The Rose Noir
The Andorian vessel the Almaria was one of Andor's fastest and most luxurious space ships in it's fleet. It was also heavily armed and had several defensive weapons including a shielding system made with the same components of planetary defense systems that protected many of the outer ring planets from the Crown. It had been specifically made for transporting large groups of ambassadors in luxury and security.
Of course there were also two small squadrons of Galaxy Ranger fighter ships escorting the vessel as well as several Galaxy Rangers on board as well. Specifically the Series Five Team.
"So far so good," Zach told Shane as they stood off to the side of the large banquet room. They were both wearing dress uniforms.
"So what's the point of this meeting again?" Shane asked.
"It's more like an informal review of the progress Earth has made after the Civil War," Zach explained. "Cain gave all the ambassadors and representatives a full report in the main conference room earlier. So all we have to do is get through this meet and greet session with as few incidents as possible."
"It looks more like a cocktail party than a meeting," Shane observed. "Ever notice that a lot of the 'work' ambassadors do is done standing around with a drink in their hands?"
"I don't get it either Gooseman, but if it keeps them happy I'm all for it," Zach said. "Hopefully this conference will go well."
"Don't see why it shouldn't," Shane said. "We've made a lot of progress these past months. We have Galaxy Ranger recruits from other planets and species so that we're more inclusive now than we ever were. Took down a few traitors and terrorists and found some new settlements for immigrants fleeing the Crown Empire. Even that raid the other day uncovered a ton of stolen art treasures from other planets. Once the legal issues are taken care of they'll be returned to their rightful owners. That's got to earn some points with the ambassadors here."
"You seem actually relaxed for someone who hates being at these things," Zach noticed.
"Why shouldn't I be? For the first time in a long while things are going my way," Shane smiled. "I've taken care of nearly all of the people that once controlled my life. My family is healthy and free. I even met Max and I feel I got some things settled with him."
"Not to mention you settled a few things with other people. How many are left on your list?" Zach asked Shane. He meant the list of former members of the Board of Leaders that once ran the Supertrooper Program.
"Six if you count Domani," Shane let out a breath. "Unless she's already dead, which is more likely then it's five."
"It doesn't seem likely that Kilbane let her live after what she did," Zach frowned.
"If he did kill her it's one less problem I have to worry about," Shane said. "All I have to worry about are Senators Limburg, Applewhite, Thinman, Friks and Dashinko."
"I've heard about Limburg and Thinman," Zach said. "Those two have corruption charges a mile wide. They've been taking kickbacks and abusing their power since they got into office years ago. But the other three I'm not that familiar with."
"Considering their records I'm not surprised," Shane snorted. "Friks almost never showed up to a meeting of the Board Of Leaders and when he did he was usually drunk. The only reason he was ever elected was that he knows a lot of people and did a lot of favors. No one from his district ever ran against him. Mostly rich snobs who didn't give a damn about politics as long as their parking tickets were torn up or they got a permit to build a spa in their backyard."
"What about Applewhite and Dashinko?" Zach asked.
"Guess which company they're backers of?" Shane asked. "I'll give you a clue, they do a lot of genetic engineering with cattle and tend to treat people the same way."
"Bovo Corporation," Zach growled.
"Yeah they've been mostly under the radar but I'm watching for them," Shane snarled. "I got a few scores to settle with those bastards too. For what they did to Noah and the other Supertroopers."
"That company also nearly murdered millions of innocent people for their own selfish reasons," Zach said. "I'm definitely with you on that."
"Doc and I have been running background checks and tracking down any lead we have. But from what little evidence we have gotten Bovo Corporation is definitely in cahoots with the Black Rose Society," Shane said.
"I remember Cain telling me there were a lot of different cells among the Black Rose," Zach said. "I wonder which one is now in charge of Bovo?"
"Who cares? As far as I'm concerned they're all guilty and need to be routed out," Shane snarled. "Even if they didn't follow Garson they were more than willing to make a profit off of Supertrooper misery and try to take over the Earth."
"I guess you're right about that," Zach sighed. "Even with all the information we've gotten so far there's still so much about this damned society we don't know yet. But they all seem to have a hatred of the League in common."
"The thought of Earth and it's colonies being part of any non-human union is anathema to them," Shane bristled. "Take it from me, Captain. They'll do anything to bring down the League and us with it."
"That's not going to happen, Goose," Zach said. "Not while the Galaxy Rangers are around."
"No, it won't," Shane was sober. "But that won't stop them from trying."
He shook himself out of his revere. "Anyway at the very least we've got them on the run for now. And like you said if today does go well it's a huge step forward."
"By the way Doc and Niko are working the crowd it seems that we're succeeding," Zach noticed.
Doc and Niko were with Waldo and Zozo standing and talking to several other alien ambassadors in a crowd. Ambassador Redarba, the three armed blue bird like alien and Ambassador Rigell, the rat like alien were with them. The two were the loudest voices that wanted to kick Earth out of the League of Planets. But today they seemed cordial and pleased that Earth was part of the League.
For oblivious reasons.
"Ranger Hartford as a member of the Committee for Displaced Aliens and Refugees I must thank you again for your willingness to allow so many immigrants fleeing the crown to settle on the planet you recently acquired," Ambassador Rigell spoke smoothly. "I must also express my condolences on your loss."
"To be honest Ambassador Rigell, my father's untimely and unfortunate passing was not much of a loss," Doc told him. "Quite frankly he was a selfish man who cared little about anything but his own bank account. However despite his misanthropic desires, I wish only to put my new fortune to more philanthropic uses. What better way than to give back to the League of Planets and those less fortunate than I?"
"Yes Ranger Hartford I must congratulate you on your good fortune," Redarba nodded.
"It's also the League of Planet's good fortune as well, Ambassador," Niko smiled.
"Indeed," Ambassador Zezaw of Kirwin (also Zozo's brother in law) nodded. "Kirwin is already being flooded with orders for trees, vegetables and all sorts of plant life to be transferred to Hartford. This could be one of our best export years ever."
"We'll need them if we are to support the growing population," Doc nodded. "Hopefully if all goes well we will have a well planned clean modern capital city in a decade."
"Maybe even faster after the reports I've just read," Cain spoke as he walked up to the group with Ambassador Cheyenne Gooseman. "I heard your sister just scored three contracts with different robotic labor companies because one wasn't enough to fill the void."
"Robotic labor companies?" Zozo asked. "What are they?"
"They're hired out by construction companies," Doc explained. "Basically they can build houses faster and stronger than a team of people. Nowadays with the right robots you can build a skyscraper in under a month and still have enough time for decorating the place."
"Won't that take away jobs?" Redarba frowned.
"Not really," Doc said. "There will always be a need for people to program or control the machines. And fix them as well as dozens of manual labor jobs that it's just more effective if living beings do it."
"Plus they just started construction on a robotic manufacturing plant," Cain added. "That will bring in more jobs when it's finished."
It seems things are under control on Planet Hartford, Cheyenne sent out a thought. Speaking of control how goes the efforts to curtail the Black Rose Society?
"I had sent Team Seven of the Series Four Rangers to Prairie where a few more Black Rose Society members were hiding," Cain explained. "They managed to capture four of them and are currently at Dante's Point being interrogated and will eventually be shipped to Purgatory."
"It's good to see that you are fulfilling your promise to eliminate that damned Black Rose Society," Rigell nodded.
"It's slow work but with every person we bring into custody we get more information on hidden cells all over the Galaxy," Cain said. "It's only a matter of time before we get them all. The situation is under control."
"Speaking of the Black Rose, wasn't Garson supposed to be executed by now?" Redarba frowned.
"His lawyers appealed several times," Cain told him. "You know how it goes. Death penalty convictions can take years to carry out due to the legal system. A system that is now part of the League of Planets."
"In fact isn't there a law stating that any death penalty conviction by the League of Planets must not be carried out until the case has been reviewed by different judges and lawyers at least three times?" Doc asked.
"Currently he is on his third appeal but I suspect it will not work," Waldo let out a breath.
"We have to follow procedure even for a bastard like Garson," Zezaw admitted. "But I gotta admit he won't be dead soon enough for me."
"I'm sure Rangers Gooseman and Niko also appreciate that sentiment even if they don't admit it aloud," Cain nodded.
"I must admit your Series Five Galaxy Rangers are impressive," Rigell nodded. "They have convinced me that some humans are open minded enough to accept aliens."
"A lot of humans are Mister Ambassador," Doc said. "Unfortunately it's the troublemakers that make the most noise."
And of course fate picked that moment to throw a huge wrench in all the Galaxy Rangers' plans.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
"What was that?" Zozo yelled as the ship rocked violently.
"It feels like we're under attack!" Niko shouted as she tried to keep her balance.
"Report!" Cain hit his communicator.
"Sir! We're being fired on! Fortunately our shields are holding…" A Galaxy Ranger reported.
"Who the hell would fire on a diplomatic vessel?" Shane barked as another blast rocked the ship. The answer loomed outside the window.
"That's an S Class Earth Warship!" Doc shouted. "It's the Montana!"
"The what?" Ambassador Redarba yelled as another blast propelled him to the ground. "AAAAHHHH!"
"The ship with those Black Rose traitors that escaped the Civil War," Shane growled. "It's painted black now but that's definitely it!"
"Oh crap," Cain groaned.
BOOOOOOOOM!
"Somebody open fire on that damned ship!" Cain shouted.
"Our fighters are engaging the ship but the enemy's shields are so strong they're not doing any damage!" A Ranger reported. "It's like we're just throwing spitballs at them!"
"Sir, there's an incoming message from the enemy ship being sent," A female technician reported.
"This is Admiral Abernathy of the Rose Noir, formerly named the Montana," A hardened military man appeared on a large screen that . "This attack is to protest the injustices perpetrated by the rebel forces currently occupying Earth after Gooseman's War. It is also a warning to the League of Planets. Not all of the human race will be so easily fooled and enslaved."
"Oh goody, a fanatic…" Doc groaned.
"Do not mistake us for those who pretended to follow by the Code of the Rose. We are the true members of the Black Rose Society," Abernathy said. "Unlike those corrupted and destroyed by the fire of Gooseman's War, we are dedicated to protecting the human race from alien menaces. And one day we shall return with glory and honor to Earth and restore the human government. A government not controlled and corrupted by outside influences."
"Gee I wonder who he could be talking about?" Zozo grumbled.
"Cain I know you're on that ship," Abernathy growled. "And let me tell you something, if you think you can get rid of us you can forget about it. One day the Black Rose will come for you, traitor. And all those responsible for the state of human affairs."
With no warning the message was cut off. "They're jumping into hyperspace," Shane monitored the computers. "They're gone."
"Damages?" Cain barked.
"Nothing major sir, our shields held," Doc checked the scans on the nearest computer. He looked around at the banquet room. There was food everywhere and the entire room was a mess. "Unless you count them messing up the room here."
"No fatalities either, thank goodness," A female technician sighed.
"Under control, Commander Cain?" Ambassador Redarba shouted, a cheese stain was on his robes. "Does this look like the Black Rose is under control to you?"
"What the hell was that?" Zezaw shouted. "Where did that ship come from?"
"During the battle for Earth one of our warships that was under the command of the Black Rose…Escaped," Cain admitted.
"Escaped?" Redarba bristled.
"We have warned the League of Planets about that rogue warship if you check your records," Zach spoke to him.
"Yes but you neglected to tell us how freaking big it was!" Redarba yelled.
"And how powerful!" Rigell added. "You said we were safe Cain! You promised Earth would change! This attack proves only how much you have not changed!"
"The Black Rose does not speak for all humans, Ambassadors," Zach told them. "They're fanatics that are angry that they are no longer in power."
And unfortunately like most fanatics they will do anything to get their way, Cheyenne sighed.
"Granted the Black Rose is dangerous and still has plenty of thorns," Waldo brushed himself off. "But the majority of the human race is peaceful."
"Does this look peaceful to you?" Redarba shouted. "Mark my words Cain, this will not be forgotten! The League will have a special meeting regarding the dangers of the Black Rose. If you can't find ways to control them, we will!" He stormed off with Rigell.
"Well that was awkward," Commander Cain grumbled.
Two hours later back at BETA Mountain. "Okay how the hell did this happen?" Cain barked at the Series Five Rangers as well as several other leaders of Ranger Teams.
"Well the Montana… I mean the Rose Noir has Level 12 Hyperstatic lasers so they could fire on us without breaking the shields if they wanted," Ranger Charles began. "And with that S7 class Andorian hyper drive they could…"
"I know how it happened, Charles! I want to know how we didn't see this coming!" Cain snapped. "And why they really attacked us without even trying to finish us off!"
"Yeah and what was all that Gooseman's War crap that guy was talking about?" Ranger Allen asked. "What did he mean by that?"
"It's what the members of the Black Rose Society call the Civil War," Shane grumbled. "As you can imagine they blame me for what happened."
"Oh goody, Goose," Doc said. "Your fan club is growing."
"You mean they think it's your fault they went nuts because you didn't think that Earth taking over other planets was a good thing?" Charles snorted. "That's crazy!"
"And that's him saying that," Ranger Allen quipped.
"Can't we just track a ship that size down?" Another Ranger asked. "I mean how hard is it to lose a warship that size? I mean they have to run out of fuel sooner or later, right?"
"The beauty of those new S7 class hyper drives is that they can be fitted to run on almost any type of fuel," Shane explained. "Unfortunately for us it also means that the Montana can pretty much go anywhere and get any type of fuel from any of the dozens of black markets all over the galaxy."
"According to the manifest it changed it's name to the Rose Noir," Zach reminded. "The Black Rose."
"As if there was any doubt whose side they were on!" Shane fumed. "Just as we were making some progress redeeming Earth, those damn bastards had to come along and ruin it!"
"That's why I'm sending out the Laredo," Cain told them. "Hunting down the Black Rose and destroying it has become it's top priority."
"We were just lucky it didn't do any more damage," Niko said.
"It already did enough damage," Cain told her. "The problem now is that ship can be anywhere in the galaxy. It's not a matter of when it will strike next, but where."
Meanwhile on the Black Rose…
"Well I believe our message was sent," Abernathy addressed his officers in the war room of the Black Rose. "Any damages Foster?"
James Foster was a tall man in his thirties with short blond hair. "Minimal, Sir. It was a good hit and run. The shields held perfectly."
"I guess that's the one good thing aliens are good for," Ezra Dale was a thin balding man with sunglasses. "Gotta give 'em credit. They sure know how to make shields and engines that work when you need 'em too."
"You're not saying that aliens are technologically superior to us are you Dale?" An older man with a grizzled beard and a robotic left hand sat in a chair next to a huge black dog.
"Course not Hammer," Dale said. "Just because the aliens know a few tricks we don't, doesn't make them better. Besides our technicians improved the technology and put in a few tricks of our own."
"I just hope we didn't make things worse for those of our followers still on Earth," Foster sighed. "What really worries me is that we haven't been able to find any solid evidence of humans being oppressed by aliens. How can we make our case to the people if we can't get enough evidence?"
"Here we go again…" Dale groaned.
"It is a valid point Dale," Abernathy said. "It's a pity we can't go to Maddox anymore. It was a good place to get fuel and supplies and Mr. Maddox kept the aliens in line."
"Until his son and his ranger friends came along and ruined it," Hammer growled. "We're just lucky Maddox was smart enough not to put any dealings with us on the books. For all the good that it did."
"Yeah but that was when humans were in control of aliens," Another young man with brown hair cut in a military fashion spoke.
"What's your point Harper?" Dale asked.
"What if what we're doing…Won't work?" Harper asked. "From what we've been able to figure out these League Aliens seem on the level. What if they really don't want to control us? Granted the Crown is a serious problem but still…"
"Oh please! You believe that?" Dale barked. "It's the oldest trick in the book. Pretend to be our friends and once our guard is completely down , boom! They invade! Probably use some kind of psychic mind control or something. Or maybe use economics to just weaken our economy and buy up everything!"
"He's right," Hammer said. "I was in the Alien Raider wars when most of you were still in diapers. Aliens are dangerous and can't be trusted. Nothing that's not human can't be trusted."
The black dog next to his side barked in protest. "Sorry Boomer, I didn't mean you. Dogs are the exception to the rule," Hammer stroked his dog's head.
"Yeah well we should have stuck with dogs instead of Supertroopers," Dale grumbled as he grabbed a cigarette. "They're better trained and as long as you feed them they won't turn on you. What the hell was the Board thinking when they created those things?"
"Simple, they were thinking that humans couldn't cut it," Abernathy said sarcastically. "They forgot how we humans were once a strong species that lifted ourselves out of the dark ages and created a society of decency and honor. And what happens the second our place in the universe is challenged just a little bit? Our leaders fall to pieces. They were more concerned with protecting their own skins rather than strengthening our planet and our species. As usual they wanted someone else to do the actual work for them."
"Boy did that plan backfire," Dale snarled. "You know part of what happened was ironic justice. As far as I'm concerned Wheiner and those idiot senators got what was coming to them! You create monsters, and sooner or later monsters will turn on you. It'd be funny if it didn't bite the rest of us in the ass."
"Agreed, out of all the Supertroopers Gooseman was always the most intelligent," Abernathy sighed. "And the most dangerous. But even I never realized how intelligent and dangerous he really was until it was too late. Maybe that was human arrogance in itself? Didn't see the threat that was right before my eyes."
"It would have been too late for us if it wasn't for you, Admiral," Hammer said. "You did the right thing. I know retreat stinks but it's better than surrendering. There was no way we could have won that battle. We weren't organized or strong enough."
"No, we weren't," Abernathy nodded. "But we will get stronger and more organized. That is a promise."
"So what is our goal, Sir?" Foster asked. "Take back Earth? It's too late to restore the rightful leaders of the League of Planets."
"Yeah half of them are dead already," Dale snorted.
"Who says I want to return Earth back into the control of those fools?" Abernathy snapped. "It was their mismanagement that allowed Earth to fall into the League! As far as I'm concerned Garson and the others deserve their fate!"
"So what are we going to do?" Dale asked.
"We're going to protect humanity from the aliens whether they want our help or not," Abernathy explained. "And we are going to let the League of Planets know that the human race will not just lie down and be enslaved."
"So you're saying guerilla warfare is our tactic," Dale grinned. "I like it."
"We'll raid only alien run bases and facilities," Abernathy explained. "Preferably the ones that are considered outlaws. But if not there are plenty of other targets out there where we can get supplies. No civilian raids. Just because aliens can't be trusted that doesn't mean we should stoop to their level."
"Okay fine," Hammer shrugged. "What about the Galaxy Rangers?"
"Try not to engage them if we can help it," Abernathy said. "For now anyway. We need to set up a larger fleet. We'll need strong, fast ships. Plenty of weapons and anything else we can get our hands on."
"What about recruitment?" Foster asked.
"That will be the easy part," Abernathy smiled. "In fact from what I've heard from my sources still on Earth…We won't have to do a thing. Just let the Galaxy Rangers do all the work for us. In about a year, they'll get all the men and women we need for us. Then we will have an armada unlike anything the League of Planets have ever seen."
"Wait you want the Galaxy Rangers to get recruits for us?" Foster was confused. "I don't get it."
"You will, Foster," Abernathy told him. "Just wait and see. Wait and see."
What is Abernathy's plan? What will happen next? Darned if I know. I'm just going along with the ride! Until next time!