Young - Bonded by Fire: Behind Alien Lines: Evidence of War, #2

Bonded By Fire:

Behind Alien Lines

Evidence of War, Book 2

By

Jerry A Young

It is only the great-hearted who can be true friends

Charles Kingsley

Prologue

O ntar hadnt expected to survive the crash. Which was an odd expectation, considering beings such as he never expected to die, either.

The crash happened during what humans would later call the Upper Paleolithic age on Earth. And though he had been to Earth not long before the crash, he was far from there when his ship failed him.

But not as far as had been planned.

Now he could do nothing but watch. And listen. And monitor. The specimens in the hold of his ship had mostly been killed. Those who werent were quickly preyed upon by the fierce animals from a planet with no name. But the Seeders had already done their job. The genetic altering was complete.

These fierce animals would now develop a great civilization. Theyd been destined for extinction on their native world. On this world, where Ontar now watched their progress, they would dominate both physically and mentally.

That was the plan, after all. Just not on this particular world.

And Ontar had a front row seat to watch and monitor and record it all. Most of his sensory programs still worked, and his energy unit was intact. To save himself from sheer boredom, he set his sleep cycles to wake him every five hundred years so he could review what had happened and decide when, if ever, to reveal himself to this planets new masters.

If something interesting happened, of course he would awaken sooner.

And so it was for 20 cycles, but in the 21st, when he was awakened after only 324 years, he knew something of significance must be happening.

And so it was. His crashed ship had been found. And his monitors told him the new masters of this planet were no longer alone, but had been joined by the very species they had been saved from on their planet of origin.

Now, this was interesting!

Chapter 1

T he Star-Guardian Mars literally tore through space, her gravity drive thrusting for all the old ship was worth. On her bridge grim-faced crew members, both human and Restan, worked their consoles in silent determination.

If we can maintain present speed, we will intercept the intruders in about 20 hours, the Restan First Officer said. His voice showed no emotion, but this slow-flicking tail revealed his ancient instincts rising to the surface. The predator inside him was tensing for the leap upon the prey.

Captain Tallie Talbot remained hunched over her command console, watching the ever changing situation being portrayed on her small screens.

Right, Tropo, she said without looking up. The ships combat computer was now displaying possible strategies, the right one of course depending upon how the three intruders reacted as they became aware of the Mars approaching.

So far they gave no sign of being aware of the Star-Guardian. They had already destroyed the convoy of 14 cargo ships and their lightly-armed escorts. They lingered in the area now, making Talbot wonder if they hadnt just used the attack as bait for her own ship. They didnt seem the least bit worried about just one ship attacking three of themselves. Talbot shook her head, frowning. Thats all there would be, too, just their one ship. She checked another small screen on her console. This showed the space within five lightyears of Tau Ceti.

Three other Star-Guardians were present in that cube of space, but the Mars was the only one in position to intercept the intruders.

It figures it would be my ship, she thought to herself. It wasnt that she was afraid especially, although she was. She just wished she had a newer ship, or that she had been commander of this one for more than just two weeks. Preferably both! Should she wait for help? It wasnt the protocol, though captains were certainly allowed to abandon that in dire situations.

She considered the slaughter of all those crews to fall into the dire category.

Captain! Theyre changing course, Tropo called out, jarring her out of her wishful thinking. Her eyes returned to her situation screen, growing wide as she examined it. The intruders had not only changed course but had also slowed considerably, moving slower now then even the debris field which was all that was left of the convoy.

I dont know why they did it, but they sure made our job much easier. Adjust accordingly, Pilot. She looked back to the screen showing the positions of the other Star-Guardians. Assuming the intruders held present speed and course, it looked as if the point of light representing the Jupiter would arrive in time to help, after all.

The Jupiter is signaling, Captain, asking us to tie-in, Pilot said.

Do it. She let out a sigh and leaned back in her seat, thinking. It looked as if the aliens little maneuver had allowed both of her wishes to come true. The Jupiter was a much newer ship, and since its commander had seniority he would fight both ships through his own ships tie-in with hers.

How long? she asked Tropo.

The great furry face turned to look her in the eye. Only ten hours now, Captain, until they are within range of our weapons. And we may hope at least that long before we are in range of theirs.

She nodded. Yes, we may hope.

She returned to her situation board, eyeing the dots that were the intruders. She had a distinct feeling they were being suckered in. But it was up to Captain Hull now. He was a brilliant military mind, as he had constantly reminded her while they were both at the academy, and she and her ship were just along for the ride now.

I sure hope he is right about himself, she mumbled, pushing her chair away from her console.

Captain? Tropos ears were up and fully focused on her.

Nothing, just thinking out loud.

There was no use waiting ten hours at her station. Although rest seemed impossible, nevertheless she knew she must try. When the battle came, her ship didnt need a captain who was bleary-eyed from screen fatigue.

Ill be in my cabin, Tropo. Report any drastic changes in situation to me immediately. Also, schedule a fresh bridge crew in here one hour before contact. If nothing changes within the next hour, take a break yourself. And thats an order.