. As the smoked billowed above the wounded and dead, a shadowy figure emerged from the hole. He stood erect and pulled a long laser rifle from his jacket. He rubbed his hand over the barrel and made his way toward Captain Kol.

Kol dropped his weapon. He held both hands above his head in a sign of defeat. A small troop of creatures followed through the burnt hole. With a laser pistol aimed at him, the captain bowed to the deck.

Are you the commander of this vessel? the stranger asked.

Kol could only shake his head.

I am Vidar. I announce my victory over you and your ship.

"Vidar? Kol whispered. What do you want?"

Vidar chuckled. I’ve already got what I want: your ship.

And the magnorium?

Vidar lifted the frightened captain to his feet and dragged him down the corridor. I will keep what crew members I need to operate your ship; the rest will be put into the lifeboats and set adrift.

You can’t do that, Kol cried. We’re billions of miles away from any planet.

Don’t be so melodramatic, Vidar replied. I happen to know that each life boat of this ship has enough food to last for five years--and an emergency beacon to call for help. This is practically a luxury cruiser.

Kol said nothing, but rose to his feet. Vidar opened the lifeboat portal and pushed Kol in. The first officer and engineer were also tossed into the small pod.

You’ll regret this, Vidar, Kol spoke. Wait until the Alcor Council hears about this. They’ll…

Oh, I’m sure they’ll hear about this, Vidar replied. "They’re going to hear a great deal more from us. They will feel the sting of Ymir."

Kol’s eyes widened. So that’s what this is all about.

Vidar smiled. Ymir has been raped long enough. It’s time for their liberation. Kol rushed the door, but Vidar closed it before the captain could reach it. Kol screamed. Vidar laughed loudly. The vacuumed sealed door prevented both men from hearing each other’s cries.

The life-pod blasted from the chamber. Kol and his men were furious. Vidar headed to the bridge to plot his next attack. He sat in the Captain’s chair and cackled as loud as he could.

CHAPTER TWO

The canyon below was deep. Todd Spider Wills held his breath as he gripped the rope and turned his back to the ravine. He knew that with the low gravity descending the cliff would be effortless--and the chance of falling to his death was much less than falling off a canyon wall on earth. Yet, his heart pounded in his chest.

Oh, go ahead and jump, Stratton said as he positioned himself beside Spider. If you fall, it will take a whole nine minutes before you hit bottom. Spider did not dignify that with an answer. He did, however, give Stratton an odd glance.

The rest of the crew was as apprehensive as Spider. They eased their way to the edge and waited for someone to go first. No one did. Stratton pestered them as well. Finally, Stratton elected to go first and then only after the others had threatened to push him off without his rope or safety harness. He screamed as he leaped.

Whoa! Stratton fell about three hundred meters before his feet hit the face of the cliff. He bounced out again and yelled. Weeee!

I wish he would cut off his mic, Terrence said as he concentrated on his drop.

I don’t think that would matter, Tom replied. We could hear him through his space suit even if we were on Uranus.

I can hear you, guys, Stratton spoke. I’m going to kick your butts as soon as we get to the bottom.

Not if I beat you to it, Mike replied as he thrust his feet against the cliff. With a long plunge he caught up with Stratton. Stratton took the offensive. He thrust his feet as hard as he could on the rock face and fell three hundred more meters. Mike tried again, but was held up by an overhanging rock.

You call yourself a cragsman, huh? Stratton asked.

I knew we should’ve started from the bottom instead of the top, Mike replied. I could have beaten you easy, then.

I don’t want to hear any excuses, Stratton replied as he rappelled even further down the cliff. Mike kicked the cliff and loosened his grip. He still could not catch Stratton. Stratton was too swift. He said as much through his mic.

That’s right, Mike, Stratton cheered. I’m the greatest… Stratton’s line snapped. He cried out. Tom and Terrence instantly began plunging as fast as they could; they were not swift enough.

Mike called out through his radio, Stratton replied with a few choice words. Mike told him to hang on; Stratton wanted to know what to hang on to. Tom and Terrence continued plummeting.

Spider wondered about the gravity. Was Miranda’s gravity low enough to keep Stratton from being smashed on the rocks below? He was falling at a fast rate--and it was a long eight miles to the bottom.

Stratton remembered he had a hook-latch gun and fumbled with his utility belt until he found it. He loaded the hook into the gun and fired. The hook shot out toward the cliff and bounced off. He reloaded and fired again. It snagged a crevice, but only for a second.

Man, I’m a lousy shot. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He angled the gun toward the top of the cliff, said a prayer, and fired. The hook bounced across a rock and caught in a crack. All right!

His celebration was short lived. The line jerked and Stratton was catapulted upwards. Tom and Terrence instantly halted. He looked up and saw an overhang. Oooops. He held out his arms and lowered his head. He smacked the rock face and started back down.

This time he did not rise as fast and as far. When he finally settled, he was in a slump position. Tom was the first to him. Are you ok?

Stratton moaned, but did not move.

Tom checked his vitals. Come on Stratton, speak to me.

Whoa! he replied. He opened one eye and gazed at Tom. Now that was a ride. Terrence, Spider and Mike arrived and offered assistance.

Mike?

Yes, Stratton.

"I am not the greatest." Mike laughed and shook his head.

You’re great, Stratton, you’re great.

You’re lucky you didn’t crack your space helmet or rip your suit, Tom said. And I don’t want anyone trying any stunts like that.

There was no argument from anyone. Tom grabbed Stratton and continued down the cliff, at a slower pace of course. When they got to the bottom, they immediately radioed the ship. Jeff and Dexter had elected to stay on The Princess and play a good game of poker. Dexter was in debt badly and was more than overjoyed to hear Tom calling.

On our way, Dexter said.

I don’t want to alarm you, Tom replied, Stratton has had a little accident.

I’ll fire up the engines; I can be there in . . .

No hurry, Tom shot back, he’s ok. Just get here at normal speed. A few moments of rest will do Stratton some good.

Dexter chuckled. You’re saving me from a slow death anyway.

How much are you in the hole?

About that same as always.

I figured as much. Tom signed off and looked for a good place to rest. He wanted to get far enough away from the cliff if case there were any lose rocks falling. He and the crew strolled about a hundred meters and found a nice stretch of sandy ground.

They sat and began nursing Stratton back to health. Stratton was loving every moment of it and played it for all it was worth. But then he realized that Tom and the crew were patronizing him. Ok guys. The fun is over. Let’s do some exploring. He rose slowly, he still hurt from the impact, and began walking.

Tom thought he needed to rest some more, but said nothing. Stratton was Stratton and you could not convince him otherwise. Let’s see what else Miranda has to offer than dangerous cliffs.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Tom’s emergency beckon went off.

So much for our little vacation, Stratton spoke. Tom cut off the beckon and put in the frequency for Coalition Command. The reply came shortly.

Rand Zenka here.

Greetings to the grand master.

Hi, Tom. Sorry to disturb you, a situation has arisen.

That’s all right, Tom replied. I was getting sick of this place anyway.

You were never one to enjoy leave, Rand said. We need to fix that somehow.

There’s no fixing Tom, Stratton shot in. As for me, I know how to have a good time.

Tom just shook his head. "Well, I know how to have a good vacation without risking my life to do it." Stratton turned his head away and said something about the beautiful vista of Miranda’s mountains.

I’ll radio you as soon as we reach orbit, Tom said to Rand.

Oh, no need, Rand replied. Come directly to Space Station Alura. I will explain everything there.

We’ll do, Tom responded. He closed the communication link then signaled The Princess. Jeff and Dexter had the ship off the top of the cliff and down to the valley floor. Jeff settled The Princess between a large boulder and a rift. It was more a flaunt than lack of a landing area. Tom was not pleased.

Jeff shrugged his shoulders and depressurized the entry compartment. He pushed the button that extended the landing ramp and waited for the crew to enter.

So where have we been called to? he asked.

Space Station Alura, Tom said as he entered the cabin. He smacked Jeff on the back. What have I said about showing off?

"I was just trying to find a decent, safe place to land."

Tom looked around and saw nothing but flat sand except for the rock and the rift. I’m glad you have nothing but the safety of the crew in mind. Jeff thought it best to stay quiet and hurried to his post.

The rest of the crew found their places and Tom did a quick head count; he took his usual seat behind the console. He gave Terrence a nod and Terrence lifted The Princess a couple of meters. He toggled the nose of the ship westward and punched the throttle. The engines exploded and the ship roared skyward.

Everyone rubbed their necks and tried to recover from whiplash while Terrence giggled and checked his instruments. Mike scanned his readouts, but added that Terrence was a jackass. Terrence ignored him.

Sixty seconds till orbit, Terrence said over the din of the engines. Gravity down 70 percent. Spider checked the computer systems. Jeff checked the start time of the mission and recorded it into the auxiliary log.

Terrence punched the coordinates for Space Station Alura and let The Princess do the rest. She shot off into the blackness of space.

#

Approaching Space Station Alura, Terrence announced over the intercom. Estimated landing time, fifteen minutes.

Tom rose from his bed and fumbled for the intercom reply button. Terrence repeated the message. Tom still could not find the switch. Approaching Space Station Alura. Estimated time of . . .

I heard you, Tom mumbled and walked over to the mirror. He looked awful. He wanted to take a shower, but there was no time. He tossed some water in his face and gave his hair a couple of strokes with a comb.

He made his way to the bridge and sat down.

Coffee.

Dexter is making it right now, Spider said.

Have you made contact with the station?

Terrence was just getting ready to radio them now.

I’ll do it. Tom yawned deeply then clicked the communication switch. This is Tom Farrenger, Commander of The Galactic Seven. Requesting landing code.

A few seconds of radio static was followed by a friendly, but assertive voice. This is Alura flight control. Your landing code is SSA 457898. Welcome to Space Station Alura.

The pleasure is all ours, Tom replied. Terrence pressed the landing code into the flight computer and let the station do the rest. The Princess drifted toward the station while twisting in sync with its rotation. Terrence checked the reading to be sure that the magnetic tow was working properly. It was.

The station inched closer. There were thousands of ships flying about like little gnats around a light bulb. A large communication dish sat atop of the station with smaller ones positioned at lower levels.

A red warning blinked on