New Horizons: Federation War, #5

By T.L. Rolston

In the ruins of an old mining camp, Rei and the crew prepare to start a new chapter, but they have to wrap up some old business first.

 

Rei's long search for the truth about that fateful night on her home world is finally promising some answers. Unfortunately, the final pieces to the mystery threaten to send her on another wild chase across the stars.

 

Meanwhile, the war between Nekose's rebels and the Federation is heating up. Both sides need an advantage to win and are looking at Rei to provide it. Dodging the warring factions is nothing new, but too much is at stake. It's time to fight. 

 

This title was previously published under Cianien Bloodstone. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: T.L Rolston
• Release date: Mar 19, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224970926

Book preview

ONE

Metal clanked down the shaft, bouncing several times before the sound vanished. There was a pause, then something else followed. Rei, former captain of the Kathya , looked up from the pile of debris that she was sorting and followed the noise. Several clangs came in quick succession before a creak, a groan, and then a loud crash. Her pace quickened. She came around the corner to find Chia, their ship’s head engineer, staring at the mess around her.

I can’t find the pieces I need!

So, you had to throw them over the edge? We might have been able to use them, or did you forget the fact that we can’t really leave this rock yet?

Nah, they aren’t compatible with the ship. She wandered away as though lost in her own world. Is that an Essence converter? What did they need it down here for?

Rei shook her head and wiped her brow before she sat down on a nearby boulder. She had no sooner settled in when a furry head bumped into her arm.

What are you doing down here? She asked.

A set of ebony eyes stared up at her from a pure white face. The beast gave a small bark, the blue flames at the tips of the whitetails flared soundlessly. The beast slowly made its way toward the edge where Chia had discarded the metal, looked over, then back at Rei questioningly.

Ask Chia, she replied. I’m not responsible for this madness.

Here, Chia pressed an item into Rei’s hand. I’ll need this. Without waiting for a reply, she wandered off again, muttering to herself.

The beast chirped at her. Rei’s own head tilted sideways, considering it. She’ll be fine. Once we’re airborne again everything will work out.

We’ll never get airborne again if I can’t get the things I need, Chia called.

Well, half the metal you that you will likely need is currently at the bottom of the chasm here.

Chia gave her a pointed look. Rei wisely fell silent, stood, and made her way to one of the far piles. Here she found a few promising pieces that she pulled and set aside for Chia to examine. She could hear more of the engineer’s rejected items joined the others at the bottom of the abyss. Ignoring it, she paused when something glowing in the faint light caught her eye and she pulled it out of the pile. Inside, filaments and a few other pieces of metal rattled freely.

I can make it work, Chia said from behind her. Hand it to me and we’ll get out of here.

You sure you have everything you need?

Probably not, but I’m getting hungry.

Rei piled the metal and other bits she had found in a large, rusted container. It floated along at waist-height as all three of them made their way toward the lift that would take them to the surface.

Chia flooded the control mechanisms with her Essence and it lurched upward. The pulleys groaned and creaked under the strain. Rei’s hand rested on the small railing that once protected the sides from whatever came up with the miners. Her fingers absently tapped and she smiled at the muted sound. It felt so good to have the claws unsheathed only when she chose to, yet another freedom she was enjoying as of late.

The lift doors opened to reveal two other members of their ship, Kuv and Foniac.

There you are! Foniac greeted them. Yeke thought Rei had shoved you in, Chia!

It was tempting, Rei admitted.

And that’s why he sent you to make sure I’m okay, right? Chia asked.

No, he asked us to get you after a couple of hours because he took a group on a job in one of the shuttles. Told us to tell you that you’re in charge, Rei.

I swear that man does this as a way to get me to take back the ship, Rei muttered, running a hand through her still purple hair.

More than likely, Chia replied as she maneuvered her burden toward the exit. Not that I’d mind, really. You were easier to convince when I wanted to improve things.

Rei laughed, feeling lighter than she had in ages. What exactly did you want to do that had Yeke tell you no?

Well, take the other day, Chia began. I was proposing a much-needed improvement to the defensive systems and was dismissed without a thought! They could be the life or death of this new ship and he didn’t hear a word I said!

You were just mad that he told you no, Kuv broke in. Eventually your improvements might help, but our priority should be to get this ship capable of flight and back in space.

The group emerged from the cavern onto a ramp they had made to alleviate the mud and runoff problem the miners had suffered from. Barriers of rocks formed walls to prevent the mine shaft from sealing entirely. The tents that were left behind had been taken to their camp. The poles stood like ghosts in the light mist that had formed while she and Chia had been underground. A soft shield appeared over their heads to form something that resembled an umbrella. The camp had been abandoned for months before they had come, that was what the remnants hinted at. What was important now was repairing their new home and getting it back to flying shape. Currently, raiding with the shuttles they had managed to save worked, but it severely limited how much they could take on.

They loaded their burdens into the back of the car Chia had pieced together. In no time, they were racing across the landscape. Rei kept her focus there while the others talked quietly. It was still odd to be on a planet so long; the barren world around them had traversed the seasons, though no change was seen. By now she’d wager it was nearing six months since the Kathya had been destroyed. Six months since they had really contacted the outside world, but she had a sense that Gen, her former ally within the Federation, had tried. A part of her was gleefully curious as to what his reaction was when he couldn’t find her like he had. At the same time, she was in no way missing the connection; his revelations before the crash made certain of that.

So, Captain, Chia’s voice jolted her from her musings.

Chia, Rei growled.

Can I do those improvements yet? the engineer asked, pointedly ignoring her.

No! Rei sputtered, then settled back in her seat, arms crossed over her chest. I’m not going to countermand Yeke, Chia. Why don’t you get the damn thing space-worthy before you start improving it?

It was Chia’s turn to cross her arms. She eyed Rei out of the corner of her eye, not unlike a child. You’ve been hanging around Yeke too much, that’s exactly what he told me, too.

Well, you should do well enough to listen.

We’re here, Kuv interrupted before they could continue further.

Rei leapt from the vehicle, stretched and looked around. The tiny tent city spread out around the cargo bay of the new ship. On the far side, she caught sight of the few headstones that had been erected to commemorate those lost. She quickly averted her gaze toward the pile of supplies that had been deposited beneath large tarps to protect it from the frequent rain that plagued the planet. Thunder rolled overhead, its sound echoed like a musical note that finished a song. Rei shivered slightly, though she wasn’t cold.

Foniac shoved the container of debris at her, but the action wasn’t malicious. Rei secured her grip before she led the way across their home. Children ran among the tents in the light rain that began to fall. Their laughter joined the thunder in its echo. Essaheli balls sailed past to land in the mud. Despite looking like a city for those with no place left to go, the camp was anything but. Everyone was well fed and clean, though there were clear signs of roughing it. Especially telling were those who still bore marks from the fight that had brought the Kathya to its final resting place.

Rei tucked the new additions beneath the tarp. She paused when another piece of metal caused a fresh wave of sadness to wash over her. It was one of the larger chunks salvaged but was also one of the most charred. That fact didn’t stop the name Kathya from being legible. Thankfully, Chia placing her own burden down broke her free of the memories.

There! the engineer proclaimed. Now I can at least finish this last round of repairs?

How much is left anyway? Foniac asked while Kuv tucked the tarp back in place.

We have to do a complete systems revamp. Chia sighed, her ears tucked themselves tightly to her head. It will still be a while before we’re flying again.

The telltale sound of a ship entering the atmosphere filled the air. Heads looked skyward, reminding Rei of some prey animal on alert for a predator that was well on its way to snatch them off for a meal. Parents hurried the children into tents while several took up position along the outer edges, ready to hide their presence as best they could. Rei hurried over to the communications tent, threw the flap open, and slipped inside.

Anything yet? she demanded.

Not yet, ma’am, the operator replied. His hand held an older style headset to his ear while his other made the receiver dance along the frequencies.

Rei found her foot tapping against the ground. Her hand joined in before she could stop it. Come on, Yeke. Come on.

Ma’am, the operator said. It’s them!

Rei’s shoulders slumped as relief washed over her. She could faintly make out Kuv calling out the all clear.

Rei walked back into the light and rushed over to where the ship would land on the far side of their haven. The wet ground threatened to send her sprawling as she jogged along. More than once her heels, though not particularly high, dug in and had to be yanked free. She managed to overcome the trouble just in time to see the shuttle’s door descend. She stopped just out of the way as crew members carried several large crates down the ramp.

Get them under cover! Yeke barked from inside. And quickly.

A head of light brown hair peeked around where the hull created a sharp corner. Light blue eyes scanned the horizon until they came to a rest on Rei. Did you pick anyone up that might have been following us?

Rei shook her head, puzzled. It’s been silent. Why?

He stepped off to the side of the ramp. It was a setup. Some big corporation had a bunch of Federation protection. We got in just fine, but getting out was a bit closer than I’d like.

You think they were tipped off?

Yeke shook his head and motioned for a crate to come over to them. He pressed a button on the outer edge; the top released with a hiss. Rei’s eyebrow arched in curiosity, only to find the feeling quickly eroded by the twisting and turning of her stomach when the contents were revealed.

Vials. Hundreds of tiny vials of deep red liquid. Slowly, her eyes rose from the sight to meet Yeke’s face. Her mouth opened, but she couldn’t find the words.

What do you want to do with them? he asked.

For the longest time, she simply stared at it, unwilling to believe what her eyes were seeing. What company? her voice only a whisper.

Oilo Corp, Yeke replied. This was the only thing of it among their cargo, luckily.

Rei said nothing, then leaned down and grabbed one of the vials. She turned it over and over. The liquid sloshed around inside. Why so little? she mused aloud. If it was ready for mass production than they’d be sending it out in the shipload. This is their whole strategy. She exhaled sharply and placed the vial back inside. Let it go to where it’s meant to. Something about this doesn’t feel right and the last thing we need is to lose what little advantage we have.

You sure?

Rei nodded, a lump in her throat. And quickly.

Get it out of here, make sure it’ll get picked up, Yeke ordered the men nearby. Rei gave the crate one last scornful look as it was dragged away and back on the ship. She said nothing to the others as she walked past, and they left her alone. Her path took her to the edge of their tent paradise until she faced the new ship.

Pieces of the old hull had been pulled away so some work could be done underneath while others were still damaged from General Lodar’s feeble attempt to take her out. The handful of engineers that remained with them focused their work in these areas. Part of her wanted to call back to Yeke and tell him to destroy the container, but she knew better. Six months out of contact with Gen and he was hunting. She still had her reservations about staying with the crew, but after three treatments she felt secure in saying she was at least eighty percent safe to be around. Chia and Mikal disagreed with her estimate, putting it more at ninety-five percent. The box of vials, however, meant that her absence had become quite noticeable. Gen was counting on the package never reaching its destination. If they met again Rei knew she’d end up shackled for all her days, and her crew wouldn’t make it out alive.

Footsteps drew her back to reality. It’s funny, she said without turning around. That they’d honestly think that trick would work.

What trick? Foniac asked.

The whole, we’re sending this serum out into the galaxy bit. Rei turned. Her expression softened at the clear worry on all her former senior crews’ faces. If that serum was ready for mass public use than it would be both well-advertised and provided. It’s designed to augment their existing army—something they need desperately.

Makes sense, Kuv admitted. So, if we come across more ,we just ignore it?

Rei nodded. They’re counting on my sense of duty to rid the galaxy of that evil. I’m not taking the bait.

Knew there were some smarts in there somewhere, Chia commented dryly.

Lightning bleached everything a white-blue. Rei blinked to clear the spots it left behind. The next rumble of thunder felt like the very ground they stood on was about to drop out from beneath them.

Come on, Yeke barked. Rei felt his hand grasp hers just before she was pulled along behind him. One by one, they took shelter in the new ship.

Inside the cargo bay, the rest of the families were already tucked in. Blankets had been passed around along with hot tea and food. Rei paled at the sight before she pulled away from Yeke and retreated to the back of the group. The spirit sat on a box that the engineers had left, barking angrily.

What? It continued to rant. You worry too much. The barking grew more insistent. Rei rolled her eyes before jolting as though struck. Now what do you all want?

Nothing, Boss, nothing, Foniac replied through her own smile. She turned to Yeke, Didn’t you say that you wanted to talk to us?

Yeah, let’s go to Chia’s area though.

Why mine? The engineer’s ears became rigid in her agitation.

Because it’s the closest, Aede replied. And it’s the most sheltered right now.

Excuses, Chia marched down the corridor leaving the others to follow. By the time they neared Chia’s area, a series of bangs filtered down the hall toward them. They found Chia pushing various parts and half-constructed machines, many that bore marks of having survived the crash, aside.

I swear, every time I come in here there’s more junk added, Yeke said. He reached to pick up one of the components only to have it snatched away with a pointed look.

Rei shook her head. I do think you’re the only one who even has a base on this ship yet.

Aede’s moved a few items in.

I have, Aede shrugged, a bit of mirth in her purple eyes. But I’ve been busy securing some new contacts.

You say that as though I haven’t done a thing.

I implied no such thing. I’m just saying moving in has been a low priority on my mind. Grandma has secured our quarters, I believe.

Speaking of the ship, Yeke began. How are things?

Progressing, Chia replied. We’ve hit a few snags where we’ve had to re-figure structural integrity, but it’s been smooth so far. Still, such an outdated system takes time, on top of the damage that we’ve had to work around.

Do we have a better time frame?

End of the month at the latest will get most systems online. I want to fit the hull with the same material, and that has been tricky to get my hands on given the state of the galaxy. It’s like the iradium has become as scarce as gold.

So, our timeline just became indefinite, Yeke sighed. These shuttle jobs are becoming tedious, and the longer we’re here, the higher the chance we get discovered.

That is becoming more of a concern for me as well, Kuv said. And we’re not in the best position to fend off an attack.

Well, what do you suggest? Chia snapped, then sighed. Sorry, I apologize. I’m more behind than I like to admit.

I can pitch in for the systems at least, Aede said. That might shave some time off. You’ll just have to go behind me after and fix, she said the word with air quotes, my work.

The engineer paused and considered her offer. That would speed things up a bit. I can focus more on the structural repairs and improvements than working on systems.

Plus, I’ll be able to size up any security concerns and shore it up, Aede added. Another worry off our intrepid engineer’s plate.

Well, that’s decided, what next? Yeke looked around at the group in general.

It still doesn’t solve our current problem of being exposed, Kuv pointed out.

Is there really anything we can do about it? Rei asked. The ship is too large to mask completely.

What if we could? he replied.

What? Foniac sputtered.

I heard rumors that the research division of the Federation armed forces had discovered a means to hide ships in plain sight when I was still in the ranks. Using Essence, they were supposedly able to bend even the faintest traces of light so what was there was hidden behind it, like an illusion.

But an illusion uses Essence to project the image you want, Rei protested. This sounds a lot more complex, and won’t it have trouble in battle? I’m nowhere near as educated in how Essence and tech work together, but it’s a constant strain. One good hit and you might find yourself without both systems.

Kuv shrugged. That could be why it was never put into common use. At least I don’t know of any ship with a system like this. Like I said, it was just a rumor, but we’re reaching the point where even rumors are worth chasing.

Invisible ships. I’m not sure I like the sound of that, Yeke muttered.

Agreed, but it might just save our asses, Rei replied. Well, it will if we can pull it off.

That’ll take time away from the repairs, Chia said instantly.

I wasn’t talking about you figuring it out. I might be able to fashion something to work out.

Once again thinking you’re a superhero.

Chia, Rei growled. Let me figure out how I’ll do it before you start harping on that one. Things will be a lot easier once we can get everyone on the actual ship. Then, we just look like a crashed relic.

Sounds like the start of a plan at least, Yeke cut off any further debate that could be had. Although I’d like other options as soon as we can manage.

I still say our best bet is getting airborne as soon as possible, Foniac