The Phoenix Conspiracy

Chapter 1

The Phoenix Conspiracy

Richard L. Sanders

Book One

Chapter 1

All was quiet.

All eyes not glued to computer screens were staring out the windows at the two monstrous cruisers flying alongside them. Warships more interested in preventing their escape than offering protection.

Raidan felt the weight of every passing second, each moment taking him one step closer to the inevitable. And, in the silence of spaceflight, he heard the solemn bells of the executioner.

"This is it, boy," he whispered to himself. "I hope it was worth it."

His XO looked up from her station, probably in response to his mumbling. Her narrow eyes shot him a hateful glare.

Seeing her that way, knowing her disgust was justified, made him almost regret his decision to leave her in the dark. She'd been a faithful friend these past several years and deceiving her had left a bitter taste in his mouth. But if he hadn't betrayed her, if he'd instead chosen to tell her everything, she would have worked against him to compromise his efforts. Or, perhaps worse, she might've taken his side. He doubted it—breaking the law and defying orders wasn't her way—but if she had, she'd be bound for prison now too. And that would be unbearable.

Poor beautiful Commander Presley. And she really was beautiful with glossy golden hair, a splendid physique, and, most important of all, cunning green eyes that pierced anything, feared nothing, and gleamed with intelligence. She was more than most twenty-eight-year-old officers could hope to be and an outstanding second in command. His eyes traced her misleadingly delicate face, and part of him wished he were ten years younger, like the junior helmsman at her side, enthralled and intimidated by such a stunning young woman. With an amused grin, Raidan imagined himself as the boy he used to be—the timid new officer at the ops post, nervously scouring his mind for an excuse to ask out a girl. It made him smile, and, for a moment, he almost forgot the gravity of his situation. Almost.

"We're being instructed by the flagship to resume speed," said the helmsman.

Raidan raised a curious eyebrow. They were afraid he'd somehow slip away and escape, despite the massive force they'd sent to arrest him. The powers that be must realize how much I still threaten them.... "Comply with all instructions," he said, knowing he had no other choice.

"Aye, sir."

The helmsman and the rest of the bridge staff looked elegant in their blue-and-black uniforms while they worked tirelessly to keep the damaged ship under control. They had a certain dignity, and it had been a true honor serving with them over the years. An honor tainted by the fact that he was being forcibly removed, leaving them shocked and confused and wondering ... why had fellow Imperial starships intercepted and boarded them? Why were they being escorted to the nearest government station, Praxis One? And why was their faithful CO under arrest? Had their last mission been the captain's personal crusade and not orders from the fleet?

His loyal officers, they'd never know the whole truth. Very soon they'd all arrive at Praxis, and the tribunal would invent whatever explanation it wished. No one would ever get the real story. If only his crew could know, then they'd realize he'd done the right thing. But that knowledge was too dangerous to have. So, for their own safety, he'd kept his crew out of it. If things didn't go as planned, if his friends didn't come through for him, then he'd be dead soon. No sense in dragging such fine men and women to the grave with him.

"I'm going to my quarters," he announced, as all heads turned his way. "Commander, you have the deck."

"Yes, sir."