Alien Assassin (31 page)
Specialist Eannwen spoke next. “The message speaks of an impending invasion of Expansion space by these Humans. It goes on to say that the forces must be ready within three standard years if they stand any chance of success. The events of the past month are related in the message, including some information only we, in this room, are privy to. I believe the message, and its contents, to be genuine.”
“Thank you, Specialist.” Yan’wal was silent for a moment as he considered his next move. Then he spoke. “I will contact the Council immediately. We have a narrow window of opportunity to strike the Humans before they are fully prepared. We must take it. And we must make our strike decisive.
“Recently, we have seen what a relatively small number of these Humans have been able to do to our forces. One can only imagine what an entire planet of these beasts could achieve. I will be recommending that the Juirean Authority pool nearly all available military resources on this side of the galaxy to send against the Humans. We do not know how many ships they may have already completed.”
“My Lord,” Commander Siegor said, “Should we leave a reserve force in the Sector as insurance against…?” he hesitated speaking the last of this thought.
“Against a defeat, Commander?” Yan’wal finished the sentence for him. “That would be the prudent course of action. Yet with the enemy located so far away, we must take all the firepower and support ships with us as we can. We will not be in position to call for reinforcements should they be needed. We can always bring up additional forces from other Sectors, during our campaign, to stay in reserve. Will that satisfy you, Commander?”
“Of course, My Lord. It’s just that it has been such a long time since The Authority has fought a major enemy of The Expansion. Our forces have been drawn down to their lowest level in a thousand years.”
“Your concerns are noted, Commander. I will recommend to the Council that a major shipbuilding effort be started. If we cannot defeat the Humans with our initial action, then the ships will be needed. It must be our goal, however, to make sure they are not.”
The Overlord looked over his assembled senior advisors. There was concern on their faces. After a moment he spoke. “I have actively studied our history as have few before me, and I am fully aware of the recent history of conflict within The Expansion. And yes, Commander, we have grown complacent and secure in our position, as you have intimated. But every now and then a challenger arises to our power and position. Unfortunately, our memories
are
short. We can never believe it could happen again.
“It is my belief, after studying the history of our challengers – and seeing the results of these most recent events here in the Sector – that these Humans may be the greatest challenge we have ever faced since the inception of the Mass, and our subsequent Expansion. This threat is grave. We must not fail. The Human race must be eradicated and wiped from existence. I truly believe it is either them…or us.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
After Sherri had stitched up his wound, Adam risked the medical computer analysis of his blood and downed a couple of Juirean pain pills. They actually made him feel better, enough at least so he could get some good sleep.
Fourteen hours later he awoke in the captain’s stateroom of the Juirean battlecruiser to find Sherri and Riyad there with him, asleep on a separate couches in the room.
They woke up as he attempted to climb out of the bed. After the extended period of inactivity, his wound, muscles and bones all screamed with pain and stiffness. He attempted to work out some of the kinks with a few stretches, but thought better of it when his side exploded in burning pain.
“You need to take it easy for awhile,” Sherri said, taking a seat next to him on the bed. She pressed the tender skin around the wound and nodded. “Doesn’t look like any infection. You should be good as new in a couple of weeks.”
“Thanks, Doc,” Adam said. He saw her beam.
She probably would have made a great veterinarian.
“So, what now? Did you learn anything in the computer room?” asked Riyad from the couch.
Adam looked straight into his eyes. He knew what Riyad was really asking. “No, I did
not
find the location to Earth.”
“Then where are we going? Your two alien lackeys won’t say.” Riyad’s tone was sharp and accusatory. Adam could tell Riyad didn’t believe him.
“We’re getting out of The Fringe until we can put together a game plan.”
Riyad stood up. “Bullshit! You know something.”
Sherri turned to look at Adam. “We are going somewhere…and fast.”
He couldn’t hide it any longer. And besides, the other Humans onboard would want answers, too. “I only found a partial,” he said. “It should get us in the vicinity, but it could still be a long time before we find Earth – if ever.”
“What are the coordinates!” Riyad demanded.
Adam looked at him curiously. “What good are a set of partial coordinates going to be to you – unless you already have some yourself!” Adam shot to his feet, ignoring the burning in his side.
Riyad blinked several times. Adam knew. “You motherfucker! You already have them – or part of them. What do
you
know? And when were you going to get around to telling us?”
“I, too, only have a partial.”
“If it’s the right partial, we could have something incredible! What are they?”
“I know the first two coordinates…”
Adam nearly fainted. He sat back on the bed as Sherri moved to put her arm around him. “Are you okay?”
After a moment, Adam had recovered. He nodded, and then said slowly, “I have the
last
two.”
He could see the excitement build on the faces of his two companions. “What are they? Tell me!” Riyad asked enthusiastically.
“You first.”
Riyad recoiled slightly, but Adam noticed the movement. Riyad began to stammer.
Adam pursed his lips. “I knew it,” he said to Riyad. “Why won’t you tell me?”
“Why won’t
you!”
Sherri let out a snort. “What are you two, a couple of children?”
“Oh, you don’t know his ultimate plan, Sherri,” Adam said in his defense. “If he got all the coordinates, then he wouldn’t need
us
anymore.”
Sherri frowned at Riyad. “So what
is
your agenda, Riyad?”
Riyad hesitated. Then he said, “My plan was just a fantasy. It’s not real. I am not a threat to you.”
“Then give me your coordinates. You know I’m not the one out to take over the world and start a galactic war.”
Sherri stared at Riyad with her mouth open. “No fucking way? Is that what you want to do?”
Riyad was embarrassed, not only for the revelation, but also for the childish sound of the plan when spoken aloud. “Like I said, it was just a thought.” Then he took a deep breath. “Ecliptic minus 4, Sector 21.”
Adam’s jaw tightened, and the Navy SEAL tried hard to fight back the tears. Then he turned to Sherri and grabbed her by her shoulders.
“We’re going home!”
The End
of
Alien Assassin
Be looking for the third book in
The Human Chronicles
saga:
The War of Pawns
(working title)
Coming Summer of 2012
Go to:
For more information about the entire Human Chronicles series.
You can reach author
T.R. Harris
by email at:
