Chapter Four
Eternal Admiral Trope gazed at the multiple viewscreens on the wall of the Command Center in front of him. On the screens, Eternal battlecruisers were visible as far as his eyes could see. Every day more fleets arrived from the outer fringes of the Empire. All expansion had been called to a halt. Only in the galaxies nearest the Originators was there any resistance to the sudden turn of the war. Fleets had been ordered to put up a token defense and then retreat. It was all part of Trope’s plan to pull as many Originator fleets as possible away from their section of space and the Shrieels.
“The Originators are continuing to attack our galaxies nearest their space,” reported Novast, his second in command. “As ordered our fleets are putting up a token resistance and then retreating. We are causing some losses to the attacking fleets but we are suffering more.”
Trope nodded. “That is necessary. We must pull as many of their fleets away from their space as possible. How goes the search for their secret base?”
“We’ve decided it must be located in intergalactic space somewhere. It’s the only logical explanation for us not being able to locate it. We’ve been studying how long their reaction time has been to some of our attacks in the past and have been able to narrow the possible locations down considerably. I’ve taken the liberty of assigning more stealth battlecruisers to the task of locating it.”
“Assign whatever is necessary,” ordered Admiral Trope. “If we ever hope to reclaim our Empire and our home galaxy, we must find that base and destroy it.”
Admiral Trope turned toward the sensor officer. “What’s our latest count on warships?” Every day additional fleets were arriving. Trope was determined that when he found this Originator base he would have the necessary forces to annihilate it.
“Two hundred and twelve thousand,” reported the sensor officer.
Admiral Trope nodded. Everything was going according to plan. He was fortunate Councilor Zabian was leaving the war effort and planning to him and not interfering. Sitting down in his command chair Admiral Trope began thinking about what his biggest obstacle was going to be in destroying this Originator base. He knew it would no doubt be defended by a number of their forty-kilometer battlestations as well as their new mobile battlestations. He must come up with a plan to deal with those weapon systems.
-
Rear Admiral Tolsen was in a meeting of the Originator Council. He had just received word the data from the probe had been examined and the new space drive was deemed safe to begin installing in Grayseth’s dreadnaughts.
“I have spoken to Lyla Kadda and she has indicated it will take around six weeks to install the new drive system in all of Grayseth’s dreadnaughts and his juggernaut.”
“What about the Liberator?” asked Angela who was sitting in on the meeting. “Are we going to install two of the blue energy sphere projectors on the ship?”
Councilor Trallis looked questionably at the other council members and then replied. “Yes, I’m giving the approval as well as anything else the ship may need. Are you planning on commanding the vessel or are you going to leave that to Jason?”
Angela bit her lip. “I don’t know. I may leave Jason in command with the understanding Clarissa will take over if a combat situation develops. Ariel and Clarissa are probably our two most experienced military AIs excluding Kazak.”
Admiral Tolsen slowly nodded his head. “I’m going to suggest another military AI be included in the command crew just as a precautionary measure.”
“I can accept that,” replied Angela. “So what exactly is our plan?”
“It’s going to take time to evacuate all of the people off the battlestation as well as the AIs,” explained Race. “In order to get everyone off the station before its energy shield fails we need to have them ready. What I’m proposing is that the Liberator go through six days before our fleet does. You will make contact with Fleet Admiral Strong and inform him of what needs to be done.”
“Six days?” said Councilor Jackson, looking confused. “Why so early. Wouldn’t one or two days be better?”
“You forget the battlestation’s location above the event horizon. While it will be six days here it will only be one day there.”
Jackson nodded his understanding. “I had forgotten. How are you going to handle that time difference, Grayseth? If it takes them two hours to evacuate the station that means four hours will pass for you and your fleet. Can you hold out that long?”
“Yes,” replied Grayseth. “Don’t forget the Creevak have never seen a juggernaut before or experienced the number of blue energy sphere projectors the ship is equipped with.”
“Let’s just hope that’s enough,” said Councilor Jackson. “From the scans there is a large number of Creevak ships above the battlestation.”
“One more thing,” said Grayseth. “I want to turn in my resignation as a member of this council effective today. One of my clan brothers, Taneth, will be taking my place.”
“We’re all disappointed in your decision but understand it,” replied Councilor Trallis. “We knew you would be leading the rescue and we approve of it.”
Fleet Admiral Tolsen stood up and looked gravely at Grayseth. “With your resignation from the council I hereby promote you to the rank of full admiral effective immediately. I task you with rescuing Fleet Admiral Strong and the others trapped in the Creevak universe.”
“I accept,” roared Grayseth in his normal loud booming voice. “I will not fail.”
“I know you won’t,” replied Admiral Tolsen.
Race looked over at Angela. “How soon before the Liberator returns?”
“It’s on its way back now. They should be back sometime late tomorrow.”
Tolsen continued to look at Angela. There was something he needed to tell her that she would not like hearing. “While the Liberator was on its tour of the Federation and some other locations they stumbled across a potential threat to the Federation.”
Angela’s eyes widened. “What happened?” She hadn’t been told about this. Just leave it to the kids to get into trouble.
“Hocklyns,” explained Race. “They were asked to check on a missing science ship and when they did they stumbled across some Hocklyn warships as well as an AI warsphere. There was an intense battle and the Liberator lost nearly half of its escort fleet.”
Angela’s face turned pale. “Did the Liberator receive any damage?” This was exactly what she was concerned about allowing the kids to go out on their own.
“No, Jason put Commander King in charge of the fleet and King had Jason keep the Liberator away from the battle. While the battle was going on Jason used the Liberator’s advanced sensor systems to scan many of the surrounding star systems. In doing so, they discovered at least another one thousand Hocklyn warships and more AI warspheres. They proceeded to New Tellus and submitted a report to Fleet Admiral Crown. It appears the Federation may have a new war to fight. I would like to suggest we send several of our juggernauts and a fleet of dreadnaughts to assist. From past experience these particular AIs can be very dangerous.”
“Where did these Hocklyns come from?” asked Grayseth. The Hocklyns at one time had conquered his home planet of Careth.
“We’re not sure,” replied Race. “However, at the end of the Hocklyn war a number of their High Council members vanished. It’s possible Jason and the Liberator found them.”
“Has Fleet Admiral Crown briefed the Federation council yet?” asked Councilor Castille.
Race shook his head. “Not yet, both he and Councilor Brown are on their way to Earth now. They’ll brief the council and recommend immediate steps be taken to eliminate this possible menace.”
Councilor Trallis nodded. “As soon as the Federation Council has finished meeting we’ll offer our assistance.”
-
The meeting lasted for another hour and when it was over Angela walked out with newly promoted Admiral Grayseth. “How does it feel to have your command back?”
Grayseth smiled baring his large incisors. “I was never meant to be a politician. I’m a warrior and I always will be. Are you ready to take the Liberator to the Creevak universe?”
Angela smiled. “I’ve been ready for years. Sometimes I doubted if this day would ever come.”
“Well it has and shortly we’ll all be reunited.”
-
Angela hurried home and told the exciting news to Brace.
Brace looked thoughtful and then spoke. “Any objection to me tagging along?”
Angela looked surprised and then nodded. “Sure, I don’t see any harm in your coming. The kids will be back later tomorrow. We have a lot of work to do on the Liberator to get it ready. We need to add the blue energy sphere projectors as well as the new space drive. I’m going to speak to Rear Admiral Marks about setting up some additional scenarios of what we might encounter when we make the transition to the Creevak universe. When we finally do go, I want to make sure we’re ready.”
“Sound as if vacation time for the kids is over.”
Grinning, Angela nodded. “If they think they’ve worked hard in the past it won’t be anything like what I’m going to put them through over the coming weeks.”
Brace was pleased with the way Angela was talking. It had been years since his wife had shown so much enthusiasm. He knew it all had to do with finally getting their friends back. Brace was determined to do everything in his power to make this mission a success. Either all of the Special Five would return or none of them would.
-
The next day the Liberator dropped out of hyperspace at the Communications and Transport Hub.
“Busy place,” commented Lieutenant Commander Bell.
There were ships everywhere with several fleets preparing to go through the Accelerator Rings. There were two to three juggernauts with each group of ships.
“Attacking the Eternals,” explained Clarissa. “We’re trying to take the advantage since we’ve interdicted their home galaxy. We’re sending fleets out everywhere to attack.”
“Maybe the end of the war is finally in sight,” said Colonel Wilde.
“Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” replied Lieutenant Commander Bell. “Just think what we could do if there was no war.”
Elizabeth turned around to face Jason. “We’re to dock in repair bay seventeen. They’re going to install two blue energy sphere projectors as well as the new intradimensional space drive.”
“You got your wish,” sent Clair. “It looks as if we’re really going to the Creevak universe.”
Jason did not reply for a moment. “We’re going to have a lot of work to do. I wouldn’t be surprised if your mom has a whole schedule of training already worked up.”
Clair laughed. “I’ll bet she does.”
“Mitch, take us in to repair bay seventeen,” ordered Jason. “As soon as the ship is powered down the crew may leave.”
“Jason, I have a message from Angela,” said Elizabeth. “We’re all supposed to be at the Fleet Academy in the morning for the beginning of some special training. She also says for all of us to pack some clothes as we’ll be staying there for the next two to three weeks.”
Jason let out a deep sigh. He had hoped Angela would let them have one day off. He quickly made the announcement to the crew. “Guess we have our work cut out for us.”
“This is war, Jason,” said Colonel Wilde with a knowing smile. “No rest for the weary.”
-
Admiral Grayseth was on board his new flagship. After considerable discussion they had decided to name the new ship the Hunter.
“How is the crew acclimating to our juggernaut?”
“They are working at it,” replied First Officer Rastell. “This is a huge ship and it’s going to take some getting used to.”
“In four weeks I want this vessel ready for combat. If the crew has to live on board night and day until they are ready, that’s what we will do. We go to rescue my clan brother. We are honor bound to do everything in our power to ensure this hunt is a success. We will not return without my clan brother and those with him.”
“To the hunt,” replied Rastell reverently. “We will be ready.”
Grayseth then turned to one of the Originator AIs in the Command Center. “I assume you are a military AI.”
“I am,” replied the AI. “There are three of us on board. I am Thomal and will be at Tactical.”
“It is good to have you and the others on board.” Grayseth turned toward the helm where a female AI was sitting. “What is your name?”
“I am Lexi. I will be your helm and navigation officer.”
There was an Alton sitting at the main science console. It had been decided an Alton would be better than an Originator due to the fact many of the Altons were used to working with Carethians.
“I am Hamore Donne,” said the Alton, introducing himself. “I am a specialist in hyperspace mechanics.”
“Glad you are on board,” said Grayseth. He knew the chief engineer was an Alton as well.
Overall there were forty-two Altons on board and over six hundred Originator AIs. The rest of the crew were all Carethians. There were also twelve hundred combat robots on board in case they were needed.
Grayseth walked over and sat down in the large command chair. From there he could see the entire Command Center. It was far larger than any he had been in at anytime during the past. Taking a deep breath, Grayseth looked over at Rastell. “Announce the setting of Condition One throughout the ship. It is time we started getting this crew prepared for combat. Tactical, make sure all weapons systems are disabled. I don’t want to accidentally shoot another ship.” Grayseth had decided to go ahead and run a battle drill just so he would know how far along his crew was in familiarizing themselves with the Hunter.
“Yes, Admiral,” replied Thomal as his hands touched a number of glowing icons on one of his computer screens.
Almost immediately, alarms began sounding and red lights throughout the massive juggernaut started flashing. Rastell’s voice could be heard over the comm speakers announcing the setting of Condition One.
Grayseth had the viewscreens adjusted so he could see the inside of his vessel. He watched as the crew rushed to their battlestations. After a few minutes he nodded. It wasn’t bad for their first attempt in a new and monstrous ship though a few had gotten lost on the way to their stations.
“They’ll get better,” commented Rastell.
“I know they will,” replied Grayseth. “Secure from Condition One. We will run another drill in an hour or so.”
Rastell nodded and made the announcement, restoring the ship to Condition Five.
The crew would not get much sleep for the next thirty hours. Grayseth was determined to get the crew to the point they could reach their battlestations in their sleep.
-
Jason was in his room packing his uniforms and other clothes he might need. He could feel excitement running through him at the thought of going to rescue his parents. He knew the others felt the same way. As he finished packing an extra pair of shoes, he decided to go check on Clair and see what she thought about everything. He could just use his neural implant to speak with her but he preferred doing it in person. Sometimes using the implant more came through than expected, especially with Clair.
Going down the hallway, he knocked on Clair’s door and failed to get a response. She’s probably listening to music, thought Jason. Clair did that a lot. Without hesitation, he opened the door and stepped inside. He froze seeing Clair standing there in just a black lace bra and a skimpy pair of panties.
“Jason!” screamed Clair, attempting to cover herself up with her hands. “Close the door!”
Jason, unsure what to do, closed the door and stood there gazing at Clair feeling his face growing warm.
Taking a deep breath, Clair put her arms down. “If you wanted to see me naked you could have used your implant.”
Jason noticed Clair’s face was a little flushed. “I j
ust wanted to talk to you about what we’re getting ready to do. Can you put something on?”
“Just a minute,” Clair walked over to her closet and opening the door took out a long nightshirt. She put it on and turned to face Jason seeing him still staring openly at her. “Is this better?”
Jason nodded.
She put her hands on her hips and smiled. She couldn’t resist using this opportunity to tease Jason. “Want me to strip?”
“No,” stammered Jason. He couldn’t believe she had even said that. Then he wondered what she would have done if he had said yes.
Clair grinned and went and sat down on her bed. “Mom’s gone to make some arrangements with Rear Admiral Marks so she’s not going to walk in on us. What did you want to talk about?”
Jason was surprised Clair wasn’t more upset with him. What exactly was going on with her? Going over to the bed he sat down next to her. He was very conscious she was nearly naked under that nightshirt.
“It sounds as if we’re going to do a lot of training over the next several weeks. I suspect a lot of it will be with the simulators.”
-
Clair nodded. She felt all tingly inside with Jason sitting so close to her. She wondered what he would do if she leaned over and kissed him.
“I imagine most of the scenarios will be battle simulations about what we might encounter in the Creevak universe.”
“Probably,” replied Clair, moving a little closer so their legs were touching. “My mom and Rear Admiral Marks are probably dreaming up all kinds of scenarios to put us through.”
Jason didn’t seem to notice how close they were. Clair was hesitant about doing anything else.
“Are you finished packing?”
Clair nodded. “Almost, I was just trying on some clothes when you came in.”
“I’ll knock louder next time.”
Clair laughed. “I don’t mind you seeing me that way. It makes it easier when we’re using our implants as I don’t need to shield my thoughts so much.”
At that moment the door to Clair’s room opened and Andrea came in. She put her hand to her mouth and closed the door. “What are you two doing?”
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