Lieutenant Chattan quickly worked his console then nodded at the Swarm Master. “Ready now, sir.”
Zelof moved so he could speak into the pickup. “Swarm Master Drillyn, the Kthpok have betrayed and attacked us. Main Hive’s defenses are gone and the Kthpok are moving to intercept your force,” he began. “They are confirmed hostile. If you need confirmation I have Queens Dahoni and Krissen from the Council of Queens with me.” He stopped to let the two Queens move into view and verify his statement. Then he continued. “The number of Kthpok ships and their class is appended at the end of this message,” he paused again then continued. “Your ships are the last offensive force we have. Use extreme caution. Zelof clear!”
After Lieutenant Chattan confirmed he had the message Zelof ordered, “Get the exact count and class of the Kthpok Swarm from Ensign Comunit and add it to the message. When you’ve done that send the message!”
With his orders given he turned from the communications suite and headed for his station. On his way he gestured for Sesum to join him. “We need to get our people organized,” he said after his friend met him at the Swarm Master’s station. “Our defenses need to be prepared for orbital bombardment and invasion.”
“But why?” asked Dahoni who’d been listening and observing all that was happening. “Surely you don’t think the Kthpok will be back. After all, our Swarm is undamaged. They should handle the Kthpok with ease.”
“I hope the Kthpok won’t be back,” Zelof said. “But I’m going to plan as if they will be. If I do enough of our people may survive long enough to reclaim Main Hive.”
Acting Swarm Master Drillyn sat at his post on the flagship, Zet’s Rage, and examined the tactical screen. It showed the star system with the Kthpok Swarm marked. His antennae drooped. Swarm Master Zelof had been right. The Kthpok were after Main Hive and his Swarm was too far away to help. They’d been drawn away by false sensor readings and lies.
Lieutenant Cancorlin left his station in Scanning and hustled over to the command station. He gave a quick salute then waited for his Commander to respond. “Well?” prompted the acting Swarm Master. “What’ve you got?”
“Our long range scans have confirmed the earlier reports Swarm Master,” Cancorlin said. “All our ODP’s have been destroyed and the Kthpok Swarm has left orbit.”
Ensign Fretrime hurried over from communications. He didn’t salute or wait for permission to speak but interrupted the two Iidx. “Sir! A message from Swarm Master Zelof just came in,” he reported. “It’s rated ‘Top Priority’. I’ve placed it at the top of your queue.”
Drillyn immediately dismissed both officers with a wave from his antennae then motioned for Moninco to join him. The instant the Swarm Second arrived the acting Swarm Master called the message from Zelof to his screen.
“Are we supposed to believe this?” asked Moninco ten minutes after listening to Swarm Master Zelof’s warning and consulting the addendum. He gestured at the monitor which was showing the number and condition of ships. “The Kthpok are coming to attack our Swarm with a damaged task force. We outnumber and outgun them. It’s ridiculous!”
The acting Swarm Master turned from the monitor to look at his Second. “The particular Iidx who sent this message is Swarm Master Zelof,” he said. “He was the only Iidx brave enough to question the Kthpok intentions when they arrived. Since it went against what the Queens wanted to hear he was beached, exiled to an obscure post in the desert. When a new Swarm was detected in the outer system Zelof questioned the explanation that it was the humans coming to finish the Kthpok. His suspicions were true. Then he warned the Kthpok would attack and that happened.” Drillyn glared at his Second. “Based on his record I believe this warning from him. Don’t forget two Queens were there. If he’s wrong or telling a lie they’d have said so.”
Before the Second could reply Drillyn reached over to his console and keyed his link. “Scanning,” he called. “Where’s the Kthpok Swarm now?”
Moments later Lieutenant Cancorlin reported that the Kthpok Swarm had left Main Hive orbit. Their course would intercept the Swarm within three days.
Drillyn gave Moninco a stern look. “That confirms it,” he said. “They’re coming after us.”
The acting Swarm Master sent his Second back to work then settled onto his saddle and went over Zelof’s message several more times. With the number of ships in the Kthpok force and their reported damage the enemy’s actions didn’t make sense. They had to know that if they engaged the Iidx Swarm now they were going to die. Drillyn shook his head. “It doesn’t make sense,” he muttered. “There has to be something more than we’re seeing.”
Zelof was in the Command Room buried deep inside Refuge examining his tactical plot, studying the icons which represented the Kthpok and the Iidx Swarms. He hadn’t left the room since the Kthpok attack began two days earlier and his stance reflected his exhaustion. A few keystrokes on the Plot’s console projected the courses of both forces. His antennae sagged even further then he turned to Sesum who was standing next to him. “Well,” he said, “that question’s answered.”
Sesum raised his antennae in question. “What are you talking about Swarm Master?”
The Swarm Master waved a true-hand at the tactical screen. “If the Kthpok were leaving they wouldn’t be inviting battle,” he replied. “They’d be on a course to avoid further damage. They’re not!”
The Swarm Second nodded his understanding. “But they should be leaving,” he said. “We know they sustained losses in destroying the ODP’s. A good number of the ships that remain are damaged.”
“I know,” replied Zelof. “That’s what worries me. The Kthpok have been careful to avoid losses, to make sure the odds were in their favor for the other stages of their attack. So what are they planning now?”
“We have the Swarm’s acknowledgement of your warning about the Kthpok,” stated Sesum. “Drillyn’s got an undamaged Swarm and will be ready.”
“Perhaps,” said the Swarm Master. “Nevertheless we’ll have to make our own preparations. Have we established contact with the remaining bases and forces?”
“We have. As per your orders, defenses are being deepened. The software for the defensive lasers is being modified to adjust for the speed of the Kthpok drones. It’s based on what our people at Karron and Nadin did to defeat the drone attacks. If any Kthpok ships survive the encounter with our Swarm the defenses we have left will handle them.”
“I’m glad you’re optimistic Sesum,” said Zelof. “Still we’ll prepare for the worst. What’s been done about the rest of my instructions?”
“All inventories in Last Refuge have been replenished a day before the attacks began,” replied the Second after consulting a pad. “That was convenient,” he commented with an accompanying humorous wave from his antennae. “The gardens have been completed, stocked and are producing. We can feed twice our current population for an indefinite period of time. The manufacturing center has likewise been completed and is operating.” Sesum looked up from his pad. “We’re self-reliant.”
“Perfect,” commented Zelof. “Have everyone but those Iidx required to defend Wartten pulled inside Refuge and all entrances except the tunnel from Wartten sealed. I don’t want anyone from Refuge visible. This whole area could be under surveillance from satellites placed in orbit. Spotting someone where they’re not supposed to be could arouse suspicions.”
“What about the defenders?” Sesum asked. “They’ll be massacred if those drones attack.” He gave a shrug. “The Kthpok could blast the place from orbit just to get the Queens.”
“There’s that,” Zelof replied. “We’ll have everyone else pulled out and the defenses put on automatic when they get back. That’ll come later if it becomes apparent there’s no point in keeping Iidx there. But I want the Kthpok focused on Wartten, not here.
“All communications are to be routed through our recognized post. Nothing direct. We are in Silent Operations.”
The Swarm Second scurried off
to pass on the latest orders. After watching his friend go Zelof settled back into his saddle. “Now all we can do is watch,” he muttered, “and wait.”
Commander R’Bel was on his perch in the cramped Center Room of his ship, Talon One. His tail thumped back and forth in the small space between his console and perch stand as he waited. Swinging his long neck around the Commander looked over at Ensign A’Sok at Scanning. “Well? Can you spot our missiles?” he asked.
A’Sok studied his equipment for a moment more then turned back to look at his Commander. “There’s no sign, sir,” he reported. “Even knowing where they’re supposed to be I can’t confirm they’re there.” The Ensign gave a fang filled smile. “Since I can’t find them the Iidx will have no chance of seeing them.”
A day ago the packs of Decoy had made sure the missiles in the cargo holds were prepared and armed. When that was complete the missiles had been ejected into space and arranged to cover a particular area. Those particular missiles had been constructed using the same materials and technology as his ships. All of which meant the missiles couldn’t be detected.
R’Bel left his perch and made his way around the consoles in the cramped room to stand next to Ensign S’Nel. As the combat officer S’Nel was responsible for the drones. “Scanning confirms they can’t confirm the presence of the drones,” the Commander said. His lips parted to reveal sharp teeth in a ferocious grin. “Make sure our communications with the weapons remain steady.”
S’Nel, who’d heard A’Sok’s report in the small room, didn’t comment. He just worked his equipment while keeping a continuing report. “I’m sending a message by laser to our missiles and the other ships,” he said.
R’Bel nodded his approval. The use of lasers wouldn’t be detected by the oncoming fleet.
“I’ve ordered the other ships to check their weapons as well,” S’Nel repeated. A moment later he swung his neck around so he could look at R’Bel. “The missiles haven’t moved from their original position, Commander. That’s confirmed by all ships!”
“And their position relative to the Iidx Swarm?’ wondered R’Bel.
The Ensign ran his talons over the keyboard again then indicated a monitor set above his station where a schematic appeared. "This is the projected course of the Iidx fleet, Commander,” he explained. “It’s based on their progress over the past two days. They’ve been on a direct line for Main Hive using their best speed. They haven’t deviated from that course. Our fleet is coming out to meet them on a reciprocal course.” More adjustments were made on the console and a blinking light appeared off to one side of the projected Iidx course. “That light is where we placed our missiles. In addition to this last check the controllers confirm the missiles have not been activated. So they’re where they’re supposed to be. If the Iidx don’t alter course our weapons are positioned for a perfect shot. Once activated, flight time will be minimal.”
“When does our prey come in range?” R’Bel asked.
S’Nel paused to consult his equipment before replying. “We’re looking for seven hours for the first ships to enter the firing envelope.” He shrugged. “It’ll take a little more than that for our main targets to reach the optimal firing position.”
The Commander nodded and checked the time. “We have time to get everyone rested and fed,” he announced. “Since they can’t see us I don’t expect a course change by the Iidx fleet. There’d be no reason to as they currently outnumber Admiral P’Mar.” He gave a low growl deep in his throat. “But we’re going to change that!”
Six hours later R’Bel walked down the narrow aisle in Drone Control to make sure that a Kthpok was in his station and was ready. The Command Console installed in the room would have provided the information at a glance but he preferred the personal touch. Each of the ten operators swung away from their equipment to nod at him as he walked by.
These Kthpok had been mere passengers at the time Decoy left the main fleet. They’d been bored with nothing to do until the force had reached the first release point and the decoys had to be prepared. Then everyone aboard the three ships had been involved in getting the devices placed in space and activated. But the decoys weren’t the only reason for the operator’s presence. This next operation would go a long way to determine the existence or extinction of the Kthpok people.
Satisfied with his inspection, R’Bel returned to his command console at the end of the room. It was placed closest to the Center Room for the Commander’s use. He settled onto the perch and keyed for a position update. The tactical screen flickered for an instant then showed the approach of the oncoming Iidx fleet. It had continued its course with methodical precision. But it had increased speed slightly which was why everyone was in their places early. He took a moment to study the image. At this range the formation and class of ships could be easily determined with passive scans. Reaching over he keyed his link with Ensign S’Nel in the Center Room. “Adjust my tactical to show your targeting,” he ordered.
His screen shifted instantly. The Commander studied what was displayed for a moment then the link tone sounded. R’Bel touched the communications key and responded. “Yes?”
“S’Nel here, Commander. Are there any adjustments you want made in the targeting?”
“I’ve noticed the number of missiles you have targeted on the dreadnoughts,” commented the Commander.
“Yes sir,” replied the Ensign. “If we had the actual specs on Iidx armor we could possibly retarget some of the weapons. But I’m assuming the Iidx understated their capability in defenses and armor. I know we would. For that reason I’ve assigned more missiles for the targets than usual.” He paused for a moment. “Do you wish to reassign targeting?” he asked.
R’Bel thought over the possibilities for a moment then shook his head. “No,” he replied. “Our objective is to eliminate or damage the dreadnoughts. Keep the targeting. The fleet can deal with what’s left.”
“Firing location within twenty minutes,” announced Ensign A’Sok over the ship intercom.
“Any adjustments, Commander?” asked S’Nel once again.
“We’ll act as you’ve outlined,” replied Commander R’Bel. “As planned, you get the call. Good hunting.”
After cutting the link with his commander Ensign S’Nel swung his long neck around so he could look at the Scanning section. “What’s the status of the Iidx A’Sok?” he asked.
“The Iidx have their defenses on standby,” replied the Ensign as he examined his equipment. “There are no active scans of surrounding space.” He swung around to look at S’Nel. A grin showing his sharp teeth appeared on his face. “It appears our target doesn’t know we’re here.”
Ensign A’Sok continued to monitor the Kthpok fleet as it moved closer to the waiting ships of Decoy force. Two dreadnoughts were already close enough to be fired upon and the other two were just entering range. But the time and distance for the attack had been selected not only for the missiles to hit the dreadnaughts but also to prevent the enemy from discovering and striking back at Decoy.
Ensign S’Nel watched the targeting monitor as A’Sok counted down the distance to the trigger point. When the count reached zero the Iidx force was centered in S’Nel’s target area. The Battle Officer keyed the link to his operators and ordered, “Light ‘em up!”
In the Drone Center of Talon One the ten operators of six missiles each sent messages to their weapons. S’Nel also sent the same command to the other ships of Decoy where operators worked their equipment. Lasers were used to activate the missiles while keeping the mother ships undetected. Scanning equipment included in the nose cones of the weapons activated, searched space and located the targets designated by their operators. An instant later the weapons confirmed target acquisition. That readiness was then sent to S’Nel.
“Launch as planned,” barked the battle officer. Another signal was sent. Drives burst to life sending the missiles towards the Iidx ships.
Lieutenant Cancorlin picked up the targeting lasers
concentrating on the flagship as soon as they came on line. While trying to pinpoint the source of the lasers he keyed the alert for his Division Commander.
Lieutenant Commander Navical arrived in seconds of being summoned. “What’ve you got Lieutenant?” he asked.
“Targeting lasers, sir,” reported Cancorlin. “We’ve got targeting lasers with no apparent source, and most of them are concentrating on our capital ships.”
Navical stood, staring at his subordinate as the Iidx continued working to determine the source of the lasers. Then, without another word, the Commander whirled around and hurried away. A moment later alarms sounded throughout the Swarm sending people to their Alert Stations.
Although there was no sign of ships as the source for the targeting scans Drillyn had ordered the alert. He wanted all his defenses ready for whatever was out there. As he scanned space using active sensors Lieutenant Cancorlin couldn’t find any sign of anything that would threaten the Swarm.
The acting Swarm Master had just received confirmation his Swarm was ready for combat when his ship rocked violently from an explosion or impact. The force of the impact threw the acting Swarm Master from his saddle. With nothing on the scopes he’d neglected to belt in. He glanced around the room to see that others were also trying to get back into their saddles. The ship reeled again, then again. “What’s hitting us?” called the Swarm Commander as he climbed back onto his saddle and began to secure his harness.
“This isn’t an area for asteroids,” commented Moninco over the command link. “Maybe its debris shot here from the Kthpok exercise in the outer belt.”
Lieutenant Cancorlin had been thrown further from his station than the Swarm Master. But he was able to reach his equipment and strap in. “There’s nothing on the Scan’s,” he reported. “Asteroid debris should be showing up.”
“That’s a pretty powerful nothing,” said the Second as the dreadnaught continued to buck and jump. “We’re taking a pounding but the armor’s holding for now.”
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