{"id":321,"date":"2015-07-10T12:37:46","date_gmt":"2015-07-10T12:37:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=321"},"modified":"2015-07-11T12:35:25","modified_gmt":"2015-07-11T12:35:25","slug":"legacy-of-the-guardians-part-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=321","title":{"rendered":"Legacy of the Guardians – Part 5"},"content":{"rendered":"

Legacy of the Guardians<\/span><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 5<\/span><\/p>\n

Randall had made his way back to his office, sitting there wondering what else might happen. The attack on New York had left his questioning what might happen next. He hoped it had nothing to do with the Skartians. The beep from his computer indicated he had mail, and opened the message. He blinked at the words, the second patrol squadron was under attack by a Skartian battlefleet in Earth space.<\/p>\n

Not wasting any time he quickly raced back to the council room, seeing it still in session. He quickly made his way to his desk, looking over at Kinser and wondering if he had heard of what happened. He glanced over making sure the Skartian ambassador was still in the room, glad to see him knowing this meeting was about to get very interesting.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave I missed anything Kinser?\u201d Randall asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re back Ran Dall,\u201d Kinser said, a bit surprised by his return. \u201cI didn\u2019t think you could come back after your actions earlier today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNew developments,\u201d Randall replied, knowing what he was about to say. \u201cHave you heard anything lately,\u201d he whispered to him, leaning closer to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019ve been listening to these boring speakers, the Skartian ambassador ranted on about how humans should be kicked out of the council. He brought that up the moment you left the room,\u201d Kinser said. \u201cI think you had a reason, but it is an internal affair, it is up to you as long as you don\u2019t disturb the rest and tell us, we have no problems with is. That\u2019s how most of us feel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for the support Kinser,\u201d Randall said, looking as the Skartian ambassador gained the floor again.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere we go again,\u2019 Kinser said, loud enough for Randall to hear, and chuckled slightly at the Ilderian reaction, so unlike most other races. However Randall also knew a bombshell was about to be dropped on the council floor, by him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see that the human ambassador has returned,\u201d the Skartian ambassador said, pointing to Randall. \u201cI would like these charges to be address in a proper manner, or I will bring forth diplomatic penalties. I have support for such actions this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Randall said, standing up, gaining everyone\u2019s attention by the bold move.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmbassador Randall, you are aware the charges levied against your race are quite severe,\u201d the President said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny charges are irrelevant now that the Skartians have declared war against us,\u201d Randall said, as everyone went still at the news.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have done no such thing!\u201d the Skartain yelled back, exactly what Randall expected.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have proof this time,\u201d Randall said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019m sure that you\u2019ve finally managed to fabricate some phony lie and elaborated on it so you can declare war on us,\u201d the Skartian said. The shuffling of others could be heard as they watched the sudden declarations.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have solid proof this time that a Skartian fleet has crossed the neutral zone and is attacking Earth warships as we speak,\u201d Randall said.<\/p>\n

\u201cPreposterous, what an outlandish lie,\u201d the ambassador said, banging his fist on the table. \u201cYou will probably bring in some wreckage that is from the last war and say that\u2019s proof.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen how about the fact that you attacked our fleet,\u201d Kinser said, standing up next to Randall. He held his computer looking over something, but Randall had the impression the Ilderian fleet in the Neutral Zone had also been attacked. Everyone\u2019s eyes turned from Randall to Kinser. \u201cA Skartian fleet attacked and destroyed several of our ships sent to patrol the Neutral Zone between the humans and Skartians.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA clear fabrication by the humans to sway the council,\u201d the Skartian said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it hadn\u2019t been for the human fleet our fleet would have been destroyed,\u201d Kinser said. \u201cIf anything, your race is hiding something. You\u2019ve constantly tried to deflect everything away from you and place blame on the humans, enough of your lies!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about,\u201d the Skartian replied, but Randall was thinking now about recent events, especially earlier in the day.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure you do,\u201d Randall said, walking towards the ambassador. \u201cI find it quite interesting when I mentioned earlier today that Earth space was closed, the only person who objected was you.\u201d Randall said, pointing at the Skartian and still closing in on him. \u201cThen when I mentioned that Earth warships would be patrolling the border, you appeared concerned, perhaps you knew about your fleet, and how it would be known before it reached its target.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t want us to be on guard, but that\u2019s exactly what that attack on our homeworld did, put us on alert. You expected us to be looking inward, not outward as well,\u201d Randall said, now standing by the Skartian seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cHumans are quite mad, I must speak with my government to gain a better idea on their position on this obvious lie,\u201d the Skartian said, turning and walking out of the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you can tell them, as far as the human race is concerned, the Skartians have declared war on our race, any Skartian ship will be met with hostile force,\u201d Randall said, watching him huff slightly before leaving the room as Randall walked back to his seat. The room still seemed in shock over what happened, even as the President recognized Kinser to the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have been instructed by my government to formally advise that as of right now, the Ilderians are at war against the Skartian Empire as of the time they attacked our fleet,\u201d Kinser said, slightly surprising Randall. They had no allies in the last war. \u201cThe Ilderians stand beside the humans in their war against the Skartians. I suggest everyone take a hard look at the actions of the Skartians Empire lately. Their actions threaten the peace of everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silence reigned for a while after the announcement by Kinser. People were taking a moment to absorb the situation of what happened. Randall knew Kinser spoke the truth, and hoped the others would come to the same conclusion, but would not force anything. He had to be careful in how he spoke so others would not think he was manipulating them. He also had the feeling that the others would not get involved either.<\/p>\n

They all looked on as the Skartian walked back into the room and asked for the floor. The President granted it and waited.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy government has informed me that due to recent events, they have declared war on the human race, and any race who wishes to support them in this battle,\u201d the Skartian stated, looking over at Randall. \u201cThis time human, there will be no peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo be it,\u201d Randall replied, as the Skartian left the room. Randall knew he\u2019d have to report this back, and wondered how his superiors would react.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Ahmed sat in the captain\u2019s chair, having temporarily taken command of the Moscow due to the captain\u2019s injuries being more serious than previously thought. He would be out of action for at least a month. Vice Admiral Dinen had placed Ahmed in charge and her remaining escort, which had somehow avoided serious damage. The Moscow received more damage, and estimates from repair crews stated it would take at least a couple of weeks to months of repairs before entering service again.<\/p>\n

They were heading back to Independence Station when the news of formal war between Earth and Skartia had come in. Ahmed was not surprised, considering he had been there in the battle. He now had an announcement to make.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll hands, this is Colonel Ahmed speaking,\u201d he said over the ship\u2019s intercom. \u201cAs of this moment, we are formally at war with the Skartian Empire. All ships are to maintain a level one war condition starting now. I don\u2019t have to tell you what happened, you were there. High Command believes that the Skartians used the attack in New York as a distraction for their fleet to enter and attack. Your courageous actions stopped that plan, good work people.\u201d He turned off the intercom wondering if they might find those responsible for the attack, and how they were linked to the Skartians. He might look into it when he returned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe captain\u2019s asking for you sir,\u201d the doctor said on his communicator.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe right there,\u201d Ahmed said, handing over the bridge to the next in command before heading over to sick bay. He arrived a few minutes later finding the captain lying down and looking more relaxed than at any other time. He figured it had to be because of the pain medication.<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad you could make it,\u201d the captain said, his voice sounding a bit slurred.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe doctor said you wanted to see me?\u201d Ahmed said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, how many ships did we lose?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll but the Griffen sir,\u201d Ahmed replied, knowing it was almost all of the patrol squadron.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd our damage?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMain port shield generator, two of the three engines off-line, one will need full replacement, most of our weapons are off line, the long range scanners were damaged, and we lost thirty-one crew members, another forty-eight injured\u201d Ahmed said. \u201cOne the plus side life support is working even better now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe won the battle,\u2019 he asked, smiling slightly at Ahmed\u2019s joke.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe reinforcements arrived and beat their ass. We\u2019re currently being escorted by the Calgary and London.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas there anything else captain?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, the doctor didn\u2019t know that information, but I needed to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThought so,\u201d Ahmed said, staying quiet for a second before speaking up. \u201cIf we had not stayed near the neutral zone, this fighting might have been closer to Earth or Independence Station, hindering our defenses. Your commands probably saved a lot of people\u2019s lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething didn\u2019t feel right about everything, I\u2019ve trusted my instinct, why stop now,\u201d the captain said with a slight laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019re going to be arriving in port soon, and I\u2019m sure things will get busy,\u201d Ahmed said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone will need to bring in the ship.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I\u2019m not trying to take over your command,\u201d Ahmed said quickly, hoping the captain did not think that.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I understand, someone needs to be in command, and I\u2019m not in any shape to do that. You\u2019ll do fine,\u201d he said, making Ahmed felt a bit better.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you sir,\u201d Ahmed said, before leaving the med lab and heading to the cafeteria for a quick bit to eat before heading back to the bridge.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

\u201cVice Admiral Dinen says they arrived in time,\u201d Steve said to Jack, giving him a summary of the battle. \u201cThe Skartian fleet was about to finish off the patrol fleet and continue on when they arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBy the numbers given, the Skartians have been rebuilding their fleet for them to come at us with a hundred warships,\u201d Jack said, thinking about the report. \u201cThat concerns me, that and the terrorist attack back home. Do we have any idea as to who is behind it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReports are saying that a group called Al Qaeda is behind it, led by Osama bin Laden, though I\u2019ve heard reports that they are not smart enough to orchestrate such an attack like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI bet when we look, we find at least one Skartian in the group,\u201d Jack stated. \u201cThis time they\u2019ve gone too far.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReceived a report from the Council, they agree with you there. The Ilderians have already pledged their support along with a dozen other worlds close by.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRandall is doing his job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and I both know he has patience when dealing with other races, besides, you do a better job with the fleet, after all, you sent additional ships at the best time, and didn\u2019t wait to see what might happen,\u201d Steve said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you\u2019re right,\u201d Jack said, agreeing with Steve.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, red beard, what\u2019s out next step?\u201d Steve asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeeping the fleet on alert, patrol the neutral zone, and wait to see until I have talked with President Bush,\u201d Jack said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink that\u2019s wise?\u201d Steve said, referring to the President. \u201cHe is an elected official, remember last time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but I don\u2019t think it can be avoided this time,\u201d Jack said. \u201cI have a feeling we will need major support in this war, but I also have some concerns.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe captain of the Moscow will probably be up for an award, if his patrol hadn\u2019t been there, I hate to think of what might have happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat makes two of us Steve,\u201d Jack said, wishing his actions had been wrong instead of right. He so wished to be chewed out for sending the fleet than having to need it. \u201cI wish we had more intelligence. Damn that Clinton for slashing the budget so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t cry over spilled milk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, just wish we had a heads up of what is going on. I detest playing catch-up,\u201d Jack said, leaning back into his chair. He had a war to fight now, and intelligence to fight it with. That was a major reason for visiting the President of the USA, a war meant things back home might need to be changed. Of course it also meant conspiracy theories, all of which were wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get the latest position of the fleet, see if we want to move any ships,\u201d Steve said, leaving the room.<\/p>\n

Jack watched him go, wondering what he was going to, did he go on the offensive? Play defense? What was the goal of this war? He had a vague impression of something else out there, something more sinister. He only wished he could put his finger on it what it might be.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Ahmed sat down in his quarters, the end of a long day. He never expected to part of some battle, the beginning of a new war, and so much destruction. The patrol group had returned to the station, but missing four ships.<\/p>\n

He had retired after finishing docking the ship, now looking forward to some sleep. His mind continued to go over everything he learned about today. He still could not believe what happened back home, and the considered they might need some help, he was from Afghanistan, perhaps he could help.<\/p>\n

He quickly sent off a note to the commander with his credentials. They might be able to use him in tracking down whoever was behind it. He did not expect to hear back from anyone, but he had done his duty.<\/p>\n

He lay down, wondering what the people of his country might think if they knew the truth. Would they ignore it? He liked to think of his people as fierce fighters, but now he was not sure. Especially if a Skartian could come in and manipulate them so easily.<\/p>\n

Pushing the thoughts from his mind he turned over and tried to go to sleep.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Jack watched Steve walk into his office the next morning. \u201cAnything new I need to know about?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, depending on your view of news, nothing has happened in the past eight hours,\u2019 Steve said. They both had worked late into the night, and now were catching up on all the latest news reports, both from Earth and away.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess that\u2019s good news, we have the patrol fleets rotating in and out along with back up ready to help,\u201d Jack asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, the loss of the second patrol squadron had made things a bit harder, but we\u2019re borrowing some ships from the Second battlecruiser fleet, and stepped up recruitment back home,\u201d Steve said. \u201cOh yeah, got a message saying that the current captain of the Moscow, Ahmed, he\u2019s from Afghanistan and offered his skills if we need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, that could prove useful, did you contact him yet?\u201d Jack asked, his mind already going over ways Ahmed might be useful in their investigations.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet, the bridge officer says they just docked and the captain had gone to get some sleep after a long shift, some thirty-eight hours straight. I left instructions for him to contact us right away after he woke up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea, he\u2019ll need his sleep, and I don\u2019t think this will be resolved quickly anyways. Rather have an alert and awake person than someone who is sleep deprived making such decisions,\u201d Jack said. \u201cAnything else, I didn\u2019t find anything here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust Randall, stating the Skartian ambassador has disappeared and no one can find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe neither,\u201d Steve said, handing Jack the message, which stated the same news Steve said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething\u2019s definitely going on here, and I don\u2019t like what I\u2019m beginning to think.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd do I want to know what you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack looked up at his friend before replying. \u201cThat there might be another player out there, one who is helping the Skartians from the shadows.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother race, you think so?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t surprise me. There are intelligent races who don\u2019t belong to the council. I want anything unusual to be sent to me as well, not the intel reports, the report from the person who saw it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat type of unusual report?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, something that I\u2019ll know when I see it I guess,\u201d Jack said. \u201cIt\u2019s a vague feeling in my gut.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll keep an eye out then,\u201d Steve replied. He then turned to head back to his office to start his day.<\/p>\n

End Part 5<\/p>\n

Continued in Part 6<\/a><\/p>\n

Comment below or send to AJMarks01@aol.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Legacy of the Guardians by AJ Marks Part 5 Randall had made his way back to his office, sitting there wondering what else might happen. The attack on New York had left his questioning what might happen next. He hoped it had nothing to do with the Skartians. The beep from his computer indicated he […]
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