Nelson Sandgarth – Bellefontaine – 401st Super Dreadnought Battle Group The Planet Paradise The mansion had an external wall (fortification) which had been defended by the most sophisticated home defense system Credits could buy. A long section of it now lay in smoking ruin, its auto-cannons silenced all around and now both the local National Guard as well as dozens of Sandgarth's tenders and other small attack craft moved in to surround the mansion. Defeating the outer wall had not been an easy task, not without the concern of destroying the occupant(s) of the mansion within, and the many auto-cannons had put up a spirited defense. The beautifully manicured lawns leading to the mansion were now churned to mud as the National Guard's big four wheeled APC's tore up the lawn as they surrounded the mansion itself.
The mansion was still not without defenses. It was built like a feudal fiefdom with modern technology. Most of the mansion was underground although Colonel Bradford doubted the blueprints that were on file for that particular piece of real estate would show every possible permutation of the structure. Colonel Bradford hadn't been happy when he had drawn this particular duty. In the first place, Alaris Burkett was not a man to tangle with lightly. Second, Alaris Burkett hated the Fleet, as apparently did all Eldritch. Third, Alaris had told him in no uncertain terms, via com-screen, when Bradford had showed up at Alaris' gate the first time (since Alaris would not respond by any normal mode of communication, all Bradford's attempts ignored, and now Admiral Sandgarth here breathing down his neck). Alaris made clear to him that the mansion and the weapons were being readied for a prolonged ground defense for the coming Antz invasion. That the structure would be home to many hundreds when the Antz arrived, and that they would be doing humanity, at least that section of humanity who counted themselves permanent residents of Paradise, a huge injustice, if Colonel Bradford did not just go away and leave them alone.
“We require your services.” Colonel Bradford had told him.
“I was given Discharge one thousand four hundred and ninety-seven years ago.” Alaris Burkett had responded. “I gave seven hundred years of my life to the Fleet. I will give no more. Go away or be fired upon.”
That was the last communication received from the mansion and Colonel Bradford ordered the mansion's defenses neutralized. He had no choice. His own Orders were clear. Admiral Sandgarth wanted Alaris Burkett. What Admiral Sandgarth wanted, Admiral Sandgarth got. Colonel Bradford had no idea why Admiral Sandgarth wanted Alaris Burkett. Bradford had attempted to access Burkett's Fleet file and had found himself locked completely out. Only the basics. Only the things that he needed to know to complete this mission, and that odd in itself, that they had altered the files right before issuing him his Orders, nor had Bradford been calling this a mission in the beginning. It had turned into much more somehow and Bradford had no idea how it was going to end.
If it ended badly, it would be his head on the chopping block.
Soldiers were now rushing to surround the mansion itself. There was no doubt that there were further auto-cannons mounted on the mansion itself, probably hidden within hydraulic servo-platforms, but for the moment they were remaining hidden. The auto-cannons which had been on the exterior walls had been neutralized by several tanks, and that not without a fight which left two of the tanks now in smoking ruin, but to get into the mansion itself, without killing those within it, was going to cost considerable human life. His soldiers. The men temporarily under his Command. This was going to be a huge black spot on his record when . . .
“I'm coming out.” A loudspeaker blared across the grounds. Bradford recognized Alaris' voice. Only a moment later the heavy carbon door of the mansion swung slowly open and Alaris himself stepped out. He did not look pleased. Now Bradford understood the Extremely Dangerous title affixed to the top of Alaris' file. Just upon the shortest scrutiny, Bradford was sure he was looking upon the most dangerous human being he had ever laid eyes upon.
Others came out of the mansion for a short moment, apparently to say their goodbyes, but then returned indoors and the hydraulic servo-motors sealed the massive door. Without a backward glance Alaris strode down through the soldiers and right up to Colonel Bradford. He towered over Bradford. He had the look of a barely restrained maniac and it was all Colonel Bradford could do not to step back in autonomous fear. The barest flicker of amusement flashed across Alaris' face at Bradford's humiliation. Both knew what it was.
“The exterior wall will be rebuilt at triple the strength of that which you destroyed.” Alaris said.
“What!” Despite his fear of this man the preposterousness of this . . . suddenly Colonel Bradford turned to his Sergeant; "I want this exterior fortification rebuilt at triple the strength we found it; military auto-cannons, field defensive shield emplacement generators, the works. Any questions Sergeant?"
“No Sir.” The sergeant said, but he had not heard the exchange between Alaris and Bradford and the Order did not seem too far-fetched, although it wasn't too often the Fleet went around repairing things they damaged in their excess. The Fleet damaged a lot of things in their excesses, and if they had to go around repairing them all, that's what they would spend all of their time doing.
Suddenly Colonel Bradford had his mind back. "How dare you!" Bradford stuttered, now understanding who and what Alaris was.
“How dare you come here and destroy a defense being put in place to fight the Antz!” Alaris said quietly but getting very in-close to Bradford's space to say it. Nearly in his face. “Remain cooperative or I will take your mind away permanently. Let's go. Admiral Sandgarth and I have a few things to discuss.”
Colonel Bradford had his mind back, yet he still found himself saying; “Right Sir. Right away Sir.” He almost paused in disbelief that he had said such a thing, to a civilian, but Alaris Burkett was far more than a civilian. He had obviously been an Officer while in the Fleet. It was also obvious he had been an Officer of High Rank. All such people had a certain way of carrying themselves that you learned to recognize when you saw it on a daily basis. Colonel Bradford saw it in Alaris Burkett. Alaris Burkett had been a non-commissioned officer, NCO, who had risen to the top the hard way. Of that there was little doubt in Bradford's mind. On top of that he was some kind of super psychic. Everyone knew what Admiral Jeeda Collins’ psychic had done, what she had made possible, and suddenly Bradford felt very foolish for his earlier attitude. He now knew why Admiral Sandgarth had made such a point of retrieving this man unharmed. He led the way quickly.
……….
Nelson Sandgarth felt relatively calm in the face of the fury he knew his old friend Alaris Burkett would be feeling. To be perfectly honest, if the roles were reversed, Sandgarth would be furious as well. Nor had he failed to notice the Order that came across his board; that would have been Alaris Burkett's doing, without a doubt, but Sandgarth did not contradict the Order. He needed Burkett to cooperate. Sandgarth also knew that there was no way he could force Burkett to cooperate if Burkett did not want to cooperate. Burkett was the kind of man you would have to kill if it came to that, because there would be no controlling him unless Burkett allowed it. The restoration of the mansion's defenses, triple-strength, Sandgarth thought with some amusement, ought to go a long way towards appeasing him. Sandgarth would know in a minute as Burkett was coming to see him now. He had already informed his Guard Detail to let Burkett pass; they wouldn't have been able to stop him anyway. He didn't have long to wait.
The exterior hatch of his office opened and Alaris Burkett was there, even bigger than Sandgarth had remembered him and the very picture of barely restrained violence. That was the impression you got when you first saw Alaris Burkett. That was the impression you got of Alaris Burkett on second sight, as well. That was the impression you got of Alaris Burkett, nor had the raw energy of the man diminished. If anything he seemed more vital and energized than ever; but that was probably the mental preparedness Alaris had given himself to meet the coming Antz invasion. Sandgarth knew what he had taken from the war preparations of Burket's group of freedom fighters, the Eldritch without a doubt, and he could see it in Burkett's eyes as well. Burkett was pissed, and with good reason.
“I'm sorry but you are needed.”
“The triple-strength defenses you're putting in place will have to suffice for my loss.” Burkett said, actually surprising Sandgarth, though Alaris' anger was in no way diminished. “It's possible I may be able to do more for the cause here. I can feel that thing like It's inside me, inside my head. I have felt It's presence ever since the Antz first arrived, but It hasn't given me any more than a cursory once-over. It's aware of me though. As aware of me as I am aware of It.”
“So if you knew you had this ability, why haven't you stepped forward with this knowledge?” Sandgarth asked. It seemed a good question to Sandgarth.
“Because my ability might have allowed me to cloak our subterranean activities on my own world. Your smashing Naval successes haven’t exactly been encouraging.” Burkett said. “On Paradise we are ready for the Antz. We have underground tunnels already running for kilometers and kilometers under every major city. We have those tunnels wired and armed. The Antz are in for big surprise on Paradise. They're not the only ones who can adapt.”
“I'm glad you came out willingly.” Was all Sandgarth responded.
“You wouldn't have gotten me out, otherwise.” Alaris said.
“I'm aware of that.” Sandgarth said. “Are there many others involved in Paradise's preparations?”
“Millions.” Alaris responded. “The boundaries are down. The Eldritch are taking all volunteers. At least on Paradise.”
“What about members of the Service?” Sandgarth asked with a small smile.
“I did say we are taking all volunteers.” Alaris said with a small look, then; “You don't even know if I can do this. I don't even know if I can do this. It's risky as hell.” Alaris added, as a Corporal Sandgarth had summoned with his link arrived to show Alaris to his new quarters, though that wasn't necessary; they were right next to Sandgarth's own. It was a matter of military respect for a very highly ranked Officer, even if that status had just been reinstated.
“Whether you could help or not, the die has been cast.” Sandgarth said.
“You're an old fool.” Alaris said as he followed the Corporal out the hatch. As it closed behind them, Sandgarth agreed; “One of the oldest.”
The mansion was still not without defenses. It was built like a feudal fiefdom with modern technology. Most of the mansion was underground although Colonel Bradford doubted the blueprints that were on file for that particular piece of real estate would show every possible permutation of the structure. Colonel Bradford hadn't been happy when he had drawn this particular duty. In the first place, Alaris Burkett was not a man to tangle with lightly. Second, Alaris Burkett hated the Fleet, as apparently did all Eldritch. Third, Alaris had told him in no uncertain terms, via com-screen, when Bradford had showed up at Alaris' gate the first time (since Alaris would not respond by any normal mode of communication, all Bradford's attempts ignored, and now Admiral Sandgarth here breathing down his neck). Alaris made clear to him that the mansion and the weapons were being readied for a prolonged ground defense for the coming Antz invasion. That the structure would be home to many hundreds when the Antz arrived, and that they would be doing humanity, at least that section of humanity who counted themselves permanent residents of Paradise, a huge injustice, if Colonel Bradford did not just go away and leave them alone.
“We require your services.” Colonel Bradford had told him.
“I was given Discharge one thousand four hundred and ninety-seven years ago.” Alaris Burkett had responded. “I gave seven hundred years of my life to the Fleet. I will give no more. Go away or be fired upon.”
That was the last communication received from the mansion and Colonel Bradford ordered the mansion's defenses neutralized. He had no choice. His own Orders were clear. Admiral Sandgarth wanted Alaris Burkett. What Admiral Sandgarth wanted, Admiral Sandgarth got. Colonel Bradford had no idea why Admiral Sandgarth wanted Alaris Burkett. Bradford had attempted to access Burkett's Fleet file and had found himself locked completely out. Only the basics. Only the things that he needed to know to complete this mission, and that odd in itself, that they had altered the files right before issuing him his Orders, nor had Bradford been calling this a mission in the beginning. It had turned into much more somehow and Bradford had no idea how it was going to end.
If it ended badly, it would be his head on the chopping block.
Soldiers were now rushing to surround the mansion itself. There was no doubt that there were further auto-cannons mounted on the mansion itself, probably hidden within hydraulic servo-platforms, but for the moment they were remaining hidden. The auto-cannons which had been on the exterior walls had been neutralized by several tanks, and that not without a fight which left two of the tanks now in smoking ruin, but to get into the mansion itself, without killing those within it, was going to cost considerable human life. His soldiers. The men temporarily under his Command. This was going to be a huge black spot on his record when . . .
“I'm coming out.” A loudspeaker blared across the grounds. Bradford recognized Alaris' voice. Only a moment later the heavy carbon door of the mansion swung slowly open and Alaris himself stepped out. He did not look pleased. Now Bradford understood the Extremely Dangerous title affixed to the top of Alaris' file. Just upon the shortest scrutiny, Bradford was sure he was looking upon the most dangerous human being he had ever laid eyes upon.
Others came out of the mansion for a short moment, apparently to say their goodbyes, but then returned indoors and the hydraulic servo-motors sealed the massive door. Without a backward glance Alaris strode down through the soldiers and right up to Colonel Bradford. He towered over Bradford. He had the look of a barely restrained maniac and it was all Colonel Bradford could do not to step back in autonomous fear. The barest flicker of amusement flashed across Alaris' face at Bradford's humiliation. Both knew what it was.
“The exterior wall will be rebuilt at triple the strength of that which you destroyed.” Alaris said.
“What!” Despite his fear of this man the preposterousness of this . . . suddenly Colonel Bradford turned to his Sergeant; "I want this exterior fortification rebuilt at triple the strength we found it; military auto-cannons, field defensive shield emplacement generators, the works. Any questions Sergeant?"
“No Sir.” The sergeant said, but he had not heard the exchange between Alaris and Bradford and the Order did not seem too far-fetched, although it wasn't too often the Fleet went around repairing things they damaged in their excess. The Fleet damaged a lot of things in their excesses, and if they had to go around repairing them all, that's what they would spend all of their time doing.
Suddenly Colonel Bradford had his mind back. "How dare you!" Bradford stuttered, now understanding who and what Alaris was.
“How dare you come here and destroy a defense being put in place to fight the Antz!” Alaris said quietly but getting very in-close to Bradford's space to say it. Nearly in his face. “Remain cooperative or I will take your mind away permanently. Let's go. Admiral Sandgarth and I have a few things to discuss.”
Colonel Bradford had his mind back, yet he still found himself saying; “Right Sir. Right away Sir.” He almost paused in disbelief that he had said such a thing, to a civilian, but Alaris Burkett was far more than a civilian. He had obviously been an Officer while in the Fleet. It was also obvious he had been an Officer of High Rank. All such people had a certain way of carrying themselves that you learned to recognize when you saw it on a daily basis. Colonel Bradford saw it in Alaris Burkett. Alaris Burkett had been a non-commissioned officer, NCO, who had risen to the top the hard way. Of that there was little doubt in Bradford's mind. On top of that he was some kind of super psychic. Everyone knew what Admiral Jeeda Collins’ psychic had done, what she had made possible, and suddenly Bradford felt very foolish for his earlier attitude. He now knew why Admiral Sandgarth had made such a point of retrieving this man unharmed. He led the way quickly.
……….
Nelson Sandgarth felt relatively calm in the face of the fury he knew his old friend Alaris Burkett would be feeling. To be perfectly honest, if the roles were reversed, Sandgarth would be furious as well. Nor had he failed to notice the Order that came across his board; that would have been Alaris Burkett's doing, without a doubt, but Sandgarth did not contradict the Order. He needed Burkett to cooperate. Sandgarth also knew that there was no way he could force Burkett to cooperate if Burkett did not want to cooperate. Burkett was the kind of man you would have to kill if it came to that, because there would be no controlling him unless Burkett allowed it. The restoration of the mansion's defenses, triple-strength, Sandgarth thought with some amusement, ought to go a long way towards appeasing him. Sandgarth would know in a minute as Burkett was coming to see him now. He had already informed his Guard Detail to let Burkett pass; they wouldn't have been able to stop him anyway. He didn't have long to wait.
The exterior hatch of his office opened and Alaris Burkett was there, even bigger than Sandgarth had remembered him and the very picture of barely restrained violence. That was the impression you got when you first saw Alaris Burkett. That was the impression you got of Alaris Burkett on second sight, as well. That was the impression you got of Alaris Burkett, nor had the raw energy of the man diminished. If anything he seemed more vital and energized than ever; but that was probably the mental preparedness Alaris had given himself to meet the coming Antz invasion. Sandgarth knew what he had taken from the war preparations of Burket's group of freedom fighters, the Eldritch without a doubt, and he could see it in Burkett's eyes as well. Burkett was pissed, and with good reason.
“I'm sorry but you are needed.”
“The triple-strength defenses you're putting in place will have to suffice for my loss.” Burkett said, actually surprising Sandgarth, though Alaris' anger was in no way diminished. “It's possible I may be able to do more for the cause here. I can feel that thing like It's inside me, inside my head. I have felt It's presence ever since the Antz first arrived, but It hasn't given me any more than a cursory once-over. It's aware of me though. As aware of me as I am aware of It.”
“So if you knew you had this ability, why haven't you stepped forward with this knowledge?” Sandgarth asked. It seemed a good question to Sandgarth.
“Because my ability might have allowed me to cloak our subterranean activities on my own world. Your smashing Naval successes haven’t exactly been encouraging.” Burkett said. “On Paradise we are ready for the Antz. We have underground tunnels already running for kilometers and kilometers under every major city. We have those tunnels wired and armed. The Antz are in for big surprise on Paradise. They're not the only ones who can adapt.”
“I'm glad you came out willingly.” Was all Sandgarth responded.
“You wouldn't have gotten me out, otherwise.” Alaris said.
“I'm aware of that.” Sandgarth said. “Are there many others involved in Paradise's preparations?”
“Millions.” Alaris responded. “The boundaries are down. The Eldritch are taking all volunteers. At least on Paradise.”
“What about members of the Service?” Sandgarth asked with a small smile.
“I did say we are taking all volunteers.” Alaris said with a small look, then; “You don't even know if I can do this. I don't even know if I can do this. It's risky as hell.” Alaris added, as a Corporal Sandgarth had summoned with his link arrived to show Alaris to his new quarters, though that wasn't necessary; they were right next to Sandgarth's own. It was a matter of military respect for a very highly ranked Officer, even if that status had just been reinstated.
“Whether you could help or not, the die has been cast.” Sandgarth said.
“You're an old fool.” Alaris said as he followed the Corporal out the hatch. As it closed behind them, Sandgarth agreed; “One of the oldest.”