Dreadnought (Lost Colonies Trilogy Book 2) by B. V. Larson

Author:B. V. Larson [Larson, B. V.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3, mobi
Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction, Alien Invasion, Colonization, Exploration, First Contact, Galactic Empire, Genetic Engineering, Hard Science Fiction, Military, Space Fleet, Space Opera, Space Exploration
Amazon: B017VUR3KG
Published: 2015-11-11T02:00:00+00:00

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When we reached Defiant, I ordered my helmsman to take us out of orbit. After one last look at the blue-white beauty of the world, we left Sapphire behind.

“Where to, sir?” Durris asked from navigation.

“Find the closest bridge entry point,” I said. “I don’t care where it leads.”

Durris frowned, but he did as I asked. “This one,” he said, tapping at a glowing point on the screens. “We can exit the system here.”

“Set a course for that bridge. Get underway, helmsman.”

Durris got up and approached my chair. “Sir, that bridge leads to an undetermined endpoint. It might be terminal. There are a few others, much further out, that are on the Connatic’s star charts. They lead to known systems—places with markets to trade, colonists we can talk to.”

“No,” I said. “We’re not done with this star system yet. Set the course.”

Confused, he returned to his boards and did as I asked. Soon, the ship’s powerful engines rumbled, and we were pulling away toward the distant breach point. As it would take a full day’s flight to reach it, I got up and left the command deck.

I was in a sullen mood when a knock came at my office door.

“Enter,” I said.

Lady Grantholm stood revealed when the door swished aside. Her brow was stormy.

“Where are we going?” she demanded.

“Nowhere.”

“What kind of nonsense is this, William? I know you suffered a death on the planet, but that isn’t any—”

“No,” I said, “that’s not why I’m brooding. I’ve got a plan, and I’m executing it right now.”

She came inside fully, sat in the chair opposite mine, and stared at me expectantly.

I said nothing in response.

“Well?” she demanded. “What is this vaunted plan of yours? Why should I approve of it?”

“We’re not in a diplomatic situation,” I told her. “We’re soon going to engage in combat. That places me in command.”

“Really?” she demanded. “I don’t see it that way. There are no enemy ships nearby. There are only a few pathetic colonists, huddling on these forgotten worlds. There’s never been a more obvious diplomatic situation on this mission. I demand that you turn around and allow me to talk to the people you’ve made contact with.”

“No,” I said flatly.

Her face flushed with anger. “Listen, William Sparhawk. There will be a full court of inquiry when we return if you persist in these power struggles. Our orders are clear. Must I read them aloud to you?”

She pulled out a computer scroll and began tapping at it.

Leaning forward over my desk, I plucked it from her fingers. After glancing at it I dropped it on my desk.

“What is the meaning of this?” she demanded. “What’s gotten into you, William?”

“Aunt,” I said, “I want the answer to a question of my own. How did you know the true names of these planets before we got here?”

That stopped her for a moment. The anger on her face faded, and she scowled at me.

“I hardly see how that—”

“Sapphire, Jade, and the burning ember named Ruby? What a coincidence it must be that you knew them all.

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