Lens of Time: Book 06 - Star Rover-Running Out of Time

by Saxon Andrew

  “What if you jumped another Jukebox Box in on the ships that crashed the party?”

  Shane stared at Dat for a long moment and tilted his head to the left, “I bow to the Master.”

  Gibbs said, “What are the two of you talking about?”

  Shane looked at Dat who nodded. He turned to Gibbs, “You know that most ships sent to defend a fleet being attacked arrive close together in order to use their massed firepower effectively.” Gibbs nodded. “Well, as soon as the bulk of the incoming ships arrive, another Jukebox box is called in on their location. If another group of ships arrive, the third box will be called in to hit them.”

  Matt said, “And if a fourth group arrives, the first box jumps to take it on.”

  Dat nodded, “And so on and so on until the numbers coming in are too large for us to handle. That’s when we’ll jump away.”

  Gem shook her head, “That plan is all well and good for their minor planets. It would be shut down almost immediately if we attack one of the Majors.”

  Dat nodded, “I intend to blow their central ruling planet apart to cause disarray when we reduce their numbers enough so that we can attack with all of our available ships.”

  The room was once again shocked into silence; even Admiral Hull was caught flatfooted by Dat’s statement. She quickly said, “You intend to hit that planet with major penetrators?”

  “I do.”

  “And just how are you going to pull that off?”

  “I’m going to skip a ship through the barrier that will eject a hundred major penetrators as it passes that planet. They will emerge into normal space without a jump signature, immediately orient on the planet, and ignite their thrusters.”

  “They’ll see it coming.”

  “They will if the ship starts skipping along the barrier from a long distance, Gibbs. If we jump the delivery vessel ten light years away, it will be on them before they can do much to stop it.”

  “They have demonstrated the ability to hit ships skipping along the barrier.”

  “Yes, but they saw it coming in green space from a long way out. They received the trajectory from ships located in green space and timed their fire so that the ship flew into their beams. They won’t have enough time to coordinate their fire in the time they’re given. They’ll launch ships to investigate the jump signature and our ship will hit the barrier before they arrive. The ships moving in green space will only be able to watch it pass.”

  Shane shook his head, “I don’t wish to disagree with you but even a moderate level computer could set up an attack profile on that ship rather quickly.”

  “That’s true; however, they will be entirely too busy tracking the million jump traces moving toward the other side of their planet. I suspect the one trace might be seen but ignored for a moment. All it will take is a moment for the penetrators to be ejected.”

  Matt said, “They can be stopped by the ships in orbit above the planet.”

  “The penetrators will be ejected in tandem. The front penetrator will ignite and lead the second toward the planet. I suspect a major penetrator will clear the way quite nicely for the following penetrator.”

  “They can still stop them with beams.”

  Dat turned and said, “Belwen.”

  Belwen stood, “We’re building a special penetrator for this exercise. We’re using a massive amount of spent uranium and you know how dense that material is. I really think we’ll only need one of them to make it through to the planet to shatter it. We’re also installing a grey force field on it that will absorb their beams for a short time. It won’t need much time to hit the planet.”

  Kat looked at Dat, “So you think we can kill that planet?” Dat nodded. “Then why invade at all? We can just kill their planets and the war is over.”

  Kelli said, “They’ll know it’s us doing it.”

  Dat was surprised at Kelli’s insight. That was a brilliant observation. Kat said, “Oh, really?”

  “If the penetrator uses a grey force field, what conclusions do you think they’ll draw from it?”

  Kat was silent and Brad said, “The Grillen are the most recent ally to have been given that technology. I suspect any prior species that received it has already been dealt with. They’ll send scouts to really see what’s going on and they’ll learn that the Jukeboxes came from here.”

  Kat nodded and Dat waited for the idea to sink in, “We won’t be destroying their worlds until we are well into the war against them.” Dat saw Kelli nod, “Admiral Carpenter, why don’t you tell them why we have to wait to start killing their planets?”

  Kelli was startled but quickly regained her composure. “What would we do if an enemy came in and destroyed every civilized planet in the Milky Way?” She paused and continued, “Once the attacker was identified, every warship we had remaining would go attack the ones that killed them. As it is, the Servants can only send the surplus of ships not being used to defend their planets. Destroy those planets and every ship they have will be launched against us.”

  “Very good, Admiral; so our initial task is to cut into their ship numbers. While that is taking place, we will leave their planets alone. Belwen will be building enough of the new penetrators to attack all their major planets simultaneously if, and I do mean if, we’re able to cut into their number of ships.”

  Shane shook his head, “Well, it’s back to the drawing board.” Dat looked at him wondering what he meant. Shane saw his expression, “We will be attacking their minor planets initially and I suspect their ships will be scattered in small groups around the system. We’re going to have to take the four fleets in the Jukebox Box and have each of them form a smaller box. When defenders arrive, they will form two larger boxes and take them on. Finally the Jukebox box will be formed and the other boxes will be called in to take part in the festivities as needed.” Shane turned to Dat, “Do you see it that way?”

  Dat nodded, “You’re right…however, I suspect you’ll have to immediately go to the largest box. There won’t be small numbers sent to support the local fleets; I’m pretty certain about that.”

  “We can still practice it even if we don’t need it. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”

  Kat looked at the Admirals, “Who wants to break this news to the Rover Admirals and the Grillen?”

  Dat smiled at Kat, “Sir, I believe that is your job.”

  Kat smiled back at Dat, “True but who better to get them to understand why they’re being delayed than the one who developed the new plan. Let me know how it goes.”

  Dat looked at Gresha and she smiled, “I’ll go with you.” Dat could only shake his head.

  The meeting broke up and Gem went over to Shane. He saw her expression, “What’s wrong?”

  “The Jukeboxes all have a grey force field.”

  “They do…but…it’s located inside the three standard force fields. It won’t be detected unless the outer three are blown away. I don’t expect that to happen unless we are overwhelmingly outnumbered and we’re unable to escape.”

  “They will examine any Jukebox damaged and left behind.”

  “No they won’t.”

  Gem stared at Shane and slowly shook her head. Shane stared into her eyes and said, “What do you think the Servants will do with any human they capture?”

  “You know what they’ll do.”

  “Would you want to be captured by them, Gem?” Gem sighed, “No…I wouldn’t.”

  “One of the modifications installed on our ships is a self-destruct circuit that is almost intelligent. It’s located with the reactors and, if it determines the ship is going to fall into Servant’s hands, it will activate and there won’t be much left but atoms in the ensuing nuclear blast. It will also prevent them from finding human bodies on board.”

  Gem’s shock at the tactic was clear and Shane put his arms around her, “This is war; we will do what has to be done to protect those we’re defending.”

  Gem laid her
head on his chest and softly said, “I know.”

  • • •

  Katherine and Brad sat in her office after the Admirals left. Katherine sighed, “I should be going with them.”

  “If you weren’t the military commander as well as the overall ruler of the Union, I would agree with you. Things would fall apart fast if you were absent for very long.”

  Katherine shook her head, “Those brave warriors are going into harm’s way big time. We’re going to lose a lot of ships.”

  “We’re continuing to modify the remaining Jukeboxes and a new model is currently under construction. Replacements for ships lost and the reserves will remain here until they’re needed. They’ll be our last line of defense if the Servants attack our galaxy…I really pray we won’t need them here at home.” Katherine could only nod.

  • • •

  Dat sat on board the Havana and looked at the eleven other Admirals who would be leading their ships into danger. He saw them staring at him and he knew what they were thinking. He looked at Gresha and worried about her. He didn’t want to make his children orphans…but they would face much worse if they failed. We’ve trained as much as possible to make this enterprise work. It’s time we used our training and take the fight to our enemy’s home. This is how we’re going to make this happen. We know the location of their minor planets and I’ve chosen one to practice on before we get serious. It had eight hundred thousand Servant Major Battleships and we’re going to initiate the fight with the launch of a new probe. As soon as it broadcasts what it sees, Admiral Gibbs will jump in and start the festivities.”

  “But Sir!”

  “Stow it Shane. Gibbs has the best times and his fleets have earned the right to lead off this exercise. You’re going in last.” Dat saw Shane’s and his officer’s disappointment. “Shane, your team is the absolute best at selecting targets and getting in quick. Gibbs and I will be jumping in when the dance floor is rather clear. I need our heaviest hitter to come in when things get really tough. I feel better knowing you’re there to come and bail us out when things get out of hand. You are batting cleanup in this operation.” Dat saw Shane stare at him and then nod. Good, he understood. He knew he was making the absolute best tactical decisions in utilizing his forces and he hoped Shane would see it as well. He apparently did.

  Dat turned to Gibbs, “You will jump in with your four small boxes and take on the local defense. As Servant support arrives, move into the Jukebox box and I’ll be watching the probe’s scans to determine when I should join you. Shane will follow us in when he determines the time is right. Shane, you will also make the escape call. Don’t wait too late.”

  “I won’t, Sir.”

  “We’ll be leaving in five days. I want you and your fleets to take some time to go home and see what they’re fighting for…they’re going to need it to persevere through this. Any questions?”

  Kelli looked at the others and said, “Sir, I speak for all of us when I say that we’re proud to be serving under your command. We know we’re in good hands.”

  “Thank you, Admiral. Now go and get some rest.”

  • • •

  Dat sat in his living room and played with his children. Grest and Kylie, Gesha’s parents, were also playing with the children and Dat saw their love and admiration for their grandchildren. Dat played with them for an hour and then stepped out of the back door and walked out into his backyard. He looked up into the dark sky at the stars shining and sighed. Their house was far enough outside Havana such that the stars were brilliant. The sea breeze moved the palm fronds and cooled his face. He knew his original ancestor had stood and watched the same stars thousands of years ago. He slightly shook his head and heard, “What are you thinking?”

  Dat continued to stare at the night sky, “The Servant Galaxy is so far away that if we were able to explode it, we wouldn’t see that explosion here for another hundred million years. The Universe is just so big.”

  Gresha came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his chest. She didn’t say anything and Dat lifted his hands and held hers on his chest. “Gresha, I sometimes wish the technology that allows us to jump across the universe didn’t exist. There’s so much danger out there.”

  “That’s why we have warriors like you, Love.”

  Dat shook his head slightly, “I don’t know if it’s enough.”

  “It’s all we have; it will have to be enough.”

  Dat sighed, “Your parents are taking the children back to their galaxy?”

  “Yes they are.”

  “Good; I feel better knowing they won’t be here.”

  “Do you expect them to come here?”

  “If they find out who we are, this will be their next stop. They already know Earth is the Capital of our galaxy.”

  Gresha sighed, “Win or lose, our children will make sure we are remembered…and will continue the fight if needed.”

  Dat nodded, “I know.” Gresha came around him and wrapped her arms around him as he held her close. Gresha heard him say just before they went inside, “I really want to enjoy looking at the stars again.” Gresha knew just how he felt.

  • • •

  Three days later, Dat looked at the Lieutenant commanding the Union Shuttle, “Make sure they arrive in their grandparent’s galaxy as quickly as possible.”

  “I’ve been cleared for a direct departure, Sir. They’ll be on the planet in less than two hours.”

  “Thank you, Lieutenant.” Dat went over and kissed his three children who seemed to sense something out the ordinary was happening. They didn’t cry but they hugged their parents tightly refusing to let go. Finally, Grest held two of them and Kylie had Angeleca in her arms. They tickled the three children and they laughed out loud. They disappeared in the shuttle and the door closed. The shuttle lifted and Grest stared out the viewport at his daughter and her chosen. Kylie whispered. “I’m so frightened for them.”

  Grest shook his head, “You saw what they did to the Masters. The ones they’re going to fight are the ones that need to fear them.”

  Kylie took a breath and looked at the planet that was rapidly growing smaller beneath them. The shuttle jumped and Earth disappeared from their view. Gresha stared at the bright blue sky, “I feel like part of my soul has gone missing.”

  Dat looked away from the sky and into Gresha’s eyes, “Let’s go get it back by kicking the crud out of some grasshoppers.”

  Gresha started chuckling and then started laughing, “By all means; lead the way.”

  Stein came roaring in and took them to their ships. Battle stations was just six hours away.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Twelve million Union Ships jumped out into open space beyond the Servant Galaxy and began attack preparation. Gibbs sat in his command chair and had mixed emotions about being the first one to attack. The pent up energy and adrenaline made him want to get up and physically do something, but there was nothing for him to do. He looked at his panel and pushed a button. A face appeared on his console and Gibbs said, “I just wanted to give you a quick call and tell you how much I appreciate your advice.”

  Admiral Kune smiled, “So you’re about to go into combat?”

  “Does it show?”

  “It always shows; you always call to thank me every time.”

  “Well, I’m still around to make the call.”

  Kune tilted his head and smiled, “Yes, I suppose you are.”

  “Kune, I’m sorry the Rovers had to be left out of the initial attacks.”

  Kune slowly shook his head, “I understand why. My boys are still training and learning their responsibilities. Just get the first part done so we can join the party.”

  “We’ll do our best. And once again, thank you for Lydia.”

  “You did that on your own, Gibbs. I just got you to the right forest to find her.”

  Gibbs nodded and ended the call. Now he was ready. He sat up in his chair and started going over the ready boards. Most of the board
was green and he knew the ship was going to be ready in time. Truth be told, they were all ready to attack before they jumped away from the Milky Way. This was more of a formality to make sure everyone was focused on their responsibilities.

  Dat appeared on his panel, “Get in and take care of the locals. Probe launch in thirty seconds.”

  “Yes Sir. We’ll be leaving as soon as their organization is determined.”

  “Good luck and good shooting, Admiral.”

  “Thank you, Sir.”

  • • •

  The most advanced probe ever built by the Union ejected from Gibb’s flagship and immediately entered the jump barrier. It only flew for a moment in the barrier and would then skip into normal space to disrupt its approach track. It was forty feet long and only four feet thick. It would jump away from anything that approached it in green space. Its scans were sent in microburst squeals and it immediately jumped whenever it transmitted its data. Its transmissions were timed such that the view did not appear to be disrupted. An incoming squeal would be deciphered just as the next one arrived. A fleet of Rovers had chased one for a week and were not able to take it out. This new probe was critical to the Union’s success.

  • • •

  The probe arrived at the targeted planet and began transmitting. Gibbs looked at his panel, “Well?”

  “There are eight formations around the planet with two hundred thousand ships in each. They appear to be just one large group, but the area they’re assigned to protect is clear if you look at the orientation of their ships.”

  “Organize the fleet into eight boxes and send them their coordinates. Make sure the boxes are ready to reorganize into a major box. I expect reinforcements to arrive quickly after we start.”

  “Do you want to hit the planet?”

  “Do you have the locations of their major installations?’

  “I’ve got the major installations. Give the probe another hour and we’ll have them all.”

  Gibbs watched several Servant Warships move out of their formations and knew they had detected the probes transmissions, “No, I don’t want any outside forces to come to investigate the probe. Assign the facilities we’ve found to the appropriate ships.”