Raid: Rise Of Mankind Book 3 Read online

  Raid

  Rise Of Mankind

  Book 3

  John Walker

  Copyright © 2016 John Walker

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  DISCLAIMER

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. This story contains explicit language and violence.

  Blurb

  Earth has nearly completed a second ship, a sister vessel to the Behemoth. This crowning achievement is hampered by a lack of a necessary element called Ulem, mined in deep space in planetoids and asteroids spread throughout Alliance space. The closest such station failed to deliver their goods. A lone security guard managed to deploy a distress call with a simple message: PIRATES HAVE TAKEN THE STATION

  Turning to the Earth military council, the Alliance asks them to send the Behemoth to take back the station. In return, they will provide them with all the Ulem they need for two vessels and stay on to complete the construction of the ships. But the Behemoth has just finished a nasty engagement at a research facility and has not even returned home yet.

  Chances are good that the pirates are merely there to steal an enormous amount of the expensive mineral but you never know…

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Epilogue

  Prologue

  The explosion left him dazed, knocking him to the floor. His body went numb and his limbs ignored every attempt to move. Terror clung to his heart as it suddenly dawned on him that he may’ve been blown to pieces. He thanked the fates when his fingers moved, causing his forearm to ache.

  You have to get up and go!

  Danger remained close. Whoever attacked the station might be close and they didn’t seem like they wanted to take prisoners. If they found him wallowing in misery, he’d be done. If he planned on being of any use to his colleagues and friends, he needed to get somewhere safe. He might well be the only person capable of sending a distress call.

  He just had to think of where to go. What part of the station might be safe enough to take a moment and send for help? His mind wouldn’t work and he couldn’t remember the security stations which had been drilled into his head by his superiors since he joined the station. Of course, he’d been concussed so it made sense that he struggled to remember anything.

  Pain lanced through him and part of him just wanted to give up. It would be so easy. Just close his eyes and wait for whoever attacked to find him, possibly ending his life. But he refused to give up. Some defiant aspect of his being demanded he stand, that he pull himself together but his limbs weren’t quite ready for the exuberance yet.

  As a result, he wondered about the situation and how it all came to pass. What had he been doing in the first place? How had he arrived at this situation? When he thought about the world around him and the explosion, he felt a moment of fear but there was more to it than mindless terror. Someone did this deliberately but who? And why?

  Thirty minutes earlier, at the start of his shift, it was just another day. His mind wandered…

  ***

  Ander left his quarters at the start of first shift, locked up and headed toward the security offices to check in. His weapon weighed heavily on his right side and he had to tighten his belt to keep it from slipping down. He wore his newest uniform and it felt stiff. The cleaner really did a number on it.

  The promenade already bustled with activity as miners and their families went about their morning business. Operations tended to go around the clock but the Chief Operator called off all activity for two full shifts, roughly twelve hours. Ander figured he’d hear about it eventually, whether from his boss or through a public announcement.

  A line at his favorite cafe made him groan. Under normal circumstances, he just walked up and picked up an order but with all the extra people there, every business was packed to the gills. He checked the time and figured he could afford to wait for a few minutes. The waitstaff hurried as much as they could.

  When he finally got his turn, Tierna smiled as he approached. “Hello, Ander! How’re you today?”

  Tierna had been someone Ander wanted to ask out on a romantic date for a long time but never got up the nerve to do so. She was a pretty lady, someone he looked forward to seeing every morning when he got his drink. He’d come close to talking to her about getting together plenty of times but always backed out at the last moment.

  That morning was no different. He tried to work up the courage and failed, instead opting to keep to his normal routine. He shrugged and finally replied. “A little tired. A little bored. You?”

  “Busy! We don’t normally get such a rush on first shift.”

  “I know what you mean,” Ander replied, glancing over his shoulder. People began to cue up behind him. “Can I get a paragir smoothie?”

  Tierna sucked air through her teeth, looking apologetic. “I’m afraid not. The last shipment of supplies only contained a half order. We ran out.”

  “Damn…” Ander hummed. “How about a torin blend?”

  “That I’ve got. Just scan your card, please.”

  Ander complied and stepped aside for his drink, staring off into space. Others exhibited far less patience than he had, going so far as to rush the staff while bouncing on the balls of their feet. Many of them needed to get business done while they had the chance. Mining work tended to be hard, even with modern equipment. Those who did it took advantage of whatever time off they were afforded.

  News played on a nearby monitor, a piece about the war effort. Ander ignored it until he heard about a potential new addition to the alliance. The Earth people finally were about to be admitted. It’s about time, he thought. Anyone who gets attacked by those fiends should be admitted immediately. They shouldn’t have to prove themselves worthy of survival.

  Ander didn’t always have the most liberal views but when it came to people’s lives, he didn’t like to compromise. It was one of the reasons he left the military and took up security work. While he served, he killed many of the enemies and it helped to ease his conscience some about giving back to his country. After seven years though, he needed a change of pace.

  Yes, the mining facility could be boring but it held its own rewards. Whenever he broke up a disagreement or helped emergency response units save a life, he felt pride in his work. Few times in the military made him proud. Their operations tended to be harsh and final, rarely resulting in anyone being saved but themselves.

  Fighting for one’s life, even if it ultimately meant holding back a tide of invaders, didn’t amount to the direct interactions he had on the mining station.

  Ander grabbed his drink from the bar and waved to Tierna as he left. She smiled at him and returned to her job, looking a bit more harried than when he arrived. Depending on when the mines re-opened, every business on the promenade would have a busy day and the poor bastards who had to patrol it would have their work cut out for them.


  The security offices were mostly empty. Everyone had to hit their beat fast to account for all the people milling about. Ander checked in at the computer console and looked over the duty roster. He’d been assigned to subsection six, a part of the station where few people ever went. It was a maintenance area but they’d received reports of suspicious activity.

  Three days of patrolling hadn’t turned up a thing. Ander would’ve thought it especially boring but for the fact it tended to be creepy. The noises down there of creaking metal chilled his blood, even though he’d spent a lot of time down there. His imagination made it scarier. In his mind’s eye, the wall came free and he was casually sucked into space.

  Whoever’s been going down there for illegal activity has nerves of steel.

  Ander never liked space travel all that much. He operated as a ground soldier, one who tended to put his boots on dirt. Boarding actions horrified him and travel between battle zones unnerved him. He’d mostly gotten over his phobia by the time he boarded the mining station but when he heard noises, the fear came back full force.

  Oh well. There’re survival suits down there. I’ll be fine. I just have to believe that. I’ll be fine.

  Parin, his boss, waved to Ander as he prepared to go. “How’s it going today?”

  “Okay, I guess. When do I get out of this patrol duty? Did I make you angry or something?”

  “What? Not at all!” Parin shook his head emphatically. “I trust your judgement down there. Some of the guys are a little young. We need a veteran down there if we catch anyone doing anything. Besides, I thought you’d like the peace and quiet.”

  Ander chuckled. “It’s not quiet down there, sir. Believe me. But I get it. Can I…well…make a request?”

  “Sure, what’s up?”

  “Will you put me on something else tomorrow? I don’t want five days of that place in a row.”

  Parin nodded. “Done. Thanks for being flexible.”

  Ander left, trying to feel as cheery as Parin seemed to think he was. He had to take an elevator down to Subsection four then descend a ladder to get to his destination. That area tended to be a little on the cool side, which was about the only thing that suited Ander. The rest of the station tended to run hot and he rarely felt comfortable with his uniform jacket on.

  On the second ladder down, the explosion tossed him the rest of the way down and he landed on his stomach. As his mind caught up to the present, he found the strength to stand and stumbled to the wall. He leaned against it and scanned the area, drawing his weapon. No one was around.

  The station was attacked but that was probably a warning shot. The only reason I took so much punishment was because the shields are weaker down here. It made the whole place shake. What luck…I guess.

  Shouts from above drew his attention but he knew they were mere echoes. The actual people speaking had to be nearer to the promenade. Did the station get boarded by hostiles or was Ander hearing the inhabitants freak out about the attack? The answer to the question would indicate whether Ander should join the people or stay out of sight long enough to help.

  I think I’ll err on the side of caution.

  Ander plunged deeper into Subsection Six and entered the tiny security station. No one had used it in a long time. His own communicator worked just fine but now, he needed information he would only get from the computer system. He logged in and tapped his foot, waiting for the exterior camera to light up.

  His eyes widened when an Alliance cruiser flickered on the screen. What the… A freighter moved in to dock, one Ander felt certain must be a pirate. They have a battleship!? How! A station wide message broadcast from central security telling the people to retreat to their homes while they attempted to repel boarders.

  I’m not sure we have the muscle for repelling that much firepower, Ander thought. Especially if they decide to start blasting away.

  A moment later, a message came through from the attackers. Ander clicked it on to listen.

  “Citizens of Mining Station Sys Alpha,” the man’s voice sounded dispassionate but serious. “Your facility now belongs to us. Offer resistance and you’ll all die. We can spend the next few days scraping up the goods through space. We know the codes to your computer systems and can lower your shields. Think about what that means for a minute.”

  Ander looked around frantically for inspiration on what he should do but nothing came to him. His own boss, Parin replied to them.

  “We will not offer resistance if you assure us no one will be harmed.”

  “You’re not in the position to demand anything,” the pirate replied. “Surrender or die. Those are your choices. You have five seconds to decide.”

  “We surrender!” Parin shouted.

  No! They’re bluffing! They must be. These bastards don’t want to scavenge up the goods, they want to load it up like they’re a legal entity! Ander slapped the console and considered his options. His people rolled over immediately but it would take the pirates a while to get what they wanted. They might kill everyone at that point as they escaped…

  If I can get a message to Alliance high command, I can get us some help. Ander tapped away at the console, bringing up the distress call. He needed to tight beam it or the pirates might pick up the signal. Filling the message with what he’d seen so far, he sent it out in three directions. It would have to reach someone…hopefully soon.

  Now…to get to a safe place and gather some intel. Whoever gets here is going to need it. Ander didn’t want his boredom to be cured by such a dramatic event but he had to admit, his adrenaline certainly was pumping. Had he not been in Subsection Six, he might not have been able to help.

  Let’s make this opportunity count, Ander…one way or another.

  Chapter 1

  “Anthar Mei’Gora!” His aide, Navan, called his name as he saluted and bowed his head. The old custom didn’t set well with Mei’Gora but some of the more traditional families insisted on it. He returned the salute and waited for the young man’s report. “I bring news from the new Earth ship. We have all but completed construction.”

  “Excellent news,” Mei’Gora replied. “How much time before the ship is fully finished?”

  “I’m afraid we’ve run into something of a problem, sir.” Navan shifted on his feet. “We’re out of Ulem, sir…the mineral to fire up the pulse engines. Our supply is totally exhausted.”

  “I seem to recall putting in a request for more recently.” Mei’Gora checked his tablet. “Yes, I signed off on a consignment. Plenty to get the Earth what they needed for two more ships. What happened?”

  “Um…well…that’s part of the problem. Our primary mining facility, the one closest to Sol has come under attack.”

  Mei’Gora’s eyes widened. “Not the enemy…”

  “No. Pirates. Human and alliance from what our insider states.”

  “Insider?”

  Navan nodded. “Yes, it seems a security guard was in a position to send us a distress call. He promises additional intel as he gathers it. For now, he stated the station was attacked and forced to surrender. Unfortunately, the news get worse.”

  Mei’Gora rubbed his temples, eyes closed. “Do tell. How can it possibly get worse?”

  “Somehow, these criminal scum have commandeered one of our own battle cruisers. Possibly the Aguna Spear which went missing in action last month.”

  “You’re telling me these pirates have not only taken our mining facility but they also possess one of our combat vessels?”

  “Yes, sir…” Navan looked nervous. “They seem to be interested in stealing our ore which will in turn elevate the current trade prices.”

  “I’m aware of the repercussions.” Mei’Gora paced. “I’ll report this to the humans. They’ll be…unhappy I’m sure but perhaps we can turn this to our advantage.”

  “How?”

  “Don’t worry about it.” Mei’Gora saluted the man. “Go about your business but keep this report between us. I’ll disseminate the information to
anyone who needs it.”

  “Yes, sir!” Navan offered a crisp salute and left the room.

  How do we have such terrible luck lately? Mei’Gora received a communication from Clea about the ships they lost at the research facility. He looked forward to interrogating the prisoner personally. However, despite the fact that the team saved most of the research data, they lost an incredible amount in the exchange. So many ships…so many lives…

  Pirates raiding their mining facilities felt like just one more stab from the fates, as if they didn’t face enough challenges without the little extra. The human military council would not be pleased however, they may well be interested in a deal. Mei’Gora might have to bargain away a great deal for what he wanted but in the end, it would be worth it.

  He sent a request for an emergency meeting and leaned back in his chair. At least they finished the structure of the new ship and began work on another. This potential fleet might end up turning the tide of the war but it would be useless without the final pieces to give them their high tech edge. Ulem provided a renewable energy unlike any other in the galaxy.

  Pirates always tried to seize it. They never went for the source but with a cruiser under their command, such a bold move became possible…and successful. No station defense could withstand a battleship but then again, they’d gain nothing by destroying it. The station commander must’ve not be willing to call their bluff.

  I wasn’t there. The threat may have seemed credible.

  Mei’Gora’s request for a meeting with the human military council came back approved. They expected him in just over an hour so he changed into a dress uniform and had Navan arrange a shuttle. By the time he reached the hangar, launch preparations were complete so he boarded, taking a seat by the window near the front.

  As the small ship departed his vessel, he peered out through the vastness of space at the large and now complete craft the humans built. With a little help from his own people and quite a few resources, they managed to get the thing to the very end of the development cycle. Just one more element was necessary to complete the project.