‘Have you considered that the alien behaviour was in response to human actions? That the city you found might be sacred to them in some way?’
‘I did. Both before and after Captain Wright brought it up. I saw nothing to indicate that was the case. Their design aesthetic is very different, for a start, and considering the tech level of that city, which must be thousands of years old, either they’ve stagnated—as the hostiles are certainly not thousands of years farther up the tech tree—or they’re no more connected to this ancient race than we are. I saw nothing to indicate they’ve been in this region any longer than we have. They attacked us every time we saw them. No chance for discussion, explanation. Nothing.’
Khaimov nodded. ‘From what I’ve seen, I agree with you. Captain Wright, may he rest in peace, had far too high an opinion of himself. He was the type of officer who always had an answer—which as I’ve said, isn’t something that impresses me. Don’t be too happy with yourself, though. There will be those who do not agree with my assessment. They’ll choose to believe we’re in default no matter what happens, so you’ll need to be firm in your convictions.’
Samson nodded slowly. ‘I’m not sure what you mean by that, sir.’
‘You’ve been ordered back to Sol to deliver your logs and report to the Admiralty at Luna Command in person.’
Samson’s heart sank. This was the last thing he wanted. What more could he tell them that wasn’t already in his reports? Getting pulled from the Frontier now was as bad a career blow as being sent out here in the first place.
‘Is that absolutely necessary, sir? I’d have thought I could be of far more use out here.’
‘I’m inclined to agree, but the powers that be want to debrief you in person. You’ve got a passage on the next transport back to Mare Crisium. I’d suggest you say your goodbyes, and pack your bags.’
There hadn’t been much time to talk over things with Harper, Price, or the others. They’d all been given a month’s furlough, which all but Harper had chosen to spend by returning to the Core. She had elected to take hers down on Holmwood, where a burgeoning naval base had been established.
He still felt conflicted about her. He’d never forgive her for her actions, but he knew only too well how much stress they’d all been under. He could only hope for her sake that she was more judicious in her actions going forward. He was glad he didn’t have to see her before leaving. He was quite content never to see her again.
Price, he was sorry about. The journeyman sergeant had been a rock through it all, and Samson was sure he’d have folded under the pressure without the Marine at his side. It was a big galaxy, but with a little luck they’d cross paths again.
As for the rest of them? Samson didn’t know how he felt. They had worked hard, and everyone’s survival was a result of that, but he was not one to forgive and forget easily. They’d all been given a second chance, and it was up to them to use it wisely.
As he sat in the lounge of the transport ship, the fleet and Capsilan depot sank back into the darkness of space, until there was no way to tell that dozens of ships and thousands of men and women were out there. It pained him to leave it all behind. This was where every naval officer wanted to be now, and he had no idea if he would ever get back to it. Disappointment weighed heavy in his gut like a lead weight.
The uncertainty of what lay ahead was even worse. He’d known men who’d met their end in front of a firing squad after the mutiny. If someone managed to make an accusation of him being responsible for starting a war with an alien race stick, then he might have to stare one down himself.
All he could do was tell the truth, fight his corner, and hope he got sent back out here to do his job. Interesting days lay ahead, and he’d be damned if he missed out on them.
From the Author
Dear Reader,
Thank you for reading the Alpha Protocol. Although this is my eleventh novel to date, it is my first time publishing one of my science fiction stories, so I hope you enjoyed it! If you liked the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or at your point of purchase. Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter if you want to keep up to date on my next book in the Alpha Protocol series!
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About the Author
Duncan is the Amazon bestselling writer of fantasy and science fiction novels and short stories, including The Wolf of the North and The Dragonslayer trilogies. He has Master’s Degrees in History and Law, and practised as a barrister before writing full time.
He lives in Ireland, near the sea, and when not writing he enjoys sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, swimming, cycling, and skiing.
His debut novel, The Tattered Banner (Society of the Sword Volume 1) was placed 8th on Buzzfeed’s 12 Greatest Fantasy Books Of The Year, 2013.
You can find out more about Duncan and his sci-fi books at:
https://www.dmhamilton.com
Also by Duncan M. Hamilton
Fantasy Novels
The Dragonslayer Trilogy
Dragonslayer
Knight of the Silver Circle
Servant of the Crown
The Wolf of the North Trilogy
The Wolf of the North
Jorundyr’s Path
The Blood Debt
The Society of the Sword Trilogy
The Tattered Banner
The Huntsman’s Amulet
The Telastrian Song
Society of the Sword Trilogy Omnibus
The First Blade of Ostia
