To Walk in Our Fathers Footsteps

By Cecil Cory

After the war with the waste landers to the north the remaining people were freed, hope and some prosperity returned to the land. Many families that had been separated for generations were once again reunited. These new mouths to feed and house soon became a burden on the land and the people to the south.
A rift had grown between the Twin Suns system and the Sol system. The Council of Elders said that Karl Artuso and all off worlders were to leave their planet. The younger generation where grown and it was their time to chose their paths. Many had joined the Space Rangers to help the Sol system defend themselves from the pirates that were attacking the shipping trade. Others had attended the school in the Blue Mountain and were trying to change the planet for a better future. Little did they know that their nemesis was about to return.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Mar 17, 2013
• ISBN: 9781300794615

Book preview

To Walk in Our Fathers Footsteps

Two Walk in Our Fathers Footsteps

By

Cecil Ian Cory

Copyright

Version 1.3

Copyright © 2012 Cecil I Cory / Lulu Press

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-300-41832-0

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Acknowledgments

I wish to thank several people for their help and understanding.

First, to Eugene Fitzgerald for his help in proof reading this story for me. It has been a great help in completing it.

Next to my Mom and Dad for their support and belief that I could do almost anything I wanted to do.

Last, but not least to my wife Karen who has kept me going when I felt I could not go any longer.

Prologue

I have been contacted by the leadership of the society to make sense of what took place in the Sol system. I have contacted all of the surviving Guard members of the Delta wing from the Ame’háooestse Vo'e. With this information, I can piece together what led up to the catastrophe in the Twin Suns System. I do not fully understand why I have been asked to do this for my part was insignificant. The loss, to all of us, has been great and will take many years to forget if ever. I will endeavor to keep this report only to what I have been able to find out and not let my personal feelings interfere. I know that many of the younger ones do not wish to walk in their father’s footsteps. I know I did not. Neither did these young people. However, fate and history tends to repeat itself if we do not pay attention to the lessons of the past.

Karl Artuso sat on the front porch of his and Amy’s home of 36 Long Lights in the village of Long Needle. He looked out over the small town that had grown from the village he and Amy walked to, to help Tó'kes Hkosé so many Long Lights before. The memories flooded his mind of the friends he made and lost over the time he spent here.

Now the Council of Elders said that he and all off worlders were to leave their planet. He sat there going over the bitter words that had passed between him and several of the Village Elder who blamed him and his kind for all of the misfortunes of their people.

After the war with the waste landers to the north had ended and the remaining people were freed, hope and some prosperity returned to the land. Many families that had been separated for generations were once again reunited. These new mouths to feed and house soon became a burden on the land and the people to the south.

Karl and Jack Artuso did the best they could to keep the influence of the off worlders from corrupting the planet. However, most of the work that his son Jack Artuso started was soon unraveled by his successor. Karl warned the Council of Elders not to listen to the promises of the ambassadors. He and several others tried to keep the Cooperation from taking everything they could from the inhabitants of the plant and returning nothing to them. The Corporation Ambassadors claimed that great wealth was to be made if they would allow them to mine some of the other planets that circled the smaller star. They promised that new equipment would be sent to clear and cultivate their land in exchange for the right to mine these planets. Seeing a way to bring in the necessary means to feed and house the newly freed people of the north the Council of Elder granted them the rights.

Several mining operations started searching the outer planets and several large deposits were found. The mining operations found it more profitable to mine the larger asteroids in orbit around the large gas giants instead of landing on the three smaller planets orbiting the second star. However, the promised equipment never arrived. The Universal Science and Space Research Corporation claimed that as long as no mining operations were in operation on their planet they did not have to pay. Periodically the Mining operations ships would return to their planet for supplies and entertainment. When some of the miners started interacting with several of the local villages, a plague appeared.

The planet’s healers we not able to control the plague and requested that Amelia Artuso return to help. Amelia quickly responded with all of the equipment that she could bring to isolate and treat the plague victims. With the help of the healers of the planet, they were able to bring the plague under control. However, not until after a great many lives were lost and many villages destroyed.

During this time, Amelia and the healers went before the Council and pled with them to keep the off worlders to the west and not to let them land east of the great mountains. The lone member from the east who represented the two small villages in the west asked that they not land in their land at all. He tried to explain to them that they no longer looked upon themselves as belonging to Sol and they did not what anything to do with the off worlders. The Ambassador protested claiming that there were not enough facilities available to them in the west and that the cost would be too prohibitive to make a profit if they had to build them in space. The Council decided to ban the landing of all ships without special permission on the planet. The Ambassador protested and threatened to bring the Rangers back to safe guard their people and facilities. The Council kowtowed to the threats from the Ambassador. The healers protested and reminded the Council of the devastation that already accrued. Karl and the others kept this up until Jack warned him that the Ambassador had requested a battalion of Rangers along with support to land on the planet. Karl, seeing the potential devastation to the inhabitants of the planet, shut the mountain off controlling the equipment that allowed the ships to use Quantum Tunnel to transfer between systems.

The Ambassadors protested this action to the Council of Elders and Karl used all of his influence to prevail. The Ambassador contacted the Cawte for assistance promising them the rights to negotiate all treaties for the planet and the surrounding space if they would help restore the transportation system between systems.

The truce between the Cawte and the people of the Sweet Water Valley had ended and the distrust of the Cawte grew with every passing Long Light. When the Council of Elders heard of this attempt, they became outraged and contacted Karl for advice. He simply told them to expel the Ambassador and his staff and not to let the Corporation appoint a new one without the Council’s approval. That had been ten Long Lights ago.

Four Long Lights ago the Corporations new leadership reestablished communication to Karl threw Jack. They wanted to reestablish diplomatic relations with the people of the planet once again. They felt it was in the best interest of the surviving families of the west that were from Sol. They proposed to send someone who both sides could agree upon as the new ambassador to the Twin Sun system. The name of Zak Dumbroskey was suggested by Jack.

Zak Dumbroskey had stayed with Jack throughout his military career and had risen to the rank of Colonel. Karl agreed that Zak would make a good choice and approached the Council of Elders with it. After a Long Light of debate, they agreed on the condition that Zak would not contact the Cawte for any reason. Karl relayed this to Jack and the Corporation agreed with some misgivings.

For three Long Lights, Zak Dumbroskey had served well as the Ambassador to the planet. The mining operations had resumed with limited contact to the planet’s surface. His time was nearly through and he had requested to be released from his duties. He and his mate Hanigus were not planning to return to his home planet of Earth. However, they were going to stay on there so that she could be close to her adopted children.

During this time, the younger generations had grown and many had gone out into space. They were scattered throughout both systems trying to keep a fragile peace. There was a growing dissent for the Corporation by many that felt they had the right to move freely about space and no longer wanted the Corporation controlling them.

A group of dissidents joined with remnants of Monroe’s forces that were actively carrying out raids on shipping throughout the Sol system. Rumors that some had even made their way to the system of the Twin Suns were reaching the ears of the Council of Elders. They were confirmed when they attacked some of the small mining ships carrying supplies to the mining facilities. 

Zak approached the Council of Elders after hearing of this and requested that Space Fleet, with a detachment of Rangers for support, be requested to capture and bring to justice these pirates. The Council immediately went into debate. Pressure from the mining guild was brought against Zak. The corporation put more pressure on Zak to solve the problem as more raids on the mining ships happened. Zak approached Karl and asked for his help. Karl approached the Council of Elders and tried to explain what Zak wanted. Words passed between him and several of the Elders and Karl was shouted down and forcibly removed from the Council hall. By the time, he had returned to Long Needle, the Council of elders had made their decision.

All inhabitants who were descendents of off worlders were to leave the planet. All relations between the Sol system and the Twin Suns would be broken. The Quantum Tunnel transportation system was to be closed and forever disabled. They had given them until after the next Long Light to leave.

Karl looked at his hands and shook his head. The words of his once best friend rang in his ears.

If you had never landed here none of this would have happened. Tó'kes Hkosé had shouted in his face before they had ejected Karl from the Council of Elders.

Chapter One

The young man stepped out to the hangar deck as a pilot for the first time. He stopped as soon as he stepped out of the hatch to watch the activities as the flight crews quickly moved about the deck. He could see other squadrons as their ships were moved into position to be launched. The man behind him gave him a push as he walked by.

Are you going or are you staying here boy? The next man asked as he pushed past. They are not in here, but out there.

Yes Sir. Dennis replied and followed the man towards the ships.

Calling me Sir is like putting tits on a váótséva nó'kétse. It just does not fit well together. That is your ship over there. Just remember what you have been taught then forget it. The squadron commander said.

Stick with me today kid and I will try to bring you back alive. Stay on my wing and do what I tell you to when I tell you to and you will be all right. Hell in a few more days you will be an old hand just like the rest of us. His wingman said.

Yes Sir.

Get going boys. The squadron commander said as walked over to his fighter.

The young man hurried over to the ship that was to be his. He looked up at the cockpit and saw his name across the side. He smiled and continued to walk around the ship. He looked at the drives and maneuvering thrusters and then at the underside of the ship just as he had for the last six months in flight school. When he was satisfied that everything was in order, he walked to the ladder leading up into the cockpit. The crew chief walked up to him as he started up.

Hold on Sir. He said.

Yes Sergeant what is it?

You need to sign for the ship. The man replied and handed him the tablet.

The young man took the tablet and looked at the form on it. It was the standard form saying that he had looked at the ship and that it was in satisfactory condition and relieved the crew chief and his men of any responsibility for its condition. He had seen the same form since he started his training and had to sign it every time he had taken out his trainer. Now for the first time he was taking out his own ship. He looked back at the Sergeant.

Hold on Sergeant I have a few more things to check first. He handed the tablet back to him.

Yes Pilot. The Sergeant said and stepped back shaking his head. Damn shave tails. He mumbled as he back away.

The young man climbed into the cockpit and started the systems check. He noticed that one of the systems flashed a warning. He leaned over the side of the cockpit and looked down at the Sergeant standing below.

Sergeant I have a system failure indication with the starboard thruster.

Hold on let me see. The Sergeant replied and climbed up the ladder. The Sergeant leaned into the cockpit and tapped the control panel a couple of times then hit it hard with his hand. The warning went away and the system came up green. There you go sir. It has a loose connection somewhere. It happens from time to time if it happens again just hit the panel and it will go out.

Shouldn’t that be fixed?

Yes someday when we have the time. Is that all, Pilot?

But…

Here you go Pilot, just sign on the bottom line.

The young man looked at the tablet the sergeant held out to him. He grudgingly took the tablet then removed the styles from the top and quickly signed the bottom of the form, Dennis K Artuso.

The canopy closed over his head and he watched as the ship was maneuvered into the launch bay. Once it was loaded into the launch tube, he braced himself for the launch. He was slammed back into the seat as the ship accelerated down the tube into space.

His ship streaked out and he looked out at the stars in this sector of space. The ship’s display came up in front of him and he could see the other ships in his squadron. Pushing the throttles forward, he darted out to catch up with the lead ships.

It is good to see that you finally decided to join us boy. I was starting to wonder if you had changed your mind. His squadron commander said.

No sir, I had a small problem.

Yeah, he couldn’t find the throttles on the way out. I thought I was going to pass him. Another person said.

Both of you just get into formation and quit screwing around. Artuso the next time just sign the damn form. Your crew chief knows more about that ship than you ever will. If he says it is ready it is ready understand.

Yes Sir.

Knock off the sir shit out here. All right Delta wing put in the jump coordinates. On my mark, jump.

The stars changed position just a little as the ships dropped back into space. Dennis looked around and found the rest of the ships ahead of him again. He pushed his throttles and darted back into position.

Kid, you’ve got to be a little more careful. You were off by several thousand kilometers that time. His wingman said.

What is the matter, didn’t they teach you to jump in formation back in school. Another voice asked.

Knock it off all of you. You were not any better when you got here Jock. Just try to stay with us boy. Pushing it to .01 light.

Dennis pushed his throttles forward until the indicator read .01. The other ships were starting to pull away from him so he increased throttle until he was able to stay in formation. They stayed on that course for over an hour before he heard anything on his radio again.

I have bogeys at ten just at the edge of my scan.

I see them. The squadron leader replied.

Dennis looked at his scanner and did not see anything, but a blank screen. He flipped several controls and still nothing appeared. He slapped the scanner several times and all of a sudden, twenty spots appeared ahead of them.

What are you doing over there?

Dennis heard in his ear. He looked up and saw he had drifted away from his wingman. He quickly moved back into formation.

Sorry.

Don’t be, just stay with me, and watch my back. His wingman replied.

I will.

They have seen us. Here they come. The squadron leader said.

The next thing Dennis knew, there was red streaks zooming past in all directions. He focused his attention on the ship ahead of him and tried to follow its moves as they flew towards the approaching ships. He watched as the ships broke formation and went after the enemy ships.

His wingman found one and started for it. Dennis followed behind him as they dodged and weaved in the black sky. His wingman fired two quick burst with his rail guns and the ship they were chasing exploded. Dennis quickly pulled up on the stick trying to avoid the wreckage and it flew right into him. He felt it pummel his ship as he tried to avoid the larger pieces.

Where the hell are you boy? He heard in his ear. Get this asshole off me.

Dennis looked around and saw his wingman chasing another ship with one on his tail. He brought his ship around and on to an intercept course with the ship following his wingman. As soon as he was in range, he thumbed off the safety and fired. The ship behind his wingman blew sending out a field of rubble. He pulled his ship hard around and felt the rubble hit his ship again then tucked himself in behind his wingman.

Good shot kid. Stick closer the next time and do what I do. His wingman said and fired at the ship he was chasing.

The ship exploded before them and his wingman kept on heading for it. This time Dennis followed his wingman and flew right into the debris field. He saw the particles hit his shields as they passed through, but nothing hit the ship. When they emerged from the other side of the debris field streaks of red flew past them again. He tried to look behind him to see where they were coming from.

Get the hell out of there boy. He heard in his ears.

He pulled the stick back and pushed the throttles forward. The little ship streaked up as the ship behind him followed him. He pushed the stick forwards and to the right. The nose of the ship dated down as the other ship moved in for the kill.

Hard left and up boy. He heard in his ear.

Dennis pulled the stick up and pushed it to the left as far as he could. The red warning light came on for the thruster and the ship did not respond. He slapped the control panel hard and the thruster burst into life. His ship jerked to the left and as it started to climb. He saw the flash from behind as the ship following him exploded.

You have got to be quicker than that kid if you want to stay alive. His wingman said.

Dennis was looking back at the explosion for his wingman. When he looked forwards again there were two ships heading right at him. He thumbed off the safety and fired at the lead ship. The lead ship returned fire. He pushed again and this time the ship exploded blinding him for a second. He did not see the second ship as it flew through the debris field until it opened fire on him. He pushed the stick down to the right then back and to the left. The ship tucked in right behind him and fired. The streaks raced past him then he felt the ship go limp and almost stop. The ship behind him streaked past him and pushed its nose down.

Dennis looked at the throttles and saw that he had accidentally pulled the throttles back to stop. He pushed the throttles forward and brought the ship around behind the one that had been chasing him. He flipped the safety off and fired. The ship before him exploded and he flew straight through the debris field.

That is the way to do it boy. He heard his wingman say.

Where the hell are you? Dennis yelled.

I’m right off your starboard side where I belong. I almost ran into you when you stopped back there.

Dennis looked to his right and saw the ship as it moved into position. The man was looking at Dennis’s ship as he approached.

You have got some new holes in the bottom of that thing. Are you all right?

As far as I can tell I am.

Well it looks like they have had about as much fun as they want today. Let’s see if we can find the rest of our wing. The man said and moved ahead of Dennis.

Dennis tucked himself up behind the other ship and followed him back to the rendezvous point. They slowed to a stop when they reached the coordinates. Dennis pushed the button on his control panel to see what kind of damage he had. The list scrolled down the display before him.

What are you doing boy?

Trying to see how much damage I have.

Don’t worry about it as long as she fly’s. You only have to worry about it when she quits flying. The wingman said. Keep your eyes open sometimes they hold some back and try to follow us out of here.

I don’t see anybody on the scanner.

That doesn’t mean they’re not here.

Dennis watched his scanner and stared out into the darkness. He thought he saw some movement far off and looked down at his scanner. He could see two ships heading towards them.

I have…

Shut it kid. His wingman barked.

Dennis looked over towards where he had last seen his wingman and did not see anyone. He started looking around for him as the two ships drew closer. His warning lights started flashing and he looked at the display. It showed that the ships heading for him were not identifiable as friendly. He flipped off the safety on his rail guns and was about to push the throttles forward when the second ship exploded and the first ship opened fire on him. He pushed the throttles forward and pushed the trigger to the rail guns. The red streaks leaped out and cut the remaining ship in half. The ship halves seemed to hang there then they exploded. He pulled his ship up and brought it back to the coordinates. As he returned, he saw the remaining squadron sitting a few hundred kilometers behind where he had been with all of their system off. His wingman passed him and formed up with the rest of the squadron.

Good job men, let us go home. The wing commander said.

The Squadron moved past him as he brought his ship around. Are you coming with us boy? Dennis heard in his ear. He pulled his ship up behind on the port side of his wingman.

Inter the jump coordinates. On my mark, jump.

The stars shimmered and changed position. Dennis looked around and did not see the rest of the squadron. He quickly checked to see if he had put in the right coordinates as a sense of panic set in.

What are you doing there, boy? He heard in his earphones. His heart skipped a beat then slowed as he saw the rest of the squadron pass him. He pulled back into position behind his wingman.

Ame'háooestse Vo'e this is Delta with twenty Aénohe to nest.

Roger Delta doors coming open.

Dennis looked at the Ame'háooestse Vo'e in front of him. He could vaguely remember how the ship looked when his Uncle Pat had commanded it. He remembered the stories that his Uncles told him about when they first taken the ship to the Twin Suns System. How they figured out how to fly the fighters they found out by Pluto. How they had taken off and landed through the cargo doors until after they had fought Monroe and Gates in the Twin Sun systems. How they accidentally found the launch and recovery systems onboard and how it worked.

Dennis could see the two sections of the ship extended out of the sides of the ship allowing the fighters to launch without opening the cargo doors. They could launch four ships at a time from four launch tubes.

They approached the extended sides from the stern of the ship and moved down a long tube leading into the landing bays. Dennis followed the last ship inside and set his down on the pads. He quickly finished the post operation checkout as the crew chief put the ladder on the side of the ship.

What did you do to my ship pilot? The sergeant asked as soon as he climbed up to the open cockpit. It’s going to take us all night to patch all of the holes in it.

Good while you’re at it here is a list of thing that did not work. I want them fixed by morning. Dennis said and handed him the tablet. He removed the harness holding him into the seat and stood up. That problem with the starboard thruster all most got me killed.

The sergeant climbed back down to the deck. He was reading the tablet as Dennis climbed down. Dennis walked past him and ducked under his ship to look at the damage. He could see the holes in the belly of the ship from the debris fields. He did not see the small man with a large head that walked over to where he was looking.

Next time just fly through the debris field. The gravitron shield will push most of it out of the way. Do not pull up and try to avoid it or you are going to put a lot more holes in this ship.

Yes Sir. Dennis said coming to attention.

Take it easy boy. You made it through the first one. That is the hardest. Now you are a veteran like the rest of us. The wing commander said. I am He'kon Hkosé or Major not Sir alright.

Yes Sir. Dennis responded and stood straight and looked at He’kon Hkosé almost eye to eye.

Easy boy, I knew some Artuso’s once. Are you any relation to a Karl Artuso and Amy Artuso?

Yes Sir they are my grandparents.

Hmm I have a brother named after you grandfather and a sister after you grandmother.

Your Father is Elder Short Fingers?

Yes, you speak Triskelion. He'kon Hkosé replied surprised.

My Mother made sure we did. It was easier for my Father’s Mother when we visited on your home world.

Hmm, we shall talk again. It has been a long time since I have spoken my language. He'kon Hkosé said looking up at the young man. Come we have to go to the debriefing.

Yes Sir.

Like I said before, calling me Sir is like putting tits on a váótséva nó'kétse. Come on boy. They will take care of your ship. He'kon Hkosé walked away towards the hatch.

Dennis followed along behind him as his wingman walked up to him.

Well, what did the old man have to say? Jared Sniff asked.

He just wanted to know if I was related to someone he knew.

Well were you?

Yes. He knows my grandfather and grandmother along with my father and all of my uncles.

Yeah, I knew some of your cousins for a while and your sister Xiomara. I’ll tell you about it someday over a beer. You’re buying of course. He said and put his arm on Dennis shoulders. Come on boy. Let’s go score your kill for today. Jared said in his best impression of He'kon Hkosé.

Why does everyone keep calling me boy? I am twenty-two years old. I haven’t been a boy in years.

Well, I am twenty eight years old and he still calls me boy. Come on Dennis or we are going to be the last ones interviewed. You sure put some holes in the old girl didn’t you? Almost a bad as the last one who was checked out in it did. Jared said as he led Dennis to the hatch.

Dennis sat at the small table as the interviewer asked him to explain again how all of the holes ended up in the bottom of his ship. Dennis started over with his explanation again for the fifth time. He looked around at the almost deserted room and only saw Jarred and He'kon Hkosé standing off to one side talking to his Crew Chief.

Well, did he find all of the faults?

Yes major, along with some we didn’t put in.

How many holes? Jared asked.

Well over two thousand. We will have to replace all of the panels along with most of the electrical system and gravitrons behind them. What did he do skid through a debris field?

No, just what those idiots back at the training base told him to do. Pull up to avoid all debris fields. Your ship’s shields are not powerful enough to repel ship’s debris at high speeds.’ I would like to put one of those assholes out here and let him find out what these ships are capable of doing. He'kon Hkosé said and handed the tablet back to the sergeant. Alright Sergeant set him up for another check out for tomorrow. If he fills it full of holes again, then I will find him a nice desk job."

Yes Major. How many faults do you want to insert this time.

Max it, but make sure he can work around it. I do not want to have to explain to his mother how he was killed.

Yes Major. The Sergeant said and left the group.

He got four of them today. One of them was on my ass. Jared said.

Yes and it would not have been if he had been where he belonged. You were just lucky this time. The next time he maybe too far out to be any help.

Ok boss, I will keep him in close.

Good idea. Go get him out of that mess. They have had plenty of time to find out what he did wrong.

Yes Sir. Jared said.

Jared walked over to the table. He stood behind Dennis who was just finishing up his story for the seventh time. He ran his hand across his throat when one of the men looked up at him. The man nodded and leaned back into his chair.

Ok son, we are finished. We will turn over our report to the Wing Commander and he will make the final decision.

Decision for what? Dennis asked. 

The men did not respond to him, they simply picked up the recorders and tablets off the table and walked out of the room. Dennis watched them and looked around the deserted room.

I told you we would be the last ones out of here didn’t I? Jared said from behind him.

Dennis quickly looked behind him and saw Jared standing there. They said they are going to turn their findings over to the Commander for his decision. What did I do wrong? I only did what they taught me in flight school.

What did the old man say to you when you were walking out to the ship?

I don’t remember all of it. He wanted to know if I was going or staying and something about not calling him sir. Calling him Sir was like putting tits on a váótséva nó'kétse. It just doesn’t fit well together.

What else did he tell you? Wasn’t there something about remembering what you had been taught then forgetting it?

Yes I guess so.

Look... Jared stopped and looked all around the room. "You are being tested. He does it with every newcomer. If you pass, you are in the Squadron. If you fail, he puts you behind a desk until you request a transfer.

I know your Uncle was an Admiral in Space Fleet and you probably have been flying ships with your dad and uncles all of your life. He doesn’t care about that. All he cares about is not having to explain how you died to your mother.

Pay attention to what I do tomorrow don’t try to fly around the debris fields. What they told you in your training doesn’t work out here. These ships are not like the ones where you were taught. The Gravitron shield is a lot stronger on these than anything they have back in the real world. Keep tucked up by me and our combined shields will move even the large pieces out of the way. It will keep both of us alive."

What did my crew chief want? I guess he was complaining about all of the holes I put into the ship.

Don’t worry about the holes in the ship. All of the Crew Chiefs show him their reports after they have verified what we put down. That is how he knows how many ships he has and in what condition they are in. He treats those ships as if they were all his and worries about all of them almost as much as he does us. Come on let’s get out of this gear and get something to eat.

Dennis was just opening the hatch to the berthing, when he heard over the ship’s intercom system.

Pilot Artuso, report to the Wing Commanders office.

You have had it now Artuso. One of the men yelled out to him as he stopped and turned around.

We will have everything packed for you so you can move quicker. Another may yelled out.

Dennis just shook his head and headed back out the hatch. He made his way to the Wing Commanders office and pushed the button by the door. Enter. A voice said and he pushed the hatch open. He stepped inside and found He'kon Hkosé standing next to the Wing Commanders desk. Dennis walked in, centered himself in front of the desk, and came to attention.

Pilot Artuso reporting to the Wing Commander as ordered. He said and saluted.

The Wing Commander just sat there reading the tablet before him. He set it down and looked up at Dennis. He returned the salute than looked back down at the tablet.

Do you know what I have here? He asked not looking at Dennis.

No Sir.

This is your after operation report and evaluation. Can you tell me why you did what you did today?

I only did what I had been taught back in flight school Sir.

Weren’t you told something else before you took possession of one of my ships?

Yes Sir. I was told to remember what I had been taught then forget it.

Then how did all of this damage get done to one of my ships?

I…I… Dennis looked at He'kon Hkosé who only looked at him with his big eyes. I did what I was taught Sir. I will not make that mistake again.

Your damn right you won’t, not on my ship. Pilot Artuso, I have relieved better pilots than you for a lot less damage. However, Major He'kon Hkosé has convinced me to let you have one more chance. If you fuck up tomorrow like you did today, I will have you out of here before your skids hit the deck understand me.

Yes Sir. Dennis replied standing as straight as he could.

Get out of here boy. He'kon Hkosé yelled.

Yes Sir. Dennis replied and saluted them again.

The Wing Commander returned his salute and watched as Dennis quickly left the room.

So, what if he fails tomorrow? What do you want me to do with him? Commander Steven Corbut asked.

He will not. I have him teamed up with Jared Sniff. He will pull him through.

Even with all of these faults your Chief is putting into his ship?

He has more time inside one of them than any other man on this ship. His uncle is the one who designed them. He ought to know more about their capability than he has shown so far. I have seen him on the simulators, he maxes them out when he uses them.

However, he graduated almost at the bottom of his class. He barely passed any of his flight training. The only thing that saved him was the academics. Are you sure you want to give him another chance?

If he can get through tomorrow without filling the ship full of holes, yes. If it comes back like it did today, get rid of him.

Okay. The Captain wants to see both of us tonight.

Oh, what does he want with me?

He didn’t tell me. He just said that he wanted my Squadron Leaders and me at his briefing tonight. 2030 in the large conference room.

Yes Sir. He'kon Hkosé said half-heartedly.

Look on the bright side, you only have to go to them once in a while. I on the other hand have to attend every week.

That is the bright side?

Go on and get out of here.

He'kon Hkosé walked to the hatch and opened it up. He had started though and stopped.

Have you made up your mind if you are taking the transfer yet? He asked.

I will let you know just as soon as I do.

Hmm, fair enough. He'kon Hkosé replied and continued out into the corridor.

Dennis opened up the hatch to the berthing area and walked inside. He looked down the row of double bunks. Each bunk was two meters long by one and a half high by one deep. A curtain could be pulled giving the occupant some privacy. Above the bunks ran ducting and electrical conduit. Under each bunk, were two drawers for personal items. Each set of bunks were separated by two lockers for uniforms and flight gear. The pattern continued with five sets of bunks on each side of the room.

He made his way down the aisle by the two tables separating the two sides of the room. He could hear some of the squadron as they talked in the adjoining shower room. Several of the men walked out and quickly headed down the other isle away from him. Several of them sat at some of the tables and did not look at him as he walked by. He could hear them sinker as he approached his bunk.

He saw his bags packed and sitting on his bunk. Several of the men were sitting at the table play cards doing their best not to look at him. He walked over and picked up the bags, then set them in his empty locker. He walked back to his bottom bunk and sat down.

Well did he toss you out? Jock asked.

No not today. Dennis said and laid down on his bunk.

What is up Dennis? Jared asked as he walked into the berthing area.

Major He'kon Hkosé talked the Commander into giving me a second chance.

Oh aren’t we the privileged one. Jock said.

Take a hike Jock. Jared said.

Just who is going to make me? Jock said walking over to him with his chest puffed out.

I am the fucker who is going to…

Dennis jumped out of bed and pushed them apart.

Back off Jared, I can take care of myself.

Yeah, just like you did today. Off showing off and leaving your wingman to fend for himself. Jock spit out.

What business is it of yours jerk. Jared replied in Jock’s face.

I don’t want some rich kid who never had to want for anything coming in here and…

That is enough. He'kon Hkosé yelled from the door. Do you not have someplace you have to be Pilot Gibbons?

Yes Sir. We are not done Artuso. Jock said and grabbed his coat off the upper bunk as he left the room.

What was this all about? He'kon Hkosé asked.

Jock didn’t like it because you gave Artuso a second chance. One of the men said.

"I gave Pilot Artuso a second chance because he earned it with four confirmed kills today and for no other reason. If anybody has a problem with that, my door is open.

Tomorrow’s mission has been changed. We are going back to Delta three five five. Artuso you will stand down tomorrow."

But Sir.

You will stand down tomorrow. You are to report to the communication officer for your duty assignment.

Yes Sir.

He'kon Hkosé turned and headed out the hatch with Jared right behind him.

Major. Jared said.

Yes Captain.

Why? Delta three five five isn’t any more dangerous than where we were today. Give the kid a chance. I will look out for him.

And who is going to look out for you and the rest of the wing? There is a rumor that they have some sort of new ships out there we have to find them and identify who they are and what kind of ships they have. Jared just looked at He'kon Hkosé. Alright, tell him you talked me into to it. Remember he is your responsibility tomorrow.

Yes Major. Are you still going to put all of the faults into his ship?

You know my rules for checkout flights. He still has not proved himself yet.

Yes Major.

I have to go. I have a meeting with the Captain tonight. He'kon Hkosé said and continued down the corridor.

Dennis laid on his bunk and listen to the men talk as they plaid cards. He looked around the berthing area at the others as they relaxed. He saw a woman walk out of the shower room and over to her lockers. One of the men whistled at her as she pulled on a clean set of work uniforms. She just shook her head and walked to her bunk. She jumped up into it and pulled the curtain. Dennis closed his eyes and thought about the day’s mission.

Dennis was awakened by Paul Nolan.

Hay Artuso, it’s time to eat are you coming?

Yeah be right there. Dennis said and rolled out of the bed. He stood up and almost ran into the woman he had seen before. She just shook her head and walked around him, and headed for the hatch. Dennis watched her walk away.

Forget it Artuso. She is strictly by the book out here. Ted Norbert said as he walked by.

She is a not bad looking.

They all will look good in a few more weeks.

Dennis followed Ted out the hatch and to the dining hall.

When Dennis returned to the birthing area, he found his things sitting on his bunk again. He looked around and only saw one bunk with the curtain drawn. He grabbed his bags off the bunk and began unpacking the clothes as the others drifted back into the room. Jock walked in and deliberately bumped into him sending him into his locker.

Watch what you are doing rich kid. We do not have maids and butlers to clean up after us here. Jock said as he spilt some coffee on the floor. He looked at the coffee on the deck and continued to one of the tables.

Dennis turned and looked at him. We didn’t have any either.

Fucking rich kids. Jock said sitting down at the tables.

What do you mean by that? Dennis asked and started for him.

Jock stood up and Paul quickly stepped in between them and blocked Dennis.

Let it go. He said. Do you play cards?

Some. Dennis replied still looking at Jock.

Forget him, he is all mouth. Come on we need some new money. Paul said led him to one of the tables.

Dennis sat there and played cards with Paul, Ted Norbert, and JL Jenkins. Every time Jock walked by he would either bump into Dennis or say out loud what was in Dennis’s hand.

Hay Jock why don’t you go for a long walk out one of the air locks. Paul said as he tossed in his hand with the rest of the players.

Don’t you have someplace you’re supposed to be? Ted asked.

Not tonight. Tonight you all are graced with my presence. Jock said and walked back by Dennis and pushed him.

Dennis started to stand up. The woman pilot walked by and shoved Jock back out of her way.

Why don’t you go take a shower you stink? She said.

Are you going to wash my back? Jock asked.

You would not like what I would use. She replied and continued to her bunk. She jumped up into the second bunk and pulled the curtain.

Jock watched her as he walked to his locker. When he opened the door, a bunch of trash fell out and landed on the deck. He just kicked it out of his way and grabbed his towel then headed into the shower room. They could hear the water start and Jock started singing.

Oh god not again. Samoilenko, now see what you have done. JL Jenkins yelled.

Someone needs to drown him. Dennis mumbled. Deal.

Chapter Two

Dennis hurried through the hatch into the hangar bay early the next day. He could see the flight crew finishing the preflight’s on the other wings ships. He walked up to the ship with his name on the side and stared up at it. He continued around the ship looking closely at the repairs that the crew had done the night before. This time he looked closely at everything on the ship and noted what he found wrong. If he could repair it without anybody seeing him, he did. By the time the rest of the squadron walked into the hangar bay, he was already up in the cockpit looking at the control panels. He had found the broken connector that caused the failure of the thruster the day before and was splicing the cable together when his crew chief saw his feet sticking out of the cockpit.

What are you doing up there? The Sergeant yelled up at him.

Just making sure everything is working today. Dennis yelled back down.

Once he had finished splicing the cable together, he worked his way back to an upright position. He found the Sergeant standing on the ladder looking in at him.

"I found a broken wire going to the control circuit on the starboard thruster. It will need to be replaced when I get back. Oh, here is the list of faults I found this time. I have already fixed most of them. These three will need an I level maintenance person to repair them. These two are structural that should ground this ship, but I don’t have time now in instructing you and your men on the care and maintenance of this ship.

Give me the damn tablet and get the tie downs off." Dennis said as he pulled his helmet on over his head.

The Sergeant handed him the tablet and he signed on the bottom line. He handed the Sergeant back the tablet then handed him the fault list he had found. As soon as the Sergeant climbed down, he pushed the button to close the canopy and started the ship’s systems.

The sergeant looked at the list as the ground crews pulled the tie downs off and prepped the ship for flight. He saw all of the faults except for two that he had put in the night before along with seven he did not know about not including the structural cracks in the main drive assembly.

He looked up at the young pilot as Dennis pulled up on the controls applying power to the gravitrons lifting the ship up off the deck. The ship hovered only a few centimeters off the deck as the ground crew attached the tow vehicle to the front.

The ship moved into position behind his wingman and was set into the launch tube. Dennis adjusted the Inertial Dampers to compensate for the G forces of the launch. He pushed himself back into the seat and waited for the ship to burst out of the launch tube. He didn’t expect being pushed back further into the seat as the ship rocketed down the tube. Just as the ship started to move, he reached over and pushed the throttles forward. The ship darted out of the Ame'háooestse Vo'e right on the tail of Jared’s ship.

Make a note that the there is something wrong with the Inertial Dampers when I get back. I knew I forgot to check a couple of things. I wonder what else I forgot this time. He jotted down his thoughts on the tablet on his knee. Dennis brought the ship up next to Jared’s ship and into formation.

Now why didn’t you do that yesterday? Jared asked.

Do what? Dennis replied.

What you just did come out with your throttles on. Just keep tucked up behind me today and we will get through this.

Nice that you could join us Jock Gibbons. He'kon Hkosé said over the radio. Enter the jump coordinates. On my mark, jump.

The stars shimmered and changed position as they dropped out of the Quantum Tunnel. Dennis quickly looked for Jared’s ship and found it off to his port side. He quickly dropped back and moved into position.

Not bad kid, not bad at all. Just remember the next time try to stay in formation when you come out.

Yeah I had problems with that in school too. Dennis replied.

Dennis reached over and switched on the scanner display. The screen was blank. He reached up and hit it a few times before it started to work.

Well that was on my list the last time, must be he didn’t have time to fix it last night.

What was on your list? He'kon Hkosé asked.

Sorry I didn’t know my mike was keyed still.

It has been since you climbed into that ship. He'kon Hkosé replied.

What is the matter don’t you know how to check out your communication circuits. He heard Jock’s voice say.

That is enough, boy, mind your own business. He'kon Hkosé said. I am pushing it to .01 light.

Dennis pushed his throttles forward until the indicator read .01. The other ships were starting to pull away from him so he increased throttle until he was able to stay in formation. They stayed on that course for over an hour before he heard anything on his radio again.

I have bogeys at six and four just at the edge of my scan. Dennis heard in his ear.

I see them. He'kon Hkosé replied.

Dennis looked at his scanner and did not see anything. The screen was lit, but it didn’t show any indication of the inbounds. He tapped the scanner again and it went out. He hit it hard and a puff of smoke wafted out of the console. Shit now what. He hit the console again and the scanner came back on showing the inbounds headed for them. He looked up and saw that Jared’s ship had pulled away from him. He applied more power and caught up with him.

Stay with me kid, here we go. Jared said to him as he darted off after some of the ships. Dennis applied power and stayed right on Jared’s tail.

Jared opened fire at the extreme end of the rail guns range. The ship he hit exploded and a shock wave raced out and slammed into them sending them tumbling out of control.

Damn they are using antimatter drives. Dennis said.

Delta five and six are you all right.

I have some warning lights on but I am still here. Jared replied.

Delta six, Delta six are you all right.

Yes Delta one all systems are working still. Dennis replied as he pounded the scanner again. More smoke rose up out of the console and the scanner didn’t come back on. Shit.

What is the matter kid? Jared asked.

My scanner is toast.

Just follow me and I will get us out of here. Delta one…

No! I will follow you and keep them off your ass. I don’t need the scanner to do that.

Are you sure?

Yes come on let’s get back into this. Uncle John once told me how they used to take out the old Mark IV out on Pluto. He said you had to hit the front by the cockpit. Once the ship exploded the first time you had a few seconds to push the throttles forward and get the hell out of there.

Did he happen to tell you how to identify it they had the antimatter type drives?

Yes look for a blue or a blue green tail. It is their antimatter signature.

Okay let’s see if it works. Jared said as red streaks flashed by.

More streaks started flashing past from behind them. Dennis dodged and weaved back and forth behind Jared as they engaged the target ahead of them. He felt something hit his ship and felt it slow. He pushed the throttle forward more just as Jared fired at the next ship.

The ship exploded and Dennis pulled up on the controls. He looked for Jared and saw him just ahead of him as the second ship’s antimatter containment collapsed. The shock wave reached out engulfing the ship that had been behind it. Its containment field collapsed sending out a second wave that over took them. Their ship’s tumbled out of control as the wave dissipated in space.

Dennis regained control first and was looking for Jared when red streaks flew past. He saw the small ship closing on him and brought the ship around towards it. He flipped off the safety and fired a quick burst. The ship’s cockpit disappeared and the ship stopped.

Come on Jared we got to get out of here before it blows. Dennis yelled.

More red streaks came towards Jared’s ship as Dennis raced towards him. He fired another quick burst and the next ship exploded. This time there wasn’t any secondary explosion.

Good shooting kid. Jared’s voice came over his radio.

Are you okay?

I will be as soon as I get this thing fired up again. There she goes, let’s get the hell out of here before those ships blow.

Dennis saw the ship dart away. He brought his ship around and headed after him. His ship was very sluggish and he had trouble controlling it. He slowly caught up with Jared and joined up with him as he lined up on another ship. There was an explosion from the two ships Dennis had hit. Jared opened fire just as the shockwave hit them. His rounds streaked past the ships they were after. The ships separated and looped around after them.

Dennis and Jared weaved and dodged as they worked their way into positions behind the ships. They both opened fire on different ships then pushed the throttles to the stops to get out of there.

The explosion was tremendous and the shock waves reached out across space. Dennis felt it hit his ship and did his best to keep it under control. He watched as the second and third waves reached him from the collateral damage from the other ships. He did his best to keep the ship under control as they swept past him. When the last one had past, he started looking for Jared.

Delta five where are you? Dennis asked.

I am about ten clicks from you off to your ten.

I don’t see you and my scanner is not working.

Okay I will come and get you.

Red streaks slammed into the side of his ship tearing a large hole in its side. Dennis pulled back on the throttles and the ship flew past him. He quickly lined up on the passing ship and open fire. The ship dodged to one side away from his burnt pearl. He applied power and fired again. The enemy ship exploded and he flew straight through the debris field.

Good shot boy. He heard in his ears. He looked around and saw He'kon Hkosé ship pull up along side of his. You got some new holes in your ship.

Yes Sir I know. Dennis said down heartedly.

Delta wing it looks like they have had enough. Form up on me and let us go home. He'kon Hkosé said and pulled ahead of Dennis.

Not bad kid. Jared said as he pulled up alongside of Dennis. Your Crew chief is going to be pissed though.

Well, he will have a lot of time to fix it.

What makes you think so? Jared asked.

This was my second chance and I filled it full of holes again.

Knock it off and form up. He'kon Hkosé said. Inter the jump coordinates. On my mark, jump.

The stars shimmered and changed position as they dropped out of the Quantum Tunnel. Dennis looked for Jared and did not see any of the ships. He turned and looked behind him and did not see anybody.

What are you doing back there, boy? He heard He'kon Hkosé’s voice in his ear. Hurry up and catch up with us.

Dennis pushed the throttles forward and the ship did not move. He checked his fuel and saw that it was all gone. He looked out at the side of the ship and saw a frozen streak of coolant sticking out of a hole.

Delta one I am bingo fuel and the ship has shut down. Dennis said.

Roger, we will send help as soon as we land. He'kon Hkosé replied.

I will stay with him. Jared said.

No, we have lost enough today. Ame'háooestse Vo'e, Delta wing with seventeen Aénohe ready to land.

Roger Delta, doors coming open.

Dennis sat helplessly in the cockpit and looked at the Ame'háooestse Vo'e looming before him. He thought about the ships using the antimatter drives they had just fought. He remembered the stories he had been told as he grew up from his uncles and father. He remembered how his Uncle John along with Uncle Pat had fought to keep the use of antimatter drives from being allowed close to planets.

Since then his Uncle John had come up with the new drives, which allowed them to us the fusion generators more efficiently. They could generate enough energy to supply the new plasma drives. These plasma drives could almost do the same speeds as the older antimatter drive. This in combination of the jump drive triangles shortened the time it took to move through space.

When he was a small child, some of the children on Pluto had found