Kaine's Sanction: Chapter 1

The planet Dulcena

Invaded

Blood ran from the open gash on the admiral’s scalp.

The pungent scent of smoke and dust gave her an idea of the damage they’d suffered.
“Give me the defence status report.”
“The surface is under heavy bombardment,” said the second officer. “The orbital hub is destroyed.”
“How many ships survived?”

“Six, Admiral; four of them are civilian vessels. One transport and three freighters.”

“Where did they come from?” she said to her XO, Commander Gill.

The right side of his face was a bloody, burned mess, but he remained at his station, despite the obvious pain.

Even though the military command centre was buried beneath kilometres of bedrock, they had been hit hard. Half of her staff were dead or critically injured. She could only imagine the extent of the devastation to Dulcinea’s settlements on the ground.

“They are employing some kind of stealth technology, Admiral,” said Gill. “We can’t see them to shoot back, and I have never seen anything like the weapons they are using.”

“Nor I, and I spent six years at the Tactical Research Centre on Earth.”

“Where would one of the factions get tech like this?”

“They want to separate from the Confederation, not start a war,” she said. “None of the dissenting colonies have shown military aggression before.”

“Well, then who could they be?”

Another violent earthquake shook the reinforced foundations.

“That was a big one,” said the admiral. “What the hell could they be using to bombard the planet?”

“Sir,” said the second officer. “The Revenge and Victory are destroyed.”

“That’s the last of our orbital defences,” said Gill, “and they are picking off our surface installations from orbit.”

“Did you reach the governor yet?”

“No, ma’am. The Parliamentary Palace is gone. We must assume every cabinet minister is dead.”

“That just leaves me,” she said. “Send out a general broadcast. Announce our surrender.”

“The attackers don’t respond to any of our hails.”

“What other choice is there?”

Another blast knocked everyone from their feet. A trickle of dust fell on the admiral’s face as she lay on the floor, stunned.

The reinforced ceiling cracked under the strain of kilometres of overburden.

Everything crashed down on her.

Do you want to read more?

Click below to continue...
Click Here
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. We dot NOT sell your information. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage cookies.

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement."
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Our site uses a Facebook Pixel so our advertising cookies would be used if we advertise on Facebook.
SAVE & ACCEPT
The Arno Manoeuvre short story in the Shattered Empire military sci-fi space opera series

Join my mailing list and receive a FREE sci-fi short story

Embark on thrilling journeys across space and time with D.M. Pruden’s captivating science fiction novels, serials and short stories. Encounter space pirates in the treacherous asteroid belt, stand alongside the last guardians of a crumbling empire, or revel in the escapades of a cunning space conman. These exhilarating adventures and more await you.

Join our exclusive list to receive a weekly newsletter filled with articles and special purchase offers from our online store. Gain access to unique content exploring the depths of my story universe, available nowhere else.

Prepare yourself for an unparalleled ride of the imagination. Claim your free starter story today and dive into a world beyond your wildest dreams!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE EBOOK

Sign up NOW!