Shoulder of the Giant

By Jeannie Meekins

Commander John Madison intercepts a message about the fate of a nearby star and notifies his superiors. They dispute his findings and are unwilling to do anything without a formal request from the worlds involved.
Unable to sit back and do nothing, John gathers his friends, borrows a ship and sets off to help. He has no real plan in mind, figuring that those who asked for his help have the answers.
The worlds are in the throes of civil war. The legitimate ruler ousted and a military dictatorship in control. John’s contact is the rebel leader; a man whose choices for his people seem to be all out war or cosmic destruction.
With a tentative solution at hand and the military on his back, John sets in motion a series of events that will change the course of the galaxy forever – and from which none of them will escape unscathed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Storm Cloud Publishing
• Release date: Jan 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781925285215

Jeannie Meekins

Jeannie Meekins is an Australian writer who lives with her children and a couple of cats who think they own the computer. And if her dog could read, he’d be jealous, so it’s lucky that he can’t. Jeannie has also written over 10 books for children, many available through LearningIsland.com

Book preview

Shoulder of the Giant

Jeannie Meekins

Text copyright (c) Jeannie Meekins (2016)

Published by Storm Cloud Publishing (2017)

https://www.facebook.com/StormCloudPublishing/?fref=ts

ISBN: 978-1-925285-21-5 (Smashwords Edition)

This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of study, research, criticism, review or as otherwise permitted under the Copyright Act Australia 1968 and subsequent amendments, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Enquiries should be made through the publisher.

Science fiction – space opera, action adventure

Contents

Chapter one

Chapter two

Chapter three

Chapter four

Chapter five

Chapter six

Chapter seven

Chapter eight

Chapter nine

Chapter ten

Chapter eleven

Chapter twelve

Author biography

Chapter one

The darkness of the night was rapidly disappearing as the eastern sky brightened. It would be a warm, clear day. A kookaburra called through the trees. Another echoed, then a third, repeating their message of the arrival of day.

Oblivious to all but the passing of time, John Madison sat at the desk. His fingers raced over the keyboard, then hesitated as he waited for a reply. His eyes were focused on the screen in front of him. Unlike the kookaburra, his own message was repeated in vain.

The brightening dawn reached through the window beside him until the light globe above his head made no difference. The first rays of sun touched the far wall and spread down it. The screen caught in glare, he tilted it towards him and tapped at the keys again.

John!

John was unaware of the voice calling his name. A firm hand on his shoulder made him jump. He lost concentration and spun around in his chair to face his companion. The half risen sun hit him in the face and he squinted, lifting a hand to shade his eyes.

It’s too late. The sun’s coming up.

Just a few more…

Lucas shook his head. You can’t read what’s left of the signal you’re getting, and they’re not replying.

John knew he was right, but hated the thought of giving up. He turned back to the desk, leaning on his elbows, his face in his hands and he sighed deeply. He ran his hands over his head, fingers sliding through short, fair hair and interlocking at the back of his neck, elbows pointing outwards. He leaned back in his chair and stretched.

From beneath long lashes, his brown eyes looked up to Lucas. Being seated didn’t put him at a disadvantage. Standing a few inches short of six foot, he had to look up at most men. His gaze rested on Lucas, who seemed deep in thought.

Well?

This time it was Lucas who didn’t hear.

John’s eyes drifted to the movement in the doorway. A tall, dark haired man entered, carrying three steaming mugs. John gratefully accepted one, took a long slurp and sighed.

Thanks, Mark.

Mark handed a second mug to Lucas and took a sip from his own, nodding towards the screen. Anything?

Not for the last few hours, John answered.

Well? Lucas repeated, taking a sip and looking at John over the rim of his mug. I could ask you the same thing.

Lucas’s statement gave John an opening, and he waited for his response.

That star is going to collapse into a black hole and take its whole solar system with it. And our government is just going to sit back and let it happen. John faced Lucas and his anger increased as he continued speaking. Three populated planets and no one willing to help. Someone should do something!

‘Should’ means someone else’s responsibility. You can’t make someone do what they don’t want.

What am I supposed to do?

You will do whatever you have to.

John thought back to his meeting with Fleet Command the previous day. He had made his presentation confidently, his evidence convincing, his audience attentive. Or so he had thought. Until the statement by Admiral Powers floored him:

Thank you for your concern, but our best scientists have been looking into this matter for quite a while now. The star will supernova taking the two inner planets. The inhabited planets are quite safe.

With that he had been dismissed, almost in a state of shock. The meeting had broken up. His commanding officer, Captain Barrett, had caught up with him in the corridor. I’m sorry, John.

For what? Taking their side? John’s frustration was evident, but he’d managed to keep his voice low. I’m not wrong, sir. It’s going to happen. Why won’t they help?

Officially, we haven’t been asked for help.

I have.

You accidentally picked up an illegal transmission. It can’t be verified. Their own government even denies it.

That technicality was irrelevant to John.

And what about when our sun goes? John persisted. Who’s going to help us? He had left the question unanswered and walked off.

His thoughts returned to the present. I have to go. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t try.

Lucas smiled to himself. He had never doubted John’s response.

Will you come? You’ve got the connections.

I have some in the area, but not on that world. And you realise they’re not talking either. Take Mark.

What? Two voices sounded in unison.

You will need him, Lucas told him.

It was useless to argue with Lucas. John had never won an argument with the man and now wasn’t going to be the first. So it was settled.

John’s mind was already racing ahead. They would need to borrow a ship. He would have to find out what was available. And a crew? No problems there. He knew who to ask – who could keep their mouth shut.

Lucas spoke quietly to Mark, making sure John didn’t hear, though John was so deep in his own thoughts that he wouldn’t have heard a bomb exploding. Be careful, son. Something’s not right.

I’ll keep my eye on him.

* * *

Later that day, John and Mark arrived at the Kuiper space station. The trip from Earth had been slow, and uneventful. Mark could sleep anywhere. He had a wonderful self control that John envied. John had tried to rest but his mind was too active.

There were a couple of other uniforms on the trip. John politely acknowledged them from a distance. He had no intention of getting caught up in any form of discussion with any of them in the long queues through Customs. He held back, seeing which queue they joined and deliberately chose a different one.

Once clear, they hit the chaos of general population. Bodies bumped and bustled, chatted and mingled, and darted and weaved about on their way to a myriad of destinations.

John caught Mark’s eye and inclined his head to one side. Mark made the barest of nods and followed. He dropped his hand to grab a handful of jacket at chest level and tugged it down. John’s jacket was at least one size too small, but they’d figured it was the only way to get him away from general population and access to the Fleet Command section of the station.

They ignored the warning signs telling the general public to keep away and John swiped his ID card at the security door.

They entered a lift and dumped their bags on the floor. John pressed the button to go up, hoping the doors would close before anyone else decided to enter. Mark fidgeted with his collar, running his index finger around the inside of it.

I don’t know how you can stand to wear these uniforms, he muttered.

Stop complaining. It looks good on you.

Mark glared.

Mark stood taller than John. His hair was long enough that it just sat inside his collar – he’d been meaning to get it cut for the past week. He had a good twenty kilograms on John, which meant he didn’t have the same freedom of movement in the jacket. It was partially that and partially his dislike of anything militant that made him so uncomfortable. For now, he had to suffer.

The doors of the lift opened. Amongst the variety of uniforms moving about the foyer, John saw Captain Barrett heading towards him. His eyes widened and he stepped out quickly, cutting across in front of Mark and pushing him back with one arm.

Trouble, he mumbled.

Mark’s response was instant as he ducked against the side wall and pushed the button to close the doors. He would get out at the next floor, make his way down the stairs and catch up with John.

John, how are you? Barrett smiled as he approached.

Fine, thank you, sir. The doors closed with Mark safely inside and John refrained from breathing a sigh of relief.

I’d have thought you would be enjoying your shore leave.

A slight dipping of Barrett’s brow and John read the comment more like an order.

Have you heard what ship you’re on yet? Barrett continued lightly, reaching past John to press the lift button. I would have liked you to stay on mine. You know how I detest breaking in new staff. Still a promotion’s a promotion.

Yes, sir, and no. I’ve got another week or so before I find out.

Then relax. Patience was never one of your great virtues.

John began to feel uncomfortable. He wanted to get away from the captain without causing suspicion.

Off the record… The captain’s voice lowered, piquing John’s curiosity. I think Powers was wrong to dismiss you like that yesterday. The data looked good or I would never have organised the meeting for you. It has to be worth checking out.

Thank you, sir. John appreciated the captain’s support.

I wish I could help you.

The lift doors opened again. John couldn’t help glancing in to make sure Mark wasn’t there. Barrett cleared his throat and stepped in, turning to face outwards. A couple of uniforms brushed past John in their hurry to enter the lift before it closed. Barrett leaned forward and held the ‘door open’ button.

Thank you, sir, one acknowledged.

Barrett nodded and released the button. The doors closed.

John sighed and sagged heavily against the wall. That was close; he’d hoped not to run into anyone he knew.

The bustling foyer caught his attention. He quickly pushed off the wall and straightened up, then walked past the lifts to the stairway door. A quick glance up and down the corridor to check that it was clear, and he opened the door. Mark came out, one bag slung over his shoulder and the other by his side.

He doesn’t suspect anything?

No, but he knows me better than anyone here.

Mark eased the bag from his shoulder and shoved it at John.

Thanks. John took it and slung it over his own shoulder.

They continued down the corridor and away from the foyer. The din faded. They passed a couple of uniforms heading the opposite way. John didn’t recognise any of the faces, and they ignored each other with the same candour of passing someone in the street.

They soon reached the room they wanted. Guilt made John glance up and down the corridor before opening the door.

They entered and the door closed behind them.

Two men were seated at the table in the centre of the room. One leant back in his chair with his feet crossed on the table, his attention taken up by the metal disk he was working on. Only his eyes moved to watch John and Mark as they entered. The other man stood up, towering over John. His blonde hair and blue eyes had charmed many people, but his smile was genuine. He offered his hand to John.

Thank you for coming. John let his bag fall and shook the blonde man’s hand with both of his. You know Mark?

We’ve met.

Good to see you, Sean, Mark acknowledged Sean’s words.

The seated man rose to greet them, and leaned over the table, offering his hand. Anthony Delaney. Good to meet you.

Likewise. Mark lowered his bag to the floor and shook the outstretched hand.

John sat down and the others followed.

So what’s up? Sean asked. Why the secrecy?

John undid his jacket halfway and pulled out some papers, putting them down in front of Sean. Anthony slid his chair around so he could see properly.

Take a look at these and tell me what you think, John told them.

Anthony’s hands were still as he glanced over the papers. He instantly recognised the equations. Mega boom.

Sean took longer. He was silent as he took the information in fully. Looking deeper into the facts, he realised the consequences.

No, he corrected. Mega black hole. He lifted his gaze to John, a worrying look on his face. Where is this?

Betelgeuse.

Sean’s face screwed up a little as he shook his head. I’ve seen the figures on that. But this… He frowned as he studied the information. I haven’t seen this much detail. Where did you get this?

Never mind that. Is it correct? John asked.

The calculations look right, so as far as I can tell, yes. You should go to Fleet Command.

Been there, John interrupted.

And?

They don’t want to know about it.

Bad mistake, Anthony chipped in.

Well… what are we supposed to do then? Sean knew this was a we situation. John wouldn’t have asked to see them otherwise.

Whatever we can. John gauged their responses. I’m asking for volunteers.

All right! Anthony’s exuberance broke the seriousness of the meeting. His whole face lit up. Count me in!

John eyed Sean cautiously. He was generally the more practical of them. It’s your choice.

You’re thinking something stupid, I can see that. Sean glanced quickly at the papers in front of him. What’s your timeframe?

John shrugged. Don’t know.

I got plenty of leave, Anthony told them.

I haven’t. Sean hesitated then looked at John and grinned widely. This has got to be the worst decision I’ve ever made, but I’m in.

John was pleased; he’d hoped for as much. They high fived. Anthony wasn’t going to be left out, though it meant getting out of his chair to do so.

I can put in an application for extended leave, Sean said. If it gets extended, sweet. If not... he glanced at John and Mark’s bags, guess we’ll already be gone.

So you have everything organised? Anthony asked as he sat down again. His feet automatically found the tabletop, his eyes and hands back at work.

Not exactly.

There are three inhabited planets, Mark took over the details. Three, five and six. There’s a feudal system ruled from the third planet. However their leader disappeared nearly thirty years ago and a dictatorship took over. We have a contact. He has been supplying us with the data you’ve got and asked us for help. Because it’s not an official request to our government, they refuse to acknowledge it.

The Betelian government also denies the request, John added.

In other words, we’re on our own. Sean voiced what they all knew. So, why are we even bothering?

That, John tapped the papers on the table, is why we’re bothering.

Have you got a ship? Anthony asked.

We have some to choose from. John avoided a direct answer.

Then I’ll pack my bag and meet you in the observation lounge in a half hour. Anthony stood up and left the room.

John admired him greatly. Anthony was the one who had never fully grown up. There was a lot of boyishness in his manner. He was average height and had the soft, brown hair that usually only belonged to a child. Bright, hazel eyes lit up a face that seemed to take very little seriously, and his vocabulary left a lot to be desired. He was serious when it counted, but since when did work mean one had to stop having fun?

As an engineer, he was brilliant. There was no machine he could not fix, or build, if it came to that, as long as he had the materials. Like a doctor, he carried his own little black bag of tools. Many were made to his own specifications and he was never without them. His only annoying habit was that he was constantly fiddling with something. But his hands never distracted his mind from the situation. He could rewire a communication device and discuss something completely different at the same time.

Sean, on the other hand, was more of a realist. He liked things to be clear cut and straightforward. His skills were varied, covering the general field of science. But it was his reliability and loyalty that made him invaluable. Being tall, of a solid build and handy in a fight was also an advantage.

* * *

An hour later, three men stood at the observation lounge window. From there, they could see out over the entire docking area. The terminal spread out beneath them, reaching a quarter of the way to the space doors. Five arms branched off the main walkway. Three had massive ships docked at them, standing silent and waiting. Security patrols prowled the bay; slung rifles at the ready.

The bay itself was quiet; the observation lounge deserted. John knew that would change shortly.

Anthony joined them, dropping his bag at his feet.

Thought you said half an hour, John said.

Anthony ignored him. What have we got?

John inclined his head towards the bay. A couple of class one cruisers and a carrier.

Anthony smiled. I think somebody would miss one of them.

Class two explorer.

Preferably not. Could cause a few problems if she’s still got the original engine.

Class one explorer. Sturdy, reliable, complete engine overhaul twelve months ago. Ready to go.

You seem to know a fair bit about her.

John paused. She’s Magellan.

Coool! Anthony’s exuberance startled them all and he received some puzzled looks. I rebuilt her after you flew her into that asteroid cluster.

I did not fly her into an asteroid cluster, John ground out. We lost navigation and hit it by accident –

Settle down. I didn’t mean it personally. I’m just saying I know the ship as well as you do, and she’ll do the job.

John didn’t hear him; he had fond memories of Magellan. He had been second in command of her for the past two years and he knew every inch of her. Now, he was being transferred. To a larger, more powerful ship, most likely, considering the recommendation Captain Barrett had given. A promotion he should have been looking forward to. Somehow he wasn’t. He liked the explorer, and the new territories she ventured to. Something about tackling the unknown appealed to him.

John. Are you all right?

Huh?

Mark’s voice broke into his thoughts and he jumped slightly when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Yes, I’m fine… Have we come to a decision?

Magellan, they answered together.

Good.

So, where is she? Anthony asked.

Bay two.

Anthony nodded. You have logged a flight plan?

Not yet.

How much notice do you need to give?

John shrugged. I don’t know. We always logged as soon as we got mission orders. But I’ve seen station engineers get almost immediate clearance.

Yeah, but that’s test flights for repairs.

Are you worried they’ll reject you? Sean asked.

Kind of... My transfer’s not through so I don’t know where I officially stand.

John and Sean looked at Anthony.

He caught their eyes and his brow creased. Oh, great! You want me to hack the doors.

There was a few seconds silence before John asked, Can you?

Anthony looked at him as though he should know better. Yes.

But only if we don’t get clearance, John turned back to gaze out the window.

It’s gonna take time, though, Anthony continued.

How long?

Anthony shook his head. I don’t know. It’s not something I’m in the habit of doing. But if the doors are already open, I’ll just need to jam them.

Yes, but who’s going to open the doors? Sean asked.

Doesn’t matter, Anthony replied. When they open them for Yorktown, the system is already open.

And when it’s open, it’s being monitored, John added.

You just get that flight plan, Anthony told John. I don’t need the trouble.

I heard Yorktown’s due in tonight, Sean looked sideways at John. Coincidence?

John shrugged guiltily.

Yorktown was the flagship of the fleet. Capable of almost limitless space travel, she had spent the last eighteen months exploring. Only time was against her. The further she went, the further man realised there was to go.

What time’s she due? Sean asked.

Couple of hours, Anthony answered.

And then this place is going to be packed. Anyone who’s anyone is going to be crammed into this lounge to see her, John told them.

Are you sure she’s going to fit? Sean’s gaze wandered back to the bay. Kirov’s almost hanging over the end of the dock.

She was built here.

Last of the big ships, Anthony added. That’s why they’re building a new station out Andromeda way. Somewhere they can build and home these monsters and not have to rely on Earth. He frowned. As long as they don’t decide to dock her outside.

I doubt that, John reasoned. It’s hard to impress someone looking outside. She’s wanted in here.

She’s impressive all right. And it’s been a long time since she’s been home.

For a few moments, they simply stared out into the bay. John could almost see Anthony’s mind ticking over.

Magellan should be empty, John continued quietly. Sean, I’ll need a line through Yorktown so I can monitor what she’s up to.

I can handle the doors from engineering, Anthony added.

Anything I can do? Mark asked.

Take science and download all the data we’ve collected, John answered.

How long’s she been switched off? Anthony asked.

A couple of weeks.

Anthony’s face screwed up slightly. She’ll need time to warm up.

Four minutes?

Yeah, that’s the minimum safety for a ship of her type.

Wait, Sean hesitated, turning to Anthony. We’ve got to sit around for four minutes in dock with the engines running?

Pretty much

Sean rolled his eyes.

Anthony glanced to John. Another reason why you need to get us that flight plan.

Well, we’ve got a few hours to kill, John checked his watch. Coffee?

Prefer a scotch, Sean answered.

Coffee it is.

John helped himself to the coffee-making facilities and they settled themselves in the comfortable chairs around a table. The observation lounge was quiet – for now.

John’s eyes drifted between his watch and the clock on the wall.

Anthony was relaxed, but John knew his mind was on overdrive. Sean? Yeah, he was glad he hadn’t given him too much time to change his mind. Mark was using his time to study an environment civilians never saw.

A uniform or two began arriving, then small groups. Mainly middle rank officers. John checked his watch again. Still plenty of time. The big boys wouldn’t be here for a while.

Looks like everyone’s after prime viewing, Sean noted.

I suggest we leave, Mark put his empty mug on the table.

That was probably a good idea. John looked to them for assurance as he reached for his bag. Let’s go.

The corridor was empty and they headed directly to the lift. A uniform sprinted from a side corridor, shrugged a bag from his shoulder and squeezed into the lift as the doors were closing. As he turned around, he saw John and the others, and put his hands on the closing doors.

Going down? he asked.

No, we’re fine, thank you, John answered.

The uniform let go of the doors and they closed.

The lift beside it was going up and they had to wait for it to come back down.

As the lift doors opened, they were confronted by uniforms. Nothing lower than a captain as gold braid and insignias shone in the light.

They stepped clear, dropped their bags and immediately stood at attention, except Mark. A swift elbow in the ribs from John and he followed suit. Anthony shoved his bag behind him with his foot. The officers bustled past them.

Not coming to watch Yorktown come in?

Barrett’s voice rocked John and his automatic response surprised himself. No, sir. I have something else to do.

Barrett’s eyes scanned each of them briefly before his name was called from the group of uniforms. Coming, sir, he replied, a hint of curiosity as his eyes flicked back to John and he moved away.

They sank into the empty lift and closed the doors as the officers disappeared towards the observation lounge. John watched Barrett’s back through the closing gap, hoping like mad the captain didn’t decide to turn back.

Sean broke the silence. Bay two.

The lift moved downwards.

The lift stopped; the doors opened directly into the bay. A dozen arms branched off either side of the main walkway. The space doors were almost within reach of the terminal. Depending on how many ships were docked, small ships had the advantage of being able to turn around inside, allowing easier departure.

Magellan was near the front of the bay. The class two explorer sat at the next dock, slightly closer to the doors. Two small frigates and a freighter were docked along the other side of the bay.

Plenty of turning room, John smiled.

A few random uniforms were moving around the frigates and a team of painters were working on the hull of the freighter. The rest of the bay appeared to be quiet.

John hitched his bag on his shoulder and moved towards Magellan.

Wait.