Sparks of the Javelin

By Hybropsyche

The legacy of Xanthe Coustoe lives on in the regenerating world five years on, though she herself is still missing. The J'Sapa begin to uninstall themselves from the Earth Government, believing humanity may be able to re-establish its original philosophies set out after World War III. However, there is still great political unrest at ground level, including an Earth League Isolationist Fleet, recruiting only able-bodied humans and - through necessity only - limited clone bloodlines.

Following intelligence received by a deeply-traumatised Xanthe, the Military send a small team - joined by Major Clara Ridgely, Amarie Pemberton and Charlie Hayes - to infiltrate a huge base of operations, apparently developed by the Human hand on an island of the J'Sapa Home World. In the meantime, Earth Battle Cruisers - with Human, Clone, Droid and J'Sapa representation - stand ready to launch an attack on the fortress.

Ultimately, will humans ever be trusted to govern their own affairs once more?

Special thanks also to Sophia Andrea Szabo for her excellent work on the front cover painting - great patience throughout.

• Language: English
• Publisher: NewGenerationPublishing
• Release date: Jan 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9781803691404

Book preview

0F - Resumption (213e AD)_

Captain Zelah Fredrickson marched briskly down the immaculate new-smelling corridor of the Earth-orbiting defence Station.

Arriving at the Commodore's Office, she paused, sighed and punched the door-chime.

Come in Captain, the voice at the other side issued through the speaker in a familiar tone of wry recognition.

The Commodore sat at the other end of his glossy dark desk as the doors opened, casting outside light and a shadow across it. Then the reflected light - along with the outside living rumble - were quieted once more and the Captain stepped forth into view, revealing her red arrangement of hair and a face that was less than content; How did you know it was me... Sir! The Commodore chuckled curtly; Two reasons really: Rumour has circulated faster than fact about this mission I am about to assign you, and the knowledge of it would make anyone take it out on my door-chime; the other, well, I think I know my daughter's tantrums well enough. The Captain sniffed; OK, Sir, if you can put me out of my misery I would be much obliged. The Commodore stood purposefully; Our intelligence suggests a secret base of operations on the J'Sapa Home world...

"And our job is to go in and destroy it?! Won't that put us at war with the J'Sapa? And place the Citizens of Earth in a vulnerable position under our current... Government?"

It is not believed that the complex is of J'Sapa origin.

What about The Vlarn? There were rumours of another humanoid world...

The Vlarn, The J'Sapa are all part of some greater alliance that our own actions have denied us entry to! Guess again! The Captain turned to the window to view her Earth, then turned back; "Are you saying this base is of human conception? The Commodore's face went stern; That is exactly what I am saying! Oh it... may not be populated with humans... or at least doesn't have any officially assigned there; it has state of the art defence capability, both within and without; it is practically a fortress!"

So was the intelligence gathered by a droid?!

"When I said there were no humans assigned there, technically that is true; the person providing this information has been an involuntary guest, and for nearly a month, all communication has become more fragmented. One objective of your mission is to locate, retrieve and bring her back here for de-briefing; the other is to reconnoitre the fortress. His daughter sighed again; So who is this person I and my officers are to scour the fortress for?"

Xanthe Coustoe. She fell to stunned silence. Her father took advantage of the lack of interruptions to continue his brief; As you know, following her crusade to expose the corruption, she had gone missing for many years. As there was still silence in the room, he continued; "You may of course choose some of your officers but you will be joined by a First Officer - whom I believe fits the bill perfectly - along with any officers she may deem appropriate."

Who would that First Officer be? she said coldly.

I have requested we borrow Major Clara Ridgely erstwhile of the J'Sapa Warrior Cast for the duration of this mission. The Captain had to think, and then it dawned upon her; "Major Sprat?! Clara Two?! The Clone?! You're sending me with a Clone to rescue another Clone?! Commodore Fredrickson raised his voice; 'All life is life'! If we don't embrace that simple notion, then the J'Sapa will never let us have our planet back! And we will start by having no such prejudice in my command! Is that clear Captain? She sighed; Of course Sir. He sat down; You'll get your Penthouse soon enough, but you have to prove - perhaps even harder than others - your merit in the meantime. Now, I need to introduce you to your new Flight Officer. She sat down also; Well with all due respect Sir. Major... Ridgely is a bit of a plucky beggar to have as my Second in Command, wouldn't you say?"

Send the General in, he said, releasing the comm button to smile and answer her query; Yes she is at that. Just think of how rewarding a challenge it would be to channel both hers and your zeal into the success of this mission. She harrumphed, and her father smiled again; Zelah, you've been a good officer and have begun your Captaincy with... promise. You have commanded many diverse races, but until now they have all been human. Every officer from the dawn of time who had leave to speak their mind would tell you that the enemy is not a nation across the water or even a planet in another solar system; for one day, they may become our Allies. And a Commanding Officer must know that in their heart, as one of their guiding principles. The door chime sounded once more.

Enter! the Commodore issued. Captain Zelah Fredrickson stood to attention and turned to face the visage which blocked the light from outside.

Good to see you again General. Please come in and be seated. Captain Fredrickson, this is General Vogh of the J'Sapa Warrior Cast. Recovering from her initial reaction, she held out a hand; How do you do Sir? Vogh looked grim, responding in his deep voice; "I do do what I must!"

Indeed, she said. The Commodore rose with a glint in his eye; Great, now the pleasantries are over, I'll let you both get acquainted.

After the door closed behind her CO, she turned awkwardly back to the General, who spoke slyly; "You do not trust me Human? She sighed; It's nothing personal. He smiled; You, like many, believe we have taken over your world with a view to conquest? She nodded; ... well some people do Sir."

"We are not overseers; we enact the original constitution laid down by all your world leaders following your third world war! I hope - as all my people do - that you will once again govern your own world; indeed, key positions in the Earth Government have already begun to be vacated by J'Sapa to be replaced by those of Earth origin. Come, be seated and let us discuss the mission before us."

Charlie Hayes took another sniff of the air and set the box down before him. Sliding the mesh aside, he stood back and moved out of sight, until the pair of stoats scampered cautiously out into their new surroundings. He checked the readings on his wrist-mounted Tracker were in order. Like all regenerated animal life, each was tracked by a microscopic implant. He ran back, picking up the box before the creatures had a mind to resume their original birthplace; Come on guys, it's up to you now! The droids will protect you from predators... at least until there are enough of you to eat that won't make you extinct again!

Walking back to the small stream, he stood for a few moments more, watching the resumed spectacle of a small group of geese taking flight and joining a larger group fluttering in from the side. He smiled; What a beautiful racket! His communicator chimed and the voice of Rufus interrupted his thoughts; Hey, you've got a private vid-call. You want me to patch it through?

No, I'll head back there. See you in a few!

Back in the Calladine Ranch, Charlie moved to his shack, sat at his desk and tapped at his console. The call resumed and the smiling face of Amarie looked back at him; Hey Hun! she said.

Hey! Classes going well?

Yeah, she mused, "a little dull. Don't get me wrong, whilst I hated teaching kits who were so unruly they only ever learned to sue each other, these J'Sapa are so well behaved, I sometimes want one of them to throw a chair, spread a nasty rumour, anything! Charlie laughed; This is not your usual time to call, is anything up?"

Not until you get here! she smiled impishly. Then her face became serious; Charlie, have you had any communiques from the Militia? He leaned back in his chair; To be honest, I don't know. I've been too busy trying to rebuild our world rather than thinking of how we can destroy it.

Check your messages, it looks like we're being recalled!

"But you were never a soldier. Amarie leaned forward, her face filling the screen; ... which can only mean one thing: Clara has somehow got involved in a mission, and that means they have found her at last! Charlie gaped; My God!"

Rufus grinned; You've helped turn this place around in the last few years. Charlie patted his shoulder; It's your doing, I just followed orders. Now we have 15 Calladine-class Ranches in the world and goin' strong!

OK Son, you better get on board, and give Clara my love, when you're not following orders that is! The shuttle door closed once he had entered, and shortly thereafter flew upwards in an arc into the night sky.

Clara Ridgely entered the Commodore's office; Major Ridgely reporting as ordered confirming transfer to your command Sirs!

You are aware of your mission, Major? the Captain asked.

I am Sir, she responded. The captain stood speaking as she walked out the room with head back; There will be a briefing at 2000hrs in Conference Room 6!

Of course... Sir! But by now the doors had already closed behind her, leaving the slightly bewildered Major to turn once again to the Commodore.

Are you having misgivings about your Captain, Major? She continued to look forward; None Sir! He smiled; Good. At ease Major, have a seat.

Thank you Sir, she said before sitting.

I just wanted to say Sir, she continued, it was an honour serving under Colonel Summers, he was a great CO and a great man. Fredrickson gave a grim smile; He was indeed! He went in, cleaning up after Ghaul's dirty work, because he believed in you as much as what he had to do.

Thank you Sir. His family are all OK?

That they are.

Then it was all worthwhile!

Just so. Anyway Major, your chosen officers are en route I take it? She nodded; Officer Pemberton came with the General and I am about to meet with Officer Hayes.

Charlie still could not help rubbing his hands up and down over his uniform. It had been so long since he had to wear anything so formal and orderly, and he missed his growing Earth already. Nonetheless, he had been recalled, which was better than a Court Martial for his apparent desertion - the Major had seen to that. He pressed the door chime and her voice issued; Enter! The doors slid open to reveal her stern face at the other end of the desk.

Don't loiter with no intent, Soldier, get in here! He took a few paces forward, allowing the doors to slide shut behind him.

Corporal Hayes reporting as ordered Sir! She stood from her desk and - hand on hip - walked around it; What's happened to your posture Soldier?! All that fresh air has made you soft. One pace forward and stand respectfully to attention! He did so more firmly.

That's better! she snapped. Then her face split into a grin; Now gimme' a hug, that's an order! He gaped but complied. The Major put her arms around him; God I've missed my old friends! He continued to hold her; That's really unfair! You put your authoritah to ill use! She laughed; I know I'm sorry. Guess you know we have a special mission and a Captain to report to.

Yep.

"So officially, I still need to be that authoritative little bitch you always wanted to strangle; but unofficially its great to see you again."

Not so little any more, Major. Oh Rufus sends his love by the way. She moved back to face him; How is he, be honest?

He's still working his... butt off, but taking all the medication. Clara sighed; He always worked too hard.

"To be honest Clara. I wouldn't suggest anything else. He loves what he does and is out in the fresh air. She sat once more at her desk; Yeah I think you're right; there couldn't be a better remedy. She straightened; OK, you are aware of the briefing later?"

Yes Major.

OK. Why don't you go and spend time with Amarie, but don't be late!

Yes. we'll be there before you can say 'dead bitch'.

I've a feeling I'm not the bitch to worry about this time! she said under her breath.

Sir? he turned back with a grin.

Nothing Soldier, she grinned in return, see ya' later.

In the white room with windows exposed to space on three sides, sat the new team, around the illuminated table.

Firstly, lets not have this immediately obvious division of loyalties; issued the Captain down her nose; "Let's show our team as mixed, as it will be throughout this mission!" The group squabbled in a non-verbal fashion; Clara having moved away from her own Officers to join Captain Fredrickson at the head of the table.

Fredrickson looked around and pointed at the random organisation, picking out her officers; OK, you all know who I am, but here is my Security Officer Lieutenant Clark and Ensign Moore. She turned to Clara with a nod. The Major compliantly issued; "I am Major Ridgely, your First Officer, and I have brought two Officers, in whom I have complete trust..."

Everyone should have complete trust in my command, Fredrickson interjected.

Forgive me Sir! Clara switched formally. The Captain's nod assured Clara's continuance; My newly-commissioned Science Officer, Lieutenant Pemberton. She monitored the expressions of all before continuing; And Corporal Hayes, an expert in combat and piloting a range of fighters.

OK OK, said the Captain, We have the necessary skills to carry out our mission!

And what is our mission Sir? the Security Officer asked with his strong UK Birmingham accent. The Captain stood sternly and addressed the table, looking from left to right as she issued; We have intelligence of a Base of Operations on the J'Sapa Home world She let the words ripple around the minds of at least who she had assigned. Then she sighed with purpose through her nose; "We have been assigned to get into this fortress, rescue the operative whom gave us this information - if she is still alive. The Major and her Contingent felt a wave of fear and concern ere the Captain - visibly aware of this - suppressed a smug smile; Human-n-oids that we all are, have to reconnoitre this base, rescue the Operative and come back with enough tactical data and evidence that this base is... of Human Conception, and that The J'Sapa can be assured that we are worthy of governing our planet for ourselves. Clara repressed all she wanted to say, and - to her secret delight - her officer Hayes spoke out instead; Captain, you are suggesting Flint has had something to do with this... situation?"

"I don't know how you have been used to following orders in a briefing in the past, but you and your previous... comrades work, but you are not to be under the impression that just because you... worked with such as Xanthe Coustoe, you can make such accusations! Clara had to think hard; Corporal, you will not jump to conclusions until you know more of the mission!"

Of course. My apologies Major... Captain! Charlie felt Amarie's foot rub against his under the table. Captain Fredrickson continued with a smile; We will be boarding a small J'Sapa Stealth Vessel and will land in a secret location, then take a Terrain Crawler to enter the Fortress at a location that will not make it easy for us to be detected. Ensign Moore looked uncomfortable - more than usual. Fredrickson - adept at knowing her own officer - smiled at him; You're among friends, I'm sure you have considered your question."

Well... Sir, wouldn't we still be detected, no matter where we entered? His Captain smiled at him; "A good point and it was well raised. One of the reasons I chose Major Ridgely and allowed her to choose her own officers is that I respect her experience. Clara repressed the sudden sickness she felt. Fredrickson continued; Lieutenant Pemberton has unique skills in developing Inhibitor fields. Our Comms - whether by radio or by word of mouth will be detected. Indeed Our presence on the way to and inside the complex has a great risk of being monitored. Lieutenant Pemberton can monitor the signals in any location but also have the ability to help us evade the surveillance to an extent once inside. The Security Officer spoke with the freedom of his usual structure with scorn; So she's a droid?!"" Before Hayes could even respond with a steely look, Major Ridgely defended for her own officers; "Yes! She is a droid, Lieutenant!" The Brummy officer lowered his gaze.

The Captain stood; All life is life, she said, but the Major could not help but notice an insincerity to the tone, or perhaps it was just her own unease. Fredrickson continued; Pack out your trash and report to Launch Bay Delta at 1430hrs tomorrow... Dismissed!

Outside in the corridor, Charlie caught up with the Major; Cl... sir, how about joining us in the Mess for a bite? Clara smiled; No thank you Corporal; I wanna' get in some training and meditation. Both help me sleep better. Besides I wouldn't mind a quick visit to Earth in the morning to look at some of the great work you and Rufus..."

Major, a moment please! the captain's voice boomed down the corridor, clearly not making any attempt to move from the spot. Clara turned and made her way back. Charlie hesitated for a moment.

Did I say your name Corporal?! Get out of sight! Clara turned with a soft smile in his direction, then turned back to face her CO; Yes Captain?

Major Ridgely - I know you like to be called Ridgely - there was resistance in the briefing. Clara sighed; I wouldn't call it resistance Sir; I think we do need to get... accustomed to one another. All our worth will be proven on this mission, if it is to be a success.

I'm glad you understand that Major! A good command structure runs best if the COs set the right example.

"I'm glad you understand that also Captain! Clara blurted before she could stop herself. The Captain's voice and words seemed to seer through her body; This