“Thank you, Lieutenant,” said Zelof. “I’ll view it in my office.”
After exchanging salutes with Litaninel the Swarm Master left the Main Room and entered his office. He ignored the view of the stars showing through the observation window and made his way to his desk. Zelof quickly logged onto the system and called the message to the terminal. His compound eyes scanned over the lines of characters, skipping the title preamble and opening pleasantries to find the inner shell of the message. A moment later he stopped to reread a passage. “They can’t be serious,” he said when he finished.
Zelof leaned back on his saddle and stared out the observation window at the stars beyond. His antennae waved back and forth as he pondered his options.
Then he reached forward to push the record key. “This is Zelof, Swarm Master for the Greater Hive, to the Council of Queens,” he began. “I have received, read and understood your message regarding the Kthpok. As I stated in my initial report it is my recommendation to provide all possible assistance. However, I disagree with the decision to allow the Kthpok access to Main Hive.
“It remains my recommendation that all repairs to the Kthpok vessels can and should be performed at New Hive. There’s an additional factor in support of that recommendation. It’s obvious the Kthpok have a more advanced technology. Being able to travel between star systems is ample proof of that. As the repairs are being made our engineers can evaluate the Kthpok technology. Our facilities on New Hive are well provided for both the repairs and evaluation. I am, therefore, requesting that your decision be reconsidered and the Kthpok directed to New Hive. The Interception Swarm will continue to hold the Kthpok at this position until we receive your next message.”
Zelof logged the message to be encrypted and sent. Then, he contacted the OOD in the Main Room and repeated his order to be notified of any message from the Queens. A glance at the clock on his desk showed that he had more than enough time to visit a refresher and have his outer shell cleaned before a response could be expected. Unlike the previous message this time he expected a quick response.
An hour later Zelof was back in his office awaiting the Queens’ response. In anticipation of the upcoming communications he’d taken the time to polish his hard outer shell, raising its natural sheen to a deep emerald. He’d also donned the medals and commendations he’d received for past achievements and bravery as well as his markings of rank. Alerted by the Swarm Master Sesum was present; also cleaned up and wearing his best adornments. Because of the time lag in communications direct interaction between the Swarm and Main Hive was impractical. That made the shell cleansing and wearing of commendations unnecessary but they were worn for the Swarm leader’s ease of mind.
“I reviewed your response to the Council of Queens first message as ordered,” said the Second in an effort to make conversation while they waited. “Do you think your request to reconsider will be greeted with favor?”
Before the Swarm Master could reply an attention tone sounded. Zelof glanced at a clock and confirmed the time was right for a quick turn around message then reached over to acknowledge. “We’ve received the message from the Queens you’re expecting, Swarm Master,” reported Lieutenant Funtel in communications. “It’s in your queue.”
Using the keyboard built into his desk the Swarm Master called the Queen’s transmission to the large monitor set in one wall. “It’s the Presiding Assembly for the Council of Queens,” commented Sesum when the image settled and Zelof nodded his agreement.
Shown on the wall screen were the three queens that comprised the Presiding Assembly. They’d been chosen out of the Council of Queens for the government of the Consolidated Hives. In the center was Desrin, the Presiding Queen. To her right was Neterlin, a councilor queen. And Terekin, another councilor, was on the Presiding Queen’s left. Each Queen was adorned in their finest trappings that reflected the Hive they represented.
Desrin spoke first as was her right as the Presiding Queen. “Swarm Master, we have received your message along with your request to reconsider our decision to bring the Kthpok to Main Hive. Therefore, we are sending this order in person.”
“That doesn’t sound good,” muttered Sesum.
Queen Neterlin spoke next, her antennae and true-hands gesturing for emphasis. “The new arrivals, the Kthpok, are to be given every assistance. We will provide foodstuffs and medical supplies that may be compatible with their physiology. In addition, their vessels are to be fueled and repaired. If we had been invaded, defeated and forced into exile we would wish others would provide assistance. While they may have a technology beyond ours that is not,” she emphasized the last word, “our main consideration.”
Queen Terekin spoke, completing what was obviously a choreographed process. “In accordance with the decision to render assistance, you are instructed to escort the Kthpok to orbit around Main Hive. We understand and appreciate your concerns regarding our new friends. Nonetheless your instructions remain. Bring the Kthpok here.”
Desrin repeated, “bring the Kthpok to Main Hive, Swarm Master. We’ll talk again after you’ve achieved orbit.”
After waving dismissal with their antennae the image of the three Queens disappeared leaving a blank screen. Sesum stirred and looked over at Zelof. “After that response I don’t think we have much choice left, Swarm Master,” he said.
Zelof didn’t answer at first. He just made a few entries on a console then settled back to look at the screen. Wriggling his antennae he called Sesum’s attention to the image that had just appeared. “I’ve identified the Kthpok vessels in red and ours in green. When we move for Main Hive we will do so in this formation.”
Sesum studied the diagram for a moment then his antennae bobbed in approval. “It seems that you’ve given this quite a bit of thought. Were you expecting the Queens to confirm the order to take the Kthpok to Main Hive?”
Zelof nodded, his antennae bobbing up and down. “In their eyes the Presiding Assembly would have been diminished if they’d changed their decision after I questioned their wisdom.” He gave a snort of amusement and looked at his Second. “Although I am Swarm Master for the Greater Hive I am still ‘only’ a male.
“Now back to our deployment. As you can see I’ve outlined a classic convoy formation. But this time the objective is to keep the enemy contained within the protective sphere rather than forcing raiding vessels away.”
The Second studied the diagram and noted that the Swarm Master’s plans were detailed right down to the vessels, their masters and their positioning. At four points, above, below, in front and at back, were the dreadnoughts that had come with Zelof. That allowed the escorts to take full advantage of the larger vessels extensive sensor suites. The battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and escorts were divided by four and each group went with a dreadnought. “When the Kthpok see this they’ll know we mean to prevent any hostile actions,” he said.
“I’m not too concerned about what the Kthpok think,” the Swarm Master said. “I do what I must.”
“But what about the Queens?” wondered Sesum.
“The Assembly isn’t here,” replied Zelof, “we are. I will not take risks with our people when my instincts are telling me there’s a possibility of danger to our people. If the Kthpok try anything that resembles a hostile act they’ll be turned into a flaming ball of gas. I’ll handle any consequences of that action later. But our people and world are to be protected at all costs. Is that understood?”
“Understood Swarm Master.”
“Develop a message to our ‘guests’ for my approval that will convey our permission to move into orbit around Main Hive,” said Zelof. “They should also be warned of our fleet’s deployment before it occurs. I don’t want a misunderstanding to set off an exchange of missiles. It wouldn’t be a good thing if the first meeting of visitors from Outside ended in a battle.” He paused for a moment then continued his instructions.
“I also want a group formed of our best people in Codes. During our voyage to Ma
in Hive this group is to begin learning how to speak to the Kthpok. Or at the least to understand them when they speak.”
“But Swarm Master,” protested Sesum, “won’t the Presiding Assembly have a team prepared to do that when we reach home?”
“Perhaps. But that’s when we arrive in orbit. I want to be able to communicate with the Kthpok now.” He leaned over the table to emphasize his intent. “I need to know if they’re hostile or not.”
Chapter 4
The hatch slid open to reveal the Swarm Master’s suite and Zelof strode inside. Commander Utanic sitting nearby at Navigation called everyone in the room to attention when he noticed his commanders entry. The Swarm Master waved everyone back to work before they could rise from their stations then paused just inside the hatch to examine the room. His own post was in the center of the room with the other stations placed on the periphery. That positioning gave him access to whatever he needed whenever he needed it.
He nodded with approval as he took in the room. Lieutenant Funtel was at communications off to his right; Commander Peltorat was in Combat Control next to communications. Commander Utanic was at the navigator’s slot on his left and closest to the hatch. He saw that the Swarm Second was also at his post next to the navigator. It wasn’t a large staff by the standards of some but his people were very capable.
Satisfied with his scrutiny Zelof left the hatchway and moved through the room. He settled onto the cushioned saddle of his post and used quick, deft movements to log onto the system. Next, he positioned his headset with its boom microphone so he’d be able to call and receive calls.
Once that was finished the Swarm Master turned to study the tactical plot which showed the positions of his Swarm relative to that of the Kthpok ships. The holographic screen which was between his post and the Second’s gave him an accurate representation of surrounding space. A declining set of numbers in the lower right corner of the plot represented the time until deployment for convoy duty. Besides showing on the Plots of the Main Room of all Iidx ships this countdown was also being sent to the Kthpok.
The Swarm Master couldn’t be sure the Kthpok understood what the transmission meant because of the language barrier but he hoped they were as intelligent as they seemed. Earlier he had a simulation transmitted to the Kthpok that showed the upcoming movement of the Iidx ships to inform them what was about to happen. He glanced up at the viewer showing a magnified picture of the Kthpok ships. It wouldn’t be very good for his career if the Kthpok thought they were being attacked when his formation shifted and started shooting.
The Swarm Master swiveled on his saddle to look over at Lieutenant Funtel in communications a few meters away. “Have all Swarm ships confirmed receipt of their instructions, Lieutenant?” he asked.
“Yes, Swarm Master,” was the swift reply.
“Defenses?”
Commander Peltorat in Combat Control which was next to communications replied, “All defensive stations are ready while offensive weapons have been left unpowered.”
“Drives?” continued Zelof
“Coming to power,” replied Peltorat.
“Good,” said Zelof and turned to look at Sesum who was looking back at him. He was also waiting for the maneuver to begin. “If the Kthpok are watching, and I would be if I were in their position, they should be able to discern we’re not attacking,” observed the Swarm Master. Then added, “I hope,” under his breath.
Sesum nodded his agreement as if he’d heard Zelof’s last words and turned to concentrate on his equipment. He had his own responsibilities to see to during this maneuver. Zelof looked around the room in approval as his staff made sure everything was ready.
When the last ten seconds of the countdown arrived a tone sounded and a verbal countdown matching the display started. Zelof concentrated on the plot. At zero a soft chiming was heard and Commander Peltorat announced the movement of the Swarm. A slight trembling was felt underfoot as the dreadnaught’s drives fired.
As ordered the squadron of four dreadnoughts split apart and moved to take up their escort assignments. Two of the immense vessels went to the front of the Kthpok formation, one above and the other below. The other two dreadnaughts, including the flagship, went to the rear of the formation, also above and below. Soon after the dreadnoughts started the maneuver the other vessels of the Iidx Swarm fired their drives.
Zelof watched the plot with rapt attention as the emerald lights that represented his ships shifted. When this was over the Kthpok would be in a protective box. The maneuver had been choreographed with care and his people were experienced but there was always the risk of an accident or of being misunderstood.
“Status!” the Swarm Master called after half an hour.
“All ships are either at station or will be within the next few minutes,” reported Sesum.
“Anything from the Kthpok?”
“No change,” reported Commander Peltorat. “Their ships are holding position as instructed. Their defensive lasers are still powered. But I cannot detect any ranging or targeting scans.”
Sesum turned from his equipment to face the Swarm Master. “Aren’t they being a little extreme in their paranoia?” he asked over their private link. “Those defenses haven’t dropped since we intercepted them. That’s got to be a huge drain on their resources.”
Zelof shook his antennae at the screen showing the Kthpok ships. “If their story is true then what we’re seeing here is the entire surviving population of the Kthpok people,” he replied also over their link. “So, if I were in their position, with their history, I’d take precautions and wouldn’t relax until I knew my people were safe.”
“I think I detect a questioning tone in that explanation, don’t I?”
Zelof chuckled and nodded. “You’ve been with me too long and know me too well, Sesum. I’ve never kept it secret that there are several items of the Kthpok story that doesn’t add up for me. And things that haven’t been explained worry me.”
“So who’s being paranoid?” said Sesum, his antennae waving in amusement.
“Paranoid?” wondered Zelof nodding his head. “I suppose I am. But am I being paranoid enough?”
“Swarm Master,” called Lieutenant Funtel from communications breaking into the conversation. “All vessels report in position.”
“Combat!” called Zelof after cutting in the general link, “confirm Swarm position.”
There was a brief pause as Commander Peltorat consulted his equipment. “All ships are confirmed in position, Swarm Master,” he reported a moment later.
Sesum’s antennae gave a wiggle that signified his amusement as a wave of relief swept through everyone in the Main Room at the announcement. “Well, we’ve gotten this far without being shot at,” the Second said as he left his position and walked over next to Zelof. He glanced at the tactical plot. “Let’s hope we can make it all the way to Main Hive in one piece.”
“From your Feelers into the Shell,” intoned Zelof. Murmurs of agreement came from other Iidx around the room. “We can’t celebrate yet. That was only the first step. There’s more to do. Now, we have to get everyone moving in the same direction at the same time.” He looked over at his Second. “Send the next instruction schematic and the countdown to the Kthpok. Make sure all our ships get the countdown so they know when to burn for Home.”
Sesum nodded his acknowledgement. “You know,” he said and came to a stop next to the Swarm Master, “if the Kthpok don’t start their drives on time or burn at the wrong strength or go in the wrong direction we could run right into their formation.”
“That’s why I selected our position and the ships to escort us,” the Swarm Master replied. “The Masters and crews of each vessel have shown they’re the most disciplined and experienced we have.” He gave a shrug. “But don’t tell them that. It’ll give them extra long antennae.”
That brought a light chuckle from both Iidx then the Swarm Master continued. “I’m hoping the Kthpok start when they’re supposed to
and follow the course they’re given. If they don’t I’m expecting our people to avoid catastrophe. Literally!”
Sesum nodded and started back to his station to carry out the Swarm Master’s instructions but was stopped by a true-hand on a middle-arm. “Remind our code Iidx that I want them learning Kthpok as soon as possible,” instructed Zelof. The Second nodded once more and moved off.
When the second countdown reached zero the drives on all the Kthpok vessels fired up. At almost the same instant the Iidx began to move. Zelof scrutinized his tactical plot for any sign of trouble. He knew this was going to be interesting because his force had to match velocities with the Kthpok and all the Kthpok had to move together. What made a difficult maneuver even more difficult was the language difference.
The Swarm Master’s ship was positioned behind and above the formation which gave its sensors a perfect view of the entire convoy. It was also the point Zelof determined was the most problematic. If the Kthpok tried anything threatening he and his people’d be ready.
Ten minutes into the maneuver Zelof began using a pointer to highlight on the plot several ships which were already straying out of position. Some were Iidx but most were Kthpok. The image was sent to Sesum. “Let’s get our formation together,” ordered the Swarm Master. “We wouldn’t want the Queen’s to think we’re getting sloppy.”
The Second acknowledged the orders and worked his console to pass the order to the newly designated linguists to get a message composed to the Kthpok. It took a while for the message to be understood by the Kthpok and several more hours to get the straying ships in place but they did it.
At the end of the day after all ships were confirmed in their slots Sesum looked over at the Swarm Master and gave a sigh of relief. “It looks like we’re on our way,” he called from his post. “You’d almost think we did this all the time.”
Zelof crooked an antenna. “Now we’ve got that behind us get our people busy learning Kthpok,” he ordered. “By the time we enter orbit around Main Hive I want to understand our guests.”
Betrayal Page 6