The Last Battle of the Skolgnor: A Measured Valor Story, #1

By McKinley Baker

"Alien monsters born from the bowels of his new crewmates, a  perilous walk through a lake of feces and sewage...and that's just day one aboard the Skolgnor."

It had been a momentous day for Ensign William Bates. A day for which he had worked hard. Top Graduate of the Gladian Naval Academy, and bound to be groomed for admiralty, like his father, and his father before him. Nothing could have dampened his day… Except, his meteoric career path is sabotaged, when he finds himself assigned to the derelict Corvette class vessel Skolgnor. An old ship and a strange ship, but nowhere near as strange as her Commander - the enigmatic Captain Alek Groven. A man whose lowly station to a broken down Corvette  belies his knowledge of warfare and stunning strategic acumen. In a confrontation between himself and his captain, William will learn his path. The past will come to light, and an enemy from within will surface, and with it… begins the Last Battle of the Skolgnor.

• Language: English
• Publisher: McKinley Baker
• Release date: Jan 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393095323

Book preview

Chapter One: From Humbling Beginnings

TODAY WAS THE DAY, the day he’d worked so hard for. The day he’d waited all his twenty years of life for. He was going to mark this day as the most important one of his life. With his hands behind him, and his head held high, Ensign William Bates stood with absolute pride as the naval band continued its fanfare. Eleven others were standing with him, but he was at the front—the top graduate of the year. It hadn’t been easy getting to this point, but here he was.

He had the highest PT score, the highest aptitude score and even the best marksmanship. Granted, he didn’t expect to be doing much of that, but even still. If needing to be the best shot was a requirement for being here, then so be it.

The fanfare slowly died down, and as it did, a man dressed in a pristine white uniform adorned with countless medals approached the dais—Vice Admiral Marco Vega.

Good evening, everyone. I’d like to take just a brief moment to personally thank all of you for coming here to share your support for our fair planet’s first and last line of defense. Admiral Vega paused to give William and the other eleven an admiring glance, then waved them all forward and, as expected, they each took a single step towards him and the crowd.

Vega turned back to the hushed masses. These brave men and women behind me have taken it upon themselves to serve the planet Glade, our home. They have elected to safeguard it from threats both known and unknown. They not only deserve your admiration as well as your respect but also your love and support. For in times of danger, it will be the likes of these who will appear. For they will be your armor, your shield, and if necessary, your sword. It is a time fo...

The admiral’s words, though filled with pride, admiration, and encouragement, were drowned out by something else. Not by any audible sound, but by an idea of his future. William glanced up and over the sea of faces to the distant and towering object behind them. Though still under construction, as it would be for quite a few months, the shadow of the pride of the Gladian Navy was over them all. It was the Radiance, the largest and most powerful battle-cruiser ever to be constructed by Glade, and with the way things were going, that ship would be his future. The mere sight of it made him swell with pride, and made him all the more aware of his accomplishments these past three years.

Though his family had a long history of serving in the Gladian Navy, he would be the first of them to graduate top of his class, and he’d done it without currying favor. Unlike others.

William’s eyes drifted slightly to his left. To the man who graduated second. To John Wilkinson.

Some would say they were cut from the same cloth. That they both come from military families each of which had long histories in the navy and because of these perceived similarities, they had quickly become bitter rivals in nearly every way. However, in his mind, there was a key difference between them. Wilkinson would often use family favors to climb the ladder of the military hierarchy, but William had decided to do it on his own. Without the use of his family name.

Today marked which path had a better outcome. A smirk grew on his face as he remembered when it was announced who had graduated top of the classThe image of Wilkinson nearly popping a blood vessel was a memory he’d cherish dearly. Would’ve been nice if he had. The idea of him having to go through this entire ceremony with a red eye brought his smirk into a full smile.

Yet another thing to be happy about was the fact that he would get to speak first and Wilkinson last. Red eye or not, having to do the final speech of the ceremony would be humiliating enough for him. Their little war was over, and he had been the victor. It’d taken nearly three years but in the end, he’d beaten Wilkinson in this game. Now was time for the final blow. As the admiral’s address neared its end, William quickly reminded himself of the critical points of his own speech. This was going to be his last chance to one-up that sycophant, and he wasn’t going to screw it up.

And now, the top twelve graduating candidates have something they wish to tell you. Beginning with Ensign Jonathan Wilkinson.

William’s eyes went wide, unblinking. That wasn’t right. He was supposed to be next, not Wilkinson.

Thunderous applause erupted among the crowd, and William caught sight of Jonathan’s devilish smirk as he stepped out in front to shake hands with Admiral Vega, and then approached the podium himself.

There had to be some mistake. Had to, but any doubts as to what was happening ended the moment Jonathan began to speak.

On behalf of the graduating class, it truly is an honor to have you with us today. Speaking of which there is one person of note I would like to thank for me being here.

William swallowed his protest and tried his best to stop the reddening anger growing on his face. He knew what Jonathan was going to do. After all, it was the same thing he had planned on doing.

As expected Jonathan waived his arm in William’s direction, singling him out, and then with that same wicked smirk his face said, I would like to personally thank our top graduate William Bates, whose presence here has been a constant inspiration to us all. Thank you, William. Truly.

Jonathan began to clap, others both on and off the stage quickly joined him. The praise from the crowd should have been filling him with pride, but considering the look in Jonathan’s eyes, he knew what that sound really was. It wasn’t the sound of victory, but the thunderous applause of defeat.

As if things weren’t bad enough, he quickly came to another horrifying discovery. It wasn’t just Wilkinson who got to speak ahead of him. It was everyone. The entire class. He wasn’t sure how long it was, but by the time it was finally his turn to speak, he felt ashamed, defeated, and furious. Everything he had wanted to say had been said ten times over. In the end, he kept his words short, and to the point, making his speech the shortest of all.

At the ceremony’s end, were it not for tradition’s sake, he wouldn’t have tossed his hat into the air. He would have thrown it to the dirt and ground it in. Everything he’d worked for had been for nothing. Whatever joy he had felt over this momentous day was gone forever. All because of him, Jonathan.

William didn’t know how and he didn’t know whose hands Jonathan could have possibly greased for this, but he knew he was responsible for it. He should have seen something like this coming from that self-entitled tool. Luckily, he didn’t have to wait long to get him cornered.

Once again standing on tradition, the first twelve graduating members of the academy were to be given their assignments. Crème of the crop too—capital ship class assignments. All of them were to be groomed to become admirals themselves one day.

It wasn’t the ideal location, witnesses and all, but he cornered the snake while they were waiting for the admiral who would hand out their assignments. It was a nice little posh room. The war room they called it. The place where the admiralty board met only once every few years, or when times deemed it necessary. In either case, he wasn’t going to wait any longer to get a chance at that sniveling sycophant.

The moment there weren’t any officers around, he jumped Wilkinson and held him up by the collar with his left hand and made ready to cave in his face with his right. How did you do it, John? Get your daddy to clean up your mess? he shouted, his fury making his voice sound ragged even in his own ears.

The other eleven graduates gave him a wide berth. Wilkinson didn’t have much in terms of friends, least of all those who would be ready to take William on in a fight.

All Wilkinson did in response was smirk back at him. Lo-looks like I was the one who got the last laugh, William, and the best part is I didn’t have to do a thing.

That smirk of his was all he could take, and he knew the others weren’t about to stop him. He was just about ready to break John’s nose when a familiar voice stopped his fist.

Put him down, NOW!

All the hairs on the back of his neck stood up, and suddenly things became more apparent. William should’ve figured that it’d be him who was behind this.

As he turned around, he noticed that the others stood in attention at the appearance of a lone admiral, an admiral who just happened to be his father.

He let go of Jonathan, and the two of them together snapped to attention.

His father, Bartholomew Bates, stared them both down before looking directly at him. Come with me, Ensign Bates. Now.

And again as he walked with his father into a nearby office, that devilish smirk of Jonathan’s burned into him. The moment they were behind closed doors, he wasn’t afraid to let his father have it.

You? It was you! You made this happen!

His father, safe behind a desk, nodded matter of factly. Yes, I persuaded Vice Admiral Vega that perhaps it would be best if we had the best in class to deliver his speech last.

He couldn’t control his anger towards his father, admiral or not. He slammed his hands on his father’s desk. I-You! This! I worked myself raw for over three years to get to this point. So, I could be the best. And you took that away from me!

His father barely acknowledged his outburst at all, choosing instead to simply look bemused by it. I’m sorry, but are you saying that I took away all that you have achieved these past three years? Your physical training, the knowledge you’ve acquired and the skills you’ve gained. All of that is gone? And that I siphoned it away from you somehow?

That wasn’t what he’d meant. He tried to point that out. No, what you did-

For the first time in their standoff, his father raised his voice. NO! I have done nothing, William. Except try to teach you a lesson. Now stand to.

Countless years of training took over and without even thinking about it William stood up straight and placed his arms behind his back. If there was one thing he hated about being in the military, it was this. Mostly because he’d been doing it far too long. He’d been just a child, no more than five years old, when his father had started drilling him like a soldier. The meaning of attention had been burnt into his mind long ago so that he would react instantly. After nearly twenty years, he still hadn’t changed.

As he stood at attention, helpless, his father stood up from his chair, stepped around his desk, and then began to calmly walk around him in circles. No different than an animal stalking his prey. In this case, him.

So, my son. You think that I am doing you harm by cheating you out on what you would describe as your greatest achievement? 

Even though he hated calling him that, he answered quickly. Yes, sir. Sir? All the other kids got to call their father, dad, or pop, but not him. No, it’d been sir since he was five. The fact that he was now required to do so didn’t help matters.

His father stopped directly in front of him. Well, you’re wrong and I am going to prove it to you. Let’s have a little test?

Though remaining at attention, William let his shoulders relax a little. Of course sir. Ask away. He’d achieved top marks, the highest in the academy in the past thirty years. There was no question his father could ask that he couldn’t answer.

His father smiled wryly, which in all fairness should have been a warning sign. Good. Now, who is Alex Gaiden?

The hammer had fallen, and he froze up. I- Alex Gaiden? There was no one by that name. No military leader, political leader, or scientist. The name didn’t ring a bell. He stood there, mouth half-open, absolutely dumbfounded.

His father took that as an answer and quickly assaulted him with yet another question. Nothing? Well, now that is a shame. How about Keira Rossman, or perhaps Derrick Kasan?

Again, those names meant nothing to him. It went on like that for five more grueling minutes. His father gave him name after name, and he could say nothing in response. Finally his father recited a name he did recall.

Who is Jonathan Wilkinson?

He knew the answer but failed to understand. I- What is this?

It was at that moment he saw his father give him an entirely new look, one he’d actually never delivered to him before. It was true and utter disappointment.

William, these names. You should know them. For they were all the names of your classmates.

It was here that he was so shocked that he lost his respectful posture. Sir, what is this!? he said again.

It was a test, and one that I knew you would fail.

I understand that! What I don’t understand is what kind of test it is. My classmates? Who cares? Why does any of that matter?

His father, with that same disappointed look, grimly shook his head. You still don’t get it, do you, William? Very well, a demonstration then. Two thousand seven hundred and fifty-two.

A laugh very nearly escaped his lips. And that means what to me exactly?

"That, my son, is the exact number of men and women who serve aboard my ship, the Illusive. I can name them all, I could even give you the names of their children if need be."

William’s patience had begun to wane at the vagueness of his father’s questions or to be more accurate, the answers to his questions. How...impressive, Father, but I don’t see how this matters, or how this justifies what you did to me? I- that was- I worked hard for that right. That was to be my-

What? Your greatest moment? You’re still on that? Bringing a hand to his face, his father rubbed at his temples in an obvious display of frustration. My son, you truly think that your greatest moment is going to come at the young age of twenty-one and on your day of graduation? I’m sorry, but I think not. And if that truly does end up being the case, then I apologize further for what will be a truly dull career and life ahead of you. You never once asked me this, but do you want to know what I remember about the day I graduated? Of what I, the fifth highest graduate said to the thousands that had gathered on that day?

Having had enough of failing to answer obscure questions, William chose to remain silent. Following that silence, his father answered. Nothing, William. I remember nothing of what I said, none of what my rivals said, but do you want to know what I can tell you? I can give you the names of the other twenty-four top graduates. Can’t you even name two? Three years you studied with them, worked alongside them, and yet all you can do is give me the name of your enemy?

Again his training failed and, unable to resist any longer, he threw his hands up. What does that matter!? What does this have to do with anything?

Closing his eyes momentarily, his father shook his head, what looked to William like regret flattening his expression. I see now that I was right to act when I did, William. You’re right about one thing at least. Today will not be your greatest moment. Far from it in fact. I have laid a great and terrible problem before you, and you aren’t even capable of seeing it.

Making matters only worse for himself, but unable to help it, he shrugged his shoulders. What problem, sir?

Saying nothing, his father placed a hand on his shoulder and gently pushed him down into his seat. Sit down.

He sat, and his father walked around the desk to his own chair before continuing. My son, do you understand what it means to be a captain?

He did—it meant being fearless, being capable, being smarter than your opponents, able to read and outmatch them at every turn. I-

His father held up his hand. No. Don’t. I don’t want to hear what you have to say. You’ve already said enough, and I can tell that the answer you’ve come to is the wrong one.

His frustration unabated, William shrugged yet again. Then what-

His father quickly and coldly cut him off. I’m not finished, William. This day has not one, but two disappointments in store for you.

A frown grew on his face. What are you talking about?

His father placed his hands on the desk and folded them together. "As you know it’s customary for the top ten graduates to get the best choice in ship assignment. This, however, will not be the case for you. You will be assigned to the ship of my choice, and serve under a captain of my choosing. In this case the Corvette Skolgnor."

A Corvette? No, he can’t do this. The top candidates are always given capital ship assignments and then groomed to become admirals.

His hands clenched into fists as the gravity of the situation settled in. You’re derailing my career path? This-this is going to ruin my chance of becoming an admiral!

His father shook his head. Unlikely, but it certainly won’t help you. Besides, was it not you who said that you wanted to make it on your own? To be your own Batesman? Reaching into his desk, his father pulled out a yellow envelope and handed it to him. There, your assignment. I suggest you head home and get a good night’s rest.

Barely containing his anger, he reached out and gripped the envelope and nearly tore the edge when he took it from his father’ hand. With all due respect...sir—and let me see if I understand this right— this is all because I don’t know the names of my classmates?

His father, with a sad smile, scoffed at the question. This problem of yours goes beyond even that. And that, my son? That is why you failed. You think that to be a good captain is to be strong, brave, and smarter than your adversary. Now, while it’s true that all those things have a part to play in your capabilities, you’re missing something very important. But don’t you worry. I think I’ll leave the answering of your question to Captain Alek Groven. He was my first officer back when he was your age, and I’m sure that he won’t disappoint me. Not like you have today. You’re dismissed. Now get out.

After standing up slowly, William saluted his father. On top of the man’s apparent, disappointed demeanor, his father chose not to return that salute. He simply stared at him, unblinking. Lowering his hand, he turned around and made ready to go. It was then that it hit him the hardest. Everything he’d worked for, everything he’d done for the past three years. It was all for naught. In the span of just a few hours, his father had ruined it all, and he didn’t even know why. He walked out of that office barely able to keep himself upright.

It was all made worse by the whispers and hushed mocking of his peers who, unlike him, would go on to lead successful careers. It was very likely that they’d celebrate that fact. He, however, was due to report for duty tomorrow morning. William didn’t give any of his peers a second thought, or least that’s what he told himself. He merely did as his father suggested. He went home and collapsed on his bed of broken dreams, and soon fell asleep.

Chapter Two: Trouble in the Deep

A SHARP, HIGH PITCHED ringing woke him from his slumber. William examined his clock and felt his eyebrow involuntarily rise. It was early; earlier than when they would do PT at the academy.

The blaring of his door chime didn’t cease and along with forcing his eyes open further, he gave an extremely harsh grimace for whoever was at his door at this hour. With a groan, he dragged himself out of bed, made his way to the door and opened it in a noticeably aggressive way, startling the man behind it. 

The man, a low ranking message runner, immediately snapped his hand up to his forehead Beg your pardon, sir!

He allowed his annoyance to show by sneering at the man for a few seconds before he returned the salute, after which he made his displeasure known vocally. Trooper!? Do you have any idea what time it is?!

The young seaman hesitated, and instead of answering his question thrust out an envelope. Yes, sir! Compliments of Captain Groven, sir!

Taking a deep breath, William yanked the envelope out of the man’s hand. He examined the contents and his mouth fell open. He was to report to the naval shipyard for a twelve-month outing in one hour! He stood there slack-jawed for a moment and then glanced upward, not with annoyance, but pure bewilderment. Is this someone’s idea of a joke?

I-No sir. Captain Groven handed it to me personally to be read by you at your soonest convenience.

One hour? This was preposterous. No one in the history of the academy, at least that he was aware of, had ever received such orders, and the day after graduation no less! He shook his head.No. This is insane! He can’t honestly expec-

The man quickly snapped up another salute. I’m sorry, sir, but I have other urgent notices to hand out. I apologize for waking you.

Remembering that the man in front of him was not at all responsible for the orders