Dawn of a New Age by Rick Bentsen Read Free Book Online Page A

“I can feel it.”
     

Chapter 2
    1.30.2136
    1600
    Duterius Prime
    Capitol Building
     
    T HE High Gentlewoman of the Duterian people fumed as she watched the monitors show wave after wave of enemy fighters firing on her people.
    “What’s happening to my planet?” she demanded.  She said it softly.  So softly, in fact, she doubted anyone heard her.
    “K’Itea,” S’Era Bryce, K’itea’s most trusted advisor came up to her.  S’Era was not only her advisor, but she was also the sister of her husband.  “The White Knight will be here in 15 minutes.”
    “I hope that’s soon enough, S’Era.”
    “Excuse me, High Gentlewoman,” another aide puffed as he came up to her.  This aide was far older than S’Era.
    “What is it, J’Anai?”
    “Planetary defenses are almost down.”
    “Damn,” K’Itea swore as the Capitol building rocked with the impact of a proton shell.  Dust fell from the ceiling as the room shook.
    “We must evacuate to the shelter, K’Itea,” S’Era took K’Itea’s arm.  “It’s imperative that you are safe.  You are the leader of our people.  We need you.”
    “Yes, of course you’re right, S’Era,” K’Itea nodded.  She looked her sister in law in the eye to make sure she understood how important the next order was.  “Make sure Elam gets to the shelter.  He’s too important to me to lose him.  Your brother still doesn’t know about him.  J’Anai, signal the evacuation then head to the shelter yourself.”
    “No, my child.  I will remain up here and try to maintain the planetary defenses as long as I can,” the elderly aide said.  Only J’Anai could get away with calling her child.  He had trained both her and K’Alan when they were children.  In many ways, he was a second father to her.
    “May the gods look over you and protect you, old friend,” K’Itea said softly as she took his hand.
    “And may they protect you as well, High Gentlewoman,” J’Anai smiled at her.  “I think you shall see your husband very soon.”
    K’Itea did not have a response to that.  She sniffled once and fought back tears.  She did not think it would be seemly for her attendants to see her cry.  She was the leader of the Duterian people after all.
    “Come, K’Itea,” S’Era took her friend’s arm.  “Let’s get you to the shelter.”
    K’Itea took one last look around her command center and sighed.  She nodded and led the way to the shelter.
     
    1/30/2136
    1610
    SLS White Knight
    Launch Bay Alpha
     
    Mario was still zipping up his flight jacket when he ran into the launch bay.  He skidded to a halt next to K’Alan and looked at his friend.  He could tell from the look on K’Alan’s face that whatever was going on was serious.
    “What’s the drill?” the colonel said.  “We never get a drop this quickly.
    K;Alan clapped Mario on the shoulder and shook his head.  He stepped into the center of the circle of pilots and cleared his throat.  This was one of the hardest mission briefings he had ever given.
    “As you know, we are on fast approach to Duterius Prime.  Some of you, like myself, call it home.  The planet is under attack by forces unknown, but we presume Brentax involvement.  Planetary defenses are almost down.
    “Our primary goal is to repel the attackers.  Attack targets of opportunity only after you have driven off the attack force.  Falcon and Hawk Squadrons, you are to patrol the entire planet attacking any hostiles.  Silver Eagle squadron, we will concentrate on protecting the Capitol City.  We hit space in five minutes.  Mount up!”
    The pilots rushed to their fighters, donning helmets and saying prayers as they did so.
    “You’re worried about Kit, aren’t you?” Mario said, as the two friends climbed into their Starhawk.
    “How could I not be?  This is an attack against my home, Mario.” K’Alan growled as he placed his energy bow in its charger.  He looked over at his friend.  “Right now, all I can be