The Kthpok dipped his head. “My name is C’Bi. I’m an Analyst for Captain Z’Had. I’m another of those Kthpok who’ve been considered trouble makers because we thought oddly. My assignment is to review Iidx non-military technology. It’s hoped that we’ll be able to find something with military applications our enemy’s overlooked and exploit it.”
“And?” prompted P’Mar then growled at C’Bi’s hesitation. “I’m very busy Analyst! If I have to drag the information out of you I’ll have your tail on my nest wall as a trophy!”
“Yes, Fleet Admiral,” the Analyst dipped his head even further. “I’ve come across several reports of Bug deep sea surveys.”
“How’re undersea studies going to help us?” scoffed Captain Z’Don of the Terranic. Since his ship was in yard talons he’d been reassigned temporarily to the Admiral’s staff which was why he was in attendance. “We don’t worry about fish, we’re a space fleet.”
P’Mar gestured with his tail and the officer fell silent. He turned back to the Kthpok who had brought the issue up. “That is a valid question Analyst. How can a report about strange fish help?”
“Not the reports themselves, Admiral,” was C’Bi’s reply, “but the technology which collected the data for the reports. The Bugs don’t like water and won’t risk their tails in the ocean depths so their probes are under remote control or automated.”
“Under remote control or automated,” repeated P’Mar and the Analyst bobbed his head in agreement. “I see.” C’Bi went to give details but the Admiral waved him silent. A note was made on his pad then P’Mar looked over at C’Bi. “Get everything you can about that technology. We don’t have a large population so that technology could be very useful.” Once again the Kthpok nodded.
The admiral turned to Z’Had. “I want to know if our aircraft can be modified to use this technology,” he announced. “But they won’t be remotely controlled using Iidx software. From all the reports I’ve seen our computers and software are better than what the Iidx have. And as a result our targeting is better.” Z’Had nodded in confirmation.
“Good. Our advantage in computers must remain secret. Utilizing our computers combined with the undersea tech our unpiloted aircraft should be able to operate independently within the parameters of their mission. There’s also the possibility of increasing the automation in our fleet. That’ll allow us to stretch our thin ranks among more ships.
“Now,” continued the Admiral, “we’ve covered the hardware. I want to know about the biology. Can we eliminate the Bugs without damaging the available infra-structure?”
T’Rus, the scientist heading the biological sciences, spoke. “On Fairen we found creatures similar to the Iidx very difficult to kill. Radiation and chemicals had varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the species.
“We’ve been conducting experiments on the biology found on this island.” He gestured towards the window and the jungle beyond the landing strip. “We know what it takes to kill the small creatures but if that translates to the Iidx,” he shrugged, careful not to nudge Z’Don who was perched nearby. “There’s no guarantee. All we can do is extrapolate and it may not work. The only way to know for sure is to have actual subjects to test."
The Admiral made another note on his pad. “That’ll be more difficult to arrange. We’ll have to acquire the subjects without raising the concerns of the Iidx leadership. How many are we talking about?”
The biologist shrugged, “at least five, Admiral. More would be better. Say ten.”
P’Mar nodded. “Your first number is possible. I’ll have the order given to obtain your samples.”
Swarm Master Zelof stood on the ridge of a foothill that provided a view of his most important brainstorm, the Secure Hive project. As he looked around he saw a single large mountain range rising from the floor of the desert. But there were no roads or structures or any sign a major military base was in the vicinity. He saw only rocks, sand and scrub brush.
The foothill he was on led to the mountain transitioning through sandstone cliffs to a granite monolith. Scrubby, sparse plants of the desert gave way to the thick pines of higher altitudes. An occasional cloud could be seen moving through the blue sky providing a brief respite from the sun. Zelof glanced up at the sky to see where the clouds were as heat baked his shell. “What steps have been taken to guarantee project security?” he asked and turned to his companion.
The Iidx standing next to him in the heat of the day was the project Commander. “We’ve tested for electronic emissions, power drains, and infra-red, sir,” Reminat reported. “As is evident this facility maintains the appearance of the surrounding environment.”
“What about visual?” asked the Swarm Master. “Satellites and ground.”
“This site was selected because it was so remote, sir,” replied Reminat. “It’s on a military preserve and in a desert. We have regular patrols out looking for any unauthorized personnel.” He shook his head. “We haven’t found any. Anyone poking around here’d be crazy, Iidx or Kthpok. It’s too hot and dry. The surface problem is handled that way. But satellites? We made the initial excavations when there were only communications Sat’s overhead. As you instructed particular care was taken to avoid bringing in equipment and supplies when the Kthpok fleet was overhead. All entrances are hidden with the main service route underground.”
“The tunnel that reaches from Wartten to here has been finished?” asked the Swarm Master.
The Commander nodded. “Yes sir. It was constructed to withstand a nuclear air burst over Wartten. It had high priority and allows all traffic transporting equipment and personnel to travel to Secure Hive without being observed.”
Reminat pointed at the valley below. “As a further test of our security a surface facility located in the plain was constructed and concealed using the same techniques as we did on the Hive. Satellite tech’s were then given a skills examination. This area was designated,” he gestured to encompass the desolate plain below, “as the test site and the techs were told to find what had been constructed there.
“They found the test structure after several hours of scrutiny. To make this exercise effective the Hive had its electronics and power up and running.”
Reminat gave an amused wave of his antennae. “We did a very good job of concealment for the test facility if I do say so myself, Swarm Master. The only way the tech’s found our test building was through a slight power leakage. Upon examination we found a short in a wall outlet in an area of less shielding.” He shrugged. “If our people couldn’t find Secure Hive after being directed to the general area the Kthpok can’t.”
Zelof waved his antennae in approval. “What about power? Plans spec’d the base to have its own power system. Otherwise that could be traced, cut off or destroyed.”
Although he couldn’t understand why the Swarm Master was so paranoid about security or having the new facility remain hidden the Commander had completed the project according to his orders. He replied, “As specified, this facility is self-contained in every area Swarm Master. In fact, the reactor, complete with fuel, is rated for ten generations.
“That’s good. That’s very good,” Zelof said. He motioned for the Commander to lead the way down the hillside. “Since nothing’s apparent from here let’s see the inside of Secure Hive.”
The two Iidx moved down the slope, crisscrossing back and forth, careful not to disturb the dirt or start a rockslide. They didn’t want to leave any sign that would draw Kthpok attention.
Upon reaching the bottom they headed up a ravine that ran towards the mountain. Their footing became more treacherous from the rocks that had been rolled down from higher up by periodic flash floods. The ridge lines on either side rose higher and became a slot canyon that cut through red sandstone as the foothills became the mountain. Zelof paused for a brief instant to note how high up the rock walls the bushes were growing in the rock wall or where debris was wedged in rocks. That was the high water mark.
A
moment later the two Iidx reached a hidden entrance. It appeared to be a small natural cave concealed behind a boulder a hundred yards after the slot canyon begun. Reminat slipped behind the large rock. Ducking their heads and antennae the two Iidx scuttled inside a dark tunnel. They moved through the inky blackness as the passage wound back and forth. Both Iidx used their antennae to keep from running into the walls as they made their way deeper into the mountain. At last they reached a lit airlock that had both hatches open.
Looking back down the dark tunnel through which they’d passed the Swarm Master noted where the rough hewn rock gave way to beige tile. “I’m impressed, Commander,” he said. “The way you made the tunnel appear natural was a work of art. Anyone looking in from the ravine would see a rock wall a few yards in and assume they could actually see the end of the cave. The various turns of the tunnel prevent anyone from seeing this light or realizing there’s a facility at the end.
“But what about flash floods? They’ve been known to hit this area as a result of heavy rains on the mountain above.”
“There’s also the possibility of an unusually warm spring rain melting all the snow pack in the mountains at once,” added the Commander, nodding his head. “That would send an unusually large amount of water our way. We’ve accounted for that. The slope of the ravine and the shielding boulder funnels most of the water away from the entrance.” The Commander gestured in the direction of the ravine. “We’ve also designed a gradual upward slope to the airlock. You don’t notice the climb because of the dark. The airlocks are well above the water level of the largest flood ever recorded to provide an additional safety margin.”
“Very good,” said Zelof and moved into the airlock. After he passed into the facility proper Zelof looked around and nodded with approval. The lights, corridor, tile and fresh paint made everything look like any surface facility. It was well lit and had the proper temperature and humidity. This was anything but exile now. Standing aside he gestured for Reminat to lead the way through the corridors.
As they toured the base the Swarm Master nodded at Iidx who were moving through the corridors and poked his head into living quarters, storerooms, armories, and control rooms. Zelof examined equipment and checked air ventilators as if to make sure the air support system was adequate. The Commander reminded him that ventilation was one of the easier items to provide for Secure Hive. There were the redundancies of a dreadnought but the convenience of a habitable planet.
They were just coming to the reactor area in the depths of the mountain when Zelof’s communicator chimed. He waved his apologies to the Commander. “Go on in,” he said. “I’ll join you as soon as I find out what this ‘catastrophe’ is.”
He waited until the Iidx entered the room before activating his device. “Yes?” he asked.
“Second here, Swarm Master,” came the voice. “Kazikami has reported the Infiltration Pod ready.”
“Wonderful! Since all assets are prepared, activate,” ordered Zelof. “Make sure I know the schedule for updates.”
“Confirmed,” said Sesum.
The Swarm Master signed off. At last, he thought. The Presiding Assembly had given the aliens permission to visit vital Iidx facilities and it appeared the Kthpok had used the cover of that permission to spy. He had reports of the activities of the creatures ‘technology excursions’. They were flying all around Main Hive, poking into every nook and cranny of those secure facilities. Now, with Kazi ready he had a chance to find out what their ‘guests’ were really up to. Putting the communicator back into a pouch on his harness he moved to join Reminat in the Power Room.
Chapter 9
Commander Kazikami entered a particular cargo hold of the ocean-going freighter with the rather grandiose name of Triumph of Life. Anyone looking at the vessel from the outside would think it was just an ordinary freighter. If the Kthpok decided to board the vessel for an inspection they’d find the cargo areas full of items requisitioned by the Kthpok being transported to the Kthpok. Everything would be as it should.
He stopped for an instant just inside the hatch to look around the well-lit area. He could see stacks of boxes and piles of bales placed along the walls. In the middle of the storage area was the pod of six Iidx he’d trained pouring over maps or checking equipment. The Commander gave a wave from an antenna in silent approval at the activity then moved towards his Iidx.
“CO present!” yelled an Iidx and every soldier in the hold left what they were doing to move into formation and come to attention.
Kazikami grimaced. He’d wanted a few moments more to gauge the focus of the Iidx who were being sent out. Then the officer gave a slight shrug. Perhaps the recognition of their Commander so quickly after he’d entered the hold could be taken as a good sign.
The Mission Leader, Lieutenant Masiden, hurried over, came to attention and saluted. “We’re at your disposal, Commander,” he reported.
“Have your people stand easy Lieutenant,” said Kazikami after returning the salute. “This isn’t an inspection or briefing. It’s time.”
Masiden nodded then turned to Sergeant Booner who’d trailed the officer. “Our drop point is tonight, Sergeant,” the Lieutenant said. “Have our people close up. We’ve got several hours until dusk so they’re to rest until we’re ready to leave.”
Bonner saluted then swung around to carry out his orders.
The two leaders watched for a moment as Iidx broke formation to begin putting away equipment. Kazikami gestured at the soldiers. “Your people look good, Lieutenant. They’re ready.”
Masiden nodded agreement. “Thank you, Commander. It’s your training that’s made sure they’re ready,” he replied.
“We’ve received the latest orbital intelligence assessment,” said Kazikami ignoring the compliment. “Analysts have determined that the Kthpok are finished constructing their facility. Their defenses have been activated and patrol schedules along the base perimeter appear to’ve been cut back.” He shrugged. “While it can’t be confirmed I think their patrols over the island continue.”
Masiden nodded his understanding. “As we planned our insertion it was assumed the target would have its defenses fully activated. But you knew that, Commander.” The Lieutenant cocked his head to give an appraising look at his superior officer. “Is there something wrong?” he asked. “Or is this a soldier’s urge to be included in the action?”
Kazikami gave an amused wave of his antennae. “Do I want to be going with you?” he asked. “Yes, of course I do, but the Swarm Master’s decreed otherwise.”
The Commander took a deep breath then began again. “Masiden, the Kthpok are an unknown quantity and, although they’ve been here almost an entire year, we know very little about them or their culture. When the Kthpok come into our facilities they say very little, observe everything, then return to their island or a ship in orbit. Our people have just their promises of good faith and little else.”
“By anyone’s standards, Commander, that’s suspicious,” replied Masiden.
By this time the rest of the Iidx in the hold had packed their equipment and were leaving for their cells to get what rest they could before leaving ship. The two leaders started walking towards the hatch while continuing their discussion.
“There are suspicions,” said Commander Kazikami. “But that’s all we have. The purpose of your mission is to find proof, to determine whether or not they’re as peaceful as they say.” Both Iidx left the hold and Kazikami made the lights in the cargo hold were turned off.
After seeing the Lieutenant and the rest of the infiltrators bunked down Kazikami returned to his own room. He settled onto his bed to wait for evening and went over the mission in his mind.
There were several possible methods of getting his people onto the island. One was to jump out of an aircraft. But that option had been discarded as soon as it’d been suggested. The Kthpok were tracking all aircraft in the vicinity and any that intruded on their restricted airspace would be destroyed long before reac
hing the island.
Another option, which was also discarded, included the use of a submarine. The advantage to this approach was that the sub could deliver the mission close to shore. But the Kthpok ships in orbit would be able to spot something the size of a submarine, even if it was under water. And to let the Infiltration Pod leave the craft it had to surface where it could be seen by aircraft or spotters on shore.
The last option to get the Infiltration Pod onto the island, the one they were going to try, was to utilize the ships delivering supplies to the island. Because the Kthpok had ordered the supplies the vessel wouldn’t be as suspicious. Thus the Iidx could leave the cargo vessel during the night and make their way to the beach.
A disadvantage to this approach was that the Iidx had to leave the ship over a hundred miles from shore since the Kthpok refused to let any vessel approach the island during the night. Those making deliveries were expected to arrive near mid-day of the designated day, unload the specified cargo and leave before dusk. A ship was only permitted to stay in the harbor overnight if the cargo was critical and the unloading couldn’t be completed in one day. If that was the case the work would continue without stopping during which the entire harbor would be well lit at night and under guard. There’d be no chance for the infiltrators to leave the ship while in the harbor.
As Kazikami continued to go through the various scenarios of the mission and their ramifications he drifted off to sleep.
Just before dusk Berelin, the Triumph’s Captain, anchored his vessel at the location designated by the Kthpok. As most of his crew moved about to secure the ship for the night Berelin contacted Commander Kazikami who woke his Infiltration Pod.
Kazikami, Masiden, Bonner and the rest of the infiltrators assembled in the hold to get their equipment. Under their watchful eyes several crates were opened by the ship’s crew to reveal the vehicles inside. One by one, the three craft were confirmed ready, lifted out of the hold, swung over the side of the ship and set onto the water. These vessels or Skippers, as they were called, were large enough to carry a team of two Iidx each with their gear and had a range of four hundred miles. Special materials had been used in the construction of these craft which kept sonar, radar or magnetic instruments from detecting the craft. Tests with state-of-the-art technology had shown the Skippers were invisible.
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