Redemption: The Earthborn, #5

By Adair Hart

Sometimes a situation needs Earthborn.

With over half of the Fredorian Senate missing, Blake and the Exceltion crew are called to duty. Tasked with finding the senators, they will need every advantage they can get. It doesn't help that Fredorian leaders Andia Kiggs and Rakar Ho Jador are among those who disappeared.

To make matters worse, the Saskarins have incited a Fredorian civil war. Fighting Saskarins is one thing, but fighting Saskarin-controlled Fredorians on Fredoria is another.

The crew will be pushed to their limits to find the missing people while dealing with the Saskarins at every turn. The situation requires unorthodox thinking—something Earthborn excel at. Although Earthborn are often looked down upon, redemption is at hand.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adair Hart
• Release date: Mar 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393525219

Book preview

Contents

Title

Copyright Page

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

Epilogue

Note from the Author

About the Author

Acknowledgments

Books

Title

Copyright © 2020 Adair Hart

All rights are reserved to the author. No part of this e-book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

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

Editing done by Miranda Miller of Editing Realm

Cover done by Tom Edwards

Interior design done by Colleen Sheehan

Proofreading done by Alexa

Published by Quantum Edge Publishing

www.AdairHart.com

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Chapter One

Blake loved killing Saskarins, but having Sarah Olson sleep over in his bed ranked up there too. It was a quiet morning at the ambassadorial compound where the crew was quartered. Luke McGregor, Kane Walsh, and Doc, the Exceltion’s medical AI, were working on repairs on the Exceltion, while the rest of the crew was probably waking up. It felt like it would be a lazy day where everyone could relax.

It had been about a month since their last mission, and Blake took advantage of the downtime. He slid an arm around Sarah as she snuggled closer to him under the covers. He could get used to this.

His mind wandered over the previous mission. Although there was enough information for the Kreagans to act against the Saskarins in the Jeezarus system, the Kreagan Star Empire was slow to mobilize as always. Blake looked forward to watching their ninety-fifth Fleet dismantle the Saskarins. At the pace the Kreagans moved, it would be another week before they struck.

His senses picked up someone approaching the ambassadorial compound. He sat up and focused. It was almost 9:30 a.m., and based on the sound of the footsteps, the person was in a hurry and wore light armor. The guards at the outer gate must have let the person pass, but they usually did not let just anyone through that early in the morning. Blake’s curiosity was piqued. He slid out of bed and donned his armor. It did not hurt to be ready.

Sarah yawned as she stretched. Hey. What’s going on?

Someone’s here, and the guards let them pass.

Sarah rubbed her eyes. This early? She frowned. You think it’s a problem?

I’m not sure yet, said Blake. He motioned at her while grinning and baring his fangs. Wait here. I might come back for more morning action.

She laughed and threw a pillow at him.

He nodded at her and exited the room. The trip to the main entrance was short, and when he arrived, he sensed he had beaten the person to the door. He interacted with the nearby console, and as the doors slid open, he drew both of his blades and held them off to the side.

A startled man took a step back.

Blake could tell the guy worked for local law enforcement. They were a separate branch from the presidential guard, the Fredorian Defense Force, and the Fredorian rangers. Local law enforcement handled planetary affairs, and the person before Blake had a standard-issue beige-and-blue uniform. The badge on his upper right chest indicated this was a sergeant, which was unusual in itself.

The man looked around for a moment, then focused on Blake. I’m Sergeant Willcrum, and I’m here on behalf of Bothan.

Bothan? Well, that’s new.

May I come in?

Blake sheathed his blades. Sure.

Bothan was a presidential guard leader like Blake was. Bothan had been a Fredorian master ranger, and Blake had begun to look upon him as a close friend.

Sergeant Willcrum stepped inside, and the doors sealed. You’ll want to get the rest of your group up for this.

What’s going on? asked Blake.

There’s been an attack on the senatorial tower. Bothan wanted me to deliver a message to your crew.

Blake’s eyes narrowed. An attack? I didn’t hear anything about that.

It happened a few hours ago. There’s been a media blackout.

Blake accessed his forearm device. Sergeant Willcrum was right. Every attempt to access a media source failed.

Okay, he said. He motioned off in the distance. Go down this hallway, and turn right. We have a meeting room of sorts there.

Sergeant Willcrum nodded and took off.

Blake hustled to the rooms of Zane Gibbons, Kal Modan, and Seth Williams. Seth and Ada had been getting busy, while Zane and Kal had been fast asleep. Once Blake told them what Sergeant Willcrum had said, they moved at breakneck pace to get going and geared up. Sarah had on a robe when Blake got back to his room, but like the others, she could probably see the seriousness in his face.

Ten minutes later, the group had assembled in the cafeteria or, as Blake called it, the temporary meeting room.

Sergeant Willcrum had set up a small projector cube on one of the tables.

Blake joined him up front. Kind of old school to send a messenger.

Bothan didn’t want any chance of his message being intercepted, said Sergeant Willcrum, glancing at Ada.

A wise choice, said Ada.

All right, let’s see what he has to say, said Blake.

He interacted with his forearm device and connected to the projector.

An image of Bothan appeared above the projector. He wore green-and-brown medium armor and carried a striker assault rifle on his back. His face was dirtied like someone had blasted him with dust. Behind him stood Garvis Kohl, a politician the group had rescued on the previous mission.

Blake, if you’re seeing this, then that means Sergeant Willcrum didn’t die on the way.

Sergeant Willcrum’s eyes widened.

Here’s the situation. The senatorial tower was destroyed early this morning. The full senate was not in session, but a large number of senators were there. As of now, Fredoria has lost over half of its government in one fell swoop. Bothan licked his lips as he looked down. Andia and Rakar were there too. However, we’ve scoured the rubble and haven’t found their bodies…yet. Same with a lot of senators.

Blake gritted his teeth.

"The FDF has claimed power and declared martial law. They’re dropping their enforcers everywhere and are attempting to secure all transport off the planet. You need to get your unit off the planet now! The FDF claims your unit is responsible for the attack, and they’re actively searching for you."

What the fuck! said Zane.

Blake motioned at Zane with a hand down.

Bothan continued, Garvis Kohl was recently put back in power and, as of now, is the highest ranking government official. Law enforcement has deferred to him, and rangers loyal to Fredoria have as well. The rogue FDF have attacked anyone providing aid to Garvis. He sighed. Garvis and I are going to coordinate a resistance here on Fredoria. You need to get your unit out and see if you can get us some help. Only contact us in an emergency. A secure CID is attached to this message but can only be used on planet.

The projection changed to show a bird’s-eye view of the ambassadorial compound and nearby buildings, one of which was highlighted.

"Doc will bring the Exceltion to the roof of that building in thirty minutes. Good luck," said Bothan.

The display ended.

Blake sighed. It sounds like we need to get ready for a trip. He nodded at Sergeant Willcrum. Thank you for bringing us this.

No problem. Sergeant Willcrum scowled. The FDF are traitors!

Not all are, I’m sure. I bet some are still loyal.

Sergeant Willcrum cocked his head. They dropped six enforcers at our station. Eleven officers died in the ensuing assault. We’ve regrouped, but I thought I would never see the day that Fredorians attacked Fredorians.

They’re probably slimed, said Zane.

What’s that?

Blake sighed. Long story. An alien species known as the Saskarins can control a body. We suspect they did this, and the FDF they control are making a move. Are you going to be okay?

Sergeant Willcrum nodded. What’s left of my unit is not too far away.

All right. Go to them, and thank you once again.

Sergeant Willcrum moved to exit but paused to peer back. So you’re aware, law enforcement is with you. In the past, it would have been odd that Earthborn were saving Fredoria, but your group has earned that respect. I just wanted you to know.

Blake glanced at the group, then nodded at him.

Sergeant Willcrum exited the room.

Damn, sounds like a civil war going on, said Seth.

Yeah. I almost want to stay and fight, said Kal.

Blake shook his head. The slimed FDF will be gunning for us specifically, and we can be of more value off planet. He looked around. Get what you need, then assemble near the entrance in ten minutes. We’ll move to the other building then.

Scene Break

Seth surveyed his living quarters as Ada bustled around. A Fredorian civil war was the last thing he had expected. Andia and Rakar most likely being dead did not help things either. Seth was getting tired of people dying all around him.

This must be a Saskarin effort. It seemed they decided to pull the ultimate card and take down Fredoria while labeling the Exceltion crew as terrorists. That was not a new tactic, as they had done it with the Android Resistance as well.

You’re not packing, said Ada, gazing at him.

He grinned. I’m wearing all I need, and you’re the only thing I require.

They shared a deep kiss.

He pointed at a cabinet. Well…maybe a few of those wearables might be good to take.

Ada smiled as she walked over to the cabinet and put a few items in a metallic backpack.

All right, I think we’re good. You need anything else? he asked.

Ada looked around. "We have everything we need. The Exceltion can replicate whatever we missed."

Seth slapped her on the rear, and they exited.

A few minutes later, they joined Blake and the others near the ambassadorial compound entrance.

The somber mood was palpable. Seth studied the group. Blake looked like he was ready to murder someone. He had been close to Rakar, and the thought of losing yet another friend must have been driving him mad. Zane and Kal fidgeted with their weapons. They were probably itching to retaliate in some way. Seth had on his heavier suit and a custom cape that split out as needed. It had proved useful in the previous mission. Ada had a similar one as well. Sarah had on a light armor suit with a slung striker.

Listen up! said Blake. The building we need to reach is close. I’ve already peeked outside, and it’s a war zone out there. Stick close to each other, and if we come under fire, get behind Zane. He slapped Zane’s chest. His juggernaut suit can take a lot of punishment.

Fuck yeah, said Zane, nodding.

Blake gestured at Seth and Ada. "Your capes as shields may come in handy too. However, I think the real fight will be once we reach the building. We have to get to the roof in time to meet the Exceltion. Now, I haven’t heard from them, so I’m relying on them getting the message that they need to be here. Otherwise, it’s gonna be messy. I’m going to scout ahead with my camouflage shielding. Stay a bit away from me, but follow my path. Understood?"

Everyone nodded.

Good, said Blake.

He tapped at his forearm device and vanished.

Seth saw Blake’s outline through his helmet visor. Camouflage shielding worked well but not against anything with heightened senses or thermal scan capability. Hopefully they would not run into anyone with either ability.

Blake dashed out of the compound. After he reached the gateway a short distance away, he motioned for the group to follow.

Zane took point with his shield out on his left arm and his hellthrower ready to go on his right side. Kal pulled out his dual pistols, and Sarah followed him. Seth covered the left, while Ada got the right. That way they provided coverage from all angles, with Sarah and Kal in the middle since he had the weakest armor and shielding.

Seth grimaced when they exited the compound grounds. Dead citizens lay in the street, and law enforcement officers were sprinkled among the corpses. They would have been no match against FDF enforcers.

Weapon fire, screaming, and shouting erupted in the distance, and smoke billowed in the air. If the FDF already attacked the city, then they would be at the ambassadorial compound soon. Blake must have sensed that because he moved at a fast pace. It surprised Seth that he had not heard anything, but the compound was soundproof for the most part.

This is awful, said Sarah.

Kal peered around. Yeah, this shit sucks.

C’mon, let’s go, said Seth. Blake moves at one pace: his.

After ten minutes, they had crossed a few streets and had arrived at the building entrance.

Several law enforcement officers were pinned behind a large concrete wall. Five FDF enforcers in black heavy armor took shots while weaving in and out between burnt vehicles.

It’s time to introduce ourselves, said Blake.

About time, said Zane.

He spun up his hellthrower and shredded the first enforcer.

Seth and Ada fired and took down the second one.

Kal’s rapid firing of his energy pistols and Sarah with her striker disabled the third enforcer’s shields.

Blake appeared behind the shieldless attacker and decapitated him.

The fourth and fifth combatants tried to retreat to a safer spot, but Zane’s hellthrower made quick work of them.

The group approached the officers who had come out from behind the wall.

You guys okay? asked Blake, deactivating his camouflage shielding.

One of the male officers stepped forward. We are now. Appreciate the help. Bothan sent us to secure the entrance for you.

Blake nodded. All right. We’re here now. Get someplace safe.

Will do, said the man. He barked at the others. Good luck, and I hope you continue killing the bastards doing this to us.

We’ll do our best.

The officer nodded and joined the others.

Seth realized that the officers probably did not know how deep the Saskarin infiltration had gone. To them, the attackers were traitors. Normally the group would take time to de-slime the enforcers, but time was short. There would be a lot to clean up when this was all over.

Blake motioned for the group to advance into the building.

As they entered, Seth took stock of the large, open area. It was clear of movement, and the fight outside had left its marks with stray projectiles.

There, said Blake, pointing at some stairs.

Ahh shit, we gotta take the stairs? asked Zane.

You don’t want to be caught in an elevator if more enforcers come.

Zane sighed. Let’s get moving, then. It’s gonna take forever in this suit.

They proceeded to the stairwell off to the right.

Seth noticed an unusual reading on the other side of the room. He peered back and focused. The outline of a humanoid appeared next to a pillar. It had what seemed like a weapon aimed forward, and thermal readings lined up with an FDF scout. Seth spun around and raised his weapon.

Blake paused and looked where Seth pointed.

Seth opened fire and lit up the scout’s shielding and disabled the camouflage shielding.

Ada stepped forward and shot her FHP-10.

The scout crumpled to the ground.

Damn, they got invisible guys here now, said Kal.

Blake nodded. Yeah, which means we need to get the fuck to the roof. He glanced at Seth. You sensed it before I did.

Seth chuckled. It’s all good.

Indeed, said Blake. He motioned at Zane. Let’s go.

They continued up until about two floors before the roof.

Blake’s eyes narrowed. Sensing a lot of movement up ahead.

Me too, said Seth. His sensors told him there were around eight or so humanoids walking on the floors above. Plan?

Easy. It’s Zane time, said Blake.

Zane barked and howled as he marched up the stairs. When they reached the next flight, he unloaded his hellthrower on two enforcers.

More came in from the roof.

Seth knew this was not going to be an easy fight. He sensed there was a ship outside and that more enforcers had landed on the roof. Whatever Doc, Luke, and Kane did, Seth hoped they did it fast. If the FDF sent enforcers to the building, then they knew where a majority of the Exceltion’s crew was at. It could never be easy.

Chapter Two

Luke eased back into his chair. The Exceltion had undergone some maintenance tests, and from the office, he observed several of Doc’s robots walking around the ship. The office had been his home since joining up with Blake. Although the presidential guard had an ambassadorial compound, he found himself sleeping on the Exceltion more often than not.

One benefit was that his meetings with the FDF as a double agent for Blake had waned since the FDF seemed hard to reach and they often did not know where he was. After a quick breakfast, he looked forward to talking with Jimmy, his son. Luke pressed a workstation button.

The screen showed no signal.

Luke sat up and perused the screen. He tapped the button again. Same message. He sighed as he stretched his neck. It was not uncommon to have communication issues from the hangar office, but talking with Jimmy in the mornings was one of the highlights of being back on Fredoria. Luke never knew where Jimmy was at any given moment due to the FDF ship he was on, but usually Luke would get a message of not available. This time it did not even connect.

He ran a hand over his mouth. Perhaps it was a technical issue. He stood and scrutinized the workstation before checking the cables. Everything seemed to be in order.

Doc, is communications down for you? he asked over group comms.

Not that I am aware of, said Doc.

I’m getting the same issue, said Kane.

Luke sighed. His call with Jimmy would have to wait.

I ran an analysis, and it seems this area is being jammed, said Doc.

Luke wrinkled his brow. That was never a good sign. What do you think that means?

I do not know, but there is a law enforcement truck approaching the hangar.

Okay. Let’s meet up on the landing platform, said Luke.

He hurried out of the office and joined up with Kane and Doc in his main robot form.

Kane placed a device on the ground that projected a real-time feed outside the hangar.

The projection showed the truck parked outside the entrance and law enforcement taking up positions around the truck and setting up turrets.

Yeah, that doesn’t look good, said Kane.

A female officer bustled into the hangar and approached the group.

Luke rested a hand on his FLP-40. Although he was not a fighter like the others, he could wield firearms and was trained in them. The last time an unknown group visited the Exceltion while in the hangar, the Exceltion had been hijacked.

The woman raised a hand as she came close. Hold your fire! I’m here on behalf of Bothan!

Luke glanced at Kane, then back at the her. What’s going on?

Civil war.

What? asked Kane.

The officer placed a projector cube on the ground.

Luke watched with interest as Bothan described the events.

After that, Bothan focused on Luke, Kane, and Doc. "You three need to take the Exceltion to the building I’ve listed here. Blake and the others will be there shortly and are depending on you for extraction. I’ve sent this message with Officer Wilkins. She is a former FDF enforcer and knows what’s coming your way. Her unit will provide protection for you while you get the Exceltion going. Good luck."

The projection ended.

That’s some messed-up shit, said Kane.

Officer Wilkins nodded. We’ll do our best to give you some time.

Luke looked her over. You’re going to fight enforcers?

I know them well. We may not match up munitions wise, but we can make up for that with tactics.

Kane sighed. Then we need to get moving, as we’ll need at least fifteen minutes to get all the pumps and supports off.

I’ve moved my other bodies to begin the process, said Doc.

Luke studied Officer Wilkins. We appreciate you getting this to us. Good luck out there, and if need be, save yourself. We should be okay in here.

She cocked her head. They’ve arrived. I have to go! She took off.

Oh shit, son, said Kane. Let’s get moving.

Luke found it difficult to focus as he took down the matter storage connections. The fighting outside the hangar sounded rough. Every time an enforcer dropped to the ground from one of their transport ships, it was like a mini quake.

Once he had the exterior of the Exceltion ready to go, he assembled in the command center with Kane and Doc. A data window showed Officer Wilkins’s unit pinned behind a truck as squads of enforcers approached with their transports.

We need to help them, said Luke. Kane, get to the weapons systems. Doc, get the shields primed. We’re going to strafe those FDF assholes.

Kane nodded and took off.

Luke verified that the shielding generators across the ship were starting to charge. It hit him that Officer Wilkins must have known this was a suicide mission for them. He could not allow that. It was odd for law enforcement and Earthborn to be working together, but this was an unusual situation. He thought of Jimmy for a moment, but that would need to wait.

Opening bay doors now, said Doc.

Turrets are ready! said Kane over comms.

Luke’s eyes narrowed. Time to go, then!

The Exceltion hovered.

Luke checked that all systems were good and that there were no external connectors. He nudged the Exceltion out of the hangar.

Once outside, the turrets shredded the several enforcer units on the ground and the two transports in the air.

Luke contacted Officer Wilkins. Get to safety. We’ll cover your exit.

Will do, she said over comms. Good luck with your mission. It’s only going to get worse here. Out.

Luke had the Exceltion take down arriving enforcer units while Officer Wilkins and what remained of her group left in a truck. Once they were cleared, the Exceltion soared into the sky. Luke was not ready for what he saw. The city looked like a war zone. Smoke billowed everywhere, and law enforcement craft and drones fought aerial battles with FDF ones. Sporadic weapons fire from below was highlighted in several other windows.

Damn… said Kane.

Yeah, it’s bad out there, said Luke.

Imagine what Blake and the others are running into.

Luke chuckled. I’m sure they’re handling themselves.

Stealth systems and shielding online, said Doc.

Unfortunately, with all the sensors around, stealth won’t help, but the shields will, said Luke.

After cruising for a while, they reached the building Bothan had listed. A data window popped up, showing Zane unloading his hellthrower everywhere while the others stood back and shot at incoming craft and enforcers unlucky enough to land in a firing arc.

Blake, we’re here, said Luke over comms.

Finally. It’s getting bad out here, said Blake.

All right. Doc is flying the hover slab out to you, and we’ll be next to the building.

Got it. Out, said Blake.

Luke glanced at Doc. All you.

Doc nodded.

Luke watched as the landing platform lowered and the hover slab flew out. The Exceltion’s turrets made quick work of the enforcers on the roof and also the transport ship that had arrived. Blake and the others wasted no time in getting on the slab. Once they were back on the Exceltion, they assembled in the command center. Sarah took her spot at a workstation while Blake stood front and center and studied the main wraparound screen.

Where to? asked Luke.

Blake grimaced. Killikin. It’s far enough away from all this, and I need to talk to the broker.

You got it, said Luke.

The Exceltion ascended.

Several FDF fighter craft were highlighted as they appeared on the screen. The Exceltion launched missiles at the ships.

We’ll be able to form a condensed space bubble in a moment, said Luke.

You think the FDF will try to hit us from orbit? asked Kal.

Sarah shook her head. The FDF isn’t equipped to do that, although I guess they could try to hit us with a beam. That’s usually for static or slow-moving targets, though, which we’re not.

But we’re vulnerable once we go into orbit, right?

Possibly, but based on these readings, it looks like the FDF is fighting itself up there at the moment.

Blake rubbed his chin. It would seem, then, that some ships aren’t Saskarin controlled. However, there seem to be many more controlled ones. While it’ll give us a window to get out, I don’t think we’re coming back as easily.

Luke monitored the screens over the next twenty minutes. Dogfights between law enforcement ships and FDF ships were everywhere. The FDF had the superior ships, but law enforcement had numbers, although their ships were meant for planetary situations. The FDF ships had heavier armor and more potent weaponry. It was a fight law enforcement would lose, and he suspected the FDF would control the situation by the end of the day.

Approaching low orbit, he said.

Good, said Blake. Not much we can do while in condensed space, and Killikin is a bit away. Everyone take some time to unwind. We’ll meet when we’re closer to Killikin.

Zane, Kal, Seth, and Ada left the command center.

Blake sighed as he sat in his chair.

We’ll figure something out, said Sarah, spinning her chair to face Blake.

We have to, said Blake.

Luke wanted to share Sarah’s optimism, but he was unsure what they could do. Andia, Rakar, and the majority of the senate potentially dead was a big deal. While Bothan and Garvis would try to maintain a resistance, the FDF had the technology and means to exert their control. Fredorians would probably fall in line. The FDF would also commandeer communications and paint the situation how they liked.

He sighed. Hopefully Jimmy was okay. The thought that he had been slimed made Luke’s skin crawl. He cleared his mind and focused on getting the Exceltion into condensed space.

Scene Break

Kal yawned as he stretched. He had a pleasant nap, and per the time on a wall screen, it was 5:00 p.m. on the dot and six hours into a nine-hour flight. The previous month had been good to him. Seth and Ada hooked Kal up with Jala, a Ranaxian who was essentially a space trucker.

Her flight path led her to a space station