Ravage: SSW, #2

By Savage Tempest

Helping a stranger can get you killed.

 

One... Space is a dangerous place filled with pirates and Reapers.

Two... We still don't have full control of our ship.

 

But I refuse to stand by and watch an Alliance ship get destroyed by Reaper fighters. The crew says that we should mind our own business, but as the new captain of the Wraith—it's my call.

 

And I made a bad call.

 

The stranger is way too powerful, and he knows far more about us than he should. He even knows the Wraith's mission—unlike us. This mysterious stranger is willing to fill in the gaps of our missing memories.

 

For a price.

 

A price that might include laying waste to an entire planet—or worse… infecting the whole galaxy.

 

If you're a fan of Black Mirror, snarky AIs, and space adventure, grab this book today. Please note that this book was originally titled Covenant.

• Language: English
• Publisher: 3 words from
• Release date: Mar 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201883928

Book preview

1

Captain, two Reaper locust fighters have appeared on rear scanners.

Have they seen us, Aylana? Tyton had hoped that they could make it to Planetary Alliance Space without further incident.

We are not the target. Aylana materialized on the bridge besides the command dais. She waved a gray-blue holographic hand at the center of the bridge. A large bright yellow light appeared and quickly transformed into a 360 degree holographic view of space.

Tyton’s eyes flicked across the holo-sphere. Yes, two locust fighters were headed their way, but they were chasing a small craft and thankfully not them. The running ship boasted a sleek, almost sporty design. Its wings were an extension of the hull and were tipped with gold just like the nose of the ship.

And it was fast, but the Reapers were gaining.

A similar scene appeared on everyone’s monitors, so no one had to turn around in their seats or crane their necks to see the disturbing scene playing out on the main holo-sphere. The bridge had no windows and was heavily insulated with two meters of blu-titanium shielding.

My money’s on the Reapers, said King from the pilot seat.

Tyton ignored him. Maya—

Way ahead of you. I plotted a course that will take us far away from the Reapers.

Negative.

Maya spun around in her chair, away from her navigator controls. You’re kidding.

I thought we all learned by now, said JeMerik, seated at his systems overview station. Elysians have no sense of humor. At least not this one.

Tyton finished calculating the new coordinates. King, I sent you—

Got the coordinates. Executing now. Hold on everybody.

Tyton gripped the dais railing at both ends as King turned the Wraith 180 degrees. They were now headed toward the Reapers.

Are you stupid or something? Maya’s pale face was flushed pink. Why are you listening to him?

Guess I’m stupid, said King. And he’s the captain.

Well, you got the stupid part right. Sedmanx was posted near JeMerik. Scowling as per usual.

The ship bucked slightly as King finished their sharp turn.

Belfona, weapons online, please.

Are you sure, Tyton? Belfona looked at him from tactical. Locust fighters are fast with a lot of fire power.

She was right, of course. Reapers were fearsome warriors, which was one of the reasons why the Planetary Alliance did not want to start a full-out war with the Cyrax.

Tyton kept his eyes on the main holo-sphere. Several scenarios of how this chase would end raced through his mind. None of them good—unless they intervened. The Wraith can handle two locust fighters.

I agree with the Elysian, said JeMerik in his thin, high-pitched voice. But can we handle four of them?

Scanners have detected two additional Reaper locust fighters. Aylana looked up at Tyton. The Wraith’s architects had made the command dais a meter higher than the rest of the bridge stations. I suggest we leave the doomed craft to its fate.

At moments like these, Tyton wondered how much of a person was left of Aylana. Obviously, the ship’s computer core did not obliterate her personality, and he did sense sentience when speaking with her, but sometimes she seemed more like a machine than a person.

The Reaper goons are going to notice us soon if they haven’t already.

King was right, and in her own soulless way, so was Aylana. Maya too. But not assisting the needy wasn’t something Tyton could bring himself to do. Continue course heading, King, and prepare for evasive maneuvers.

Yeah, follow your captain’s directions, lapdog.

King chuckled. I love it when you talk dirty, Sedmanx.

On the main holo, Tyton watched the fleeing ship attempt to pull away from the locust fighters, but it was of no use. The Reapers were still gaining on it, and with two additional locust fighters joining the pursuit, they would box the ship in soon. That or destroy it.

Belfona, hit the nearest Reapers with our particle cannons.

You got it. Belfona looked up from the tactical table at Tyton. I assume that you don’t want the Reaper scum busted up too badly.

You assume correctly.

Wonderful. Maya threw up her hands in disgust. Why don’t we send the Reapers some flowers while we’re at it?

Four Reapers. Definitely more of a challenge, but Tyton knew that his crew was up for the task despite them not being happy about it. The bridge’s warm lighting shifted from gold to vermillion, dyeing everyone’s skin to a sickly red. Aylana’s doing.

Tyton watched the five ships draw closer. The fleeing ship implemented three successive defensive rolls, but some of the Reaper laser blasts still hit it. The fleeing ship started to slow down.

Belfona?

Particle cannons activated. The tactical table illuminated Belfona’s handsome oval face with a green glow as she peered down into it. Launching two Hell Lancer missiles.

What happened to the particle beams? Tyton did his best to keep his voice level. We want them disabled—not dead.

You’re the only one who doesn’t want the Reapers dead, Sedmanx said, a smirk still plastered on his cobalt black face.

They’re just to keep them busy. Belfona’s hands flitted across her tactical holo-screens. We can detonate them whenever we want to.

The missiles streamed toward two pursuing locust fighters, causing them to abandon the chase. At least for the moment. The two missiles were locked on their target, so unless the Reapers had some pretty fancy moves or got lucky with their lasers, they were out of the game.

Which only left the two Reaper locust fighters headed straight for them. Fearless and firing volley after volley of laser blasts. Tyton had to give the pilots credit for taking on such an overwhelming enemy. He didn’t want to see them hurt, no less dead. He did, however, need them out of the way, so the Wraith could rescue the lone spacecraft, which was now standing still for some reason. As if it was waiting to see who wins.

The Reapers are close enough, said Aylana, hands behind her back. I can kill their power.

You can do that?

Tyton was as surprised as Maya.

It’s not all that hard, said JeMerik. The pilots are undoubtedly communicating with one another. Even an old AI could piggyback on the signal and then hack into their systems.

Aylana was hardly an old AI, but Tyton got the point. Do it, Aylana.

It took several seconds before Tyton noticed a difference. The Reapers started slowing down. Soon they were drifting, the lights on their hulls now dark.

Well done, Aylana.

Thank you, Captain.

And no one bothers to thank our amazing pilot.

Thank you, King. Tyton looked around the bridge. Thank you, everyone.

Maya cleared her throat. I set a course to retrieve the alien ship, so let’s get this over with.

Actually, it’s a Planetary Alliance ship.

Maya turned her chair to face King. Oh, thank you for being such an amazing pilot and so observant. She turned back to her nav console.

Where are the other two Reapers? Tyton didn’t see them anywhere on the holo-sphere.

They’re headed straight for us. Belfona’s long fingers danced over the tactical holo-screens in front of her. Point-railguns are tracking.

Remember… we only want to disable them. Tyton was fairly certain that he was the only one who felt that way. "What’s the status of the first two Reapers?

Two explosions lit up the main-holo screen briefly.

Status all clear. Belfona turned to Tyton. It wasn’t me.

Aylana?

The Reapers managed to destroy our missiles. Aylana kept her black eyes on the holo-sphere. They were headed for the Wraith’s underbelly, so I took care of them.

No more killing. That includes you, Aylana. The words came out harsher than he had intended. Two more people dead on his watch. What kind of a captain was he? JeMerik, open a comm line to the Alliance ship.

I’m not your comms-bitch.

Aylana?

She smiled at Tyton. Just call me comms-bitch.

Tyton was tempted to smile, but he didn’t want to give anyone the idea that killing fellow sentients was alright. He certainly wouldn’t have selected these people to be his crew, but they were extremely competent and pleasant to be around. Well… perhaps not Sedmanx, but maybe he would warm towards him.

Comms established, Captain.

Thank you. Tyton glanced at Belfona. She really wasn’t happy about this. Her concerns were justified concerning how badly things went the last time they tried to help a needy ship. This is the captain of the SS Wraith.

Lohet at your service, sir.

What is the status of your ship?

The Reapers damaged both of my engines. It’ll take me some time to repair.

We have a technician on board who can assist. Do you still have thrusters?

Yes.

Good. Prepare for docking.

Many thanks, Captain.

Tyton pressed the yellow comms on his dais control panel, ending further communication. His dais was mostly a quarter circle metal bar with small embedded panels and screens. It gave him almost total control of the Wraith. King, would you mind meeting the Alliance ship?

It’ll give me a chance to go to the head. King stood up and headed to the bridge door. The bridge was back to golden lights.

Please make certain that our guest stays inside his ship.

You got it, oh Captain sir! King clicked his heels together and brought his hand to his right temple in a crisp salute before marching off the bridge. Everyone watched him go.

Tyton wondered when this human would take things more seriously. Tyton certainly was. He had no intention of making the same mistake of unwittingly welcoming pirates onto the Wraith. He would do whatever it takes to protect this ship.

Except kill someone, he mentally corrected himself. Homicide was never an option. Even if his life was endangered.

Aylana was watching him. Studying him actually. Was she trying to guess what he was thinking? Aylana, I need you to disappear for a while. In case our guest turns out to be a hostile, I want you to be our backup.

If we dump his ship out of the docking bay, we won’t need a backup.

Tyton smiled at Maya. Show some heart. Everyone needs some help now and then.

Maya rolled her eyes and spun her chair back toward her console.

Despite what she and the rest of the crew believed, killing people should never be the solution.

2

The big alien looked at each of them with his six red eyes. So this is how you welcome guests aboard your ship, Captain?

Everyone had a weapon pointed at the alien standing in front of the main holo-sphere. Everyone but Tyton and Sedmanx. Days ago, they had agreed to allow anyone to carry their weapon of choice wherever they liked on the Wraith—at least until they obtained total control over Deck-3.

Tyton wasn’t initially thrilled with the decision, but now he embraced it.

This is how I welcome guests who suddenly appear out of nowhere on my bridge.

Tyton had no intention of allowing his people to kill their so-called guest, but Lohet had no way of knowing that. What sort of technology did he possess to allow him to teleport, let alone teleport to a place he’d never been to before? One minute their so-called guest was landing his ship in their docking bay, the next—he was standing on the bridge, looking around like he was a tourist. He appeared to be a Ku-duku from the planet Akilineq, an old minor planet in the Xiera Cluster that was misanthropic at best but still had a seat on the Planetary Alliance Council.

Tyton had never seen a Ku-duku up close before. Well, possibly in the past few months, but those memories were still missing. For all of the crew presumably.

Even while standing on the command dais, Tyton still needed to look up slightly at the Ku-duku who called himself Lohet. He was almost twice Tyton’s width and over two meters tall. Lohet was built stocky like Sedmanx but without the rippling muscles and hopefully without the attitude. He wore a deep purple garment that hugged his form and prominently displayed his massive gray chest.

"My apologies, Captain, but—

Tyton held up his right hand and touched the yellow icon next to his dais comm-screen. King, you were supposed to be watching the alien ship.

Still am. The hatch hasn’t opened.

Thank you, King.

Lohet smiled. The two small horns cradling each side of his face didn’t seem to have a purpose. Perhaps in the Ku-dukus’ distant past. His skin looked like granite, and the six red eyes stacked in two columns on his broad face gave nothing away. Tyton couldn’t even sense the Ku-duku’s emotions, which made him feel even more wary.

Please friends, Lohet spread his massive arms. You have my word that I come in peace.

Lohet looked around meaningfully, but the crew’s weapons were still aimed at him. My… such a well trained crew.

I’m not a dog, fool.

One must be invited to the bridge, Tyton said before Sedmanx could hurl anymore insults.

Lohet bowed slightly. My deepest apologies, Captain Tyton.

Tyton smiled, but the smile didn’t reach his desert colored eyes. I don’t recall telling you my name.

Your reputation precedes you—as does the Wraith’s. Lohet allowed his arms to slowly drop to his sides. Once again… I thank you all for saving me.

Everyone’s eyes went to Tyton. He nodded. The weapons were put away, but everyone knew—especially Lohet—that they could come back out in an instant.

Hell Lancer missiles have just locked on the drifting Reapers. Belfona looked up briefly from the tactical table.

Kill the power.

I’m trying to but… Belfona shot Tyton a worried look. Two missiles just launched.

Initiating holo-filters. JeMerik sounded almost bored.

The main-holo sphere dimmed seconds before the two explosions. Tyton observed Lohet closely as the Ku-duku watched the Reaper locust fighters shatter into tiny bits. Still nothing. Lohet was in complete control of his emotions. Tyton wondered if all Ku-dukus possessed this ability. He also wondered how many friends and families did the Reaper pilots leave behind.

Lohet turned away from the holo-sphere and addressed Tyton. Karma I suppose.

And payback for you.

For someone so large, Lohet was surprisingly quick on his feet. Within seconds, he was nearly in front of Maya, but he stopped short when he saw her laser rifle aimed at his head. What a big gun you have… you’re Vidyan, aren’t you? How wonderful.

Lohet spun back around to face Tyton. I am loath to ask this, Captain… but I am on a mission, and I require your assistance once again.

I look forward to hearing all about it—at a later time. Tyton dismissed the Ku-duku with his eyes. For the moment, I have other matters to see to.

This wasn’t a lie. Tyton needed to find out who launched those last missiles, although he felt pretty certain that it was Aylana. He needed to reign her in—she was way too powerful… and reckless.

But this can’t wait.

It will have to. Tyton’s eyes were now on the dais rail control panel.

I demand to be heard.

Sedmanx snorted, earning him a brief look from Lohet.

Demand all you wish, said Tyton before looking back up. Also, feel free to see yourself out the nearest airlock.

Lohet laughed. It was a coarse unpleasant laugh. You’re Elysian. You don’t believe in harming fellow sentients.

Correct. But as you can see… my crew are not Elysians—and they do believe in killing people.

Lohet crossed his thick arms and considered the bridge crew once again. He then bowed his head slightly. By your command, Captain.

Tyton looked over at Belfona. "Please escort our guest to the war room and see that he’s comfortable."

Belfona nodded, then leaned down to grab her laser rifle. She marched over to Lohet. He smiled down at her.

I am honored.

Good. Belfona returned his smile as she raised her rifle toward his chest. Now get moving.

Lohet snuck a quick glance at Tyton and then proceeded to exit the bridge. The door bisected and swooshed closed behind them.

What a jerk. Maya’s face was still flushed.

Ah, what do you expect from a Ku-duku?

Maya pivoted her chair toward JeMerik. I’ve never met one before today. I suppose you have?

One or two. A truly arrogant people.

Now I see why you know them. A smirk hovered on Maya’s thin lips.

JeMerik rolled his eyes and pulled out a caffeine packet from his jacket pocket.

I think we should inspect Lohet’s ship. Tyton stepped down from his dais and headed toward the bridge door. Maya, maintain course please. JeMerik, you’re with me.

Aren’t you going to invite me to the party?

Tyton stopped and turned just enough to look at Sedmanx. According to JeMerik, he wasn’t an original member of the crew, and Tyton would see to it that they got rid of him.

Sedmanx, would you like to join the party?

Sedmanx looked up at Tyton as if he were crazy. Not particularly.

3