As soon as the North Star came
out of ultra-light in Sector Seven, the distress calls poured in.

“How many so far, Lieutenant?” Captain Janaai Resnick asked, turning to her communications officer.

“Eight cities on three planets, sir,” Lieutenant Akruba responded, after consulting the computer on her console.

“Do we have any information on the pirates?”

“We have reports of Korelean markings, cruiser class ships.  The data is scattered and sketchy, sir.”

The Korelean Empire was in a neighboring galaxy but their relations with the Coalition had always been cordial.  Most of the interactions involved trade, but Coalition transports and freighters had always been allowed to pass through the Korelean’s systems without any hassle.

“What are the coordinates for the most recent report?”

“Two seven six point five one, Captain,” Akruba responded.

Specialist Rigel typed the coordinates into her navigation database.  “Farien City on Eleni, sir.”

Janaai frowned.  “Farien City’s an agricultural colony,” her second in command, Commander Watts, said from his station to her right.

“Pirates need to eat, too,” she said, feeling as puzzled as he looked.

“Of course, Captain, but Farien City has no port,” Watts continued.  “Talisar is the main port on Eleni.”

“Farien City would offer less security and military opposition,” Lieutenant Borges pointed out from the security console.

Janaai turned toward Akruba.  “How many pirate ships did they report?”

“Two, Captain,” Akruba answered.

“Plot a course, Specialist,” Janaai said to Rigel and turned to Ensign Hin at the helm.  “I want us there yesterday, Ensign.”

“Yes, sir,” they answered together as each began typing instructions into their consoles.

“Given the number of attacks, there could be dozens.  Are you sure you want to risk going in alone,” Watts pointed out.

“Get me complete scans on the space around Eleni, Commander, so we can know for sure.”

Watts began typing into his computer.  “We’ve had scattered reports of pirate activity on remote outposts over the past year, but no major offensives.”

“Wonder who it was that ticked them off,” Janaai said, almost to herself.

The Koreleans had a reputation as fierce warriors, a proud people, but not easily provoked.  As fellow Old Earth colonies, it made no sense for them to strike Coalition planets with no cause.

“Course plotted, Captain,” Rigel said.

“Engines to eight, Ensign,” Janaai ordered.

“Engines to eight, sir,” Hin replied as Janaai felt the surge of the engines and heard the familiar hum.

Eight would be pushing the drives, given the length of their journey, but Janaai wanted a look at the pirates, and, if possible, to capture one.  Janaai watched stars streak past the bridge screen.

“Did we intercept any pirate transmissions?”

“We’re receiving them from the planets now, sir,” Akruba said.

“I want them analyzed as soon as possible,” Janaai said.

Watts busily typed commands into his console.  “I’m already on it, Captain.”

“Shuttles and landing parties ready to launch at your command, sir,” Borges reported.

Janaai smiled.  Her crew had executed standard procedures without even being asked.  They continued to impress her.

“Mostly insignificant chatter,” Watts said, turning from his console.  “No mention of ship or officer names.”

“Images?”

“None of the pirates yet,” Watts said.  “It probably took a fleet of ships to do that much damage.”

Is that your opinion, Commander, or based on scans?

“Scanners show two blips headed away from the planet, sir,” Borges said.

She looked at Watts.  He doesn’t trust me yet.  “How long until we arrive, Ensign?”

“Two minutes, sir,” Hin answered.

“Shields on full.  Weapons on red alert.”

“Shields and weapons ready, sir,” Ensign Thom answered from weapons control.

“Can you identify those ships, Commander?”

“They’re using Korelean comm channels.”

“The engine signatures are Korelean, too, sir,” Borges added as the ship slipped out of ultra-light.  Two dark brown cruisers with gray markings filled the bridge screen moving away from them at a rapid pace.

“We have diplomatic relations with the Koreleans,” Watts said.  “Perhaps we should consult with Coalition headquarters.”

Janaai ignored him.  We’ll deal with your doubts later, Commander.  “Lock course to intercept!”

“Adjusting course, sir,” Rigel said.

“Those are definitely Koreleans,” Borges confirmed.

“Lieutenant, open a channel.”

“Channel open,” Akruba responded as Janaai heard the familiar beep.

“Attention Korelean craft, this is Captain Janaai Resnick of the Coalition Destroyer North Star.  Stop your engines and prepare to be boarded.”

A raspy voice came back moments later.  “We are friendly with the Coalition, Captain.”

“Then why are you attacking our planets?”

“We received distress calls and came to assist,” the Korelean said.  A Korelean officer, with the red eyes and thick black beard and hair common to the Koreleans, appeared on the bridge screen.  His uniform was black with shiny greenish buttons.  It looked well worn.  Janaai saw his crew working busily behind him.  “By the time we arrived, it was too late.”

“So you offered no assistance to the wounded?”

“We were notified of your arrival and thought you would prefer to see to that yourself, Captain,” the Korelean responded with a smile.

Janaai had never met a Korelean before, but despite his unfamiliar appearance she could have sworn he was mocking her.  “If you have peaceful intent, perhaps we can work together.”

The Korelean frowned.  “I’m afraid that won’t be possible.   We’ve received an urgent call from our military command ordering our return.”

“I’m afraid we cannot allow you to leave the system, until we are convinced of your innocence,” Janaai responded, her voice cold.

The Korelean officer’s face filled with anger.  “You dare insult us by questioning our intentions?!”

“We have multiple reports of ships with Korelean markings attacking our planets and cities,” Janaai said.  “If you are innocent, as you claim, surely a few more minutes to clear your name is worth your time.”

The combat computer beeped.  “Incoming torpedoes, sir,” Thom reported.

Janaai glanced at her combat radar and realized the second Korelean ship had circled around behind them.  “Your other ship is firing on us!”

“We will not be held prisoner!” The Korelean officer yelled then disappeared from the bridge screen.

“Return fire!”  Janaai ordered as both Korelean cruisers launched torpedoes at them.

“Preparing tractor beam,” Watts said.

On the bridge screen, Janaai saw the Korelean ships starting evasive maneuvers.  “Lock on immediately, Commander.”

“The Koreleans are jamming our transmissions, sir,” Akruba said.

“They’re initiating tractor beams, sir,” Hin reported.

“Evasive maneuvers!”

Hin typed into the computer and the North Star began maneuvering into a dive.

“Our tractor beam is locked on the lead ship, sir,” Watts said.

“Pull them in, Commander!  Perhaps they can shield us from their counterpart.”

The Korelean officer appeared on the screen again.  “This is Commander Kryk of the Korelean Empire.  We demand the release of our ship!”

“You’re firing torpedoes, Commander,” Janaai responded.

“This is an act of war!” he said, shaking his fist.  

Janaai laughed.  The Koreleans had a reputation for being dramatic, but this went beyond what she’d expected.  “Halt your engines and cease firing immediately, and we will honor your request.”  What are you up to, Commander?

The screen went mute as Commander Kryk turned to his crew and mouthed a series of commands.

“Torpedoes launched, sir,” Thom reported.  A puzzled look came across his face.  “They’re aimed at the other Korelean cruiser, sir.”

“What?!  On screen!”    

The bridge screen switched to a view of the Korelean ship caught in their tractor beam.

“They’ve lowered shields, sir,” Thom said.

“What are they doing?” Janaai shot a look at Watts, who appeared as confused as she was.

“The Koreleans are passing transmissions back and forth, sir,” Akruba said.

“On speakers.”

Commander Kryk’s voice filled the speakers again.  “Farewell, honored comrades.”          

The Korelean ship in the tractor beam exploded into a million light particles.

“They destroyed their own ship!” Thom said in amazement.  All around her the crew stared at the screen in disbelief.

Kryk appeared on the screen again.  “You will learn, Captain, Koreleans would rather die than be captured.”  He shouted an order behind him and the screen went blank as stars returned.  The Korelean ship shot away in a burst of engine power.

“Follow them!”

“They’re almost to Korelean space, Captain,” Borges warned.

Watts frowned.  “They’re too fast for us to catch them before we’re well into their systems, Captain.”

Janaai pounded a fist on the arm of her Captain’s chair.  “Reverse course to Farien City, Specialist.”

Rigel made adjustments on her console.   “Yes, sir.  Course adjusting now, sir.”  Hin began swinging the North Star around.

“Why would the Koreleans begin attacking our systems?” Janaai wondered out loud.

Watts shook his head.  “It appears we have a new enemy.”

“Send an alert to all Coalition ships and Coalition Command on emergency channels, Lieutenant.”  Akruba nodded as Janaai turned to Borges.  “Landing parties launch now to Farien City and Talisar.  I want to know what was taken and how much damage was sustained!”

“Of course, sir.”  Borges turned back to his console and began transmitting commands to the launch bay.

“Messages sent on all emergency channels,” Akruba said.

Watts moved down from his station to stand beside her.  “Well done, sir.”  His eyes were filled with admiration.

“See if you can track down information on the attacks against those remote outposts.  This is only the beginning.”

Watts hurried back to his station as Janaai began reviewing the events on her combat recorder.  Even the second time through, she still couldn’t believe it.  She feared they’d just witnessed the start of a war.

      }
~~~~~ <~
      }


Episode 3...



Born and raised in Central Kansas, Bryan spent five years working in the television and film industry.  Bryan currently resides in El Paso, Texas with his wife Bianca and their cat, Doce, and dog, Louie.  He has had many stories and devotionals published in magazines like Digital Dragon Magazine, and more.  He is currently marketing his first science fiction novel, The Worker Prince, to agents and publishers, while working on drafting his fantasy novel, Sandman.