Текст книги "The Warriors Of Shambhala"

Автор книги: Sergii Sheludchenko

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‘We should not do it. Now we'll get them.’

Shen tried to reason with the commander.

‘Carry out the order!’

‘Guns of the starboard are ready.’

‘Open fire!’

The corpus of the cruiser was shuddered, but not from the salvos. A distinct smell of burning entered the wheelhouse.

‘Operator, what's happening?’

‘There are the "Ghosts", Commander! They are located at a distance of fifty miles in line, there are three units.’ "Ghosts" were the corvettes equipped with special protective screens. Most scanners did not record these types of ships. Only low-frequency radar or visual inspection could detect their approach. In this case, the operator became interested in the pursuit of the merchant and he ignored the signal of the low-frequency lokatorayu. He had identified the enemy at a very close distance. "Ghosts" had relatively slight arms, as almost all the energy resources were used to support their protective shield. The energy reserve was reserved for no more than ten volleys with laser guns with a mounted screen. "Ghosts" used specific tactics for attack.

They sneaked up on the enemy when almost defeated; beat and removed protection from all of the available weapons, including their missile systems.

Drake was lucky the first salvo did not cause much harm to the cruiser. Maybe the guidance system malfunctioned, and the Gunners could have hurried. The external armor withstood the tangent blow of the laser and the missiles did not touch the ship. They went into space to look for a random victim. They had to forget about the merchant. There was a more serious opponent.

‘Navigator, accelerate to the hyper drive! Prepare for the missile attack!’

‘It is pointless to get involved in the fight.’

Shen skillfully maneuvered and he evaded the next laser attack and took out one of the Corvettes by return volley. Losing control, he abruptly left the left side.

‘Energy perturbations are on the starboard side! The distance is one hundred and twenty miles. That is a discovery of the hyper tunnel! That is a heavy cruiser and identification marks of the Galactic Patrol! Meeting with the ships of the Galactic Patrol is not part of the plans of Drake, especially with a heavy cruiser.’

‘Let’s get ready to pounce! Technician, how long will it take?’

‘It will take two minutes.’

‘Let’s store energy, but rocket and torpedo tubes are available for the gunners!’

‘Accepted!’ Shen said. ‘We cannot make it, Commander. The cruiser enters on the line of fire.’

‘What is your suggestion?’

‘Remove the gravitational field.’

‘All should take place on the emergency combats schedule! The operator, remove the gravitational field!’

Drake fixed the safety belts, and immediately a light nausea came up his throat. He could not stand weightlessness.

‘The Ship is ready to pounce!’

‘The course is defined, the bearing has been taken. I open the gate.’

The last sentence of the navigator could be heard, as if from a distance. Multicolored circles swam before the eyes of Drake, and then there was a failure. For the second time in his life he went into hyperspace without protective fields. Electrical discharges tore the body into pieces. Terrible pain in the occipital region caused him to cry out. Consciousness had left Alan, and he did not know that only a miracle could save his crew and the ship from certain death. Quark projectiles passed a few meters from the main regulator, only touching the antenna of the destructor and then hyperspace engulfed the ship.

The commander of the heavy cruiser "Mirfak" cursed. The pirate could escape at any minutes. A presumptuous graven image was to blame for everything according to the commander of "Ghosts." As a result one ship was damaged and the pirate slipped away straight from under his nose. If this goes on, these gentlemen of fortune will just become impudent, believing in their impunity.

The watchkeeper, Kiben said, ‘Invite the commander of "ghosts" on board. And tell this grief-stricken warrior to pick up a detailed report. Is the merchant in a zone connection?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Give thanks to him for the timely message. The team is owed ten thousand dinars. Fix their side number and name of the captain.’

‘It will be done, commander.’

Colonel Kiben disabled the selector and went to the view screen, which replaced the window. The black abyss of the cosmos shone with bluish sparks of stars scattered on billions of light years.

The "Galactic Patrol" was a paramilitary organization created after the war with the Exots for border protection of habitats. At the time, the inhabited sector, which was represented in the Security Council, sent the best specialists and the most modern ships at their disposal of the “Galactic Patrol”. Several habitable planets in the Vega system were selected as a base. They were subject exclusively to the Security Council. The “Galactic Patrol” controlled the border territories of the Spheres. And later, the “Galactic Patrol” had turned into an independent paramilitary formation which received the status of a state conglomerate, with the possibility to grant citizenship of their choice and will. Only persons who had reached a certain age and passed selection got the title of "peacekeeper", which determined their status among the general population of the Gaza habitat. Now the "Galactic Patrol" was not only a guarded frontier of deep space, but also accompanied by commercial flights, which were patrolling and guarding the borders of some star systems. Of course, they did this for the money.

"Mirfak" is a heavy cruiser of "Galactic Patrol" that had just returned from combat duty, when the operator intercepted a call for help that was sent by the merchant. Unfortunately, a pirate managed to escape. This upset the colonel, who was a commander of a separate checkpoint 1736, which was based on the board of "Mirfak." Not only the gratitude of command, but also a lot of bonuses went to the pirate.

Kiben realized only now how tired he was after the last flight. The colonel stood up and walked over to the mini bar, which was built into the wall of the cabin. A transparent burning liquid cheered Kiben up a bit. It was time to return to his duties.

He flicked the intercom switch.

‘Attention! We must get out of the sector. Navigators, take a course at the base. Let’s go to the marching mode. The operator, give the commands to the corvettes, to follow us.’

‘The commander, one of the "ghosts" reports that he cannot stay the course on his own.’

‘Emergency team, prepare a tug!’ The Colonel realized that he had no right to keep the damaged ship without cover. We can certainly call a tow truck. But the wait will be delayed, probably for a long time, and he was still told to wait in the sector as a shield. Kiben wanted to go home.

‘The tug is adopted on the corvette.’

‘The navigator is ready for transition.’

‘The technician is at checkout.’

‘Let's go!’

The cruiser slowly gained speed, dragging in tow the damaged corvette. Kiben, was leaning back in his chair, and closed his eyes.

* * *

Alan Drake woke up under the emergency sirens wail. After seeing the bridge, he did not notice any visible signs of damage. The feeling of heaviness in his body suggested that the shields had recovered. Drake unfastened the safety belts and tried to get up. A swimming feeling came before his eyes. Alan sat down in a chair and put his arms around his head. He felt something sticky on his hands. This was probably blood. If jumping on the bridge had such consequences, what about the less protected bays? Drake snapped the tumbler on the internal communication system.

‘Drake is in touch, give me reports on the post!’ The report calmed Alan. There had been a couple of deaths among the Exots, who had not put protective suits on designed to protect against overload. Most of the crew members in the raid had not removed them. However, some Exots, who had adapted to the conditions of high gravity, allowed themselves such liberties.

‘Shen, what do you have?’

‘I have minor damage to the hull. We lost an antenna, but otherwise, everything is fine. We will restore it in a couple of days.’

‘What is the estimated time to the base?

‘Sunset will be at eighteen hundred hours ship's time. You have transferred from the base; the guests are waiting for you.’

‘What kind of guests?’

‘The operator does not inform us.’ Drake thought. It is unlikely that this is due to Shirvani. Especially since a few days ago he saw Daoud. What is the point of the supreme ruler to send his dogs after Alan? Rather, a visitor arrived on another matter.

Promptly at eighteen hundred hours, as expected, Shen and the cruiser passed signal beacons to the outer sector, stopped the engine and lay to drift in Wyman’s orbit. Most of the team, using assault boats, hurried to leave the ship. Everyone was in a hurry to solve their problems.

Someone moved to the port bar, and someone moved to the brothel. Drake did not have such an impact on the people of this planet, both in the campaign. Here, each was his own master, there were such laws of "Star of brotherhood."Although Alan was one of the most respected leaders of the pirates, but in fact, everything was much more complicated. He had at his disposal a fairly large fleet. Naturally, he brought down the most expensive prizes as Commander. Alan could afford to take the dangerous but lucrative expedition, to maintain an army of informants in all sectors of data, paying them hundreds of thousands of dinars, and even a percentage of the value of the trophy. Drake was lucky and happy with the people he hired on his ships. There were still a few captains able to compete with Alan in the "brotherhood of the Star." Drake’s influence did not apply to them. Raids and ports took Corsairs which legally belonged to the county of Wyman, like most planets in the constellation of Northern Crown, but kept the money for the "Star of brotherhood." The local overlord did not enter into any of the stellar coalitions and kindly agreed to grant asylum to filibuster for a share of the spoils. But this was on one condition. The Earl did not care what the pirates did outside the sector of the Northern Crown. Upon arrival on the planet, they must behave as law-abiding citizens. This made it possible to maintain the relative stability of the column at the diplomatic level. By attacking the pirate base Clamps meant to violate the sovereignty of the state. The duties of the governor, Wyman, were not to give law enforcement authorities for the Corsairs in the Sector habitat. Corsairs felt calm enough in the Northern Crown.

Drake’s spacecraft landed near the residence of Corsair. Drake's villa resembled a fortress. Alan did not spare funds for his safety. Traditionally, the captains immediately went on a visit to the Count on arrival, but Drake did not want to appear to Wyman with empty hands. The expedition ended badly, so not only pirates, but the count had suffered a loss. Drake still had time to get into the palace. First of all, it was necessary to meet the guests, who were waiting for him at the villa.

Three persons, who had served as Alan’s workers, ran up to the board of the spacecraft, welcoming the host.

‘Guests are still here, aren't they?’

Drake turned to the fat black man who stood at the gangway with a servile smile.

‘Yes, Alan. They are waiting for you. They are in a hurry and very worried.’

‘Take them to my office, I will disguise myself, and after a few minutes I will come.’ The Negro nodded and ran to obey the orders of the lord. Drake walked into his apartment. After a shower, he stopped at the wardrobe. What do the visitors want? If these are simple informants, deciding to offer Alan another little business, he should not be subverted in his choice of costume. The dark colors of his suit underlined the superiority. But if these people came on another matter, he would change to soft, light colors. Many said that the great actor died in Alan. An innate sense of beauty and tact made Drake the most exquisite dandy among the Corsairs.

It is much more pleasant to deal with a person who resembles a gentleman. After a moment of reflection, Alan stopped on the road, embroidered with gold, which was the white admiral's uniform.

Two men in dark business suits rose from their seats, welcoming the leader of the pirates who came into the office. Alan beckoned guests to sit down. But visitors, did not respond to his invitation, and continued to stand.

‘We came to you on behalf of Baron Rolang from the triumvirate of "Fire Star", with the proposal to assist the Baron in his struggle for the throne.’

Drake knew the triumvirate "Firestar". Its vast possessions stretched into the outer sphere of the galaxy, which was sparsely populated but rich in natural resources. Alan made several raids in those areas, and always came back with a good catch. The Barons of "Fire Star" had been in a state of internal war in recent years. Transport vessels were confiscated from owners and converted under the disguise of warships. Every day, hundreds of refugees tried to illegally leave the triumvirate. Some of the enterprising representatives of the merchant guilds made good money on this. In recent years, these pirates rarely crossed the borders of "Firestar". What's the point of capture of the merchant, if a couple of hundred illegal immigrants were located on board, traveling from their planet? It is quite tempting to take part in a couple of raiders' operations. The campaign can be quite profitable. But first we must listen to what the messengers will say. In all likelihood, Baron Rolang gave them the authority to stipulate the conditions under which Drake will agree to help their governor. Otherwise, guests will not stay in the residence of Alan.

‘Your proposal is acceptable. But before I give an answer, you have to introduce me to the cause. First of all, I'm interested in the Baron’s opponents. Secondly, I'm interested in some reward. Well, and the third, can you explain why the choice fell on me?’

‘If you have heard of the triumvirate of "Firestar", you will not find it difficult to imagine a situation that arose in the star system. Once disparate sectors of the outer sphere the barons joined their possessions into a quite powerful and rich union. The economy and production were centralized, allowing us to efficiently coordinate the development of the most remote points of the triumvirate. But there were problems with the division of revenues. The war began. Since the management of planetary systems was not possible, the place of the single full ruler of "Firestar" was disputed. Naturally, the triumvirate was revived as the Imperial House. Baron Rolang offers you a knighthood and the income of one of the industrial sectors, which will go into your property and will be inherited by your descendants, in the event of his victory and ascension to the throne. The choice fell on you was not accidental. The Baron does not want to deal with the League because Shirvani will take away power from the future Emperor, making him the head of the puppet regime. Let's think logically. Sooner or later the planets of external sectors will go to the League or the Union. What is the sense to fight for the throne? And the meaning is! Rolang will squeeze out of the economy of the former triumvirate everything to the last drop, when he gets "Firestar" in his undivided rule. For my part, I provide a service to your governor to destroy just a few planets by war and knighthood. As you know, it is extremely foolish to agree to such a venture. Pass the Baron so that I'll help to take control of the sector. My terms are twenty percent of his annual income which will belong to me and my people as long as Roland remains in power. After the end of the campaign, I will get the title of Count and land on the planet, which will correspond to the project. During the fighting, all the costs related to the provision and repair of ships the Baron will take over. In addition, for every combat unit in my squadron will paid a hundred thousand dinars every month over the life of our cooperation. Only in such circumstances, I would agree to help Rolang.’ Drake bowed, indicating that the conversation is over. But the visitors were in no hurry to leave.

‘How long will it take to train the squadron for the transition?’

Alan knew that the situation in "Fire Star" was not in favor of Rolang. The future Suzerain simply had no other choice but to seek the support of Drake. The Ambassadors were previously willing to accept any pirate conditions. It can be assumed that the contract with Rolang and Alan is in his pocket. In the County Drake will appear on maps of star systems with the successful completion of the campaign. And Alan will become a titled nobleman instead of an ordinary pirate. Drake thought for a long time to acquire the rights to any planetary system.

Unfortunately, only the uninhabited sector on the outskirts are going to be sold, which are dozens of light years away from the inner sphere.

‘If you immediately pay packaging and fuel ships that would be no later than tomorrow morning.’

‘We will be able to give an answer within an hour.’

‘All right, gentlemen. I do not dare you any longer. If a ruler like Rolang accepts my conditions and you're ready for the equipment fleet, let me know through my assistant.’

After seeing the guests, Alan got expensive cigars out from under the table. Everything went perfectly well. If the contract with Rolang can be fulfilled, considering preliminary talks with Alan and Shirvani, we can hope for a double-dip.

The melodic videophones buzzer distracted Alan by its reflections. Shen's face appeared to be more preoccupied than usual.

‘Commander, some people refer to your request for the calculation for the complete equipment of the squadron.’

‘Everything is all right. These are our new allies. They represent Roland’s interests. Collect all the captains in my villa.’

‘We need to discuss the plan of the forthcoming campaign.’

‘A couple of ships are absent on the base.’

‘Try to bring them back immediately. It is in our interest to have a whole fleet. The videophones screen lights went, Shen does not need to repeat the order twice.’ Alan touched a button in the corner of the table. The ever smiling butler appeared in the doorway.

‘Prepare the dining room. In the evening, we will wait for the guests. And tell the cook that I will appeal against his cooking, I'm constipated to death!’ Majordomo grimaced. He understood that at the reception there will be representatives not only from humanoid sectors today. Some individuals of the officers called outright disgust at Sivanin. What he particularly disliked about Hingas was his shapeless body, which was covered with mucus. They looked like huge snails that were living on his home planet, and had been successfully used in food. Hingas complained about how the chef prepared the only dish they ate from seaweed and grass for the last time. Sivan spent a few hours until he managed to get everything he needed to cook it.

As a result, there was such ingratitude. The owner tried to please the masters, stressing that all are equal to him, but the Majordomo knew how Drake referred to these natural semi-finished products, endowed with intelligence and deprived of body.

Drake released the servants and headed for the dressing room. It's time to visit the old man Wyman. To visit someone it is better to choose a modest suit for the average citizen. The rulers do not like it when their subjects are superior in something, even in the little things, like clothes. To go to an audience with empty hands was impolite. Alan went into the armory and took a magnificent handmade sword from the cupboard. Such a gift was worthy of an emperor. Wyman will be pleased. Age had taken its toll and senile Marasmus had degenerated into a megalomaniac. Wyman tried not to simply control the revenues of "Star of brotherhood." In addition to compulsory payments to the treasury is a percentage of the total appraised value of the prize, and he had put his paw on part of the booty distributed among crew members after the campaign. The personal share that was paid by the governor to Wyman sometimes exceeded the share of the senior officers of the ship. The captains were outraged, but had nowhere to go. Where else will they find a ruler willing to give shelter to pirates? Some disaffected crews left Wyman with ships, and since then no one heard anything about them.

The general rule did not apply only to Drake. He managed to cheat here, offering his services to Wyman in the event of fighting in Gaza. So Drake did not pay taxes to the treasury of the county, and recorded the share count personally with each raid. But tangible benefits could not compensate for moral damage resulting in Alan meeting with the governor. Old Wyman decided that he could not only dispose of Alan’s fleet, but also to command the leader of the buccaneers. Such an attitude was disconcerting for Drake. He was determined to present him a gift in the form of the title of Count, his first victim will be Wyman’s sector. Alan will find a reason to start a war, which was justified in terms of diplomacy.

Knowing the internal foundations of the enemy, he did not make much effort to crush the defense sector. If anything, "Starry Brotherhood" will help and he should promise the captains to leave their base at their disposal.

Drake drew the sword from its sheath. This was an excellent blade. What a pleasure, he will drive it into the heart of the old Marazmatik. But it was not the time. He needed to listen to sermons. The next morning will open new perspectives in Alan’s life.

Earl Wyman was walking along a deserted alley of the old garden. Fallen leaves were covering the earth with a thick layer creating a kind of shelter. The trunks of fallen trees were partitioned along an alley. Nobody had taken care of this plot for several decades. Wyman forbade anyone to approach the alley resulting on pain of death. Only here, alone, Earl felt some inner peace. This alley was located in the bottom of the garden and was the only outlet in Wyman’s life. At least he thought so. During his long life the old man did not bother to get to know his heirs. He had no luck with his first wife, she ran away with some trader in the sector of the Independent Union a month after their wedding. Graf did not understand what made her leave the luxury of the palace and the richness of her husband. But, following the code of honor, he hired people who could appease her, however to no avail. His second wife was more practical. She had managed to amass a solid state and transfer it into a coded account after five years of marriage. Then, one day, she left. Wyman still cannot find traces of her to this day. And for what? Revenge over time has no such sense as retribution which overtakes immediately after the offense. The Count was disappointed in family life and completely gave the enrichment of passion. Today his fortune exceeded several billion dinars in gold. Even a large shopping galactic corporation could not boast such capital. Old Wyman had little interest where the money would go after his death. It was possible that he would bequeath it to his servant, who helped brighten up his loneliness.

A throne, of course, will be the cause of serious conflict. The ruler imagined how close and distant contenders to the throne will crawl after his death from all corners of the habitat. Fractional war will begin. Let it happen and then Wyman will not care.

‘Drake has not arrived.’ The security chief, reported quietly, as if afraid to break the reflection of the graph.

‘Lead here.’ Wyman was pleased that citizens carried out his orders with respect to the title of Alan. The Count banned Drake as a commander. Maybe he was the commander for the Pirates, but he was a worm for Wyman. Plebeian could not be exposed to the nobleman. Only Whipper did not turn up his nose. Therefore, kicking his backside was not in vain during the last expedition. He was insolent in order to get right into the central sector of the Galactic Union.

‘Good afternoon, Earl.’

Drake bowed his head, welcoming the governor. Wyman said in a slight nod.

‘I would like to present to you a modest gift.’ Alan handed the sword to Earl.

‘Thank you. I hear you have had some problems during the last campaign.’

‘They are minor. Unfortunately, we missed the merchant, but knocked out one corvette.’

‘They do not pay money for the broken ships.’

‘Looking for the sword, you can imagine that I will not be absent all the time and stayed at the villa.’

‘Then, the captain sold ships and became a law-abiding citizen of the county. Your fleet does not pay taxes to the treasury, which for me is very unprofitable. Many ships are in port. Teams walk around the city and the atmosphere is not very calm. The police do not have time to control the situation. They require additional costs.’

‘But I keep the fleet in the sector in accordance with our agreement on the transfer of the ships at your disposal.’

‘We talked about the fighting and those in the near future as foreseen. So make sure to have all your ships ready. Otherwise, I will confiscate your fleet and sell them under the hammer. Drake would not expect this. Even by his own stupidity Wyman could not speak so boldly with the leader of the pirates. Someone leads foul play behind Alan. It is necessary to take care of security. Someone is haunted by his fleet. In the morning the squadron will go to the sector of Firestar, Alan will remain with a small team and a damaged cruiser on the raid. If someone cannot wait to find out the relationship with Drake, this moment is the most suitable.’

‘We have planned a small expedition.’

‘Well, fine. Hopefully, everything will occur without incident. Go on, I need to be alone.’

As soon as Alan left the abandoned alley, he went to the Count's servant. He listened to the conversation of the pirate with the ruler, hiding behind a bush thicket. The servant knelt before the Count on his knees, clinging to the foot of Wyman.

‘You are truly great. So it is necessary to steal. How did he dare argue with the noble Wyman?’ An effeminate servant writhed before the old man, showing his affection. His face was covered with a layer of powder which may sicken any normal person. Wyman liked to do what he pleased with a servant, feeling his power over a man's body and dignity. The feeling of power and delight of his superiority was what gave him control over the servant. Graf was ready to sacrifice everything for the sweet moments that they spent alone. Sometimes the servant said the right things. There was nothing to stand on ceremony with the entire pirate rabble. Earl gave them shelter, for which they must pay. In particular, the arrogant Drake, who was the youngest and most brazen.

* * *

Alan was sitting at the head of a huge table. Corsairs exchanged the latest news, drank to the health of their leader, and tasted the dishes prepared by the best chef. So, at least, he argued, when hired by Drake. Alan was in no hurry to start the conversation, waiting for this entire noisy crowd to die down. He had heard a few comments at the table made by the captains on the urgent preparation of ships. Shen gave the necessary orders, but did not explain where and what for the squadron went to. Shen was the most reliable of all his colleagues. Drake could completely trust him. Alan once saved him from certain death, and Jangas do not forget the good Jangi. There is a proverb: "If you wanted to have a true friend, show Jangi service if you decide to get the enemy to offend Jangi". Shen was not only one. Drake did not even dream of a devotional assistant. The main positive feature of Jangi is that he perfectly understood Drake and never argued. He simply inserts the replica at the right time, which is a key. And Drake realized that a seasoned warrior was right. Shen had long been able to break away from Alan, gathered his team, but he did not rise up or even thought of leaving Drake. When Alan invited him to take command of the cruiser of the middle class, which went to the pirates, as a trophy, Shen refused, and even for some time did not talk to Drake. Then he came up and explained his opinion on the proposal in specific phrases. He said that if Drake decided to get rid of Shen, let him throw his heart out with his hand. Otherwise, Shen would kill himself because he had "lost face". Alan wondered, why would Shen "lose his face."? Jangi said that if the owner refused his services, he no longer needed his help, as Shen’s place was more worthy. It meant for Janga a disgrace or, as Shen said, "To lose face." Drake didn’t offer Shen to leave the place of captain in Alan's personal cruiser after the conversation. Especially because Drake could not find a better navigator and commander of his ship. And today Shen coped with the problems associated with the equipment fleet, leaving Alan to negotiate with the captains. Drake looked around the table. It's time to start the meeting. A little more, and thanks to an excess of alcohol, the captains stepped over the line, when serious matters cannot be spoken. ‘Lord! Attention, please!’Drake rose from his seat, ‘We got an offer to help the Baron Rolang from the triumvirate of "Fire Star" in his accession to the throne. According to the preliminary talks on each combat unit there will be allocated on a monthly basis hundred thousand dinars and naturally the whole production of the ship seized during the fighting.’

The captains were noticeably unhappy with this statement. This was a paltry fee for their regular service.

‘We spent some time in preliminary talks. It is possible that Rolang will agree to pay a constant percentage of the revenue of its planetary allotment. The money will be distributed exclusively between the ship captains.’

Those who sat at the table nodded their heads in approval. Such conditions satisfied the captains. It is unknown how many more were destined to surf the cosmos, and that was a ready pension for a lifetime. Representatives of non-human teams approved in particular the proposal. They had always shown an increased interest in money, because money is the only way to achieve equality in the habitat.