The Shizzak War

By Raymond Jennings

The Artranus Rebellion has been over for fifty years and the Imperial Federated Worlds are at peace once more. As the scars of the social strife heal and fade, the emperor, Hal’Kar’Nilant, abdicates for a peaceful retirement, handing the throne to his daughter, Hal’Kar’Soukiva. The new empress rules wisely, ably supported by her husband and wife, Hal’Kar’Crineal and Hal’Kar’Cyndora. With the need for a large military much reduced, Space Corps has been down-sized and returned to its pre-rebellion role as an exploration force. Its main task now is to scout outside the borders of the empire and survey new worlds, searching for planets that might one day become new Imperial colonies. However, the galaxy is large, and more than humans live there, as the Empire is about to find out...

The Shizzak War is the 6th novel of the Imperial Federated Worlds

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raymond Jennings
• Release date: Dec 8, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463509982

Raymond Jennings

Raymond Jennings was born and raised in England. He studied Applied Physics at Lancashire Polytechnic and worked in the British civil service for twenty years before moving to Tucson, Arizona where he now lives with his wife and their two cats.His interests include science (with a special emphasis on space exploration), military history, war-gaming (most notably Advanced Squad Leader) and travelling.

Book preview

Forty, sleek black-hulled craft approached their huge, two-mile-long mothership, the Harrower, and its escorts. As the manta-shaped ships did so, the pilot of the lead craft activated his communications link.

Flight Control, this is Glynx Leader requesting landing clearance, said the pilot, as he checked the status of his squadron.

This is Flight Control. Copy that, Glynx Leader. You are cleared to land in Betalt flight bays, came the reply. Did you have a good trip, Sir?

Jamiesan gave a dismissive snort. The usual boring survey run. Nothing exciting, Control. Glynx Leader out. He changed comm channels to the squadron frequency. This Glynx Leader to kittens. We’ve been assigned Betalt landing bays, so I want you all on your best behavior. The last thing I need is a lecture from Commander Glansow because someone was goofing off.

Glansow ran the Betalt flight bays with a firm hand and was a stickler for protocol. She didn’t put up with any nonsense from the pilots and was quick to let squadron leaders know of her displeasure. Jamiesan had been on the receiving end of her lectures before and he didn’t relish the prospect of another one. He watched as his squadron made their landings before he finally led his four-craft flight into the last flight bay. He carefully maneuvered his Hunter into the cavernous bay and let it slowly settle to the deck. Safely down, Jamiesan shut off the main engines and completed the required post-flight checks before popping open the hatch to his ship. The landing bay crew had already positioned a grav-pad next to the cockpit to enable him to descend the twenty-five feet to the deck. As his boots hit the floor, Jamiesan reached up to unseal the helmet from his flight suit and he tugged it from his head. He had short, light-sandy hair, something at odds with his Haikaidainese features. Most people from that genetic line had dark-brown or black hair. His blue eyes were also a racial oddity. Both were a gift from one of his mothers. He ran a gloved hand through his hair as the technicians began to clamber over his ship.

Welcome home, Sir, a chief petty officer greeted him. Any problems to report?

No, Chief. Sasha was as reliable as ever, Jamiesan assured the tech, reaching up to fondly pat the hull of his Hunter.

Just above his hand there was a drawing emblazoned on the side of the craft. The image was of a grey, mackerel-striped cat in full leap. It had tufted ears and long, cheek fur. Its lips were drawn back in a snarl. Underneath this were the words ‘Sweet Baby Sasha’. The idea of personalizing the Hunter had come from Jamiesan’s uncle. During one leave, on a visit to Branklee, Jamiesan had been discussing history with his Uncle Crineal when Crineal had mentioned the fact that crews of planes and tanks on Earth had taken to naming their vehicles and painting pictures on them during some of the wars. After looking at several examples, Jamiesan had become entranced by the idea and when he returned from leave, he had approached his commanding officer for permission to decorate his ship. At first, the major had been reluctant to approve such a thing, but when she heard who the idea had originated from, she became more tractable and finally consented. Soon, lots of pilots were also adorning their craft with images.

Jamiesan and the chief looked around as another officer approached. The woman’s uniform bore the rank insignia of a lieutenant commander and perched on her head of curly, black hair was the red beret that signified the navy branch of Space Corps. The petty officer came to attention and saluted the woman. Jamiesan merely gave her a polite nod.

Commander Glansow, he said as she stopped in front of him and returned the petty officer’s salute.

Captain Jamiesan, Glansow acknowledged with a nod of her own. Her rank of lt. commander was the equivalent of Jamiesan’s rank of captain, and so the pair didn’t salute each other.

Any problems with the landings, Commander? Jamiesan inquired as he unsealed and pulled off his gloves.

Glansow’s stern features became set and her lips thinned a little. Lieutenant Jeannine’s approach and touch down were more than a little shaky, Captain… she reported. Glansow paused as another pilot walked over to join them.

The woman was short compared to the rest of the personnel in the bay, being only a little over six feet tall. She respectfully saluted the pair.

Jamiesan and Glansow returned the gesture before Jamiesan addressed her. Commander Glansow was telling me that your approach looked pretty ragged, Lieutenant.

Yes, Sir, acknowledged Jeannine. I’m sorry about that. My stabilizing thrusters were acting up all day. I just asked the tech chief to give them an overhaul.

Jamiesan nodded and turned back to Glansow. The lieutenant is correct, Commander. I spoke to her about it during the mission. You should find a note of it in the flight logs, he added at Glansow’s look of disbelief. Just in case you think I’m covering for my subordinate.

Of course not, Captain. I never imagined that you’d do such a thing, said Glansow, a little stiffly.

Of course you did, Jamiesan thought cynically to himself. If there’s nothing else, Commander, I need to get to debriefing with my pilots. He gave Glansow another nod and walked by her towards the exit, Jeannine on his heels. You’d better hope that the techs find something, Jeanie, or I’ll throw you to the good commander, he muttered as soon as they were out of earshot of Glansow.

I swear there’s something wrong with Tomas, Sir. He was tres difficile all day, protested Jeannine, her French accent leaking through the translator chip. Her Hunter sported the image of a muscular, reclining, naked man. His only attire was a cowboy hat and he held a very large pistol, strategically covering his groin. He bore the name ‘Long Tom’. Jeannine explained to everyone that it was a double reference to the pistol and a nick-name for an old Earth artillery piece, because her long range shooting was so accurate. Jamiesan, along with most other people, had doubts as to the veracity of Jeannine’s explanation. Jeannine was from Earth though and so it wasn’t totally implausible.

As the two pilots left the flight bay and headed to the ready room, Jamiesan just grunted, wondering if the real-life inspiration for ‘Tom’ was as spectacularly endowed as his namesake.

The debriefing for the squadron was short and uneventful. When it was over, Jamiesan dismissed everyone and made his way to his quarters to shower and change before reporting to the flight group commander. Major Lejeune was in her office and Jamiesan came to attention, saluting her.

At ease, Jamie, said Lejeune, indicating the seat opposite her. How did it go today?

Routine, Ma’am, replied Jamiesan, once he had settled into the chair. No problems with the survey, although I don’t think we’re going to want to settle the planet anytime soon.  A low of eighty at night and one hundred and sixty in the day with ferocious sand storms. No sign of constructions or power sources.

Lejeune chuckled. Well, I’m sure the science teams will be interested in the data. They always are.

Yes, Ma’am, agreed Jamiesan. I just wish we had something to keep the girls and boys on their toes and stop them from being bored.

Not much chance of that, said Lejeune, sympathetically. "The last time we found anything like that was, what? Fifty odd years ago?’

Jamiesan nodded with a sigh. Rabattar. A survey expedition had found an unregistered colony. The inhabitants had turned out to be the crew of the last rebel torture ship. After giving up their children, the rebels had destroyed themselves rather than face justice. My mom was in command of the squadron that found them. She doesn’t like to talk about it.

Lejeune winced. No, I imagine not. Then she continued a little more briskly. Let me have your full report on today’s mission by the day after tomorrow. The admiral tells me that we’ll be heading for the next allocated sector in a few days.

Yes, Ma’am, agreed Jamiesan. If that’s all…?

Lejeune waved him away. That’s all. You’re dismissed.

Following the end of the rebellion, Space Corps had slowly reverted back to its peacetime role of survey and exploration. It continued to train its personnel in the combat arts as a precaution, but since Rabattar those skills had gone unused. And so, Space Corps had undergone some downsizing. The strike carriers were still useful as a scouting force, but the size of their escort had been substantially reduced. From a war-time allocation of three cruisers and twenty-one destroyers, now they were accompanied by just one cruiser and two destroyers, along with an auxiliary repair ship. The complement of small craft had also been reduced. The Harrower was down to just six Hunter squadrons from a regular allocation of fifteen combat squadrons. Now, captains commanded squadrons as opposed to majors and majors were now in charge of the reduced flight groups. There had been a commensurate loss of navy and marine personnel, with half of the carrier’s flight bays now surplus to requirements. When Jamiesan had brought his mother on board once, she had commented that the ship felt empty. Some of the unneeded flight bays had been mothballed and others had been converted into laboratories for the scientific teams now assigned to the carriers. Jamiesan wondered what it had been like in his mother’s day with all of the bustle and tension, worried every day whether you were going to be attacked. He couldn’t imagine it.

When he returned to his cabin, Jamiesan dialed up a cup of green tea from the replicator and then settled down to check his personal messages before dinner. The first one was from one of his mothers, suggesting that he needed to call them before his other mother called him. Sighing, Jamiesan made a mental note to call them after dinner. The next message was from Juleanne. She also wanted a call. Despite her being his best friend, Jamiesan was reluctant to do this. However, he knew he’d left it too long since his last call and decided he’d talk to her after calling his mothers. He finished checking the remainder of his messages, sent a few replies and then went to the mess hall for dinner. Once back in his quarters, Jamiesan found himself another cup of tea, sat down on the couch and then opened up a hyper-relay link to his home world of Glenxanie. It took a few seconds for the call to connect and then a holographic window opened in front of him. It displayed the lounge of his parents’ home and sitting on the sofa was the older of his mothers. Her long black hair framed her moon-shaped, saffron-hued face, and her rosebud lips curved into a smile as she saw him.

Jamie! What a lovely surprise, said Xianing in delight.

Hi, Mom, and don’t give me that, responded Jamiesan. Your message made it quite clear of the dire consequences if I didn’t call.

Nonsense, pouted Xianing. You know I’d never do anything like that. Jamiesan snorted in amusement. Xianing worked as a criminal profiler for the Glenxanie Police Force and she was adept at reading people as well as conveying her wishes in a subtle but effective way. Let me just get Saphy, she’s in the garden.

As Xianing got to her feet, a grey, furry face poked up over the edge of the screen and emitted a ‘mrrrll’, staring at him with big amber eyes.

Jamiesan couldn’t help but smile at the glynx. Hi, Sashkin. Have you been looking after moms for me? he inquired, eliciting another ‘mrrrll’ and a yawn. Sashkin was one of the family glynxies and a son of the original family glynx, Sasha. Sasha had passed away twelve years before and had been the inspiration for Jamiesan’s naming of his ship.

In the background he heard Xianing call out. Taikana, Jamie’s calling. She reappeared and sat back on the sofa. So, how have you been?

Before Jamiesan could answer, his other mother appeared. Saphya was as different from Xianing as could be. Her hair was golden-blonde and her face thin and pale. She fixed him with her dark-blue eyes. Oh, so you finally remembered that you have a family, did you?

Hi, Mom, it’s nice to see you, too, replied Jamiesan, with just a little sarcasm.

Taikana, don’t be like that! Xianing scolded her wife. You should be happy that Jamie called. You know how busy military life can get.

Hmmmph, they just play at soldiers now, Saphya said dismissively. Then she settled onto the sofa next to Xianing and put an arm around her. Well, don’t be rude to your mom, how have you been?

Jamiesan rolled his eyes and then gave in. I’ve been fine. I just got back from another survey mission, he informed them.

Find anything interesting? inquired Saphya in a tone of professional curiosity.

No, the planet is only barely habitable. You know how it goes; no aliens, no humans, no excitement, Jamiesan said a little dispiritedly. Saphya nodded her understanding, having commanded many such survey missions herself when she had been a pilot. So how is everyone there?

We’re all fine, Xianing told him with a smile. Your grandparents are all doing well. The glynxes are furry and pesky. Cyndae has a new boyfriend.  Cyndae was Jamiesan’s older sister, named after two of his aunts: Xianing’s sister, Kaedae and Cyndora.

Jamiesan groaned. Another one? Is there anyone left in Mandoran that she hasn’t dated? Saphya snorted in amused agreement.

Xianing scowled at them both. You two stop that. Cyn is just very complicated and has a hard time finding the right person.

Star’s knows that she’s tried enough, muttered Jamiesan, drawing another nod of agreement from Saphya.

Not everyone can be lucky and find the right person straight away, Xianing reprimanded them with another frown. She turned her head to look at Saphya. I seem to remember you telling me how you had problems finding someone until you met me.

Well, yes, Dearling, Saphya admitted, but I didn’t go through partners like Cyn does.

Xianing gave a shrug. Cyn just has her way of doing things and you two need to let her live her own life.

Saphya decided to change the subject rather than continue to argue with her wife about their daughter’s dating habits. So, have you decided whether to re-up yet? she asked Jamiesan.

Although Jamiesan’s re-enlistment date wasn’t until next year, he’d already discussed it with his parents. Saphya had been for it, Xianing had been neutral. Jamiesan was still undecided. Space Corps hadn’t really been a part of his plans and he was considering mustering out and going back to what he had studied for: architecture.

No, I’m still thinking it over, he said, reluctantly, not wanting to disappoint Saphya.

You’ve got plenty of time, so you don’t need to hurry, Xianing told him encouragingly.

Jamiesan smiled gratefully at her, knowing that she’d support him, whatever decision he made.

Oh, you might want to call Jenni, too, suggested Saphya. She was saying the other day that she hadn’t heard from you and that Barry wanted to know when his Uncle Jamie was coming home again.

Jennifae was Jamiesan’s cousin, sort of. Although not related by blood, their families were so close that they considered themselves such. More properly, Jennifae was Princess Hal’Kar’Jennifae, Lady Cri’Jenninfae of Glenxanie and the daughter of Crineal, Cyndora and Soukiva. Barrykim was her son. Saphya worked as Jennifae’s personal aide as she had for Jennifae’s non-natal mother, Soukiva. Jamiesan smiled as he remembered how excited Barrykim had been to have his Uncle Jamie visit and had constantly demanded exciting stories of all the planets that Jamiesan had seen. Jamiesan had stretched his imagination and enthralled his nephew with tall tales of exotic animals and plants that would chase and eat people

Alright, I’ll give her a call after we finish, said Jamiesan, relieved at the excuse to put off his call to Juleanne. I got a message from Grandma Liushen. She wants me to visit again as well.

There had been bad blood between Xianing and her parents following her arrest and conviction for alleged subversive activities during the rebellion, a situation that had gotten worse when Xianing had been released. Xianing and her sister, Kaedae, had severed all communication with their parents and barely mentioned their names to Jamiesan and Cyndae. This state of affairs had lasted until a decade and a half ago when Jamiesan had visited Haikaidai during a vacation from university and met with his grandparents for the first time. Somehow he’d negotiated a truce between his parents and grandparents. Now Xianing and Kaedae were on speaking terms with their parents again.

You’re going to be busy then, commented Saphya. My mom and dad want to see you as well.

Jamiesan tried not to groan, as that meant a trip to Vorcalnia, Saphya’s home world, as well as Haikaidai. It felt like there wasn’t enough of him to go around.

Following his call to his parents, Jamiesan made a brief call to his sister and then one to Jennifae. The result of that conversation was another call added to his list and he set up a link to Branklee. When the call connected, the screen displayed the crest of the Imperial family. Jamiesan announced himself and waited. After a few moments delay, as the security protocols identified him and confirmed his clearance, the screen switched to display a young woman of Jamiesan’s age. She had dark, mahogany hair and freckled face; her green-blue eyes sparkled as she greeted him.

Well, if it isn’t the valiant Captain Jamiesan, protector of the empire, said Shaeanni, giggling.

Hey, Shae. How’s the princess business going? Jamiesan responded with a grin.

Her Imperial Highness, the Crown Princess Hal’Kar’Shaeanni, gave him a languid shrug. It’s horrible. I’m constantly having to watch over moms and dad and make sure that they don’t become utter despots.

This caused Jamiesan to laugh out loud. He couldn’t imagine his aunts and uncle doing any such thing. Following Hal’Kar’Nilant’s abdication in favor of a well-earned retirement, the Imperial throne had passed to his daughter, Hal’Kar’Soukiva. She had taken up power, ably supported by her husband and wife, Crineal and Cyndora, and the fifteen years since then had been a time of peace and prosperity in the Imperial Federated Worlds. Not that the news of her secret relationship and marriage to Crineal and Cyndora hadn’t caused a stir when it was announced. The people had been shocked, although mostly pleased by the news of their hidden ten-year romance. There had followed an official state wedding as the trio converted their clandestine five-year marriage contract into a life contract and Crineal and Cyndora had been openly recognized as the prince-consort and princess-consort, respectively. Shaeanni was the biological daughter of Soukiva and Cyndora, whereas Jennifae was Crineal and Cyndora’s. Legally, in a multiple marriage, society considered all of the partners as parents of the children regardless of the actual biological progenitors.

So, you’re still shadowing your mom and learning the ins and outs of what it will take to become empress? Jamiesan asked, grinning as Shaeanni made a moue

Yeah, I still can’t convince Momma Souki that it’s going to be decades before I’ll need any of this, but you know mom, she’s all about duty, so I have to go along with it.

Jamiesan chuckled. You can’t fool me. I know you too well. You love being in the spotlight and you’re as dedicated to your duty as your parents are.

Shaeanni gave him a disgusted sniff. You take all the fun out of my rebellious princess act.

Jamiesan and Shaeanni had been born a year apart and on his family’s frequent visits to Glenxanie House, Shaeanni had been his natural play partner. The pair had regularly gotten into trouble together and Jamiesan was sure that both sets of parents had been watching them avidly, hoping for their childhood friendship to bloom into an adult romance. It hadn’t happened. Jamiesan and Shaeanni were close friends, however it was more like brother and sister than anything else. Jamiesan certainly loved Shaeanni, but he had no urge to enter into a more intimate relationship with her. He knew that she reciprocated his feelings.

Any chance that you can misuse some of that power of yours and get me a long period of leave? Jamiesan teased her. It seems that all of my family want me to visit.

Poor you, retorted Shaeanni, unsympathetically. It must be dreadful to be so popular.

The talk with Shaeanni lifted Jamiesan’s spirits considerably. She was honest and funny, which made her a very attractive person. In some ways, Jamiesan was closer to Shaeanni than he was to his own sister. Cyndae was fifteen years older and although he loved her, Jamiesan had shared more secrets with Shaeanni.  The only thing that was missing between them was that spark of romance, which led Jamiesan to his next task. With a sigh he opened another hyper-relay link to Glenxanie. A few seconds later, the face of another young woman appeared on the screen. She had mid-length, light-brown hair, a pale complexion, hazel-colored eyes and generous, deep-red lips. Jamiesan’s heart ached as she broke into a smile at seeing him.

Jamie! she exclaimed. This is great. I didn’t expect to hear from you this soon.

Hey, Jules. You’re looking terrific as always, replied Jamiesan with a smile of his own. I’m sorry it’s been so long since I last called. I just get caught up in work and things seem to slide. I had to endure a lecture from Momma Saphy earlier.

Juleanne laughed. I know how that goes when I don’t talk to my mom for a week. How are your moms?

They’re doing fine. Momma Saphy acts all stern and bossy as usual and Momma Xian quietly runs everything and everyone.

That sounds like your moms, Juleanne agreed, having known them since she became friends with Jamiesan when they were at school together. And how is life in Space Corps?

The same as always I suppose. I love the flying, put up with the paperwork, and I like the people, mostly, said Jamiesan, giving a little shrug. At the moment, we’re out in deep space surveying new planets on the very edge of the known systems.

I can’t think what it must be like to be so far away from everyone, Juleanne said, bemusedly. Although I never imagined you joining Space Corps in the first place.

You get used to it, replied Jamiesan, staring at the reason for his enlisting. And it made Momma Saphy happy.

Juleanne nodded and then looked up at something off screen, smiling as she did so. Hey, Babe, Jamie’s calling.

A man appeared in the frame, first kissing Juleanne and then giving Jamiesan a wave and a grin. Hey, man, it’s good to see you. It’s been too long.

You, too, Fran, Jamiesan said. You still need to do something about that ugly mess you call hair though.

Francella ran a hand through his short, wiry, ginger hair. Red’s very fashionable, he protested. Just ask the Empress-Consort.

Jamiesan snorted. Aunty Cyndy’s hair doesn’t look like yours, and she’s prettier than you, he teased his friend.

You leave my partner alone, protested Juleanne. I think Frannie’s very pretty.

Francella winced at this. The word is handsome, Honey, he corrected her.

Jamiesan watched the pair with a heavy heart. They were his friends. Francella he’d met at university and taken a liking to the shy man almost immediately. Juleanne was his best friend. They had met in middle school and hit it off instantly. They’d gone everywhere together and done almost everything. The one thing that hadn’t happened was dating. Jamiesan loved Juleanne so much that he didn’t want to risk their friendship by asking her out and the time had never seemed to be right. Then at university he had introduced her to Francella at a party and watched in despair as the pair had fallen in love. They had been together for fifteen years now and Jamiesan still considered them amongst his closest friends.

So we wanted to share our news with you, Juleanne told him as she cuddled up to Francella. We’ve finally decided to get married and we want you to be here for it. The couple gave him a blissful smile that tore at Jamiesan’s heart.

It’s about time, said Jamiesan, forcing another smile. We’re not due to return for another couple of months yet, though.

Oh, that’s fine, Juleanne assured him. Fran is having to go off-planet on a business trip in a weeks’ time and he’ll be away for about six weeks. So we’re planning on the wedding for the middle of Nononth.

Francella nodded. It’s a trip all the way to Hanfell. My company has decided to try and get in on the ground floor as the colony starts up. Hanfell was the newest Imperial colony and the first to be established since the end of the rebellion.

Well, you know I’ll be there, duties permitting, Jamiesan agreed cautiously, finding himself hoping that he wouldn’t be able to make it.

Juleanne excitedly relayed the proposed details of the event to Jamiesan and it was a relief to him when the call finally ended. Jamiesan liked that his friends were happy, but it hurt so much to see the girl he loved with another man. Stars! This is so clichéd, Jamiesan thought. Running off to join Space Corps because the love of my life found another man. Shae would slap me stupid and laugh at me if she found out. Maybe re-enlisting would be the best option, Jamiesan mused, but I’ve had enough of running away. I need to get out and put my life back in order. Jamiesan sighed once more and then got up and went to bed, still undecided about his future.

The following morning, Jamiesan found a message from Commander Glansow waiting for him. It was a report of the status of his squadron’s Hunters, with a note to say that they had replaced the stabilizing thrusters on Lt. Jeannine’s ship as they had been found to be faulty. At least that saves me from having to drag Jeanie in for a dressing down, he thought. Following a full debriefing for his squadron on the previous day’s survey mission, Jamiesan set them all to a training session in the simulators, using some old combat training programs that he’d obtained from Crineal. Like his uncle, Jamiesan believed that Space Corps still needed to be prepared for war just in case the unthinkable happened. By the time his squadron had finished for the day, Jamiesan’s pilots were all muttering unsavory comments about his parentage. He took it in good stead, determined that his people would be ready for any emergency. Jamiesan knew that his mother would approve of working his people hard and that the good-natured grumbling was a sign that he was doing his job.

Chapter Two

Whilst waiting for the Harrower to reach its next survey grid, Jamiesan continued to drill his squadron in combat techniques. Despite comments from his pilots claiming he was a sadist, his actions earned approval from Lejeune and she ordered the whole flight group to participate in the exercises.

It was nearly a week before the carrier arrived at her destination. Lejeune gathered her squadron leaders together to assign them their duties. After detailing the various planets in their sector, she began to allocate them to the squadrons. Eventually, it was Jamiesan’s turn.

Captain, Glynx Squadron gets these three, said Lejeune, pointing to the holographic map. Chisam, Manxam and Trewit. The planets bordered a gulf. Beyond Manxam the area was devoid of stars for over three parsecs.

Yes, Ma’am, Jamiesan acknowledged. Are we being exiled because of last week’s training sessions?

The other pilots around the table chuckled. No, but I know some people wished you in a deep, dark pit, responded Lejeune with humor. Chisam and Trewit are both thought to be marginal, but the probe information rates Manxam as promising.

Jamiesan dutifully made notes as the briefing continued.

Afterwards, Lejeune called Jamiesan aside.

Don’t worry about the complaints, Jamie. You’re doing a good job, she assured him. If you decide to re-up, then I know you’ll get the nod for a flight group XO spot and hopefully make major.

Jamiesan nodded his appreciation of her approval. Thank you, Ma’am. I’m still considering my options regarding re-enlisting, but I’ll let you know as soon as I’ve decided.

Clapping him on the shoulder, Lejeune smiled. There’s no rush. You won’t even get the paperwork until close to New Year.

Yes, Ma’am, agreed Jamiesan, still having no idea what he was going to do.

After studying the data on his three assigned planets, Jamiesan settled on surveying Chisam and Trewit first, leaving Manxam until last. Manxam’s system was the one closest to the gulf and the planet furthest from the carrier.  Jamiesan worked out a flight schedule and then gathered his squadron to brief them.

As expected, the first two planets proved to be busts. Chisam sat just on the outer edge of the habitable zone and the survey showed it to be a frozen wasteland. Trewit was warmer, however the atmosphere was laced with poisons and heavy metals. Until scientists came up with a reliable enclosed habitat system or extensive terraforming techniques, the empire wouldn’t be settling either planet soon. After Trewit, Jamiesan gave his people a two-day break before setting out for Manxam.

Glynx Squadron completed its jump into the Manxam system and instinctively, Jamiesan did a check on his people. As always, the board registered green.

This is Glynx Leader to kittens, let’s try to stay alert and get this done so we can go home. Major Lejeune tells me that we’re heading to Nefenel once we’ve completed the next sector, Jamiesan informed the squadron.

This is Artakon Three. That’s good to hear, Sir, replied Jeannine. It’s awfully cold and lonely out here.

I’m sure Tom will keep you warm, Jeanie, teased 1st Lieutenant Burellit, the squadron XO, from her position at Engala One.

There was a ripple of laughter over the comm link. I think Tom could keep half the squadron warm, suggested Lieutenant Fruzzaine.

Grinning to himself, Jamiesan cut in on the banter. Alright, let’s keep it down and get our minds on the job rather than Tom’s abilities. Glynx Leader out.

Pleased with the mood of his pilots, Jamiesan set course for Manxam, the rest of the squadron following.

According to Jamiesan’s scanners, the rest of the planetary system seemed about average. There was a small, barren planet between Manxam and its star, and further out from Manxam, there were two, medium-sized gas giants. Jamiesan punched up the long range image of Manxam and magnified it. Plenty of green and blue, Jamiesan thought, the hallmarks of a possible colony world at some point when the empire expanded this far. He studied the image as they approached the planet, crossing the quarter of a million-mile threshold. Suddenly, a power source registered on the scanners.

What the stars…? Jamiesan muttered to himself as he tapped keys to locate the object. He had just enough time to establish that it was in orbit above Manxam before his tactical readouts flashed red, warning that his ship was being targeted. All ships, take evasive action… That was all Jamiesan managed as he threw his Hunter into a roll. There was a moment of excruciating pain and then everything went dark.

The figure in the black survival suit gave a groan and stirred a little. Even this slight movement caused another groan. Jamiesan closed his eyes again as sparks flashed across his vision. It helped a fraction, but his headache didn’t subside and neither did the ache through the rest of his body. At last, he forced himself to open his eyes once more. The flashes in his sight had diminished and he tried to make out his surroundings. One of the lights he could see was green and remained steady. It took Jamiesan a second to place it and then he sighed with relief. It was his survival suit integrity monitor and the steady green light meant that his suit was intact. He shifted a little and could feel the pilot’s couch pressing against his back. At least I’m still in my ship, Jamiesan thought gratefully. Resting for a minute to see if his vision would further clear, he tried to piece together what had happened; his thoughts felt like mush. They had been approaching the planet… Jamiesan struggled for a second and then came up with the name, Manxam… a power source had appeared in orbit, followed by a targeting warning. Then… a shot of some kind? It was hard for him to remember. Whatever it was had knocked him out and left him disorientated. Jamiesan tried to focus his eyes once more and the flashes faded. The cockpit was dark, but it framed the window and Jamiesan watched as the stars moved slowly through his field of vision. I’m tumbling, Jamiesan concluded after studying the motion. With no ship instrumentation readily available, Jamiesan checked the status of his flight suit. According to the timer, he had been out for just over an hour. The gauges reported that he still had eleven hours of suit oxygen left. Enough time for the Harrower to find me, Jamiesan told himself hopefully. Knowing that he wasn’t in any immediate danger made him relax a little and he reached out to hit the Hunter’s system reboot key. Nothing happened. Next, Jamiesan tried toggling the main power switch off and on. This also produced no result. Great, thought Jamiesan, so either the main power cells are dead or the links are fried. If it’s the former than I’m stuck here. He went through the entire system start-up sequence without success. That leaves one option, Jamiesan concluded and he popped open a panel to reveal a switch. The Hunter was equipped with a backup power supply for use in emergencies. In standard flight operations it was isolated from the rest of the ship’s systems. Jamiesan hoped that it had been protected from whatever had hit the ship. He slid the switch into the ‘on’ position. Jamiesan let out a breath as a winking green light appeared on the main ship console.

Thank you, Sasha, Jamiesan said to his ship, patting the board.

He hit the system reboot button once more and this time was rewarded with a response, if not a positive one. Every system reported an error or malfunction. The engines and main power unit weren’t registering at all. This doesn’t bode well, Jamiesan thought gloomily and then he caught the glint of one green light; the emergency repair unit attached to the backup power unit. It too was isolated for use in last ditch situations. Jamiesan touched the repair indicator and a list of options opened up for him to consider. The unit couldn’t handle much on its own, certainly not a full repair and so Jamiesan scrolled down to select the primary and secondary repair modules, setting the unit to repair those first. In his head, Jamiesan went over the critical systems he’d need to ensure his survival. First up was power followed by ship life support, to take the burden from his suit. After that came sensors, inertial dampers, main engines and controls. With those he’d be able to correct his course if he was heading into danger. Then would come navigation and jump engines. With the last two, I might be able to get back to the Harrower and save myself, he thought, something that Momma Saphy would approve of rather than sitting on my butt awaiting rescue. His thoughts were broken as the system board lit up with another green tab; the secondary repair unit. Jamiesan let out another sigh of relief and a minute later the main repair unit registered as functional, too. Jamiesan’s eyes went to the readout on the emergency power unit. It read seventy-five percent remaining and Jamiesan wondered if it would be enough to get the main power unit up and running again… even if it could be fixed. He debated for a moment about fixing life-support first to back up his suit and, with a shrug, directed the repair units to work on the main power supply. Jamiesan watched as the emergency power readout steadily dropped. It fell below fifty, then forty, thirty and twenty. He became anxious as it approached ten percent, hovered for a moment and then dipped under, the low power alert flashing at him. At eight percent, the indicator hesitated again and then held. Jamiesan looked at the main system readouts and there, in the center, the main power unit registered as operational with sixty percent reserves. That would be plenty to finish repairs and make a jump back to the Harrower.

Jamiesan closed his eyes, thankfully. Atta girl, Sasha.

Sasha, the family glynx, had been Jamiesan’s constant childhood companion. Always ready to play with him, and be by his side to comfort him when he was feeling down, sad, or in trouble with his parents. Her soft fur had soaked up his tears more than once. Sasha was a member of the family as much as he, his sister or his parents were. The news of her death while he was at the Academy had been a blow and in the naming of his ships, Jamiesan felt that he had found a fitting memorial to her. He knew it was irrational, but perhaps her spirit was here, still looking after him.

Opening his eyes again, Jamiesan now set the primary repair unit to work on life-support, and the secondary to fix the sensors. As soon as life-support was operational, Jamiesan had the medical unit run a diagnostic on him. The report showed that his nervous system had taken a severe shock, however it was recovering. The unit recommended a series of drugs to relieve the discomfort and cushion his system. Jamiesan accepted the offer and within minutes felt much better, his thoughts more coherent. Even as he stretched a little, the main sensors came back online and Jamiesan studied the readouts. His Hunter was now four hundred thousand miles away from the planet and heading out. No power sources registered anywhere and Jamiesan hoped that the rest of his squadron were safe. His eyes went to the inertial dampers next. Without them, he’d not be able to maneuver much or accelerate and decelerate. The g-forces would kill him. Jamiesan smiled when they reported as operational again, he was looking forward to being able to stop the slow spin his ship was in. The control systems quickly followed the dampers and then Jamiesan found himself waiting on the main engines. The diagnostic and repair units reported that a lot of the links had been damaged, but not the systems themselves. Jamiesan hoped that this boded well for getting the engines up and running again. His patience was reward fifteen minutes later and Jamiesan was able to correct the Hunter’s motion, cancelling out the tumbling and leaving him travelling in a steady line away from Manxam. Now Jamiesan felt more relaxed as he had control of the ship again and he patiently waited for the navigation system to come up. It took another twenty minutes, but at last its tag went green on the console. There were still far too many red warnings, including weapons, but Jamiesan felt that now he had enough to get home. He punched up the recorded jump coordinates for the Harrower’s location and, although they looked right, Jamiesan took no chances and recorded his current position in case he couldn’t find the carrier and needed to jump back. Ten more minutes later, the jump drives came online and Jamiesan immediately began to charge them. After another thirty minutes, they were ready and Jamiesan activated the jump command.

As the jump completed, the Hunter’s tactical display updated and there, clearly displayed on it, one hundred thousand miles away, were the five ships of the task force.

Jamiesan activated his comm link. Harrower Flight Control, this is Glynx Leader requesting landing clearance and assistance from a tug. He couldn’t help but feel smug that he’d got this far on his own and his tone of voice reflected that.

This is Senior Flight Control, is that you Captain Jamiesan? demanded Commander Shellarie.

Yes, Ma’am, still alive and kicking, Jamiesan reported. Sasha’s going to need some work though.

Welcome home, Captain, said Shellarie. You’re cleared for Flight Bay Betalt Ten. We’ll have a tug standing by.

Thank you, Ma’am, Glynx Leader out. Jamiesan cut the link and sat back to make his approach.

At twenty thousand miles out, Jamiesan began to reduce speed, coming to a stop a few miles from the carrier. There, a tug waited for him. Jamiesan cut the power to his main engines and, after attaching a set of magnetic grapples, the tug carefully towed Jamiesan’s Hunter into the flight bay. When his ship was safely down on the deck, Jamiesan carried out his post-flight checks and shut down the main power. He reached out and patted the main console.

Thank you, Sasha, you got me home again, Jamiesan murmured gratefully. He knew it had to be his imagination, but he could swear there was an answering ‘mrrrll’.

Popping open the canopy, Jamiesan stood up and the crowd that had gathered around his Hunter let out a cheer. He was relieved to see the faces of his squadron in amongst them, glad that they had returned safely. Jamiesan gave them a half-wave, half-salute before descending to the deck on a grav pad.

Jamiesan saluted the waiting Lejeune. Captain Jamiesan reporting, Ma’am.

Lejeune returned his salute with a grin. A little late, Captain, but I’ll forgive you this time.

Then his squadron mates were crowding around him, congratulating him on his return. It took a few minutes for the crowd to settle a little and Jamiesan found Jeannine grinning up at him.

I told them zat you weren’t finis, Sir, she said.

I had to order her to stand down, added Burellit. Our little firebrand was all for chasing off to try and find you when I ordered the squadron back to the carrier. Burellit’s expression clouded. I’m sorry, Sir. Your ship didn’t register on the scanners and I was sure that you’d been totally destroyed.

Jamiesan nodded his approval. You did right, Lieutenant. Your duty was to get back here and report the situation, not risk everyone else by looking for me.

I already told you that, Lieutenant, put in Lejeune with some exasperation.

Yes, Ma’am. Yes, Sir, Burellit conceded, looking relieved.

As Jamiesan smiled at her, his vision blurred and his legs felt unsteady.

Several people noticed him wobble and Jeannine was at his side in an instant, holding him up. Are you ok, Sir? she inquired