“There is a large shipyard around the fifth planet,” reported Captain Grayson. “That seems to be where the majority of their ships are located.”
“Any signs of this being a trap?” Zafron looked toward Kazak.
“No, I can detect no other ships or power sources.”
Zafron stood up and walked over to stand in front of the tactical display. It showed a mass of red threat icons hovering near the planet. “Take the fleet in; the juggernaut and its escorts will come in behind the fleet. I don’t want to expose it to any danger if I don’t have to and we may need its firepower if we have to withdraw.” This was a test Zafron had set up for the Eternals to find out if they were up to something devious. He had a feeling in his stomach this mission would confirm that assertion.
The fleet rapidly assembled into a wedge formation with the juggernaut and its escorts forming up in the rear. Then the fleet surged forward toward the fifth planet and the waiting Eternals.
-
The Eternal admiral in charge of the defending fleet felt his anger grow as his nanites struggled to contain his emotions. He had strict orders to offer only token resistance and then withdraw. The large shipyard in orbit had already been stripped of all of its major equipment as well as weapons. It would self-destruct as soon as his fleet departed.
The admiral was certain with his substantial numerical advantage he could destroy this Originator fleet, including the mobile battlestation. “All ships will engage on my orders,” he said, looking over at his second in command. “As soon as we’ve lost 20 percent of our fleet we will withdraw and proceed to the rendezvous coordinates.”
No one in the Command Center liked the order. They were Eternals and the superior race but recent orders from the new First Leader had placed Admiral Trope in complete command of all Eternal forces and his orders were to be obeyed without question.
On the tactical display, the admiral watched as the Originator fleet neared combat range. He had formed his fleet into a defensive globe formation with his flagship in the center layer of warships.
Suddenly the viewscreens lit up with explosions and energy beam fire as the Originator vessels launched their attack.
“Return fire!” he ordered. “Launch antimatter and dark matter missiles.” At least he could cause as much damage as possible to the attacking Originator fleet until he reached the 20 percent loss threshold where he would give the order to withdraw. He stared at the viewscreens showing the battle. Already ships on both sides were being destroyed.
-
Commander Zafron winced as heavy weapons fire rained down on his fleet. Several battlecruisers blew apart under the initial bombardment. “Launch blue energy spheres,” he ordered. He had held back on the blue energy spheres trying to see what the Eternals’ response would be. So far there was no indication this fleet was going to leave. “Continue to close with the enemy.” He was going to force the issue and see what happened.
On the main viewscreen an Eternal battlecruiser was burning. Large explosions were ripping huge pieces of the ship’s hull apart, sending them flying off into space. Fires were spreading through the inside of the ship wherever oxygen could be found. Suddenly a massive explosion broke the vessel in two. Moments later several antimatter missiles arrived, turning the two sections into fiery fireballs of ravaging energy. When the fireballs died down there was only twisted wreckage and a few glowing fields of gas to mark where the warship had been.
Glancing at the tactical display, Zafron saw he was losing two ships for every Eternal vessel being destroyed. He knew he should withdraw but he had to know if his theory about the Eternals was correct. He also still had the juggernaut and its escorts in reserve. “We will continue the attack.”
-
Kazak was now targeting Eternal battlecruisers with the blue energy spheres. He was launching two spheres at each battlecruiser. While more would cause the destruction to spread faster, two were sufficient to turn one of the massive battlecruisers into space dust in a relatively short time.
Already he had struck twelve enemy vessels with the deadly blue spheres and he was targeting others. Kazak enjoyed combat. He was a military AI and felt great satisfaction when he could serve in that role. He stood straight in his high-collared red uniform. He had served as a military AI far longer than any other Originator AI. It was what he had been created for and he did his job very well.
-
The Eternal admiral saw he was winning the battle. Even with the Originators using their hated blue energy spheres he was still destroying their vessels far faster then they were destroying his.
“We’ve lost 14 percent of our fleet,” reported his second-in-command. “The Originators will have to withdraw shortly or risk losing all of their ships including that mobile battlestation.”
Looking at a nearby viewscreen, the admiral saw four more of his ships fall victim to the deadly blue spheres. He could see several others already being turned into black space dust. “Inform me when the losses reach 20 percent. At that time we will follow our orders and withdraw.”
He could tell from the look on the face of his second-in-command the order did not suit him. “We are Eternals. We follow the orders of our council. Our First Leader has instructed us to obey Admiral Trope without question. We will do as ordered.”
-
The battle continued as the Originator fleet drew nearer. Space was littered with the wreckage of warships both the Originator and Eternal fleets. An Originator dreadnaught was struck by a barrage of dark matter missiles, knocking down its energy shield and blowing the ship apart in a massive fireball of released energy. Other ships in the Originator formation were dying as well.
In the Eternal formation the blue energy spheres were having their effect. Already over thirty Eternal battlecruisers had been struck and in the process of being converted into drifting fields of space dust. Other ships were being blown apart from heavy weapons fire.
-
“We’ve lost 21 percent of our fleet,” reported the Eternal at the sensors.
“It is time to withdraw,” said the second office in a neutral voice.
“Do so,” ordered the admiral, gritting his teeth. “Take the fleet into hyperspace and once we are out of the galaxy we will set a course for the rendezvous coordinates.” The admiral closed his eyes, willing his nanites to calm his racing emotions. He could have won this battle and it irked him he had to withdraw.
-
Commander Zafron watched without surprise as the Eternal warships suddenly broke off combat and accelerated away making the transition into hyperspace.”
“They’re gone,” reported Kazak, turning toward Commander Zafron. “It is as you suspected. If they would have been willing to lose a major portion of their fleet they could have defeated us even with us committing the juggernaut and its escorts.”
Zafron nodded. “Finish off the Eternal ships which were not able to make the jump into hyperspace and then use a couple of blue energy spheres against the shipyard. I have a report to make to Fleet Admiral Tolsen. There is no longer any doubt in my mind the Eternals are up to something. It has now become a priority to discover what that plan is. Our very existence might hinge on us finding out before they are able to implement it.”
It was at that moment the Eternal shipyard blew up, sending glowing debris flying across space.
“The shipyard has self-destructed,” reported a surprised Captain Grayson. “That’s never happened before.”
“This only confirms what we suspected,” said Kazak. “I scanned the shipyard prior to its destruction and it had been stripped of all useful material. Even its weapons had been removed.”
Zafron leaned back in his command chair with deep concern spreading across his face. He knew the Eternals still had a massive fleet though it was spread out across thousands of galaxies. He called up a holographic image of the Eternal galaxies nearest Originator space. He then had the galaxies which had fallen to Originator attacks appear in amber.
Red marked Eternal galaxies and blue marked Originator space. He frowned as he gazed at the image. All the attacks by Originator forces were located on one side of Originator space. That was due to the location of the Communications and Transport Hub. Each attack was drawing Originator forces farther and farther away from Originator space. Was it possible the Eternals were preparing to attack one or two of the Shrieels in retaliation for what had been done to their home galaxy? To be successful they would need a massive fleet and be willing to accept tremendous losses.
Changing the holographic image he set it to show the location of the Shrieels nearest the edge of Originator space where the fighting was now occurring. There were three which were on the border near where Eternal galaxies had fallen. Standing up, he walked round the image, studying it. Of course it was possible the Eternals were planning on striking the Shrieels on the opposite end of Originator space figuring that’s where the Originators would be the weakest because of the number of ships being sent to attack Eternal controlled galaxies.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” said Zafron, folding his arms over his chest and frowning. “Attacking one or two Shrieels won’t make that much of a difference in the war. There must be another target.”
Kazak turned away from standing near the tactical station and walked over to the holographic image. “What about the Federation? The Eternals have already attacked it once. They may feel by eliminating the Altons and the Humans they can change the course of the war more in their favor.”
Commander Zafron frowned. “All of the Federation systems have been heavily fortified. They all have forty-kilometer battlestations for protection as well as fleets of Originator warships. Even the Altons have battlestations protecting their primary systems. If that’s what the Eternals are planning it will cost them more warships than attacking a Shrieel. However, it does make sense. They already know the Humans are playing a major role in the war effort and the Altons are the next most highly developed race after the Originators. I’ll send a message to Fleet Admiral Tolsen and the Originator Council that we believe the Eternals may be preparing to attack the Federation once more. It explains why they are constantly falling back. They are pulling our forces farther away from where the real attack will take place.”
“What shall we do in the meantime?”
Commander Zafron spent a few moments thinking about the future ramifications of continuing to attack Eternal galaxies. Then he reached a decision. “If they are going to continue to fall back and allow us undisputed possession of their galaxies then I propose we accelerate the attacks. We can take over hundreds of their galaxies in the next few months, substantially weakening their Empire. We have sufficient ships to continue the attacks as well as protect the Federation.”
Kazak nodded. On the main viewscreen, the remains of the Eternal shipyard were falling toward the planet.
-
At the Communications and Transport Hub Angela was on board the Liberator. Today the ship would depart the hub and head to the Makuul Galaxy. She felt anxious knowing soon she would be seeing her long lost friends once more. They were all gathered in the ship’s common area as Rear Admiral Marks wanted to address the crew.
“Congratulations on completing your training for this mission,” began Susan as she gazed at the crew. “I have some announcements to make. Jason, step forward.” She waited as Jason came up to the front. She took out a small case from one of her pockets and opened it showing the insignia of a commander. “Effective today you have the full ranking of a ship’s commanding officer.” Susan took out the insignia and placed it on the shoulders of Jason’s uniform. She was rather enjoying the shocked look on the young man’s face.
After Jason she had the other members of the crew except the Marines and a few others come up and receive their ratings. When everyone had their new insignia Susan looked solemnly at the group. I know all of you will serve the fleet to the best of your abilities. Commander Strong, the Liberator is now officially your ship.”
The crew applauded with wide smiles. Angela nodded her approval as she watched.
“All of you know the importance of the mission you’re about to undertake. I’m sure you will be successful.” Susan said a few more words and then turned toward Angela. “The Liberator may depart at any time. I want to thank all of you for the hard work you’ve put in. I don’t know if we’ve ever had a crew train as hard.” With that Susan turned and left the commons area.
-
Jason took a deep breath as he gave his first official order as a ship commander. “Everyone take your posts. We’ll be exiting the dock shortly.”
The crew hurried to their departments feeling the excitement of finally getting underway to the Makuul Galaxy.
Jason entered the Command Center and sat down in the center command chair with Lieutenant Commander Bell on his left side and Angela, in her commander’s uniform, on his right. Clarissa was standing behind Angela and Leeda was standing behind Layla.
“Mitch, take us out,” ordered Jason, feeling his heart beating rapidly in his chest. Finally they were returning to the Makuul Galaxy where they would make the transition to the Creevak universe where his parents were. “I’m coming, Mom and Dad,” he whispered softly. “At long last we’re going to be together again.”
-
Only Clair heard Jason as his soft words came through her neural implant. She smiled approvingly. She would do everything in her power to make Jason’s hopes come true.
-
Rear Admiral Marks and Admiral Grayseth were standing in the large observation lounge watching as the Liberator lifted up from its dock and headed toward the large open hatch.
“So the hunt begins,” said Grayseth, feeling pride that two of his children were on the ship.
Susan nodded. “I still feel uneasy about this but those are the Children of the Special Five. Angela, Clarissa and two of your cubs are on board. If there ever was a talented crew this is it.”
As they watched, the ship cleared the hatch and accelerated away into open space toward one of the forty-kilometer Accelerator Rings.
Stepping over to a large viewscreen, which was focused on the ship they saw it near the ring and come to a stop. The ring powered up and a deep blue swirling vortex formed. Moments later the Liberator entered the center to vanish from the Communications and Transport Hub.
“They’re gone,” said Susan, feeling a strange emptiness.
Grayseth nodded. “They have a mission to fulfill just as I do. I promise you that when we return, Jeremy and the others will be with us.”
Susan didn’t reply. For the moment she didn’t trust her voice. In many ways those children had been very special to her, particularly while they were under her guidance at the academy. She just prayed they all returned safely.
-
Jason sat in his command chair relishing the feeling of finally being a ship commander and in charge of the Liberator. He knew Angela still outranked him as her commission was older and he still strongly suspected if he screwed up along the way Clarissa would jump in and take over the ship. He let out a deep breath. He had no real problem with that. Both Angela and Clarissa had much more experience than he did. What was important was they succeed in their mission.
“How do you feel, Jason?” asked Clair.
“Excited,” replied Jason.
Clair looked over at Jason and grinned.
“What’s that grin for?”
“Did you forget? You promised me a kiss if our mission succeeds. I plan on holding you to that promise.”
Jason had forgotten. “Are you really going to hold me to that?”
Clair nodded. “Yes I am. If that’s the only way I’m going to get you to kiss me.”
Jason didn’t reply. He had a lot on his mind. This kissing thing with Clair would have to wait. He would deal with it when the time came.
“All systems functioning normally,” reported Ethan.
“We’ve achieved full intergalactic speed,” added Mi
tch. “We’ll arrive at the Makuul Galaxy in four days and six hours.”
Jason nodded. That was nearly two days faster than Grayseth could make it. Of course the Liberator had the most advanced hyperspace drive system in existence. If they pushed it they could arrive in the Makuul Galaxy in less than three days but there was no reason to put that type of stress on the ship.
Braleseth came to stand close to Jeremy and Angela. “All the ship’s weapons are ready, including the two blue energy sphere projectors. We have full load outs on both antimatter and dark matter missiles. This will be our first hunt together. I can’t wait to share it with you.”
Jason knew how important the hunt was to Carethians. It was a special part of their heritage. “To the hunt.”
-
Later Jason was back in the Commons area for a quick lunch. He was eating a ham sandwich along with some potato salad and an iced tea.
Layla came in and spotting Jason came and sat down across from him. Angela was in the Command Center and in charge of the Liberator while some of the others took a break.
“Clair doesn’t care much for me, does she?”
“I don’t know,” replied Jason as he took a bite of his sandwich. “Why would she not like you?”
Layla’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You don’t know?”
Jason shook his head. “No, I have no clue why Clair is acting like she is.”
Layla leaned back with a deep sigh. “Men! Why can’t they see what is so obvious?”
Jason looked at Layla, feeling even more confused. “What are you talking about?”
“She’s in love!” explained Layla. “She has been for quite some time.”
Jason felt an unexplained pang of jealousy. “With who?”
Layla shook her head in exasperation. “You!”
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