Solution Uprising : Prossia Book 3: Prossia : A Coming of Age Space Opera, #3

By Raphyel M. Jordan

"Where Were You When You Had To Live Up?"

General Vuro faces this dilemma as she watches the Prossia Revolution tear the galaxy apart. Once thought to be the only hope for the galaxy, belief in unity within diversity has now drawn the nations into spiraling civil wars.

Now, on the heels of change, a splinter group arises and challenges the Prossial forces. Vuro and her companions will have to rely on the strength of former enemies now called allies in hopes of triumphing over this new threat. But how far should she and Prossia push their resolve? Has the bloodshed been worth it? When will it ever be enough?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raphyel Jordan
• Release date: Oct 14, 2016
• ISBN: 9781519930859

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title Page

Solution Uprising

Prologue | Prossia Revolution: 2nd Year: Day 376 | Planet Gooliun | The Goolian Capital: 67 minutes after noon | Secondary Meeting Board

Chapter 1 | Prossia Revolution: 2nd Year: Day 378 | Planet Sauthianos | The City of Railok: 6 hours 37 minutes in the morning | City Square

Chapter 2

Chapter 3 | Prossia Revolution: 2nd Year: Day 392 | Optin Colony Bauthix | The City of Pamuya: 6 hours 37 minutes in the morning | Second Capital Hall

Chapter 4 | Prossia Revolution: 2nd Year: Day 408 | Goolian Territory: 8 hours in the morning—Universal Time | 116th Fleet: Prossia Carrier Warship Zandul | Docking Bay

Chapter 5 | Prossia Revolution: 2nd Year: Day 425 | Planet Gooliun | The Goolian Capital: 2 hours 14 minutes before noon | Eastern Wing

Chapter 6 | Prossia Revolution: 2nd Year: Day 425 | Main Hethroycken Territory: 1 hour before noon—Universal Time | Prossia Flagship Verai | Third Deck

Chapter 7 | Prossia Revolution: 2nd Year: Day 425 | Planet Gooliun | The Goolian Capital: 2 hours before noon | Eastern Wing

Chapter 8 | Prossia Revolution: 2nd Year: Day 425 | Planet Gooliun | The Goolian Capital: 8 hours 74 minutes in the evening | Eastern Wing

Chapter 9 | Prossia Revolution: 2nd Year: Day 436 | Planet Gooliun | The Kutenbriun Tribe: 4 hours 05 minutes in the morning | Field Lord’s Mansion

Chapter 10 | Prossia Revolution: 2nd Year: Day 439

Chapter 11 | Prossia Solution Uprising: Day 24 | Location: Planet Optues | The Capital City of Vel Marla: 8 hours 13 minutes in the morning | First Royal Palace: Royal Chambers

Chapter 12 | Prossia Solution Uprising: Day 35 | Hethroycken 14th Territory: 5 hours 27 minutes in the morning—Universal Time | Prossia Destroyer Zandul | Guest Chambers

Chapter 13 | Prossia Solution Uprising: Day 36 | Hethroycken Colony Illexus | Northern Defense Facility: 9 hours 58 minutes in the morning | Eastern Front

Chapter 14 | Prossia Solution Uprising: Day 38 | Orbit of Hethroycken Colony Illexus | Prossia War Vessel Penefu: 5 hours in the morning—Universal Time | Docking Stations

Chapter 15 | Prossia Solution Uprising: Day 59 | Optin Colony Lexa | City of Tek ‘Tek: 3 hours 02 minutes pass noon | Optin Official Safe House

Chapter 16 | Prossia Solution Uprising: Day 60 | Planet Sauthianos | City of Railok: 8 hours 12 minutes in the morning | Commanding Officers’ Barracks

Epilogue | Prossia Solution Uprising: Day 61 | Location: Unknown | Time: Unknown | Lord Vilua’s Chambers

Solution Uprising

Raphyel M. Jordan

Copyright © 2014 by Raphyel M. Jordan

Artwork Copyright © 2014 by Raphyel M. Jordan

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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names , characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was created in the United States of America.

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A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be. Rosalynn Carter

Prologue

Prossia Revolution: 2nd Year: Day 376

Planet Gooliun

The Goolian Capital: 67 minutes after noon

Secondary Meeting Board

Autumn leaves blew across the fields surrounding the Capital on Planet Gooliun, their vibrant oranges and reds foreshadowing the cooler temperatures. The nearby tribes were in the peak of their harvest period, gathering crops they had prepped for the winter. The following season would be harsh, but the locals were ready for it. The Goolian people had the luxury for such trivial issues as weather to be their only immediate concerns, whereas the other alien races stretched across the vast galaxy were in the middle of far more pressing issues.

A war was waging. People were caught in the crossfire of it every day, and after a sudden set of events three years ago, Planet Gooliun had gained a bit more attention than wanted—in the worst way. Its planetary watcher, Overseer Greagen, had conspired with some corrupt officials in two planetary governments, the Wethans and the Hethroycken, intent on silencing a band of his own citizens due to the fear among the rest of the Goolians regarding the revelation of that group’s wild capabilities. Former Wethan Governor Vilua offered the proposal, Greagen offered the personnel to neutralize the citizens, and the Hethroycken provided the tech and secret training grounds.

When the truth was discovered, the backlash was quick. After a display of executions—presented on the Wethan capital moon of Noufa—support for the Hethroycken nation crumbled, crippling their finances. Likewise, the Galactic Order’s Eastern Allied Forces, which Gooliun was a part of, kept their distance as best they could—beyond their need for the nation’s exemplary infantry.

Greagen did everything he could to better relations with the rest of the galaxy, even opening up small discussions with the sudden galactic power that spawned the Revolution—altering the perspective of the war, Prossia. Over the past three years, the small faction, mainly filled with young Allied defectors, had become a force to be reckoned with, toppling forms of government in their wake and directing the course of the war to unexpected regions of space.

The fighting there now seemed to be coming to an end, with the Sauthian government losing support, soldiers, and funding by the day. The final blow, however, came with the sudden depletion of materials they needed for their vessels and weaponry. No one knew what had become of the much-needed resources, but their fate was sealed with the absence, earning the mighty Prossial forces another vital win.

Now was the time for Greagen to be diplomatic with this galactic power, much to his disgust. The Prossia force, which kept ranting about this silly notion of unity within diversity, seemed to contradict itself, and he wasn’t the only one who felt this way. The Sauthian Civil War might have come to an end, but feelings regarding Prossia were still split down the middle, perhaps even less. How a faction bent on peace used the instrument of war was beyond the Goolian leader, but no one seemed to be in the position to question it anymore, given the faction had full governmental support from nations like Ioweth, Ufre, Requely, Cyiaus, and even tiny Argutas. And now it seemed Sauthianos was about to throw its share into the mix. All that remained of the Galactic Order’s forces came from Optues, Hethroycken, and Gooliun—not the most powerful nations. They were losing this war, and Greagen didn’t see the course being altered anytime soon, especially since his one ally, Vilua, had vanished without a trace. The only thing he could do now was see what Prossia’s intentions were, given they had sealed another key victory on Sauthianos.

The Goolian reached out to the most powerful Prossial leaders, Empress Uufru of Ufre, Governor Negfra of Ioweth, and General Phojero of Cyiaus. They were pressed for time, so they had another representative do the talking for them: President Chanzir of Requely, the youngest of all the Prossial governmental leaders—being only eighty-five. Even by their standards, he was considered a boy by many. He became of Mature Age—old enough to reproduce—only thirty years ago. The fact that Greagen had to converse with a lad was beyond insulting. Regardless, he would play Prossia’s game.

Chanzir and Greagen were coming up on the third hour of discussions, with the Goolian still hoping for information he felt was vital for the possibility of positive relations with the Prossial Faction.

After taking a sip of water, the green-skinned Goolian watched the Requin’s holographic projection stand up and walk away from him. Chanzir reached for a drink, clasping his three-digit hand around a cup filled with water and raising it to the pink lips that faded into the rest of his deep blue skin.

You have no authority here, Greagen. You and the rest of the Order can gripe about it all you want. The decision’s been made. We’ll be dispatching more troops to Sauthianos by the end of the week. All you need to know is this is being done for security purposes, and nothing more.

Yes. I could’ve gotten that message by watching the news, Master President. Your stubbornness is as admirable as it is foolish. Greagen stroked the long gray tentacles groomed on his chin. I won’t be able to assist you if you do not hear me out.

Funny—to think we are in need of Gooliun’s assistance. Maybe you should worry about yourself, don’t you think? The last time I checked, the Order had imposed sanctions on both you and the Hethroycken nation for aiding Former Governor Vilua three years ago.

The Goolian people have thrived without the ‘aid’ of other worlds for quite some time, Master President. I think we’ll do just fine if the rest of the galactic world gives us the cold heel. You, on the other hand? I’m not so certain. Greagen approached the hologram as if Chanzir was in the room with him. When you once served the Allies, were you not included in the party begging us ‘barbaric savages’ for assistance when the Cyogen did as they pleased to the lot of you ‘more civilized’ people?

Chanzir grabbed a fruit and chomped on it, wiping his mouth as the juice ran down his lips. I remember that day quite well, Master. And the Requin people will forever be grateful.

Of course. And where are the said Cyogen now?

Chanzir refrained from biting into the fruit again. They’re gone, no thanks to you. Hence, I now offer Prossia my military support. They brought peace to my people and are trying to do the same for the Sauthians.

Greagen shook his head. What they brought you and the rest of the galaxy is a momentary breather of false hope. The Sauthian Civil War is the reality of things. You’re all still trying to ‘restore’ peace amongst us through the method we have always gained it: by killing each other until there’s no one left—Truth’s Grace have Mercy.

Chanzir sliced a slightly cooked slab of meat placed on his table with a claw, chewing it in front of the disgruntled Goolian. He could’ve waited until they were finished.

Greagen went to the balcony outside his office with the orb emitting Chanzir’s hologram hovering behind him. Outside were guards posted on the walls, chatting.

What are you looking at? the Requin asked.

Just admiring the scenery. It’s autumn over here.

I hear the trees are quite lovely there around this time of the year, as they are on Argutas. Speaking of which, have you spoken to Governor Rashule lately? I understand the two of you were close, given he and Empress Uufru were the first to reach out to you for aid when the Cyogen had their eyes on Argutas.

Greagen shook his head. I’m afraid the chain of events has left our friendship a bit bruised. We haven’t spoken since his people offered Prossia their support.

I’m sorry to hear that. Chanzir’s hologram stood beside him. But take a good look at what you see, Master. Most of us don’t have that luxury. Rashule most certainly didn’t a few years ago, but Prossia changed that for him. Had he looked outside his balcony three years ago, he would’ve seen rubble as far as his eyes would let him. Torn down buildings. Crying children running amuck. Bodies littered everywhere. But I bet he can now look out on his balcony and admire the scenery, just like you.

Greagen couldn’t argue with that. As questionable as Prossia’s methods were, they most certainly garnered results. The Cyogen campaign on Argutas was about to come upon a full year when the miracle happened. A band of idealistic children opened the eyes of the galaxy to the truth behind the war and demanded the fighting based on a lie be put to an immediate end. Then they oversaw a truce between Rashule’s people and the nation bent on bringing an end to the Galactic Order. A miracle.

I understand people were desperate, Greagen said, and Prossia offered them something in short supply: hope. However, you’re just as desperate again. You simply don’t realize it yet. Sending more forces into regions of space that have submitted to your will is evidence of that. You’re not liberating the Sauthians. You’re occupying them.

Chanzir shrugged as Greagen returned to his room. Different circumstances for different situations. Nobody’s perfect. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss, Greagen? I’m late for lunch.

What are you eating now?

It’s just a snack.

Greagen’s eyes narrowed. Truly, of course it be.

The president waved a finger. Now, now. Let’s keep the talk Universal until my food arrives. A knock at the door turned the master around. Speaking of which...

Greagen growled. This isn’t over, Chanzir.

If you enjoy watching others dine, then be my guest. Otherwise, we’re done here. I’ll be sure to send the others your regards. The Requin opened the door.

One of his guards appeared before him, his body being close enough to reach the orb’s projection perimeter. For the Solution.

Chanzir greeted the master with a smile as he placed a hand on his left hip. Pardon?

The guard raised his armed blaster, and fired a beam into the Requin’s head. Greagen stumbled back and lost his footing as he watched the Requin president fall back like a tree.

Truth’s Grace!

The guard returned his weapon to its magnetic holster, strolled over to the orb emitting the hologram, and shut it off.

Four Goolian knights hurried into Greagen’s room seconds later, their movements swift, precise, and frantic. Closing the door. Sealing it. Checking the room. Greagen wondered how they could’ve received the news so quickly, given he was the only one to have seen what just happened. One of the knights grabbed the master and brought him to his feet.

My lord, we must make haste. Trouble has fallen upon us.

Truly, it has, yet how have you lot learned of Chanzir’s fate so quickly, Master Jafin?

Sir? the knight asked.

Greagen pulled his arm away. Do not play coy with me, lest I suspect you of being part of the president’s death.

The knights paused, eying one another. This must be a far greater orchestration than we feared. Make haste. We best secure him in the bunker now.

Two up front. Two in the back. Greagen was shoved outside the room and down the hallway filled with more Goolian warriors. They all seemed distressed.

By Truth’s Grace, shall someone explain what has happened?

Goolian fire crackled ahead and the soldiers made the overseer move even quicker.

Pache, Jafin swore. They have gotten this close already?

Enough! Who do you speak of?

The Capital has been breached, Honor. Brethren armed in black have infiltrated our walls. By what means, we know not.

Goolians in black armor—capable of getting through the tightest defense on the planet. There was only one explanation.

They be Prossial forces, yes?

Worse. I fear they might be some of the commandos engineered on Hethroycken.

Greagen would’ve stopped had the knights not urged him on. Where be my children?

Greagen the Younger and the Youngest are securing the eastern wing as we speak.

Have them join us in the bunker instead.

Yet, sir, they are of the guard, as well—

Do as I say!

Jafin straightened his face. We shall try, my lord.

The five came to an intersection and paused when five pairs of footsteps hurried toward them from the left. Every Goolian peered through the walls via their infrared vision, ready to fight if need be.

The main knight lowered his charged palm. Nay, it be the others.

Queen Huia came around the corner in the company of soldiers surrounding her. Locking eyes with his mate, Greagen reached out for her as she rushed into his arms.

The overseer cupped her face as he examined her. You are well, yes?

I am, yet what of the boys?

Greagen pointed at the main knight as the soldiers made them hurry. They shall join us soon enough. Be of peace. All shall be well.

The group reached one of the courtyards in the Capital; it led to a hall Greagen sealed off years ago while greeting the first batch of Goolians being drafted. In the center was a small garden with a single tree, quite young, but large enough to reach the top third floor. The moonlight seemed to make its few leaves glow. Bugs chirped outside the walls as the wildlife of the evening prepared for sleep. Greagen didn’t like how peaceful it was. A dark omen.

Jafin had four of the other seven soldiers check the opening, knowing this was a perfect location for an ambush. It was clear. Despite the fact, however, Huia didn’t budge when Greagen and the others motioned them to move.

Can we not wait on our lads?

Greagen looked over the mastra and down the hall, praying a hint to their children’s presence would reveal itself. Jafin gently shoved them ahead.

Apologies, Honor, yet we best be quick.

Greagen grabbed his mate’s hand, knowing she wouldn’t move. How many do there be?

We counted three.

Three? Huia said. Yet I noted twelve bodies of our own upon approach here. And their murderers appeared so young!

You saw them, then, yes? Greagen asked.

I did, and I pray I shall never gaze upon their persons again.

Before they moved across the courtyard, ten more guards hurried ahead of them. They all leapt to the second floor and readied themselves in front of one of the corridors.

We have managed to separate them, one of the Goolians said. We gave one chase down to this end.

Jafin had the overseer and queen halt until the situation was cleared. No one moved. Greagen held his breath as every second turned heavier than the prior one. A minute felt like an hour while they waited. He wanted so terribly to ask the main knight if they could go on ahead to the bunker, but he feared desecrating the silence would lead to their oblivion.

So the silence stretched on. Huia gripped his forearm and rested her cheek against his shoulder. Greagen patted her hand assuredly, hoping she couldn’t tell how afraid he was for his offspring and their own lives.

Jafin motioned for the couple to hug the wall on their left. He pointed across from them to a corridor that led to the bunker. So, they were going to make a break for it. Greagen nodded. Huia did the same. The main knight counted down with his fingers. Three. Two. One. He never reached zero.

What monstrosities do these be? Greagen heard the Goolians on the second floor cry out. Kill them! Fire!

A sudden burst of light blinded Greagen as he tried to see what the commotion was. His ears rang as all sound muffled out. A flashbang, he remembered the device was called.

I can’t see! Huia’s muffled voice cried.

Someone started pushing him forward as heat from Goolian fire brushed by. He couldn’t tell if the shots were from friend or foe.

Huia, run! Greagen grabbed the thinnest wrist he could feel and ran.

The Goolian fire now sounded like high-pitched screeches zipping around them. He and Huia tumbled over something, their vision still blurred. It felt like a body.

Huia was already on her feet as Greagen tried getting to his. They hid behind a column to collect themselves, though it was hard to do as chucks of stone chipped away with every nearby beam. The shots were precise and consistent. Whoever was shooting at them knew he and his mate were hiding behind the column, and they didn’t approve. Truth’s Grace, he couldn’t believe it. The people really wanted them dead.

Covering! one of the knights hollered. Shield the overseer!

Two friendlies skidded in front of the couple and extended their arms, forming barriers from their inner being.

Move! Quickly!

Now with their vision returned, Greagen and Huia hurried to the center of the courtyard, out in the open. Like magnets, all being fire from above seemed to draw itself to the two shields surrounding them. The barriers went from solid yellows to faded oranges quicker than expected. A knight yelped when a beam grazed his ankle.

They cannot hold on their own, Huia said, raising her palms.

Before Greagen could stop her, the mastra formed a bright blue barrier around them, nearly blinding him again. Reckless, but the shield seemed to take more of the barrage.

Figuring they’d have to do their part as well, the overseer charged his hand and shot a single beam toward the enemy fire. He heard the commando scatter and dive as the single beam exploded, knocking half the wall away with it.

That shall buy us some time from that area, yes? Now, come!

The four raced to the corridor leading to the bunker again. Almost there. Greagen’s spine, however, tingled the instant he was about to tell Huia to hurry in.

He saw a lone figure land behind them—its back facing theirs—as if appearing from the shadows and toying with them. Greagen didn’t flee, prepared to meet the would-be assassin eye to eye. The figure stood up and turned around, greeting him with fiery orange tentacles and vicious yellow eyes. The overseer remembered her. She was one of the first to volunteer for the special ops program. Cattalice the Younger.

The knights fired upon her, but she slid between them, tripping them with both hands.

She flipped herself up, landing on two feet. Stand down.

The downed Goolians aimed. Catty fired a beam quicker than the one could on the left, striking him dead in the chest. She grabbed the wrist of the one on her right—being near half her size—and squeezed. The knight’s gasp went up two octaves as the crackling of bone in his wrist erupted. He tried making the mastra let go with his free hand, only to have Catty grab his left wrist and snap it. The knight screamed as the commando looked over her shoulders, staring dead at the overseer.

Huia was about to fire, but Greagen grabbed his mate again and bolted into the corridor and down the stairs. They faced a highly trained killer now. Even they weren’t a match for such a thing.

The firefight continued around them, as did the screams from the remaining knights. Greagen reached a dead end with a wall made of nine large bricks blocking the path. He and his mate frantically pressed the combination to the wall as they charged their hands together and pressed the final one in the middle. The wall creaked as it opened, detecting their signatures.

Huia spun around, both ears twitching. Someone approaches. She took a knee and charged her right hand. You best identify yourself as friend or foe, lest your end be quick.

Jafin grabbed the wall as he came around the corner, holding his side. Huia and Greagen hurried to him and helped him in, despite his insistence that he remain outside and guard the door for them. Once inside the room, the wall closed behind them. Huia helped sit the knight down as she checked his wound.

He moved her hand away. It be not severe. Fret not.

Do not speak such ruckus, the mastra insisted. I beg, let me see.

Greagen examined the walls. There be no point in debating, Master. She has made up her mind already. Greagen tapped a brick on the wall. Odd. These seem to have been moved and replaced recently.

I fear this one speaks truly, my lord, a voice from the other side said.

The bricks blew apart, shattering against the opposite wall as Greagen covered his mate. Catty dove in and hopped back to her feet in an instant. She now stood between the couple and Jafin.

Huia dropped to her knees as she covered her mouth. Truth’s Grace. Impossible, lest the other bricks had already been weakened prior to this.

The queen paused and watched Jafin arise. Catty didn’t seem concerned about the knight, and Greagen understood why when Jafin approached the Young One and patted her on the back.

A job well done, my lord, the knight said to Catty.

Huia crept back. You refer to her as your lord? I understand not.

Greagen was about to fire, but Catty pinned him down before he even realized he had already lost.

Do not struggle, Honor.

Indeed, Jafin said. For you lot have brought this about yourselves. Truly, did this one believe we would turn blind eyes to the one leading our people into a false war, and continue to fund the such with our very lives? This be the justice we have waited for.

Tears ran down Greagen’s face as the knight raised his charged hand, aiming at his head.

Nay! Huia dove in front of the overseer.

Greagen tried to force his beautiful mate away, knowing a well-powered shot would go through them both.

For the Solution, Jafin said.

And for Gooliun, Catty added. Honor, I beg, forgive me.

Catty charged her hand, and fired two rounds into Jafin’s chest, killing him.

* * *

The young mastra dropped to her knees the moment the knight fell. Huia readied her hand to strike Catty down, but Greagen lowered it.

Just a moment, love. It seems there be more at play, thus we best hear if she has anything worth saying.

Greagen’s mate obliged as she backed away. You heard him, Little One. Thus, you best be quick if you have words for us.

Indeed I do. Catty remained on her knees, her face still lowered. My gravest apologies for the misgivings, yet I fear this was the best means I had in ensuring your security. Despite my armor, I beg that you believe I am a most devoted citizen to my tribe and to you, Honorable Overseer.

We shall see.

More guards hurried down the corridor and into the room, aiming their charged palms at the remaining commando.

Greagen waved a hand. Steady yourselves, the lot of you. We have this in our control, very good? Check the rest of the Capital and bring forth my sons, wherever they be.

While hesitant, the soldiers did as instructed.

My lord, what shall we do with the ones subdued in the courthouse? one of the soldiers asked.

You are quite welcome in that regard, by the way, Catty said.

Greagen tightened his lip as the mastra smirked, nonchalant. Take them in for questioning, of course.

The armed Goolians backed out of the room and left the three to themselves.

Greagen had Catty arise. Explain yourself.

My lord, my name is Cattalice the Younger of the—

We know who you are, girl, Huia said. One does not forget a soul who be so quick to enlist herself into such a squad...let alone one so willing to kill a friend.

Greagen eased his mate away. Dearest, I beg...

This be foolishness, Greagen. This one has shown her true colors beyond evidence. I warned you prior, yes? You were so adamant about making examples of those six poor children, you did not care who would be willing to end them. Huia pointed at Catty. She be beyond the quickest to volunteer to kill one from her own tribe, and now she did not hesitate to kill another she clearly worked alongside.

Nay! Catty bowed. If I may, my lord, I am not a mere blaster. My mind be my own.

And I assume this stunt in ending Jafin was to convince us of such, yes?

What? Nay. Catty glanced at the dead Goolian lying beside her. I was not familiar with that one. Yet the other commandos—they have fought alongside me for the past three years. Thus is why I merely subdued them in the courtyard and nothing more.

You mean you left them alive, Greagen said, confirming.

Huia laughed. This one would have us think she bested three highly trained commandos that our own special guard could barely handle.

One should never underestimate the element of surprise, ma’am. Beyond this—and I do not say this for a mere brag—I be well-skilled at what I do.

Huia circled the Young One once, then stared her down. Catty eyed the floor again.

Nay, I still trust her not. One so quick to betray comrades, let alone friends, be of low character. Their words be as valuable as ill-soiled dirt.

I did not join the commandos to betray Alytchai! Catty insisted. I joined to protect her from you! The mastra folded her lips together as if she had just broken a secret pact.

The overseer waited for Catty to say more, but it was evident she wanted to play ignorant.

Greagen lifted the Young One’s chin up with a finger. "I just witnessed the death of the Requin president before