Wizard Rebellion (Intergalactic Wizard Scout Chronicles Book 5) Read online

  “Of course,” Richard replied. “I want you to meet my friends, Charlie and Daniel.”

  Stella’s chest turned an even darker shade of gray. Richard was going to say something, but Comstar spoke first.

  “I’ll pass, wizard scout.” Comstar held up his spell book. “I’ve got to memorize a few spells. We used up a lot of ammo in the battle. Sergeant Ron wants me to activate another hundred main-gun rounds before we reach our next jump point.”

  The Defiant had been able to salvage a load of weapons and ammo off a black destroyer from the magical dimension. Before the main-gun ammunition could be fired, the ‘magical explosive’ inside the shells had to be primed by a spellcaster. Sergeant Ron liked to keep a couple of hundred rounds ready at all times.

  Grinning, Richard tried to crack a joke. “A spellcaster’s work is never done, eh?”

  The elf didn’t laugh. “No. It’s not.”

  With a shake of his head, Richard led the way out of his quarters. Tam, Telsa, and Stella fell in behind.

  “Not the friendliest roommate, is he?” Tam commented.

  After almost six months sharing quarters with the elf, Richard had to agree. Although Comstar wasn’t a jerk like the only other male elf Richard had known, the elf wasn’t exactly the warmest of creatures either.

  Richard shrugged his shoulders noncommittally. “He’s competent at his job. I’ve learned to live with his standoffishness.”

  “Well, I think he’s cool as all get-out,” laughed Telsa. “I never thought I’d ever meet a real magic user. What few exist in the Empire tend to stay on the handful of planets where magic works. Heck, I’m still trying to figure out how Comstar and the gnomes are able to cast spells. The physics of magic isn’t supposed to work outside the known Empire magic planets.”

  Richard started to point out a flaw in Telsa’s logic, but Tam beat him to the punch.

  “Aren’t you forgetting about those magic users we fought back on Velos? They weren’t on a magic planet, and their spells worked well enough.”

  Telsa bit her lip before replying. “No, I’m not forgetting, but I’ve thought a lot about that since we graduated. I don’t think magic should’ve worked in our dimension. It goes against the laws of physics. I think something’s changed.”

  Growing interested, Richard stopped and faced Telsa. “What? What’s different?”

  Telsa stared at the deck a second before looking back up and shrugging her shoulders. “I haven’t the faintest idea. However, I swear if the Imperial High Command ever gives me a break between missions, I’m going to try and figure it out.”

  “She’s a very smart woman,” said Nickelo. “I calculate she has a seventy-two percent probability of figuring it out given time.”

  “Do you know what’s changed, Nick?” Over the years, he’d discovered his battle computer had a habit of not telling him everything unless he specifically asked.

  “It’s not in my databanks. However, it almost seems like it should be.”

  “Well,” Richard finally told Telsa, “next to my niece and nephew, you’re the smartest person I’ve ever met. I’ve got a feeling you’ll figure it out one of these days.”

  Telsa gave an appreciative smile.

  “Don’t let it go to your head, Telsa,” Tam said with a big laugh. “If what Rick tells us about going on missions in the magical dimension is true, most of the humanoids he rubs shoulders with are orcs and trolls.”

  Richard joined the laugh with Tam. At one time, he’d have taken offense at her comment, but his sense of humor had improved quite a bit over the years.

  “True,” Richard said. “However, as orcs and trolls go, they’ve been some of the smartest ones on Portalis.”

  Richard turned and began walking toward a ladder leading down to the next level. “We better get moving if you want that tour. We haven’t got much time before Myers’s meeting.”

  Without waiting for a reply, Richard led his three friends on a quick tour of the Defiant. She was a relatively small ship designed for a crew of only twenty-two souls. However, she’d been built by the Deloris Armament’s Corporation. As a result, the little starship had features and capabilities many larger starships lacked.

  “Sergeant Hendricks told me the Defiant was about forty years old,” said Tam. “She looks good for her age.”

  Richard nodded. “Yeah. She’s old, but she got a complete overhaul six months ago. Matt’s mother spared no expense retrofitting the Defiant.”

  “By Matt’s mother, I take it you mean Empress Diane Deloris?” said Tam.

  “The one and the same.” Richard smiled as a memory popped to the surface. “She told us if her son was going to go gallivanting across the galaxy, he was going to do it in the toughest starship credits could buy.”

  “Well, the Defiant’s definitely the toughest starship her size in the galaxy,” agreed Tam. “She’s got upper and lower 200-gigawatt plasma main guns. Heck, most Empire destroyers only have 100-gigawatt weapons.”

  By this time they’d made their way down to the crowded cargo bay. Large, metallic-looking boxes were strapped down in every conceivable clear space. One of the gnomes was opening a nearby box. Telsa walked over and peeked over the gnome’s shoulder. Short as she was, Telsa was only slightly taller than the gnome.

  “So is this the ammo for those magic weapons I’ve heard so much about?” asked Telsa.

  Kester was one of the younger mages who’d volunteered to remain on board the Defiant. At Telsa’s question, the gnome reached into the box and pulled out a clear globe about the size of an apple. The globe was filled with a reddish gas. He handed the globe to Telsa.

  “This is one of the rounds for our anti-fighter weapons,” Kester explained. He gestured at a row of larger boxes stacked along the bulkhead. “Those boxes hold the ammo for our main anti-ship weapons. They’re just larger versions of this one.”

  Telsa held up the gas-filled ball and stared hard at its contents. Tam and Stella strolled over next to her and did the same.

  Richard saw a look of surprise come over the faces of all three of his friends. He smiled. “You sense the energy frequency, don’t you?”

  Stella answered first via her translator. “It like DNA gas, but it different.”

  Richard didn’t try to explain that both the DNA gas used to create wizard scouts and the gas in the ammunition came from the same source. Both types of gas came from the life force of sacrificed dragons. He had no doubt his friends would be appalled to know the processed life force of thousands of innocent dragons was the only reason they could self-heal. It was the only reason they were wizard scouts.

  Seeing no point in telling his friends the full truth, Richard kept his explanation simpler. “The gas is one in the same. However, the DNA gas used in our final phase of training at the Academy was a highly concentrated form gathered from the DNA gas vent. It was processed specifically to create wizard scouts. The gas in this globe’s been combined with a magic spell to make it explosive.”

  Telsa frowned and handed the globe back to the gnome. “Is it dangerous?”

  “Not in this form,” said Kester. “It’s inert until an activation spell is used on it. For safety reasons, we only keep a standard load of ammo activated.”

  “Hey,” said Tam. “If this is the same stuff as the DNA gas, maybe we could—”

  “No, Tam,” Richard said. “The gas in this globe’s been modified by a magic spell. It can’t be reverted back to normal DNA gas. I’ve discussed it long and hard with Comstar. There’s no more DNA gas.”

  The only known DNA gas vent in the galaxy had been at the Academy’s spaceport on Velos. The vent had been destroyed during a Crosioian attack. As a result, no more wizard scouts could be created. His class had been the last wizard scouts to graduate. They were the wizard scout omegas.

  “Too bad,” Tam said. “I thought for a moment we were sitting on a titanium mine.”

  “Always thinking of credits,” chided Telsa. “Once a mercenary, alw
ays a mercenary.”

  “What’s wrong with that?” Tam asked feigning innocence.

  Richard smiled and continued the tour. It felt good being with his friends again. He’d missed them.

  Tam, Telsa, and Stella were especially impressed with the ship’s armory. Sergeant Hendricks spent a full ten minutes showing off his mix of magic and technology weapons. Richard thought the sergeant was prouder than a mother hen with a new batch of chicks.

  Tam lifted a modified M12 to her shoulder. “It’s lighter than normal.”

  “That’s because I replaced the 20mm grenade launcher with one of its magic counterparts,” explained Sergeant Hendricks. “From what the gnomes tell me, that length of wood below the barrel is charged with magic spells.

  “Like a magic wand or something?” asked Tam.

  “Or something,” grinned Sergeant Hendricks. “I don’t know what makes magic work. I just know it does. That baby holds nine spells.” Lifting up a small globe the size of a marble, he continued with his explanation. “The gnomes use these babies to charge the grenade wand. Depending on their activation spell, the wand can be charged with fireballs, lightning bolts, or just plain-old explosives.”

  Looking closer at the wand underneath the M12’s barrel, Tam frowned. “Is it better than a normal 20mm grenade launcher? If so, why haven’t you converted all of your M12s over?”

  Richard took over the explanation. “They’re not better. Magic weapons are just different. Both magic and technology have their advantages and disadvantages. The explosive power of a wand grenade has a larger area of effect than one of our 20mm grenades. However, one of our 20mm grenades has more concentrated energy than one of the magic ones.”

  “Yeah,” said Sergeant Hendricks. “That’s why I’ve tried to mix the weapons together when possible. I’ve put a standard 20mm grenade launcher underneath the barrels of some of the dwarves’ spell rifles.”

  “Have they been effective?” asked Tam.

  Richard had a feeling his friend was thinking of future possibilities. Telsa’s right. Once a mercenary, always a mercenary, I suppose.

  “You’d have to ask Rick that,” said Sergeant Hendricks grinning. “I just maintain the gear. He’s the one who actually uses the stuff.”

  Tam, Telsa, and Stella looked at Richard expectantly.

  “Yeah, it’s effective. We’ve been in several skirmishes with pirates the last few months. When we mix magic and technology attacks, they tend to work together to overcome normal defenses. That’s why the ship’s security team carries a mix of magic and technology weapons.”

  Telsa took the marble-sized globe from Sergeant Hendricks. She held it up to the light. “So is that why the Defiant mixes its weapons? She certainly held her own against those two destroyers today.”

  “Yep,” Richard said. “Each of the Defiant’s 200-gigawatt cannons is co-located next to a high-energy magic cannon. The use of both types of rounds confuses defensive shields, which increases the odds of a round penetrating.”

  Telsa started to ask another question, but Richard held up a hand to cut her off. “I’m sure Sergeant Hendricks will talk your ear off later about weapons and defensive shields, but we’ve got a meeting in fifteen minutes. I want to show you the engine room first.”

  Actually, Richard had an ulterior motive for taking his friends to the engine room. He was anxious to see what would happen. As he led the others toward the engine room, they passed by a closed door with a sign that read ‘Communications and Starboard Gun Control.’ Terrie’s wife, Angela, was standing outside talking to Comstar.

  “What gives?” Richard said. “I was going to give the five-credit tour of the Defiant’s communications systems to our guests.”

  Angela snorted. “Well, you’ll have to ask Mr. High-And-Mighty wizard scout about that. He came in and chased me out and locked the door behind me. Something about a confidential call or some such nonsense.”

  Richard was momentarily confused.

  “You mean, Myers?” said Tam.

  Angela nodded. “The one and only.”

  Just the idea of Myers thinking he had the authority to boss around a member of the Defiant’s crew irritated Richard to no end. He was tempted to shift into the void and confront his brother.

  “Now, Rick,” said Nickelo. “Don’t start something. He’ll probably explain the reason for the call at the meeting.”

  Richard controlled his temper, but only just. With a final angry look at the door, he made for the stairs leading down to the engine deck. Once they were all on the next level, he spotted Charlie and Daniel in a deep discussion over one of the numerous computer consoles. Although Daniel had only just turned thirteen, he was very knowledgeable about maintenance. Charlie had taken the young lad under his wing, so to speak. Richard had to admit between the two of them, they certainly kept the Defiant in top notch condition.

  “Guys,” Richard said as he gestured at his fellow wizard scouts. “This is Tam, Telsa, and Stella.” Pointing back at the two mechanics, Richard grinned. “And these two grease monkeys are Charlie and Daniel.”

  “So you’re Liz’s brother,” said Telsa as she gave the boy a friendly smile. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  Daniel’s cheeks turned a light pink.

  “Hey, Charlie,” said Tam while giving the old Sterilian a wave of a hand. “It’s been a long time.”

  “Yes,” said Charlie. “Long time.”

  “Stella,” Richard prodded, “aren’t you going to say hello to Charlie?”

  “Hello,” was the only word that came out of the translator fastened to Stella’s utility belt.

  Richard noticed his fellow wizard scout’s chest turning a dark shade of gray. He noticed Charlie’s chest turning a dark gray as well. He mentally smiled. His plan was working.

  With a look at Daniel, Richard said, “Why don’t you show Tam, Telsa, and me the hyper-drive?”

  “Smooth,” laughed Nickelo. “Rick the matchmaker.”

  “Hush, Nick. I like both of them. They deserve a break.”

  Daniel led the way to the hyper-drive and began a canned spiel on how it operated. Richard noticed Tam and Telsa were spending more time glancing back at Stella and Charlie than they were listening to Daniel. He had to admit he was keeping a close eye on the two Sterilians as well. They’d moved near one of the maintenance tables on the far side of the room. Richard could hear a series of hisses as the couple conversed, but couldn’t make out any words.

  “That’s because they’ve turned off their translators,” said Nickelo. “I can translate for you if you want. I have over twenty-two thousand languages in my databanks.”

  “Don’t bother,” Richard said. “Some things need to stay secret.”

  Nickelo laughed. “How true, how true. I’m glad that’s your motto. I’ll have to remember that. By the way, the meeting with your brother is supposed to start in five minutes. You better get the two love birds and the others moving.”

  Richard nodded his head. Duty called. Still, one look at Stella and Charlie told him he’d done the right thing bringing them together.

  Richard smiled. He liked doing the right thing.

  Chapter 13 – The Empress

  ______________________

  Myers bit his tongue. The hologram of the empress was still on a roll. He knew she’d wind down in a minute. She occasionally needed to vent, and often took out her frustrations on him. It was a small price to pay for her love. After a minute, he sensed a break in the woman’s tirade.

  “It’s going to get done, Diane. I told you I’d get what you need. Just be patient.”

  Diane Deloris snorted and said a word most unbecoming of the Empress of the Intergalactic Empire. “That’s easy for you to say. You don’t age. Look at me.”

  “You look beautiful as ever,” Myers said in a futile hope to console the vain empress. He loved her, but no one knew better than he that she could be vexing at times.

  “No, I’m not, and you know it. We need
those bottles of DNA gas. You told me you’d get them. I’m tired of waiting. I’m beginning to think you don’t love me anymore. Maybe you never did.”

  Myers knew he was being manipulated. Diane had always been a manipulative woman. He supposed that was why she’d become the most powerful person in the galaxy. He did love her. He’d do anything for her. His lover’s little mood swings were of no consequence when compared to the grand scheme of things.

  “You know that’s not true,” Myers said keeping any hint of anger out of his voice. “I’ve gathered everyone we need together in one place. We’ll get the DNA gas for you. I promise.”

  “Are you sure you can control your brother?” asked the empress. “He didn’t cooperate with us the last time.”

  Myers felt his face growing red. He mentally recited a chant to control his temper the way his father had taught him. With an effort, he answered the empress in a calm voice. “He’s not my brother. However, he’ll cooperate. We’ve got orders from the Imperial High Command this time. He’ll follow orders. Besides, I’ve got something he can’t refuse.”

  The holographic features of the empress softened a little. “Oh, Gaston, you know I have faith in you, but our time is short. We can’t be truly together until I have a DNA baseline. We need those bottles of DNA gas.”

  “I know,” Myers said. “I promise I’ll get them.”

  The hologram of the empress stared at him for a long moment. Finally, Diane Deloris moved on to another topic. Myers knew she was no longer speaking as a powerful empress. This time, she was speaking as a mother.

  “I want Matt back home,” she said.

  “I know. I’ve made all the arrangements. It won’t be easy. You know he’s a stubborn man. He may not go willingly.”

  “He’s just a boy,” said Diane. “I’m the empress now. I need my son home with me. He needs to be protected.”

  “He’s my son too,” Myers said.

  “I know,” said Diane. “One day he’ll know it too. For now, I need you to get him back home where he’ll be safe.”

  “I’ll do my best.”