Space Brigade

Tanteee, identifiable by the strange orange mist that surrounds the planet; this mist is their planetary defence shield, charged with energized particles that stop any unauthorized craft from entering their atmosphere.

This shield has kept them safe from unwanted intervention for generations. The Tanteee are very protective of their planets abundance of mineral wealth and other resources, for this reason they have shunned visits from off-worlders until now.

The disastrous news of Morka’ capture had been broken to the Emperor as gently as possible. The Imperial Palace was blustering with military and imperial officials; Emperor Zix had summoned his high command.

Zix shuffled on his uncomfortable throne in the state throne room. He awaited the arrival of his commanders in chiefs, the lesser officials huddled together chatting amongst themselves, hoping not to draw the Emperor’ attention.

Zix however was too engrossed in his own thoughts to worry about what they were discussing. The thought of Morka in the hands of the Quat-tar sent a shudder down his spine. If Morka revealed the defence shield codes under torture, then Tanteee would almost certainly fall.

Vivid pictures flashed into Zix’ mind. Pictures of the lush fertile lilac valleys of the Northern province became a smouldering wasteland, the yellow ocean in the South bubbled under the intense bombardment of the Quat-tar desolator bombs. Tanteee’ stunning cities, crumbled into ruin, their ancient architecture lost forever. Millions of lost lives, blood and death would be found in abundance.

These thoughts horrified Zix. He glanced round the chamber; more pictures entered his mind; pictures of this great palace in disarray. Its walls breached, the blood soaked bodies of the Imperial Guard butchered and hanging from the crumbling battlements. A large heap of corpses, men, women, and children, all thrown onto a rotting pile in the middle of the courtyard, left to decay while the slaughter continued. Horror and carnage were everywhere. The picture turned to the throne room. On the throne sat the Quat-tar commander, at his side his men were cutting up the royal servants while the pompous victor laughed aloud.

This laughing Quat-tar looked straight at Zix, he laughed louder as he tugged on a chain. As he pulled/ the ravished and bloodied form of Empress Clin tumbled into view. Zix almost screamed out.

“ My Lord, my Lord?” a voice called from a distance.

Zix, hearing the feint voice and snapped from his nightmarish visions.

“ My Lord, are you all right?” the voice asked sincerely.

Zix recognized the voice, as the horrific visions subsided into his unconscious.

“ Goor, yes I’m fine.”

The older man stood before Zix is Grand Martial Goor, chief of all Tanteee military. His mane of silver white hair is braided round his left shoulder as custom and rank required. He wore his official state uniform of grey with gold and silver breast armour, which reflected the chambers lights. Round his neck hung the insignia of the Imperial Guard, an honour bestowed on him by Zix’ late father. After his death, Goor had pledged his obedience and life to protecting the young emperor.

“ I welcome you my friend.” Zix said.

Goor had seen better days and was ever becoming forgetful. Time had not worn well on him. Long ago, it was he, who first constructed the planetary defence shield,

since that time Tanteee had become a placid people, maintaining only a small but effective space fleet, and minimal ground forces. The Imperial Guard was only used for ceremonial purposes. Now the threat of invasion loomed, Goor wished he’d given more attention to building a stronger military.

Long past were the days when Tanteee was a warring race, back when the first emperor used vast amounts of the planets riches to maintain a mighty armada, which hunted the universe for battle. When Tanteee was known by another name, a name feared throughout the universe.

“ I feel I am past my usefulness, perhaps you should appoint one of the younger admirals to the position of Grand Martial!” Goor said softly as he rubbed his aching back.

Zix smiled at Goor’ request as he brushed back his long shiny black hair, doing so, the precious gems in his crimson robes twinkled.

“ You will not desert me now Goor, not when I need you most! Only your wisdom old friend, your wisdom and courage will see us through. Only Grand Martial Goor can control the younger, more vibrant commanders of the Tanteee elite.”

Goor bowed low at his emperor’s compliments, and then gestured to one of his waiting officers.

A middle aged man stepped forward. He was dressed in a silver uniform, and had blazoned red hair braided round his right shoulder. This was General Lecc, commander of Tanteee intelligence, a proud man, proud of his achievements, and of his high office.

“Have intelligence ascertained whether Lord Morka has yet revealed our shield codes?” Goor inquired of Lecc in a gentle but authoritative tone.

Lecc dropped his head slightly and voiced his report.

“ No sir, as yet we have no knowledge as to the location of Lord Morka, or if he has revealed the defence shield codes.”

Zix, obviously disappointed with Lecc’ failure waved him away and continued talking to Goor.

“ Can we not attempt to change the codes?” He asked quietly.

Goor slowly shook his head in response, and said.

“ That is not impossible, but would take far too long. As you are aware, there are four shield generators, each one buried deep below the surface. To reconfigure the modular coding, we would have to excavate access shafts and attempt the alterations on all four generators simultaneously. Such a feat would take months of planning; any miss timing could seriously damage the shield. Your father, in his wisdom, decided there would never be a reason to change the codes. With the exception of the Imperial family very few are privy to shield code access.”

Zix leant forward.

“I am well aware of my fathers decision, unfortunately he did not foresee our entrance into the Coalition, or that one of the high lords would fall into the Quat-tar grip. What I need to know is what are we capable of doing to turn this situation around?”

Goor nodded, pursed his lips in deep thought, then after a few moments silence answered.

“ As far as I can see, we have no choice but to prepare for a sustained conflict with the Quat-tar. Given what little time we have, I am confident we can formulate some kind of defence that will cost the Quat-tar dearly for every inch of Tanteee soil!”

Zix’ face turned sour at Goor’ suggestion, for more than a millennia Tanteee had managed to avoid conflict and live in peace. The thought of war abhorred him, but it appeared it was inevitable. He must steel himself and take command of his meagre forces. There was no longer time for discussing options, no time to negotiate a peaceful settlement. The Quat-tar would soon be treading foot on his precious world, a move that would cost the Quat-tar at every turn.

“ Gather your commanders Goor. The time for talking is over. Prepare your forces as best you can. If Tanteee is to fall, then it will fall fighting!”

Goor bowed low as Zix stood and moved to another room. Once the emperor had gone, Goor seemed to gain new strength, he turned neatly on his heals and commanded.

“ Lecc, Axxa, Fogeek with me!”

The four chiefs of Tanteee’ forces had spent the last few hours trying to formulate the defence of their planet. Goor was slumped in his chair and becoming tired of the bickering between General Axxa, chief of Tanteee’ ground forces, and the younger, more energetic Admiral Fogeek, commander of the fleet.

Periodically though out the discussion they had broken into raised voices, shouting down each other. Fogeek maintained he should stem any attack out in space. Axxa was of the opinion Fogeek’ fleet would not withstand the power of the Quat-tar star-fleet, and eventually it would fall to his under-resourced ground troops. Fogeek would then reiterate his confidence in the fleet, and all priority should go to meeting the Quat-tar fleet face on. Axxa kept demanding several ships should be kept in reserve to act as air support for his ground troops.

While these constant disagreements were taking place, General Lecc kept in contact with his headquarters, waiting for any confirmation as to the whereabouts of Morka. He’d all ready put his outposts on long range scan, searching space for any sign of the Quat-tar invasion fleet.

Once again, Fogeek and Axxa were at loggerheads, this time Goor had had enough and intervened.

“ I suggest you both stop this petty arguing and put your talents to better use. We do not know how long we have before the Quat-tar come, so I have come to a decision!”

Goor’ voice was unusually raised; he’d become angry.

“ Our fleet, although small, can be used to its best advantage in a defensive role. To have them meet the Quat-tar star-fleet face on would only delay the inevitable. Once they have the codes, they can easily tie up the fleet in space, and still have enough ships to land their invasion force.”

At this point, Lecc jumped from his seat and interrupted.

“ Lord Morka is on Quat-tar Secunda!”

The others stopped talking and starred at him as if waiting for confirmation.

“ I have just received a communication from the Coalition. Their Directorate of Covert Operations have located Lord Morka on Secunda, and the Emperor has been informed.” Fogeek stated.

“ Do they have confirmation?” Goor inquired.

“ Yes, one of their agents has seen him, and he is still alive.”

On receiving the news of Morka’ whereabouts, Zix immediately contacted the Coalition. For hours he spoke with First Admiral Spate, then finally contacted Goor.

“ I have received a promise from the Coalition Networks First Admiral, they will attempt a extraction of Lord Morka and has agreed to send a task force to help in our defence. In return, I have offered the use of our stealth ship Firebird. I will also require one of our siege-stations to monitor their attempt. If they fail, we will need to know immediately.”

Admiral Fogeek was shocked at Zix’ last suggestion, and protested loudly.

“ I must protest. All siege-stations will be needed in the defence of this planet. It is preposterous to cut our siege-station force by one third at a time like this. And the Firebird, it is our fastest, and most advanced craft. If we need to evacuate yourself and the Imperial family, we will have great need of her. It is your duty to Tanteee to reconsider that rash action!”

“ Fogeek watch your tongue!” Goor spat venomously, greatly annoyed at Fogeek’ outrageous and defiant manner.

“ It is all right Goor.” Zix stated then continued, his voice calm.

“ I understand your concerns, and thank you for your thoughts on the safety of my family. However, I will not run from the enemy in our planets desperate hours. The Empress and I will remain here at the palace. The Firebird, and siege-station Tykan will make immediate headway. The Tykan to Secunda, and the Firebird to rendezvous with the Network task force at Torok. This is my command!”

“ The Emperor has spoken. His commands will be obeyed.” Goor announced proudly. Then motioned the others to leave.

Once Goor was alone in front of the view-screen, he spoke more at ease with Zix.

“ I fully understand your feelings about leaving Tanteee, but it would be far better if you and Empress Clin moved off-world; perhaps a visit to the Empress’ father on Theeka. There is no need for the imperial line to be endangered. Once we have dealt with the Quat-tar threat, you could return unscathed and safe.”

Zix smiled gently at his friend’s worried look and replied, keeping his voice friendly but authoritative.

“ I cannot leave my friend. But considering the Empress and the bloodline, I will transfer to the subterranean fortress of Ullann.”

“ As you command my Lord. But I would feel better personally if you would reconsider and leave Tanteee. Although Ullann is undetectable from space, it would not take the Quat-tar long to find out it is in the yellow ocean. I must insure, as your grand martial, and Imperial Guard commander, that the Imperial bloodline remains intact and safe. The only way to do that is for you to leave!” Goor stood defiant, hoping the emperor would see the sense in his words.

“ I am sorry Goor, my decision stands. I have the utmost confidence in you as a military commander. Prepare your strategy. The Empress and I will prepare to transfer to Ullann.”

Goor could say no more. Zix had made up his mind; it was now up to him to defend Tanteee to his best ability. A thought crept into his mind, a thought so evil, so dark.

Goor contemplated energizing the Hassi, and for an instant he felt sick to the stomach. The sacred scrolls forbade the awakening of the evil Hassi. He could not, would not ask it of the Nor-trell.