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“That doesn’t prove anything, Ryan.”

  “Oh, so you’re doubting Drake?”

  “No, not that. I mean it doesn’t mean those planets were wiped out by a hostile force. They could have killed themselves off with war. Nobody knows what really happened. And we haven’t heard anything since, and that was what, almost twenty-five years ago?”

  “One thing we do know,” said Ryan. “Those planets were destroyed by some type of weaponry. Our scientists and military experts all agreed. You can read it in the online archives yourself. You’re right, though. We don’t know if they did it to themselves with a planetary war or not. But do you really feel like taking that chance as we go deeper into space? Because I sure don’t.”

  Amanda just stared at him blankly. “I still think there are better things we could be putting our energy into,” she said.

  “Suit yourself,” he said, tired of trying to reason with her. “I just don’t understand why you came to a military academy. I mean, it is called the United Earth Defense Fleet.”

  Just then, the green lights activated on the bridge. Amanda muttered something he couldn’t hear. Then the buzzer went off, indicating that the simulation had started.

  Ryan glanced over the brief again. Their virtual craft, the UEDF Nimitz, was a light-speed battleship, and they were patrolling the first three planets of Earth’s solar system.

  Just as he sat down in the middle of the bridge, Jill called out from communications.

  “I’m picking up a distress call from the UEDF Hampton,” she said. “Her location is fifty miles off the Mars orbital base. She’s a medical transport. They’re reporting they’re under attack. Three ships have them surrounded and are demanding they hand over their medical supplies or they’ll destroy her.”

  “Go to full alert status.” Ryan felt the adrenaline flowing through his body. He glanced at his helm officer, Nicole, another friend of Amanda’s. “Nicole, set an intercept course, full sub-light speed.” Turning to his good friend and weapons officer, Tanner Blackhart, he ordered, “Tanner, bring all weapons to standby status.”

  “Ryan,” said Amanda, “you do know that Defense Fleet regulations say that we’re to request backup and await orders before entering any hostile situation, right?”

  Ryan knew this was coming. He had to stop himself from making a snide comment. She was technically correct, but sometimes going by the book wasn’t the best course to take. In this case, he wasn’t about to sit around and wait for backup when lives were in danger. He’d made that mistake once and swore he’d never make it again.

  But then, as he glanced at Amanda standing there with her arms crossed, something made him reconsider. Call it temporary insanity. He decided to humor her and go with her decision, if only to prove a point. Besides, he knew if he didn’t make the call, she’d continue to hound him. “You’re right, Amanda,” he said. “Jill, inform Headquarters of the situation. Have them advise us immediately.”

  “Will do,” said Jill. Within seconds, she had the response. “Captain,” she said, “the Fleet Admiral has informed us to wait for assistance. They have two ships en route. They’ll be here in twenty-two minutes.”

  “And so, we wait,” said Ryan.

  Amanda looked surprised and genuinely touched that he’d actually listened to her. Ryan could even detect a slight smile, and he nodded in acknowledgment and smiled back.

  After a few more seconds, Jill turned around. “The Hampton’s captain reports that they have less than ten minutes before the attacking ships open fire. She’s requesting immediate assistance.”

  Ryan felt the eyes of the entire bridge crew on him, especially Amanda’s. He knew his orders were to wait, but sure wasn’t going to sit there and let that ship and her crew be destroyed. Sometimes you had to make a tough decision, even if it’s an unpopular one. To him, that was what distinguished a good officer from a great one. He made up his mind. “Nicole, move out. Full sub-light power. We’re going in.”

  As expected, Amanda wasn’t happy. “Ryan,” she said, “if you do this, you know I’ll have to log an official protest and report you for going against orders. I have no choice. Our orders are to wait for backup.”

  “Do what you have to,” he said. “As for me, I’m gonna do what I have to and save that ship.”

  “It’s not just about you, Ryan. Your decision affects us all. I’m sorry, but I have to note the record. You’re going to get us all killed.”

  “Trust me for once.” He couldn’t worry about official records right now. He knew in his gut this was the right thing to do.

  Within minutes, they had arrived at the location of the ship in distress. She was surrounded by three large unknown vessels. Ryan looked to Jill. “Open a channel to those ships. Tell them to back off or we’ll open fire.” He had no illusions about their chances. One against three is never good odds, but he was hoping he could hold them off long enough for the reinforcements to arrive.

  Tanner called out, “They’re turning toward us and increasing speed. Sensors show they’re powering their weapons.”

  “Open fire,” ordered Ryan. “Prepare for evasive maneuvers.”

  The officers on the bridge sprang into action immediately. Tanner fired the forward torpedoes. “Tubes one through four away.”

  Amanda was at the sensor console when she called out, “We have multiple torpedoes coming at us. At twelve o’clock, three o’clock, and nine o’clock.”

  “Pull her up, Nicole. Full throttle,” said Ryan. He could feel the shift in the internal gravity as the ship pulled straight up. Then the ship rocked and shook. Sparks flew from some of the stations as damage reports started coming in. He couldn’t believe how realistic the simulation was.

  “Ry,” said Paul, the ship’s engineer and Ryan’s other good friend. “We’ve lost port side thrusters and the outer hull is damaged. Power is down to sixty percent.”

  “Sensors are showing we got one of their ships,” said Amanda. “The other two are turning about for another run at us.”

  Ryan knew they were in trouble. “How long before the reinforcements get here?” he asked Amanda. “Hey—”

  She didn’t get the opportunity to reply. The Nimitz rocked again and smoke filled the bridge. Then suddenly, the red lights came on and the simulation ended. Ryan stood up and was about to ask why, but his question was answered for him. Admiral Williamson was entering the bridge.

  “The simulation is over,” said the admiral. “I’ve just received a message from Fleet Headquarters that we’re to put the academy on a level two lockdown. This is real, folks. Not a drill.” Looking at Ryan, he shook his head. “Cadet Thompson. In my office. The rest of you are dismissed.”

  Ryan knew he was in a heap of trouble. He also knew that a

  level two lockdown meant that the deep space outpost on Pluto must have detected a possible threat to Earth—something large and incoming. The admiral didn’t say whether it was an asteroid or an alien presence, but with a lockdown on such short notice, he was willing to bet anything it was probably the latter. He thought back to those two devastated planets. Despite what he told Amanda, he didn’t really expect to see any repercussions of that in his lifetime. As he looked over at her leaving the simulation area, he was half tempted to ask her how her theory about wasting time with battle simulations was looking right about now. But he didn’t. Instead he just gazed at her, studying the look of concern on her face—the same concern he now felt.

  Chapter 2

  A Matter Of Discipline

  Ryan made his way to Admiral Williamson’s office. His mind was racing. The only other time there had been a level two alert was when an asteroid had been heading toward Earth a few years back. Fortunately the UEDF was able to divert it off course. But with that one, there’d been plenty of warning, with escalating levels of alerts for nearly a year. This one seemed to have come out of thin air. Whatever it was, he’d find out soon enough.

  Of course there was also the little issue of his choice to break th
e rules during the simulation. But that was a decision he was going to stand firmly by. The problem with the military was that you weren’t supposed to think for yourself. They expected you to blindly follow orders. If that was the case, why didn’t they just build a bunch of drone warriors and command them remotely?

  Arriving at the admiral’s office, he approached the assistant’s desk. “Cadet Ryan Thompson reporting,” he said to the familiar face. “I’m here to see the admiral.”

  Looking up from her desk, Lieutenant Andrea Rhimes smiled. “Ryan, it’s been almost two weeks since you’ve been here. I guessed twelve days in the pool we held, so I was right on target.” She grinned as she hit the intercom. “Cadet Thompson is here to see you, Admiral.” She glanced up at Ryan again. “At this rate,” she said, “I’ll be rich.”

  Ryan smiled at her. “Glad to oblige, though I do think should be entitled to half your winnings, shouldn’t I?”

  Admiral Williamson’s voice bellowed over the speaker, “Send him in, Lieutenant.”

  “Yes, sir. You heard the admiral, Mr. Thompson.” She saluted in jest.

  Saluting her back, Ryan couldn’t help smiling. “As you wish, Lieutenant!” Andrea Rhimes always managed to cheer him up. He wondered how she stayed so upbeat day in and day out. Cautiously, he stepped into Admiral Williamson’s office and snapped to attention. “Cadet Ryan Thompson, sir!”

  “Cut the crap, Ryan. It’s just the two of us in here.” The admiral stood up, walked around his desk, and started to pace. Ryan knew this wasn’t a good sign. After all, this wasn’t the first time the admiral had reamed him out, and it probably wouldn’t be the last.

  “Do you know how hard it is to get a spot in this academy? Only seven hundred and fifty students a year get into this place. What the hell is wrong with you, Thompson?”

  Ryan started to open his mouth, but the admiral held up his hand.

  “Can it, Ryan. I’ve heard it all before. I’d wise up if I were you. One of these days your attitude is going to get you killed. Not to mention your shipmates. What in God’s name were you thinking during that battle simulation? You ignored procedure, took your cruiser into battle against unbeatable odds, and got almost half your crew injured or killed.”

  “Sir. If you w—”

  “Stow it, Thompson! That was a hypothetical question. I’m not done yet.”

  “Begging the admi—” Seeing the look on the admiral’s face, Ryan figured he’d better shut up.

  Williamson looked surprised. “Is that a hint of self-restraint I see or do my eyes deceive me? We might just make you a soldier yet.” Pausing for a moment, the admiral took a deep breath and returned to his desk. “Sit down, Thompson. Listen . . .” His voice grew softer, almost fatherly, as he continued. “Ryan, I’ve been watching your progress over the past three years. Hell, your father is my best friend. You’re as close to being family as it gets, but damn it, Ryan, you have to follow regulations. I’m no longer just a family friend. I’m your senior officer, and I can’t protect you when you screw up. What the hell were you thinking?”

  Ryan paused.

  “That’s a real question this time,” said Williamson.

  Realizing that the admiral knew him as well as anybody, Ryan decided to go with his gut. “Admiral, we have a duty to protect the citizens of Earth. It’s our sworn oath to defend our people even in the face of death. You know me, sir. I’m not the type to sit on my butt and wait for the cavalry to show up. I made that mistake once, sir.” He paused a moment to collect himself. “I won’t make it again.”

  The admiral’s demeanor softened even more, and Ryan knew why. “Listen, Ryan,” said Williamson. “We’ve been over this. What happened to your mother wasn’t your fault. You did what the authorities told you to do. You’ve got to let it go. For your sake and for your career.”

  Williamson was right. It wasn’t his fault. Not exactly. But still, if he’d done what he wanted to, he might have been able to save her. But now, all he could do was avoid making the same mistakes again, which is why he chose to put human lives ahead of blindly following orders. Obviously, Williamson didn’t want to hear it anymore, so what was the use trying to explain himself?

  Gathering his thoughts, Ryan said, “Is there anything else, sir?”

  The admiral paused for a moment. Ryan was waiting for the other shoe to drop.

  “Damn right there’s more. We’re in a level two situation now, son. You do know what that means.”

  “Do we know what it is yet?”

  “That’s a negative, but according to our outpost on Pluto, it’s something we haven’t seen before. I’ll leave it at that.”

  “Aliens, sir?”

  “Something we haven’t seen before. I think that’s what I said.”

  “I suppose we’ll find out soon enough, sir.”

  “Thompson, we’re about to enter the big leagues fast. And in the context of this fun little situation we find ourselves in, it’ll help you to remember that this is the military, son. When you command a ship, it says United Earth Defense Fleet on it, not Ryan Thompson’s ship of fools. There’s a reason we have a chain of command. For Christ’s sake, Ryan, you’re the son of the Fleet Admiral, and not only that, but the best goddamned one who ever lived. One day soon, maybe sooner than you think, you’re going to be out there for real. All our lives will depend on everyone following orders. Am I being clear?”

  Ryan tensed at the mention of his father. It took everything he had to keep from saying something he’d regret. Clenching his teeth he responded. “Yes, sir.”

  Williamson continued. “Good. Now I guess you’re wondering why I put you two together.”

  “The thought crossed my mind.”

  “Good. Well, keep thinking about that.”

  “I will sir. Anything else?”

  “Yes, one last bit of advice. Ryan, your dad knows better than anyone when to take chances. But he also knows the importance of regulations. He knows how to look at the bigger picture. I want that same thing from you, and I know you can do it.”

  “I’ll do my best to make you proud, sir.” He hesitated, then decided to go for it. “I do have a question, though.”

  “Shoot.”

  “You were talking about regulations, sir. Seeing how Cadet Williamson is your daughter, should the competition end in a tie, regulations say that the commanding officer makes the final decision. Are you planning to recuse yourself if that happens . . . sir?”

  Williamson stared at him.

  “Are you implying that my decision would be skewed because my daughter is your opponent? Is that what I am hearing?”

  “It’s just that—”

  The admiral leaned closer to him. “If I were you, son, I’d be more concerned about Cadet Williamson. From what I saw today, she wasn’t too thrilled with your actions during the simulation. And you know what she’s like when she’s pissed off. If you want something to worry about, I’d be worried about her kicking your butt. That’s all, Thompson. Dismissed!”

  Ryan saluted. “Yes sir!” He started to walk out, but he couldn’t resist turning around. “Sir, with all due respect, I think I made the right choice today. And, honestly, given the same information, I’d make the same one tomorrow. I know I’m right for this role . . . sir.”

  “The best cadet will win, Thompson. You can take that to the bank. And if you keep making choices like that, there won’t be a tomorrow. Now get out of here before I throw you in the brig.”

  “Sir, yes sir!” Ryan tried to suppress a laugh. As he turned to leave, out of the corner of his eye he noticed the admiral shaking his head.

  Making his way up the corridor, Ryan began to contemplate the admiral’s words about the lockdown. What was that he said?

  Something we haven’t seen before.

  Of course, the admiral didn’t seem to be that concerned, at least not in a panic. He almost seemed more concerned about his actions during about the simulation. Then again, the admiral always did play things clos
e to the vest, and after all, it had been a level two alert. Other than that planet-threatening asteroid, the only alerts he knew of had been level three or four. Someone or something was out there and heading towards Earth. Either that, or this was going to be one helluva drill.

  Chapter 3

  Cadet Training Facility,

  Finals Week

  Amanda sat at the table eating lunch and looking at her notes for next week’s finals. She was having a hard time concentrating and was still thinking about how Ryan had ignored her input during the battle simulation. It was like she was invisible, like he thought she was in over her head or something. And maybe she was, but as far as she was concerned, her option was the safer one and the correct one in that situation. His would have gotten them all killed.

  As if all that wasn’t enough, now there was this level two alert. Ever since she was a little kid watching movies about aliens that abduct humans and destroy entire planets, the thought of actually meeting an alien species had unnerved her. Maybe it was fear of the unknown. It sure hadn’t stopped her from wanting to enter the fleet, though. The exploration and the sheer beauty of space, the amazing scientific discoveries, and the possibility of understanding more about our universe were absolutely captivating to her. Most of all she loved building things, so, all in all, the UEDF was the perfect place for her. If only her father hadn’t given her a hard time when she said she wanted to be an engineer. Not enough advancement opportunities, he said. At least with officer training, there’d be a broad array of career options. The fact is, he never believed in her abilities. She used to experiment with spare parts at home and he’d call it a waste of time.

  Her daydreaming was cut short when Jill came up and sat next to her.

  “So what do you think about this lockdown?” said Jill, peeling a clementine.

  “That smells good. I don’t know what to think, but we better find out soon. My mind is almost too full to worry.”

  “Oh my God, are you still obsessing over that simulation?”