The Kavakian Empire

A Space Opera by Dawn Ross

Part Two – The Emperor

Chapter 8b

(This is chapter 8 of the second part. If you haven’t read part one of The Kavakian Empire novella yet, find it on the bar to the right. The first seven chapters of part two can also be found there.)

J.T.’s brow furrowed as he studied the digiview. He couldn’t make sense of these specifications. Despite all the studying he had been doing in his cell, he couldn’t figure out how the resulting energy transfer came out as it did. Based on his current understanding, it shouldn’t have been so high.

The pressure of massaging his temples and brow alleviated his developing headache for only a moment. As soon as he stopped, a shock wave of pain washed over his forehead before settling back down to a dull throb. His eyes felt dry and tired from staring at the digiview for so long, but he couldn’t afford to give his attention to anything else.

The more J.T. looked at the numbers and formulas, the more they all seemed to melt together into a jumbled mess. This plan of Jori’s wasn’t going to work. This was too much information to figure out and too convoluted for him to make sense of it all. Jori had tried to explain this particular part earlier, but J.T. just wasn’t getting it. The urge to toss the digiview across the room was only barely hindered by his desperation. He had to figure this out, at least for the sake of pretense.

There was an unnerving silence in the cargo area that made it difficult to concentrate. J.T. could practically taste the tension around him. The Alliance prisoners were being watched over by a dozen hawk-faced warriors. They stood motionless, yet were as alert as a pack of predators on the hunt. If not for their towering bulk, their dark uniforms might have made them less conspicuous as they stood in the shadowy gloom of the surrounding walls.

The laser had been put back together so now it was a matter of figuring out how to make it work. (Describe how other crew members were doing with their duties. Who was doing what? Who looked worried? Who looked calm? Of the three other people that J.T. shared his cell with, only Simmonds seemed to have a grasp of what they were to do, or at least pretend to do. Hanna was completely lost, but she tried to look busier than anyone. No doubt, she didn’t want any unwanted attention. Jori was helping too. If anything, J.T. got the sense that he knew what he was doing more than anyone, including Jako… describe if I haven’t already.)

J.T.’s thoughts were interrupted by Jako’s condescending tone. “What are you doing, you idiot?”

He was talking to Harley, who stood a little further down from where J.T. was working. Harley’s face was red and he scowled darkly. Jako certainly liked to exert his authority. It was obvious this wiry Tredon soldier was considered inferior by the other warriors. They harassed and picked on him so he, in turn, bullied the Alliance prisoners.

“What kind of senseless moron tries to connect the _______ before the ________?” Jako continued. “Whatever you lack in muscle, you certainly don’t make up for in brains.”

“Funny, that’s exactly what I heard one of your men say about you,” Harley responded testily. J.T. groaned inwardly. Young men could be so rash.

“Don’t you dare talk to me that way.” Jako’s nose flared angrily and his fists clenched at his sides. He was obviously on the brink of violence, yet somehow this Tredon warrior looked almost comical with the way he was trying so hard to be intimidating.

J.T. could see that Harley was barely suppressing a smirk, which only infuriated Jako further. “You might be a giant cockroach among cockroaches,” Jako said through clenched teeth, “but here you’re still just an insect. And if you don’t watch it, I’ll have you exterminated like one.”

Harley huffed in derision.

“You don’t believe me?” Without turning away, Jako said to one of the guards, “Kelar, take this man to the scourging room and have him whipped.”

J.T. wanted to step in, but he knew it would do no good. Luckily, Jori intervened. “Jako, we don’t have time for this. Let him get back to work.”

“I will not be spoken down to by Alliance scum. This man must be punished.”

“Excuse me?” Jori replied darkly. “Are you telling me what to do?”

Jako’s scowl quickly reversed as he realized his blunder. “No, Sir.”

“Then you will address me properly and do as you’re told without argument.”

“But, Sir…”

“Without argument. Do your job and report any problems to me. Understood?”

Jako looked angry but he answered subserviently. “Yes, Sir.”

“Now get back to work. Both of you,” Jori said.

Jako turned away in a snit. Harley gave the man a triumphant look as he walked by. Jako stopped short and opened his mouth to say something, but he saw Jori glaring at him with a raised eyebrow as though daring him disobey. Jako thought better of it and went on to inspect Simmond’s work. Harley looked smug, but the look quickly faded when Jori gave him the same daring look. Rather than appear chastised like Jako, though, Harley glowered but said nothing.

J.T. sighed silently and went back to trying to figure out how the data all fit together. It was quiet again but not quite as tense. It was clear that despite Jori’s age, he carried enough authority here. Most of J.T.’s crewmen didn’t know how deeply Jori was involved with helping them, but they probably sensed he was at least partially on their side.

“What are you doing?” Jako asked.

J.T. flinched. He hadn’t seen Jako approach. He had a quick reply ready, though. He simply repeated what Jori had told him about analyzing the data.

“Yes, but how?”

“By running the process through my head so that I can make sure each step is correct.”

“It’s not that hard. Surely you know _________.”

“Yes, of course.” J.T. lied. He said it with too much hesitance, though, because Jako squinted his eyes with suspicion.

Then Jako asked him a question about the figures he was looking at. The answer was the very problem that J.T. had been trying to wrap his head around this entire time. He wasn’t sure how to answer. But he couldn’t not answer, could he? In his nervousness, he spit out the first thing that came to his mind.

Jako frowned. J.T. felt a wave of dread. He had answered incorrectly.

“Either you Alliance scum are not as smart as you think you are or you’re just playing dumb. Don’t think that playing dumb will save you, because it won’t.”

“Sorry,” J.T. replied quickly. “You just put me on the spot. I got nervous.”

Jako looked dubious. “Very well then. Try again,” he challenged.

J.T. cleared his throat. His nervousness was real. He could feel the sweat forming on his brow as his mind raced to remember exactly what Jori had told him previously. The words wouldn’t come though.

“Well?” Jako said.

J.T. licked his lips. He could see Jako’s suspicion growing. He was about to respond by saying he didn’t know, but then he noticed Jori a short distance behind Jako holding up his digiview. The answer was right there on the screen with the words enlarged so that J.T. could see. And with that, he answered Jako’s question.

Jako’s look changed to one of disappointment. “Well then. Maybe you’re not as stupid as you look.”

J.T. should have felt insulted by the remark, but he was too relieved.

“I suggest you not let your cowardice interfere with your work,” Jako continued. More quietly he said, “If you mess this up, I’ll have you whipped no matter what the little know-it-all princeling says.” He said ‘princeling’ with a sneer. If J.T. didn’t know any better, he’d bet Jako was jealous of the boy.

“What was that, Jako?” Jori said from behind.

Jako jumped and his eyes went wide. “N-n-n-nothing, my Lord,” Jako said as he faced the young prince.

Jori replied with a raised eyebrow. Jako stuttered an apology then quickly went to find something else to do.

Jori looked at J.T. with a slight quirk at the corner of his mouth. In his relief, J.T. suddenly realized just how comical Jako’s reaction was. He coughed loudly in order to hide his laughter and Jori’s generally stoic face broadened into a smile.

The look was brief, though, and Jori quickly reverted back to a more serious demeanor. “You best study more on this,” he said gravely. “I can’t protect you if he realizes you don’t know what you’re doing.”

“I’m trying,” J.T. responded just as seriously. “I really am.”

“Try harder.”

Note from author: You’ll notice a lot of blank spaces and that portions of the story are in parenthesis unfinished. Remember this is a work in progress and what I’m posting is unedited. The blank spaces are because I don’t know much about lasers. At some point I will have to study them at least far enough to make it sound like I know what I’m talking about. For the part in parenthesis, I just didn’t feel like writing it out. If and when this story gets published, all the blanks will be filled and the story will be complete. Please help me make a good story by offering your input.

(This sci-fi saga is protected by copyright) Copyright August, 2015 by Dawn Ross

You may share this sci-fi novella so long as you link back to this website and mention, The Kavakian Empire by Dawn Ross.

The Kavakian Empire

A Space Opera by Dawn Ross

Part Two – The Emperor

Chapter 8a

(This is chapter 8 of the second part. If you haven’t read part one of The Kavakian Empire novella yet, find it on the bar to the right. The first seven chapters of part two can also be found there.)

“How is the work going?” his father asked.

Jori sensed his father’s mood was temperate, which was good. Perhaps this was the right time to bring up something he found in the laser spec files. But first, he had to get past the forecasted information he knew his father would find unfavorable.

“We’ve successfully put the laser back together, Sir,” Jori replied. He stood in front of his father in a stiff at-ease stance. He had a slight urge to fidget. His father had a way of making him feel uneasy, even when there was nothing to be concerned about.

“How long before it’s operational?”

And this is the part Jori dreaded, but he didn’t let it show. “At least two periods.” A period was thirty day cycles.

“Two periods!” his father yelled. Even though Jori expected the outburst, his heart still jumped. But at least he didn’t visibly react. “I thought the Thendi were nearly done.”

“They were,” Jori replied. “They’ve been working on this project for almost two years, so from their perspective a couple of months means almost done.”

His father’s piercing brown eyes hardened and Jori could see his jaw clench. Jori felt the urge to bite his lip. He had worried that his tone would come out sounding flippant and tried to control it. But it was difficult with his father because the man seemed to take everything as a personal insult.

“Can you make it go faster?” he demanded.

“No, Sir.” Jori’s heart beat rapidly, but he managed to keep his outward features looking calm. “They had a team of twenty. And the people we have people need to catch up on what they were doing before any progress can be made.”

“Damn it!” He slammed his fist down on his desk, making a loud clamor.

Again, Jori expected the reaction. His heart didn’t jump this time, though. His father was angry but at least his anger didn’t feel too intense.

His father sat back in his chair and examined his digiview. He stroked his short beard in thought. Jori didn’t move a muscle. He waited patiently while his father considered his next step. His nervousness spiked again as he considered bringing up the other topic.

Before he could gather his courage though, his father looked up and locked eyes. “All your studies will be put off for now. I want you fully focused on this project. And if you sense that any of these men are slacking, you will tell your brother and let him handle it. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Dismissed.”

“Sir, there’s something else,” Jori said quickly. His heart hammered in his chest.

“What?”

Jori could sense his father’s impatience surge, but he didn’t let it discourage him. “In looking over these specifications, I think it would be easier to convert the laser into something that can help us mine the ores from Tymnar.”

“I’m not interested in a mining laser,” his father said in a sour tone.

“If we do these modifications…”

“If we do these modifications I won’t be able to use the laser as a weapon.” His tone was condescending now.

Jori steeled himself. “Yes, but we will make a lot more money, which we can use to expand our military.”

“Don’t be an idiot, boy. It’s not that simple.”

“Yes, actually. I think it can be. If the laser…”

“Boy!” His father stood abruptly and leaned over his desk to glare at Jori eye-to-eye. Jori resisted the urge to quail and held his father’s stare. It really was that simple. If only his father would listen. With this laser being used as a mining tool, they wouldn’t need as much slave labor. The ores could be extracted a lot more quickly. Jori did the numbers and their profits from Tymnar alone would practically double. Modifying the technology for their other mining operations would help make them profit almost as much. Jori was sure the idea of making more money would appeal to his father. He had it all worked out on the digiview he was holding. If only his father would look at it.

But Jori didn’t bring out the digiview. Nor did he speak up to make his case. Looking into his father’s eyes, he knew it would do no good. Even if his father did look at the plan, it was unlikely that he’d acknowledge it. He would never admit Jori’s ideas were better than his own, especially since Jori was just a child.

“Get your ass back to work,” his father finally said. He sat back down, but his glare made it clear what would happen if Jori persisted.

Jori left abruptly without saying a word. A part of him was glad to get away from his father’s ill temper, but as his trepidation subsided the annoyance at his father for not listening grew. Father can be stubborn. Well, so can I.

Jori was now even more determined to make sure the laser never became operational. He was not going to be responsible for killing so many innocent people ever again. If he could only find a way to help save J.T. as well.

—–

So what do you think of this chapter? Constructive criticism is welcome.

(This sci-fi saga is protected by copyright) Copyright August, 2015 by Dawn Ross

You may share this sci-fi novella so long as you link back to this website and mention, The Kavakian Empire by Dawn Ross.

The Kavakian Empire

A Space Opera by Dawn Ross

Part Two – The Emperor

Chapter 7c

This is the end of chapter 7 for part two of the Kavakian Empire saga. If you haven’t read any of part two yet, you can find the first chapter under The Kavakian Empire category heading and Sci-Fi Part 2 subheading. And if you haven’t read any of this sci-fi story yet, start with the Sci-Fi Part 1 subheading.

After Hanna had been taken back to her cell, Terk went to the cargo area where the laser was being reassembled. The Alliance officers worked beside a few of his father’s men while other warriors stood guard. The Alliance men were cooperating, albeit a little more slowly than the others. They hadn’t been healed like Hanna had.

J.T. was one of the few who did not act like he was in any pain, but Terk could sense his discomfort. Due to his rank, J.T. had been tortured more than the others. And although this Alliance commander was not a warrior, he hadn’t begged while being tortured either. Terk almost admired him for his strength. Almost. Too bad Father is eventually going to kill him.

Terk had considered refusing to participate in the torture of the Alliance officers. J.T. was probably one of the most genuinely kind persons Terk had ever met. But refusing would have made his father suspicious. At the same time, though, Terk worried about making Jori look bad in front of their father. Jori wouldn’t torture anyone. He refused no matter how much their father demanded it and no matter how harsh his punishment was. A part of Terk was angry that Jori refused. In a way, he felt Jori deserved the punishments. More than that, though, Terk admired his little brother’s resolve.

Jori stood on the other side of the cargo bay observing the men at work. Terk made his way over and stood beside him. “How’s it going?” he asked his little brother.

“Too well.” Jori spoke in a low voice. There was too much noise in the cargo area for anyone but Terk to hear.

“Too well? This is a good thing.”

Jori frowned. “No it’s not. We can’t allow this laser to be finished. Do you know how many people Father will enslave and kill if we get this thing working?”

“You’ve changed, Jori. Ever since you found out Master Jetser is a rebel sympathizer, you go around acting like you’re some sort of humanitarian.” Terk spoke acerbically, but the truth was he wasn’t sure if he was altogether against Master Jetser’s dual loyalties. Oh, he had been furious when Jori told him what he discovered. But he couldn’t bring himself to punish the man, or even to tell his father, which would have been as good as killing him. Master Jetser was a good man. And while his actions might be considered traitorous to their father, Terk agreed with the things he had done.

“I haven’t changed. I’ve always known the things that Father does are wrong. So have you,” Jori said, echoing what Terk was thinking. “Only now, we have a better understanding of why. And we know a better way is possible.”

“Don’t be foolish, Jori. Father is going to kill you,” Terk said with a harsh but low tone. He knew Jori was right, but there could be terrible consequences

“This is right. And you know it as well, or you would have turned Master Jetser and the others in already.”

“We can’t change things.” Terk resisted the urge to throw up his hands in frustration of having the same debate yet again. “At least not yet.”

“We can try.”

“We can die, too. Is it really worth it?”

“Do you want to be the one who pushes the button to attack the innocent people of Pentam?” Jori’s exasperation did not show on his face, but Terk could sense it. “Do you want to go down to their planet and take prisoners to turn into slaves? Do you want to be there when Father allows the women to be raped and orders the murder of the old and infirm?”

Terk felt a wave of shame and tried to suppress it. This had happened before when he was eleven and Jori was just seven. The dead, the dying, the mutilated bodies of both the very young and the very old. Terk still had nightmares about it. It wasn’t my fault, though, dammit. “I won’t have a choice. I do what I’m told,” he said bitterly.

“I have a choice right now and I’m making it. If they manage to put this laser together properly, I will make sure it remains inoperable.”

Terk wanted to be angry with his little brother. Jori was braver than him in some ways. One wouldn’t think with all Terk’s bravado that he was the weaker of the two. He should have been jealous, but he loved his little brother. “You’re getting too soft,” Terk replied, although half-heartedly. “Just be careful,” he added. “You don’t want to end up like our half-brother Fenner.”

Jori looked like he was about to reply, but an old seasoned warrior approached them.

“Boys,” Master Jetser said with a deferential nod. He was one of the most powerful warriors, but that was not the only thing Terk admired about him.

Jori and Terk nodded respectfully back.

It was generally considered highly inappropriate for anyone to address Terk and Jori as ‘boys’, but Master Jetser was one of the few officers who could talk to them like this. The man had practically raised them, after all. Their father didn’t have the patience to teach them anything so Master Jetser had been the one to do most of their training. He was a stern but fair instructor, and he cared about them too. Terk couldn’t count the number of times Master Jetser had lied to their father in order to protect them from punishment. Or the number of times he said ‘good job’ or ‘I’m proud of you’, words their father would never say. Terk wouldn’t use the word ‘love’ to describe how he felt about Master Jetser. That was a girlish sentiment. But Terk’s admiration was definitely strong enough to keep the man’s secrets.

“Is there any hope of getting help from your friends,” Jori asked him. He was referring to the rebels.

“I’m afraid not, young Lord,” the older man replied. “There is no way we can get these people off the ship safely, let alone back to the Alliance.”

“Are you sure?” Jori said.

“As much as I admire your concern for these people, my Lord,” Master Jetser said, “sometimes there is nothing you can do.”

“We could stage a ship malfunction similar to what we did last time,” Jori said hopefully.

“Too many coincidences like that will make your father suspicious.”

“He’s right,” Terk said in an I-told-you-so tone.

“Besides,” Master Jetser explained. “Your father is going to blame someone and someone will die as a result. Which of our men do you think that should be?”

“Lank,” Jori replied immediately.

“Boy, I know you’re joking,” Master Jetser said in his gruff voice. “No one will believe Lank is capable of such a thing.”

He’s right again, Terk thought. By the look of Jori’s face, he knew it as well. Lank was too stupid and too selfish to ever risk his neck for anyone else. “I’m sorry, Jori,” Terk said. “We might be able to keep this laser from being finished, but you’re going to have to accept the fact that you can’t save these people.”

Jori scowled but said nothing.

Note from the author: The purpose of this portion of the chapter is to establish that there is nothing they can do to save the Alliance crew. The situation is pretty hopeless. It is also to give a little more insight to how Terk feels about Jori. And since Master Jetser is helping Terk and Jori protect the Alliance crew, it is important for the reader to know more about him as well. Also, Master Jetser is important much later in the series.

(This sci-fi story is protected by copyright) Copyright June, 2015 by Dawn Ross

You may share the posts of this novella so long as you link back to this website and mention, The Kavakian Empire by Dawn Ross.

Constructive criticism welcome. Please comment below.

The Kavakian Empire

A Space Opera by Dawn Ross

Part Two – The Emperor

Chapter 7b

Chapter 7 of Part two of the Kavakian Empire saga continues. If you haven’t read any of part two yet, you can find the first chapter under The Kavakian Empire category heading and Sci-Fi Part 2 subheading. And if you haven’t read any of this sci-fi story yet, start with the Sci-Fi Part 1 subheading.

Terk led Hanna down the corridor. Two Tredon warriors followed silently. Although they didn’t say anything, they made her nervous. Hanna had heard enough lewd comments from other Tredon warriors to suspect they were leering at her ass as she walked.

She didn’t know where she was going. But despite Terk’s starkness with her before, she felt slightly less apprehensive with him present.

“Wait outside,” Terk told the two guards when they reached what looked like the infirmary. The sterile smells that permeated the room were much like any other sick bay, but it was not as well organized. Several beds sat haphazardly around the room against the walls. A number of cabinets and medical devices were cluttered around. Most of the beds were occupied. Hanna saw only one man tending to him, though this man looked more like a warrior than a medic.

“Come with me,” Terk said. He led her past the open room and into a smaller room with a single medical examination bed. “Sit down.”

Before Hanna could ask what was going on, an older man came into the room. He was mostly bald with a greasy head, clean-shaven, and he was probably the fattest Tredon that Hanna had ever seen. When the man saw her, his eyes lit up and his lips curved in a way that made Hanna’s skin crawl.

“Get Terena,” Terk ordered him.

The man blinked as though surprised Terk was there. His manner suddenly shifted into one that was more subservient. “My Lord, your father ordered me to examine her.”

“He ordered that she be examined. He did not specify that you be the one to do it.”

“But surely I’m the most qualif – “

“Damn it, Fink! Do not argue with me. Get Terena now.” Terk glared angrily at the man as he bobbed his head up and down and backed out of the room.

When he was gone, Terk turned to Hanna. “Terena is the one who provided the injection that kept you from being raped. Other than my brother and I and one other person, she is the only one who knows it is a pseudo-strain.”

Hanna nodded gratefully but didn’t say anything. She felt more at ease now that she knew she wasn’t being taken to be hurt again. But still, Terk intimidated her. He stood there with his arms crossed, and although he didn’t look at her he made her feel very uncomfortable.

Time seemed to lag for the few moments that he stood there, but respite came when an older woman entered the room. Her grey hair streaked with black hung loose, just as did her robe, or dress, or whatever it was that she was wearing. It was brown and plain with a simple belt at the waste. Her hands were slightly blotched with age and her knuckles bulgy. Her face was only somewhat wrinkled, but it crinkled more when she smiled.

“My Lord.” She nodded at Terk.

“Terena.” Terk nodded back and stepped aside. “This is Hanna.”

Terena’s smile widened. It was a genuinely kind smile and Hanna couldn’t help but to smile back.

“It is good to meet you,” Terena said as she grasped Hanna’s hand with her gnarled one. Her touch was gentle and as reassuring as her smile. “Go ahead and lay down now, dear.”

Hanna let Terena guide her down, but she glanced nervously at Terk. For some reason, laying down made her feel vulnerable.

“My Lord?” Terena said when she noticed Hanna’s unease.

“You have two choices,” Terk said to Hanna. “I can stay in here or I can leave.” Hanna almost answered but Terk held up his hand and stopped her short. “My choice depends on you. If I am to leave, you must give your word that you will not make any trouble here. Terena is one of the very few on this ship who truly wants to help you and I will not have her hurt in some feeble escape attempt.”

“You have my word,” Hanna replied truthfully. “I won’t try anything.”

Terk stared at her a moment as if analyzing her. “Call me if she causes any trouble,” he said to Terena on his way out.

When he was gone and the door closed, Terena began a basic medical examination. “How are you doing, my dear?” she asked as she checked Hanna’s eyes with a light pen.

“I itch like crazy.”

“I bet you do,” Terena said. “I’m sorry about that. It’s an allergic reaction to the pseudo-virus I gave you. I will give you something to help before you leave.”

“So pseudo means fake, right? I don’t really have Ghondorian venascabia, do I?” Hanna spoke quietly even though the door was closed. For all she knew, the room could have been bugged.

“No, you don’t,” Terena said with a reassuring smile. “What you have can be easily cured by your doctors. All they need to do is give you a katharos of some kind.”

“I’ll tell them, assuming I ever get to leave here. Will I? Get to leave here, that is?”

Terena sighed sadly. “It doesn’t seem likely, but don’t give up hope just yet.”

Hanna hoped. She hoped the Alliance would be able to come to her rescue. “What about the other doctor, the creepy man. Won’t he be able to check the records and see I really don’t have Ghondorian venascabia?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of the records. Besides, Fink isn’t smart enough to figure out it’s a pseudo-strain. If by some miracle he does, Terk will handle him.”

“Hm. Terk does seem rather intimidating. Too bad he can’t use that to influence the emperor.”

“No, he has very little influence there.” Terena said while prodding Hanna’s abdomen as part of her examination. “But he does have enough pull to help you a little. Unfortunately, doing more would only put him and his brother in danger. If that happens, they wouldn’t be able to help anybody in any way.”

“So they help other people?” Hanna asked curiously, wondering if she was reading too much into what Terena had said.

Terena didn’t answer, though. She only smiled in reply, so Hanna changed the subject. “You’re a woman.”

“Yes,” Terena replied.

“I thought Tredons suppressed their women. I didn’t know they were allowed to become doctors.”

“I’m not a doctor. I’m a nurse,” Terena replied kindly as she read the results on the hand-held body scanner.

“Still.”

“Medical personnel are in short supply and I have enough skill in treating the emperor’s concubines that he tolerates me.”

Concubines? She should have known. “How did you come to be here in the first place, if you don’t mind me asking? Surely he didn’t just hire you.”

“No, dear. He didn’t hire me. I was one of his father’s concubines.”

Hanna’s eyes widened and she sat up abruptly. “Are you the emperor’s mo – ?”

“No, dear,” Hanna said as she put a comforting hand on Hanna’s shoulder to lay her back down. “I wouldn’t even call myself his stepmother since I had no part in raising him.”

“What a life.” Hanna replied. “I couldn’t even imagine living most of my life on this terrible ship.”

“Oh, I don’t have it so bad as some,” Terena said. “Besides, there are a few good things about this place. And even a few good people.”

“Really? Like who?” Hanna asked bitterly.

Terena smiled and patted her shoulder. “Your exam is over, dear. Let me get you that antihistamine and you can be on your way.”

Note from the author: The purpose of this portion of the chapter is to give a little more information on what Terk had done to protect Hanna. It is also to introduce Terena, who is important much later in the series. Perhaps the reader also gets a little more insight into Terk’s character. As I write from Hanna’s perspective, I find myself asking if she is important to the story later. I haven’t written her in any part of the story except part two, but I bet there are some important roles she can play as the series develops.

(This sci-fi story is protected by copyright) Copyright June, 2015 by Dawn Ross

You may share the posts of this novella so long as you link back to this website and mention, The Kavakian Empire by Dawn Ross.

Constructive criticism welcome. Please comment below.

Captain’s Ready Room

A Space Opera by Dawn Ross

Part Two – The Emperor

Chapter 7a

Part two of the Kavakian Empire saga continues. If you haven’t read any of part two yet, you can find the first chapter under The Kavakian Empire category heading and Sci-Fi Part 2 subheading. And if you haven’t read any of this sci-fi story yet, start with the Sci-Fi Part 1 subheading.

Note from the author: This is not the most exciting chapter ever, but it does have a purpose. After you read this, please comment below to give me some ideas on how to spice it up.

Captain Robert Arden’s head wound had been healed, but he had a headache for a different reason. His ship had been repaired in good time, but not fast enough. Every moment took the Tredon’s further and further away. If Robert didn’t hurry, the enemy would soon be out of reach.

Most of his officers who had been fighting on the planet were back on board. Lieutenant Commander Bracht was among them and was now standing before Robert in the ready room. The Rabnoshk warrior’s at-ease posture made even the most formal military stances look lazy. He stood stiff and alert as he gave his report about what had happened on the planet.

“I retreated as ordered. The others were just behind me, Sir.” Despite the harshness of Bracth’s voice, his tone was respectful. And if Robert wasn’t mistaken, Bracht also sounded regretful. “But when we got up the shaft, an enemy blast broke the cab loose and sent it crashing. I shouldn’t have left them, Sir. I should have stayed behind.”

“You did the right thing,” Robert said. “You couldn’t have known this was going to happen. And if you had stayed behind, you would have been captured or killed as well.”

Bracht opened his mouth to protest, but Robert forestalled him. “I’m glad you’re back, Bracht. I’m going to need your help to get them back.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes, Captain.” Bracht almost sounded relieved. His race despised the idea of retreat. Telling Bracht that he was still needed let him know the fight wasn’t over yet.

“I know you will. Now go get some rest. I’ll need you refreshed for when we catch up to the Tredon ships.”

“Yes, Sir.” Bracht snapped a salute and left.

The laser room where Bracht had last seen J.T. and his team had been re-secured by the Thendi. The dead and wounded were gathered, but J.T. and the others weren’t among them. Robert could only surmise that the Tredons had taken them captive. If the young princes were with their father during this battle, then perhaps they had been able to convince the emperor to spare their lives. It was a dim hope, but Robert clung to it.

Robert hated losing his crew members. He couldn’t help but to feel personally responsible for them. This battle had already taken forty seven men and women from his ship. That was over six percent of his crew and far too many, and more than he had expected. But this was nothing compared to the total death count. Between him and the two other Alliance ships, one hundred and eighty three were dead and thirty four were in critical condition. The Thendi didn’t have a full count yet, but they were estimating over five hundred of their people had been killed in this battle.

Robert rubbed his temples. Too many dead. Too many dying. A small handful still missing. And very little that could be done about it.

The comm beep interrupted him. His view screen indicated it was Vice Admiral Belmont.

“Admiral,” Robert answered.

“Captain Arden, I’m calling to confirm the Cronus is now repaired and on its way.”

Robert’s ship had been the first to complete enough repairs to begin pursuit of the enemy warships. He had been given orders to head full speed to the Tredon borders in hopes that the superior speed of the Alliance ships would be able to intercept them.

“That’s good news, Sir,” Robert replied.

“Also, I’ve received confirmation that the Defender and the Poseidon are on the way to the Tredon border as well. I expect the Defender to arrive first and the Poseidon and Cronus a few hours after you. You are in charge of the search until I arrive.”

“Yes, Admiral. Do we have permission to engage?”

“I’ve put in a full recommendation to the Council that we declare war, but as you know they will spend a lot of time in debate.”

Robert nodded. He wanted to say that declaring war shouldn’t be an easy thing, but he knew the admiral’s position. Although Robert hated the idea of war, he accepted the fact that it might be the only way to get his crew members back.

“You may engage if you feel you have the upper hand but do not pursue them into their territory until war is declared,” the admiral replied.

“Yes, Sir. I will keep you informed.”

“Thank you, Captain. Belmont out.”

The view screen switched off. Robert sat back in his chair and sighed. His headache seemed to have ebbed a bit. He had been worried that if he intercepted the Dragon and Basilisk alone he wouldn’t be able to confront them. But the arrival of the other ships gave him a little hope.

There was still going to be a problem of finding the Tredon warships. If they were cloaked, it would require a very close scrutiny of their short range sensors to detect them. Lieutenant Brenson was the best when it came to this sort of thing, but not even ten ships would be enough to patrol the entire length of the Tredon border.

Still, Robert had a better chance than he had previously. If he succeeded in getting his crew members back, perhaps he could avert a war.

(This sci-fi story is protected by copyright) Copyright June, 2015 by Dawn Ross

You may share the posts of this novella so long as you link back to this website and mention, The Kavakian Empire by Dawn Ross.

Constructive criticism welcome. Please comment below.

A Star Wars space battle, but it gives you an idea of what to expect in this chapter.

The Kavakian Empire – Part Two

A Space Opera by Dawn Ross

Insert Chapters

Note from Author:
I debated back and forth about whether Captain Robert Arden should have his part of the story told. My first decision was to exclude him. He was not really going to be a part of Terk, Jori, and J.T.’s experience. And I worried that I’d clutter the reader with too much information.

But as I honed the plot structure, I realized that the captain was important at the very end of the story. And I remembered reading something about how a writer needs to be careful about surprises and deus ex machina. Although readers often like surprises, or surprise twists, they like for the surprises to be plausible. In other words, you can’t have a character suddenly pull out a weapon and kill his enemy if it wasn’t known to the reader that the character was a type to have such a weapon available. Likewise, I couldn’t have Captain Robert Arden pop up out of the blue right when he is needed and say, “Here I am! I’ve come to save you just in the nick of time.”

So I have decided to include Robert’s perspective in this story. In order to prevent my readers from getting bored, I have tried to enrich Robert’s experience with interesting stuff.

Now that I’ve made my final decision, I need to insert the chapters with Robert’s point of view. Pretend the following is the very first chapter, before J.T.’s experience on planet Thendi.

“Sir! Two Tredon warships just came into view,” Lt. Handly reported.

“Shields up!” Captain Robert Arden of the Odyssey was suddenly alert. The gigantic warships had come out of nowhere. They literally just appeared in the empty space around the planet.

Robert’s command was implemented just as a hailstorm of firepower fell upon the Odyssey ship. Their shields disintegrated the energy blasts, but the enemy’s efforts would not be in vain. Enough firepower would soon deplete the strength of the shields. Since Tredon warships were known to have more firepower, the Alliance ships could utilize their superior speed and maneuverability to avoid being hit while simultaneously emitting their own energy blasts to weaken the enemy’s shields.

“Jensin, take evasive action now, delta maneuver. Wilshire, fire the cannons.”

Both officers acted immediately. Mock battles with two other Alliance ships had given Robert’s crew plenty of time to practice these past weeks. They knew the Tredon warships would come. They just didn’t know when.

Vice Admiral Belmont’s voice sounded through the comm. “Release the Pterodons.” Robert relayed the order to his fighter pilots.

Before his first space jet was out of the hull, a swarm of Asps emerged from the belly of the enemy warships. There was a slight chance that a small enemy vessel could maneuver through the Alliance vessels’ shields and destroy targeting weapons or shield generators, so the Pterodon pilots were their next line of defense.

One portion of the view screen displayed the jets. Robert monitored the dots representing the numerous squadrons as they engaged in battle. Lights blinked out as Pterodons and Asps were destroyed. Losing a Pterodon jet was disappointing, but at least there would be no pilots to mourn. Unlike the pilots of the Tredon Asps, the Pterodon pilots flew their ships virtually.

“Port shields at sixty-five percent, Sir,” Handly announced.

“Jensin, kappa maneuver now.” Robert knew that if Handly was reporting this shield level that it had the lowest level of the eight shields, and changing to this maneuver would present the opposing shielded area of the ship. As part of the procedure, Robert entered the data on his console so that the vice admiral and other captains could note the change.

“Sir,” Brenson said. “Flight Commander Madan is reporting a twenty percent loss of our Pterodon jets.”

Robert cringed inwardly at the number. Never in his career had he lost so many jets before, and in such a short amount of time no less. The Tredon’s obviously had a superior jet fighting force.

I wish J.T. were here, Robert thought to himself. Although J.T. had only been his second for a short time, the two of them were proving to be a good match. J.T. excelled in all the areas of command that Robert was only merely competent at, and vice versa. One of the skills J.T. excelled in was strategy.

Although J.T. had been part of the strategic planning, the vice admiral sent him to command the ground fighters on the surface of Thendi. Bracht had been sent there as well, and Robert couldn’t help but to feel inadequate right now.

Despite his feelings, though, Robert had plenty of experience with space battles. It was why he had been chosen to protect the border between Tredon and the Alliance in the first place. But his experience only told him they were outgunned and quite possibly outmatched.

“Handly, which ships are we fighting?” Robert asked his operations officer.

“It looks like the Dragon and the Basilisk, Sir.”

Robert resisted the urge to slump his shoulders and tried not to let the bad news discourage him. I shouldn’t have asked. The appearance of the Dragon meant Emperor Kavak himself had come and he brought his most notorious captain general, Brevak of the Basilisk. From what Robert knew about these two, three Alliance ships wasn’t going to be enough to fend them off.

The arrival of either the Dragon or the Basilisk had been considered in the strategic council, but Vice Admiral Belmont had decided it was unlikely for both to come. There was a play of politics in his determination. Robert didn’t care to understand the dynamics of it all, but it angered him that the admiral had let politics influence his strategic decisions.

This battle might be a small one by Alliance standards but losing it could lead to losing greater battles in the future. The Tredons were already a threat. If they won this battle, they’d have more power than ever before. And it could lead to an all-out war, something Robert had long been hoping to avoid.

“Fore-dorsal shields at sixty percent. Fifty-five.”

“Gamma maneuver,” Robert replied automatically. “Do we know how their shields are faring?”

“We’ve had minimal effect, Sir,” Handly replied. “They’re still at over eighty per – Sir! They’re releasing the Anacondas.”

“Wilshire, direct half your shots at those carriers.” Robert felt his panic begin to rise. The battle was not going well at all. Anaconda carriers could take nearly as much firepower as the warships. It was unlikely that the Alliance ships would be able to stop those carriers from reaching the planet’s surface. Anacondas carried both ground troops and Tredon’s notorious atmospheric jets, the Rattlers. Robert silently hoped J.T. was ready for the onslaught.

“Concentrate firepower on the Dragon’s starboard,” Belmont’s voice commanded through the comm. Robert’s instinct was to stop the Anacondas, but Belmont’s decision was a good one. If the Dragon received enough damage, the emperor might very well decide to back off the entire fight.

“Sir, all our shields are at less than fifty percent,” Handly said. “Port shields now at thirty five percent.”

Robert began to sweat now, but sat up straight and tried to look confident. He couldn’t let crew see how crestfallen he was becoming. Their maneuvers were doing no good at avoiding the Tredon’s firepower and it was only a matter of time.

“Sir, I just got a report from the Cronus. They’re pulling out.” Brenson’s announcement confirmed Robert’s discernment. That left only the Odyssey and the admiral’s flag ship, the Dauntless against their formidable enemy.

Before Robert could react, Lt. Handly interrupted with more bad news. “Sir, port shields are down. I believe an Asp has gotten through and taken out its shield generator.”

Damn. “Jensin, back to the kappa maneuver.” Shield down or not, they had to keep fighting.

“Call in the Pterydons,” the admiral ordered. Robert did so. His view screen showed the number of their jets had depleted greatly as compared to the Tredon Asps. Keeping the Pterydons out was doing little good anyway. Ordering them in meant the admiral was likely getting ready to call a retreat.

Robert was suddenly jostled violently. His chair restraint kept him seated, but the belt had put a lot of pressure on his body.

“Sir! We’ve taken a hit.” Handly’s voice sounded shaken, though Robert knew him to keep a level head is stressful situations. “The port hull’s been breached and we’re taking in atmosphere.”

“Seal the area,” Robert ordered even though Handly was probably already doing so.

“Aft-dorsal, rear shields are also down. All other shields are beginning to fall below ten percent.”

“Jensin, get us out of here.”

The ship didn’t appear to move and it was just then that Robert noticed other crew members had been injured. Even though they had all been strapped in, the jolt of the ship had been violent enough to cause some of the crew to hit their heads on their consoles. Jensin was conscious but his head was bleeding profusely and he looked dazed.

“Medical team to the bridge!” Robert called out as he tried to unbuckle himself from his chair. Jensin’s backup was completely unconscious, as were the only two other bridge crew members who could pilot the ship. That first impact had been a bad one.

“Backup crew, I need you here now!” Robert’s heart raced in panic, but in his mind his body moved in slow motion. Ship alarms were sounding as he finally released himself from his chair and made his way to Jensin’s station. Handly called something out but Robert didn’t hear. The ship shuddered violently again. Robert lost his balance. He reached to brace himself on the edge of the communications console and missed. His arms flailed as the motion of the ship sent him flying in the other direction. We’re all going to die. It was a fleeting thought cut short by a sudden blow against the back of his head. Blackness followed.

*****

Note from Author:
This next chapter is just a brief overview from Robert’s point of view. Insert this chapter after Terk helps Hanna and Jori speaks to J.T. for the first time, and before the chapter where Terk reports to his father (between chapter 3 and 4 in the blog).

Captain Robert Arden was in his ready room with a few of his officers and with the Admiral and other ship captains on the visual comm. Robert’s head throbbed painfully, but he had no time to get medical treatment. He had regained consciousness on the bridge as a medic was examining him. The medic told him he was not severely injured, so Robert immediately returned to his duties.

Fortunately, the backup crew had made it to the bridge and executed the command to retreat. They were now a distance away from Thendi repairing their ship and awaiting reinforcements. Ship repairs were going slowly. Because the Dauntless was the last to retreat, it was in the worst shape. It would be several hours before any of the Alliance ships would be ready to pursue the enemy.

In the meeting with the admiral, they discussed how they had lost the battle, and probably the laser too. Prior to the attack, both Robert and J.T. had been vying to get at least five Alliance ships to protect the planet. Robert diplomatically held his tongue about how he and J.T. had been right all along.

Robert believed one of the reasons Rear Admiral Belmont did not heed the advice about needing more ships was because he had underestimated the intel that Robert had passed on from Jori. A child was not to be believed, the vice admiral thought. His beliefs were reinforced by the fact that they had not seen any activity along the Tredon border and had not spotted a single Tredon ship on the wrong side of the border. In fact, Belmont was so sure that nothing was going to happen that he had been about to recall the three ships from Thendi when the attack suddenly came.

The admiral admitted none of these things now, of course. He found all sorts of other reasons as to why they lost the battle.

Robert briefly reflected on Jori and Terk’s stay. Rear Admiral Zimmer had been irate that Robert had let them escape. But Vice Admiral Belmont agreed it was best, and later so did the Alliance Council. Robert was verbally reprimanded and only a brief mention was made of it on his record.

There was some good news in this meeting with the admiral. Scores of people had been rescued from the planet. Those people had included the scientists working on the laser. Since the laser wasn’t finished, at least there was a chance the Emperor wouldn’t be able to complete it. And it also meant there was a chance the scientists could start the laser anew and repair the planet as originally planned.

Reports confirmed the number dead and the number of crew members still unaccounted for. J.T. and many other crew members were missing. He did not make it with the others rescued from the planet. Lt. Commander Bracht was alive but he was on one of the other Alliance ships awaiting transport. Robert had not yet had a chance to speak to him.

Robert reflected on why J.T. wasn’t with him. He was sent to lead the planet ground force. If his crew hadn’t been so well trained, it could have caused them to panic when Robert was left unconscious. Not only had they lost their captain, but there was no second-in-command to take his place. Plus, J.T. was an excellent strategist and he may have come up with an idea that could have helped turn the tide of battle before it even reached the ground. But everyone had their opinion about J.T.’s part in the Kimpke incident.

*****

If you are reading this post and have no idea what I’m talking about, then you have probably missed the other chapters on The Kavakian Empire sci-fi saga. Although the part 1 novella still needs a lot of revision and a better plot, I highly recommend you read it first before beginning the much better part 2 novella. All chapters of this sci-fi story can be found in the column on the right under the Categories heading.

(This sci-fi novella is protected by copyright) Copyright July, 2015 by Dawn Ross

Free to share so long as you link back to this website and mention, The Kavakian Empire by Dawn Ross.

The Kavakian Empire

A Space Opera by Dawn Ross

Part Two – The Emperor

Chapter 6

(To go back and read the first chapters of The Kavakian Empire, check the Archives option on the right. Part One of this sci-fi saga began August, 2014.)

Note from the author: This chapter intentionally has some portions that lack in structure and/or detail. In order to protect my story from those who might copy it and present it as their own, I sometimes only share the rough draft version.

J.T. was resting in his cell with his other cellmates. The pain still throbbed and his thoughts spiraled around an empty void. He wasn’t dying, just out of touch with what was going on around him. Something cold touched his neck. A hiss sound followed. J.T. jerked awake. Terk was kneeling over him with a hypospray. The pain began to subside.

“Are we getting out of here?” J.T. asked hopefully.

“No, I’m afraid not.” Terk offered no further explanation. He stood and waited for J.T. become more alert. J.T. was on the floor. Harley, Simmonds, and Hanna had the three beds. With the way they were stirring, J.T. guessed that they too had been given something for the pain. Although J.T.’s pain was easing up, he still didn’t have the strength to do more than sit against the wall.

Jori handed them all a digiview and began to explain their duties. J.T. noticed he had a black eye and a cut lip. Despite the pain his own body was feeling, his gut churned at the thought of the boy being hit hard enough to leave those marks.

Jori handed the last digiview to J.T. and told him to read up on how photons were generated in laser technology.

Jori then proceeded to tell the prisoners that the torture was probably over unless they resisted.

“What was that you did to us?” Simmonds accused. He sat up on his bed.

Terk told him about how the rod worked to send a painful electric charge through the body.

“I’ve never felt anything like it. It was awful.” Simmonds was rubbing his forehead.

“It could have been much worse,” Terk replied flatly. “Be glad I wasn’t ordered to kill you.”

“Would you have done that?” Simmonds raised his head in disbelief. “After all we have done for you?”

“Yes,” Terk replied bluntly. He did not offer an explanation.

“There is not much we can do,” Jori added. “It is in your best interest to go along with things. Father’s threat about Ankgar is very real. Even when those sent to Ankgar are permitted to live, they don’t truly live.”

Silence as J.T. and the others let that sink in. Simmonds went back to massaging his forehead. Hanna and Harley were still lying on their beds. Both were not yet as alert as J.T. and Simmonds.

J.T. broke the silence. “Did you get in trouble for not hurting us?” he asked Jori.

“Yes, but it doesn’t matter. I’ve never participated before so it is not as suspicious as it would have been if Terk had refused.”

“I’m sorry,” Terk said. “I didn’t want to do it. But he’s right. Father would have been suspicious.”

“I still don’t understand why you don’t just tell him,” Simmonds whined. He wasn’t there when Jori explained to J.T. about why they couldn’t tell their father how J.T. helped save them. But J.T. had relayed the information.

“Do you seriously think a man like my father would care?” Terk’s tone was harsh. “You have no idea what he is capable of. One thing he is not capable of, though, is sentimentality. So say nothing about how we know you or these little visits where we help you to stay alive will stop.” Terk was almost yelling now. Simmonds gulped, nodded his head and argued no further.

“We can’t fix that laser,” Hanna replied, barely audible. She still hadn’t risen from the bed.

“If you wish to live, you will act like you can,” Terk warned.

“For how long?” J.T. asked. “We can’t keep this ruse up for long.”

“Do you have a plan?” Simmonds said.

“Not yet,” Jori replied.

“We make no promises,” Terk added.

Hanna tried to sit up. She groaned in pain. “I’m sorry for what happened to you,” Terk told her.

“You scared the hell out of me, you know,” she said. Her voice was still weak but it sounded almost accusatory.

Terk raised his eyebrow. “When I came to help you, I was met with nothing but fury and insults.”

“Can you blame me?” she said.

Terk was silent a moment then said, “I suppose not.”

Note from the author: What did Harley think of all this? Hanna was grateful. She was in pain but wasn’t raped. J.T. held out hope that the boys would help them. Simmonds was defeated. He was the only one in their cell that had begged. But Harley? He was a security officer so perhaps he shared some of Calloway’s prejudice. He was young, so perhaps he was also a bit rash.

When Harley became a bit more alert and sat up he made some terse remarks, blaming Terk and Jori for their current predicament.

“We did not bring you here,” Terk said angrily. “It is not our fault you were captured. It was your own incompetence. Whether we choose to help you or not is completely up to us so I suggest you lose the attitude.” Terk clenched his jaw and glared at Harley. Harley scowled and glared back but eventually broke eye contact.

Terk told Jori to go to the next group of prisoners. After Jori left, Terk spoke specifically to J.T.

“I do owe you.” Terk’s features had calmed and he spoke evenly now. “I even admit that you have a lot of admirable qualities for an Alliance officer. And I don’t want to see you die. But helping you is extremely risky. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed to a little risk for myself.” Harley harrumphed. Terk ignored him. “But if my father gets wind of this and something happens to Jori because of you, I will not hesitate to kill you.” Terk’s tone was cold.

“I understand,” J.T. replied, knowing full well that Terk meant it. “But understand that if I feel I must protect myself or my crew, or if I see an opportunity to escape, I will do so.” He tried not to sound challenging when he spoke and added, “But I will do my best not to do anything that might bring Jori harm.”

“Fair enough,” Terk replied.

Harley did not agree. He replied, “Why should your brother’s life be more important than ours?”

“Because you’re nothing but a worthless piss-ant.” Terk’s voice was harsh again.

“And you’re an ungrateful brat.”

“Harley!” J.T. said sternly.

But it was too late. Terk lifted Harley by the neck and slammed him against the wall.

“Be grateful I don’t snap your puny little neck.” Terk spoke through gritted teeth. His face was dark with anger.

“Terk, please don’t,” J.T. said in a tone that was calmer than he felt.

Terk held Harley’s eyes in a hard stare while Harley flailed uselessly and struggled to breathe. Damn that boy is strong, J.T. thought. Sure, Harley was injured, but Terk was only about fourteen cycles old and yet he had a grown man pinned to the wall. J.T. had no doubt the boy was capable of killing Harley then and there.

Terk finally let go and Harley crumpled to the ground choking. Terk left abruptly without another word.

J.T. didn’t blame Harley for his accusation. But it would do them no good to antagonize anyone, especially the only two Tredons who seemed to want to help them. Terk and Jori were their only lifeline.

(This sci-fi story is protected by copyright) Copyright June, 2015 by Dawn Ross

You may share the posts of this novella so long as you link back to this website and mention, The Kavakian Empire by Dawn Ross.

Constructive criticism welcome. Please comment below.

The Kavakian Empire

A Space Opera by Dawn Ross

Part Two – The Emperor

Chapter 5

(Do you want to read The Kavakian Empire from the beginning? You can find all the chapters in the archives located in this blog from August 2014 onward. You can also email me at naturebydawn@aol.com and request to get this sci-fi story sent to you as a word document.)

The prisoners were silent, but the corridor was not. The heavy boots of the Tredon warriors around them tromped loudly in an ominous beat. Every one of the soldiers had a dour look. And every one of them towered over the Alliance crew, surrounding them in an impenetrable wall.

J.T. glanced at Lieutenant Tommins walking beside him. His face was pale and J.T. noticed his throat bob up and down, but the man managed to keep the fear from being evident on his face. Lieutenant Junior Grade Patersen also maintained a neutral expression, but sweat formed on his brow.

After J.T. had spoken to Jori, he only had a chance to tell his cellmates of their chance for survival. His other crew members probably thought they were marching to their deaths.

No one told J.T. where they were going, but he hoped it was to go work on the laser. As they walked on, J.T. caught the look of one of his guards. The big man smiled down at him, showing his stained teeth. His eyes looked almost elated. J.T.’s neck prickled forebodingly.

J.T. almost walked into the man in front of him when the Tredon guards stopped. A set of doors slid open and an acrid scent burned J.T.’s nose. He only wondered about it for a moment. One look into the room and his blood drained from his face. Although there were several Tredon warriors gathered in the room, the room was large and there was a lot of empty space. The most notable was the area surrounding a large metal contraption.

Heavy steel shafts built a rectangular framework that stood several feet tall. The steel may have once been burnished, but it was dull now with blotches of dark stains. A thick chain hung from the center with two iron shackles on the end.

J.T. recognized the smell now—sweat and blood mixed with a cleaning agent that only soured the odor rather than eliminate it. J.T. wanted to spit the taste from his mouth, but his mouth was dry. Jori told him they would be tortured, but J.T. had assumed it would only be if he and his crew didn’t cooperate.

Hanna groaned, but J.T. wasn’t sure whether she was groaning from the pain she was already feeling or because she was dreading additional pain. He couldn’t believe what had been done to her. When the Tredon guards dragged her to his cell earlier, he was sure Jori and Terk had failed to keep her from being raped. Her clothes were torn and her face was a bloody mess. She was barely conscious.

After the guards discarded her, Harley found the hypospray in her hand and injected it. When she became a little more alert she told them what Terk had done. J.T. was relieved, but felt guilty about the beating she had received. And now she was going to get another.

One of the soldiers gripped J.T’s arm painfully and pulled him inside. The move caught him off balance but the vice grip forced him along until he stood a few feet from the front of the contraption. He and his entire crew were lined up before it, then forced to kneel on the cold hard floor. J.T. shivered, but he wasn’t sure if it was from his anxiety or because the room was so frigid.

He watched helplessly as Lieutenant Junior Grade Walden was dragged to the device. Tommins cried out to protest but was cut short when one of the Tredon warriors punched the side of his head. Walden struggled and yelled, but he could barely do anything against the giant men who held him. Walden’s hands were immediately shackled and the slack in the chain was taken up until his arms stretched far over his head and his toes dangled, barely touching the floor. He stopped yelling then, but only because he was hyperventilating.

“The man’s going to piss his pants before we even get started,” one of the dragon warriors standing behind J.T. said. Another warrior laughed.

“This oughta be good,” another said. J.T heard the man make a sucking sound before a glob of spit splattered onto the floor. “Fuckin’ do-gooders are nothing but a bunch of pussies.”

The room was filled with deep voiced warriors making comments. Some were lewd, others were hateful, and a fair few actually sounded gleeful. The entire room went silent, though, when Emperor Kavak stepped forward.

“I have no patience for protests or procrastinations.” The sound of the emperor’s voice sent a shiver down J.T.’s spine. He spoke sharply, though his tone was deep. His dark eyes glowered challengingly. “I expect each of you to put forth your best effort to complete this laser. You will work hard as if your lives depend on it, because it does. And just so you know how serious I am, I’ve invited you here so that you can appreciate my resolve.”

The emperor gave a curt nod to a dragon warrior carrying a long metallic rod. The warrior stepped forward without hesitation and used it to send a spray of blue electricity at Walden. Walden cried out as the blue charge crackled over his body. It lasted only a few moments, but Walden’s scream lasted longer.

J.T. felt dizzy and realized it was because he was holding his breath. His neck and shoulders were tensed and his arms flexed from trying to pull his wrists from the cuffs.

“Stop, you monster!” J.T. tried to stand, but someone behind him thumped his back hard enough to send a sharp pain down his spine and make him crumble forward. There was nothing he could do. He considered keeping his head down so he wouldn’t have to watch, but one of the warriors grabbed him by his hair and forced him back up.

One by one, each of J.T.’s men were tortured with the rod. Every single one of them cried out. A few even begged. J.T.’s stomach clenched with a mixture of fear, anger, and guilt. These were his men. He was responsible for them so it was his fault this was happening.

No, not my fault. It’s his fault. A surge of hate washed over him when he looked at the emperor. After getting to know Terk and Jori, J.T. had realized that not all the stereotypes of the Tredons were true. But looking at Emperor Kavak now with his dark eyes and baleful frown, J.T. saw the embodiment of all those terrible stereotypes.

Terk and Jori stood on either side of him. They resembled their father in many aspects but neither of them glowered the way he did. Their faces were a complete blank. J.T. wondered what they were thinking right now. Were they enjoying this or hating it? Did they agree or disagree with what their father was doing?

Harley’s torture ended. When the guards removed his shackles, he slumped into their arms and let himself be dragged away. Only J.T. and a couple others hadn’t had their turn yet. The warriors weren’t moving to get someone else, so for a brief moment J.T. hoped it was over.

Nothing happened. The dragon warriors began to mumble amongst themselves. J.T. began to relax.

“Now!” J.T. jumped at the sound of the emperor’s voice. The entire room went quiet. Terk and Emperor Kavak were glaring at one another eye to eye. Well, nearly eye to eye. The emperor stood at least a head taller. They held the stare for a moment before Terk abruptly turned away and stomped over to the prisoners.

“Get him up!” Terk pointed to Simmonds. Two guards jerked him up. Terk snatched the rod from the man who had been using it earlier. His expression looked very much like his father’s now. His brow furrowed in anger. His jaw was clenched. And his nostrils flared.

J.T.’s gut began to tighten. It was bad enough that the emperor was forcing his children to watch, but this was even more depraved.

As soon as Simmonds was secured, Terk unleashed the blue electricity. Simmonds cried out. He begged. At one point, J.T. thought he was going to bring up Terk’s stay on the Odyssey, but Terk shot the blue light at him before he could say much.

As soon as Simmonds had received as much punishment as the others, Terk slapped the rod back into the other warrior’s hand and stormed back to his father’s side.

While Simmonds was taken down J.T. watched the interaction between Jori and his father. J.T. couldn’t hear what was being said, but there was no doubt that the man expected Jori to do what his brother had just done.

Jori shook his head in refusal. The emperor grabbed his arm. His other hand balled into a fist. He bent low to put his face in Jori’s face and said something, probably something threatening. Jori did not cower and he didn’t give in. He shook his head defiantly. J.T. held his breath as the emperor raised his fist. But the strike didn’t come.

“Get out of my sight, coward.” The emperor jerked Jori’s arm away so harshly that Jori almost fell. J.T. sighed in relief as Jori marched out of the room. Terk watched his brother leave. He was no longer scowling. The boys were hard to read, but J.T. was certain that it was fear he saw in Terk’s eyes.

Hanna was next. The warriors hooted and hollered as she was hung in chains. J.T. heard a number of lewd comments. Hanna was in no shape to retort. She groaned as she hung there and screamed when the shock came. Fortunately, she passed out almost immediately. J.T. worried they were going to keep going, but one of the other warriors made the torturer stop.

Two warriors were unshackling her when J.T. was abruptly yanked up. It was his turn. He was the last one, either by chance or by design because he was the highest ranking.

J.T. felt his chest tighten as he was being forced into the chains. His heart hammered, but he refused to let them know how frightened he was. They shackled his hands and pulled him upward until his body was taut.

I’m not going to cry out. I’m not going to cry out. It became his mantra. But when the blue electricity hit him and surged across his body, J.T. shrieked in agony. The shock of it was astounding and the pain was overwhelming. He’d never felt anything like it before. He broke his arm once while on a hike and was left to suffer for hours before rescue came. But that pain was nothing like this. Even after the first shock was over, sharp pains danced across his body. His head and chest felt like it was going to burst.

Just when the pain was starting to subside, another jolt blasted over him. It happened again several more times. J.T. wasn’t sure how long it all lasted, but he was sure they were torturing him more than they had the others.

By the time it was over, J.T. felt like his body had been shattered. He couldn’t move. It wasn’t because he was paralyzed, though. It was because he was completely spent. As soon as the Tredon warriors released the shackles, he slumped into their arms.

The warriors dropped him to the floor. J.T. mentally embraced the coldness of it. He was so glad it was over.

“Lucky for you, you are all currently indispensable,” the emperor said to the prisoners. His voice was an intrusion into J.T.’s newfound respite. “I was going to make an example of one of you and have you experience real torture. Ankgar has some very creative ways to bring about enduring agonizing pain. The last man I sent to him lived for weeks after being flayed alive. You will be his next victim if you fail me.”

J.T. cringed in horror. This isn’t over. This is just the beginning.

(This sci-fi saga is protected by copyright) Copyright June, 2015 by Dawn Ross

You may share this sci-fi novella so long as you link back to this website and mention, The Kavakian Empire by Dawn Ross.

The Kavakian Empire

A Space Opera by Dawn Ross

Part Two – The Emperor

Chapter 4

(Haven’t read part one of The Kavakian Empire novella yet? Missed the first three chapters of part two? Review the archives on this blog or email me at naturebydawn@aol.com and request to get this sci-fi story sent to you in a word document.)

“The results of the scan we did on the prisoners, Sir,” Terk said to his father. Even sitting behind a desk, the big man looked domineering. He wore a perpetual frown that was beginning to crease his face with age, but it was a mistake to see him as an old man. His father was as powerful as any warrior, if not more so. Terk felt feeble in comparison, but was confident that he was only a few years away from matching his father’s physique.

“How many?” his father asked brusquely in his usual deep-toned voice.

“Ten, Sir,” Terk replied.

“Ten alive or ten total?”

“Both.”

“I thought I told you to kill the ones who were of no use.”

“There are three who have questionable value, Sir,” Terk replied impassively without a hint of the nervousness he felt. “But considering how limited our own knowledge and resources are, I’ve kept them alive for now.”

“Define questionable,” he father challenged.

“They are junior grade officers who have only minored in the sciences.” When Jori had given Terk the altered records, he told him he made it look like all the officers had at least some useful skills. It would have been too suspicious if everyone had been made an expert, Jori had said. And Terk agreed.

“And you think a minor education is worth keeping them alive for?” his father said with a hint of suspicion. Terk didn’t like to kill people without just cause. His father knew this and considered it a weakness.

“Even a minor education is more than most of our men have in this field,” Terk replied in a disinterested tone.

The man glared at Terk, as though trying to discern whether he was just trying to get out of his duty. Terk stood motionless, though he felt a flutter on the inside. He suppressed the urge to swallow, knowing his father would notice the movement. His father’s doubt was palatable, but Terk managed to hold the neutral stance until his father turned to peruse the files.

Terk understood Jori’s desire to help J.T., and even to help the woman. But to try and save all ten of them was pushing it. Their father had reason to be suspicious. Although it was well known that Alliance officers were required to have a diverse education, Terk was afraid making all ten of them appear to have value might make the deception obvious.

The laser had been dismantled and brought aboard some hours ago. There had been only a few minor incidents. An Alliance ship harried them from time to time, but with little affect. Some laser parts had been broken but Jako assured they could be fixed. Neither of these things slowed them down and so everything had gone according to his father’s plan, except they hadn’t captured any real scientists to finish the laser.

Father’s going to be pissed when he realizes they’re worthless, Terk thought to himself. Jori’s only prolonging the inevitable.

“Very well,” his father said after reviewing the information. “We will keep them alive for now.”

Terk suppressed a sigh of relief. He could no longer sense his father’s suspicion. The ruse worked for now.

“But they need to be given a taste of what will happen if they don’t cooperate.” His father said. “Gather them all in the gallery at o-seven.”

“Yes, Sir,” he replied. Terk clenched his teeth and held back a desire to argue. He knew what his father meant to do. The gallery was only used for one purpose. As much as Terk wished otherwise, he knew that debating it with his father would be pointless. Well, at least they will get to live, he thought.

“One more thing,” his father said. “What was your brother doing earlier today?”

Terk’s heart skipped a beat. “What do you mean?” he asked, knowing full well what his father was referring to.

“He was supposed to be helping to dismantle the laser and catalog the parts. But I was told that he didn’t show up until they were halfway through.”

Terk sensed his father’s annoyance but couldn’t tell if he was also suspicious. “He was with me,” he replied, hoping Jori had given or would give the same excuse. His heart pounded in his ears, but he managed to keep his nervousness from showing.

“Why?” his father demanded.

“I thought he was supposed to,” Terk lied.

“He was supposed to help with the laser,” his father said angrily.

“I didn’t know, Sir. If I had, I would have sent him away.”

“He was with you the entire time?”

“Yes, Sir.” Terk’s heart was still racing.

“That will be all, then,” his father said. He outwardly appeared to accept the lie, but Terk could sense his aggravation.

Terk didn’t want J.T. to die either, but he was willing to accept whatever his father decided to do. It wasn’t like he could do anything about it. But Jori refused to do nothing. This wasn’t the first time he had gone behind his father’s back to help someone. And Terk was scared that one of these days he was going to get caught.

Damn him, Terk thought. Why do I keep enabling him? I should just put an end to the prisoners and be done with it.

End of Chapter

Note from the author: I’ve been told that I give too much information and bore the reader, so I wasn’t going to include this chapter. We already know from chapter 3 that Jori has altered the Alliance crew’s records, so this chapter would seem to be redundant. However, I realized there are a few plot holes that needed to be filled. The reader needed to know that the laser was successfully dismantled and taken and that they were on their way back to Tredon territory. Also, the reader knows why Jori wasn’t in the laser room like he was supposed to be, but did his father suspect anything?

Another reason I decided to include this chapter has to do with setting up the events that will occur in future chapters. Terk and Jori’s relationship with their father is an important element to the story. And giving a little more insight to Terk’s character will help the reader understand his internal struggles and motives.

So what do you think of this chapter? Constructive criticism is welcome.

(This sci-fi saga is protected by copyright) Copyright June, 2015 by Dawn Ross

You may share this sci-fi novella so long as you link back to this website and mention, The Kavakian Empire by Dawn Ross.

Prison cell bed

The Kavakian Empire

A Space Opera by Dawn Ross

Part Two – The Emperor

Chapter 3b

(You are in the midst of the continuing saga of The Kavakian Empire. This is part two of the sci-fi story so if you haven’t already, be sure to check out part one. Tabs on the right.)

The brig was foul and murky. J.T. and his crewmen were put three to a cell. There were enough beds for each, as well a food and water dispenser, and even a toilet. But the entire space was grungy. The floor was sticky and the walls were stained. And the place smelled like excrement.

J.T. sat on one of the beds and rubbed his wrists where the guards had removed the bonds. Harley and Lt. Sam Simmonds sat on the beds across from him doing the same. Both looked despondent. J.T. realized he probably looked just as downcast as they. He definitely felt that way.

“We’re going to die, aren’t we, Sir?” Harley asked.

“It certainly seems so,” J.T. replied, too glum to sugarcoat it for the young man.

“I can’t believe those boys pretended not to know us,” Simmonds said. His grey mustache turned downward when he frowned. When Jori was on the Odyssey, he and Simmonds had seemed to get along well. Simmonds, being a science officer, was highly impressed with the young prince’s own knowledge of the sciences.

“Figures,” Harley added. “The Tredons are a bunch of murdering cutthroats.”

“They’re just boys,” J.T. said. Despite his current situation, he couldn’t help but defend them. “Let’s just see what happens,” J.T. added, trying to sound optimistic.

If Captain Arden had had his way, J.T. would have been on the Odyssey instead of on the ground. But Vice Admiral Belmont insisted that J.T. was the best man to lead the ground force. It was logical. However, J.T. suspected the admiral had some reserve about J.T.s part in the Kimpke incident. Although he agreed that Rear Admiral Zimmer’s orders had gone too far, he didn’t like the fact that J.T. had disobeyed a direct order. The ground force was the best out of the way place to put such a man, especially since the admiral probably didn’t believe the Tredons would have made it to the ground anyway.

At least J.T. had been assigned a good team. Of those who were also captured, four were lieutenant junior grades and the other five were full lieutenants. Their rank wouldn’t save them though. Only Barslow and Simmonds had a chance of surviving. Barslow was an engineer and Simmonds was a science officer. Perhaps the emperor might have a use for his two tactical officers, Mendosa and Walden, as well. Everyone else may have minored in the sciences, but they probably didn’t know enough to keep them alive long enough for help to arrive.

Who’s to say whether Captain Arden is even alive? J.T. thought. The captain had faced the Tredon warships directly. If Emperor Kavak had time to dismantle the laser, then the Odyssey and the other Alliance ships must have been taken out of the picture. J.T. hoped the ships were able to retreat. More than that, though, he hoped Captain Arden hadn’t been killed or seriously injured. Robert Arden was the kind of man who would do just about anything to rescue his crew.

J.T.’s thoughts were disturbed when two big warriors stopped outside the energy shield of his cell door.

“You,” the older greying warrior said sternly while pointing directly at J.T. “Come.”

J.T. stood reluctantly as the younger man disabled the charged shield. It occurred to him that he could try to fight, but seeing how big the men were and that there were two others just down the hall made him think otherwise. What’s the point? he asked himself. Where would I even go?

Before he could think of anything to do, the older man grabbed him by the arm and twisted him around. Next thing J.T. knew, both his hands were cuffed behind his back. Harley and Simmonds looked like they wanted to jump up and help, but the younger Tredon Dragon warrior stood over them with a daring look. J.T. gave a subtle shake of his head to his two crewmen, and then let himself be led out of the cell.

“Where are you going with him?” one of the Tredon guards asked.

“Prince’s orders,” the older man replied. “You got a problem with that?”

“No, Sir,” the guard replied.

The greying man didn’t say which prince. Although Terk had kicked him earlier, J.T. felt a little hopefulness mixed in with his apprehension.

His hope was dashed, though, when the two men took him to an isolated room and clamped him into a metal chair that had obviously been used for torture.

Both warriors stood silently in front of him in an at-ease fashion as though waiting for something. Although the older man’s hair had a lot of grey, he still appeared to be a strong and healthy warrior. His demeanor was cool, but he looked ready to spring into action at moment’s notice.

The other warrior was younger, about J.T.’s age. He wasn’t clean-shaven like the elder man. He had a sparse mustache and a small patch of hair on his chin. And his black hair was wavy, which did not appear to be a common feature among the Tredons.

J.T. felt anxious, but determined not to show it. He was about to ask the men what they were waiting for when the door to the room opened.

It was Jori. His face was unreadable as he placed himself before J.T. in front of the two guards.

“I told you that if our situations were reversed, you would not be treated the same,” Jori said evenly. J.T. didn’t know how to reply, so Jori added, “If it were up to me, this wouldn’t have happened. But it’s not up to me.”

“Why haven’t you told your father about what happened?” J.T. asked, referring to how Captain Arden of the Odyssey had saved him and his brother’s life.

“It would do more harm than good,” he replied. J.T. had felt slightly hopeful when he saw Jori come in the room. But the boy’s placid look made him uneasy. “He believes any sort of sentiment is a weakness. Besides, if he did know he might suspect Terk and I alerted you to this plan. He’d probably realize that he’d have both the laser and the scientists in custody if it weren’t for us.”

“So what happens next? Are you going to kill me?”

“I wouldn’t do that, even if father ordered me,” Jori said, again without emotion.

“Torture me then?” J.T. asked sourly.

“I’m not, no. But you will be tortured. Terk may be compelled to participate. But believe me when I say it is not something that either of us wants to do.”

“So do something,” J.T. said.

Jori huffed. “It’s not that easy,” he objected, finally showing some emotion. “I’ve managed to alter your records to show that you and your crew may be useful in getting the laser fixed. My father won’t kill you just yet. But he will make sure you’re properly motivated.”

“What then?” J.T. asked. “How will we get out of here?”

“I don’t know.” Jori replied dolefully. “I’m sorry this is happening. I truly am.”

J.T. nodded his head. He wanted to say he understood. But did he? He was going to die here. He just knew it. “What about Hanna?” J.T. asked. “That man is going to rape her.”

“He’s not,” Jori said. “Terk is taking care of it. She will be hurt, though.”

J.T. was somewhat relieved. Somewhat. “He’s eventually going to kill us, you know. We can’t fix that laser, even if we wanted to.”

Jori’s brow furrowed. “I know,” he replied sadly.

“Are you sure your father wouldn’t let us go if he knew we rescued you?”

“I’m sure. You mustn’t say anything to anyone either. Only a couple of my men, including Wexam and Master Jetser here, know,” he said indicating the two guards behind him. “If my father suspects Terk and I have a concern for you, he will keep a closer eye on us and we won’t be able to do anything more to help you.”

“Or worse,” Master Jetser said. “He will order the boys to torture you to death in order to force any such sentiments they have out of them.” Master Jetser had a surprisingly kind voice for such a gruff man.

Jori nodded in regrettable agreement.

J.T. scowled in concern. What kind of monster would do such a thing? he asked himself. The same kind of monster who would allow a woman to be raped and would torture everyone just for the hell of it.

“Tell the other members of your crew to play along as best they can,” Jori said. “But don’t tell them how they’ve come to be recognized as experts. I realize some of them will suspect, but I don’t want anyone accidentally blurting anything when they are being questioned. Understood?”

J.T. nodded.

“Good. Now I suggest that when we take you back to your cell, you look like you’re in pain or someone will wonder what happened in here.”

“Thank you,” J.T. said with sincerity. “I know you can’t do much, but I appreciate anything you can do.”

Jori gave a disheartened look in reply.

(This sci-fi saga is protected by copyright) Copyright May, 2015 by Dawn Ross

You may share this sci-fi novella so long as you link back to this website and mention, The Kavakian Empire by Dawn Ross.