THE EYE OF THE FUTURE
PROLOGUE
The eye of the future sees them. Twenty years after graduating from Starcademy, the space cases have risen into the ranks of the UPP. There is peace with the Spung under the Golden Rule of Empress Elmira, and an age of calmness in the universe has begun. Harlan Band, Catalina, Rosie Ianni, Bova, Suzee, and Radu, united by ties stronger than love; ties that, until now, no one thought could ever be broken . . .
**********
The ship drifted, far from the borders of UPP space. It was dark and appeared lifeless, abandoned perhaps, or jettisoned by a larger ship. The markings on the hull showed it was a UPP light cruiser, but a very old model, at least twenty years.
The ship moved without reason, casting its fate to the stars that twinkled around it. It might be pulled into the gravity of a nearby asteroid, or smashed by a rogue comet, but it didn't seem to care, nor did its owner.
Gyana spotted it while she was some distance away, sensing a disturbance in the spatial waves rather than seeing the ship itself. She wondered why a ship would be so far from any civilized system and decided to see if it was in distress. She teleported herself until she was just outside of scanner range and stopped. The ship appeared dead in space.
"Curious," Gyana muttered to herself, a habit she had picked up during her time among the planet dwellers.
She came closer and the ship powered itself up. The shields came on-line and the weapons system keyed itself to her location. Gyana glanced at the lasers and saw that they were not part of the original ship, but had been added on later. Sensing the hostility of the person onboard, Gyana teleported herself far away.
The ship seemed to come alive as its engines suddenly exploded and the ship took off deeper into uncharted space.
**********
Empress Elmira of the Spung sat regally on her throne. Beside her, her husband, Lord Kairn, reviewed the days reports. Elmira insisted on holding open court with her subjects, allowing them to bring to her any problems they felt needed an Imperial decision. There were rarely any problems, however, and the court never lasted long.
As the first case ended, a messenger ran into the room. He bowed as he stumbled to a stop in front of Elmira's throne.
"What is it?" Elmira asked.
"Majesty," the messenger stammered. "I bring grave news from our Outer Rim colonies. They have been attacked and are begging for help."
The Outer Rim was the name given to the very edge of UPP space, recently expanded with the joining of the Spung Empire to the union. It held around a hundred planets, most of them occupied by colonists from various planets.
"Who has attacked them?"
"I don't know, Majesty. A large ship, larger than our kill cruisers, came out of hyperspace in the planet's atmosphere and began firing on the colonies. They gave no warning and made no demands."
Elmira looked at Kairn and nodded slightly. Her husband, Imperial Warlord of the Spung, quickly took action.
"Send a unit of kill cruisers to the colonies to help," Kairn ordered one of the lesser lords standing nearby.
"Find out who we're dealing with and what they want," Elmira added. "We may be able to come to an agreement."
"Majesty, is that wise?" the lord asked. "They are attempting to destroy us. We should crush them at once."
Elmira smiled. "You are reverting to our old ways, my lord. As long as I am Empress, there will be peace in the Empire."
The lesser lord bowed and left to fulfill his orders. The messenger was escorted out of the throne room for further questioning. Elmira turned to look at the Ambassador from the UPP. The Spung had joined the UPP three years earlier, and now had a full time advisor keeping the UPP's interests in mind. The Ambassador was a young Mercurian named Suni and, upon meeting her three years ago, Elmira could have sworn the Ambassador was the young Rosie she had once known.
"Will the UPP help us defend our colonists?" Elmira asked.
"If you have need of assistance, the UPP will grant it," Suni answered. "I will, however, need to speak with the Admiral."
"Please do," Elmira agreed. "Court is adjourned."
Suni bowed and left the throne room for her own quarters.
**********
"This is Suni, Ambassador to the Spung. I wish to speak with the Admiral, please."
"One moment."
Suni sat back and stared at the screen. She found herself growing impatient as the UPP logo circled her videophone screen and played old music. She hated being on hold.
Suddenly, the logo disappeared and Suni was faced with a man of about forty years old. He had short black hair streaked with gray, dark skin and brown eyes that twinkled with intelligence and mischief.
"What can I do for you, Suni?" he asked.
Suni saluted. "Admiral Band, the Spung have come under attack. Their outer colonies have been destroyed."
Admiral Harlan Band nodded thoughtfully. "Understood. There have been a number of reports from colonies along the Outer Rim near Uranus as well as deeper in space. The Spung colonists aren't the only ones to be hit."
"They're handling it right now, but the Empress would like reassurance that, should the Spung need assistance, the UPP would help."
"Of course," the Admiral said. "Right now, most of our fleet is helping the Uranusian colony, but all the reports tell me the threat is almost wiped out."
"Sir, isn't that the colony near Starbase 7?"
Admiral Band nodded. "The Starbase has been temporarily converted into a hospital and supply station. There's been steady fighting there for over five months. Don't worry, Suni. I'm sure your family's fine."
Suni smiled. "I hope so. Suni out."
The image of Admiral Band vanished and eighteen year old Suni Ianni wondered how her parents were faring.
**********
The medlab of Starbase 7 was crawling with injured soldiers and colonists. The attack had come swiftly and silently five and a half months ago, killing thousands as the first few torpedoes hit. The few fighter pilots stationed at the remote Starbase had slowed down the attack somewhat, but the alien invaders continued to pound the planet daily.
Chief Medical Officer Rosie Ianni made her rounds again. She and her staff of about fifty doctors had their hands full. Rosie felt like the last time she had slept the entire night was back on the Christa, while she and her dearest friends had been lost in space. Now, she was almost forty years old, married, and a mother, and had the health of an entire Starbase to keep her busy.
"Take over," Rosie called to her second-in-command. "I'm going to take a break."
"Good," the young doctor replied. "You've been here for three days straight."
Rosie smiled wearily and left the medlab. She made her way to the central café where the off duty officers usually met. She wove her way through the tables and sat across from her husband. He looked up from the compupad he had been reading and smiled. Rosie admired the change she had instilled in him. He was now a happy, optimistic person instead of the grump he had once been.
"Long time, no see," Bova said.
Rosie sighed. "We have got to stop the fighting."
Bova shrugged. "I wish it were that easy. These guys don't give up. We've captured a few of them, so we should be getting some answers soon about who they are and what they want."
"Almost six months of fighting an unknown enemy," Rosie said. She was silent for a moment. "Let's talk about something else."
Commander Bova of Starbase 7 put down the compupad to stare at his wife. "I still haven't answered Cat's letter."
Rosie groaned. "I forgot! She and Suzee invited us to Yensid for the weekend, didn't they? Can we go?"
"I can get someone to replace me, how about you?"
"With the steady stream of injured, I think we need all the hands we can get," Rosie answered.
"We haven't been off this station since we got married," Bova said. "I'll talk to Harlan and see if he can arrange for a few more doctors to come. That should relieve some of your duties."
Rosie smiled. "You always have an answer."
Bova leaned in and kissed her. "And that's why you love me. We'll call Suni, too and she if she can get away from Elmira long enough to visit. It's been three years."
Rosie nodded. "Okay. We'll go. It'll be good to see the gang together again."
"Except Radu," Bova said.
Rosie nodded somberly. Radu had disappeared from UPP space twenty years ago, after their graduation from Starcademy. No one had seen him since. Rosie forced a smile and stood.
"I'll go call Cat now," she said.
"Good idea," Bova said. He sat back and watched his wife leave.
**********
Rosie sat at Bova's desk, staring at the blank videophone screen. Her husband's casual comment about Radu had brought up worries she hadn't felt in years. She had loved him once, when he had been gentle and sweet, caring and sensitive; before all the hardships. Rosie remembered watching Radu grow up and turn hard, losing his innocence and that charm that had made him so attractive. She couldn't imagine what had happened to make him give up everything he held dear, but she knew it had to have been important.
"Twenty years," Rosie sighed. "Could I forgive him?"
She brushed the memories aside and thought about all the good that was in her life. She had a wonderfully caring husband, a beautiful daughter, and a job doing what she loved. Smiling, she dialed Catalina's number on Yensid.
"Good morning, you have reached the UPP Embassy on Yensid. The office is closed for the day — "
Rosie quickly put in Cat's extension, hoping to catch her working late. She was greeted a few seconds later by her friend's familiar face.
Diplomatic Ambassador Catalina had aged gracefully. Although they had kept in touch, it had been nearly ten years since Rosie had seen her old friend. Catalina, now almost 45 years old, wore her hair in a French twist like most Yensidians and was wearing the orange uniform of an Official underneath her UPP jacket. She smiled at Rosie.
"Wow, Rosie! You were the last person I expected to see. How are things at the edge of the universe?" she said cheerfully.
"Hectic," Rosie answered. "The Outer Rim colonies have been under attack for months. I'm up to my elbows in casualties."
Cat's smile faded. "Are you and Bova okay?"
"We're fine, but we could you a vacation."
The smile returned. "So, you're coming?"
Rosie nodded. "Provided that Harlan can send someone to replace me. I'm going to see if Suni will come too. I worry about her spending so much time around Spung. They're not all nice, like Elmira and Dirge."
"It'd be nice to see Suni again. Is she still shorting out the station?"
Rosie laughed. Her daughter's unique parentage made her resemble a Mercurian, but instead of heat powers, she inherited her father's ability to absorb and release electricity. As a child, her experiments with her growing power had resulted in the Starbase losing power — on several occasions.
"Is Suzee around?" Rosie asked.
"No, she's been gone for almost a year, charting dimensions. She promised to be back for the weekend, though."
"Heard from Radu?" Rosie said, knowing the answer.
Cat shook her head. "Sorry."
They spoke for several more minutes, finalizing plans before saying a regretful farewell. Rosie sighed and pushed all thoughts of Radu from her mind. She stood and left her home to return to the wounded.
**********
The invading ships pounded ruthlessly at the Spung colonies of the Outer Rim. They had a fleet of ships like no other, with technology that was far more advanced than the UPP. The largest of the ships hung back inside the planet's orbit while smaller, heavily armed ships swept down to the planetary surface to destroy any signs of colonization. They made no demands, nor asked for surrender. They simply attacked.
The UPP light cruiser sailed towards the stationary ships that orbited the planet. It raised its shields in defense, but made no threats.
"UPP craft, state your intentions," the largest of the fleet said. The voice spoke broken Basic and was heavily accented.
"I am a mercenary craft, no longer associated with the UPP," the light cruiser's pilot responded. "I seek employment."
The voice didn't reply for several minutes. The mercenary waited patiently.
"We accept your offer," it said. "We are the Kaesar and we fight to reclaim what is ours. Fight, and you will be rewarded. Die, and you die with honour."
"I accept your terms," the mercenary said. "When do I begin."
"Immediately."
**********
Admiral Harlan Band, head of the UPP, stepped off his personal ship and into the landing bay of Starbase 4. Around him, the personnel of the station snapped to attention. Admiral Band smiled to himself and waved to the crew.
"At ease," he called. "I'm not here for an inspection."
The crew gave a nervous laugh and the Admiral followed his guide into the Starbase.
"Harlan!" someone exclaimed.
Before he knew what hit him, someone was in his arms. Admiral Band looked down and saw a small, pink person hugging him fondly. He raised his head and saw a Uranusian standing a few feet away.
"Rosie?" Harlan said. "Good to see you!"
Rosie detached herself from her old friend and saluted him. Laughing, Harlan returned the salute and moved to greet Bova. The Uranusian Commander seemed unsure of the proper greeting as the Admiral approached, but Harlan forgot protocol and engulfed his friend in a large hug.
"Bova, how's married life treating you?"
Bova smiled and blushed. Rosie took his hand. "Just fine," she answered for him. "Suni should be here any time now."
"I spoke to her a little while ago," Harlan said. "It amazes me how much she looks like you, Rosie."
Rosie smiled. "I always said looks ran in my side of the family."
Bova rolled his eyes and Harlan laughed.
"Mother!"
Rosie held out her arms as Suni flew into them. Bova joined his family and Harlan watched in amusement. He had never married, pursuing his career instead of worrying about a family. After the deaths of his step-father and mother, Harlan began to gain a sense of his own mortality. Now, as he watched Rosie and Bova embrace their daughter, he felt genuine regret that he had never settled down.
"The portal's ready, sir," one of the Starbase crew said.
"Where does it lead?" Harlan asked. "It's been quite a few years since I've left this dimension."
"It should take you into the UPP Embassy, sir," the crewman replied. "Ambassador Catalina will meet you there."
Harlan nodded approvingly and offered Rosie his hand. She took it and they stepped into the shimmering doorway. Bova gripped his daughter's arm tightly and they followed.
**********
Catalina had a lovely picnic spread out in the park, just outside of the busy market. She wore a long orange sundress in the Yensidian summer heat and a large sun hat to match. Rosie wore shorts and a sleeveless blouse, with Harlan and Bova wearing shorts and a short sleeved shirt. Eighteen year old Suni looked stunning in a short, blue, sleeveless dress and caught the attention of many Yensidian boys as they walked through the park. Suni seemed to enjoy the attention after spending nearly three years straight in the Spung court, but Bova glared at the boys menacingly.
"I hear you're something of a legend here, Mom and Dad," Suni said as she helped Catalina set out the food.
"Hardly that," Rosie replied modestly.
"You only saved the entire dimension from a deadly plague," a new voice said from behind them.
They turned to see Suzee, dressed in the blue jumpsuit of the Guiders, standing behind them. She looked very much the same as she did in her youth, with short rainbow streaked hair and blue eyes. Her face reflected her 46 years of life, however, and the youthful glow and overconfidence that had once surrounded her was gone.
"Suzee, glad you could make it," Catalina said casually. "Cutting it close though."
Suzee rolled her eyes. "Come on, Cat. You know how hard it is to get out of a dimension without precise calculations. This thing still isn't perfect."
The thing' Suzee was talking about was a portable portal maker. She had invented it based on the plans of the portal Bova had helped create. The person holding it only had to program a destination, push a button, and walk into the portal. However, as Suzee said, it wasn't perfect.
Suzee joined the group and they began to eat. Birds flew overhead while everyone listened to the stories Suzee had of the various dimensions she had visited. Later, after much prompting from Suni, they spoke about their adventures on the Christa during their youth.
Suddenly, a beeping noise came from Harlan's bag and he pulled out his compupad. As the others watched, he scanned the message. He closed his eyes and passed a tired hand over his face, suddenly looking old.
"What is it?" Suzee asked, breaking the silent tension.
"The Outer Rim colonies have fallen," Harlan said. "The attack is coming deeper into UPP space."
Rosie gasped and Suni looked sharply to her mother, then back to the Admiral.
"What are we going to do, Uncle Harlan?" Suni asked. She then realized what she had said and blushed. "I mean, Admiral, sir."
Harlan smiled. "When we're off duty, I can be Uncle Harlan again, Suni. I remember what it was like calling my step-father Admiral'. As to what we're going to do, we have no choice but to mobilize the fleet."
"You mean — " Rosie began.
Harlan nodded. "The UPP is going to war."
**********
The mercenary craft sped towards the surface. It armed its forward lasers and began to pound ruthlessly at the Spung colonies below. Around it, the smaller crafts of the Kaesar joined the assault. The mercenary, known by the name DogStar, smiled as he watched the Spung colonists run in fear.
"Where is your Empress now?" he muttered as he fired again.
Another few buildings exploded, killing the colonists who fled for their lives. DogStar smiled grimly as his communications device sprang to life.
"Mercenary ship," the Kaesar commander ordered. "Withdraw to the planet's orbit. We have triumphed here."
Regretfully, DogStar piloted his ship into the planet's atmosphere, leaving behind him a destroyed civilization.
**********
Gyana sailed through space, surveying the carnage left by the Kaesar invasion. Although she could not see the rubble on the planet's surface, craters and smoke marked the Kaesar's passing. She had vowed before not to interfere with planet dwellers again, ever since her capture by the space pirate Reaver over twenty years ago. Still, she could not allow the invaders to continue or she would be going against her Guardian nature. Picking up on the distorted spatial waves, she followed the fleet.
She caught up with the largest of the ships as they settled into orbit around Revtor, another planet of the Spung Empire. Gyana waited out of scanner range and wondered why this alien race wold attack the UPP on its westernmost border. As she surveyed their fleet, she spotted a UPP light cruiser. Gyana blinked in surprise, looked closer, and realized it was the same ship she had spotted before. The Guardian teleported a safe distance away and turned her communicator to UPP frequency.
"Enemy fleet outside Revtor. Attack imminent."
She set the message on continuous repeat and sat back to wait for the attack.
Hours later, a flurry of small ships sped to the planet. Gyana used the spatial waves to spin ships off their flight paths and into other ships, crippling or destroying them. Wrapping her cloak tightly around her, she put herself into the fleet, willing her cloak to conceal her from the ship's scanners. From there, she managed to alter the paths of laser fire, destroying several more crafts. Finally, too exhausted to cause any more damage, Gyana tried to get away from the fleet. She found she was too weak to teleport and she could no longer keep herself invisible. As the lead ship spotted her, she could sense its weapons locking onto her. She closed her eyes, waiting for the end to come, but it didn't. Gyana opened her eyes and saw the UPP light cruiser hovering between her and the lead ship. The light cruiser herded her away from the fleet, moving slowly. When they were a safe distance away, the cruiser hailed her.
"Stay out of this, Guardian," a familiar voice ordered.
"Who are you, who fight the UPP but flies in their ship?" Gyana asked.
"I am called DogStar and I fight the Spung."
"I sense anger and sadness in you," Gyana said. "You have compassion and gentleness, but anger has taken from you all you loved."
DogStar made no reply. He simply turned his ship around, leaving Gyana alone in space. She watched the ship until it vanished from sight before heading to a nearby asteroid belt to rest.
**********
Harlan stood in his office and stared at the holo-map that was projected before him. It showed the entire UPP, stretching beyond the SOL system to encompass the Andromeda galaxy as well as the Spung Empire. Harlan had also added to the map the positions where the alien invaders had struck, trying to find method in the madness. As far as he could tell, there was no pattern to the assaults.
Every attack had been on a UPP colony in the Outer Rim, which were the planets that made up the farthest borders of UPP space. In every invasions, no prisoners had been taken and no alien colonists had been left. It seemed that all the invaders wanted was to destroy everything in their paths. News had filtered in from the Spung Empire, showing similar attacks. After the colonized planets had been wiped clean, the enemy fleet moved inward, deeper into UPP territory.
"I think they're heading for the nerve center," Suzee remarked.
Harlan nodded, lost in thought. He had seen enough war to last him ten lifetimes, and he hoped that when peace was made with the Spung, that he would never see war again. Now, as Admiral of the UPP, he was in charge of the safety of every citizen within the United Planets; well over three hundred planets and species.
"But what do they want?" Harlan asked.
"Our space, I'd guess," Bova replied. "They seem to want the UPP destroyed."
"But they haven't attacked every colonized planet," Catalina remarked. She pointed to the map. "They missed three Saturnian settlements here and another Earther colony over there."
"But they wiped out every Spung colony they could find," Rosie added, "as well as the Uranusian colony near Starbase 7 and the Plutonian colony near Starbase 6."
"What do they want?" Harlan repeated.
"That's what we have to find out," Suzee answered.
An ensign, recently graduated from Starcademy, knocked politely on Harlan's door. He saluted smartly as the Admiral turned.
"Sir, we've just intercepted a message on the emergency UPP frequency."
Harlan nodded. As the ensign left, Harlan pushed a few buttons on his desk and the message came through.
". . . imminent. Enemy fleet outside Revtor. Attack imminent . . Enemy fleet outside . ."
Harlan turned off the message and sighed. He sat down at his desk and began to chew on one of his pens.
"That sounded like Gyana," Catalina remarked.
Harlan nodded. "I gave her the emergency frequency to use in case she spotted anything amiss while she was patrolling."
"She works for the UPP?" Rosie asked.
"Not officially," Harlan answered. "Every Guardian needs a certain amount of space to patrol and I offered her UPP space."
"Clever," Suzee muttered approvingly.
Bova was analyzing the map. "Revtor is getting close to the Spung Homeworld," he commented. "We should warn Elmira."
"I will on my way back," Suni offered. "My transport's leaving in a few minutes anyway."
Rosie looked at her daughter in concern. "I don't want you to go there when an angry enemy fleet is camped outside."
Suni smiled. "Don't worry, Mom. Empress Elmira won't let anything happen. Beside, I still need another year to get enough credits to pass the diplomatic relations course I'm working on."
Rosie sighed. "She's following in your footsteps, Cat."
Catalina smiled at her niece'. "Just don't leave this dimension like I did."
"I won't," Suni promised. She kissed her mother good bye and hugged her father. "I'll be back before the fighting starts."
Harlan handed the girl a compupad that contained a warning to Elmira. Suni took it and hugged her uncle'. With a last wave, Suni left the room. Rosie sat down and Bova moved to stand next to her.
"I told Elmira that we'd send three transport ships full of fighters to help her," Harlan said. "That leaves about ten transports here to protect the nerve center'. The report from the Spung shows that they've got a larger enemy force than we've got, so I'm taking command of the lead ship."
Harlan turned to Bova. "I know you're a Starbase Commander, but I'd like you to lead the counter attack here."
Bova nodded. "If the reports weren't exaggerating the size of the assault, I'll need four full transports."
"You've got them. I'm leaving the defense of this Starbase as well as 2 and 3 to my second in command, a Venusian named Galileo. He'll keep them at bay should the fighting come this close. I'll also send word to Neptune and New Andromeda. We'll probably need reinforcements."
"What about us?" Catalina asked, gesturing to herself, Suzee, and Rosie.
"Cat and Suzee, I'd like you to come with me. Rosie, you can stay with Bova if you like, or return to the wounded at Starbase 7, or come with me."
Rosie thought about it for a second. "I'll come with you. If that's where the fighting is, you'll probably need me there the most."
Harlan nodded. "Let's get started. And good luck."
**********
At hyper speed, the small flotilla of transport ships arrived at Revtor in only a few days. Harlan stood on the bridge of the lead ship, Chance, with Rosie beside him. Catalina had assumed command of the Goddard, and Suzee had taken the Christa II. They flew in a V-formation past a small asteroid belt as they made their final approach to Revtor.
"You're too late," a voice said, ringing through the bridges of all three ships.
"Who's that?" Cat asked on the open channel that linked the flotilla.
The view screen flickered on and Cat saw an old friend hovering before her. Gyana looked weak and tired, her tail hanging limply beneath her and a small bandage tied around her arm.
"The aliens have already destroyed the Spung colonies on Revtor and are heading for the Spung Homeworld. I tried to stop them, or at least slow them down, but there were too many. I should be dead right now."
"What happened?" Harlan asked.
"A mercenary in a UPP class ship saved me. He brought me out here and warned me not to interfere. He called himself DogStar."
"Gyana, why don't you come on board?" Rosie said. "We'll get you rested and treat your wounds."
Gyana smiled gratefully. "Thanks. I'm afraid to sleep out here because of all the fighting. Would you open your airlock for me? I'm too weak to teleport myself right now."
Harlan nodded. "Of course. It's opening now."
Gyana smiled again and the transmission ended. The screen on the bridge of the Chance split in half, with Catalina's face on one side and Suzee's on the other. Rosie left the bridge to see to Gyana.
"We'll head to the Spung Homeworld," Harlan decided. "Elmira must be warned and if they're hiring mercenaries, we should be careful around friendly-looking crafts as well."
Cat and Suzee nodded. The screen went dark and Harlan sighed. He gave his orders to the helmsman and retreated to his quarters to rest.
**********
Elmira had begun evacuating the floating Spung Homeworld almost immediately after Suni arrived with the message. The Spung fleet was begin mobilized to protect the Homeworld and large colonization ships were being sent to the SOL system, full of refugees.
Elmira paced around her throne room. Her husband had gone to check on the city's defenses, leaving Elmira to deal with the civilians. Suni watched the Empress walk back and forth, worried that Elmira would not leave before the attack came.
"Majesty," Suni said, "we should leave. Nothing will stop the aliens, and there's no way the UPP reinforcements will get here before the invaders do."
"My place is here, with my people," Elmira said absently.
"Empress, you're not even listening."
"I will not leave."
Suni sighed. "At least move to the moon that hold the old rebel base. It's well hidden."
Elmira turned. "From there, I would not see what is happening for half the day. The moon orbits the planet while the Homeworld remains stationary."
"But you'll be safe."
"But my people will be dying."
Suni and Elmira stared at each other for a moment. Elmira sighed and rubbed her forehead.
"Lord Dirge," she called to her Prime Minister.
"Yes, Majesty?" Dirge replied.
"Escort the UPP Ambassador to the evacuation ship. Do not leave until she is on board. If we are to die, I cannot take Rosie and Bova's only child with us."
Dirge bowed and turned to Suni.
"Elmira," Suni called.
The Empress turned. Suni could see how tired and distressed she was. Nevertheless, the ruler of the Spung appeared strong and untouched by the chaos around her.
"Good luck," Suni said.
Elmira waved as Dirge took Suni out of the Imperial Palace.
**********
The Spung Homeworld appeared on DogStar's screens and he smiled. The mercenary had waited a long time for this, practically counting the days since he had last seen this place. He brushed a stray lock of blond hair from his face and narrowed his blue eyes. He smiled and the scar that ran from his chin to his cheek stretched taunt, making him appear more menacing.
"Honey," he said to himself, "I'm home."
**********
The attack came quickly. The Spung fleet spread out to defend the Homeworld, which lay sheltered in a large shield. The invaders let lose their small fighters, and the Spung did the same. DogStar joined the fray, adding his improvised firepower to the Kaesar invaders. The mercenary let out a whoop of joy as he destroyed several Spung ships; he could not remember the last time he had enjoyed himself so much.
The fight lasted for hours, with neither side gaining an advantage. DogStar found himself growing bored of the fighting and decided to attack the shield generator for the planet, if he could get inside the shield. He skimmed as close as he dared to the shield surface, his scanners working hard to find weaknesses.
"All ships, fall back!" the Kaesar lead ship yelled. "Rear attack!"
DogStar swung around to see what the commotion was about. He was surprised to see more fighters joining the battle, and they all bore the marks of the UPP. DogStar hailed the Kaesar lead ship.
"I'm not hitting the UPP," he said. "I agreed to fight Spung."
"Return to the battle or be destroyed," the Kaesar warned.
"I want to be paid for my services and leave in peace," DogStar said, "or else I'll tell the UPP your plans."
The lead ship leveled its guns at the small mercenary craft. "Fight or die."
DogStar headed back into the fight. "Alright, alright. Keep your pants on."
**********
Admiral Band flew at the head of the assault. He felt like a Starcademy cadet again, only this time he was helping the Spung instead of destroying them. With expert efficiency, Harlan targeted the strange alien crafts and destroyed them with a single laser blast.
"UPP reinforcements," the Spung Warleader said over the comm. system. "This is Spung Warleader Kairn."
"Admiral Band here," Harlan replied.
"Thank you for your timely assistance," the Warleader said.
"Any time," Harlan answered. "It's one of the perks of the UPP."
Harlan cut the transmission and continued blasting.
**********
DogStar watched the fight for a few moments, trying to figure out how the UPP were attacking. He saw there were three squads of fighters, each commanded by a different ship. Tapping some buttons on the control board of his modified cruiser, DogStar scanned each lead ship to see what he was up against.
All three ships were said to be part of the Admiral's private fleet. DogStar used some of his stolen technology to zoom in on the pilots of each craft. The first squad was being led by the Admiral himself, while the other two were led by two women, both of whom seemed Saturnian. DogStar blinked in surprise and rejoined the battle.
**********
Rosie and Gyana stood on the bridge of the Chance, watching the fight. The Guardian had slept continuously since they had picked her up and had regained almost all her strength. She watched the battle with great interest. Suddenly, an explosion illuminated the screen.
"The Admiral's been hit!" someone exclaimed.
"Goddard One is going down, too!" another crew member reported.
"Starling One is losing power fast."
"Oh dear!" Rosie gasped as she watched her oldest friends come to their deaths.
Gyana stepped closer to the screen and scanned it with her eyes, searching for something. When she found it, she pointed to each of the lead ships, and closed her eyes. She remained motionless for a second, before collapsing to the ground. Rosie rushed to the Guardian's side. Three large blasts rocked the ship, and Rosie realized that Harlan, Catalina, and Suzee's ships were now floating debris. Cradling Gyana's head in her arms, Rosie cried.
**********
"Oh, my head," Harlan moaned.
The ship he found himself in suddenly lurched as it was hit by another shot. Harlan was thrown against someone else and he looked down to see Catalina, with Suzee beside her. They were both unconscious, but seemed unhurt.
The ship shook again and Harlan heard muted curses coming from behind a closed door. Curiously, he cracked the door open and peeked inside.
The command post of the small cruiser was a mess of control boards, lights, and wires. The captain of the ship was seated in the middle, frantically pushing buttons as UPP ships blasted him on all sides. Harlan could see out of the two large windows where his fleet was positioned and a chill passed through him.
We're in an enemy ship, he thought. Then, as an afterthought, he wondered, how did we get here?
The pilot had a long mass of tangled blond hair that was being held back in a loose ponytail and nearly touched the floor. Harlan could see he wore black gloves and a dark gray flight suit. Curiousity overcoming fear, Harlan crept forward to uncover the identity of the pilot. He reached out with one hand to spin the captain's chair around. He met his saviour eye to eye.
DogStar blinked in shock, momentarily forgetting everything around him. The battle, the Kaesar, the Spung, everything was absent from his mind. All he saw was the man before him.
"Harlan?" he said.
Admiral Band stared back, his eyes wide in surprise and alarm. Swallowing hard, Harlan managed to croak out:
"Radu?"
Here Ends Part One Of
Eye of the Future'