The Imperial frowned. “But we don’t know for sure how the AIs are programmed. What you’re suggesting might not work at all.”
“But if it does, it gives us complete control of the entire Druin interdiction system.”
The Imperial leaned back and folded his arms across his chest, clearly feeling frustrated. “Prove it to me.”
Linda grinned. “I would be delighted to.” She then filled in line after line of programming on her computer console, the Imperial watching closely. Occasionally he would have Linda stop and explain exactly what a line of code meant.
Andrew decided he would keep an eye on Linda and her partner. He also had several other pairs of programmers he was keeping a careful watch on.
-
Inside one of the main docks, Admiral Bract watched as a dreadnought was brought out of stasis. It was quite simple. All that needed to be done was to turn off the stasis field encompassing the ship and then activate the ship’s internal power. Several hundred crewmembers stood by to enter the ship, once it was safe to do so. Bract’s gaze wandered over the warship, seeing the turrets, missile tubes, and energy projectors. The ship had fusion energy beams and was equipped with both fusion and antimatter missiles.
Captain Masters stood beside him, as well as several Council members. “It’s good to see a dreadnought activated.”
Admiral Bract nodded in agreement. “Unfortunately it can’t leave the bay until we’ve neutralized the Druin interdiction system.”
“How soon before we activate the battlecruisers?”
“Tomorrow,” replied Bract. “We’ll activate two per day. The crews of all the ships can run some drills while they are still in the bays. I’m afraid that’s all we can do.”
Derrick knew it would be hard on the crews, knowing they were trapped in the docking bays until the interdiction system was neutralized. However, once it was, regular patrols of the Solar System would begin. Once again the warships of the Human Empire would be unleashed. Derrick just hoped they were not needed. If they were, then something had gone horribly wrong.
-
Several weeks passed, and Andrew was inside one of the small habitats containing an abundance of growing plants and trees. He enjoyed coming here, as it allowed him to think. He had just finished a briefing with some of the leading programmers on their progress with the virus. Three looked promising, including the one developed by Linda. Hers was the most radical, as it wasn’t so much a virus as a new set of programs that would overwrite the programs the AIs in the stations currently ascribed to.
“I thought I would find you down here,” said a woman, her familiar voice coming from behind him.
Turning, Andrew broke out into a big smile. “Kala, I thought you would spend more time on Earth.”
Kala shook her head “No, all the action is here on Pallas.” Kala stepped over to a bench and gestured for Andrew to join her. “I hear you’ve been quite busy.”
Andrew nodded. “Learning more about the tech that’s available here, as well as supervising a special project for the military.”
“The virus program,” guessed Kala. “Making any progress?”
“Some. We’ll have some recommendations to make in another two or three weeks.”
Kala watched several couples strolling down the paths in the habitat. “You better hurry. I don’t know much longer Pallas will remain a secret. Several news agencies are asking a lot of pointed questions.”
Andrew nodded. “I heard. The military is keeping an eye on the internet and other media. If anything shows up, they’re removing it. Even they feel we only have a few more weeks before the secret’s out. We tried to hold down the number of people who know what’s going on, but you have the entire crew of the space station, government leaders, and the military. Let’s just hope we can keep the lid on it until the virus is ready.”
Kala reached over and took Andrew’s hand. “Are you hungry? I wouldn’t mind a good meal. It would allow us to spend some time together.”
Andrew looked at Kala, searching her gaze. “Are you sure?”
Kala let out a deep sigh. “We have several months at least to be together. I thought really hard about it, and, even if you go into cryosleep and leave me behind, at least I’ll have the memories.”
Standing, Andrew nodded. “There are a few restaurants in the civilian section. Ensign Allert took Colonel Simpson and me to one the other day. I think you will enjoy the food.”
“Let’s go,” said Kala, standing too. “We can talk more while we eat.”
Moments later the two left the habitat, neither sure where this relationship would lead.
-
Colonel Simpson stood in an observation room, overlooking one of the massive construction bays safely tucked away inside Pallas, where two battlecruisers were being constructed.
“How long does it take to build a battlecruiser?”
“A little over a year,” replied Ensign Allert. “We normally build them two at a time, as it seems to be faster. Instead of making one part, we make two.”
In the bay both Humans and robots worked on the ships. The robots were of every shape and form, having been built to perform specific functions. Bright flashes of light indicated where hull plating was being attached to the ships.
“What is the crew size of a battlecruiser?”
Ensign Allert hesitated and then answered. “It varies some. The average battlecruiser will have a crew of eight hundred, plus a contingent of Marines. The size of the Marine contingent depends on the ship’s mission.”
“And the dreadnoughts?”
“A crew of 1,200 plus the Marines.”
Colonel Simpson stood watching the construction. It was unlike anything done on Earth or in Earth orbit. Just the technology displayed here was amazing. “How many warships do you have?”
“Sorry, Colonel, but that’s classified. Maybe later we can release those figures.”
Simpson nodded. He understood that some military secrets were not yet ready to be shared. “I understand your Marines use energy weapons. May I see them?”
Ensign Allert nodded. “Yes. Why don’t we go to the Marine target range? A few are always practicing there.”
Ensign Allert led Simpson through the base, until they reached a set of large metal hatches. Opening them, they entered a section reserved for the Imperial Marines.
“How many Marines do you currently have?”
“Two hundred and thirty,” replied Ensign Allert. “More remain in stasis.” Brenda went down a long corridor and then through another hatch. Inside was a gunnery range, where several Marines were practicing.
They stood watching the Marines, using both energy pistols and rifles.
“Mind if I try?”
“Just a moment,” said Brenda. She walked over and talked to one of the Marines. He nodded and returned with her.
“I’m Sergeant Drake, and I’m one of the instructors. I understand you want to try out our energy weapons?”
“I would like to. We have nothing like them on Earth.”
Drake nodded. “I was told that. I understand you still use projectile weapons. We still have those as well. If you will come with me, I’ll explain how our energy pistols and rifles work. Plus I’ll share a few safety precautions that need to be taken.”
A few minutes later Simpson fired one of the energy pistols at a target. He was very good with a pistol and was surprised there was no kick to the weapon. He was hitting the target dead center, once he got used to it.
Drake smiled as he watched. “I can see you’ve had some practice with a pistol. Want to try one of our rifles?”
Simpson nodded and was soon firing at a target farther away.
-
Later Simpson returned to his quarters, writing up his report. Most of his concerns about the Imperials had been abated. He had seen most of the facilities beneath Pallas, though a few had been restricted to him. He had found the people to be truthful and willing to show him nearly everythi
ng he wanted to see. He was now convinced that the Imperials were telling the truth about the Human Empire and the Confederation. His report would recommend full cooperation.
-
In deep space, the AIs in charge of the interdiction system were having a conference. It was becoming evident that something worrisome was occurring on Earth. There was increased activity between Earth and the space station the Humans had placed at the Earth-Moon LaGrange Point. Messages that would appear on the planet’s internet or media stations would be deleted almost immediately, as if something was being hidden.
“Is it possible with the destruction of their spacecraft, the Humans have deduced there is an interdiction system around their Solar System?”
“The possibility is only 12 percent,” replied one of the other AIs. “What we are seeing may be increasing hostilities between several of the countries upon the planet.”
“There is no indication of such hostilities,” replied another one of the AIs.
“We have also not been able to confirm any survivors of the ship we destroyed. So far all we have heard is rumors and the Human media stations are always full of those.”
“Have we detected the presence of any Imperial technology?”
“No, we have scanned the system, and no advanced technology has been detected.”
The discussion lasted for a few more minutes. Since they were AIs, they could communicate far faster than living beings.
“I recommend we keep our attack drones at the ready. It is possible the Humans are preparing to launch an interstellar probe. We know they have been working on an experimental faster-than-light drive for several years. If they launch such a probe, we will attack their planet.”
“Should we notify the Druins?”
“No, such action is not yet necessary.”
“Then it is agreed. We will continue to watch.”
-
Captain Masters had been summoned to a meeting of the Imperial Council. Stepping inside, he noted the Council members, Andrew, several other Earth Humans, and also some Imperial scientists were present.
“Welcome, Captain Masters,” greeted Councilor Lena Prest. “Have a seat. We are gathered here today to discuss delivering the virus to the Druin interdiction system.”
“It’s ready?”
-
“Perhaps,” replied Andrew. “That’s one of the things we’ll discuss. We are in a quandary. We have two possible solutions to the interdiction system. One is very straightforward, and the other is revolutionary.”
“Please explain the difference,” said Councilor Prest.
For the next hour Andrew had the computer people explain what they wanted to do. The first plan and its virus was pretty straightforward. However, when they got to Linda’s plan, the questions began to fly.
“You want to reprogram the AIs?” asked Admiral Bract, his gaze revealing his shock. “Wouldn’t you be taking a major risk doing that?”
Linda shook her head. “Cleve’s plan calls for using his virus to overpower the system, putting it completely under our control. The AIs would be destroyed. My plan calls for changing the AIs programming where, instead of a threat, they would become our useful servants. The interdiction system would continue to function but under the parameters we set. Also the AIs would not make any attempts to contact the Druins, unless ordered to do so by us.”
“Tell them the other benefit,” suggested Andrew. This was a big one, one that might be a game changer.
“By taking over the AIs, we also gain control over their attack drones. The drones could then be used to protect the Solar System.”
Everyone began talking. Some sounded as if they approved of the plan, and others were concerned about the possibility of it failing.
“There is one more thing,” interjected Andrew. “If we can gain full control of the AIs, it gives us control of the entire interdiction system. We can turn some of the system’s sensors toward deep space to give us an early warning of any approaching ships. If we try to build such a system ourselves, it will take years. Instead one is just waiting for us to take it over.”
This induced another round of talking and arguing. Finally Admiral Bract turned toward Andrew. “Which one do you recommend? Keep in mind, if this virus fails, all the AIs will launch their attack drones toward Earth. I’m not sure even our fleet can stop them all. We’re talking about several hundred drones.”
Andrew had already considered this. “I suggest we take a double approach to this. We take the Destiny and the modified shuttles to deliver Linda’s virus program. However, we should also have the second virus with us as well, in case something goes wrong. Linda and Cleve will be on board the Destiny in case any last-minute changes need to be made to their viruses.”
Admiral Bract slowly nodded his head. “Anything else?”
Andrew looked at Bract as well as Councilor Prest. “I recommend, as soon as we begin delivering the virus, that Pallas jump fourteen of its battlecruisers out just beyond the Druin interdiction system. They will transmit a jamming signal to prevent the AIs from getting out any distress messages.”
“That could block the virus transmission as well,” warned Bract.
Andrew shook his head. “No, we’ll be too close to the stations. Even with the jamming, our signals should get through.”
Councilor Prest looked at Captain Masters. “Captain, what do you think?”
“I think we have to go with it. Remember. At some point the secret about Pallas will come out. Too many people on the space station and Earth now know about us. When our location is leaked, the AIs will launch their attack drones. They will target Earth as well as Pallas.”
Several of the councilors looked stunned at this revelation. They had never considered Pallas as being in danger.
-
Councilor Prest drew in a deep breath. Her gaze wandered over the Council, as if trying to read their minds. Nodding her head, she made a decision. “Very well, we shall adopt Mr. Wilcox’s plan. How soon can we be ready?”
“I need two days to finish prepping the battlecruisers,” replied Admiral Bract.
“The Destiny is ready,” added Captain Masters. “We can leave at any time.”
Councilor Prest looked at Admiral Bract. “When do we launch the mission?”
“The sooner, the better,” replied Bract. “I would recommend fifty hours from now.”
Councilor Prest gazed at her fellow councilors. “Does anyone object to this?”
No one replied. They all realized there was nothing else they could do.
Prest nodded her head. “Very well, Admiral Bract, you are in charge of getting the mission launched. Coordinate everything with Mr. Wilcox and Captain Masters.”
After that, the room went silent. Everyone knew this was the first step in a new war against the Confederation. If they were successful, they would have bought Earth at least sixty years or more to get ready. If they failed, a year from now, Earth might be a wasteland with little or no life on its surface.
Chapter Seventeen
Captain Masters was in the Command Center of the Destiny. The ship was traveling on its subspace drive toward its target. Due to the distance, it would take nearly twenty hours for the light cruiser to reach the Druin station. Seven other vessels were also en route to the other seven large AI-controlled stations of the interdiction system.
“No evidence we’ve been detected,” reported Lieutenant Keela Nower.
Derrick nodded. There was a chance the closer they got to the station, their risk of possible detection would greatly increase. Of course the interdiction system was not expecting an Imperial stealthed vessel to be anywhere near the system. Derrick hoped that gave them the advantage. “Are the viruses ready to be delivered?”
Andrew nodded. “Yes, we just need to be close enough to the station so the battlecruiser’s jamming will not block the delivery.”
Derrick took a deep breath. “How certain are you this will work?”
“Lin
da claims 100 percent. Personally I would say closer to 80 percent. A lot of unknowns are involved in what we’re getting ready to do. We have no idea what firewalls the AIs may have.”
“If the AIs realize what we’re up to, they could launch some of their attack drones against the Destiny.”
Andrew looked concerned. “The Destiny is equipped with weapons, isn’t it?”
Derrick smiled. “Some. We could take out a few drones if it becomes necessary. Let’s just hope the virus works.”
-
For twenty hours the Destiny moved closer to the Druin AI control station. In time it was visible on the viewscreens at high magnification. The station was a massive sphere, nearly two thousand meters in diameter. On the main viewscreen, weapon turrets and hatches covering missile tubes were visible.
“The station is heavily armed,” reported Lieutenant Nower.
“We’ll be in range of its weapons when we send the virus,” warned Lieutenant Marko Breen from Tactical. “The stealth fields should keep us hidden.”
A few moments later Derrick ordered the Destiny to come to a stop. The Druin station now filled the entire viewscreen. It looked ominous with all its visible weapons.
“When?” asked Derrick, looking at Andrew.
“Are all the shuttles in position? Our attack has to be coordinated to occur at the exact same time.”
Derrick nodded his head. “Per last contact with each shuttle, before our comm blackout, all shuttles were on schedule and should be at their targets. Once we transmit the virus, we’ll send out a brief hyperlight signal for the other shuttles to do the same.”
Andrew let out a deep breath and squared his shoulders. “Now’s as good a time as any.” Andrew nodded toward Linda. “Do your thing.”
Linda and Cleve both sat at a computer console next to Communications.
“Begin sending,” said Linda, a nervous look on her face.
“Sending virus,” confirmed Lieutenant Cleo Ashen. “The delivery will take twenty seconds, even at hyperlight.”
“Send a message to Pallas and the other shuttles that the virus is being delivered,” ordered Derrick. He leaned back in his command chair. All he could do now was wait.
The Forgotten Empire: Banishment: Book One Page 22