Alliance Chronicles: The Complete Series

By Frank Carey

The future is never what it's cracked up to be.

During the Victorian Era, Lord Gregory Alabaster and the Alliance of Six disappear during a mission to Krakatoa Island. Thought dead, they reappear 300 years in the future facing a foe also thought long dead and an exploding volcano. These were the least of their worries.

Follow the adventures of the Alliance as they protect the League from threats both ancient and new.

Enemy from the Past
Nefarious Beginnings
Return of the Alliance
Prisoner of Time
Search for Rotaton
Dark of Space
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Frank Carey
• Release date: Nov 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393464372

Frank Carey

Frank Carey has been formally writing and publishing works of science fiction since late 2013. Over the years prior, he had dabbled in various forms of writing including haiku poetry, but that all changed when he and his wife, Jo, decided to try their hand at writing and self-publishing. Since then, he has written and published a collection of flash fiction and short stories, two anthologies, a pentalogy, and a trilogy. All his work, to date, has been in the science fiction genre. Most of his stories take place about two centuries in the future when Earth joins the League of Planetary Systems. Many of his protagonists are strong females. He is an inveterate pantser who believes the story will go where the story wants to go. Frank’s background includes degrees in physics and extensive work as a scientific programmer and technologist.

Book preview

ENEMY OF THE PAST

CHAPTER ONE

Gregory's office was decorated in the fashion popular during the latter part of the 19th century: dark paneling, rich wood finishes, dark leather, and brass polished to a high luster. When here, he could forget that he and his companions were now 300 years in the future surrounded by alien creatures and the stark style of the modern age. Here, they could at least pretend they were home. He truly envied his clone, Greg, for he had eight years to acclimate himself to his new surroundings.

Lord Gregory, Earth Security Director Adon is here to see you, his secretary, Bertie, announced over the intercom.

Send her in, he replied. He stepped around his desk as the door opened and Bertie, an Alturan, slid in followed by a Katalan woman in a dark suit and heels. He walked over and shook hands with her. Director Priscilla Adon, it is an honor to meet you.

The honor is all mine, Lord Gregory, she said. She noted his stare directed at her tail. Never met a Katalan before?

I've met several since being revived, but the tail fascinates me. You remind me of my friend, Leona, but she doesn't have a tail. Please forgive me. May I offer you a drink?

Water would be wonderful, she said as he showed her to a pair of chairs near the office's ornate fire place. Once they were settled with drinks in hand and pleasantries exchanged, they got down to business. Space Patrol has 'lent' you and the Alliance of Eight to EarthSec until such time that they get their Special Projects branch up to speed. You can, of course, request to work for another organization.

EarthSec is fine, Director. My teammates think they are human, so they will feel at home working for an Earth-based organization.

I read your jacket and the jackets of the other seven members. You are the only one who remembers your home world and your true origins?

Yes, not even my clone, Greg, has memories of our previous lives.

Just so you know, I have talked to Greg over the hypercomm. I must say the two of you are like reflections in a distorted mirror down to the way you wear your hair. I understand that several university psychology departments have extended invitations to meet with the two of you?

Yes, and Greg and I both detest the whole idea. He more than I since he had been on display in a museum for three centuries.

He has volunteered to help with your search for Dr. Hastings, and General Spent has given her OK. Can you bring me up to speed on the operation?

Yes, of course. Dr. Hastings is a brilliant evil mastermind from Victorian Era London who was bent on world domination.

I hate evil geniuses, Priscilla said. My skin crawls every time I am forced to deal with one.

I had a chance to read about you and your husband, Gabriel, and your interaction with the Muntz family. I must say that your evil geniuses are an interesting lot, though not in the same league as Hastings.

That's what worries me. His technological prowess far exceeds either Zoe's or her late brother, Josiah's. Yes, they created genetically engineered life forms—GELFs—but they used 23rd century technology. Dr. Hastings was doing as much or more while being stuck at the end of the 19th.

We all did, Gregory said as he opened a drawer and withdrew a brass and crystal-adorned pistol which he handed her. I used my home world's tech to create that disintegrator pistol and power supply. Hastings reproduced it and its power supply using things found in 1880's London. Hastings is human, yet his intelligence, and need for power, far exceeds anything we have ever encountered.

So, why kidnap a colony transport ship filled with Logash and try to steal a biocrystal power supply? Surely he could modify any number of power supplies including the ones powering devices such as this ray gun.

My thoughts exactly. The manufacturer of the supplies in question have sent me detailed specifications and measurements of the units aboard the Colony Ship Algonquin, but I have no idea where to begin until I can determine why Hastings wanted them in first place.

Which is why you're holding Ms. Lita Farnsworth for questioning. I've had my legal department take care of the paperwork. You can hold her for another 72 hours as part of your investigation into the Algonquin affair. Speaking of legalities, I have gifts for you and your team. She reached into her purse and withdrew a leather pouch which she handed to Gregory. He opened it and peered inside before removing what looked like a small bifold wallet. He opened it and found a metal badge on one side and an and ID card on the other.

A badge?

Yes, a badge and ID card. Until your situation changes, you are officially officers in EarthSec, so you need badges and ID cards. Because of your special projects status, you will report directly to me. I left a small box of comms with your secretary. You and your team can use them to call me or my staff at any time during the day or night.

I never had a badge before. We preferred to use pendants, but those are in the process of being replaced now that we have two new members.

We also have coffee cups if you're interested. Now, where is Ms. Farnsworth? I would like to see her.

Gregory got up and swept his hand toward the door. This way, Director. I promise you, she has been well treated.

CHAPTER TWO

Gregory took Priscilla down the hall to a bank of elevators. A press of a button brought one immediately. Once inside, he took a key from his coat, inserted it into a keyhole in the panel and turned it. A small panel opened to reveal five additional buttons labeled Roof, and SB1 through SB4. He pressed the one labeled SB3, then turned the key back before removing it and replacing it in his pocket.

I assume those are sub-basements. What's in number four?

The Alliances version of the Cube's tombs. Normally, we don't go there unless we're heavily armed.

Good to know.

They rode the rest of the way in silence. When they arrived, the panel closed as the doors opened to reveal a richly decorated corridor. It was like stepping back in time. How did you find some of these antiques? Priscilla asked as she stepped out of the lift.

They weren't antiques when we built this or the other floors. The paintings were commissioned as was the carpeting. If you look closely, you'll see that the light bulbs are incandescent.

Are you telling me these fixtures are over three centuries old?

Yes. You can't find craftsmanship like this anymore.

Gregory led her to a doorway where he stopped and knocked. A moment later, it opened to reveal another richly adorned room furnished in leather, dark paneling, and with several paintings. At one end of the room was a well-stocked bar which faced two couches and four arm chairs arranged near a fireplace. Everyone, this is EarthSec Director Priscilla Adon, Gregory said before launching into introductions. He put his hand on the shoulder of a woman with the upper body of a human and a lower body of a serpent. This is Tressa, he said. Sitting next to her was a woman who was felinoid, but not Katalan. This is Leona. He then put his hand on the shoulder of a striking blond woman. This is my wife, Lady Penelope, and next to her is our guest, Ms. Lita Farnsworth.

The four ladies said hello.

The director is here to check on the condition of Ms. Farnsworth. How are you doing, Lita?

I am doing fine, Gregory. When the hell can I get out of here?

Priscilla sat on the back of Lita's chair. You leave when I say so. We have reason to believe that the object you were buying is stolen, which would allow us to charge you with receiving stolen goods. Now, a few days ago, someone hijacked a Logash colony ship and tried to steal a similar object from them. The Logash are not happy and would love to find out who the hell masterminded the robbery. We don't know if you are involved with the robbery or not, but if you are, the Logash would really like to talk to you. Personally, I would prefer to talk to these fine ladies, but the choice is yours. All they have to do is walk out of this room, and I will immediately call the Logash ambassador and tell her about you. So, what do you say? Will you cooperate?

Lita gave a weak grin. Can we keep my cooperation on the QT? I have a reputation to maintain.

Sure, Priscilla replied. Only the guy selling you the object knows you were taken, and he's being held incommunicado by my people while they charge him with enough felonies to put him away for a dozen lifetimes. Did he know who you were buying the object for?

No. Hell, I don't even know. The recipient contacted me through normal channels. He deposited funds in my account and left instructions on how to contact them after the deal was done.

Priscilla frowned while her tail swayed back and forth, a sign that she was not happy with the answer. I want you to give those instructions to these ladies, then I want you to contact your client and arrange a drop.

And what? Have him arrested? I could lose my livelihood! Hell, I could lose my life.

Priscilla shook her head. Nope. Just give him—or her—the object. No arrests. No strykers dropping from the sky. Just drop it and get out like you normally do. We'll deal with the rest. You can go on your merry way after the exchange is made.

What about the money?

Keep it. I really don't want to cause you any hardship. One thing, though...

I knew it.

I've read your jacket. You've been doing this a long time. All I want you to do is let us know when you come into possession of something dangerous. You have my word you will be handsomely rewarded.

Sure, I can do that. Thanks.

Good, then I will leave you to it. Ladies, it has been a pleasure meeting all of you. We really need to have dinner some time.

After a round of handshakes, Gregory and Priscilla left the others to iron out the details. On their way back to the lobby level, Gregory stopped the lift. My compliments. That was masterful, Director.

As an arm of the League's Office of Security, EarthSec has a wide latitude when dealing with matters involving smuggling, especially after the Martok Incident which occurred over twenty years ago. What started out as an anti-smuggling operation turned into a full-blown effort to stop an interstellar war. I have complete autonomy when it comes to making decisions such as who walks and who goes to jail.

And how do we fit into this?

I read about your exploits when I was much younger. Back then, your little band of specialists were part of the British War Office, though they kept your existence under wraps by creating a series of fictional books based on your exploits.

Yes, the term we used was hiding in plain sight. We were fairly autonomous, though we did get called on the carpet a few times, especially after the Krakatoa explosion.

I bet. It's not every day you can blow up an island and send part of your world into a mini-ice age.

We had our moments, he admitted. We never saw Hastings again, so we thought him dead.

You can ask him about it when you find him. I think we need to have the same kind of arrangement. Sometimes, situations arise which require quick decisions. As such, you have freedom to act as you see fit. I realize I could end up regretting this decision, but I've got a gut feeling that your group can pull this off.

And if we bollix things up?

I will call you on the carpet and read you a riot act as only a Katalan can. Trust me, you don't want that, so don't screw up.

Yes, milady.

Now you sound like Greg.

You've met my clone?

Not in person, but over a hypercomm link. I needed a reference from someone who actually knows you and your alliance.

Greg recommended us?

Yes. Resoundingly. He confirmed that to the best of his recollection, all those stories written about you are true and that he's proud to be your clone.

Gregory just stared at her. He said that? Really?

She nodded. Did you know that was the first time anyone has ever said that. Greg is unique in this universe. There are no others like him.

I don't know what to say.

How about 'We should get moving?'

Of course, he said before reaching down and reactivating the lift. Director, I assume you have a plan with regards to the power supply, or object as you call it, he asked as the lift door opened onto the building's main floor. They continued to talk while walking toward the front entrance.

I was wondering when you were going to ask. Yes, we have a plan. We've added a stealth hypercomm tracking beacon to the power supply. I've given the specifics to your pilot, Winona. You can now track that supply anywhere in the League.

What if they find out about Lita's short-term incarceration?

They'll suspect we added a tracker, so they'll look for one. We hid a conventional tracker which they will find. That should satisfy their suspicions.

You seem to have this covered, so why do you need us?

I've read about your exploits when I was a teenager. I'm convinced your experience and expertise will be invaluable to our efforts.

Gregory shook his head. We will not disappoint you, Director. You have my word.

They had reached the entrance. Good. Now, go find out what this Doctor Hastings has planned, then stop him if you think he is a danger to the League, Priscilla said as Gregory held the door open for her. Outside, her conveyance waited while her driver held the vehicle's door open.

He tipped his hat as she stepped out into the sunlight and walked over and got into her ride. He watched her drive off before returning to the building.

CHAPTER THREE

Once back inside, Gregory got down to business. He tapped the earcomm in his right ear. Monica, please, have Winona and all available Alliance members meet me in the main conference room.

Yes, sir, she said.

He disconnected, then tapped it again. Penelope, how is our guest doing?

She's enjoying wine from your collection while waiting for lunch to be served.

Good. Have a couple of our operatives sit with her while you, Leona, and Tressa join me in the main conference room.

Yes, we just got a call from Monica. We'll be up shortly. I also got word that Rex and Bayou have been dropped off on the roof.

Good. We need to come up with a plan of action before Ms. Farnsworth delivers the supply to her client. I'll see you upstairs. Gregory out. He walked over to a bank of elevators and used his key to call a lift located in a far corner, one marked Private.. Once inside, he used the key to access a hidden set of buttons. He pressed the one marked Penthouse." The lift headed upward at an abnormally high speed before stopping. The doors opened onto the foyer of a large, richly furnished meeting room. Waiting for him were Rex, their sapient robot member, and Bayou, a bipedal amphibian with a penchant for wearing white linen clothing and panama hats.

Gregory! Bayou said with his distinctive Cajun accent, Can I fix you a drink?

Whiskey, neat, old friend, Gregory replied. Rex, how did the upgrade go?

Wonderfully, the large robot said as he held out his left hand. As Gregory watched, it changed into a small multi-barreled gun, then a blaster before returning to its normal form. These nanorobots allow me to have the same functionality as a stryker, except for the changing into an organic form. Doctor Talbot said he was working on that.

Amazing. And you, Bayou. Any word on getting your memories back?

I met with Doctor Regus, and she is confident that our memories are still present, just locked away for safe keeping. It is only a matter of time before we remember our lives back on the home world.

I blame myself for not learning the details of the procedure before we left to come here to Earth. The thought of your clones being destroyed never crossed our minds.

Bayou put his clawed hand on Gregory's shoulder. Do not blame yourself. Blame the short-sighted idiots that launched the weapon which destroyed our civilization.

The elevator opened followed by Leona, Tressa, and Penelope stepping out into the room. Drinks, miladies? Bayou asked. They gave him their orders, then sat down at the large table in the center of the room. Gregory and Rex joined them as Winona stepped through a doorway next to the bar. Bayou handed her a bottled water as was her preference, then followed her to the table with a tray of drinks in hand. Once everyone was situated and refreshed, Gregory started the meeting.

Hello everyone. Angus and Shade are off-world tracking down a lead. Meanwhile, we have a mission to plan. He recounted his meeting with Director Adon.

EarthSec called right before I came down, Winona said. They will be delivering the power supply within the hour. I've already programmed the Invincible's NAVComp and communications system with the tracker's parameters.

So, we just give it to Lita?

Exactly. Remember, we don't tell her about the tracker. All she needs to know is that we are aware of the exchange, and we will deal with the fallout. She's in the clear as far as we are concerned.

What about EarthSec and OffSec?

I get the impression that they have Ms. Farnsworth well in hand.

Hmmm, Bayou noted. Tressa swatted him. What? A man can dream, can't he?

I've read her dossier, Penelope noted. She'd eat you alive, then use your hide to make a pair of boots.

At least they would be stylish, Bayou quipped in reply.

Gregory, what do we do while we wait for our bait to be taken? Leona asked.

We continue our efforts to find Dr. Hastings through normal channels. He must have left a trail while surviving for over 300 years.

He could be a clone, Rex noted. The good doctor did steal a lot of your work, Gregory.

Which means there could be more than one of him, Tressa added.

Yes, which is why we need to find him. The Doctor Hastings we know wouldn't have risked discovery unless he was desperate to obtain a BPS. We just have to determine why.

Is it possible that he's going to use the device for altruistic reasons? Winona asked.

The rest of the group looked at her silently before breaking out in laughter. Lass, the facility that took out Krakatoa contained a weapon created for the sole purpose of destroying London, Bayou explained. Hastings doesn't have an altruistic bone in his body. All he wants is fortune and control.

People can change, she said.

Gregory looked at her. You are correct, Winona. People can and do change, so we will discover Hastings' purpose, then react accordingly. Any other questions?

When none were asked, Gregory instructed Winona to make herself available to anyone who needed help before dismissing all of them. As the others left, Penelope walked over and sat down in her husband's lap. Gregory, I haven't seen you this happy since you and the others awoke from your long sleep.

He sat back in his seat and took her hand in his. We now have a purpose, something we lost when the home world was destroyed. I do my best when I have a goal.

She kissed him. Good. Trust me, there is enough going on in the League to keep a thousand alliances busy for a hundred centuries. All of you will do very well here.

CHAPTER FOUR

Gregory watched from his office window as Lita left the building escorted by two robots similar to the ones Gregory and his team destroyed when they first detained Lita. During their conversations, Lita revealed that her buyer insisted on supplying several bots to escort Ms. Farnsworth. At first, she refused, but relented when they showed up with the payment. Winona, you are sure the operator never saw us?

I monitored their video feeds from the moment Ms. Farnsworth arrived. None of the Alliance members appeared on camera at any time during the operation. I was able to get a fix on the operator's location, so when we got back to the office with Lita, I contacted EarthSec who sent a couple of agents to those coordinates. Turns out he was contracted to only prevent her capture. She's lucky we destroyed them when we did.

Good. How's our little beacon doing?

It's running perfectly. I will be able to determine its location anywhere in the League to within less than one kilometer.

And her escorts?

OffSec techs are running them per information obtained from the perp. OffSec brass promised him a nice, cushy posting in the witness protection program if he cooperated.

An excellent start to an operation. There she goes.

The other members of the Alliance joined Gregory and Winona. Has she left? Leona asked.

She’s pulling away as we speak. We can now track the BPS's movements, Gregory replied

What if they use Hastings' miniaturized portal generator like the good doctor did on Charlene? Tressa asked.

We'll still be able to track the device, he said while pulling the drapes closed. So, now we wait.

###

In Gregory's office seventy-two hours later...

Winona stared at the terminal while chewing her lip. Boss, the device has not moved for over 40-hours. It's just sitting there,

Gregory stared at the screen over her shoulder and grimaced. Warehouse 37 again. I've got a bad feeling about this, he growled.

It could be a coincidence, Priscilla said. Or it could just be waiting for a pickup.

Possibly, but I don't believe in coincidences. He glared at the terminal as if trying to will the numbers to change. Director, you are sure that tracker is undetectable?

My people guarantee it. They replaced a structural support with an identical one containing a molecular transmitter. The damn thing broadcasts at random intervals using a frequency which mimics hyperspace static. Between that and a quantum entangled sum checker, I don't think Bob could decrypt it without a key, she replied, referring to the Olympian Immortal who used to go by the name of Zeus.

Rex rubbed his chin. We could send in Shade, now that he's back.

Badly-lit warehouses are my specialty, Douglas said as he partially dematerialized. He saw Priscilla staring at him. What? Never heard the term 'Smokin?'

Right. She tore her gaze away to address Gregory. I say we send in Shade.

I agree, but this time we go in from the window. Winona, can you determine what floor the signal is coming from?

The same one you busted Lita on.

He looked at Priscilla. I'm already ahead of you. She tapped her earcomm. This is Adon. I am declaring an emergency. Get Ms. Farnsworth out of the safe house and off-planet... What? When? Dammit! Scramble Stryker Team 2 and have them meet me at Warehouse 37... She looked over at Winona who nodded while tapping something into her datapad, Coordinates are being sent now. I want them rigged for full combat. Tell Gabe to secure the building, but not to enter until I arrive. Adon out.

What's happened? Penelope asked.

The security detail is dead, and Ms. Farnsworth is nowhere to be found. The guards have no visible injuries, but her bots look like they went through a grinder.

Alive or dead, she's at the warehouse, Gregory said. Hastings is on to us.

How do you know? Priscilla asked as she checked her weapon. Meanwhile, the Alliance members were pulling weapons from drawers and cabinets scattered about the room.

He used a similar technique when we faced him in the volcano, Gregory explained, only that time he used an agent of the War Department. We were able to prevent her death, but only by the slimmest of margins. A shadow passed by the window as the Invincible arrived under remote control. Let us go. Time is not our friend.

The ten of them boarded the ship. Moments later, they were heading to Warehouse 37. When they arrived, they found a dozen strykers arrayed around the perimeter of the building as well as on its roof. Winona maneuvered the ship next to a platform jutting from the building at the floor the signal was emanating from. Waiting for them was a pair of strykers. Priscilla and the eight Alliance members exited the ship while Winona held the Invincible at hover just above the platform.

Director! A stryker with Adon written across its left breast plate said as he and the other saluted. This is my number two, Lt. Jessong Cleft. Jessie's a weapons specialist and explosives expert. The building is secure, and I have two battle shuttles on standby over there and there, he said while pointing at two nearby buildings.

Scans?

Beacon is still present as are the life signs of one human female. She's alive, but she's been through a ringer. We're also picking up a nucleonic mine. The Battle Cruiser Unwavering is inbound and ready to deploy a containment shield around the building.

What the hell is a nucleonic mine? Tressa asked.

Stryker Adon went organic revealing an older human male. Everyone recognized DCI Gabriel Adon, man from the past and Director Adon's husband. Imagine taking a blaster from a battle cruiser and converting it to spherical wave front discharge. When it detonates, it will take out everything within 500 meters including itself. This building and the buildings around will be obliterated in an instant. The containment field will keep the destruction to this building.

Gabe, get your people out of here, Priscilla said. Jessie, can you disarm this thing?

Depends, ma'am, he said as his armor disappeared to reveal a young Halcyon male with a goatee. I'll have to see it before making any promises.

Everyone is leaving except me, Gregory said as he stared at the building.

Excuse me? Priscilla said. As a Katalan woman in a position of power, she was not used to being told what to do.

I'm responsible for this mess, and I refuse to let anyone be killed for my incompetence.

Darling... Penelope started to object.

He walked over and kissed her. I have to do this. If I fail, you and the others must find Hastings and stop him. He turned to Priscilla. I think you see that this is the only way. Hastings wants us to run in there and get killed in the process. My going in alone will be completely unexpected. Director, I am not used to pleading, but please, allow me to do this.

Priscilla gave him a look she reserved for when Gabe said something smart, but all wrapped up in dumb. Evacuate! Everyone out of here except for Gregory. She turned and saw no one moving. Move! she roared. Instinctively, Jessie went to stryker form before putting Gabe between him and the Director. Priscilla saw this. Wuss, she muttered.

With a final kiss from Penelope, they boarded the Invincible. In moments, he was alone as the Unwavering came into view, stopping directly above the building. He tapped his earcomm. Unwavering, this is Lord Gregory Alabaster. I'm heading inside. I will keep this channel open. I may need a quick evacuation, over.

Gregory, this is Captain Martel. We've got your back. Good luck and see you soon. Unwavering standing by.

Gregory set his shoulders, took a deep breath, and walked toward the open doorway.

CHAPTER FIVE

Gregory entered the building and made his way to Lita's location. He heard a high-pitched hum through the open doorway behind him as the Unwavering deployed the containment field around the building. Shortly, he found himself in an open space near the center of the building. On the floor in front of him was a metallic object about the size of an oil drum, its exterior festooned with warning stickers and stenciled wording proclaiming its dangerous nature. A wire ran from it to Lita sitting on the floor nearby. She had been beaten and was barely conscious. On the floor between her and the mine was a black disk. He hurried over to her while taking his scanner from his vest. He ran it over her and grimaced when he saw the results. Before he could say anything, the disk lit up as a hologram formed in the air above it.

Gregory! How nice to see you again, Hastings' image said as it floated at eye level. Where's the rest of your little play group?

They're busily hunting you down. Jonathan, let Ms. Farnworth go. You've done enough damage for one day. I will stay and entertain you, you have my word.

Ummmm... No, I don't think so. She betrayed me....

How the hell could she betray you if she didn't know she was working for you? Greg replied as he untied her hands, then rubbed circulation back into them. Once she was mostly awake, he examined the cable leading from the mine to where she sat. Let me guess, a pressure plate.

Hastings clapped. Still smart even after being gone for three centuries. Bravo, my Lord Alabaster. I assume you scanned her?

If you are asking if I detected the poison in her system, then yes, I did. What kind of delay did you set on the trigger?

I estimate that the mine will go off just as you are exiting the building.

Jonathan, why aren't you dead?

I could ask you the same thing.

It's a long story, one which I doubt you would believe. Gregory put his foot on the edge of the plate Lita was sitting on, then pressed it against her.

Stop, my Lord, Hastings said. Too much or too little weight sets off the mine. Anyway, she's in no condition to move.

What do you want, Jonathan?

I want you to leave me alone. I have something important to do, and I can't have you and your friends interfering.

And you think killing me will stop my wife and the others from hunting you down and doing horrible things to you? Have you gone daft?

"No, I was hoping to kill the lot of you and be done