Miranda Revealed

By T J Henley

Set in the period 2012 2035 is based on a war between the Rigilion Empire and people of Earth which has been on-going for 3500 years when Emperor Kane last attacked the Earth. Earth is destroyed and the humans now live on Mars with the old Martians. Prof Mike Anderson is sent into deep space to find a new home and help for the humans. He finds the Federation of Planets and the Old Martians who left Mars 3800 years ago after the first war with the Rigilions. Emperor Kane is now out of his long, 3500 year sleep in charge of the Rigilion Empire and now rules it as it was in his youth, barbarically.

The Old Ones were a very advanced civilisation, also very interested in Earth, formerly Utopia and left our galaxy 25000 years ago. The Federation have been waiting thousands of years for their return, and searching for the right man to do this job. When Prof. Mike Anderson is brought to Mirad, the capital planet of the Federation, the High Priests realise their long wait has come to an end. After long talks and learning more of him, Prof. Mike Anderson is named the Chosen One. It is up to him to defeat Emperor Kane and bring peace to the galaxy.

To accomplish this, he will need all the help he can get from Admiral Hayes and King Ramesses IV on Mars. The only way back is through the Miranda Gate, but it is locked closed and in the middle of the star Miranda, the same star Emperor Kane sent into their system to destroy the Earth. Mike must retake planets that have been under Rigilion control for thousands of years and try to overthrow Emperor Kane. He must accomplish this and find the Light Bearer, who will assist him in bringing back the Old Ones from where they have been for the past 25000 years. However, if they bring back the Old Ones, will they help the current people of the galaxy move forward, take over the galaxy themselves or bring another species with them who might be deadlier than the Rigilions?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Jun 22, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468582826

T J Henley

I am 62 and a retired Electrical Engineer. I used to make control panels, mainly for the MOD and nuclear power stations. I have a University Degree in Maths and Physics and I enjoy reading all about Quarks and what they could do to drive a ship through space. When I was 17 I sent my first spaceship design to NASA with a picture of a model my friend and I built. Three years later, I saw a photo of what looked very much like my spaceship on the front cover of Spaceflight, (a BIS production), it was an artist’s impression of what the Space Shuttle would look like when it was built. I then sent two more designs to NASA, which were interplanetary ships, very large and able to get close to the speed of light. I believe that one day we will get to see the stars close up and travel far into space. My main interests are astronomy, photography and model building; I also enjoy reading SF and Horror, I really enjoy Stephen King and have a very good imagination. I like to watch films, mainly Sci-Fi, but I also love Harry Potter and action films. When I write books, I see them as a film in my head, knowing what the book will be like from beginning to end. Being an Electrical Engineer and knowing how electricity is made and with my degree in physics, it helps me when I design engines that take ships well past the speed of light. When writing space battles, I also have to create new types of weapons, guns and the ships themselves. The ships have to be realistic, for their size and the engines that power them and their weapons have to work. I like the reader to see how the weapons work and what the energy beams do to an enemy ship and how the ship breaks up when it’s destroyed. Not all ships disintegrate to minute pieces, large sections will still survive and they have to go somewhere, even if it is into the path of another ship. I also like to show the reader, in slow motion sometimes, how Intelligent Torpedoes get into a ship and go about blowing it up. It’s better than a single line, telling the reader that a torpedo hit the ship and it blew up. I like to write long books, 200,000 words plus because I think the reader deserves to get a lot of detail in the book and leave nothing to the reader’s imagination; that is the writer’s job. I also believe for the price of books today, the reader should get good value for the money they have to pay and take a few days at least to read my books. I like my readers to get into my books, see what is happening as if they are watching a film and get really stuck in and excited. Most of all, I want my books to be believable, even if the story is placed in the distant future. Fifteen years ago I was diagnosed with an Epidurmoid Cyst inside my spinal column and given eight weeks to live. Three major operations later on my spine, I’m still here but in a great deal of pain due to the damage done to my nervous system. I then had four operations on my left foot due to a rare form of cancer and now have half a left foot. Through it all, I fought on with the love and support of my wife and family. Now I spend my days in a wheelchair, using my imagination to escape the pain I’m in every day. I’m a Member of the BIS (British Interplanetary Society) and BUFORA, (British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association). Yes, I do believe I have seen two UFO’s over the UK. I don’t think there is an enormous Universe for just us to be in, it not only would be a total waste of space, but we cannot be alone! I have written two papers on Black Holes and the Multiverse and have my own ideas on Dark Energy. I am married to Angela who is also my career and best critique. We have five children who are all grown up and four grandchildren. Having lived in Bristol, UK all my life, the nights are still dark enough without too get some good work done.

Book preview

Contents

Other Titles by this Author

C H A P T E R 1

C H A P T E R 2

C H A P T E R 3

C H A P T E R 4

C H A P T E R 5

C H A P T E R 6

C H A P T E R 7

C H A P T E R 8

C H A P T E R 9

C H A P T E R 1 0

C H A P T E R 1 1

C H A P T E R 1 2

About the Author

Other Titles by this Author

Miranda. Part 1 of the trilogy

The Miranda Gate. Part 2 of the trilogy

Hazel’s Pride.

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my wife, Angela.

For being by my side constantly and for all the love

and help she has given me. It is also dedicated to Nicholas

& Gemma for putting up with me and my Dad, Raymond.

C H A P T E R 1

Claxons shrilled aboard the Martian spaceship Centauri as a Rigilion ship, four times its size closed in on their position. Captain Armstrong and his bridge crew could only watch as the Rigilion ship with its red and black swastika insignia hailed them, commanding they stop and prepare to be boarded.

Professor Mike Anderson, forty two years old, six feet tall, of medium build, light brown hair and very muscular, after working out every day in the ship’s gym, boldly entered Centauri’s bridge. It was technically his ship, he was in charge of it and responsible for the people aboard. Captain Armstrong, from the New Martian Navy, handpicked his crew and was hopefully ready for anything, except this.

Mike walked upright and quickly, wearing the red tunic of the scientific community aboard the ship, with a gold sash diagonally through the centre of his tunic, showing he was the highest scientist aboard. The UMSF Centauri was searching for a new planet for the people of Mars to call home. Dr Bob Rustle entered the bridge a few minutes later and took his seat at the science station. He looked at the main screen that encompassed the leading curved edge of the bridge; sixty meters long twenty metres high.

It was currently showing a Rigilion battleship resembling a German cruiser they had on Earth in the Second World War. The main difference was, they were in space and the battleship was almost half a kilometre long, a quarter of a kilometre wide and the same high. The huge guns were not firing shells, but energy beams. At the moment, the giant ship was getting closer as the huge guns on the four forward decks started to turn in their direction.

It appears your colleague Dr Browning was correct about this species, Captain Armstrong said turning to face Mike.

At least we were forewarned and had time to increase our shields and weapons. May I respectfully suggest we send them a message to leave us alone? Mike asked.

Miss Mason, open a channel so I may talk to the ship’s captain.

Channel is open Sir!

This is Captain Armstrong of the UMSF Centauri; we are on a peaceful scientific mission. We have no quarrel with you and wish to continue on our journey. We are well armed despite our size, please withdraw, we will not be boarded, he said firmly and hoped his message would tell them they meant business.

I am Captain Krough of the Rigilion Empire aboard the Imar. Your species in the Sol system are currently being attacked by High Admiral Glach of the Rigilion Empire. The planet Earth will be destroyed shortly and your people will die.

Captain Armstrong looked at Mike surprised and ensured the verbal link was cut. He thinks Earth is still there, are the Rigilions stupid?

They must have confused Mars with Earth because of the terraforming we did to Mars, Mike replied thinking quickly.

You will stop and be boarded by my armed troops. Your ship will be taken and your crew will work in the mines on the planet Abereen. If you continue to run, I will destroy you.

Before Captain Armstrong could reply, the Imar’s forward guns opened fire sending green chevron beams across the void of space hitting their outer shields. The ship rocked violently as the energy beams were absorbed by the reinforced shields.

My God, Dave was right. I only hope Admiral Hayes and his people get on better than we are, Mike said to Bob as he took his seat next to him.

There’s only one ship here, they have to cope with two thousand. I can’t see how they’ll get through the war. They need help, let’s hope the Martians inside Mars prove to be our friends and not our enemies, Bob replied.

Lieutenant Greg, bring our weapons on-line please, Captain Armstrong ordered.

On the ship’s exterior, hull plates slipped silently into their recesses and cannon nozzles moved forward to their firing positions. The UMSF Centauri was large by the first Martian deep space, starship. It had thirty decks, most of which were used by scientists and researchers who were there to help search for a habitable planet. The lower four decks were filled with machine shops and stores, which allowed them to rebuild parts of the ship, modify the engines and make weapons. It also housed all their land hover vehicles, four heavy lifting VTOL planes and two shuttles.

The Cobra fighters were launched from launch bays on the side of the ship, which was in the shape of an Earth style sea going aircraft carrier, except the superstructure was the entire width of the ship and took up half its length. Below and forward were two more decks which housed the forward shuttle bays and emergency launch bays for the fighters and housed four, eight quad, seventy centimetre guns and two twin sets of one hundred centimetre heavy guns which fired blue plasma bolts in front of the bridge. At the front and rear of the ship, were the torpedoes launchers which fired duranium white star torpedoes.

This was a new addition to the ship; as too were the quad guns. To make the necessary alterations to the ship, they landed on a small moon in the Algenib system they named Cronus, due to its hard rocky surface. It had gravity and an atmosphere, mainly carbon dioxide and nitrogen, but at least they could use their spacesuits and work outside the ship in relative safety. They remained there for three months while they upgraded the ship and cut holes into the hull for the torpedo launch tubes. When they left, they catalogued the moon for future reference and left enough markers to let other civilisations know the people of Earth had moved out to stars. Now Mike was not sure if leaving the markers were a good idea.

The rear of the ship housed the main engines and three sets of quad, sixty centimeter guns which fired balls of energy and X-rays to protect their rear and two rear torpedo tubes. There was also a shuttle bay and launch bay for the hundred and fifty Cobra fighters and ten Vipers, which were two manned craft. In the forward fighter bays were twenty of these small craft and more were in the process of being built. Both craft were armed with lasers and sound projectors; their only problem was the lack of pilots. Now even researchers were being trained to fly the ships.

When the Centauri left Mars over four years ago, it had just a few weapons as it was built in a hurry after Dr Dave Browning and Professor Mike Anderson made it known to a selected few members of the Martian High Council that Dave had discovered a hole at Mars’ North Pole. They also divulged that Professor George and Cynthia Adams had been there once on a short visit and discovered an entrance to an underground system that showed Mars was once inhabited by people who resembled those of Earth. As their investigations continued over the following four years on Earth and Mars, they came to the conclusion Mars was possibly still inhabited by real Martians. Hence the speed in which the Centauri was built to find another world for the refugees from Earth to move to if the Martians wanted their planet back.

The ship was packed with teams of scientists who would be needed in assessing a new planet for the refugees. There were also engineers and specialists in various fields to help rebuild the ship if needed or carry out upgrades and in charge, was the man who brought the people to Mars and saved the lives of everyone on Earth, Professor Sir Mike Anderson KGB.

On four occasions Mike had been contacted by Dave who used telepathy to speak to him and on each occasion, Dave had used four people to boost his thoughts across the vastness of space to his location. How it worked he had no idea, but right now, he was thankful for the warnings and upgrades Dave had given him. As he looked at the main screen, he was getting his first real view of the creatures which had been fighting the people of Earth for well over three thousand years.

Another set of chevron beams hit their outer shields as the large Rigilion forward guns moved their firing positions. As the order was given to fire, blue plasma bolts left the Centauri’s guns and raced through space to detonate a short distance from the Rigilion ship.

With the return of fire, space was suddenly illuminated by hundreds of beams of red and green light particles all heading towards the Centauri. As the side and forward guns attempted to destroy the incoming energy bolts, the ship turned and increased speed, heading away as fast as it could.

Captain Armstrong was making fast decisions to save the ship and its crew. If anything happened to Mike Anderson, he had already been informed by the Martian High Council and Admiral Hayes, that he would be finished as a captain.

It will be better if you never return to Mars and maroon yourself on a small moon in some insignificant star system so your body will never be found, were Admiral Hayes exact words, which he never forgot.

Weapons! Captain Armstrong shouted gaining their attention. As soon as the starboard beam is facing the incoming energy beams, deploy our flux shielding and keep it going until we’re clear of this mess.

The flux shielding was a joint idea by Mike and Oragan, one of their two main engineers aboard who helped design the original engines. The idea was similar to the foils, jet fighters used back on Earth when they were under attack from missiles. Boiling hot, radioactive foils were fired into space to attract the incoming balls of energy.

Are there more ships? Captain Armstrong asked no one in particular.

Only the one Sir, Lieutenant Hale replied.

All weapons open fire, engines full forward thrust, gets us out of here as fast as you can helmsman, Captain Armstrong ordered. The sound of his voice told everyone he didn’t like the images he was seeing on the main screen and knew their ship was in danger of being destroyed.

The Centauri moved forward, but not as fast as everyone hoped. The Rigilion ship was closing on their position and continuing to fire all its weapons. Despite their attempts to return fire, none of their plasma bolts were getting through the force fields which encompassed the Imar.

Captain, I’m picking up a signal from an unknown source Sir, Lieutenant Cray said urgently from the communications station.

Is there another ship out there? Captain Armstrong asked.

Everyone watched their screens. I can’t detect anything except that Rigilion ship, Lieutenant Hale replied looking intensely at his monitor.

He was in charge of the ships’ detectors, which kept watch on what was all around them up to a distance of five thousand kilometres. Once a ship was found it could be enlarged and put on the main screen at the touch of button. It could also be checked against known ships in the computer’s vast library. Since they were told about the Rigilions, they had been sent all known types and names of the Rigilion ships known to King Ramesses, who was currently ruling Mars with the Martian High Council.

As he couldn’t detect another ship, he presumed it was further away, but even changing the parameters for the forward sensors and looking twenty thousand kilometres out, he saw nothing.

Captain, the other ship is transmitting coordinates to us Sir, Lieutenant Cray said urgently.

She was one of three female officers who worked on the bridge. She came second in her class at the space academy in communications and astronavigation aged 21. Today, she was working the communications console but spent her time off in the stellar photography lounge situated on the fourth deck which had a twenty by five metre observational window for the crew to gaze through and watch the stars go by.

She wore a short, electric blue skirt and short sleeved blouse which was the standard uniform colours of the Martian space fleet personnel. As she looked at the captain, her petite but very curvaceous figure was shown to him side on. She looked tense and concerned on hearing what was being said to her through her single earphone.

Where will it take us? Captain Armstrong asked turning in his swivel command chair to face the helm.

I’m sending the co-ordinates to helm control now Sir, Lieutenant Cray replied.

The course will take us away from the Imar and into empty space, there is nothing out there, no planets, not even a small asteroid field we could hide in, Mr. Hammond replied from the helm.

Make it so, full speed Mr. Hammond, let’s try and get some distance between us, Captain Armstrong ordered.

Captain, I’m getting another message from the Rigilion ship, they’re sending us a video stream which will match our configuration, Lieutenant Cray said.

Put it on screen, let’s see what we’re up against, Captain Armstrong ordered and looked absently about the bridge as faces turned to look at the main viewer.

The image filled the bridge screen. As the camera on the Rigilion ship moved back, Captain Armstrong and his bridge crew could see the bridge of the Rigilion ship. It was light grey with large screens and control panels on each bulkhead. At the centre of the bridge was the captain’s command chair which was red and gold, with controls on both arm rests. The chair was half as wide again as Captain Armstrong’s and higher off the floor.

From what they could see, thirty Rigilions were operating controls, which appeared larger than theirs. As the Rigilion captain stepped closer to the camera, they could see why. He was over two point three metres tall, with grey scaled skin, similar to a crocodile’s scales, over his head and neck. His hands were very large, similar to a human’s and he had a large stomach. His neck and chin had red, yellow and blue coloured bands a centimetre wide around his neck and chin and red and orange bands around both wrists. They looked a natural pigmentation of the skin. His eyes were bright green with red pupils and appeared to glare right through Captain Armstrong.

His face was oval and large, his mouth protruding forward with a flat nose above with two nostrils. He was hairless, but his scaled head showed signs of red and green colour amidst the scales near the back of his head.

I am Captain Krough of the Rigilion ship Imar; you will stop and be boarded. I repeat my previous warning; your star system is being invaded by our mighty fleet which your people stand no chance against. It will be better to stop and live, than run and force me to blow you to pieces, the reptilian said.

I am Captain Armstrong of the UMSF Centauri; we are on a peaceful scientific mission investigating the systems in this sector of space. We are no threat to you, he said forcefully.

You fired on us.

We returned low grade energy fire that we knew would not damage your ship or shields. If we had fired on you and really meant it, you would have known about it, Captain Armstrong lied.

Really, low power? Then you will not mind if we show you our high power weapons? Chumlt, fire on the Earth ship, full power! Captain Krough shouted.

His face and bridge disappeared from the screen, leaving the view of space and the daunting shape of the large Rigilion battleship gaining on them. The guns on the Imar fired simultaneously sending green chevron beams and red energy bolts across space.

Brace for impact, Captain Armstrong shouted to the entire crew pressing the ship-wide communications button on his command chair.

As the bolts of energy sped between the two ships, from just below and behind the UMSF Centauri, eight mauve bolts of plasma energy fled across the void and impacted on the Imar. Its screens shuddered, exploded and failed. The energy bolts heading towards the Centauri exploded well beyond its shields doing no damage to the ship.

Will someone please tell me what just happened, Captain Armstrong asked his bridge crew.

Sir, I have someone who wishes to speak with you urgently, Lieutenant Cray said, calling his attention to her.

Put him on screen please.

The scene changed instantly to that of a man who resembled them, he was two metres tall, slim with dark brown hair. His face was long and thin, his bright blue eyes appeared to look through them. He wore a long black robe which flowed slightly as he walked forward and revealed part of a gold tunic below.

Captain Armstrong, I am Captain Icceless of the Federation of Planets aboard the Magma. We are right beneath you. It was us who fired on the Imar and we have protected you by our force field. May I have permission to board your ship, I am no threat to you and we know of your species. I have things I must quickly explain, if you will allow this.

Under the circumstances we had better talk, but how will you come aboard? Captain Armstrong asked.

Four people appeared on his bridge standing before him. All four were of similar height to the man they had spoke to a few seconds ago and raised their right hand, palm open, fingers split slightly apart.

I am Captain Icceless of the Magma and come to you in peace. We originate from the planet Oman, which is the fifth planet in Cygnus star system. This is my science officer Heedlic, my chief engineer Keildle and security officer Sciemklemc. If you will allow them, they will install the temporary controls that will allow this ship to become invisible against the Rigilions and we will take you to a place of safety that is not too far from here. At the moment your ship is in grave danger and we cannot cover you with our shields too much longer without showing our ship to the Imar’s detectors.

Welcome Captain Icceless, thank you for saving our lives and our ship. I should have my chief engineer examine your controls first, as they may not interface with ours, Captain Armstrong replied standing and holding his hand out to shake that of Captain Icceless.

Captain, I’m sure their controls will interface with ours, Mike said from his station. He stood and turned to face Captain Icceless.

The two men looked at each other for a long silent moment, as if one was reading the other’s mind. Captain Armstrong didn’t know who was reading who and with Dr Browning using telepathy on Mike, he was unsure what was happening.

I am Professor Mike Anderson; technically in charge of this mission, Captain Armstrong is in charge of the ship and its personnel, he said stepping forward raising his hand in the same fashion as Captain Icceless.

As they walked closer to each other, they both extended their right hands and shook hands firmly in the normal Earth formal greeting.

Welcome to the Centauri captain. We appear to be lucky you were in the vicinity when the Imar turned up, Mike said starting the conversation. Sarah, his wife forty one, slim, wearing a red top and short red skirt of the scientific community, entered the bridge and looked directly at Mike.

What’s happening? she asked Bob, looking at Mike and the visitors.

Bob stood in front of her. Friends, I hope, by the way Mike’s talking to them, he replied.

Professor Anderson, we have heard a great deal about you, Captain Icceless said shaking Mike’s hand.

You have? he replied confused.

Have no fear, it is all good. Now, my people have work to do, can they proceed with their duties? We also need to speak to you and your colleagues about what is happening and how we can be of help.

Captain, they are already protecting us with their shields, I think we can trust them, if not, the Rigilions will blow us up for sure, Mike replied.

Very well Captain Icceless, my security officer will take your people where they need to go and my chief engineers will show you the engine room. Sergeant Phalla, please assist our guests and give them all the help they need.

Yes Captain! he replied and escorted the visitors from the bridge with their boxes of equipment.

Now Professor we need to speak, is there somewhere we can go?

Captain, with your permission I’ll use the conference room on deck C, Mike said.

Before you go, will our ships be safe for the next few minutes? The Rigilion ship has moved away, but if what we have been told about them is correct, they’ll be back, Captain Armstrong asked.

My crew is keeping a very close watch on the Imar and any other ships that come close to us. However, we are in prime Rigilion space and there are two planets very close to us one of them, Arcturus Prime. It’s populated by an animal species who talk and fly interstellar ships. They are also telepathic and will pass what has happened to the Rigilion High Command. At the first sign of trouble, my crew will move both ships and I will be informed immediately. I have called for assistance and another three ships are on their way, Captain Icceless informed him.

Thank you for your help. Professor, do not detain Captain Icceless too long.

Of course captain, Mike replied and led his guest from the bridge with Bob and Sarah in pursuit.

Within ten minutes, bridge operating controls illuminated and the shields quadrupled in strength. Three Federation crewmen entered the bridge, followed by two security guards carrying their equipment, both chief engineers, Nick and Oragan followed the men onto the bridge. A further eight engineers and technicians followed in their wake, carrying tools and instruments. Within minutes the engineers removed most of the outer covers to the bridge control panels allowing them access to the internal controls and circuit boards. As the engineers updated the internal equipment, technicians were calibrating the controls as the ship continued to move slowly through space.

In the main conference room on ‘C’ deck, Mike, Bob and Sarah showed Captain Icceless into the lounge and they all sat waiting for Icceless to speak.

We have been following the events in the Sol System and how Earth has been destroyed. There are still many things you do not know and you must now put your faith in me, as you Mike put into King Radjedef and the people who helped you on Earth when your planet faced its darkest hour.

What’s he talking about Mike? Sarah asked, placing her hand gently on his arm.

I’ll explain later, but I understand what you mean Icceless, I’ll listen to what you have to say, just like I listened to King Radjedef. If you know his name, I take it he has contacted you. Did he and his people get safely away? Mike asked, making everyone very confused.

Yes, only a few ships were lost in the Thirkanian war. The Centinals are still your friends and continue to assist your people. You fully understand what I am saying? Icceless asked.

Oh yes, I understand. King Radjedef explained what was happening and the reasons behind it. It was hard to take in at the time; I put all my faith in him and never once lost it. I guessed there were other races out here, I just didn’t know how crowded space was until now, he said smiling.

Mike, I don’t like to interrupt, but do you know these people? Bob asked confused.

Mike turned to look at Bob, Pat and Roselin, Nick and Oragan’s wives, Sarah and the other four scientists in the room. "I have never met Captain Icceless before, but if he knows King Radjedef, then he’s our friend. Before you ask, the Centinals are better known to you as Greys, ET’s, who came to Earth in flying saucers and abducted people.

That I can confirm really did happen and the Greys, or Centinals are our friends and have always had Earth’s welfare in their thoughts and actions. Icceless, I get the impression there is a great deal more you need to say, but not here, not in this area of space, am I correct? Mike asked.

You are indeed correct; I have been told there is a battleship, the Coretek, on its way to aid the Imar, which is keeping a close watch on your course. This is a large ship and if you destroyed it, you would draw attention to this sector of space and we don’t want a confrontation at this time. It’s important we move you and this ship to a place of safety as fast as we can, he replied.

This is all very confusing, Sarah said, holding Mike’s hand firmly in hers.

I sense a telepathic message is trying to break through, it’s from your friend on Mars, Dr Dave Browning. I will allow you to speak with him briefly, but we don’t have long, Icceless said.

Mike, Mike Anderson, is that you? Dave asked in thought across space.

Yes Dave, we don’t have long, we’re under attack from another race, an animal race I think and they’re aboard a Rigilion ship. They attacked us once and we must move to another place soon.

"Mike, I was told by King Ramesses to contact you, to let you know the Rigilions are in our system. Almost two thousand ships have come through what we are calling the Miranda Gate. There is a form of Star Gate inside the star Miranda. It was all a hoax, a Trojan horse to get them into our system and attack us from the inside.

We are winning the battle and their leader, Emperor Kane is still alive and on Rigal IV. There is another Rigilion, High Admiral Glach, who has just entered the system to take control of his ships, what he has left. Beware Mike, they’re everywhere, Dave thought to Mike.

You must close the link, I will do this for you, or else the Arcturians will follow the link back to Mars, Icceless said urgently.

Dave drifted away from Mike’s mind and was replaced by thoughts from Icceless. Then he too was gone and the room returned to its former state as Mike’s mind was released from the telepathic link. He looked around at everyone as Icceless’s words and pictures filtered through his thoughts and he started to make sense of what he had been told.

We have to get away from here and you have a safe place to take us, is that right? Mike asked Icceless urgently.

That is correct Mike. It will take a while longer to make all the alterations to your ship’s controls. However, the ones we are making will increase your speed and give you much better protection against the Rigilion’s fire power, he replied.

Fine! It was Dave who just spoke to me; apparently, they have been under attack from the Rigilions for over a week and they are winning the battle. I could feel Dave was in a bad way when we parted, will he be okay? Mike asked Icceless.

Yes, unfortunately the Arcturians detected the telepathic link and were trying to trace it to its point of origin, the Sol System. They could have got a message through to the armada and High Admiral Glach, the Rigilion in charge of the war in your system. I had to block Dave’s thoughts or else he would have been in real trouble, Icceless explained.

In what way? Sarah asked.

The Arcturians are more than telepathic, they are animal people, they read people’s minds and can empty a person’s thoughts and personality if they so desire. Dave could have found himself with nothing inside his head and the Arcturian who read his mind, would know every person and everything Dave had spoken to and known his entire life. As Dave was instrumental in moving everyone to Mars and what has been found on Mars since you left, they would know everything he knows and pass that information on. At the same time, they have been known to use people for a short time, while telepathically connected with them and use them against other people, even getting their host to kill people they can get close to.

That’s not fair, Bob replied astonished.

It’s what they do, Icceless replied.

We have a lot to learn about life in the cosmos, Mike said looking at everyone. Life out here is nothing like we thought it might be. I guess we’re the children and have to listen to Icceless, who is obviously a teacher, and knows a lot more about other civilizations than we do.

Life is not so different, like all schoolyards there are bullies, the bullied and the prefects. You have to learn to stand on your own two feet and make your way in this vast schoolyard of space, know when to walk away, and when to stand up and be counted. Above all, make friends with the prefects, because they can tell the new boys where to go and what to do. You may think of us as young prefects, even we still have a long way to go, Icceless said reassuringly.

In that case, I think we can trust you and your people emphatically, Mike said.

Excellent Mike, when my people have made the adjustments to your ship, we’ll travel a short distance; wait for the Rigilions to leave this area and move you and your ship to a safe port where we can upgrade your engines, weapons and give you and anyone else who wishes, the gift of telepathy.

Really, that would be a big help, especially as some of our people on Mars have it, Mike replied.

Not everyone will be given the gift; you need to use it for good and too much use of it in this neighbourhood is unwise. Even we don’t use it here unless it’s absolutely necessary or we are aboard our ship which keeps our thoughts inside, Icceless explained.

How long before we move? Bob asked.

Soon, another hour, perhaps we could take some refreshments while we wait and I will explain what is happening in this sector of space? Icceless suggested.

Of course, how rude we are, have you ever tried coffee? Sarah asked taking the lead.

Many times, if you have any from Earth, or even the new coffee areas you started on Mars, it will be most welcome, he replied smiling. He looked at Sarah nodding his head, sending her data on what would be appropriate to eat and drink and how it should be offered.

Sarah left taking Roselin with her. When they returned a short time later, they placed the trays of refreshments on the table before the group and served coffee and cheese and tomato sandwiches, something thought of as a delicacy in this region and known of throughout space, as originated on Earth.

This is truly magnificent food, we don’t often get this and unfortunately, the one planet in the galaxy that perfected the idea is now lost. The people however survive and we hope, you will continue with many of the ideas you had on Earth, Icceless said surprising everyone.

I didn’t realise our reputation had come this far, Bob replied.

You would be surprised, we have envied your world with its clear crisp blue skies, deep oceans, green lush land masses and of course, those who inhabit them, with the animals, fish and birds that live, he paused, head held low, as if missing something, feeling a great sorrow for a huge loss. Lived, he corrected himself. That once lived on the Utopia of the Galaxy. We called Earth Utopia; the one world where everything was right; the conditions for life unique for your multitude of life forms. There is no other planet in the cosmos, as far as the Federation of Planets are concerned, that can support the life forms you had on Earth.

What is the Federation of Planets? Mike asked.

It’s what my people, the Oman’s belong to. There are over fifteen thousand planets in the Federation. Many of them are made up from species that have explored space and colonised planets, expanding their species. You will be amazed at the numbers and types of people in the galaxy. Many are like us, bipeds, in different shapes, sizes and colours. I think that is why we called Earth Utopia, because there were many different races on your planet, while on other planets, there are usually just one for some reason. Your planet evolved with different coloured people, all speaking different languages in the beginning and making our lives very hard.

Why? Bob asked.

When we visited your planet, we had to work out which country we were in and what language people spoke. It was most confusing in the early times of your planets’ history, he replied laughing.

The doors to the lounge burst open and Diane, Bob’s wife, entered the room. She was dressed in the same red top as Sarah, but wore red and silver trousers. Her top also had a silver bar on her right sleeve; her long, shinning, black hair, billowed behind her in her hurry to find Bob.

I just heard, there is another race on the . . . she paused, stopped dead and looked at the stranger sitting next to Sarah.

Ah Diane, welcome, we wondered where you were, Mike said.

I was in the main observatory searching for the other ship using our x-ray and microwave detectors. Apparently, the ship is invisible, but I see we have company, from the other ship I presume that is currently lying to our port underside, Diane said looking at the stranger.

You have detected our ship? Icceless asked concerned.

It wasn’t easy; you have the technology to show stars that occulate you. I would like to know how you manage to do that, she replied.

Diane! Bob said. This is Captain Icceless, he’s a friend and Mike can vouch for him, he continued.

Have you met this man before Mike? Diane questioned.

No, but I have met King Radjedef, a Martian who resided inside the Earth at the North Pole just before Miranda appeared in our system. The two people know each other and I believe they are friends, Mike confirmed.

This gets weirder by the second, she replied and took a seat next to Bob taking his hand in hers.

Captain Icceless, this is Dr Diane Rustle, she is our top astronomer aboard the Centauri and Bob’s wife. I know this will sound a little strange; I presume you are aware of how our people marry? Mike asked.

We have a similar procedure, Icceless replied.

We all fell in love with our partners who happened to be in the right place at the right time. This has made our lives a little easier as our partners have duplicated as secretaries or helped us in some way, but Diane is a top astronomer in her own right and has a team of astronomers and researchers under her.

Then it’s very important that we speak soon, if you can detect us, when we assumed we were invisible, we have become over cautious, Icceless replied.

Like I said, it wasn’t easy. I think your systems are fine, Diane replied. They gazed at each other for a long silent moment before Icceless spoke.

While my people make the alterations to your controls, I think we should clear a few things up so that your people know they can trust us. Perhaps you could call your top scientists and senior officers to this room so that we can explain what has happened in your past and what we are currently doing here.

I think we can arrange that, Mike replied.

Just a moment, I have been told the modifications have been completed and we can move on, Icceless said.

Where will we go? Mike asked.

There is a small asteroid, Abigail 901, eight hours away; we will depart for it shortly.

I wasn’t aware of an asteroid close by, Diane said looking at Icceless.

"It’s not strictly an asteroid, it’s one we pulled out of its orbit, hollowed it out and moved it from system to system to hide our ships, carry out repairs, give our crews a place to rest and it has a hospital. It’s big enough to accommodate three ships and has enough energy to cloak itself and four ships on its exterior if needed. It also has excellent shielding against Rigilion weapons and so far, they haven’t seen it, which is why we need to talk as soon as possible. If you can see our ships, so can others, we need to know how you accomplished this.

Right now, we are ready to move. I will be needed on the bridge as my crew will have to return to my ship. This is a very dangerous area of space and we must move immediately, Icceless informed everyone.

When they arrived on the bridge the Oman engineers were disappearing from view, with their equipment.

Captain Armstrong, we are now ready to leave, can you please make your heading 087.142, where this ship will find safety and your crew can relax and have some shore leave, Icceless said smiling.

Shore leave? he questioned.

Yes, while we upgrade your ship properly. Now, before the Rigilions decide to have another go, shall we depart? he asked, and held his arm outstretched towards the main screen, indicating they should move forward.

Helm, set the course Captain Icceless gave us and engage the engines; full power? he asked Icceless.

That would be acceptable, he said and nodded in the affirmative.

Space before them turned into a swirling vortex of coloured light as the Centauri increased speed and was pulled into it. The bridge crew looked at the main screen horrified at the view before them.

Captain, our speed has gone off our scale, Lieutenant Hobbs called out.

Everything is working as it should be, Icceless said smiling. What you are seeing is a hyperspace gravity well.

Would you care to explain that? Captain Armstrong asked confused.

He was still unsure about the Federation. For him, he felt they turned up too easy to be true and when something like that happens, it’s often not all that it seems to be. Now his ship was travelling faster than it was designed to and he had no idea where they were going, not that he knew where they were going before, but before, it had been Mike’s or his decision. Now that was taken away from him, all he could do was hope and pray Mike knew what he was doing.

Nick and Oragan entered the bridge, looked at the main screen and walked to the engineering station.

Captain Icceless, the engines are performing exactly as your engineer promised. I had to do a little trimming on the port engine as it was running a hundredth of a grain out of sync, Oragan said and held up a phase oscillating tuning bar, which looked just like a standard tuning fork, except this one gave off light and had a holographic control sequencer in its handle.

Excellent, Keildle said you have a brilliant understanding of engines, it appears he was right. I commend your crew captain; they are excellent engineers and scientists. Most of all, they know when to trust someone and put faith in others, which means a great deal to me and my people, Icceless replied.

Thank you, I know they can be relied upon to do their duty well, and often under extenuating circumstances. Will the Rigilion ship be able to follow us through this hyperspace gravity well?

No, they will see it as a disturbance in space, a slight ripple which is gone as soon as we pass through it. The field collapses as we pass through and there is no emergence field until we make it, that way the Rigilions cannot follow us, he explained.

Is this something like a Quark engine? Nick asked Icceless.

They looked at each other for a long silent moment. It seems Professor; you have another man who is just as well informed as yourself. How long did it take you to work that out? Of course you are correct, he replied smiling.

A few minutes, well actually, as soon as I saw the energy field materialise on the engine room view screen.

Excellent, you are indeed a brilliant engineer. Between you all, you will do well in our community and I’m sure, by the way you have behaved, you will be fully accepted into the Federation of Planets.

They travelled through the Gravity Well for a further ten hours before the field collapsed and space returned to its former status, white stars in a black background. Ahead were two Oman black ships, shaped like a Teardrop, over 800m long, 300m diameter at the front end and 150m diameter at rear Teardrop bulge, which barred their way. As the field finally collapsed behind them, two ships moved apart, revealing a large, grey and black asteroid, with holographic approach lights, currently showing orange and green.

Welcome to your home for the next day or so, Icceless said looking at the asteroid.

What happens when we leave here? Captain Armstrong asked.

That depends on what you wish to do.

What do you mean?

Why don’t you and your crew, see what we have to say and then make a decision. You can join us, or continue on your journey, whichever you decide, you are free to do as you wish and we will ask nothing of you in return, Icceless replied smiling. He took Captain Armstrong’s hand in his shaking it firmly.

Please don’t be concerned, you are not under arrest and you are not being taken as slaves. We will dock and get your crew ashore where they can have a good meal and relax, while our people overhaul and upgrade your ship, with your permission of course.

Captain Armstrong looked over to Mike and Bob who nodded, agreeing they should do as Icceless suggested.

What harm can it do? he asked no one. Helmsman, take us in, he continued, although he couldn’t stop the feeling they were entering the lion’s den, and they were the main meal.

As the Centauri entered the asteroid, following the green centre holographic lights, their eyes beheld a magnificent sight. Inside, the asteroid was lit up with thousands of lights and to the right was a huge cradle, able to hold a ship four times larger than theirs. Another black Teardrop was further in, docked to the side of the asteroid. To the left of the ship was a gantry with people walking to and from the ship, dressed in a similar fashion to Icceless. People wore different coloured clothes and those wearing a purple one piece tunic were working on the exterior of the ship, and appeared to be floating in space, without wearing a spacesuit.

The Centauri was moved by the asteroids’ computer and settled into the cradle, which grabbed it and held it firm as gantries emerged from the walls to the Centauri’s main entrance. Another walkway, much wider, latched onto the two shuttle bays. People could now be seen at the windows around the asteroid’s inner perimeter; looking at the Centauri, the ship which had come from Mars, carrying people from Utopia.

Captain, before we embark, I think you should warn your crew that the people here will be looking at every one of you. They may wish to shake your hands, talk to you, have pictures taken with you, because you are from Utopia, at least to us, you’re from Utopia and I would like you all to treat it as an honor, Icceless said.

I will pass your comments to my crew, I must say, this will be very strange for us, Captain Armstrong replied.

I have already made arrangements for your crew to move to the habitat. They will find clean rooms and the restaurants are well stocked with a wide variety of foods for the different species which visit us.

When will you tell us what is actually happening and what you are doing in this section of space? Mike asked.

We’ll give you a few hours to settle into your rooms, then we can discuss what happened and the options open for you. I’ll talk to you and your senior officers in our conference room, Icceless explained.

As the crew disembarked, sections of hull plate were being removed from their ship and a man with four arms and three legs was carrying a heavy console onto the ship. The one thing the Centauri crew did notice, was that everyone stared at them, when it should have been the other way around, especially as there were so many different species working together as one.

Six hours later, after the crew had rested and had their first meal prepared by another species, in this case, the people of Deneb in the Gemini star system, crammed into the conference room. There were only a few people missing, Nick, Oragan and John, they had been invited by Keildle to witness the engines being upgraded and the new controls fitted.

Mike and Bob sat next to Captain John Armstrong in soft leather chairs on the stage. Sitting in the middle was Captain Icceless and from the planet Rouge in the Deneb system, Commodore Kieran, who was in charge of the Asteroid. There were other people in the room, who decided they too wanted to see more of the Utopians and listen to Captain Icceless, their highest captain who had visited Utopia eight times in the past.

Captain Icceless was 130 years old and like most Federation people lived to be at least 200, and on many planets in the Federation, people retired at 200 and lived well for another 20 to 30 years. They had managed overcome early death, except on the colony worlds of the Rigilion Empire, where life expectancy was at the most 50 years and many people were exterminated a long time before that.

People from the Federation of Planets had wealth, in the form of technology, good health and the backing of hundreds of societies that bred goodness and virtues into the community. The Rigilion Empire on the other hand, bred fear and death into its people within the Empire.

Commodore Kieran stood and stepped to the front of the stage when everyone was seated, and standing room was filled and a large screen illuminated behind him.

My fellow citizens, first I would like to welcome these good people from Utopia, also known as Earth, to our Asteroid station. We also hope they will join us in the Federation on behalf of their people who now reside on the planet Mars. Captain Icceless will speak to you in a moment with regard to the war in the Sol System, but for the moment, we need to show our guests that we are no threat to them or their people back on Mars. If you would kindly show our normal appreciation to our guests, he said.

The people who managed to get a seat in the rear of the room, or stand in the aisles, all applauded as one, and a huge shout of, WELCOME PEOPLE FROM UTOPIA, filled the room. Commodore Kieran waved his arm and calmed everyone down until silence, once again fill the room. The roaming camera showed the Utopians they were very welcome at the Asteroid.

Citizens, I will pass you over to Captain Icceless, who will say a few words on the current war in the Sol System. Commodore Kieran took his seat and Captain Icceless took his place.

Citizens, I have in the last ten hours heard that King Ramesses the fourth, who once ruled on Earth, which we shall from here on refer to as Utopia; now rules Mars. He and his people are helping the Utopians and have formed an alliance to fight the Rigilion Empire. High Admiral Glach, who we all know well, has taken almost two thousand ships into the Sol System and the alliance is winning the war.

A rapturous applause erupted throughout the Asteroid as people showed their admiration.

"This means for the first time in a hundred years, there are very few ships in this sector of space. With luck our navy and army will be able to take control of at least ten outer planets of the Empire and return them to their former owners.

"As you know, we have currently taken back eight planets on the outer fringes of the Empire on the east and west extremities. It has been a dangerous job but well worth the sacrifice of four citizens’ lives. We will be forever grateful for their sacrifice in saving billions of lives over the eight planets.

"Now, before I go into detail about our next objective, I will introduce Professor Mike Anderson and Dr Bob Rustle, the two main people who helped move the population of Utopia to the safety of Mars. As you all know, King Radjedef also lived on Utopia and has helped the Centinals fight the Rigilions in their system and won the battle there, destroying over two hundred Rigilion ships.

"This means the Rigilion fleet is almost gone and at the most, they have a few hundred ships left of battle class and troop transport. As I speak, no doubt on the penal colonies and the planets Utok, Mercer, Primes Three and Four, they are starting the construction of more battleships and destroyers.

"The last person I would like you to meet is Captain John Armstrong of the UMSF Centauri. He has acted honourably and at one time, the entire crew helped another species, we call the Drogues, end their century war on their own planet by giving them a little piece of technology that helps them grow enough food for their survival and showed them how to store it for later use.

"I don’t know why we didn’t intervene before and assist them, but they are in the outer ring of our galaxy and closer to the Rigilions, which should not have stopped us, but we cannot help everyone.

"King Radjedef has spoken personally to Professor Mike Anderson while he was flying in an old type aircraft across Utopia. During their short conversation, he was given information that would assist him get the people of Utopia to move to Mars, but it was not easy.

King Radjedef asked me to explain what happened so that we might learn more of these people and what drives them. So, if I may start, I will give you the story of what happened and how the Utopians came to be here today.

Everyone stood and applauded again.

"When we first discovered what Emperor Kane was up to three and a half thousand years ago, we let him get on with things. He was not interfering with us in our part of the galaxy and at the time, the galaxy was big enough for all of us. We formed the Federation of Planets and asked Emperor Kane if he would like to join us and he refused, he had his Empire and would like to keep it that way. We formed a treaty saying they would keep to their side of space and we to ours. We all agreed that Utopia would at all times be left alone. Everyone would be allowed to visit the planet; even dwell there for a short time, as long as we didn’t interfere with its people.

"Later, we discovered the Rigilions had been plundering Utopia and fighting the humans. The Martians almost lost their planet protecting the Utopians. Many of their people left Mars, found us and we took them in, but we could no longer intervene and help the people of Utopia without breaking our treaty. So we told the Centinals what happened and as they were not in the Federation at the time, they helped where we couldn’t.

As you are all aware, five years ago, the Centinals joined the Federation, but this was with the full knowledge that the people from Utopia had been saved and their planet destroyed. There was no need for the Centinals to remain outside the Federation, they had done their work and may I say; they did a dam good job. The remaining Utopians moved to Mars and found King Ramesses and his people, who have taken up their old job once again, caring for the Utopians.

People started to applaud again while the crew of the Centauri were amazed as they heard what happened to keep them alive. Most of all, they were surprised their planet was the Utopia of the galaxy. A planet people would travel thousands of light years to visit.

Some of the Centauri crew were recalling what they had seen on television, people claiming UFO’s existed, being abducted and the Government was hiding them. Now it appeared they were right, so why hide it? Why hide other life forms if they visited Earth, whey not tell the world we were not alone? It made no sense.

"Our predecessors watched the star Miranda being pushed through space, but we had no idea there was a Gate inside it, which we hope you believe. We didn’t know where the Rigilions were taking it or why, it took so long to accomplish we never thought Utopia was in danger. When we did eventually see what the Rigilions were doing, we made the appropriate objections through our emissaries on the planet Greogorn, in the Pleiades star system. This is the planet everyone in the Federation and the people from the Rigilion Empire, can go to and discuss matters of conflict.

"We talked for fifty years, objecting on your behalf to stop this insane action of driving a star into your system. They told us Miranda would travel through your system and onto the Altair system where they wished to conduct experiments with binary stars.

"When Miranda stopped in your system, they said it was due to your own star and as they were no longer allowed in the system, there was very little they could do about it. This is when the Centinals helped the Utopians a great deal, watching over ships as they moved from Utopia to Mars.

"The Rigilions discovered the Centinals were assisting the Utopians so waged war against them. They were unaware that a number of Martians; who had grown up with the people of Utopia, still had their galaxy class ships and their weapons and left Utopia after talking to Professor Anderson and assisted the Centinals.

"Professor Anderson, who worked at NASA, was recalled to the United Kingdom to help investigate what was happening with the Earth’s weather systems. The weather was in turmoil and some scientists suggested it was heading for an early Ice Age.

"King Radjedef, who was also born on Mars, moved to Utopia and took command of the underground Martian facility at the North Pole. He discovered the Rigilions let loose a rouge genome that contaminated some people from Utopia. It changed them from their peaceful ways, to brutal War Lords, and some of the Rigilion Utopians managed to get in charge of countries through time and forced the peaceful people to fight, using more and more powerful weapons of mass destruction.

King Radjedef told Professor Anderson that a new star was heading towards their system that would affect the planet’s orbits. As the man himself is here with us, Professor, would you like to fill us in on that meeting and what transpired after? Icceless asked, making Mike sit up in his chair and look at the people sat before him.

He had travelled with these people for the past five years and not once mentioned what happened in his past, now it was all coming out he felt a fraud. His friends and the people on Mars thought he was clever, but he had been given inside information he used to bring himself and his friends to the forefront of public office. He stood up and heard a voice inside his head.

Mike, do not be afraid, there were others who were given information like yourself; how do you think Nick and Oragan managed to create such magnificent engines? Dave was helped on Mars and other people were used and trusted with information to help you get to where you are today. There is no need to be afraid, just tell it as it was.

Mike looked at Icceless who nodded for him to stand and tell the truth, he would have to face the unknown again and trust in his fellow people. If when the truth was told they turned away they would not be the friends he thought they were. This would be the time when he would know his true friends; they would be the ones who stood beside him.

He looked at the faces looking back at him, wondering what this was leading too, finally, his eyes rested on his wife’s. Sarah was looking up at him, just like she had on numerous times when he had been on television, willing him on, pushing him on when he felt he could not continue with the projects he had started. She mouthed some words and smiled. This was the time he would like to have the use of telepathy then he would know if his wife was behind him or turn and walk away, ashamed at what he had done and what he could have told everyone to try and make the people of Utopia understand.

Sarah looked at him, mouthed the words again then whispered. I love you.

He understood what she was saying and felt a little better. Taking a deep breath, he stood tall and held his head high; he told himself he had nothing to be ashamed of. He had been given information which he used to his best ability and managed to save billions of lives.

"Friends, citizens, people gathered here today, I bring you greetings from the people of Utopia. It was our planet, our home, and had we known it was so important to the people of the galaxy, I’m sure we would have taken better care of her.

"The flight from the USA