The

  Scorpion’s

  Fire

  Book 8: Beyond the Impossible

  Frank Kennedy

  Dedicated to all those who actually believe war can be averted.

  c. 2022 by Frank Kennedy

  All rights reserved

  ASIN: B0BG6HDK2S

  To my amazing readers:

  Welcome to the EIGHTH book in this series. If you haven’t read the previous seven, I’d recommend you READ THEM first.

  Every reader is valuable, and I’d love for you to become part of my literary family. Go to www.frankkennedy.org and sign up for my newsletter, which will provide an opportunity to receive free additional material, updates on the next release in Beyond the Impossible series, as well as other offers connected to my work. Additionally, follow me on Amazon for product updates.

  PART ONE

  THE CALM

  “I’m always inspired to see humanity join together in common cause. Well, actually, I only saw it happen once. To no one’s surprise, it didn’t last very long. Humans are funny that way.”

  - Art Flink, humorist

  1

  UNF Transport Mercado

  Standard Day 270, SY 5369

  C ANDO AGREED TO THE INTERVIEW against his better judgment. Kara talked him into it. She said the journalist was a celebrity on Catalan and ranked among the most viewed on interstellar feeds. Cando viewed the woman’s recent content; he thought she leaned too much into hyperbole.

  “I won’t do propaganda,” Cando insisted.

  “You won’t, sweetie. We’re going for transparency. It’s more than the Chancellors ever provided.”

  Edina Playos and her producer boarded Cando’s transport at the New Madrid Metroplex. She looked older in person and more professorial. None of the flamboyant dress and makeup she was known for. Her mature, professional demeanor set him at ease, but Cando wasn’t fooled by her intentions.

  “You reviewed the parameters?” He asked before sitting down.

  “Certainly, High Admiral. I have no desire to compromise security. People want to know the state of affairs.”

  “Which I’ll be happy to discuss in the broadest terms. I intend to stick to publicly available information.”

  She crossed her legs and reviewed her tablet.

  “I will not stretch the bounds. However, this is your first public interview, and you are something of a mystery to my viewers. I hope you don’t mind a few personal questions.”

  “You may ask, but I hope you don’t mind if I politely decline to answer some or all.”

  Her smile suggested she came prepared for his reticence.

  “High Admiral, I’ve never encountered top-line military officers who wanted to answer my questions. Trust me. I’ll play fair.”

  Cando reserved the option to nix this madness at a whim. A slight jerk signaled the transport’s entry into a wormhole.

  “We’ll arrive at Central Command in forty-six minutes,” Cando said. “Once we’re there, the interview ends.”

  The producer adjusted his drone cams to the proper angles and gave Edina the go-sign. Edina rubbed her lips together, mouthed something inaudible, and faced the drone cam. Her eyes twinkled.

  “Bon dios, Catalan, and all member worlds. I am Edina Playos. Today, in another interview recognizing the two-year anniversary of the Aston James Accords, I have the great honor to speak with Cando Aleksanyan, High Admiral of the United Naval Forces of the People’s Collectorate.” She turned from the cam to face Cando. “Admiral, thank you for taking time out of your many duties.”

  She stared at him with a silent smile. He shuffled with unease and assumed they’d edit out the awkward pause.

  “I’m pleased we could talk. And yes, my to-do list is long.”

  Her laugh sounded sincere, but she was an old pro.

  “Assembling a galactic navy from scratch cannot be easy.”

  “We’ve faced many challenges, but it’s hard to argue with what we’ve achieved in so short a time.”

  “It’s on that sphere I wish to begin, Admiral. Can you give us an overview of where the UNF stands now, and your thoughts about what it took to make this possible?”

  Cando’s staff prepared him for likely questions; all agreed Edina would expect a summative report out of the gate.

  “To be honest, Edina, what I’ve seen from the human race these past two years has been unparalleled. More than one billion citizens of the People’s Collectorate have had direct involvement in the rollout of the UNF. Every planet has contributed in some fashion. The spirit of unity and commitment has exceeded my wildest expectations.”

  “Can you cite specific examples?”

  Kara told him to mention Catalan.

  “The list is endless. I could highlight remarkable efforts on all forty worlds. For your audience in particular, Catalan has played a major role. It is the most industrialized planet. Its ability to convert factories to ship and weapons assembly has been crucial. But I don’t want to single out one at the expense of others. I can point to Earth’s innovative approach as well as countless other worlds. We have at present one hundred twenty million UNF warriors. They have to be trained, clothed, housed, armed, fed. The infrastructure alone is a daunting challenge, but every member has risen to the occasion.”

  “Where does the UNF stand today in battle readiness?”

  “In terms of inventory, we have more than sixty thousand light fighters, almost two thousand transports, ninety cruisers, and a countless array of support systems and vessels. Those are active and flight-tested. We expect those numbers to double within the next few months. In terms of readiness, I’m confident we have a fighting force that will hold its own against any invader.”

  Edina reviewed her notes on the tablet and switched her glare between Cando and the producer.

  “On the surface, Admiral, those numbers all seem impressive. But what do they mean in terms of our ability to fight and repel a Swarm invasion? I think you would agree weapons and ships are only as effective as the men and women who possess them.”

  He liked the bottom-line nature of the question.

  “You’re correct, Edina. Humans fight wars. Their judgment in moments of crisis will decide the conflict. In this regard, we have had to move at a lightning pace to train warriors, whether in terrestrial or stellar combat. We’ve skipped a few steps in traditional military training, but of necessity. We’re preparing for an enemy that could arrive any day.

  “To complicate matters, our ships, weapons, and armor employ new technology. We have created specialization that did not exist, even with the Unification Guard. Having said that, we receive daily reports at Central Command, and our System Admirals throughout the Collectorate state their pride in the remarkable pace of progress. We are joined by a common desire to ensure the Swarm never gain a foothold in our universe.”

  Her nod said she liked his answer. Then she threw a curve.

  “You haven’t answered the larger question, Admiral. Do we have the strength to defeat the Swarm?”

  Cando contemplated the answer every waking moment.

  “The strength? Yes. Strictly in terms of numbers, we can win. The key will be commitment. The Swarm have ravaged worlds in the Beta universe for two hundred years despite enormous opposition. Their commitment is founded in their ideology. It fuels them. They do not take prisoners, nor do they allow themselves to be taken. They will succeed, or they will die. Such an army is not easily defeated. The motivation driving us now must remain through the darkest hours, and there will be many of those. We can’t ignore the reality.”

  “You seem uncertain, Admiral.”

  “Not at all. I’m pragmatic. Victory will not come without a cost.”

  “Not everyone wants to hear that.”

  “I met the Swarm on the battlefield for ten years. We often measured victory by how well we held the line rather than advanced beyond it. Some days will not be ours. There will be blood and fire. That’s why unwavering commitment is essential to victory.”

  Her lips quivered. Did she betray her own unease?

  “I want to focus on that concept, Admiral. Commitment. There are many critics of the UNF, especially its Admiralty, who say the navy lacks a unifying principle of war and how to fight it. You have System Admirals, Captains, and a variety of officers drawn from differing backgrounds. Chancellor, Aeternan, and Talon primarily.”

  “All fighting to defend the People’s Collectorate.”

  “But the philosophy, Admiral. According to my sources, forty percent of the UNF Admiralty and thirty percent of ship’s Captains served in the Unification Guard. Almost as many are Aeternans.”

  “Yes. Former enemies. Your point?”

  “Well. Admiral.” Edina’s tone stiffened. “The first Collectorate fell a mere eleven years ago. The Aeternans opened their borders last year. Most member worlds built a healthy distrust and fear of both.”

  He knew where Edina was headed, and hyperbole neared.

  “Edina, what you want me to explain is how we can expect these officers to work together in common cause, and how the warriors under their command will follow their orders. Yes?”

  “I would, Admiral.”

  Cando tugged at his white shirt with seven bars over the chest.

  “If you’ll notice, the uniform I wear is simple, efficient, and limited in adornment. Everyone wears the same design, with the only diffe
rence being color and bars to denote rank or operational function. If you walk into a room of UNF warriors, you would see that we do not elevate anyone based on caste, home world, or ethnicity. We serve a common purpose, with promotion based on merit.

  “The reality is, the Chancellors and Aeternans entered with a significant advantage in training and combat experience. What were we to do? Disregard it? Or put it to use in the service of all humans? Had we chosen the first option, the UNF would be a shell of what it is now. But, in the interest of transparency … yes, there have been a few internal conflicts. Some based on grudges, others regarding strategic concerns. We weren’t fools. We knew these issues would arise.

  “However, I assure all citizens that every officer from the Admiralty down serves your interests only. We integrated the best military protocols, strategies, and weaponry of the Unification Guard, the Aeternan Navy, and the Orzed Confederation to create a new structure that suits who we are as a civilization. This idea that old rivalries and resentments will tear us apart must never come to pass. It won’t be tolerated.”

  Edina cupped a hand over her lips in a thoughtful pose.

  “Does that lack of tolerance extend to civilian discord?”

  “If the discord turns to violence and threatens the stability of a sovereign government? Yes.”

  She flexed a brow. “I see. There have been several conflicts in the past year, especially on Bolivar and Zwahili Kingdom.”

  He had no intention of rehashing the spate of suicide bombings or the firefights during Splinter retrieval operations. He hoped she wasn’t one of the hardliners who believed those worlds should have been quarantined. The same people bellyached about the successful resettlement of the rogue Chancellor fleet to six different planets. They also yelled when tests on genetic reversal therapy showed the Chancellors’ decline could be averted.

  “Fortunately, those conflicts have quelled somewhat, Edina. We assisted local authorities but avoided heavy-handed suppression and unnecessary civilian casualties.”

  “Some might disagree. The UNF has vocal opponents on at least thirty member worlds.”

  “Yes. And many oppose the People’s Collectorate itself. The good thing is, citizens are free to voice their dissent. I hope that never disappears. The UNF must work hard to prove its value. For many, having a powerful military presence in every system brings back unpleasant memories. We are aware. Our job is to create an impenetrable wall between civilian populations and the invaders.”

  “Of course, Admiral, we understand the UNF’s mission goal. But as we sit here today, we do not have a centralized government. Elections for the first Interstellar Congress are months away, the trade and transport guilds remain a work in progress, and wormhole drives have not been authorized for commercial vessels. The military-industrial sector seems to dictate all policy matters. Is there a risk the UNF may grow so powerful as to become the Collectorate’s de facto government?”

  So much for playing fair, he thought.

  Cando wanted to laugh, but the hint of a smirk would come across as patronizing to some and suspicious to others.

  “No. Never. The Congress and the guilds are civilian matters. The Accords gave the UNF discretion over worm technology. Perhaps it will have commercial use in a post-war environment. Until then, there’s nothing to stop free trade. The UNF provides escorts to the Fulcrum for any Captains who request it. More to the point, we stay out of the affairs of sovereign planetary governments.”

  “You can assure my viewers that the Diplomatic Resolution Corps is not aligned with the UNF?”

  “Of course not. The DRC is an interim assembly to provide conflict resolution until Congress is convened. They do not consult with us.”

  Edina leaned forward into a provocative stance. Cando saw the question coming before it left her lips.

  “Your wife is a prominent voice on the DRC. Are we to believe you two do not share sensitive matters with each other?”

  “There’s no conflict of interest, Edina.”

  “Can you see how some citizens might feel differently?”

  “Kara has worked harder than anyone I know to carry the People’s Collectorate across the finish line. As for sharing information? Honestly, we are both so busy these days, we use our limited private time to focus on each other, not our jobs. As we speak, my wife is working with an incredible team to solve a crisis on a member world.”

  And that’s all you’ll get. Push it, Edina, and this interview ends. I’ll confiscate the damn drones and your tablet.

  “I see. Care to elaborate?”

  “No.”

  “My sources say she will run for Congress as a Hokki delegate. Is there any news you can share with us on that front?”

  “My wife can speak for herself. But to answer your next question: Yes. I am very proud of Kara. She’s come a long way. She’s a fighter. She sacrificed everything to work for a greater purpose.”

  Did Cando see a hint of empathy in Edina’s smile? The woman was old enough to be Kara’s mother. The smile did not last long.

  “Admiral, I’d like to shift the spotlight back to the UNF. You were a controversial choice for High Admiral. You arrived here less than four years ago, and many people question your motive in …”

  Cando raised a hand.

  “Edina, I’m going to stop you right there. I was promoted because of my experience and I bring fresh eyes without a longstanding bias or grievance. Moreover, I am one man. I don’t make all the decisions. In fact, I make very few. Our Central Command consists of a diverse set of voices who determine UNF policy. If we’re unable to reach consensus, I break the deadlock. Every decision I make serves the interests of the planets I defend.”

  “Yes, yes. Obviously, appointing a Chancellor to High Admiral would have been divisive. I suppose my question focuses on your long-term commitment. Admiral, you have family in Beta universe.”

  “I do.”

  “If the opportunity arises, would you wish to reunite with them or perhaps bring them here if this so-called tether technology is proven to work?”

  Cando waited a beat to sort through his answer. She tried to backhand her way into a scoop about classified information.

  “On the matter of family: I feel the same as my Talon brothers and sisters. Alpha universe is our home. We do not wish it to suffer the same fate as Beta. We love the ones we left behind, but we’re fighting to achieve something we never did across the divide: Victory and peace.”

  “And if the tether …”

  Time for an evasion. Edina didn’t need to know the whole story. None of them did.

  “I’m not going to discuss hypotheticals.”

  “But Admiral, isn’t it fair to say the Swarm invasion is predicated on their ability to develop tether capability?”

  “We have no proof of that. The Swarm have demonstrated their ability to cross without it.”

  “You refer to the incursions over the past few months. My sources say those ships were likely tests of new tether iterations, but they were destroyed by the UNF. Can you comment on …?”

  “No, but good try.”

  “What of the theory that the UNF might tether to attack the Swarm?”

  Cando wondered how to answer without insulting her.

  “That strategy would not make my top thousand options for how to conduct the war.”

  “Has it at least been considered?”

  “Every proposal is placed on the table, Edina. Ninety-nine percent are dismissed so we can focus on viable options.”

  “That seems like a dodge, Admiral. Many people believe the incursions were staged, that the Swarm lack the resources for a full-scale invasion, and the incidents at Hokkaido and Tranteum highlighted their weaknesses. They believe …”

  “Edina, who are they precisely? What are their credentials?”

  Her hesitation showed she expect his quick retort.

  “Many voices, Admiral, on many worlds.”

  “Provide me with one.”

  “Admiral, are you trying to turn the interview around on me?”

  “No, Edina. As I said earlier, people have a right to dissent. But when people speak from a place of fear, oftentimes they create enemies who don’t exist. These are trying times. I think reasoned discussion needs to prevail over hyperbole and fearmongering.”