The Originator Wars:
Explorations
A Lost Fleet Novel
(The Originator Wars, Book 4)
By
Raymond L. Weil
USA Today Best Selling Author
Books in the Originator Wars Series
The Originator Wars: Universe in Danger (Book 1)
The Originator Wars: Search for the Lost (Book 2)
The Originator Wars: Conflict Unending (Book 3)
The Originator Wars: Explorations (Book 4)
Website: http://raymondlweil.com/
Copyright © May 2019 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
Chapter Twenty-Five
The Originator Wars: Explorations
A Lost Fleet Novel
Chapter One
Admiral Race Tolsen Felt the WarHawk shake violently as its triplex energy shield was struck by multiple Eternal energy beams. The heavy dreadnought and its fleet were in a tense battle with an opposing Eternal fleet.
“We are outnumbered,” reported Zamdol, a military AI from the Originators. “Even with our new triplex energy shield and dark matter weapons this is a battle we cannot win.”
Race nodded. This was to be expected. For several years now the Eternals and the Originators had been fighting battles over galaxies outside Eternal and Originator controlled space. A treaty signed by the two prohibited conflict inside their own borders but outside of those areas there was a continuous fight to control other galaxies. It was a power struggle to see who was going to control the universe.
“We just lost two more dreadnoughts and six more battlecruisers,” reported Lieutenant Justin from his sensor console. “The Eternal fleet is closing.”
“Launching dark matter missiles,” reported the tactical officer as he touched several icons on his computer screen.
The ship shook slightly as the sublight missiles launched. On the main viewscreen, the Eternal ship the WarHawk was targeting became lit up in massive explosions of energy. A missile penetrated a weak spot in the fluctuating enemy energy shield and the vessel exploded in a nova-like flash of light.
“Target destroyed,” confirmed Lieutenant Justin.
“The Eternals are demanding our immediate surrender,” added Lieutenant Tasha Burns from Communications. “Their admiral says if we surrender our deaths will be quick and painless.”
“Ignore them,” ordered Race, his face grim with determination. He had no desire to speak with any Eternal. The Eternals thought they were superior to all other life forms.
Race turned his eyes to the massive viewscreen, which covered most of the front wall of the Command Center. There were in Galaxy X-2374 far out past Eternal space. His fleet consisted of four hundred dreadnoughts and two thousand battlecruisers. The dreadnoughts were manned by Human command crews and a few marines. The battlecruisers were operated by military AIs with other AIs as crews.
On the viewscreen, space was lit up with the explosions of antimatter and dark matter missiles as well as the periodic flash of energy beams. The battle was intense and brutal with both sides intent on destroying the other.
An Originator battlecruiser had become separated from the main fleet and was being targeted by six Eternal ships. Its energy screen was radiating brighter and brighter as it became flooded with energy. The Eternals were pounding the ship with one hundred-megaton antimatter missiles. The military AI in charge of the vessel was trying to get it back into the main fleet formation but the Eternals were blocking it. In a sudden explosion of light an energy beam penetrated the energy screen, blasting out a huge hole in the ship’s hull. The ship seemed to shake violently for a moment and then the shield began to flicker. Moments later an antimatter missile penetrated, turning the ship into molten debris.
Race let out a deep sigh. In the past six months the Originator fleets had found few victories against the Eternals. The Eternals had more galaxies and more resources, which allowed them to produce larger warfleets. While the Originator ships had a slight advantage in weapons, it was not enough to turn the tide of the battles.
“We’ve taken out four more Eternal battlecruisers,” reported Zamdol. “Numerous others have suffered substantial damage.”
Race shook his head. “It’s not going to be enough.”
Zamdol shook his head. “No, I calculate a 78 percent probability of an Eternal victory resulting in the total destruction of our fleet. We can destroy a sizable portion of their fleet but not enough to win the battle.”
This had been the story time after time during the last few years. The Originator fleets were spread too thin trying to resist the Eternals spread across the universe. The Eternals controlled over ten thousand galaxies whereas the Originators only controlled 614. Of course the Originators had the Dyson spheres and their tremendous production capability to help even things up. Race winced as another Originator dreadnought exploded on the viewscreen. More Humans had just died! In the past few years the Eternals had updated their weapon systems until they nearly matched the Originators. They had also modified their nanites so they could no longer be disabled as Fleet Admiral Strong had done several years earlier. The Eternals had added heavier defensive weapons making the defense globes, once used on Human ships, useless.
“Should we withdraw?” asked Commander Haskins. Haskins had recently been assigned as commander of the WarHawk.
The ship shook again as an antimatter warhead detonated against the energy shield. On the damage control console several lights turned red.
“Minor damage to the hull in section A-16,” reported the damage control officer. “We have two defensive turrets offline. Shield is holding at 80 percent.”
With a deep sigh, Race nodded. “It’s time to go. We’re too badly outnumbered in this battle. There’s no point in sacrificing valuable ships needlessly. Take the fleet into hyperspace and set a course for our base.”
Race leaned back in his command chair as his orders were swiftly carried out. The fleet disengaged from the Eternals and fled into the safety of hyperspace. Race didn’t know what needed to be done. The fleet was losing too many battles. Most ended like this one with the Originator fleet withdrawing before too many ships were destroyed. Unfortunately, it meant the Eternals now had control of one more galaxy.
-
At the Communications and Transport Hub Fleet Admiral Jeremy Strong was reviewing the latest reports from fleets which were engaged against th
e Eternals. There was very little good news.
“The Eternals are countering our every move,” said Councilor Castile, shaking her head. “They are steadily increasing the number of galaxies they control.”
“We must change our tactics,” rumbled Grayseth, who was now a council member. “The Eternals have too many ships to commit against our forces. We must do something they will not expect.”
Alton Councilor Tureen nodded his head in agreement. “If one strategy is not working then we need to commit to a new one.”
Councilor Barnes took in a deep breath and then spoke. “Perhaps we should focus our efforts further out in galaxies the Eternals have yet to explore.”
Jeremy frowned at this suggestion. “That would put our fleets too far away from us. It would take weeks or even months to resupply them or replace damaged vessels. As it is now we have to place bases far out in intergalactic space to support the fleets we have committed to this war.”
“Perhaps not,” said Councilor Trallis. “What if we placed a larger battlestation near those distant galaxies to serve as a base and repair facility? We could equip the battlestations with the blue energy spheres to ensure their security.”
Councilor Castille looked concerned. “Are you sure we should use the blue energy spheres on these stations? It is the one weapon the Eternals have no defense against and ensures the safety of the Shrieels. What if they capture one of these bases?”
“We must ensure they do not,” replied Councilor Trallis.
Jeremy looked thoughtful. “How large of a battlestation are you talking about constructing?”
“Our Accelerator Rings are one hundred and ten kilometers across. I believe the maximum size we could construct and safely send through a ring would be one hundred kilometers. I would have to consult with a few of our scientists to confirm that but I do believe it is possible.”
Admiral Jackson looked over at Jeremy. “If we place blue energy spheres on these new battlestations we have to make sure the stations are not captured by the Eternals. The spheres are one of the few weapons that still give us a substantial advantage over them. It is the primary reason they agreed to the truce.”
Jeremy nodded. All the Dyson spheres were equipped with blue energy spheres as well as the forty-kilometer defensive stations protecting the Communications and Transport Hub. In addition, the only warships with the blue energy spheres were the Dominator and the New Horizon. The Dominator was Commander Zafron’s ship and the New Horizon was Rear Admiral Barnes’ exploration vessel which Kelsey and her group had designed.
“How do we ensure none of these stations are captured?”
“We place an antimatter warhead in the center of the station and if the station is in danger of being captured we detonate it,” suggested Grayseth. “We have used such fail safes in the past.”
“It would have to be a series of antimatter warheads placed throughout the battlestation,” said Councilor Trallis. “That would be the only way to ensure the destruction of all of our technology on the station. After all, we’re talking about a much larger battlestation than those we currently have.”
Jeremy nodded. “We can do that. Our warships already contain self-destructs.” The self-destructs were activated when the ship was too damaged to go back into hyperspace though the self-destruct could be delayed by the ship’s commanding officer if necessary.
“By placing these stations far out past Eternal controlled space it will be a strategy they will not be expecting,” said Councilor Tureen. “It may be possible to establish a series of galaxies to obstruct future Eternal expansion.”
“Can we build a larger Accelerator Ring to accommodate an even larger battlestation?”
Councilor Trallis looked at Jeremy in surprise. “It is possible. How large are you thinking?”
“Five hundred kilometers.”
Councilor Trallis slowly shook his head. “I’m not sure we would have the energy to power such a large Accelerator Ring. I would have to speak to some of our power specialists. Perhaps Nomar Krill could assist. He’s well versed in antimatter and power systems. It will take a massive amount of energy to power such a large Accelerator Ring.”
“Why would you want to build such a large battlestation?” asked Councilor Castille. “Are the one hundred-kilometer battlestations Councilor Trallis is suggesting not large enough?”
Jeremy slowly looked around the large conference table where the Originator Council and a few military officers were seated. “If we’re going to be sending crews so far away from home we need to make this base into something they can return to and not feel like they’re cut off from civilization. They’re going to be months away from us by travel time.”
“You want to build some type of city inside the center of the battlestation,” said Councilor Roan in understanding. “A place where the crews can relax and live a normal life while not engaged in battle on their ships.”
Jeremy nodded. “Something like that. If we’re going to put these stations far outside the Eternals’ reach then we’re talking about very extended deployments. Also, something as large as I’m thinking about would be able to stand up to an attack by their fleets.”
“It would need a major repair facility as well as a construction dock for new warships,” added Admiral Jackson, warming up to the idea.
Councilor Trallis looked at the other Originators at the table. “I think Fleet Admiral Strong has come up with a workable solution to allow us to eventually restrict the expansion of the Eternals. Let us put a team of Originators and others together to begin the research and design of such a battlestation as well as an Accelerator Ring.”
“It will take months to complete the research and then its construction if it’s found feasible,” pointed out Councilor Metrics.”
“We will also have to assign a large crew to such a battlestation. Both in AIs and our alliance races,” added Councilor Roan.
“One more thing,” said one of the other Originators who had been listening to the conversation. “This will be a one way trip for the station. While we could construct a smaller Accelerator Ring to send ships back and forth, it would not be practical to build a larger one at the station’s location.”
“That’s acceptable,” replied Jeremy. “As long as we can still send ships back and forth it will be fine.”
-
The meeting ended and Jeremy returned to his office along with Admiral Jackson and Councilor Grayseth. He wanted to speak with both of them privately.
“Contact all of our fleets and inform them they are to continue harassing actions against the Eternals. However, I don’t want any major fleet actions resulting in large ship losses.” Admiral Jackson had taken over Admiral Kalen’s position when Kalen had been killed by the Eternals at the peace conference.
“What about Commander Zafron?” asked Admiral Jackson. “His fleet has had the most success against the Eternals. I think we should reinforce his fleet and allow him to continue full offensive actions against the Eternals.”
Jeremy nodded. “His ship has the blue energy spheres as well as other weapons. Those weapons are allowing him to achieve his victories. Go ahead and increase the size of his fleet. I would suggest we send a second rear admiral to assist him.”
“Rear Admiral Hailey Mann would be ideal,” said Admiral Jackson. “I’ll assign her and her fleet to Commander Zafron’s command.”
“Hailey is a good choice,” confirmed Jeremy. “She’s a good tactician and has worked with Commander Zafron in the past.”
“I wish we could equip more of our ships with those weapons,” proclaimed Jackson, his eyes narrowing. “We could really take the battle to the Eternals if all of our dreadnoughts had the blue energy spheres.”
“Until they captured a sample of the weapons technology,” said Jeremy, frowning. “If the Eternals had those weapons they might be able to successfully attack a Dyson sphere. That’s why we’ve restricted those weapons to just two ships and the battlestations here at the h
ub.”
Councilor Barnes came into the office and sat down. He took a deep breath and then spoke to Jeremy. “How are the kids?”
Jeremy grinned. “Growing like weeds. Clair is a big help as she thinks it’s her responsibility to keep the younger ones in line. Kelsey is really enjoying being a mother.”
“My own cubs follow Clair’s lead,” added Grayseth, baring his incisors in a Carethian smile. “She is a natural born leader.”
“Of course Clarissa or Ariel are nearly always around watching them,” said Jeremy. “I think Angela is still concerned by how much the two AIs are teaching the kids. Clair seems to have a better understanding of science and math every day.”
Councilor Barnes leaned back, smiling. “This is a different reality. We’re raising children on the Dyson sphere and upon spaceships amidst an intergalactic war. Also those children have two super intelligent AIs as guardians.”
“At least there’s no fighting near any of the Dyson spheres,” said Admiral Jackson. “The New Horizon has stayed around the Dyson spheres or in galaxies we control so the danger to the ship has been limited.”
“Kelsey, Angela, and Katie prefer that,” admitted Jeremy. “They don’t want to do anything which might endanger the kids.”
“They’re mothers,” replied Grayseth. “All mothers are extremely protective of their young.”
Jeremy nodded. “How are we doing on finding all of the Originator stasis chambers?”
Councilor Barnes frowned and shook his head. “We’ve activated 95 percent of them and the last few should be finished in a few more months. We’re still searching the achieves in all the Dyson spheres as well as the underground stasis facilities for traces of any we’ve missed. Leeda, Reesa, and Colonel Wilde are being very meticulous in their search.”
Jeremy stood up and walked over to the large window in his office. They were high up in the Tower and he could see much of the city, one which looked as if it was a thousand years in the future. Glass towers and ribbon walkways in various colors were visible. In the distance, other cities were visible as new colonists were arriving almost daily from the Human Federation of Worlds and several of its allies. So far, colonization had been restricted to Humans, Altons, and Carethians.
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