Galaxy of Heroes

Spade and the professor entered the tracked vehicle which served as the central command post for the Craaldan forces on Naos. Craaldan soldiers with silver rank on their chests stood before large screens that displayed scrolling data. The soldiers were wearing armor, but their helmets were removed.

A map displaying the location of friendly and enemy units was projected onto a wall. Commander Cripp had his hands clasped behind his back as he looked up at the map. Like General Seb, he was about a head taller than the typical Craaldan.

“Welcome to Naos, Professor Mahlis,” Cripp said.

“I am delighted to be here in your presence,” the professor replied.

Professor Mahlis and Spade removed their helmets. Spade inhaled deeply the cold air in the command vehicle, feeling his lungs once again fill with air. Breathing through his mouth and nose now seemed distracting after getting used to having oxygen directly injected into his veins. Although his helmet was removed, his brain was still connected to the mech armor computer, which continued to translate the Craaldan language for him. He thought he could never get used to hearing the harsh Craaldan tongue—a difficult language both to listen to and to master.

“The situation on the ground is dire,” Commander Cripp stated. “The Diocons are amassing their forces for an attack. It appears the enemy will try to annihilate us before our reinforcements arrive. But our defenses are strong. As long as our missile shield is operable we believe we can withstand any direct assault.”

“Is this command center the communications node for the missile shield?” the professor asked.

“Affirmative,” the commander answered. He pointed upwards at the map. “Our aerial defense batteries are dug in atop the peaks of the Bleak Range, providing us with an impenetrable nuclear umbrella. Second Battalion is defending the ingress, which is the most likely avenue of approach to the peaks.”

“And if the Diocons break through 2nd Battalion’s lines?” Professor Mahlis asked.

“If the enemy were to break through and reach the peaks and then knock out our anti-missile batteries and laser cannons, then they could nuke both brigades. But 2nd Battalion is well emplaced to defend against such a scenario. The enemy will be massacred as soon as they enter our kill zone.”

“You have an obvious weakness in your defense, Commander,” the professor said.

“Oh?”

“This command center,” the professor said. “If the enemy were to overrun this forward operating base and destroy the command center, the missile shield would go down.”

“Correct. But only briefly until my second in command takes charge. And we in headquarters company do not plan on being overrun.”

The commander looked at the little Noctish professor, whose tiny head protruded up from his Craaldan armor. “The Diocons are cut off,” Commander Cripp said. “No communications are going in or out of Zander City. We have total information dominance. Once we land another brigade, we will destroy them.”

“Do not overestimate your strength, Commander,” Professor Mahlis said.

“Do you have any new actionable intelligence?” the commander asked.

“That is not my purpose here,” Mahlis said. “I am here to stop this madness.”

The commander cracked a smile. “But the madness has only just begun.”

Mahlis sighed. He explained how he needed to get across the Naos Rift and behind enemy lines without getting killed. Then he would attempt to reach the Diocon command and control center, which was located somewhere in the Craggy Mountains above Zander City.

“You’ll never make it,” Cripp said. “The enemy will cut you down as soon as you cross the Naos Rift.”

“The Diocons have left us a few openings to the north,” Spade interjected, looking up at the map on the wall. “A squad could slip through. We might be able to stay out of their line of sight and reach the Craggies without incident.”

A circled, red X marked the suspected location of the Diocon command and control center.

“I know a few passes that can take us up the backside of the mountains undetected. There are mining tunnels that will lead us right to that location.”

“Your human friend has it all figured out,” Cripp said.

“They are a primitive species,” the professor said, “but they have their moments.”

“A scout squad has been assigned to your mission, Professor,” Cripp said. “You will be in good hands with Sergeant Major Rupa. Listen to him and you may survive this folly.”

“Thank you, Commander,” the professor said.

“Carry on.” The commander walked to a group of colonels who were huddled over a display of scrolling Craaldan script.

“Spade, I want you to give the commander’s aide the canister you are carrying,” Professor Mahlis said. “Tell him it is a gift from you and that he shouldn’t allow the commander to open it until we are outside the wire. Do you understand?”

“What’s in the canister?” Spade asked.

“A gift of great value,” the professor answered.

“You give it to him, then.”

“Captain Spade, give the aide the gift. It is customary before a mission to bestow a gift to the commander. It might raise his opinion of humans if he were to think it is from you. Now hurry, give the aide the canister.”

Spade removed the canister from the carrying module on his thigh. He walked over to the commander’s aide, who was seated before a large display screen.

Spade handed the aide the canister and told him it was a gift, and not to open until after they had left the forward operating base.

The aide appeared to understand. “Roger,” he said. He raised a handheld scanner and passed it front of Spade’s eye. Then he shoved the canister into a small locker under his display panel.

“Good luck on your mission, human,” the aide said.

Spade put on his helmet and left the command and control center. He walked out onto the Naos surface where Professor Mahlis was waiting with the squad of nine Craaldans. Beyond the perimeter of the base, giant Roga rose above the ridgeline. They stood on the hard ground around their squad leader as the busy traffic of war moved about them between the hangars.