The Value of Terror: Defiance, #6

By Jason Krumbine

The Natuzzi have unleashed the unimaginable: a planet killer. And now they hold the galaxy in a grip of terror.

 

All that stands between the Natuzzi and the rest of the Alliance is one ship: the USS Defiance.

 

But Captain Mitchell is missing, and command of the Defiance has been turned over to their new first officer, Broderick Cooper.

 

Assigned to the Defiance by the UPA President himself, Cooper's motives and allegiances are shrouded in mystery. As the crew of the Defiance struggle to learn whether or not they can trust their commander, there are other forces at work within the ship.

 

Forces that have their own agendas.

 

Forces from other planes of reality.

 

The galaxy is on the edge of war.

 

But there is another way.

 

They can be Unified.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jason Krumbine
• Release date: Aug 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393911760

Jason Krumbine

Jason Krumbine loves to write! He's happily married and lives in Manhattan, NY where he enjoys reading in Central Park, going to movies and discovering new stand-up comedians. You can connect with Jason at either his website, www.jasonkrumbine.com, Facebook, Twitter (@jasonkrumbine) or good ole' fashion email [e-mail]. He's always up for a talk about the newest Star Trek movie or what's happening in the world of comic books and TV. 

Book preview

1

VUNA N-SEVEN

Sara screamed again. It was a powerful shriek that startled everyone in the small medical pod.

Randall squeezed his wife’s hand, almost as tightly as she squeezed his. Of course, it was all worth it.

Push! Doctor Paresky commanded from where he sat between her legs. "Push, Sara."

Sara’s eyes shot open and she glared at the gray haired doctor. You push, you motherless Fim’ai goat whore! she screamed at him through gritted teeth.

Everybody in the medical pod suddenly got very silent.

The contraction passed and Sara’s body flopped back against the small exam bed. Her face was drenched in sweat, along with the rest of her body and it wasn’t just from the effort of trying to bring a human life into the world. The small medical pod was ill-equipped to be used in this manner. But, considering that the original mandate of the UPA Science Corps mission to Vuna N-Seven hadn’t allowed for the possibility of any of its scientists deciding to expand their family while conducting research, it was adequate enough. The single exam bed was uncomfortable. Its lumbar support managed to dig into the small of her back as if trying to help her push the baby out. And worse, for the last two months, the air conditioning hadn’t been working. There was only one engineer assigned to this end of the mission camp who could fix the A/C, but she had been placed on bed rest because she couldn’t get it through her thick head that she really needed to stop doing actual engineering work this close to her due date.

Oh my goodness, Sara said. I am so sorry. I don’t know why I said that.

Doctor Paresky waved her off. Don’t bother. I’ve been called worse by my grandkids’ lawyers.

Sara swallowed. Really?

He grabbed the towel from the small table and handed it to Randall to wipe across his wife’s face. I have a very contentious relationship with them. For some reason, they all hate my guts.

Do you think it has anything to do with the fact you cut their parents off from their inheritance? Randall asked.

Oh, absolutely, Paresky replied. I, unfortunately, raised my children to be real asshats and those were the lessons they passed along to their kids. He smiled at Sara and Randall reassuringly. I’m sure that won’t be your case.

Sara looked at Randall, frantic concern in her eyes. Are we making a mistake?

"You’re asking me this now?"

What if we’re going to be terrible parents like Paresky? She glanced down at the doctor. No offense.

Paresky waved her off again. None taken. I was a terrible parent. I introduced my then twelve-year-old daughter to Backlon brandy while on vacation on Akmar Four.

Sara closed her eyes and tightened her grip around her husband’s hand. Oh my goodness, she muttered. What if that’s us?

That’s not going to be us, Randall assured her.

You don’t know that.

Neither one of us drinks alcohol and we both hate the idea of visiting pleasure planets, Randall said.

But we are having our child on an alien planet, lightyears away from home. Sara opened her eyes and looked at him. What if her childhood is us just yanking her around from planet to planet as we chase after our next science project?

Then she’s either going to have some amazing stories to tell her children, or she’s going to provide some very steady work for a variety of therapists, Randall said. That sounds like a win-win to me.

Paresky glanced at the makeshift monitor next to the bed. You’ve got another contraction coming up. He looked at her. Get ready to push this time.

She met his gaze, glaring. Because I haven’t been pushing this entire time?

Well, to be fair, Randall said. The baby’s not here yet.

She turned her blazing eyes to her husband. Do you really think now is the time?

No, it is clearly not, Randall said. And I deeply regret my choice of words.

Sara shook her head and tiny droplets of sweat flung off. I changed my mind. I want drugs. I want all the drugs.

Too late, Paresky said.

Is it though? Because I heard from Shelly that there was this case on Stravin where the mother was able to get a spinal tap right up until the moment she popped that baby out, Sara said. So, you know, let’s examine all the possibilities here.

That’s not going to happen here, Paresky replied. For a variety of reasons. Not the least of which is this isn’t Stravin, where they have basically zero restrictions on administering painkillers. It’s essentially a planet of addicts.

That sounds like a beautiful thing right now.

Here we go, he warned, eyeing the monitor.

I hate you, she snapped.

I can live with that.

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that, Sara said. I don’t know why I’m saying these things. Clearly, I’m not in my right mind and I have no business being a-

The monitor beeped as the contraction hit.

Push! he commanded.

Nobody heard him over the sound of Sara’s screams, though.

She tightened her grip on Randall’s hand, her fingernails digging into him. Then Paresky shouted that he could see a head and Randall didn’t even notice the pain.

You can- Sara started.

Paresky cut her off. "Don’t talk! Push!"

Sara screamed again, her face turning bright red.

Then the ground rumbled beneath them.

The light in the small medical pod dimmed.

At first, no one noticed. They were, naturally, focused on the miracle of life that was taking place.

But something at the edge of Randall’s attention finally got him to tear his focus from the sight of his daughter being born.

It wasn’t that the light in the medical pod had dimmed. It was actually growing darker outside.

He tried to push it out of his mind. He had more important things to focus on.

Except…

He had purposefully been following the weather reports for the last week. In addition to not wanting to have his wife give birth during one of Vuna N-Seven’s notorious thunderstorms, their current experiments hinged on the fact that it wasn’t supposed to rain for another two weeks in this region. In fact, according to the weather reports, it was supposed to be sunny and pleasant right up until sundown, which was still six hours away.

So why was it getting dark?

The ground beneath them rumbled again, more violently this time.

A baby’s first cry snapped Randall’s focus away from the weather.

Paresky stood up, holding out his daughter.

Congratulations, he said.

Sara wiped the sweat from her eyes as she reached for her baby. She’s beautiful. She looked at Randall. Isn’t she the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?

Randall smiled. She has your eyes.

My God… Paresky gasped.

At first, Randall assumed he was talking about their daughter, but then he realized there was a note of horror in the man’s voice. He looked up and found the doctor staring out the window.

That was when Randall realized something was wrong.

The wind outside was howling and, barely audible over that howl was an alarm.

My God… Paresky gasped again and collapsed to the ground.

What’s going on? Sara asked, slowly becoming aware there was something wrong.

Randall rushed to Paresky’s side. Jack?

Paresky wasn’t unconscious, but there was something wrong with his eyes. They weren’t focused on anything.

Jack? Randall asked again, shaking the man’s shoulders.

What’s going on? Sara repeated.

The temperature in the room had abruptly dropped what felt like thirty degrees.

In Paresky’s eyes all Randall could see was pure terror. It was as if the man had been scared senseless.

Randall? Fear was edging into Sara’s voice.

Randall got back to his feet and looked out the window. There was nothing but darkness in the sky.

He watched as the sky fell apart and the darkness resolved into giant tentacles dropped from where the clouds used to be and pierced the ground around them.

Randall struggled to keep his wits as he spun around to face his wife and daughter. He could see Sara’s mouth moving, but he could no longer make out the words. He couldn’t hear anything over the sounds from outside. The noises were…He didn’t know what they were. His brain couldn’t process it. There was no point of reference for any of this. Nothing that he could latch on to for any sense of comfort. The very notion of what was happening threatened to tear his mind apart.

He made a fist with his hand, digging his nails into his palm until he drew blood. It focused him for the moment.

He reached the bed again. Sara looked at him with an expression that he could only assume mirrored his. Her skin was rapidly turning pale. Her mouth moved, but he knew that she wasn’t saying anything. There wasn’t anything to say. He could see it in her eyes, she was struggling to keep from breaking just as he was. In her arms, their baby cried.

Their baby.

Barely five minutes old.

What was the name they had settled on? He couldn’t remember.

The violent wind was suddenly in the small medical pod. When had the windows broken?

Randall bent down wrapping his arms around them, as if he could protect them like this.

But he couldn’t.

He couldn’t hear his baby crying, but he could feel her squirming against his chest.

Time lost all meaning.

Eventually, the darkness came, claiming this small family of three, along with every other resident, and the rest of Vuna N-Seven.

2

NATUZZI

NOW

I must confess, Your Majesty, I have…reservations regarding this course of action.

Queen Xie didn’t respond. She maintained her focus on the bay of monitors stretched out beneath the curved glass of the observation deck. The room wasn’t exclusively held for the queen, but it was the most appropriate place within the Sicurezza Vault for Her Majesty to hold court during what would undoubtedly be considered an active war campaign.

Below, on each monitor, the same scene played out with cosmetic changes across the screens: The destruction of the planet formerly known as Vuna N-Seven by the Tyrant of Paradise.

Each monitor displayed a different collection of data gathered by long-range sensors. The Natuzzi scientists and analysts who were seated in front of the monitors worked diligently to make sense of all the information and then present it in a manner that would be easily digestible by their Queen.

Of course, Queen Xie didn’t need to know the specifics. She appreciated her peoples’ willingness to go that extra distance for her, and, ultimately, the data collected would not go to waste. They would inevitably use it to inform further decisions about the deployment of the weapon.

But she didn’t need to know how it worked. It was simply enough to know that it did.

The Tyrant of Paradise was a weapon of mass destruction. And weapons of mass destruction were ultimately very easy to understand.

Gouren Ril cleared her throat in what she considered to be a respectful manner.

At the sound, the queen finally deigned to turn her attention to her advisor.

I don’t recall asking you if you had any reservations, the queen said.

Ril clasped her hands behind her back and took the admonishing tone in stride. I wouldn’t be much use to you if I stood around waiting for you to ask me for advice.

The queen clicked her tongue against the back of her teeth and turned back to the bay of monitors.

Gouren Ril stood nearly a head taller than the queen and made no effort to hide it. Her posture was perfect. Her slender form was often seen at the queen’s side, especially during times such as these. She was considered by many to be the voice of the queen’s conscience. It was not an official position. The title of the Queen’s Conscience was something used quietly and behind closed doors, never to the face of either Ril or the queen herself.

The queen sighed and rubbed the side of her face. What is it, then?

Ril gestured to the nearby chairs. Queen Xie looked at her in confusion.

It’s a long list, Ril explained. I simply thought it might be better if we sat first.

The queen glared at her. Do I look like I am in the mood for a joke?

Not at all, Ril replied evenly. She waved a hand at the bay of monitors. After all, you just condemned an entire planet to death. If anything, I would think this calls for quiet reflection and contemplation of your actions.

And what of my actions?

Ril glanced back at the chairs almost longingly. There was always a price to be paid and sometimes that price was as simple as mild discomfort. But as the mild discomforts began to pile on top of each other, they became less mild. Ril hadn’t been off her feet in the last ten hours and she hadn’t had anything to eat in the last twenty-four. Not that anyone could tell by looking at her. Her role was to be by the queen’s side, no matter what, discomforts be damned. If she looked fatigued or hungry, then she simply served no useful purpose to the queen. After all, the queen hadn’t had a moment’s rest since her son had been returned to the planet.

Ril turned back to the queen. By all reasonable accounts, this would be considered an act of war.

That may be so, the queen agreed. But as they have already demonstrated, the UPA has abandoned all sense of reason.

I’m not certain, then, that this course of action is called for, much less appropriate, Ril said.

The queen looked at her silently for a moment. The air between them was thick with tension.

The queen turned away from her to face the bay of monitors again, clasping her hands behind her back. She was dressed in a white, shimmering gown that was almost obscenely elegant considering the situation.

A weapon of deterrence is of no use if no one knows why they should be deterred by it, the queen said finally.

You could have easily chosen an abandoned moon to back that point, Ril countered. The effect would have been the same.

No, it wouldn’t have.

Respectfully, I disagree. No one else in this corner of the galaxy has mastered the technological skill of destroying an entire planet.

Destroying a moon devoid of life means nothing, regardless of how remarkable it may be. The lives of non-Natuzzi may mean nothing to us, but to the Alliance, they are worth far more than an empty moon.

There’s a heavy price to be paid for an action like this, Ril said.

Nonsense. None of those scientists were of Natuzzi blood, the queen replied. Therefore their deaths were as relevant as shredding a piece of paper.

But as you pointed out, that is not the case to the rest of the UPA.

Queen Xie looked back over her shoulder at Ril. Get to your point, please.

Ril held out her hands in an apologetic gesture. I’m simply concerned you used a bomb where a hammer might have sufficed.

The queen clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth and turned back to the monitors.

Ril sighed mentally. Is it possible that you’re not thinking clearly?

The queen’s back stiffened, but she didn’t turn to look at Ril. Excuse me?

Ril cleared her throat and swallowed. The return of your son-

You should know better. The queen’s tone was abruptly cold.

Your Majesty, I beg your forgiveness, but it seems foolish not to consider the strain your son-

The queen whirled around to face her. Her eyes narrowed and her face was twisted in a snarl of anger that Ril had never seen before. "This is your only warning. You will not mention him again. If you do, I will have you executed immediately. Do you understand?"

Ril was stunned silent.

The queen snapped her fingers impatiently. I asked you a question.

Ril jerked back and a slight tremor ran through her. Yes, of course. A thousand apologies.

The queen pulled back to compose herself. She pressed her hands against the side of her abdomen and took a deep breath. It would be wise of you to make sure the rest of the Ruling Council and administrative staff is aware of this restriction as well, she said. In fact, I believe a Black Order should be issued on the subject of…my son.

Ril bowed her head. Yes, Your Majesty. He’ll be completely stricken from the newsfeeds and public conversation.

Queen Xie paused, her expression softening as she watched the younger woman. It has been a difficult time for you. As I understand it, you haven’t eaten or had a moment’s rest in a few days. I understand that you may not be thinking clearly.

Ril kept her head bowed. Yes, of course.

Apology accepted. The queen looked down at her fingertips.

Thank you, Ril whispered.

I understand you think I may be overreacting, the queen continued. Perhaps you will understand better when you have children.

Perhaps, Ril consented.

Motherhood is a terrible burden. I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone, the queen said. It may bring with it amazing blessings, but more often than not they come at an unspeakable price. Children are not for the faint of heart, regardless of their age.

Ril said nothing in response.

The queen inhaled through her nose and then exhaled slowly through barely parted lips. The temperature in the room slowly ticked back up from the frostbite the queen had unleashed.

Now, the queen said. What is the status of the weapon?

Ril cautiously lifted her head. It is currently traveling through the Haricot Nebula with an Oxean escort. Your ships are still on schedule to intercept and take possession in, she paused to check the time, twenty-four hours.

The queen nodded. Good. She took a breath and slowly exhaled. Make sure the Black Order is still in effect, I see no reason for the people to be aware of this weapon.

Ril didn’t respond, but the queen could sense there was something on her tongue.

Yes? What is it?

Ril paused before answering. I don’t want to overstep.

You’ve overstepped already and have lived to tell the tale.

But there’s no guarantee that I may survive a second attempt.

A small smile tugged at the corners of the queen’s mouth. That’s certainly a line of logic I won’t dispute. She turned back to the view of the monitors. You think the Natuzzi people should be aware of this weapon.

I think they deserve to know that we stand on the precipice of war.

Well, there you go.

Ril arched a hairless eyebrow. I’m afraid I don’t follow.

We’re already at war, the queen replied. There’s no sense in ruining their day now.

Ril bowed her head. As always, your words carry wisdom.

The queen frowned. Don’t get snappy with me. I’ve already condemned my son to life imprisonment. Don’t trick yourself into believing that you’re special.

What happens next?

With what?

The future of our people, Ril replied, going right up to the edge of sarcasm.

If the queen noticed her tone, she didn’t bother to acknowledge it. Unfortunately I’m not gifted with that kind of foresight and even if I was, I don’t believe I would care for it. The burden of knowing the future is almost as terrible as the burden of motherhood. Both are nothing but founts of endless disappointment and frustration.

"What do you hope happens next?" Ril clarified.

The queen didn’t answer for a moment. When she finally spoke, her voice was low. I hope that I never have to use that device again.

Ril’s eyes widened in surprise.

The queen watched her out of the corner of her eye. Not the response you were expecting?

Considering the content of this conversation thus far, no it is not.

I don’t care for violence.

And is that a message you hope to have passed along? Ril asked.

Not at all, the queen replied.

And yet… Ril trailed off, unwilling to finish the sentence for fear of crossing the line again.

I am a multitude of contradictions, the queen said. My son is the great disappointment of my life, yet I still love him. I can order unspeakable acts of violence while despising them.

We are blessed to have you as our leader, Ril replied, barely containing the sarcasm in her voice. And what if you believe you’re forced to use the weapon again?

I’ve dealt with worse disappointments before.

There was a soft chime at the door. The queen turned. Enter.

An administrative aide entered the room. He bowed at the waist. When he straightened he kept his eyes focused on the ground. Your Majesty, we have an incoming priority diplomatic transmission for you.

From who?

The president of the United Planetary Alliance.

The queen glanced at Ril, who was doing her best not to smirk and say, I told you so.

The queen closed her eyes and shook her head slightly. I don’t believe I have anything to say to him. Refuse the transmission.

The aide bowed again. Yes, Your Majesty.

Once he left the room, Ril spoke, Bold move.

More so than destroying an entire planet?

Considering that it was an attempt to keep you from destroying any more, yes.

The queen folded her hands together. Good.

Yes?

Better to be seen as bold than weak.

3

HEADQUARTERS OF THE UNITED PLANETARY ALLIANCE

SITUATION ROOM

Does anybody happen to know off the top of their heads what it says in our Constitution when a UPA member decides to declare war on the rest of the Alliance? Admiral Perlman asked.

Nobody at the long conference table had an answer for him.

Perlman cleared his throat and made a show of adjusting something on his datapad. I mean, at the very least we shouldn’t be giving them any tax breaks.

You find this funny? Obie Daynard spoke with a lisp that was, for the most part, undetectable. Despite what was said behind his back, the president’s Chief of Staff’s speech impediment, such as it was, was less of an impediment and more of a charming character quirk. It added a certain, down-on-his-luck charm to a man who would otherwise be described as a raging Phulkin devil in a suit.

Perlman looked up at Daynard with the tired sigh of a man who couldn’t be bothered with the polite pleasantries of the office right now. Before he could say anything, though, the president raised