A Planet Called Sanctuary: Expel The Refugees: A Planet Called Sanctuary, #1

By Don G Highmore

Major Robinson never dreamed that the fate of the entire Commonwealth of Sanctuary colony would one day rest on his shoulders.

Yet, that is where he finds himself twenty-two years after Earth colonists crash-landed on the planet. He is surprised when he is assigned to safely escort some Chinese refugees to neutral territory in an effort to avoid war with Emperor Zhao.

Major Robinson is determined to prove himself in the field and redeem his past mistakes. That is, until he discovers that Jian and Mei are not ordinary refugees, and Mei is hiding a terrible secret.

As Emperor Zhao goes to great lengths to track and either capture or kill the refugees, Major Robinson must decide what he is willing to sacrifice to protect them. Will he defy orders to try to protect them, or will he sacrifice them to try to keep peace with Zhao?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Don Highmore
• Release date: Nov 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215154663

Don G Highmore

Don G. Highmore currently resides in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. He has far too much wasted education, with degrees in History and Education and diplomas in Computer Programming and Criminology. He retired from a life in Information Technology then the enforced idleness of the Covid Pandemic forced him to do what he always wanted to do—write. He dreams of the day when he can enter an alternative universe where diabetics can eat all the butter tarts that they want.

Book preview

A Planet Called Sanctuary

Expel the Refugees

LATE SUMMER, YEAR 22

Major Robinson stood at attention, staring at the small group of armed men approaching on horses. Behind him were Jian and Mei, hands tied and mouths gagged. They were waiting for the inevitable confrontation with Emperor Zhao. All of them were soaking wet from the rain, heat, humidity, sweat, and fear. It wasn’t just the fate of the three of them on the line. The fate of the Colony rested on what would happen in the next few minutes.

Robinson’s decisions had led to this confrontation. The decisions he made in the next few minutes would determine who lived and who died. Whatever happened, it would all be on his shoulders.

Chapter 1

Early Summer, Year 22

Robinson stood on a promontory partway up Mount Hope, which overlooked the Commonwealth of Sanctuary and the Valley of Tears. It was a magnificent sight, particularly on a sunny day with a deep blue sky. A large waterfall cascading down the mountain created a crystalline, blue-green lake at the bottom. Red, yellow, white, purple, and blue blooms carpeted the ground. Trees climbed the sides of Mount Hope and the chain of mountains blandly named the Western Mountain Range. At least they were real mountains.

To the north was the Northern Mountain Range. They would have been more aptly called the Northern Big Hills, as far as Robinson was concerned. They were an offshoot of the Western Mountains, and created one side of the valley. A similar range of high hills called the Southern Mountain Range made up the southern arm of the valley. Each jutted out for five miles, then curved toward the other. Together, they encircled the valley.

Robinson admired the colony of Sanctuary below. He couldn’t help but feel pride at what the colonists had accomplished, considering that they had been forced to make an emergency landing onto the planet. From a disastrous beginning, they had created something wonderful, beautiful, and sustainable. Out of necessity, the military did most of the civic planning and engineering, so the homes were in neat and precise rows, as were the irrigation canals and farms. Trees that had been cut down twenty-two years before had been replanted and were ready to be re-harvested.

Sanctuary’s colonists were determined to avoid the environmental and humanitarian disasters that had occurred on Earth. Once they had discovered there were indigenous peoples on this planet, most of the colonists had agreed upon a policy of non-interference with them. The mistakes of colonization on Earth would not be repeated. They wouldn’t impose political, religious, or cultural beliefs on anyone. There would be no conquering of indigenous peoples or engaging in genocide.

When they had arrived here from Earth, they had found plenty of fresh water, arable land, plant life, and trees for building material. Colourful plants, songbirds, and butterflies had melded together, creating a Garden of Eden. Because they had been determined to keep it that way, preserving the environment from harm had always been a top priority. But every Garden of Eden had its symbol of evil. Their snake was Emperor Zhao. He had been a threat to their peaceful existence since he had landed here with them.

Robinson ran his hand through his black hair. He was forty-five years old (not counting the hundred-plus years it had taken to get here from Earth), six feet tall, trim, and muscular. After all, he led the Rangers, the fittest, best-trained soldiers on the planet.

He pushed his Rangers to excel at what they did. They travelled in small numbers and lived off the land if necessary. They conducted reconnaissance and exploration missions. They also trained to be commandos, guerrilla fighters, saboteurs, or special force troops—to do whatever needed to be done. Fortunately, their skills had never been needed other than for patrolling and reconnaissance because there had never been a war on the planet—not yet, anyway—although it was always a threat.

Robinson walked toward the promontory’s edge and stood as close as he could get without falling over it and straight down onto boulders. He closed his eyes and held his arms straight out to each side, and then he breathed in the warm, early summer mountain air, which carried all the scents of the flowers, trees, and everything else Mother Nature had to offer. A sudden stiff gust of sufficient strength could have knocked him over the edge of the mountain to certain death on the boulders below.

He knew that, of course, but that was the game, wasn’t it? If the wind knocked him over the edge, he wouldn’t be to blame. It wouldn’t be a choice he’d made; it would be fate. A sudden gust did hit him in the back, startling him, and he wobbled for an instant. His balance held. He sighed, took a giant step back from the edge, opened his eyes, and lowered his arms.

Robinson mounted his horse and started down the mountain trail. When he reached the bottom, he followed another trail, ultimately dismounting. A short walk took him to Sanctuary’s only cemetery. It was neatly and lovingly maintained. He took off his hat, visited his only daughter’s grave, and placed some colorful wildflowers in front of her tombstone. His daughter Victoria (Vicky) had died of cancer, which he knew would have been cured on Earth. His only son Brock had disappeared on an exploration mission to the south months before. Brock’s disappearance had effectively ended Robinson’s marriage to Maggie.

Maggie and Robinson had grieved for their daughter. Wen their only son had disappeared on a military mission, that had compounded their problems. Maggie had never opposed their son’s joining the military; it had been mandatory after all. But she had felt that Brock idolized his father far too much. While Major Robinson was something of a legend in the military, Maggie had wanted her son to serve his mandatory term and move on to other things. She hadn’t wanted him to try to be a hero and live up to his father’s reputation.

Maggie had begged Robinson to have their son removed from the planned exploration expedition he had volunteered for. It was intrinsically dangerous to travel into the unknown. She’d begged Robinson to use his influence and change Brock’s assignment. Robinson had said he couldn’t do it, as Brock had volunteered for the assignment. Removing him from the assignment would certainly have damaged his military career and, more importantly, it would have caused Brock to resent Robinson. When Brock had disappeared with the rest of the lost patrol, Maggie had become increasingly bitter. Their marriage had not been able to endure it.

Three short gusts pushed Robinson in the back, as if the wind were nagging him to get going. He sighed. He had a meeting with the president, senators, and his general, and it would not do to be late. A large contingent of Zhao’s cavalry had crossed neutral territory and showed up just outside the border. Robinson didn’t know what the soldiers wanted, but he was sure he was about to find out.

Chapter 2

Major Robinson entered the Commonwealth of Sanctuary’s Security Council Chamber and stood at attention. The Security Council consisted of the president, twelve elected senators, and the chief of general staff, General Swartz.

At ease, Major. Please be seated, President Sheila Jackman said as she smiled warmly.

She continued, "As you are aware, six people from Zhao’s ‘empire’ arrived here a week ago, asking for refugee status. A few days ago, Rangers sighted approximately a hundred of Zhao’s Imperial Cavalry camped just outside our border. A delegation of Zhao’s officials proceeded here to Sanctuary and asked for permission to meet with me. We met them today.

Their emissary issued a demand from Emperor Zhao. It’s short and to the point. We either turn these refugees over to his representatives, or he declares war against us. General Swartz here—the president nodded to the general—believes the threat is real. As you are the head of Military Intelligence, we want your opinion on the threat.

Robinson had trained a select few of the Rangers to become espionage agents for the Commonwealth. It was dangerous to be a spy in Zhao’s empire, but none of them had ever been caught. They didn’t do anything particularly fancy or sophisticated. Instead, they bought taverns frequented by soldiers of Zhao’s empire. Drunken, disgruntled soldiers tended to talk too much and give out more information than their commanding officers would tolerate if they only knew. In addition to employing simple observation skills, Robinson’s agents chatted, engaging in gossip and banter with anyone and everyone. They soon built a treasure trove of information.

Robinson stole a look at the general, who nodded his assent. He cleared his throat and said, If Zhao has threatened war, he no doubt means it. He has the means, the stated desire, and the capability to attack the Colony. He has been preparing an army for this purpose for quite some time. Years, in fact. However, the threat isn’t imminent. The cavalry force outside our border is too small. When the attack does come, Zhao will send hundreds—or, more likely, thousands—of soldiers from his vassal cities to lead the charge.

How long will it take him to assemble an invasion force? asked Jackman.

A month. No more than two.

That little?

As I said, Madam President, he has been preparing to attack us for years. However, the Rangers have not provided any evidence of an imminent invasion based on their scouting. Nor have our agents-in-place in Zhao’s empire reported anything that would be considered concerning. There’s no evidence or indication that he is at present assembling an army to attack. The question in my mind is, ‘What’s so important about these refugees that he wants to go to war over them?’

Swartz said, According to Zhao, they are criminals on the run. He says they were involved in an act of insurrection against him. They must be returned to face trial.

And what do the refugees say? asked Robinson.

Swartz rubbed his forehead. They say they were not involved in any illegal activity. They want the freedom Sanctuary offers. Life in Zhao’s empire is too repressive. It’s too easy to be accused of a crime there, and the punishment for any serious crime is, well, sadistic. They want to live in freedom and democracy. So they say.

You don’t believe them, Robinson stated.

Swartz shrugged. What the refugees say about the brutality and repression of living under Zhao certainly rings true. I can’t blame them for leaving and wanting a better way of life. However, I don’t think they’re telling us the full truth. They are lying about or omitting the reason why Zhao is so interested in them. Why are they so important that he’s willing to go to war with us sooner rather than later? It’s a question they can’t, or more likely won’t, answer.

Robinson said, There have been no reports of any kind of insurrection against Zhao. That type of thing would have triggered all kinds of gossip and activity in his capital. Our agents there have reported nothing. So yes, it’s a good bet the refugees aren’t being honest, but neither is Zhao.

Jackman interrupted. We can’t and won’t torture them for the truth, whatever it is. We’re caught between a rock and a hard place. If we refuse to return them, then we face war with Zhao. It could be a bluff, but according to the general, we’re not ready to call it. Swartz nodded affirmation. So it’s a damn good bluff if that’s what it is. On the other hand, if we turn them over to Zhao, we’re most likely condemning them to death. In all probability, it will be public and excruciatingly painful, something that Zhao seems to enjoy. It's not something that would sit easily on my conscience, and the citizens of Sanctuary absolutely wouldn’t stand for it either.

Returning them to Zhao would also be sending a message to him that we’re afraid of him, Robinson said. Moreover, it would encourage him to attack us sooner rather than later.

Well, what do you suggest, Major? Jackman asked with mild annoyance.

Once again, Robinson looked to the general, who nodded impassively for him to continue. Robinson stopped for a moment to consider his answer carefully. I suggest we expel the refugees. Robinson held up his hands to stifle the objection he could see coming from Jackman. Just not the way Zhao wants us to. I suggest we escort the refugees to a safe area outside of the Colony’s boundaries. It doesn’t comply with Zhao’s request, but it avoids a direct confrontation. Our consciences can be clear; we’re not sending them to their certain deaths. I think it sends a better message: we will not bow to his whims. But honestly, I think it just buys us more time to prepare for war.

Jackman stood up and walked around the room for a couple of minutes. How safe could they be out in the wilderness? I don’t want to trade one form of certain death for another.

Robinson shrugged then replied, As you know, there’s no such thing as absolute safety on this planet. We would escort them to a relatively safe area and build them suitable shelters against the elements. We could also create a compound for them, and build walls against animal intrusion. We have a great deal of experience in building small forts, after all. We can also provide some tools, weapons, and food to keep them going until they can harvest their own. We do all this for others who have been ostracized or exiled. The refugees would be better off because they wouldn’t be alone. They’d be supporting each other.

Jackman hesitated. She asked General Swartz, What do you think?

It’s a workable plan, and it will buy us badly needed time. And it’s certainly more honourable than handing them over to a tyrant like Zhao, Swartz replied.

Jackman looked to the twelve elected senators. Are there any objections to this plan? she asked. They shook their heads. Very well. General, we will issue the order to expel the refugees. Zhao’s emissary has also demanded that he be allowed to speak to each of the refugees, which I agreed to.

Why does he want to speak to the refugees? Robinson asked.

Jackman gave an irritated wave of her hand. He gave various reasons. Zhao’s delegates want to make sure we’re not holding the refugees against their will; to give them a chance to go back and face the charges; and to ensure that the women, in particular, have not been forced into coming here.

We need to insist on security being present for each of the interviews, Robinson said. I am very interested in knowing what the delegates want to know and what the refugees have to say. Plus it will buy us some time to get everything together. We need forty-eight hours before you communicate our decision to expel the refugees.

Jackman nodded. Very well. We’ll communicate with the delegates after you’ve escorted the refugees out of sight. Where exactly will you take them?

Madam President, replied Robinson, it’s imperative for operational security that no one except the military escort know precisely where we’re going. In fact, the escort won’t know till they need to know.

Jackman nodded assent. Very well. But Major...

Yes, Madam President? 

I want us to be very clear here. I have followed your career. I know your qualities. You’re an efficient and a hard-nosed officer when you need to be. You can also be very sympathetic to the underdog, the downtrodden. Ordinarily, that’s something to admire. Keep in mind that the ultimate mission here is to avoid war with Zhao and protect the Commonwealth. Are we clear?

Robinson was perplexed by the comment, but responded, Yes, ma’am.

General Swartz and Major Robinson left the Security Council Chamber and went directly to the general’s office.

Swartz said, Robinson, I want you to lead this mission.

Robinson was momentarily stunned. He was responsible for intelligence gathering as well as the Rangers. He hadn’t led any field expeditions in years. Oh, he responded.

"Yes. Unusual, I know. But there are three missions here. First, and above all else, we must avoid war with Zhao. You will do this by escorting the refugees to safety in neutral territory.

"Second, gather additional intelligence from them on the way. I want to know more about them. I want to know why they’re so crucial to Zhao.

"Third, visit Camp Shadow on the way back and determine the status of the Black Dragon Project. If you have any helpful suggestions for the project team, provide them. If you have to kick some arses to get results, then do it. If we don’t have the weaponry, we won’t survive, let alone win, the coming war.

In addition, this will be a mixed command. You will need to take eight of your Rangers plus a engineer squad and two regular army squads: a total of forty-five, including yourself. I want a senior officer in charge to ensure that they work effectively as a unit and that there aren’t any pissing contests.

You’re clearly expecting some trouble, General.

"Aren’t you? Zhao is threatening war over these refugees. He’s not just going to accept that they’re walking away into the wilderness. I don’t expect any issues while you’re travelling through Commonwealth territory, but