Chapter 16
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
R ebel Moon Base – Command Center
Josh Manson stood at the central console, his eyes locked on the holographic display projecting the vast expanse of space around Tesla Terra. The red markers on the outer rim of the long-range sensors—Legion ships—were moving fast, too fast. They needed more time—and a plan. His jaw tightened as the reality of the situation settled like a cold weight in his chest.
He exhaled sharply, his hands gripping the edge of the console. Tesla Terra was more than just a base. It was the heart of the rebellion. It was a major stronghold against the Legion’s grip. A beacon of hope for those who still believed in freedom.
If they lost it…
Would there even be anything left to fight for?
His fingers tightened around the console, his jaw clenching. His people, his fighters—they were counting on him. And Josh wasn’t about to let them down.
Not now. Not ever.
A soft chime signaled an incoming message. Hutu’s weathered face reappeared on the screen, his expression grim.
“They’re coming,” Hutu said without preamble. “Battle Cruisers and the space lab will reach Tesla Terra planetary space within a few hours. Roan has identified the incoming vessel as the space lab—the one carrying a weapon capable of destroying an entire planet.”
Josh cursed under his breath. The situation was worse than he thought. His throat tightened and his mind raced, trying to comprehend a weapon powerful enough to destroy a planet.
“Did he give you any idea on how we can destroy it?”
Hutu leaned closer, his voice dropping to a quiet warning. “No. If the weapon can’t be destroyed in time, there won’t be much left to save.”
“I refuse to give up,” Josh said, his voice hardening. “We’ll fight. We’ll begin evacuating who we can, and we’ll find a way to stop that weapon.”
Hutu studied him for a moment before giving a slow nod. “Do what you can. I’ll do my best to buy you time.”
The screen went dark.
Josh straightened, rolling his shoulders as he turned to face the room. Cassa stood near the window, her arms folded tightly around her waist. The glow from the tactical display illuminated the dark shadows beneath her eyes, making her appear both fierce and fragile.
“We need to evacuate the moon base,” Josh said, his voice steady but tense. “Preserve as many lives and as much equipment as possible. We can’t afford to lose everything.”
Cassa turned, her expression calm despite the worry flickering in her eyes. “We’ll do what we can, but…” She hesitated, her eyes dropping for a moment before meeting his again. “There’s no way we can evacuate the people on Tesla Terra.”
Josh’s chest tightened. The helplessness in her eyes was like a knife twisting deep inside him. He had seen that pain in her eyes before—the day the Legion killed her father and brother. He had promised himself he wouldn’t bring that kind of heartache to her again. Yet here they were.
He reached out, running his hands gently along her arms. “We’ll figure it out. I’ve been in worse situations.”
Cassa nodded, lips twitching into a reluctant smile and her hand briefly covering his before she stepped back. “The other generals are waiting for a debriefing.”
Josh nodded. Minutes later, he and Cassa entered the command room. In the center was a large holographic map of the star system showing the advancing Legion fleet. The room, filled with seasoned leaders, quieted when they entered and approached the map. Josh stood silent for a minute, his gaze sweeping the room—accessing the vibes. They were grim but determined. He began cautiously, knowing that not everyone was going to be happy with his plan.
“We have to prepare for the worst,” he said, his voice clear and unwavering as he explained what they were facing. “All personnel must be evacuated from the moon base. Get as much equipment and personnel off-world and scatter them to nearby systems. We need to preserve what we can.”
There was a moment of heavy silence before the generals began protesting. Josh gave them one minute to express their disapproval before he raised his hand. He knew they needed to release their anger and disappointment.
“We should fight,” General Har protested.
“We can’t lose Tesla Terra. It would be devastating. The rebellion will be over if the Legion destroys the planet,” General Ba’tar exclaimed, his deep voice raising.
“Never! The Torrians will stand and fight,” General Natta Gomerant stated.
Josh glanced around the room again. His eyes were hard, sharp, and focused. This was not the time for democracy. He needed to make a command decision.
“And you would all die, along with billions of people on the planet,” he said in a quiet voice that spoke volumes.
That realization was enough to silence the dissent. He knew he had their attention. When he spoke, he let the weight of what they were facing sink in.
“The Legion’s new weapon is our target. We destroy it, we set them back. A full, frontal attack would be suicide and accomplish nothing but hand the Legion certain victory,” he stated.
“What do you suggest? That we let the Legion destroy this base and sacrifice all the people—many of whom are our family—to run and hide?” General Har asked, his voice low.
Josh shook his head. “No. To slay a giant, sometimes it takes a small, strategic strike. The Legion will be anticipating a large-scale attack. What we need is a distraction. While they are looking the other way, I suggest a small team goes in, boards the space lab, and blows the shit out of it.”
“How? You would need someone who knows the layout of this space lab, how to get on a Legion vessel, and bypass the surrounding ships,” General Natta Gomerant said.
Josh looked up when the door silently slid open. His expression softened and a small smile pulled at the corner of his mouth when he saw who had entered. He bowed his head in greeting.
“You have someone with an intimate knowledge of not only the space lab, but the Legion,” a deep voice said.
The room stilled.
Two figures stepped into the command center—Roan Landais, the legendary Legion general-turned-rebel, and Julia Marksdale, the woman who had defied the Legion and lived to tell the tale.
Roan’s presence was a commanding force of its own, his tall frame cutting through the tension like a blade. Julia stood beside him, unwavering, her eyes determined with quiet resolve.
A murmur swept through the room—recognition, distrust, awe.
Josh lifted his chin, his voice carrying through the stunned silence. “May I present General Roan Landais, former Legion officer… and Dr. Julia Marksdale, an Ancient of the Gallant.”
Julia arched an eyebrow at him but said nothing.
Roan’s eyes swept the room, cool and assessing. “You want to stop the Legion’s weapon?” he questioned, his voice calm but commanding.
He let the words hang before adding, “Then you’re going to need me.”
Together, Roan and Julia walked to the front of the room to stand next to Josh and Cassa. The room parted as members of the Gallant rebellion warily followed Roan’s approach. Josh kept his expression neutral when Julia raised her eyebrow at him and mouthed ‘Ancient Knight of the Gallant?’
Roan turned and studied the room. “The space lab contains a weapon capable of killing everyone and everything on the planet. There are two components to it. One is the sonic cannon that will blast a hole through the atmosphere. The second is the system controlling the cylinders containing the parasites that will strip the oxygen. Both must be destroyed. One will not work without the other, but they can individually have a devastating effect on the planet. It won’t be easy, but—” He paused and glanced at Josh before continuing, “…but I believe if a small team can gain access to the ship, it can be done. The destruction would be devastating to the Legion.”
“And you believe you are capable of doing this?” General Ba’tar asked.
“Yes.”
“How can we trust you? You-your father—” General Natta Gomerant started to say before she shook her head.
“I trust him… and I will be with him as part of his team,” Julia stated, sliding her hand into Roan’s.
Josh couldn’t hide his grin at Julia’s cool, commanding glare. He had been on the receiving end of it and knew how powerful it was. He stepped forward with Cassa by his side.
“Cassa and I will be part of his team as well,” he said. “We will need volunteers for the second team with the ability to take down the cannon system they will use to punch a hole into the atmosphere.”
“We volunteer. There is no way we would let you have all the fun, isn’t that right, dusha moya? ”
Josh’s eyes widened when two figures who had been standing in the shadows of the room stepped forward. He shook his head when he saw Sergi’s mischievous grin. Now all they needed was Ash and Mei to join in the fun.
La’Rue elbowed Sergi who winced and grinned. “She is blood thirsty and is amazing with a wrench.”
“Remind me to tape your mouth shut before you volunteer us into another suicide mission next time,” La’Rue retorted, her lips quirking at the corners.
The group, awed by having three of the Ancient Knights standing before them, released low murmurs of growing inspiration and support. Josh knew it was important that they have this support if they were going to have a chance in hell of surviving.
“We volunteer as well.”
The quiet voice from the left pulled Josh’s attention. Cassa’s smothered protest and tightening hand told him that Packu was among those who had slipped into the room.
“You’re going to need someone who knows the programming for the Legion ships to have even a hope of getting past them,” Bantu said, grimacing when he looked at Roan.
“Then, it’s settled. General Ba’tar, I would like you and General Har to see to the evacuation of the base. Fall back to the new one being constructed. General Gomerant, you and your fighters are some of the best pilots I’ve seen. I am asking you to create a distraction to give us a chance to slip under the Legion’s defenses,” Josh requested.
“We will give you the opening you need,” General Gomerant said.
“Thank you. Remember, we can do this if we all work together. Dismissed,” Josh added.
Josh waited until everyone left but the small group of volunteers. He released Cassa’s hand and stepped up to Julia. She flowed into his arms the moment he opened them. Closing his eyes, he hugged Julia as tightly as she was holding him.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
He opened his eyes and looked down at her with a questioning expression. “For what?”
“Saving our lives,” she said.
His lips quirked and he looked over her shoulder at Sergi who was watching them with an intense, knowing expression in his eyes. One more. They needed to find Mei.
“You may not be too pleased once you realize the mess we’re in,” he teased.
Julia looked at Roan who was watching them with a penetrating, interested look.
“Oh, I think I know.” She looked up at Josh and smiled. “I don’t think the Legion knows who they are dealing with. As Mei would say, that is our superpower.”
“She really is a badass,” La’Rue muttered, drawing laughter from the group.
“So… You have a plan, yes? Or are we doing this the way Ash would? On a wing and a prayer?” Sergi asked, rubbing his hands together.
* * *
The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with concentration as the team poured over the holographic map of the space lab. The intricate web of conduits and ventilation systems was enough to give even the most seasoned tactician pause.
Josh leaned forward, his eyes scanning the detailed layout. The three-dimensional lines and multi-level pathways made the space lab resemble a small city rather than a research vessel.
“We can approach from underneath,” Packu suggested, tracing a route along the base of the structure. “It’s less visible, and with all the noise from the battle cruisers, they won’t notice a small heat signature.”
Roan shook his head. “The bottom will be too heavily guarded. That’s where their main security is concentrated due to the lab and weapons. However, there’s another way.”
He tapped the holographic display, highlighting a sealed hatch near the top of the lab’s superstructure. “This hatch was used during the lab’s construction. It was sealed upon completion and never accessed again. So, if we break through it, we’ll enter the conduit system that runs throughout the ship. It was designed as a containment vent in case of a chemical leak. The airflow pushes everything down through a series of tubes and venting hatches into space.”
“The perfect way to move undetected,” Bantu said, nodding. Then he frowned. “The problem will be the sensors. They’re programmed to detect any anomaly in the system—our body heat, carbon dioxide levels—they’ll pick us up instantly.”
Josh crossed his arms, his brow furrowing. “Can you disable them?”
Bantu rubbed his chin thoughtfully, a deep frown furrowing his brow as he considered his options. “A simple reconfiguration of the sensors will allow us to move about undetected; they will see us as normal. But, it could take a while as I need to figure out the password to access the mainframe first.”
A faint smile tugged at Roan’s lips. “I think I can help with that.” He glanced at Julia. “Remember the disk Roanna gave you?”
Julia nodded, reaching into her pocket and handing it to him. Roan slid the disk into the console, and the holographic map expanded, revealing a detailed blueprint of the space lab.
The room fell into stunned silence.
Packu released a low whistle. “Damn, Roan. You’ve been holding out on us. This place is a maze.”
“When I realized what my father and uncle were doing with the space lab, I added a backdoor code into the mainframe,” Roan explained. “If they haven’t found it, Bantu can use it to access the system and reconfigure the sensors.”
Josh’s eyes narrowed in thought. “Once Bantu does that, Packu, can you set charges along the ventilation system so we can take the lab out?”
Packu grinned. “ Oh, absolutely. We can make this place go boom in all the right places.”
Josh assessed those assembled in the room. “Here’s the plan. Once Bantu reconfigures the sensors, he can access the security system and keep us moving through the ship. Packu will plant charges throughout the ventilation system. Worst-case scenario, we can blow it—hopefully after we get out. Roan and Julia will neutralize the containment units. Sergi and I will take out the sonic cannons to prevent them from firing on Tesla Terra.”
“Cassa can provide security for the shuttle,” Josh continued, “while La’Rue waits inside the shuttle, ready for a fast extraction. Natta’s fighters will create a distraction and draw the Legion’s battle cruisers away from the planet once we’re ready to leave.”
The room buzzed with renewed energy as the team absorbed the plan. It was audacious, dangerous—but it just might work.
“It’ll be tight,” Bantu said, his fingers drumming on the table. “We’ll need precise timing to pull this off.”
“We’ll make it work,” Roan said, his voice calm and steady. He glanced at Julia. “We don’t have a choice.”
“But… won’t they know what is going on? It isn’t like we can just fly up to the space lab. The Legion will destroy any vessel that comes near it,” Sergi mused, rubbing his chin.
“What about if we painted it with the reflective paint I used on the Star Runner? Would that work?” La’Rue crossed her arms, her eyes sharp and calculating.
“Sensors would pick up the heat signature and ion trails from the shuttle,” Roan said.
Julia frowned. “What if we were already there—hidden in plain sight when the Legion passes by? Would the heat signature be camouflaged by all the other vessels?”
“That would work,” Cassa stated, nodding and smiling at Julia. “We don’t go to them, but let them come to us.”
Sergi laughed, his eyes gleaming with delight. “Yes. I love it. They will not know what hit them.”
La’Rue grinned. “I’ll get the shuttle painted and prepped. Packu and Bantu can help. It’s going to be close, but we’ll be ready, come hell or highwater.”
Josh nodded, a sense of calm sweeping through him as he replayed their plans. This was their shot. A chance to destroy the space lab, save Tesla Terra, and strike a devastating blow to the Legion.
“Let’s move,” he said, his voice cutting through the tension. “We’ve got a galaxy to save.”