Liberty: Rise of Man, #2

By E. Wayne Stucki

As an asteroid hurdles hurtles toward earth Earth . . .
Generations of slaves must seize this one chance to escape the Kthpok.
Humanity's destiny hangs in the balance.

 

After thousands of years as slaves and numerous failed rebellions, most humans have resigned themselves to their horrific lives. They labor beneath a domination so barbaric that their infants served as delicacies are considered fortunate to escape this life.

 

However, a few brave souls have decided freedom is worth fighting for, no matter the cost. Led by a mysterious figure, they have formed a network across the worldwide network to bring about their liberation. With the cosmos granting its blessing, the rebels must act now, or humankind's next chance for deliverance may be another thousand years away.

 

Fans of George Orwell's 1984 and David Weber's Honor Harrington series will love this thrilling tale of revolution and rebellion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Red Willow Publishing
• Release date: Feb 9, 2024
• ISBN: 9798988460831

Book preview

Chapter 1

Ajet-black ground effect vehicle pulled over to the curb of the human military building for the L’Khast Run and stopped. A guard dressed in the red and black uniform of security stepped up to open the vehicle door. He saluted as Admiral Teral Eddam, commander of the human personnel in the L’Khast military, stepped out. The Admiral returned the salute and moved up the steps for the building’s main entrance. Another guard, dressed like the first, opened the door and saluted.

Inside the building was a large lobby with a check point comprised of a desk and guards near the entrance. Three corridors led from the lobby to move deeper into the building. When Teral came through the door a sentry standing next to the checkpoint lifted a hand to his belt, keyed his transmitter and spoke into a lapel microphone. The guard on the other side of the desk rested a hand on his sidearm, readying himself for any problems that might arise. A lieutenant, the name on his blouse pocket read Troyer, stepped out from behind the desk where he’d been waiting just as the Admiral arrived, came to attention, and saluted. Your credentials, if you please, admiral, he requested.

After returning the salute, Teral removed his identification and clearance card from the right blouse pocket of his white Fleet Commander’s uniform and handed it over. While he waited in silence lieutenant Troyer placed the card into a reader and a message appeared on the display. Troyer made a show of examining the information then, with a quick motion; the card was ejected and handed back. The lieutenant flashed another salute and held it. You are cleared to pass, Admiral. Your meeting is in the Conference Room One. Do you require a guide?

No thank you Lieutenant, replied Teral as he replaced the card in his blouse pocket. I’ve been here before and know my way around.

Yes sir! If there’s anything you desire just ask, admiral.

The admiral returned the lieutenant’s salute then spun on his right heel. As he walked through the lobby, shoes clicking on the white polished tile, Teral took note of the bare white walls and unadorned windows once again. Behind him the lieutenant nodded at the two sergeants then moved towards his office.

Of the three corridors that led from the lobby Teral took the middle one without pausing. He moved down the hall which was just as bare and unadorned as the lobby. Polished white marble tile stretched ahead with cream white walls and ceiling. Occasional doors and intersections broke the monotony of his walk. The barrenness of the hallway took him back to the few times when he’d accompanied P’Ter, the Kthpok military commander and Teral’s designated owner, to several meetings at Military Command. There were pictures and wall hangings decorating the halls and conference rooms which celebrated L’Khast victories and accomplishments.

Teral gave a soft snort. What L’Khast victories? The battles won and enemies defeated had been and still were accomplished by humans. Of course, their Kthpok masters had planned the campaigns, with a lot of human assistance. Some of the Kthpok tacticians were rather good; he had to admit, because they were smart enough to listen to their human property. But for the rest, their basic idea was to throw bodies at the enemy, human bodies. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t but every time the byproduct was many dead humans.

A sound interrupted his thoughts as he continued to walk. A door thirty feet away slid open. What came next brought him to an instant stop, coming to attention, and saluting out of reflex. A light grey saurian head had appeared in the doorway. As the rest of the Kthpok left the room, the long neck joined the body and the long tail swept back and forth as a balance to the neck and head. A harness going around the creature’s body and neck contained pockets holding tools and weapons. The Kthpok held an electronic pad in one of its hands and gestured with the other as it spoke to its companion who emerged from the room behind the first. The two Kthpok moved down the hall towards him continuing their conversation. Both were identified as lieutenants by the insignia attached to their necklaces.

Teral remained at attention holding the salute although it appeared the Kthpok didn’t notice or acknowledge he was there. That was to be expected. After all, owners didn’t acknowledge property. As the Kthpok moved past one long tail lashed out to give Teral a swat across the legs. The human didn’t let a sound escape his lips and stared straight ahead still maintaining his salute. Kthpok had mauled humans before for a perceived slight. Often on a whim. The talons on their hands and the dew claw on their feet were formidable weapons. They could open a human from groin to neck in seconds. At this time, it was better to endure this small indignity at the talons of the Kthpok than death.

When the Kthpok disappeared down another corridor Teral dropped the salute and hurried on his way. He wondered why the guards at the check point hadn’t warned him that Kthpok were in the building. That item would have to be taken care of but not right now. Perhaps those two lieutenants had ordered that no warning be given in the hope of finding a little sport. The admiral glanced at his watch and shook his head. This slight delay had made him late for his meeting. At least Sterlin was there to keep things under control until he got there.

Minutes after his encounter with the Kthpok Teral entered the conference room assigned for this meeting. Several men clad in the black on grey of the L’Khast military, human auxiliary, stiffened to attention when a commander announced the Admiral’s entry. Teral rather suspected that the lowly officer had been given the duty to watch for the admiral’s arrival. He gave an inner shrug. That was the lot of junior officers.

After returning the assembled officers salutes Teral moved to the head of the conference table. The rest of the officers took their places at the table but no one would sit until the admiral took his place.

A glance at the clock facing him on the far wall confirmed that this meeting was ten minutes late in getting started. They’d have to hurry if they were going to accomplish everything on the agenda. He turned to his Chief of Staff, Captain Bras Sterlin, and nodded. The captain made a few entries on a hand pad and nodded back. Anti-listening fields and recorders have been activated, Admiral. Everything is ready.

Teral didn’t acknowledge the captain’s announcement but looked around at the assembled officers. The anti-listening field prevented agents from hostile nations from listening in from the outside and the recorders kept track of everything that was said and done. It was the electronic version of meetings minutes. He gave a mental shake of his head. It didn’t make sense. A foreign agent didn’t have to eavesdrop on this meeting to learn what happened. All he had to do was procure a copy of the minutes. But the security measures were the call of his Kthpok masters. Very well, said the Admiral. "We have a lot to cover and not much time so we’d better begin. When you report make sure you summarize while retaining the necessary details.

We’ll start with you, General Witner. Eddam nodded at the officer and sat down.

The rest of the officers except Witner also sat down to listen to the report and wait for their own turn. Witner picked up a remote and activated a wall screen facing the Admiral. A view of the planet appeared showing the large super continent surrounded by water. The view changed to show a section of the continent with the Run boundaries identified.

It was with some pride that Eddam noted that the L’Khast Run occupied just over a fourth of that continent. That was the result of ambition of the last several Kthpok Realm Points and the prowess of the human fighting man. Only the Ch’Kar was the nearest Run that rivaled the L’Khast and their common border was the site of constant turmoil. And that was the subject of the General’s report. The image shifted once more to show a detailed map of the Ch’Kar frontier.

Ch’Kar forces continue to build along the border, announced General Witner. Intelligence and surveillance places their fourth army in this area and the sixth here. As he spoke graphics were added to the screen showing the location of the armies. "Both forces have an appropriate mix of armor and infantry. Possible supply depots have been identified in the Trum and Felum valleys. Incidents involving scouting parties encroaching into L’Khast territory occur weekly.

In response to the Ch’Kar buildup we’ve placed the first, third and sixth Army’s along the border. More icons appeared on the screen. If the Ch’Kar attacks they’ll be quickly defeated.

Eddam nodded. We’ll repulse this latest effort by the Ch’Kar but men on both sides will die, he said. But it’d be better if we prevented the attack in the first place.

He glanced over at Sterlin. Make a note, captain. Let’s see if we can get Admiral P’Ter to have a couple of destroyers assume geosynchronous orbit over the border. With the destroyers in position our forces can pull back. If the Ch’Kar attacks the destroyers can eliminate the enemy forces from orbit. Then our armies could advance to mop up the survivors. They might even be able to pick up some Ch’Kar territory in the counter action. That should deter any attack.

Yes admiral, replied Sterlin and made notes on his pad. That’ll work unless the Ch’Kar is serous. In that case they’ll bring up their own ships to face ours.

I doubt it’ll escalate to that, captain, replied Eddam. There have been some recent developments that will have an impact on this situation. He turned back to look at Witner.

Thank you for that succinct summary, general. I’m sure I’ll be able to get any details regarding the opposing forces that I want from your report. We’ll now hear from General Donl regarding the reforming of Aris.

Yes, admiral. General Witner handed the remote to Donl and took his seat.

General Donl moved to stand next to the wall screen. He worked the remote and a pastoral scene replaced the tactical maps. The screen showed a meadow covered with flowers split by a stream. Trees ringed the meadow and then climbed up the slopes of the surrounding hills. Ripples of wind swept through the long grass and rustled the leaves of the trees. Thin clouds move across a dark blue sky.

Inviting, isn’t it? asked Donl. He gestured at the screen. This could be a scene from any number of locations in L’Khast. But it isn’t. What you’re seeing is an actual scene from Aris.

He worked the remote again and nodded at the screen. The picture split with the pastoral scene on the right side and a reddish, dusty landscape on the other. "This is a before and after picture of what we’ve been doing. It used to be a barren desert scorched by winds. That’s what you can see now. The air was thinner that what is found atop our highest mountains. It was impossible for water in any liquid form to be present.

We’ve placed an atmosphere on the planet that can be enjoyed without an environment suit or breathing mask. And as you can see, we have running water. The hydro system is working. Water in streams flow to lakes and oceans. It evaporates, becomes clouds and. . . .

I don’t need the ecology lesson, general, interrupted Eddam. I just want a summary.

The general gave a chagrined look. Sorry admiral. We’re slightly ahead of schedule. The atmosphere is moving towards being self-sustaining in conjunction with transplanted vegetation. Projections show the tipping point for the atmosphere to be reached within ten years. To keep the temperatures sufficiently warm greenhouse gasses are being introduced through a volcano that was created in the southern hemisphere. As life forms increase their respiration and machinery their exhaust those gasses will keep their proper mixture. He paused for a moment. Units are also in place to provide those gasses just in case they’re needed, he added.

This year animals will be placed in suspension chambers and transferred to the Transform Center on Aris. They’ll be reanimated and released when conditions permit.

Thank you, general, said Eddam. I’m sure your efforts and those of your people to transform the fourth planet will prove invaluable to future generations.

Donl acknowledged the admiral’s words, placed the remote on the table and sat down. Eddam looked around the table for a moment then gestured to Commodore Eral Basser. Tell me about our construction program, commodore.

Our construction schedules are being met, Admiral, announced Basser. We currently have six destroyers, three cruisers and a battleship in various stages of construction. When completed, that will bring our space fleet to one hundred fourteen destroyers, seventy-six cruisers, fifty-four battle cruisers, thirty-three battleships and one dreadnaught.

What about the manpower to crew the new construction? wondered Eddam.

We have sufficient men at the officer academy and in training for the ratings to meet the demand of the new construction and of those who leave military service, replied General Billum Hest. His responsibility was to provide trained manpower for the military. In fact, we may have to release some of the older, less productive men to make room for the younger men finishing their training.

With that are there any concerns regarding our construction program that would concern me, Commodore? asked the Admiral.

There is one thing, replied Basser. We have sufficient metals to complete the ships now in the yards and make repairs on existing ships. Those working the mines and refineries tell me that unless we locate and develop new sources of metal ore our ship building will have to stop so the resources can go to civilian uses.

Eddam nodded. "Our navy’s close to the size allowed under international treaty so we can’t begrudge the civilians their metals. And when we need more metal, I’m sure we’ll obtain more. Whether it’s from the asteroids or, more likely, from a new conquest here on Fairen.

Now, what about munitions?

All supply depots are at specified levels, replied General Ren Loran. Munitions factories maintain sufficient production to replace the munitions expended in live fire exercises and to rotate out the older, less stable munitions.

Eddam sat forward and rested his arms on the conference table wondering about how many times munitions had been mentioned in that sentence. He glanced up at the clock and grimaced as he noted the time. Our time’s up, he announced. It’s to your credit that you’ve tailored your reports to meet the shortened time. I will review your written reports for the details you were unable to provide today. If I have questions that weren’t answered by the report or want a deeper explanation, I’ll call the individual involved. There’ll be no need to get everyone together for those issues. A soft sound of relief was heard from the officers around the table.

Sterlin worked his pad for a moment then nodded to the admiral. All recording devices are now off, Admiral.

The officers around the conference table gathered their items and began to stand. But Admiral Eddam remained seated and held up a hand to stop them. There’s another item I need to present.

There was silence for a moment. Captain Sterlin pulled out his pad and moved to reactivate the recording devices. No captain, Eddam said, This part is off the record.

The captain looked up from the pad to his superior. Admiral? he asked. Reg’s strictly require any meeting of any size to be recorded.

This we don’t need or want to record, replied Eddam in a stern voice. As the two men were speaking the rest of the men resumed their seats. Everyone stared at the Admiral, waiting. Some had looks of concern on their faces, others had curiosity. The Admiral looked around the room, gauging the men before him.

I believe that we are being presented with an unprecedented opportunity, he announced. It’s time we made a bid for humanity’s freedom.

Protests came from the assembled officers. General Witner jumped to his feet and started for the door. A sharp command from Eddam brought the man up short. Back to your seat, general, ordered Eddam. You have not been dismissed!

Witner turned and slowly walked back to his place.

Admiral, you know this world’s history as well as anyone here, said Commodore Basser. He held out a hand as if imploring his commander to see reason. Rebellion against the Kthpok is impossible! It’s been tried. And everyone who was involved, their families and their associates were killed.

The instigators were forced to watch the torture of their families prior to their own torture and death, added General Loran.

Not all have failed, said Sterlon coming to the defense of his admiral. There was the A’ Tram Run. The humans succeeded and had a government running. They even sent out ambassadors to other Runs.

Who were executed the moment they attempted to present their credentials, replied Witner. He made to attempt to mask the derision in his voice.

The human A’ Tram Run didn’t last long either, commented Basser. The other Runs on the continent attacked and obliterated the A’ Tram. Everyone and everything were erased in nuclear fires. The cities and villages, even solitary farmhouses, were burned and plowed over. If fact, the area of their capital city remains sterile after two hundred years. He looked over at Admiral Eddam. The Kthpok made it an object lesson of what happens if we mere humans become foolish enough to try for freedom.

There is a lesson to be learned from the A’ Tram, agreed Eddam. But it isn’t the one the Kthpok intended.

Admiral? wondered General Hest.

It’s never wrong to fight for freedom. Extreme actions like using nukes to sterilize a city show the Kthpok are afraid of us, Eddam replied. That’s why they obliterated every evidence of the A’ Tram. The Kthpok don’t want us thinking we can win. But the A’ Tram showed us we can. They just didn’t go far enough.

Far enough? The looks on the other faces matched Hest’s confusion.

To succeed long term, a human rebellion must be worldwide. That’s why now is the time.

Hest looked at the men sitting next to him then back to the Admiral. Apparently, you have some information that we don’t, Admiral. Perhaps you could fill us in.

I have information even the Run Point doesn’t have—yet. But he will shortly. A brief time ago I received a report from an astronomer about a large object in space just crossing the orbit of Junas. According to this report the object is miles across and computations have it arriving here in about six years.

Here? prompted Witner.

The projected course has it intercepting this planet. Scientists tell me that when it hits all life on Fairen will end.

That’s our opportunity? Commodore Basser couldn’t keep derision from coloring his voice. We die along with everything else?

There’s Aris, suggested General Donl. The formation won’t be complete in six years but it’ll support life.

That’ll be our fallback position, said Eddam, nodding to Donl. The logistics of transporting a population there would be a huge nightmare.

We could start now, suggested Donl.

We’ll need the Run Points permission first. But don’t ask for it just yet. Let them come to us with orders to consider this option.

Admiral, said Sterlon and everyone looked at him. The time. Our masters will become suspicious if we’re here much longer with the recorders off.

You’re right, of course, Captain, said Eddam. I’ll get to the point. To protect this planet from the oncoming asteroid all the Runs will have to cooperate. He ignored Witner’s snort of derision. This gives us an opportunity to put together a worldwide human rebellion as we work to save the planet. We’ll be able to put better plans together as we have future meetings. He gestured to the door. Remember to keep what has been said Sacred. If any one of us talks, we all die. With God’s help we’ll succeed and live free. Now it’s time to leave.

Chapter 2

S’Cinf strode into his office and made for his desk. His rich harness made of precious metals and gems and the insignia on his necklace marked him as the Run Point for the L’Khast Run. He ignored the artifacts acquired from past victories placed in prominent positions throughout the room and walked around the lushly appointed furniture. He paused for a moment to gaze out the window at the vast city spread out below. Then he continued for his desk.

The layout and décor of his office had been calculated to inspire awe in visitors. But the intended experience was lost to the Kthpok leader. He didn’t need to be awed.

Once at his perch the Run Point settled in and pushed a button to activate his monitor. He tapped a talon on his desk and sighed. This was the first step in his daily routine: To see what catastrophes required his immediate attention. An instant later a summary of his priority file appeared on his viewscreen. As the list of reports and authors started scrolling down the screen at an easy pre-determined pace his eyes moved back and forth, reading.

Hissing in surprise a moment later he jerked forward to pause the scan and highlight a file. What is an astronomer’s report doing here? he muttered and his supple tail began an angry twitch. Scientists were always trying new and innovative ways to obtain priority in equipment requisitions and resource allocations. Intrigued, he entered the command to bring up the summary for that report. Crooking his long neck to get a better view of the screen he began to read the brief.

As he scanned the lines of text, the Run Point grinned, baring two sharp white teeth. He remembered the last time a scientist had convinced one of his aides to put a report and request for resources on this list without a valid and pressing reason. As an example, to others that particular Kthpok had been fed to a large carnivore, alive, and a small piece at a time. The aide who’d placed the report on the Run Point’s priority list had shared in that reward.

S’Cinf paused the screen, leaned back, and reached up to scratch the end of his mussel with an extended talon. That had been a very satisfying event. Perhaps it was time for another such occasion. Swinging his head close to the screen once again he resumed reading the synopsis of the report.

Twenty minutes later the Run Point sat upright in his perch, his tail sweeping back and forth in agitation. Is this possible? he wondered aloud.

The astronomer, T’Saloc, had discovered a rogue planetoid closing just leaving the eighth planet’s orbit. His projections had the new rock heading sunward on a course between Aris, the planet the L’Khast were remaking for a colony, and Fairen, the Kthpok home planet. Gravitational disturbances caused by the rogue on both planets were expected to be disastrous but nothing that couldn’t be endured or repaired. There was a margin of error though and that was concerning to the Run Point.

Hunching over again, the Kthpok leader called up the main report behind the summary and began again. Screens of text, tables, and figures that he didn’t completely understand scrolled down as he read. The deeper into the report he went the more concerned he became.

An hour later, when he finally gave up trying to understand the mathematics contained in the report, S’Cinf signaled for his aide. The Kthpok arrived an instant later with an electronic pad in hand. What are your wishes, Run Point? the Kthpok asked.

S’Cinf gestured at the screen with a clawed hand. This astronomer’s report queued in the Priority File; has it been verified? he asked. Even though he’d been working with the Kthpok for years now the Run Point had never deigned to learn the individual’s name.

With the Run Point’s permission, the Kthpok moved closer to the desk and craned his neck around to confirm which report the Run Point was referring to. Then he moved back and consulted an electronic pad. Prior to sending in this report Astronomer T’Saloc made request to his colleagues for verification, Run Point, he replied. Their human assistants sent in the verifications.

And the astronomers themselves? S’Cinf didn’t trust the findings of mere human assistants. It may have been his ancestor several times removed who’d discovered the advantages provided by the humans then used the beasts to propel the L’Khast Run to into prominence as a superpower but the current Run Point wasn’t convinced. S’Cinf felt that the humans were good for just two things: Manual labor and target practice.

They refused, replied the aide, and said their time was not to be wasted. The other astronomers said the humans could do the less important work.

The Run Point’s teeth showed in a silent snarl and his tail stiffened. Let me tell you how to persuade those so-called scientists to verify the observations, he hissed. All you have to do is inform them that if they do not personally confirm or refute this report within twenty hours they won’t need to worry about their ‘more important’ research. That will be the responsibility of those who survive them. Understand?

The aide’s bared teeth and a bob from his head showed that he understood the instructions completely. A wave from his leader’s tail sent the Kthpok scurrying back to his own office to make the calls.

The astronomers who reported on time confirmed T’Saloc’s conclusions. But these scientists hadn’t made their own observations. They just used T’Saloc’s data. Those who hadn’t reported requested more time to make independent observations. Those requests were granted.

Several days later the reports from those astronomers were delivered. Although they agreed in the existence of the planetoid their calculations had a good-news bad-news aspect. The good news was that the new rock would pass further from Aris than expected and would cause few problems there. The bad news was that the course projections had the planetoid intersecting with the orbit of Fairen and was large enough to shatter the planet. Within the next five years there was a particularly good chance the solar system would have another asteroid belt.

Just what I need, muttered S’Cinf after he had read the last synopsis of the astronomer reports. He ejected the report cube and threw it at a disposal slot. It missed and bounced around the carpeted floor until it came to a rest behind a perch.

The Run Point tapped a talon on another cube them picked up a piece of paper. Using a pen, he made a brief list of issues with which he was dealing. Aris’s changing was years from completion, there were reports that humans had formed underground revolutionary cells, and the Ch’Kar Run had been encroaching on L’Khast territory again. And if that weren’t enough to cause his scales to fall off there was a rock out there that could spread Fairen all around the sun.

S’Cinf dropped the paper back to his desk and touched a button to summon his aide. Then he keyed the system for the next item from his priority list. When he heard the door slide open the Point began talking without looking up. Contact T’Saloc, the astronomer. His discovery of that object in space is now high priority and since he found it, he’s involved. I want a pack comprised of T’Saloc; the next best astronomer, he paused the screen and looked up. That means one of those who thinks this rock’s going to hit Fairen. The aide nodded his understanding. Include the commander of my military, the best navigator, physicist, and a competent logistics person. He glanced over to make sure the aide was keeping up then he continued. "The objective for this Pack is to find out how long before the planetoid arrives. I need to know if it will impact Fairen. If that’s likely a new set of questions appears. Can the planetoid be deflected? How that can be accomplished, and if not, what can be done to save the L’Khast Run.

Have you got that? S’Cinf paused until the aide stopped making notes on his pad and confirmed everything was recorded.

Let the members of this pack be aware that participation is not an option. They will work on this problem primarily or all their other problems will be solved. Even the problems associated with living. Also, they do not have an unlimited amount of time to study the problem. They have forty days to answer the first two questions. If the answer to the second is ‘maybe’ I want alternatives.

The aide gave an acknowledging twitch of his tail, finished his notes, and was dismissed. When the Kthpok had left his office the L’Khast Point turned to the problem of the Ch’Kar. Underground revolutionary cells being set up by humans didn’t concern him as much as an invasion by another Run. If there was any truth to the reports of a possible human rebellion it just meant that there’d be more live targets for the military to use. Easy enough to solve.

It was thirty-two days later and S’Cinf looked around the conference room at the Kthpok assigned to study the problem of the wandering planetoid. T’Saloc, the astronomer, had a map of the star system showing on the large wall screen and was tracing orbits. The object under discussion was designated in amber and labeled ‘Eridu’. It was appropriate, thought S’Cinf as he glanced back at the projection; this rock was named after a Kthpok Point legendary for his ability to create chaos and destruction. He turned his attention back to what the scientist was saying.

Because Eridu was detected just after entering our system we have almost five years before it reaches our vicinity. That is a fact in our favor. The long distances it must travel… the astronomer traced the projected path, . . . will magnify any deflection we can manage. We recommend that any attempt to deflect Eridu should be made between the orbits of Janus and Saturs. He tapped the desired spot. That’s right here. We have two to two and a half years for that to happen.

The Kthpok Point swiveled his head towards the military officer. That recommendation implies a deflection is possible. What will it take?

We estimate that one large explosion would be sufficient. How large? P’Ter’s tail switched upward indicating doubt. How large depends on how much mass the rock has and if it’s solid or made up of small rocks cemented together by ice. But our best estimates suggest the number of explosives required should be in the order of many millions of megatons.

The