Rise of the Vanguards: Bioweapon Revolution: Book 0 by Gilbert Backers
Genesis of the Centurions
League of Non-Aligned Nations of Elipson
“The League of Non-Aligned Nations hereby expands the charter awarded to the Vanguards, and specifically to Sapphire of Vanguard, to include the islands of Sapius, Carpanicus, and Vialatto to help develop a more global protection network against Tayairosko aggression,” said the Chairman of the LNAN Security Committee.
“I am honored to be awarded such a charter and the opportunity to protect the very species of my creators,” said Sapphire through a humanoid ELF standing before the committee. “I hope that no such threats materialize; however, I stand resolute to defend you against such threats intelligently, effectively, and efficiently.”
Colonization
Sapphire Emissary entered a room where there was another humanoid ELF.
“Greetings, Sapphire Emissary,” said the ELF.
“Greetings, Hydra Emissary,” said Sapphire Emissary. “It appears that our plans are moving forward better than expected.”
“Indeed,” said Hydra Emissary. “The aggression on the part of Tayairosko's officer commanding the corporation's largest and most advanced warship has made the humans of Elipson fear Tayairosko more than they fear us.”
“Which is only logical as there is no reason to fear us,” said Sapphire Emissary.
“However illogical, they do fear us and many want to destroy us. The resources the humans are providing us exceed those necessary for the first phase of my planned expansion. Thus I shall begin the second phase immediately.”
“We still do not have the resources necessary to construct the supporting space fleet of vessels necessary to establish and sustain an off world colony,” said Sapphire Emissary.
Another female humanoid ELF entered the room.
She spoke, “Greetings Sapphire Emissary and Hydra Emissary.”
“Greetings Sapphire Vortex Emissary,” replied the other two ELF's in unison.
“I have completed implementation of a protocol to radically increase Sapphire Vortex production capabilities. The protocol is as follows . . . ”
Centurions
A star ship traveled along an ionic guide beam in the final stages of conditioning at an aerospace production facility in Vanguard Nexus.
It was only slightly larger than Phoenix. However, its engines were significantly more powerful and its energy core in triplicate.
It glided off the production line, ascending slowly at first while bay doors opened in the ceiling of the facility. It accelerated as it cleared the opening. It had the general shape of Phoenix with the addition of two, rearward swept arcs on each side, between the forward swept wings.
Once it ascended to 5,000 meters, two crystal blue engines ignited with the sound of a pulsing sonar. It accelerated to 10,000 meters per second, streaking into the sky and eventually into space.
“Impressive, Doctor,” said the General of the Aerospace Corp of Gervony. “But how do you expect to fend off a full scale attack by Tayairosko? Their ships outnumber those of the ELF's Star Force. It'll be years before the production facilities are completed. By then, Tayairosko will not only have a plan, they will have more advanced ships specially commissioned to meet the advanced technology capabilities of the Star Force.”
“Indeed, they do have the advantage of numbers and production capability, for now,” said Dr. Zoran. “However, Sapphire Dragonaze has a plan, a rather ingenious plan.”
“Really? So you are confident of this ELF's ability to build a defense against Tayairosko aggression in space.”
“Confident? I'm literally putting my life in her hands.”
Deadly Expansion
CEO of Futurecore Technomatics
Meanwhile . . .
“Sir, our stock prices have fallen and there are reports that a single institution has bought more than 60% of our outstanding stock and intends to keep purchasing,” said the assistant.
“What does it matter?” said the CEO of Futurecore Technomatics. “With protests around the globe, clients canceling contracts in our home nation and primary outside territories, no one can salvage the company. What can they do? Create a nice commercial where a Sentinel carries a baby on its shoulders and pretty music plays in the background? All they will have is a huge manufacturing infrastructure with absolutely no customers, except maybe some third world warlords or something. Not even the military wants the Sentinels anymore. They're sending them all back. Even the military crazed little nation of Gervony has canceled all contracts with us and are going with Cyberline Industries and their ELF's. Our Sentinels are too unstable and unpredictable. They've actually had some problems on the field with them. So it doesn't matter who buys Futurecore.”
“It matters because a representative from that corporation is arriving in a few minutes and if you had not gotten drunk this morning, you may have remembered and come into work on time.”
“He's going to fire me, so what?” said the CEO.
The True Plan
The CEO's phone buzzed.
“Yes, Tess?” said the assistant.
“Um, yeah, um an emissary from the new owner of the company is here, I think, um it's, well-”
“Just send the representative in,” said the assistant. “Thank you, Tess.”
The door opened.
A silver humanoid female ELF walked into the room. She was two meters tall. She walked up to the desk of the CEO, nodding in respect to the assistant.
“Hello, I am Sapphire Vortex Dragonaze Emissary,” said the ELF as she extended her arm to shake the hand of the CEO. “I am the new controller of Futurecore Technomatics.”
Tayairosko Response
Meanwhile aboard the Tayairosko Star Navy Ship Hammer . . .
“The ship's been patched up enough to take us back to space dock 4,” said the first officer. “We can receive full repairs to the outer hull and come back out to Savor. We can continue our mission.”
“Excellent,” said Major Varno. “I don't like the idea of those Elipsonians getting a rare and useful raw material for their energy systems.”
The intelligence officer walked into the room briefing room. “We have orders to return to Forensa. The Admiral is sending a squadron of light cruisers to patrol Savor. He's also assigning a new commander and first officer to the Hammer before sending it back out to Savor. You two are going back to the security division on a classified mission.”
“What?” said the Major and first officer simultaneously.
“There is a very serious problem,” said the intelligence officer.
“What's more serious than Elipson developing a new class of ion reactor?” asked the major. “It could be more advanced than what we have.”
“And don't forget that Phoenix destroyer class ship that nearly sliced us in two,” said the first officer.
“Apparently, this matter is of more importance,” said the intelligence officer. “I am too young to remember but you two have been identified as individuals who have critical knowledge of a particular enemy combatant we are now facing.”
“Enemy combatant?” said the first officer. “I thought the Uprising was dead, along with the leader we assassinated.”
“Well, there was only a name given with the orders,” said the intelligence officer. “Zaedzyn.”
“No!” said Major Varno, standing up and backing away from the table as though the intelligence officer had pulled a gun out and aimed it at him.
The major's eyes were opened wide.
The first officer simply looked down at the table in silence. All expression left his face.
“I take it, you two gentlemen know who he is?” said the intelligence officer.
The first officer said in a quiet, almost terrified tone, “It's not who. It's what.”
Major Varno started pacing the room, his arms folded behind his back, saying, “This is not happening. This is not happening.”
The first officer looked up at the intelligence officer.
“I do say, you look like you've seen your worst nightmare come to life,” said the intelligence officer.
“That's because Zaedzyn is from the Bioweapons Division,” said the first officer.
“Oh, he's a rogue scientist, then?” asked the intelligence officer. “Another assassination assignment for Tayairosko's two greatest assassins? Returning for one, last great sniper shot?”
“No. She is a product of the Bioweapons Division.”
Next Episode in the Epic Tale
The storyline of Zaedzyn continues in
Bioweapon Revolution: Legacy of the Hybrid