The Swarm Master held out his hands in supplication as he worked to use every avenue in persuading the Queen. He realized he was jumping all over the place but he had to get through to her. “Your Highness, if you don’t believe the Kthpok has decoys in place then the alternative exists that there really is a human Swarm out there.” He gave a shrug from his antennae. “It’s very possible we’ll need support if there’s a fight. The added strength and precision of the Kthpok force will enable us to defend our planet and destroy any hostile force.”
Zelof nodded at the image of the Queen. “After the Kthpok exercise I’ve sent reports on how the increased automation makes the Kthpok ships more effective than ours. Of course, it may be that seeing our combined forces would dissuade the humans from beginning a confrontation in the first place.”
The Swarm Master bowed his head in respect to the Queen. “In order to make an informed decision, your Highness, you should know there’s a problem with that avenue. As you pointed out having the Kthpok travel with us will let the humans know where they are. If they’re intimidated by our combined forces the humans could simply withdraw from our system and come back with a more substantial force. Then we’d have a truly catastrophic event.”
He gave a thoughtful wave from his antennae. “A combination of the two approaches is possible, Queen Desrin. Have the Kthpok take their swarm to New Hive. The humans won’t be able to differentiate between ships at that distance and will assume they’re ours as you mentioned. In addition, the Kthpok’ll be much closer to where their strength would be needed if the humans decided to attack. They could respond in a timely manner.”
“You infiltrated the Kthpok base and stole data from their computers, Swarm Master?” asked the Presiding Queen ignoring the Swarm Master’s arguments. Her large fluffy antennae had stopped waving and were now trembling with indignation. “That was done without orders from the Assembly. In fact, you did this in direct disobedience to instructions you were given earlier.”
“Yes, your Highness, we did,” replied Zelof nodding his head in confirmation. “But we did it for the safety of our people. Our best infiltrators were involved. No one was hurt and no one was detected. The Kthpok have no idea they were there.” He gave a sharp, decisive gesture with his antennae. “What’s important now is that we’ve proof the Kthpok are indeed a hostile force. Queen Desrin, they intend to conquer Main Hive!”
“Hold for a moment!” was Desrin’s terse reply. Her image abruptly disappeared and the Assembly’s holding icon appeared on the monitor.
The Swarm Master settled further back on his saddle behind the desk to wait for Queen Desrin to reappear. After twenty seconds his antennae began to twitch. A minute more passed with no response. Frustrated at the delay he got up and began to pace around his office. On the third round trip he paused to check the monitor. It was functioning within parameters but he was still on hold. Zelof resumed his pacing.
A moment later the Swarm Master was back at his desk. Putting the current call in background he contacted communications. “The last call I received,” he said. “There hasn’t been any response from the other end for quite some time. Have… has the call been discontinued?”
“No, Swarm Master,” replied the Communications officer. “The carrier wave has been steady since connection.”
Thanking the Iidx, the Swarm Master disconnected the link and brought the Queens call to the foreground. There, framed on the monitor, was the symbol of the Presiding Assembly accompanied by the flashing, ‘holding’ sign. A counter in the lower right corner of the screen was registering the time that’d elapsed since the hold began. He reached out a true-hand to send an alert to the other end and request a response. Just before the button could be pushed he jerked the hand back. It would be considered presumptuous for a male to demand a response from a Queen - even if the male was the Swarm Master.
His antennae began a slow, sad wave. The Presiding Assembly of Queens already had concerns about his reliability. Breaking protocol now at this critical time could bring about an undesirable response - like removing him from his position when he’d be needed the most.
The Swarm Master had just resumed pacing when his office door slid open and Sesum walked in. “Are you ready?” the Second asked. “The shuttle’s prepped and ready to go. Your steward’s taken your personal gear on board and is waiting. We can’t delay much longer if you want the Swarm to leave on time.”
In response Zelof hurried back to his desk, gathered up the electronic pad which held the Analysts translation and tossed it to Sesum. “I’ve marked the spot. Read!” he ordered.
Catching the pad Sesum settled onto the saddle facing the Swarm Master’s desk and followed orders. Zelof resumed his pacing. From time to time he’d pause to glare at the monitor. “What’s keeping them?” he muttered. “It’s been over half an hour. This isn’t that difficult. Just tell me to bring the evidence.”
It took Sesum almost fifteen minutes to finish reading the critical items. Antennae drooping he looked up at the Swarm Master. “This’s what we were concerned about!” the Second said. “Have you told the Queens about this?”
Zelof moved back to his desk and glanced at the monitor. “Yes,” he replied, “and they put me on hold. It’s been almost forty-five minutes now.”
“You’re joking,” responded Sesum. “They didn’t want to see the evidence?”
Before Zelof could reply an alert tone sounded on the monitor. He hurried over to the computer and entered the appropriate key. At a gesture from his commander Sesum set the pad on the desk and moved around to where he could see the monitor but wouldn’t be seen in turn. The Second’s antennae jerked when he saw the Presiding Queen shown in the monitor.
Thank you for your patience, Swarm Master, “said Desrin. “I’m sure you understand that with current events we’re experiencing quite a few demands on our time. Your concern is one.” Zelof dipped his head in a respectful acknowledgment of her statement.
“Despite those demands we have duly considered your request,” the Queen continued. “That’s what took so long. Unfortunately we cannot grant you an audience at this time. But due to the serious nature of what you have most wisely brought to our attention we do not want you to leave with the Swarm.”
At that announcement Sesum went to protest, antennae stiff with indignation. A sharp gesture from the Swarm Master kept him silent and in place. “How may I serve the Queens?” asked Zelof.
“In order to have you here for easy consultation in this time of crisis we’ve instructed Sub-master Drillyn to join the Swarm and proceed to meet the humans.”
The Swarm Master suppressed a grimace. Drillyn was a good commander but a bit reactionary. He followed regulations and procedures explicitly which was good. He’d follow what Zelof had put in place. On the other hand if things didn’t go as planned he had a tendency to panic. His position as sub-Master was due to his political connections with the Queens.
From the Queens perspective Drillyn hadn’t questioned their orders or decisions regarding the Kthpok and was a safe choice. In addition, he was from Desrin’s Home Hive. If things went well Hive Aciden would receive an increase of prestige strengthening Desrin’s hold in the Assembly.
“And the Kthpok, your Majesty?” asked Zelof allowing none of his thoughts to show. “Are they to accompany the Swarm?”
The Queen waved her antennae no in response to the question. “The Swarm goes to meet the humans alone,” she said.
He was sorely tempted to press the fact he had evidence of the Kthpok treachery but resisted. If the Queens hadn’t believed him earlier she wouldn’t now with her preconceived notions in play. Instead Zelof tried another tack.
“At least have the Kthpok swarm moved to New Hive as we discussed earlier, your Highness,” he urged. “If the humans are here and are hostile the Kthpok would be in a better position to provide assistance.”
“Better to keep our friends away from Main Hive, is that it?” Desrin’s voice dripped wi
th venom. Her large antennae were visibly trembling. “Swarm Master Zelof, you have been suspicious and accusatory of the Kthpok since their arrival. This bias, this prejudice of yours, is not appropriate for a leader of the Greater Swarm. It raises the question of what other prejudices might exist.”
She paused as if in thought. “After the current crisis has been resolved perhaps the Assembly will consider a change. See to your posting Swarm Master.” She glared out of the monitor at him. “Swarm Master for now.” With that the call ended. For a moment a header announcing the conclusion of the transmission was shown then the screen blanked.
Sesum walked over to stand next to Zelof from where he’d been watching the conversation. The Second’s antennae were shivering with indignation. “How dare they?” he asked and nodded at the screen. “They are dictating to the Swarm Master what should be done in military matters which are well outside their expertise. And it’s all because you’re male. They’re the ones who have shown prejudice!”
The Second shook his head in disbelief. “Grounding the one person who’s had any experience in meeting a new species doesn’t make sense.” He threw out his arms. “It’s insane!”
Zelof moved away from his desk and stared at the picture of an alpine landscape he’d looked at earlier. “Perhaps it is better that I remain here,” he said after a moment of thought then looked back to Sesum. “If the Kthpok do use this sighting as the beginning for their assault at least I’ll be here where I can act.”
“But we can’t just sit here, preening our antennae, waiting for an attack,” protested Sesum. “We have to prepare!”
The Swarm Master nodded his head. “We will,” he said, “but it may already be too late.” He shrugged his antennae. “Still we have to try. With the information Kazi provided we know what they intend to do. That gives us a chance. Perhaps the appearance of the strange Swarm can be used for our benefit.”
Zelof waved a true-hand at Sesum. “Have the rest of our defenses placed on alert. I want all defenses powered and ready for action. The Queen’s will expect that. Warn all the facilities the Kthpok have visited to check for bombs placed by ‘reactionaries’. We are to be notified of any strange devices found.” He paused for a moment then added. “Also have a recall prepared for Drillyn and the Swarm. Don’t send it but have it ready.”
Sesum had his pad out and was taking notes of the orders. “What if the Kthpok learn what we’re doing and act in a hostile manner?”
Before an answer could be given the communications attention tone sounded again. “We kill whoever shoots at us,” replied Zelof ignoring the communicator for a moment. “We don’t go with any half measures today.” Then with an apologetic grimace for his Second Zelof keyed the accept code.
“This is Swarm Master Zelof,” he announced.
“Ah, Swarm Master. I’m so glad I was able to reach you.” An information bar along the bottom of the screen announced the caller was Krissen. She was on the Council as a junior Queen from Ghill.
“Queen Krissen,” acknowledged the Swarm Master with a slight bob of his head. “How can I serve the Queens?”
“You have served the Queens well and with honor,” replied Krissen. “I called to let you know the decision to ground you and disregard your council was not unanimous.”
Zelof dipped his antennae in understanding and gratitude then an idea struck. “There have been many inspections of my posting since I’ve been here, your Highness,” he said. “I’ve received word that the inspectors have praised the Iidx who are stationed here for their diligence. In fact, we’ve received increased funding as a result of those audits. Unfortunately none of the Queens have chosen to come to our base to see for themselves what we’ve accomplished. Although it isn’t the most luxurious of our facilities perhaps you and those of the Council who are interested would like a personal tour?”
Krissen considered for a moment then gave a decisive bob of her head. The motion sent her fluffy antennae waving. “That would be nice,” she replied. “I know of some who might be pleased to accept your hospitality. It’ll take two days for us to clear out schedules and prepare.”
“Very well, Queen Krissen,” the Swarm Master said. “With your permission I’ll have a shuttle sent for your use in three days. Shall I have it at the Government Hive landing area?”
When she confirmed her location Zelof glanced over at his Second. Without a word Sesum left the room. Krissen and the Swarm Master exchanged pleasantries for a few moments more then he ended the call.
Sesum walked back into the room twenty minutes later and announced that the shuttle had been scheduled to bring the Queens back. An honor escort of several atmospheric fighters would be alongside in case any emergencies might arise. He gave a chuckle. “Your steward wasn’t very happy when he learned he had to remove your gear but he did.”
“He’ll survive,” the Swarm Master said. “It seems we’re beginning.”
His look at Sesum was intense. “I want the Queens here in Refuge, Sesum, not Wartten. At least we’ll have some of the Council protected. The others…?” He shook his head sadly. “If I could I’d have them away from any place visited by the Kthpok or listed in their attack plan. But I don’t think they’d allow a male to dictate to them.”
Zelof moved away from his desk and shook his antennae. “We’ve done that all we can Sesum. Now we wait to see what the Kthpok are going to do.”
Chapter 16
Commander R’Bel, commanding the ships of Decoy, sat on his perch and observed his command pack going about their duties. It wasn’t hard as there were just three Kthpok including himself, all cramped in the small Center Room of his ship. He grinned as he thought of the insult a tech rating in the carrier ship had given just before the mission was activated. “That ship is so small,” that Kthpok had said, “you can’t swing your tail without killing all the crew and breaching the hull.”
R’Bel gave a soft snort. It was true his ships weren’t large. The living area was small but they had a large cargo area. It was because of that cargo space his pack would play a major role in the conquest of their new home. Besides that particular Kthpok should be out of doctor’s care by the time this operation was over.
He glanced over at the Battle Plot. His pack of three stealth vessels (small as they were) was shown on the screen only because the computer was detecting the short range transponders installed in each ship for that purpose. It had been confirmed earlier that the frequency being used wasn’t utilized by the Iidx. When the Fleet Admiral had confirmed Decoy couldn’t be detected by regular scans he’d sent them on their mission.
Decoy had left the fleet before it reached the outer asteroids and returned to the point where the Kthpok had entered the system years ago. Once there his Kthpok ran diagnostics to confirm the devices they were to place in space were ready and set the timers. Then the decoys which were crucial to the Admiral’s plans were released.
R’Bel gave a satisfied nod. Everything had worked as planned for a change. When Decoy was far enough away the timers activated the decoys and a new fleet appeared on scanners throughout the system. Now his three ships were resting at a point in space just inside the orbit of the last gas giant where they could observe the Iidx Swarm as it moved to investigate that strange, new fleet.
He craned his neck back for a better look at his Tactical monitor. Decoy was marked in purple while the approaching force was in amber. “Distance and course of target?” he asked.
“Target is twenty million miles and closing, Commander,” Ensign A’Sok, the Scan officer called. “The closest approach is…” he paused long enough to double check his figures. “Target gets no closer than one million.”
R’Bel frowned. The scientists on the flagship had calculated the detection range for his vessels at half a million miles. But that was theory and he didn’t want to risk his people or the operation on an educated guess.
The Commander glanced down at his equipment. “Communications, use laser whiskers,” he called
, “all ships are to pull back another two million miles. Formation is to remain tight, silent running is to be in effect. Shut down the transponders.”
From his post at the Combat Console Ensign S’Nel who was also handling communications carefully craned his long neck around to look over at R’Bel. He didn’t want to smash his head against the low ceiling. “Sir, our targeting scans won’t be accurate at that range,” he said.
R’Bel glared at his combat officer. “See to your equipment, Ensign,” he ordered, “And remember what we’re here for. We’re not targeting we’re observing!”
Following orders the ships of Decoy were moved back the additional two million miles then the Kthpok made ready to observe their prey. A day elapsed as the Iidx force closed and moved past the ships of Decoy without knowing they were being observed.
When their prey had come to within several million miles R’Bel moved over to scanning with A’Sok. The Ensign used his passive scanners to carefully examine each of the Iidx vessels. Each of the other two vessels of Decoy was doing likewise. “That’s one,” he murmured. His hands reached out to fine tune the scans enough to identify a ship then mark its electronic signature in the computer.
“How many ships do we have Ensign?” R’Bel asked. “What’s their breakdown?” He was anxious to provide the Fleet Admiral with confirmation that the entire swarm sent to intercept the ‘humans’ was in the outer system.
“I’ll update your station as it comes in, sir,” A’Sok said but didn’t look up from his station. He just kept working. “I should have the complete breakdown in the next…ten minutes or so.”
The Commander gave an acknowledging grunt and turned away. He made his way back through the Center Rooms stations and returned to his perch where he watched the results come in.
Betrayal Page 24