The Forgotten Empire: Banishment: Book One Read online

  The Forgotten Empire:

  Banishment

  A Forgotten Empire Novel

  (The Forgotten Empire: Banishment, Book 1)

  By

  Raymond L. Weil

  USA Today Best Selling Author

  Books in the Forgotten Empire Series

  The Forgotten Empire: Banishment (Book 1)

  The Forgotten Empire: Earth Ascendant (Book 2) (April 2020)

  Website: http://raymondlweil.com/

  Copyright © February 2020 by Raymond L. Weil

  All Rights Reserved

  Cover Design by Humblenations.com

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the author.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Epilogue

  The Forgotten Empire:

  Banishment

  Book One

  Chapter One

  The Eighth Fleet of the Human Empire was on patrol in the Shoran Expanse, an area containing just a few stars and several large dust clouds. The fleet was on watch for pirates, who had been raiding the space lanes between several heavily populated Human worlds. So far, the patrol had been uneventful, with no signs of any pirates. Of more concern was the growing tension between the Confederation and the Empire. There was a distinct possibility war could break out any day. High Prince Aiden Starguard didn’t want to bring his fleet out here with the current tensions, but his father had insisted. The High King felt that, by Aiden putting in an appearance away from the capital, it would help calm the population. Aiden’s father and sister both believed war with the Confederation was far-fetched. Aiden was not so certain.

  The tension between the Confederation and the Empire was growing steadily, with demands from the Confederation for the Empire to cease its expansion and to allow Confederation warships into all systems controlled by the Empire for inspections. Aiden’s father had sent a firm no and had reminded the Confederation how they had no say in what the Empire did. Every day the reports near the borders of the Empire confirmed increased Confederation fleet activity, which greatly concerned Aiden. Today it looked as if the situation between the Empire and the Confederation had taken a sudden turn for the worse.

  Aiden gazed with deep concern at the tactical display. He was on board the Empire Class Dreadnought Vindicator, the flagship of the Eighth Fleet, also the Empire’s largest force of military ships. During the last two hours confirmed reports of Confederation ships entering Empire space had grown.

  “We’ve lost contact with the Hadrian Star Cluster, the Vortex Worlds, and the Lamina Stars,” reported Admiral Malden Cross, his eyes narrowing sharply. “All three reported large fleets of Confederation warships in their vicinity before we lost contact.”

  “We cannot contact the Third, Fourth, Ninth, and Twelfth Fleets,” added Lieutenant Breams from Communications. “There were some vague references about encroaching Confederation warships and then silence.”

  “We are receiving reports of Confederation fleets and ships in numerous systems of the Empire,” added Admiral Cross, as he stepped away from Communications. “Star Command has just issued a warning of possible conflict with the Confederation. They are still trying to determine exactly what’s happening. Admiral Vexx believes we are now possibly in armed conflict with the Confederation and has ordered us to act accordingly.”

  “So they finally made their move,” said Aiden, a deep frown covering his face. He could feel his heart pounding at the implications. This was exactly what he had warned his family about. The Empire’s fleets were scattered and could easily be picked off, one by one, by the Confederation.

  “The Confederation has always feared us,” replied Admiral Cross. “For years they have been displeased with our rapid colonization of worlds. We pushed them too far, and now we’ll pay the price.”

  The High Prince let out a deep breath. “I warned the Royal Court that we were treading a dangerous line. The Confederation has ruled the galaxy for nearly thirty thousand years and would never allow us to become a major threat. I’m surprised they waited this long.”

  “But our fleets,” said Captain Brunson, his eyes narrowing. “We have hundreds of warships!”

  The High Prince shook his head. “We have hundreds, and they have thousands. The seven major races of the Confederation control hundreds of thousands of inhabited worlds. For decades they have been limiting our trade with other civilizations. They have placed taxes on our trading vessels and even severely limited the items we can trade for.”

  “We are receiving reports of large Confederation fleets in the Mall Star Cluster,” reported the communications officer. “We have unconfirmed reports of several cities being bombed.”

  “The Mall Star Cluster,” said Captain Brunson, raising his eyebrows sharply. “Surely the Confederation isn’t considering attacking our homeworld?”

  The High Prince nodded his head. “They would if they want to end our threat completely.”

  This was something else Aiden had warned his father and the other members of the Royal Family about. The Confederation, while they often moved slowly, would eventually move against the Empire. Now it seemed as if Aiden’s warnings were coming true with dire consequences. He just hoped the reports of bombed cities were nothing more than wild rumors. Hundreds of billions of people were in the Empire.

  “Set a course for home and recall all fleet units,” ordered Aiden, making a quick decision. “If we can show a united front, perhaps the Confederation will pull back.”

  Aiden knew the odds of that were remote. While the Confederation moved very slowly in making decisions, once one was made, it was never reversed. “See if we can contact my father. We need to know exactly what’s going on.”

  A few minutes later the 112 ships of the Eighth Fleet were in hyperspace, speeding toward the Mall Star Cluster, hoping they were not too late.

  -

  For thirty thousand years the seven major civilizations of the Confederation had ruled the galaxy. Most of the seven races had possessed interstellar spaceflight for thousands of years before joining together. None of the seven races were humanoid, though they controlled vast regions of the galaxy. The controlled races in those regions, while not treated terribly, were not awarded full citizenship in the Confederation. They were considered second-class citizens with some basic rights. The seven major Confederation races tended to look down upon them, almost as if they were lower life-forms. These second-class races served the Confederation in whatever way the Confederation races saw fit. While, to many, this seemed cruel, to the Confederation races, it was simply the way life was.

  -

  On Golan Four in the Imperia
l Palace, High King Bramdon Starguard the Ninth leaned back in his chair in shock. “What’s the latest reports?” he asked, looking at his military advisor.

  “Large Confederation fleets are reported throughout the Empire,” Kalen Lamply answered. “We have confirmed reports of antimatter weapons being used on Vidon Seven and Helgoth.”

  “Aiden warned us,” said High Princess Layla, her eyes filled with worry. “He said the Confederation would be coming, and we didn’t believe him.”

  Numerous voices spoke, as many members of the Royal Court were in attendance. Some were in disbelief and others fearful of what might soon happen.

  High King Starguard blinked his eyes. “What is the status of our fleets?” He knew they didn’t have the ships to stop the Confederation. The fleets were only there for a deterrent. One that was failing miserably, if the early reports were correct.

  “The Third, Fourth, Ninth, and Twelfth Fleets are confirmed destroyed,” answered Lamply in a strained voice. “Everywhere we’ve tried to fight back, the Confederation has used overwhelming force and technology to crush all resistance. We have reports of Druin ground troops landing on numerous worlds.” The Druins were the most populous of the Confederation races and were a cold-blooded species. They were also ruthless killers.

  “Druins!” called out a member of the Royal Court, sounding fearful. “They have no emotions. They will show no mercy!”

  Others echoed the same belief. More people were talking, trying to understand what was happening.

  High Princess Layla shifted her frightened gaze to Lamply. “What of Aiden and the home fleet?”

  “They are on their way back here, as well as the Second, Sixth, and Tenth Fleets. No others have responded.”

  “This is the end,” said High King Starguard, deciding not to hide the truth from his people. He had made a serious miscalculation, and now it would cost all of them.

  “Can we not contact the Confederation and beg for mercy?” pleaded Layla, her expression revealing her deep concern for the people of the Empire.

  High King Starguard shook his head. “No, we are being made an example of. The Confederation will destroy our Empire to ensure nothing like this ever arises again to oppose them. It is their way of keeping the galaxy under their firm control.”

  “And we can do nothing?” Layla couldn’t believe this was the end of everything she knew and loved. “Over one thousand worlds are in the Empire!”

  High King Starguard drew in a deep breath. “I fear those of us who survive will soon be serving the Confederation. Our days of freedom are about to end.” The High King knew he should have listened more closely to Aiden. His son had repeatedly asked for the defensive fleets to be increased in size. Bramdon had refused, feeling the lack of warships would keep the Confederation from fearing the Empire. Bramdon had been wrong, and that error was about to cost them everything. The High King turned to face Lamply. “When the High Prince arrives, the defense of Golan Four will be left up to him. If he loses, then we shall surrender unconditionally to the Empire.”

  High Princess Layla folded her hands in her lap. She leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. Very slowly, she opened them and looked at her father. “What will happen to us?”

  High King Starguard shook his head with a sad look on his face. “That is out of our hands now.” Bramdon looked around the Royal Court. Nearly 140 men and women were in the large ornate chamber. Most were related to the Royal Family in some way, either through birth or marriage. “I suggest everyone go home and spend this time with your families. There is no way to know what will happen after today.”

  Starguard watched in silence as everyone filed out. He looked at Layla, seeing the uncertainty in her gaze. “Don’t be afraid. We will find some way to survive this.” In his heart, he knew his words to be lies. Many of those who had left the chamber, or were leaving, would probably be dead in the next day or two. The Confederation would not allow any of the Empire’s leadership to survive. Bramdon just hoped their deaths were quick.

  -

  “Coming up on the Golan Four System,” reported Admiral Cross.

  “The Second, Sixth, and Tenth Fleets are in the system,” added Captain Brunson. “They are deployed around Golan Four. Also some survivors from our other fleets appear to be here as well.”

  Aiden drew in a deep breath. He gazed at the tactical display, showing the nearer star systems. In many of the systems around Golan Four, large clusters of red threat icons were visible. The Confederation had numerous large warfleets nearby. It was evident they were allowing the Empire to gather its forces for one final titanic battle. They would wipe out all resistance and end the Empire as it now was.

  “What does Star Command have to report?”

  “Heavy fighting throughout the Empire,” reported Admiral Cross. “Most of it is on the ground, as the Confederation is moving to capture all government buildings. Our ground troops are resisting, but the Confederation has landed millions of Druin troops. They are encased in battle armor and are crushing our defenses. Our own troop losses are already in the tens of millions. We have confirmed reports of the use of antimatter weapons on various Imperial planets.”

  Aiden frowned deeply. Antimatter was not allowed on any ships of the Empire. It was just too dangerous. While the Empire knew how to make antimatter weapons, they had been forbidden, so as not to anger the Confederation. Aiden knew, if antimatter had been used by the Druins, the civilian casualty rate could easily be in the hundreds of millions, if not billions.

  “Drop out in the Golan Four System in seventeen minutes,” reported Captain Brunson. “We have contact with Star Command, and our priority is to defend Golan Four until some peace deal can be worked out with the Confederation.”

  “They don’t want peace,” muttered Admiral Cross. “They want our destruction.”

  “We now have reports coming in from across the Empire,” reported the communications officer. “All government buildings are being destroyed, and military and civilian casualties are heavy. For the most part the rural areas are being left alone.”

  Admiral Cross let out a deep sigh. “At least they don’t appear to be exterminating us.”

  “Destroying one thousand worlds would shake the stability of the galaxy,” Aiden replied. “Even the Confederation would hesitate risking that.”

  “I have your father on the comm,” reported the communications officer. “He wishes to speak to you.”

  Aiden nodded and sat in his command chair, activating the communications unit. “Father, it appears the Confederation has launched a full-scale assault against the Empire. What are your orders?”

  “You were right in your warnings, Aiden,” the High King replied in a solemn voice. “I fear I have led the Empire to its ruin. I should have listened to you.”

  Aiden remained silent. There was little he could say.

  “When your fleet gets here, you need to buy us some time. We are trying to contact the Confederation to reach some acceptable terms of surrender.”

  “What about Operation Exodus?”

  This time his father remained silent for several long moments. “Underway. As soon as the first reports came in of Confederation attacks, the plan was implemented.”

  Aiden nodded to himself. Exodus was a last-ditch effort to give hope for the future. “We’ll buy you the time you need. I won’t let you down.”

  “I know you won’t,” the High King replied. “Good luck, Aiden.”

  -

  On board the Druin battleship Expanse, Admiral Kalar nodded in satisfaction at the reports coming in from around the Human Empire. Kalar stood eight feet tall and came from a high-gravity world. His form was slightly humanoid but squat, with his head sitting directly atop his torso on a short neck. His arms were massive and could easily snap a Human in two. He was also cold-blooded with limited emotions.

  “All Human forces are in retreat,” reported his second in command. “Our soldiers are reporting nearly four hundred of thei
r planets are now under our control.”

  “They are an inferior species,” replied Kalar, his large cold eyes narrowing. “The Humans are barbaric, and we should never have allowed them to expand from their homeworld. It was an error on our part, and we must be careful not to make such a mistake again.”

  “They lack the logic to become civilized,” added the science officer. “It is necessary we take them under our guidance. We have many uses for Humans in the Confederation.”

  “Their High King is still trying to contact us,” reported the communications officer.

  “No doubt seeking surrender terms,” said Kalar. “I will not speak to him until after we have completed the destruction of their warships and have conquered all their worlds. Then we will speak of surrender terms.”

  Kalar’s second in command turned toward him. “The last of their known warships will be in their home system shortly. We may have missed a few, but they will not be a threat, as they will have no support bases to use for resupply.”

  “Move the fleets into position,” ordered Kalar. “It is time we end this.”

  -

  Aiden felt the flagship drop from hyperspace near Golan Four. His gaze was instantly drawn to the large viewscreens spread across the front wall of the Command Center. They flickered with static and then cleared. On the centermost screen a blue-white planet appeared. This was Golan Four, the birthplace of the Human race. The planet had four large oceans and three huge continents. Nearly 62 percent of the planet was covered in water. It was a garden world with a population of three point four billion. For centuries the population on the planet had been carefully controlled to prevent overcrowding. It was also Aiden’s home.

  “How many warships do we have?” Glancing at the tactical display, he could tell there weren’t near as many as he would like.

  “We have the Second, Sixth, and Tenth Fleets,” reported Captain Brunson. “Also a few stragglers from other fleets.”