The Legend of Earth

Chapter 29



Even with the dire mood that hung over all the Humans on the bridge, the sight of Admiral Allen’s face on the monitor gave them all just the slightest glimmer of hope.

“Captain Cain, it was such a relief to hear from you again. First off, a message has been dispatched to Earth warning of the attack. If you have any other intel regarding this situation, or can provide more details about the enemy, please send it as soon as possible. Anything could be helpful since you indicate this is a new set of frickin aliens out to harm us now.” Allen flashed a quick, yet sad smile at them through the monitor. Adam could see the lines of stress and concern on his face; they mirrored those on his own.

“I’m glad to hear the voices of Andy, Geoffrey and Ms. Valentine in your recording. What’s the status of John Tindal and Riyad Tarazi? I hope they’ve made it through with you as well.

“I have to be honest with you, Captain, I’m seriously contemplating turning for Earth right now, no matter what the results of our defense against this attack ends up being. Even if we’re able to stop this one, it doesn’t mean they won’t try again. More information about the Kracori would probably go a long way to helping me reach a decision.

“It looks like the fleet and your ship are still about a month and half apart, seeing that we’re both rapidly closing on one another. Unfortunately – according to your initial report – any success in stopping this attack, as well as the status of the fleet, will have been determined long before then.”

Allen left the unspoken consequences of his words linger for a moment before changing the subject. “Let’s keep a steady stream of reports going back and forth, even if they’re mundane ‘nothing new to report’ reports. It will help both of our moods knowing that the latest intel we have will be the most up-to-date possible.”

Then Allen leaned in a little closer to the screen. “Adam, I cannot tell you how thankful I am for your warning. Even though the news was shocking, it would have been infinitely worse to have received a message from the Earth describing the horror taking place there, and with no warning at all. You’ve given us hope – and a chance. Let’s keep our fingers, toes and whatever else crossed. Awaiting your next message – Allen out.”

There was a collective sigh of relief from all on the bridge. “So no attack yet, at least not as of four hours ago,” John Tindal said. “That’s encouraging.”

They all nodded and then Adam began to compose the first video message for the Fleet. All the Humans gathered around the camera, including Tindal and Riyad, showing their smiling faces for Allen and anyone else interested in their well-being.

The team was still intact, Adam noted – including Kaylor and Jym. It was a miracle that he could say that, considering all they’d been through over the past five months. They’d gone from the planet Hyben, to a Juirean Class-3 warship, and then to the Klin stronghold on Marishal … and now even to the planet Juir herself. They’d certainly been through a lot. Luck – and fate – had been with them so far. But now they faced the greatest threat mankind had ever encountered, and with only a few days – or even hours – to prevent it. Yes, Adam’s team had all survived this long, but now, after all they had been through, they wondered if they would have anything to return to after all their luck had been used up?

The answer to that question would depend on what happened on the far-distant world of Earth.