“Our Space Swarm has been destroyed,” announced Zelof in a calm voice as he opened the hastily convened staff meeting. “So far the Kthpok have been able to accomplish all the objectives in their plan to conquer the hives.” A quiet muttering was heard at the Swarm Master’s statement but it died when Zelof continued.
“According to the information we have there’ll be a respite in the attacks on Main Hive while the Kthpok move to eliminate New Hive as a threat. In fact, the three large ships that’d been in orbit have already left. Scan projections have them going to meet their Swarm so we’re somewhat confident they’re still following their plan. We don’t know how long we have but we have to make the best use of that time.”
“But what can we do, Swarm Master?” wondered General Sandendum. “When they get back they’ll control the orbitals. All they have to do to eliminate our people is drop kinetic missiles on our positions.”
“They could but we don’t think they will,” replied Sesum. “That kind of bombardment would render the planet uninhabitable and they need the planet.”
“That’s true,” added Zelof. “The plan they’ve been following’s part of what Commander Kazikami brought us.” He nodded at the Iidx who’d settled against a wall.
“So what do we do?” asked Sandendum again.
“We prepare our people for the fight!” was Zelof’s reply. “To take the planet the Kthpok will have to come down here.” He gave a shrug as he recited what he’d told the Swarm Second earlier. “Even before the battle with the Swarm they had what…?” He glanced over at Sesum, “ten thousand people?” The Second waved his antennae in agreement. “There’ll be less now. So it’ll be their thousands against our billions. That makes them a little outnumbered.” The Swarm Master looked at the general as a round of light chuckles was heard. “After we finish here our fastest aircraft will take instructions throughout the world.
“Now, here’s what I have in mind.”
Two hours after the staff meeting ended fighters lifted off the runway at Wartten then headed in all directions. They streaked across the world’s main continent and seas carrying instructions.
Because no one knew where the Kthpok would begin their attack it was impossible for the Swarm Master and his staff to plan for every possibility. The instructions being couriered gave general guidelines for the local commanders. They were to begin making preparations to defend the population in their area. Each commander was to use his initiative as to how those defenses were to be made and take advantage of what resources were available. Iidx surrounding the larger population centers were to go to those cities. Those who lived too far out in the country to reach the cities in a reasonable time were to stay put but keep an antennae bent for news. When a specific signal was broadcast they were to go into hiding.
In the cities the population was to be put to work improving what defenses existed and constructing new obstacles for attackers to deal with. In addition foodstuffs and other supplies had to be collected and stored in locations identified and strengthened by engineers against bombardment. Last of all, teams of engineers had to make sure everyone had a place to go for refuge when the fighting began.
S’Cinf swept into the main Conference Room of the Raging and glanced at its occupants. It’d been several days since leaving Main Hive and the Colony Ships had rendezvoused with what remained of the rebuilt fleet. Now, gathered around the polished red wood table, were the captains from all the vessels of that fleet. The bandages, splints and missing limbs on the various Kthpok were a silent testament to the ferocity of the battle they’d barely survived and won. Mingled among the military personnel around the table were scientists considered vital to the upcoming operation.
The Run Point looked over at an aide who gave a slight nod. Everyone was present so the meeting could start.
S’Cinf moved to his perch at the head of the table and faced the assembled Kthpok. “We’ve completed the first two phases in our plan to obtain a new planet,” S’Cinf began. “We’ve eliminated the Iidx government, major bases, orbital defenses and their ability to coordinate. We drew their Space Fleet into the outer system where you obliterated it.” He nodded at the officers of the warships. “Your efforts and sacrifice will be remembered by generations to come. With that victory complete our next task is to begin the extinction of the Iidx.”
Once again the Run Point paused to look around the table. Most of the Kthpok were careful to keep their expressions guarded. But several of the captains looked concerned.
Noting their expressions the Run Point continued. “Our fangs are in their throats,” he said. “There’s no turning from what we’ve begun. Nor will we run.” He looked at the captains around the table. “How soon can the fleet be ready to go to New Hive and obliterate the Iidx there?”
Several of the captains glanced over at S’Cal but most kept their eyes on the Run Point. As the senior officer of the surviving ships it was assumed that S’Cal would be promoted to be the next Fleet Admiral. S’Cal, unused to the role he’d been thrust into, glanced at his pad for a moment to confirm what he already knew. Then he looked up at the Run Point to begin his report. “The fleet will can depart for New Hive in seven days,” he replied. Noticing the gathering scowl on S’Cinf’s face he hurried to explain. “Your Eminence, all of our ships sustained damage; some quite severe. If repairs are not completed for those damaged ships their contribution to the extermination of the Iidx will be minimal. As you’re aware only our stealth ships went unscathed in the previous action.”
“I see,” mused the Run Point. “But all our ships will be fully prepared in the time frame you mentioned?”
An uneasy look came across S’Cal’s face and he gave a slight shake of his head. He gave the impression of coming to attention while sitting on his perch. “No, Run Point, they will not,” he replied. “Several ships will require the work of a repair yard for the damage to be made whole. I’ve submitted the information to your communication cue. Do you wish me to provide it now?” The Kthpok leader gave a shake of his head so the Rapacious’ captain continued. “Only the most essential repairs can be completed in the seven days, your Eminence. That should be enough for us to make a creditable fight.” The other Captains around the table bobbed their heads in agreement. “Once those repairs have been completed the missile caches will be filled from the colliers.”
“Do we have enough missiles to affect a resupply?” asked J’Nes, the captain of the Raging.
“If our fleet had suffered no losses we’d’ve received only partial loads,” S’Cal replied and gave a shrug. “But now, with our reduced members, each ship will receive a full consignment of missiles and we’ll still have a reasonable reserve.”
S’Cinf nodded in acknowledgment. “Very well, we’ll have to go with your departure date of seven days. I want have those ships.” He gave another feral grin. “Although having them in perfect condition isn’t a problem as their task will not be to participate in the actual assault. They’ll be tasked to protect the colony ships which will take the lead.”
The Run Point almost laughed at the surprised expressions on the faces of the various captains. “The Colony Ships will prosecute the attack using missiles that have unique warheads,” he said then gestured at a particular Kthpok placed midway down the conference table. “O’Den will explain. He’s been leading the special project for me.”
The Scientist bobbed his head to acknowledge the Run Point’s introduction then waited for S’Cinf to settle back onto his perch before beginning his report. “It has long been acknowledged that nuclear weapons have more than one way to kill,” he said. “There’s blast, heat, and radiation. The problem with these weapons is that resources are destroyed or are rendered unusable.
“This weapon I’ve designed will kill Iidx while not harming factories or resources.” He worked his data pad and an image appeared on the room’s main screen. “If you’ll direct your attention to the screen I’ve prepared this diagram to explain…”
S’Cal interrupted the Kthpok with a pained look. “We already understand the effects of a nuclear blast, scientist,” he growled. “If seeing what those weapons did to Fairen during the Human War didn’t make it real then the battle with the Iidx fleet did.”
“Oh…, yes,” said O’Den and began looking at his notes.
A few moments passed as everyone waited but no further information was offered. Then S’Cinf prompted, “O’Den, you were telling us about the new warhead.”
“Yes,” replied O’Den. “Yes, your Eminence. I have a diagram on the main screen that shows how conventional nuclear weapons work.”
With a snort of disgust S’Cal settled back on his perch. It was obvious that the scientist had prepared his presentation and couldn’t be convinced to bypass a portion.
O’Den ignored the other Kthpok around the table and continued his explanation, “the new weapon is nuclear in nature as well but it does not rely on heat or blast to kill.” He beamed at the Run Point. “This weapon is designed to eliminate the enemy without contaminating land or destroying resources.” A second image was shown on the screen. S’Cal and the other captains noticed that it depicted an air burst. “With a nuclear weapon there’s always heat, blast and radiation,” O’Den summarized. “But by detonating the device above the target the damage associated with the heat and blast is minimized.” The scientist gestured at the image. “This weapon will produce more than sufficient radiation to kill every living thing within a twenty mile radius except plants.”
Now the captains were sitting up, paying attention. “The idea has merit,” said R’Tar the captain of the Battle Cruiser, Harat. “But how can we be sure that radiation will affect the Iidx the same way it does us?”
The scientist beamed at the question and brought a picture of an Iidx to the screen. “I’m glad you asked that question,” he said. “The Iidx shell does provide some protection against radiation. It requires a larger dose of radiation to render an Iidx unconscious than it does a Kthpok, even more to cause death.” He shrugged and looked intrigued. “Our test subjects had the most unusual symptoms as the levels of radiation increased.”
“This weapon has been tested?” asked S’Cal. “And it worked?”
“The radiation has, yes,” replied O’Den. “We had several subjects for our tests although there weren’t as many subjects as are needed for a proper scientific sturdy.” A warning snort came from S’Cinf causing the scientist to move on. “All of our test subjects died from a radiation level roughly twice what it’d take to kill a Kthpok. The weapons I’ve designed will produce more radiation then necessary to eliminate all life within the designated twenty mile zone.”
S’Cal nodded his understanding. “So all we have to do is detonate a weapon above the target and that area will be cleansed of all Iidx and similar life?”
O’Den bobbed his agreement then resumed his briefing. “A weapon like this could obliterate all life on Main Hive and New Hive,” he said. “That would be devastating to the ecology and render the planets unusable for us.”
The Run Point broke in. “For that reason we will use this ultimate weapon sparingly and to the best effect. We will encourage the Iidx to gather into specific areas and then obliterate them.”
Chapter 21
Captain Forst, Commander of Claw Flight, walked around his aircraft checking for any problems. He made sure the drive’s air intake was clear, the gun ports unobstructed and flying surfaces free of defects. First Sergeant Collat, the Iidx in charge of the mechanics who maintained the fighter, watched the Captain move around the craft. Muffled laughter and whispered comments could be heard coming from the ground crew as Forst checked the flaps on a wing. Moments later when the pilot finished the pre-flight inspection Collat clicked a timer and held it up for everyone to see.
The Captain walked over to the waiting mechanics. “Everything’s clean,” he announced. “Who won the bet?”
A tech sergeant standing next to Collat laughed and raised a true-hand. “You missed my pick by only a couple of seconds, Captain. For that I get an extra period of rest and recover. Berentin, here gets my shift.” He gave a respectful bow as the indicated Iidx shook his head. “You have my undying gratitude.”
Forst joined in the laughter. He’d worked to develop a good relationship with these Iidx. Over the years he’d found that his craft worked better, had fewer problems, when the mechanics considered their pilot a friend. “Since I’m the object of this little bet I ought to get something for my effort, don’t you think?” he asked.
Sergeant Collat handed Forst’s flight helmet to the pilot. “You get a fighter that flies and shoots,” he growled.
Before the Captain could reply Lieutenant Rian, Claw Flight’s second officer, walked up and saluted. “Claw Flight is ready, Captain,” Rian reported.
Captain Forst gave an understanding nod of his head. He reached out and put his right true-hand on Rian’s middle segment. “Lieutenant, your assignment is critical. Draw the enemy’s attention onto your two wings but don’t take risks. You’re in command because I trust your judgment. Launch your missiles as soon as you have good targeting. You can come around for a strafing run if you think it’s warranted. Otherwise, get clear and wait for my recall signal!” The Lieutenant nodded his understanding. “Now, let’s get our pilots get to their craft,” the Captain finished. “We’ll lift off and attack as planned.”
Rian gave a salute that would’ve done his academy instructors proud then spun around. As the Lieutenant hurried off the Flight Leader gave an amused wave of antennae at the exuberance of his Second. Then he nodded to his mechanics, turned back to his craft and went up the ladder to the cockpit. It was time he was in the air. His mechanics swarmed around the craft, removing tie downs from under the wings and blocks from in front of the wheels.
“Are you sure this attack’s a good idea, sir?” asked Collat as he leaned into the cockpit to help Forst strap in. He’d come up the ladder right after the pilot. Another Iidx scuttled under the craft where he could remove a power cable as soon as the drives started.
“Is this a good idea?” repeated Forst. He pulled on his helmet being careful not to damage his antennae. “Good idea or not we have to do this. The Kthpok betrayed our trust and murdered most of the Council of Queens. Now they’re coming to kill our people.” He flipped a few switches to start his engines then looked up at his chief mechanic. Forst had to speak loud as the drives began to power up. The mechanic who’d ducked under the craft reappeared dragging a cable. “We can’t let them have a base on Main Hive to kill our people,” the Captain said and returned to getting his fighter ready for take-off. “Since we’re on the coast opposite the island we’re the only force close enough to perform the mission. That’s one reason why the colonel authorized this mission. He doesn’t like the Kthpok here any better than I do.”
Collat finished hooking up the oxygen line to Forst’s flight suit then thumped the pilot’s helmet. “Good luck, sir,” he said and climbed back down the ladder. Two Iidx hurried over to remove the ladder from the aircraft. After making sure his way to the taxi ramp was clear and no one was in the danger zone Forst keyed his canopy then pushed the control yoke forward. The canopy slid shut and sealed as the craft moved out of the flight line. Forst steered his craft down the taxi lane heading for the takeoff strip. Other aircraft of Claw Flight followed creating a line of fighters.
Ground crews of the thirty aircraft gathered in small groups to watch their craft roll to the takeoff strip. The craft raced down the strip in pairs and lifted off in a roar of engines. “Good hunting,” First Sergeant Collat whispered.
Moments later, after the craft of Claw Flight had formed up over their base, the formation left the mainland heading straight across the thirty miles of ocean separating Tarren Island from the continent. In order to escape early detection the aircraft kept low, almost clipping the waves and raced for the island at full speed. Tails of water were thrown up behind the craft from the slipstream
of their passage.
Ten minutes from landfall Captain Forst keyed his link. “Claw One,” he called. “This is Flight Leader.”
An instant later the pilot of the lead aircraft replied. “Flight Leader, this is Claw One, go!”
“One, we’ll reach the breakout point shortly,” said Forst. “Any sign of detection or targeting scans?”
“My instruments aren’t picking up any signs of either detection or targeting, Captain,” the pilot of Claw One replied. “Do you wish me to relay?”
There was a brief pause as Forst pondered the question. “Negative on the relay, One,” he replied then switched to the flight frequency. “Claw Flight, it appears we’ve got our surprise. We’ll proceed as outlined. After you hit your primary target go for targets of opportunity. Separate on my mark.” He paused as his flight neared the critical point off the island. Then he barked into the link. “Claw Flight break…break…break!”
The thirty aircraft broke into five flights of six aircraft each. Following Captain Forst’s plan twelve aircraft led by Lieutenant Rian gained altitude, throttled back on their drives and headed directly towards the Kthpok base. The other three flights remained below radar, altered course to circle around to attack the facility from separate directions, and kicked in their after burners. They were to make their attack soon after the decoy group had made their first run and distracted the defenders.
As soon as the Rian’s groups gained altitude and crossed the beach Kthpok scanners caught them. “Flight Leader, this is Decoy Leader,” called Rian. “I’m picking up active scans. They know we’re coming.”
“Acknowledged,” replied Forst. “Engage countermeasures. Proceed as planned.”
The aircraft of the decoy groups immediately activated their electronic countermeasures and held to their course. “Flight Leader, I show we have 90 seconds to target,” called Rian.
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