First Dawn

By Steven Lake

Thrown headlong into a vast, hostile universe, Captain Edmond and the crew of the Destiny must learn the ways of the galaxy and return home safely to Earth, or risk their extermination at the hands of the Juinah.

Note: This story is a prequel to book 1, and tells about the Society's first steps into space, the events that led to the creation of Earthfleet, and the origins of their war against the Juinah mafia.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steven Lake
• Release date: Jun 8, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476403038

Steven Lake

Steven Lake is a prolific author of many, many books, stories, articles, and other literature spanning a period of over twenty years. He began his long writing career in 1992 while serving in the US Army and has worked continuously to improve his craft to the great art it is today.

Book preview

First Dawn

Earthfleet Extended Universe

By Steven Lake

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2011 Steven Lake

Dedication

To Don Semora, my best friend, second only to Jesus, who has stuck with me through my darkest days, even when it seemed impossible to go on. Thanks to his friendship, I was able to make it through even the fiercest storms and, in return, help him through each of his darkest days as well. For his constant encouragement, and never letting me down, I am immeasurably grateful.

Prologue

The Rocky Mountains

Ten miles north of the San Luis Valley

December 3rd, 1799 - 6:04pm

A Scottish man in a dark blue parka and matching kilt stood in the main door of hanger bay two and watched as snow fell in thick, heavy sheets of white across the snow caked hillsides surrounding him. He took a long drag on a thick pipe that hung from his lips, and then exhaled deeply, sending a wild cloud of smoke billowing out of his nostrils like a dragon. As he did, the sound of chopper blades began to echo in the distance. Soon, a pair of dim white lights appeared through the unrelenting wall of snow followed moments later by a large, snow caked chopper. It tilted up slightly as it approached the bay, whipping up a wind that made the man's kilt stand on end. If he hadn't been wearing a thick pair of snow pants beneath it, his nether regions would've become just as frozen as the platform on which he stood. The chopper soon landed and disgorged two passengers, one Irish, and one German, before lifting off again and vanishing back into the blizzard.

Aye, it took ye long enough, said the Scotsman.

Well, it's not like St. Patrick could just wish us here, said the Irishman.

What is the good news? asked the Scotsman.

They have approved our project. We can now build our starship, said the German.

The Scotsman nodded, and then took a drag on his pipe.

Aye, that is good to hear. I expected that they would. But it still does not solve our dilemma about who will command our starship.

Bedad, laddie! Do ye always worry about such things? said the Irishman.

We must always consider such things. Without a proper leader for our starship, we may as well not even bother, said the Scotsman.

Augh, we already have enough capable men and women in the Society to fill every station we create! said the German.

And who will command her? Who among us knows how to captain a ship? Aye, our people are well schooled in how to operate it. But a ship is nothing without a good captain, said the Scotsman.

And where do ye expect to find such a qualified person? Nobody has ever built a starship before! said the Irishman.

Where any logical man would look, said the Scotsman.

The Irishman threw his hands up in the air.

Ah, begorrah. How can a sea captain from such a primitive culture ever hope to learn our ways, and captain our ship!? he protested.

We train him, just like any other inductee.

And where do you plan to look for this sea captain of yours? asked the German.

In Boston, at the local harbor. I have my eye on one gentleman there who fits our needs perfectly. However, let us first begin work on our ship, and when the time is right, I will reveal him to you.

The Irishman's eyes narrowed.

And ye wonder why we always fight, what with ye acting all mysterious. Yer enough to drive even a leprechaun mad!

Society Joint Commerce Station

Earth Orbit

March 15th, 2035

Mike stood on the observation deck of the Society's newest station, one designed specifically with the intention of bringing Earth, and the Society together, and studied the beauty of Earth as it passed by the windows on the far side of the promenade. Down below, on the main floor, stood a group of representatives from Earth who mingled casually with members of both the Society, and the fleet. They'd come as representatives of Earth to discuss a wide variety of social and political topics affecting the planet, and ways that the Society could help them. He was impressed at how far their relations with Earth had come in just the past few years. At the same time, he wondered what things would be like had the Black Orchid incident never happened. He was surprised that Earth had come so far already, and as well as it had, in such a short period of time, given how worried the Society had been about the harm such interactions, and revelations, would cause. But, much to everyone's surprise and delight, things had actually turned out fairly well, and in some ways had gone better than expected.

Earth, as a whole, was still a mess. However, it was a lot better now than it had been when everything started. Some believed that this was because Earth feared the power of the Society and her fleet. That part was certainly true. But Mike knew that it was much more than that. As he continued to think about this, he glanced down at the visitors and spotted another group approaching them. These newcomers consisted of a number of their friends, and fellow allies, including the Gayik'Von, the Varnok, the Trepedor, and even the Fondo, all dressed to the nines in their own respective ways. At first the visitors from Earth were a bit apprehensive at meeting these newcomers. But, after a brief time, they all seemed to warm to their alien guests. Mike laughed at this. Just a few decades earlier Sol was at odds with nearly half the galaxy because of the treachery of the Crassians; and yet now they were friends with almost everyone.

This was partially due to the revelation of Earth's brave stand during the battle of the Haven. Mike and the Society had worked hard to keep their involvement, and the incident itself, as quiet as possible. But nothing stays secret from the prying eyes and ears of the Yandians for long. Eventually news of the secret mission was discovered, and quickly spread across the entire galaxy. It wasn't long before everyone knew of the battle, Earthfleet's bravery, their victory over Phillip, and the destruction of the Haven. This revelation had made Earth a brief celebrity among the stars. Mike found it funny that Sol had gone from being a minor system of no real significance, to the hated Chappagi, and finally to one of great honor and respect in only a few decades. If it hadn't been for the Crassians, Earth would've likely remained a nobody forever. In many ways Mike wished they still were.

Enjoying the view? came a voice to his right.

Mike turned and was surprised to see Pendleton standing next to him in his dress uniform. Mike grinned as he noticed Pendleton's seeming discomfort at having to wear it. Clearly, dress uniforms were not his thing.

Actually, I am. However, you don't look all that happy, chided Mike.

Dutch walked up behind Pendleton and playfully slapped him on the shoulder.

I don't think the Lieutenant Commander here much likes wearing penguin suits, he chided playfully.

Pendleton snorted.

Oh har, har. You don't like them anymore than I do, he retorted.

Dutch shrugged.

Do you blame me? I mean, both of us are stick jockeys, not diplomats. We're better at threading the needle than playing wet nurse to a bunch of bureaucrats.

Mike laughed.

Yeah, I didn't like it much either. But that's what you get when you're a senior officer.

Pendleton frowned.

Yeah, well, I would've preferred to remain a pilot the rest of my life. But old kai sludge over here decided it'd be more fun to see who could get the title of Grand Admiral first, he said, pointing a thumb at Dutch.

Well, may the best man win, replied Mike.

And, that'll be me, chided Dutch.

Yeah, right. In your dreams, gicall, retorted Pendleton.

Mike laughed. Just then Sarah shimmered into view next to him and smiled at the two officers.

Ah, good evening, Ms. Sarah. How are you today? said Dutch as he bowed slightly.

Sarah curtsied, and said, I'm fine. How are you?

Pendleton snorted. Sarah giggled.

Yeah, we're pretty normal, chuckled Dutch.

By whose definition? retorted Pendleton.

Yep, they're normal, said Mike jokingly.

So what are you two doing over here? asked Dutch.

We're waiting for someone to arrive from Earth. She's coming to interview Mike about the early history of the fleet, said Sarah.

Pendleton cocked an eyebrow curiously.

They're asking you about that? he said to Mike.

Yeah, they are. Apparently Alfred thinks I'm the best one to answer her questions, said Mike.

Dutch smirked.

In other words, nobody else wanted to do it, so you got stuck with the job.

Mike shrugged.

Yeah, pretty much. But it wouldn't be the first time that's happened. Ah well, at least they didn't get that stuffy old crock down in anthropology to do it. If they had, Earth would be declaring war on us by tomorrow, he said with a grin.

Everyone laughed. Just then, a portal sphere appeared briefly on the promenade below, and then vanished, leaving a surprised, and somewhat confused young woman behind. Sarah chuckled.

I think that's your lady, she said.

Mike shrugged.

Well, that's entirely possible. Can you go down there and make sure that's who we're waiting for?

Sarah gave him a sly, knowing grin, and then transported herself over to the young woman.

Well, I think that's our cue to get out of here. Besides, the Grand Admiral will begin to wonder where we are if we don't get down there soon, said Dutch.

Pendleton rolled his eyes and then followed Dutch. Mike laughed. He then turned and made his way down to the promenade where Sarah was. As he approached, the young woman from Earth held out her hand to him.

Hi, I'm Melissa Williams of World Magazine. I'm here to do a story on the early history of Earthfleet. I'm to assume you're Mike Clayton, the former Grand Admiral of the fleet?

Mike shook her hand.

Guilty as charged. It's nice to finally meet you. Would you like to sit down and have a cup of coffee while we talk?

Melissa smiled.

I'd love to, she replied.

Mike then led her over to a nearby cafe where they took a table near the door. But only Mike and Melissa sat down. Sarah chose instead to stand behind Mike. A robotic waiter soon floated up to them, took their orders, and then delivered their drinks a few moments later. Melissa was very impressed with this.

I'm amazed at how advanced your technology is. You even have robots staffing your restaurants, said Melissa.

Mike shrugged.

I don't even pay attention to it anymore. You get so used to seeing it every day that you only really notice it when it's gone.

Melissa nodded in understanding, and then pulled out a small tablet computer and a recording device from her bag, and set them on the table.

As she did, she glanced over at Sarah, and said, Do you want to sit down?

Sarah shook her head.

I'm an AI, so I don't need to sit.

Melissa’s eyes went wide.

Oh! So you're that AI I've been hearing about! You were once a ship's AI, weren't you? she asked.

Sarah nodded.

Still am.

But weren't you assigned to the Sergenious?

Sarah nodded again, and smiled proudly.

Still am.

But, how is that possible? Isn't the Sergenious a battleship? asked Melissa as she looked at Mike.

He nodded.

It is, but it's decommissioned. It's now my personal starship. Alfred Bofenheiser, the current Grand Admiral, and my former Vice Grand Admiral, gave it to me as a retirement gift when he took over my post. There were rumors going around at the time that someone in the council was going to have her scrapped as soon as I was out of office. So Alfred decided that it'd be best if he gave her to me as a retirement gift to save her from being recycled since the starship museum already had a Sergenious class in their inventory, meaning that my ship would only qualify to be scrapped, despite her history. He also knew that I'd be needing my own starship anyways once I retired. So it all worked out in the end.

Melissa nodded.

Interesting. Have any other fleet ships been given as retirement gifts before, or put into civilian use?

Mike shook his head.

This is the only one. Normally the fleet doesn't allow things like that, given the sensitive nature of the information and technology aboard them. But they made a special exception with the Sergenious knowing who it was being given to.

Fascinating! So what will become of the ship once you die? Well, not to sound morbid or anything.

Mike chuckled.

It's alright. I understand. When that day does come, it'll be turned over to the starship museum and put on display. It's got such a colorful and rich history behind it that nobody wants to scrap her anymore. She'll just be demilitarized and put alongside the other famous starships of the fleet.

Ah, interesting. And how old are you, might I ask?

Eighty five, said Mike proudly.

Wow, that old. You don't look a day over forty, said Melissa.

Mike smiled.

Thank you. That's one of the many benefits of Society medical technology. We're able to keep people healthy and vibrant well into their mid-one-hundreds or more.

Mid-one-hundreds? How long do people in the Society live!?

The oldest living person on record reached the ripe old age of one hundred and eighty. People can live a lot longer than that if they really want to. Some theorize that we could easily live to be as old as two to three hundred years, and perhaps even more, if we wanted to. But most choose to let nature take it's course long before that.

Wow, that's incredible. I wish you'd bring that technology down to Earth.

Mike laughed.

In time we will, but not right away.

Why? I can't imagine there'd be anything negative about sharing your medical knowledge with us.

Mike shook his head.

It's not the knowledge that we don't want to share, but rather the highly advanced technology that goes with it. Especially since you're not ready for it. In time, though, you will be. And, when that happens, we'll be glad to share everything we have with you.

Melissa nodded.

Ah, I guess that makes sense. Now, so I don't waste too much of your time, let's start by talking about the early history of the fleet. That is, after all, my reason for being here. I want to learn everything I can about it. Things like, where did it come from, how did it get started, and so on.

Mike nodded.

Well, to learn about that, you have to go back to the very beginning, before man first stepped into space, and when science was still treated as a mortal evil, rather than a tool of discovery and learning. It was during this time that mankind's first ever starship, the Destiny, ventured into the stars, and started a great adventure that continues to this day.

Chapter 1

Boston, Massachusetts

Shipping Docks

July 2nd, 1801, 1:07pm

A stocky man in a tricorne hat, and a well tailored suit, adjusted his jacket, and then fished in his pocket for his watch.

Stop fidgeting, Fredrick. You’re like a schoolboy on the first day of summer, said a man next to him.

I’m only checking the time, said Fredrick, a hint of frustration in his voice.

If you keep fiddling with that watch, you'll wear it out, said the other man.

John, have I ever worn out anything due to my…fiddling? replied Fredrick with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Plenty of times. And Murray can attest to that, said the other man with a chuckle.

Oh, what does that old fool know, grunted Fredrick.

John grinned. Just then he noticed the tops of several masts moving slowly over a row of nearby houses.

Looks like another ship has come in, he said.

Ah, I see that. Pray tell, do you think that’s our man? asked Fredrick.

"If that’s his ship, it will be," replied John.

The two men then hurried through the streets of the city and soon reached the shipping docks just as two large schooners were tying off nearby.

Well, which one is it? asked Fredrick.

John carefully studied the docks on both sides, but saw little that he recognized.

I don’t know, he said.

Was he due in today?

Again, I don’t know. We should ask one of the sailors here. They might have seen him, or his ship.

Fredrick nodded, and then strode briskly over to one of the men standing nearby.

Dear sir, do you know where I might find one Captain Edmond Clayton? he asked.

The sailor turned and squinted slightly as he gave the two men a brief examination.

Cap’n Clayton? Aye, he be skip’r on da' Fair Boun'y. She be dock'd o’r der, he said as he pointed at a tall, double masted schooner nearby.

Fredrick tipped his hat to the sailor, and said, Thank you, good sir.

The two men then turned and hurried off towards the ship.

Make sure those sails are stowed properly, Mr. Gates! We don’t want her leaving port without us, shouted Edmond.

Aye, cap’n! They’ll be tigh’r ‘an a paup’r with a shill’n when I be dun' wid 'em! shouted one of the sailors.

Edmond grinned.

Cap’n! Boss is a com’n! shouted another sailor.

Edmond turned to see a gruff old man with a crooked smile, and a patch over one eye, hobbling across the docks towards him. The man shuffled up the gang plank and made a beeline straight for Edmond.

Ah, glad to see you’re alright, laddie. How was the voyage? asked the man.

Not too bad. We had a brief scare with French privateers off the African coast second day out. But little else happened after that.

Ah, good, good. And yer crew is happy?

Edmond nodded.

Very happy, sir. I told them that if they did good on this voyage, I’d talk to you about a little extra pay.

The old man grinned.

I do not see why that would be a problem. You have returned faster, and with fewer problems, than any other captain I have ever known.

Edmond frowned slightly.

That is why I must make this my last voyage with you, sir, he said.

The old man frowned slightly and sighed.

I knew you would say that. Can you reconsider?

Edmond shook his head.

I took command of your ship because she needed a good captain, and I needed a challenge. But, I fear that my work is no longer challenging. Therefore, I wish to seek other employment where my skills are once again put to the test.

The old man nodded.

Aye, laddie. I understand. And I will see to it that yer men get their extra pay, and you as well. But, if you ever reconsider, I’ll be sure to make it worth yer while, he said with a wink and a grin.

Edmond nodded.

Duly noted, and appreciated, sir.

So where is my cargo? asked the old man.

Edmond pointed to two large stacks of bags, crates, and barrels nearby.

Most of it is over there, sir. The rest will be unloaded shortly.

The old man patted Edmond on the shoulder.

Good, good. See me at my office when yer done.

Edmond nodded.

I will, sir.

The old man then wandered off the ship and hurried across the dock to inspect his newly arrived cargo. Not long after, a large, strapping, middle aged man hurried over to Edmond, and saluted.

Ship’s all secure, cap’n. What else would ya like us ta' do? he said.

Once the last of the cargo is ashore, have the men move it into the warehouse. When they’re done, give them their pay, and then release them for shore leave.

Aye, aye, cap'n!

The man then hurried away across the deck. Edmond stood by quietly and watched his sailors continue their work for several moments before turning to study an American warship anchored nearby as it prepared to deploy overseas. As he stood and admired the warship, he heard someone calling his name.

Captain Clayton! Is there a Captain Clayton here?

Edmond leaned over the side of his ship and saw John and Fredrick walking along the docks towards him.

He waved his hand, and shouted, Oy! Over here, good sirs!

The two men hurried over to him and stopped near the gangplank.

Permission to come aboard, sir? asked Fredrick.

What is your business? asked Edmond.

We wish to speak with you about a potential employment opportunity, said John.

Edmond raised an eyebrow in interest at this. He soon strode down the gangplank and stopped in front of the two men.

What kind of employment did you have in mind? he asked.

We’d like to hire you as the captain for our new ship. We’re to understand that you're one of the best in Boston, said Fredrick.

Edmond eyed them curiously.

Maybe not the best, but I take pride in what I do. So what makes you think that I’m free to be hired by you? What if I’m still under duty to serve in another’s employ?

Then we will pay your current employer handsomely to release you from your duty, said Fredrick.

Edmond crossed his arms and furrowed his brow slightly.

Handsomely, eh? And what would you be willing to pay me were I to come into your employ? he asked.

Three hundred dollars a month, said John.

Edmond’s heart leapt so hard that it nearly burst out of his chest!

That’s nearly a privateer’s wage!! I wonder what these gentlemen are up to. No sailor, nor captain, of honest trade ever earns more than fifty dollars a month! he thought.

He tried to remain calm as he studied the two men suspiciously.

That’s an awfully high wage you’re offering for a ship’s captain. What is the nature of this ship that you want me to command? And is what you’re doing, legal? he asked.

John nodded.

Oh, it's very legal, my good sir. And she's a fine ship too!

Then why such a wage? Will the work be dangerous?

Yes, it is very likely that the job will be. But we know that one of your skill will easily rise to such challenges, he